bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game Theory Modelling for Vehicle U-Turn Behavior and Simulation Based on Cellular Automata
Authors: Wu WenJing , Liang ZhiKang , Luo QingYu , Ma FangWu
Published: August 2018

In order to analyze the effect of U-turn vehicle on traffic performance, the work develops a game theory-based description of drivers’ interactions in U-turn scene, considering the decision-making uncertainty. The hybrid strategy of the game is obtained. The relevant parameters of model are calibrated by collected video data in Changchun, China. A two-way four-lane cellular automaton model with the game model imbedded is constructed for identifying the effect of U-turn vehicle on traffic performance. The influencing factors are identified with their correlation analyzed by numerical simulation of different traffic conditions. According to the simulation results, U-turn traffic has a significant influence on traffic delay in the lane of same direction, compared with opposite direction. The severity of conflict between vehicles is classified and the causes are identified by analyzing the arrival rate of the U-turn vehicle and the conflicting straight vehicle and the relationship with one another. In addition, the threshold of traffic flow causing traffic conflict and traffic delay are proposed. The results show that the proposed models reconstructed the traits of traffic flow and conflict phenomenon in the presence of U-turn vehicles on road section.
The Impact of Egg Nutrient Composition and Its Consumption on Cholesterol Homeostasis
Authors: Kuang Heqian , Yang Fang , Zhang Yan , Wang Tiannan , Chen Guoxun
Published: August 2018

Nutrient deficiencies and excess are involved in many aspects of human health. As a source of essential nutrients, eggs have been used worldwide to support the nutritional needs of human societies. On the other hand, eggs also contain a significant amount of cholesterol, a lipid molecule that has been associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases. Whether the increase of egg consumption will lead to elevated cholesterol absorption and disruption of cholesterol homeostasis has been a concern of debate for a while. Cholesterol homeostasis is regulated through its dietary intake, endogenous biosynthesis, utilization, and excretion. Recently, some research interests have been paid to the effects of egg consumption on cholesterol homeostasis through the intestinal cholesterol absorption. Nutrient components in eggs such as phospholipids may contribute to this process. The goals of this review are to summarize the recent progress in this area and to discuss some potential benefits of egg consumption.
“Pillaring Effects” in Cross-Linked Cellulose Biopolymers: A Study of Structure and Properties
Authors: Udoetok Inimfon A. , Wilson Lee D. , Headley John V.
Published: August 2018

Modified cellulose materials (CLE-4, CLE-1, and CLE-0.5) were prepared by cross-linking with epichlorohydrin (EP), where the products display variable structure, morphology, and thermal stability. Adsorptive probes such as nitrogen gas and phenolic dyes in aqueous solution reveal that cross-linked cellulose has greater accessible surface area (SA) than native cellulose. The results also reveal that the SA of cross-linked cellulose increased with greater EP content, except for CLE-0.5. The attenuation of SA for CLE-0.5 may relate to surface grafting onto cellulose beyond the stoichiometric cellulose and EP ratio since ca. 30% of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are accessible for cross-linking reaction due to its tertiary fibril nature. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results reveal the variable surface roughness and fibre domains of cellulose due to cross-linking. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and13C NMR spectroscopy indicate that cellulose adopts a one-chain triclinic unit cell structure (P1 space group) withgauche-trans(gt) andtrans-gauche(tg) conformations of the glucosyl linkages and hydroxymethyl groups. The structural characterization results reveal that cross-linking of cellulose occurs at the amorphous domains. By contrast, the crystalline domains are preserved according to similar features in the XRD, FTIR, and13C NMR spectra of cellulose and its cross-linked forms. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the role of cross-linking of native cellulose in its structure and functional properties. Cross-linked cellulose has variable surface functionality, structure, and textural properties that contribute significantly to their unique physicochemical properties over its native form.
Analysis of Complexity of Unsafe Behavior in Construction Teams and a Multiagent Simulation
Authors: Li Zhen , Lv Xiaofei , Zhu Hongming , Sheng Zhaohan
Published: August 2018

The processes in construction are more likely than others to breed unsafe behaviors, and the consequences of these actions can be serious. This paper first reviews the research status on unsafe behavior in construction teams. It then analyzes the complex mechanisms that lead to unsafe behavior and constructs a three‐layer structural model based on agent‐based modeling (ABM) technology. This modeling deals with complexity and elaborates on key points and potential research ideas in the study of unsafe behavior in construction teams. Using the ABM method, the effects of different incentive strategies on the safe behavior of construction teams under different management scenarios were studied. The results showed that when members have a fair perception of the situation, the effect of the excess performance reward distribution, according to the member’s safety awareness level, is better than the average distribution effect. This is the case whether the member’s safety behavior level is positively or negatively related to the member’s safety awareness level. This study proves the feasibility, validity, and universality of the three‐layer structural model. It also reaches certain management conclusions and ideas for further development. The purpose of this paper is to provide a reference for research on the containment and prevention of unsafe behavior in construction teams.
n-Tuplet Coincidence Point Theorems in Partially Ordered Probabilistic Metric Spaces
Authors: Karaaslan Arife Aysun , Karakaya Vatan
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we investigate existence of n-tuplet coincidence point theorems in partially ordered probabilistic metric spaces. Also, we gave uniqueness of n-tuplet fixed point theorems in this space.
Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Broiler Chicken Breast Meat Stored Frozen and Thawed Using Various Methods
Authors: Augustyńska-Prejsnar Anna , Ormian Małgorzata , Sokołowicz Zofia
Published: August 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the impact of freezing storage duration (1, 3, 5, and 7 months) and thawing methods, namely, in atmospheric air, water, and using microwave oven on the quality properties of broiler chicken breast meat. The physicochemical indicators of raw breast meat after thawing and after being subjected to heat treatment were evaluated. The sensory evaluation was also conducted. The findings indicate that the duration of storage has effects on the quality of meat stored frozen at −20°C. Unfavourable changes (p<0.05) were observed between the first and seventh months of freezing storage in respect of such areas as increased drip loss, increased thermal loss, colour changes, and reduced ash content in thawed breast meat as well as in those subjected to heat treatment. Unfavourable changes in the sensory properties, namely, diminished intensity of flavour and aroma, were also observed. The analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) impacts of thawing methods on the meat’s quality properties, depending on the duration of freezing storage. The application of microwave oven method of thawing meat enabled the retention of better physicochemical properties (reduction of drip and thermal losses and increased ash content) as well as sensory properties such as the desirability of the flavor and juiciness of meat stored for one-month period. A longer period of freezing storage (5 and 7 months) revealed higher degrees of colour saturation towards red (a∗) in raw breast meat as well as reduced brittleness of breast meat thawed using microwave oven method prior to and after the heat treatment in comparison to those thawed using atmospheric air and water. Practical Applications. The duration of freezing storage and thawing methods has impacts on the meat’s quality, including its processing value. The current study has its practical implications due to the immense consumption of broiler chicken meat, the high proportion of deep frozen meat products in commerce, and the acceptability and popularity of frozen stored meat in households. The current study enables one to ascertain how the physicochemical and sensory properties of broiler chicken breast meat change over the period of freezing storage (for 1, 3, 5, and 7 months) and which of the applied thawing methods (in atmospheric air, water, or microwave method) is most favourable for retaining meat’s best quality.
Hamilton‐Jacobi Method for Mechanical Systems on Time Scales
Authors: Zhai Xiang-Hua , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the Hamilton‐Jacobi method for integrating the equations of motion of mechanical systems on time scales. We give the criterion and four basic forms of canonical transformation on time scales. Also, various examples are given to illustrate the role played by a generating function in the canonical transformation. By choosing an appropriate generating function, we construct the Hamilton‐Jacobi equation on time scales and prove the Jacobi theorem on time scales. An example for an Emden‐Fowler type equation is discussed to show the application of the method.
Determination of Fire Resistance of Eccentrically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Columns Using Fuzzy Neural Networks
Authors: Lazarevska Marijana , Gavriloska Ana Trombeva , Laban Mirjana , Knezevic Milos , Cvetkovska Meri
Published: August 2018

Artificial neural networks, in interaction with fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and fuzzy neural networks, represent an example of a modern interdisciplinary field, especially when it comes to solving certain types of engineering problems that could not be solved using traditional modeling methods and statistical methods. They represent a modern trend in practical developments within the prognostic modeling field and, with acceptable limitations, enjoy a generally recognized perspective for application in construction. Results obtained from numerical analysis, which includes analysis of the behavior of reinforced concrete elements and linear structures exposed to actions of standard fire, were used for the development of a prognostic model with the application of fuzzy neural networks. As fire resistance directly affects the functionality and safety of structures, the significance which new methods and computational tools have on enabling quick, easy, and simple prognosis of the same is quite clear. This paper will consider the application of fuzzy neural networks by creating prognostic models for determining fire resistance of eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete columns.
Extracts of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Potentiate FMSP-Nanoparticles Induced Cell Death in MCF-7 Cells
Authors: Khan Firdos Alam , Akhtar Sultan , Almohazey Dana , Alomari Munthar , Almofty Sarah Ameen
Published: August 2018

Both nanoparticles and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) possess anticancer properties, but they do not elicit a significant response on cancer cells when treated alone. In the present study, we have tested fluorescent magnetic submicronic polymer nanoparticles (FMSP-nanoparticles) in combination with crude clove extracts on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) to examine whether the combination approach enhance the cancer cell death. The MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations (1.25 μg/mL, 12.5 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 75 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL) of FMSP-nanoparticles alone and in combination with 50 μg/mL crude clove extracts. The effects of FMSP-nanoparticles alone and combined with clove extracts were observed after 24 hrs and 48 hrs intervals. The response of FMSP-nanoparticles-treated cells was evaluated by Trypan Blue, 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, respectively. We have demonstrated that cancer cell viability was decreased to 55.40% when treated with FMSP-nanoparticles alone, whereas when cancer cells were treated with FMSP-nanoparticles along with crude clove extracts, the cell viability was drastically decreased to 8.50%. Both morphological and quantitative data suggest that the combination of FMSP-nanoparticles plus crude clove extracts are more effective in treating cancer cells and we suggest that the combination treatment of nanoparticles along with clove extracts hold a great promise for the cancer treatments.
Angularly Resolved Deep Brain Fluorescence Imaging Using a Single Optical Fiber
Authors: De La Rosa Israel J. , Azimipour Mehdi , Cullen Patrick K. , Helmstetter Fred J. , Pashaie Ramin
Published: August 2018

In this article, we report the development of a minimally invasive fiber optic based fluorescence probe which can reach deep brain objects and measure the intensity and spatial distribution of fluorescence signals in the tissue. In this design, the brain is scanned by a single penetrating side-firing optical fiber which delivers excitation light pulses to the tissue at different depths and orientations and simultaneously collects samples of fluorescence emission signals. Signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements is improved by adapting the pulse compression technique and the theory of optimal filters. Effects of each design parameter on the overall performance of the scanner, including the spatial resolution and speed of scanning, are analyzed and experimentally measured. In vivo experiments show that the new device, despite the simplicity of the design, provides valuable information particularly useful in optogenetic stimulation experiments where the exact position of the fiber tip and the radiation orientation can change the outcome of a test.
Experimental Investigations into the Mechanical, Tribological, and Corrosion Properties of Hybrid Polymer Matrix Composites Comprising Ceramic Reinforcement for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Alsoufi Mohammad S.
Published: August 2018

Hybrid polymer matrix composites (HPMC) are prominent material for the formation of biomaterial and offer various advantages such as low cost, high strength, and the fact that they are easy to manufacture. However, they are associated with low mechanical (low hardness) and tribological properties (high wear rate). The average hip joint load fluctuates between three to five times of the body weight during jumping and jogging and depends on various actions relating to body positions. Alternate bone and prosthesis material plays a critical role in attaining strength as it determines the method of load transferred to the system. The material property called modulus of elasticity is an important design variable during the selection of the geometry and design methodology. The present work is demonstrated on how to improve the properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) substantially by the addition of bioceramic fillers such as titanium oxide (TiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). The volume fractions of Al2O3 and TiO2 are limited to 20% and 10%, respectively. Samples were fabricated as per ASTM standards using an injection moulding machine and various properties such as mechanical (tensile, flexural, and impact), tribological (hardness, wear), and corrosion including SEM, density, and fractography analysis studied. Experimental results revealed that an injection moulding process is suitable for producing defect-free mould HPMC. HPMC comprising 70% HDPE/20% Al2O3/10% TiO2 has proved biocompatible and a substitute for biomaterial. A substantial increase in the mechanical and tribological properties and full resistance to corrosion makes HPMC suitable for use in orthopaedic applications such as human bone replacement, bone fixation plates, hip joint replacement, bone cement, and bone graft in bone surgery.
Inhibition of Casein Kinase 2 Disrupts Differentiation of Myeloid Cells in Cancer and Enhances the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Mice
Authors: Hashimoto Ayumi , Gao Chan , Mastio Jerome , Kossenkov Andrew , Abrams Scott I. , Purandare Ashok V. , Desilva Heshani , Wee Susan , Hunt John , Jure-Kunkel Maria , Gabrilovich Dmitry I.
Published: August 2018

The role of myeloid cells as regulators of tumor progression that significantly impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies makes them an attractive target for inhibition. Here we explore the effect of a novel, potent, and selective inhibitor of serine/threonine protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2) on modulating myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. Although inhibition of CK2 caused only a modest effect on dendritic cells in tumor-bearing mice, it substantially reduced the amount of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor-associated macrophages. This effect was not caused by the induction of apoptosis, but rather by a block of differentiation. Our results implicated downregulation of CCAAT-enhancer binding protein-α in this effect. Although CK2 inhibition did not directly affect tumor cells, it dramatically enhanced the antitumor activity of immune checkpoint receptor blockade using anti-CTLA-4 antibody. These results suggest a potential role of CK2 inhibitors in combination therapies against cancer.

Significance: These findings demonstrate the modulatory effects of casein kinase 2 inhibitors on myeloid cell differentiation in the tumor microenvironment, which subsequently synergize with the antitumor effects of checkpoint inhibitor CTLA4. Cancer Res; 78(19); 5644–55. ©2018 AACR.
Urgent Myocardial Revascularization in Non ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Guided by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: A Challenging Interventional Decision-Making
Authors: Capasso Fabio , Pepe Marco , Severino Salvatore , Valva Giuseppe , Landino Pietro , Mele Donato
Published: August 2018

A 68-year-old man with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) presented with a low risk profile indicating invasive revascularization within 72 h. However, left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) calculated by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in the Emergency Room showed substantial myocardial infarction. Therefore, urgent reperfusion therapy was decided and delivered within 30 min from hospital admission. LV GLS fully recovered after the invasive procedure and the final infarct size was 7%. This case shows that very early revascularization in NSTEMI patients can be guided by 2D-STE and might be considered for those patients with substantial LV myocardial infarction.
The Number of Natural Killer Cells in the Largest Diameter Lymph Nodes Is Associated with the Number of Retrieved Lymph Nodes and Lymph Node Size, and Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with Stage II Colon Cancer
Authors: Okada Kazutake , Sadahiro Sotaro , Chan Lin Fung , Ogimi Takashi , Miyakita Hiroshi , Saito Gota , Tanaka Akira , Suzuki Toshiyuki
Published: August 2018

Objective: We previously reported that the largest diameter of retrieved lymph nodes (LNs) correlates with the number of LNs and is a prognostic factor in stage II colon cancer. We examine whether T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells in LNs are related to the number of LNs and survival. Methods: The subjects comprised 320 patients with stage II colon cancer. An LN with the largest diameter was selected in each patient. The positive area ratios of cells that stained for CD3 and CD20, and the numbers of CD56-positive cells were measured. Results: The CD3-positive area ratio was 0.39 ± 0.08 and CD20-positive area ratio was 0.42 ± 0.10. The mean number of CD56-positive cells was 19.3 ± 22.7. The area ratios of B cells and T cells and the number of NK cells were significantly related to the sizes of the largest diameter LNs. The number of NK cells significantly correlated with the number of LNs and was an independent prognostic factor. On multivariate analysis, pathological T stage (T4 or T3; HR 4.71; p < 0.001) and the number of CD56-positive cells (high or low; HR 0.22; p < 0.001) were found to be independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: The number of NK cells in the largest diameter LNs can most likely be used as a predictor of recurrence.
Is the Surgical Margin in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Different
Authors: Rutkowski Piotr , Skoczylas Jacek , Wisniewski Piotr
Published: August 2018

Background: Radical surgical excision is the mainstay of therapy of primary, nonmetastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and margin status after surgery is a significant prognostic factor. Methods and Results: The aim of this paper is to review principles in primary GIST surgery, i.e. differences between R0, R1, and R2 resection, to describe how surgical margin status and tumor intraperitoneal rupture influence the patients' outcome, and how this may be effected by neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in locally advanced tumors. A systematic search of literature published between 2000 and 2018 was performed regarding this topic. Conclusion: Correct interpretation of margin status after surgery can be affected by many factors during operation and preparation of tissue.
Incidence, Prevalence, and Duration of Chronic Kidney Disease in Taiwan: Results from a Community-Based Screening Program of 106,094 Individuals
Authors: Tsai Ming-Hsien , Hsu Chen-Yang , Lin Ming-Yen , Yen Ming-Fang , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Chiu Yueh-Hsia , Hwang Shang-Jyh
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Taiwan has the highest incidence of end-stage renal disease, which requires renal replacement therapy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) contributes to this burden. However, the current data on the epidemiologic features of CKD in Taiwan are incomplete. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of CKD in a population-based study and then estimate the average dwelling time (ADT) in the main clinical burden of CKD (stages 3–5). Methods: A prospective cohort study was designed with an integrated community-based multiple screening program of 106,094 individuals aged ≥20 years in Keelung, Taiwan, in 1999–2009. Prevalence was estimated as the percentage of CKD stages among individuals attending the first screening, and incidence was expressed as the ratio of total desired events in the following period to the total observational time. Finally, ADT was estimated from the ratio of prevalence to incidence. Results: The participants’ mean age was 47.7 ± 15.4 years. The estimated prevalence was 15.46% for total CKD and 9.06% for CKD stages 3–5. The incidence was 27.21/1,000 person-years (PY) for total CKD and 16.89/1,000-PY for CKD stages 3–5. Older patients, males, and those patients with comorbidities of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) exhibited higher prevalence and incidence rates than their opposing counterparts. Moreover, the ADT of CKD stages 3–5 was 5.37 years (95% CI 5.17–5.57). Males and those with comorbidities of DM or MetS had shorter ADTs in CKD stages 3–5 than their opposing counterparts. Interestingly, the ADT of participants with hypertension was longer than those without. Conclusions: The prevalence and incidence of CKD in Taiwan are high. Moreover, ADT in CKD stages 3–5 varied according to sex, age, and comorbidity. Further exploration of the factors associated with the shifting of this duration will shed light on effective CKD management.
Transient Ischaemic Attack Rarely Precedes Stroke in a Cohort with Low Proportions of Large Artery Atherosclerosis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Giarola Blake F. , Leyden James , Castle Sally , Jannes Jim , Anderson Craig , Newbury Jonathan , Kleinig Timothy
Published: August 2018

Background: Ischaemic stroke is reportedly preceded by transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in 15–30% of all cases. The risk of stroke following TIA is highest in the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in large arteries. The recent population-based Adelaide Stroke Incidence Study describes a population with a low proportion (16%) of stroke attributable to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA). We hypothesized that this population-based ischaemic stroke cohort would have a lower rate of preceding TIA than previously reported. Methods: This paper is a prospective ascertainment of all suspected TIAs and strokes in a 12-month period from 2009 to 2010. Ischaemic stroke pathogenesis was classified by the TOAST criteria. Details of preceding TIA events were scrutinised. Results: In this 12-month period, 318 stroke events in 301 individuals were recorded. Of the total 258 ischaemic strokes, 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12–22) were from LAA. Of 258 ischaemic stroke patients, only 11 (4%; 95% CI 2–7) reported symptoms in the preceding 90 days consistent with TIA. Nine (82%) sought medical attention. The median ABCD2 score in this group was 4.5 (IQR: 3–7), and the median time of event prior to stroke was 20 days (IQR: 4–32). Conclusion: In our population-based cohort, rates of TIA preceding ischaemic stroke were much lower than previously reported, probably reflective of effective secondary prevention (active TIA clinics) and primary prevention (limiting LAA prevalence). In our population, further enhancements in TIA care will be of limited yield.
Multimodality Treatment of a Colorectal Cancer Stage IV Patient with FOLFOX-4, Bevacizumab, Rigvir Oncolytic Virus, and Surgery
Authors: Tilgase Andra , Olmane Evija , Nazarovs Jurijs , Brokāne Linda , Erdmanis Romualds , Rasa Agnija , Alberts Pēteris
Published: August 2018

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The treatment consists of surgical resection, systemic chemotherapy, and new biological agents. One more recently emerging treatment option is oncolytic virotherapy. Although the use of the new treatment methods shows improved overall and progression-free survival, in general, even with the new treatments, mortality remains high and combinations of treatments should be sought to treat patients with colorectal cancer. Here we report a stage IV colorectal cancer patient who received multimodality treatment including bevacizumab, FOLFOX-4, surgery, and the oncolytic virus Rigvir. The patient shows complete pathological remission and remains stable 7.7 years after initial diagnosis. The possible benefits of combining Rigvir oncolytic virus and bevacizumab should be investigated since in vitro research suggests that anti-angiogenesis agents improve viral distribution by altering the microenvironment of the tumor.
FOXO3 Inhibits Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma (AGS) Cell Growth by Promoting Autophagy in an Acidic Microenvironment
Authors: Gao Yuan , Qi Weiwei , Sun Libin , Lv Jing , Qiu Wensheng , Liu Shihai
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Previous studies have shown that FOXO3, a member of the forkhead box O (FOXO) family, regulates autophagy in various cells. To date, whether the induction of autophagy in gastric cancer (GC) cells is triggered by an acidic microenvironment is unclear. Little is known about the relationship between FOXO3 and acidic microenvironments in GC. The aims of our study were to investigate the roles of FOXO3 and the acidic microenvironment in autophagy and to determine how FOXO3 and the acidic microenvironment regulate GC cell growth through autophagy. Methods: We cultured human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells in media with different pH values in vitro, transfected the cells with FOXO3a plasmids and then detected autophagy in the cells under different conditions. In addition, we also performed cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), wound and cell invasion assays to test cell viability and invasion, respectively. We employed real-time PCR, western blotting and mRFP-GFP-LC3 vectors to detect the expression of various autophagy indicators. Results: We found that cells treated with FOXO3 and exposed to an acidic microenvironment displayed suppressed growth compared with control cells. We also found that the protein expression levels of several autophagy makers, such as LC3I, LC3II and Beclin-1, were higher in FOXO3 plasmid-transfected AGS cells cultured in an acidic microenvironment than in control cells, while P62 protein expression levels were clearly decreased in FOXO3 plasmid-transfected cells compared with control cells. Moreover, we observed autophagic flux in AGS cells overexpressing FOXO3 and exposed to low pH conditions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that FOXO3 inhibits AGS cell growth by promoting autophagy in an acidic microenvironment. Furthermore, the results showed that anticancer therapies targeting FOXO3 and low pH conditions may be useful in the treatment of GC.
Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting IL-33/ST2 Signalling for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Chen Wei-Yu , Tsai Tzu-Hsien , Yang Jenq-Lin , Li Lung-Chih
Published: August 2018

Interleukin (IL)-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is involved in innate and adaptive immune responses via interaction with its receptor, ST2. Activation of ST2 signalling by IL-33 triggers pleiotropic immune functions in multiple ST2-expressing immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, type 2 helper T cells, regulatory T cells, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. IL-33-mediated effector functions contribute to the tissue inflammatory and reparative responses in various organs including lung, skin, kidney, central nerve system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system. Endogenous IL-33/ ST2 signaling exhibits diverse immune regulatory functions during progression of different diseases. IL-33 likely functions as a disease sensitizer and plays pathological roles in inflamed tissues in allergic disorders that involve hyperreactive immune responses in the context of skin and pulmonary allergy. However, IL-33 also mediates tissue-protective functions during the recovery phase following tissue injury in the central nerve system and gastrointestinal system. Modulation of the IL-33/ST2 axis, therefore, represents a promising strategy for treating immune disorders that involve dysregulation of the cytokine signalling. In the past two decades, therapeutic strategies blocking IL-33/ST2 have been extensively studied for the treatment of diseases in animal models. In this review, the current progress on the development of therapeutic biologics for targeting IL-33/ST2 signalling in inflammatory diseases is summarized.
Antipredatory behaviour of a mountain lizard towards the chemical cues of its predatory snakes
Authors: Ortega Zaida , Mencía Abraham , Pérez-Mellado Valentín
Published: August 2018

The ability to early detect a potential predator is essential for survival. The potential of Iberolacerta cyreni lizards to discriminate between chemical cues of their two predatory snakes Coronella austriaca (a non-venomous active-hunter saurophagous specialist) and Vipera latastei (a venomous sit-and-wait generalist) was evaluated herein. A third snake species, Natrix maura, which does not prey on lizards, was used as a pungent control. Thus, the behaviour of I. cyreni was studied regarding four treatments: (1) C. austriaca scent, (2) V. latastei scent, (3) N. maura scent and (4) odourless control. Lizards showed antipredator behaviour (such as slow-motion and tail waving) to C. austriaca and V. latastei chemicals. The antipredatory response was similar for both predators. This ability to react with an intensive behavioural pattern to the chemical cues of their predatory snakes may prevent lizards from being detected, and, if detected, dissuade the predator from beginning a pursuit.
Unveiling species diversity in collared frogs through morphological and bioacoustic evidence: a new Mannophryne (Amphibia, Aromobatidae) from Sierra de Aroa, northwestern Venezuela, and an amended definition and call description of M. herminae (Boettger, 1893)
Authors: ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J.M. , MATTA-PEREIRA MIGUEL E. , MARCA ENRIQUE LA
Published: August 2018

Species diversity in collared frogs of the genus Mannophryne is presumed to be underestimated due to the paucity of external morphology characters, but combining morphology with bioacoustics and other lines of evidence has shown to be useful in delimiting species of this group. Herein we describe a new species of Mannophryne from Sierra de Aroa in northwestern Venezuela. The new species is morphologically similar to M. herminae but is readily recognized by its strikingly different advertisement call. It also can be distinguished from all its congeners by the unique combination of its small body size, general color pattern, basal toe webbing, and advertisement call consisting of long trills of single tonal notes emitted at a rate of 2–3 notes/s. Additionally, to facilitate future diagnosis of undescribed species related to M. herminae, we amend the definition of the latter, describe in detail its advertisement call, and redefine its known distribution range. The new species increases the number of described species of Mannophryne to 20.
Amphibian parasites of the Order Dermocystida (Ichthyosporea): current knowledge, taxonomic review and new records from Brazil
Authors: BORTEIRO CLAUDIO , BALDO DIEGO , MARONNA MAXIMILIANO M. , BAÊTA DÉLIO , SABBAG ARIADNE FARES , KOLENC FRANCISCO , DEBAT CLAUDIO MARTÍNEZ , HADDAD CÉLIO F. B. , CRUZ JUAN CARLOS , VERDES JOSÉ MANUEL , UBILLA MARTÍN
Published: August 2018

Amphibian parasites of the Order Dermocystida (Ichthyosporea) are widespread pathogens known mainly from Europe and North America, which cause primarily a disease of skin and subcutaneous tissue in their hosts. The taxonomy of these organisms has been problematic given their conserved morphology, similar clinical disease and pathology. Currently recognized taxa belong to the three closely related genera, Amphibiocystidium, Amphibiothecum, and Rhinosporidium, whereas species of Dermocystidium and Sphaerothecum destruens include fish parasites. Here, we review the taxonomy of Dermocystida based on a molecular phylogenetic analysis, principally of amphibian parasites, including DNA sequences obtained from amphibian hosts collected in the central-eastern region of South America. A new taxonomic arrangement is proposed, which includes the designation of type material for Dermocystidium pusula, synonymization of Amphibiothecum with Dermocystidium, and the restriction of Amphibiocystidium to its type species A. ranae. We also review the taxonomic status of Dermosporidium hylarum until the present work included in the synonymy of the human and animal pathogen R. seeberi, and considered herein as a valid taxon, however. In addition, a new species of Sphaerothecum parasitic to amphibians is described, being the first record of this genus in the southern hemisphere and in an amphibian host.
Barbus anatolicus, a new barbel from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River drainages in northern Anatolia (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: TURAN DAVUT , KAYA CÜNEYT , GEIGER MATTHIAS , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: August 2018

Barbus anatolicus, new species, is described from the Kızılırmak and Yeşilırmak River drainages in the southern Black Sea basin. It is distinguished from other Barbus species in the Middle East by having 58–71 total lateral line scales, a moderately ossified last simple dorsal-fin ray, serrated along about 70–80% of its posterior margin, many small irregular shaped black or brown spots, smaller or as large as scales, often forming large, dark-brown blotches on the head, back and flank in adults and juveniles, and a concave posterior dorsal-fin margin. In addition, DNA barcode data reject the hypothesis that it belongs to one of the other species of the B. barbus species group. Barbus bergi from Bulgaria and adjacent Turkey is treated as synonym of B. tauricus. Barbus tauricus was previously believed to be restricted to the Crimean Peninsula but is found to be widespread in the Black Sea basin.
Top management teams’ shared leadership and ambidexterity: the role of management control systems
Authors: Umans Timurs , Smith Elin , Andersson William , Planken William
Published: August 2018

The study explores how top management teams’ shared leadership is related to organizational ambidexterity in public-sector organizations, theoretically and empirically considering how this relationship is contingent on the management control system. Using a sample of 85 Swedish municipal housing corporations, we find that shared leadership has a positive relationship with organizational ambidexterity in public-sector organizations. Moreover, increasing use of new public management control systems, based on combined reward and performance controls, positively moderates this relationship. The study also finds that traditional public management control systems, based on combined planning and administrative controls, do not moderate the relationship between top management teams’ shared leadership and organizational ambidexterity. Accordingly, this article contributes to the public and strategic management literature, as well as to managerial practice.

Points for practitioners

The article suggests that sharing leadership within top management teams can result in a balanced resource allocation in municipal corporations. To be more effective in achieving this balance, public sector managers might consider emphasizing new public management-inspired management control systems and de-emphasizing those of a more traditional type.
An investigation on composite laminates including shear thickening fluid under stab condition
Authors: Gürgen Selim
Published: August 2018

Shear thickening fluids have been extensively utilized in composite laminate structures to enhance the impact resistance in the last decade. Despite the contribution of shear thickening fluids to the protective systems, the mechanism behind the energy absorption behavior of shear thickening fluids is not fully understood. In the present study, various configurations of composite laminates were prepared and these structures were investigated under low velocity stab conditions. Contrary to the common idea of shear thickening fluid impregnation for fabrics, shear thickening fluids were used in bulk form and by means of this, pure contribution of shear thickening behavior to the energy absorption was investigated. To hold the bulk shear thickening fluids in the composite laminates, Lantor Soric SF honeycomb layers were filled with shear thickening fluids and Twaron fabrics were plied in the structures as the reinforcement. As a result of this study, it is stated that shear thickening behavior is insufficient to effectively improve the energy absorption performance of composite laminates; however, shear thickening fluids are beneficial to fabric based composites because the inter-yarn friction of fabrics is enhanced using shear thickening fluids as an impregnation agent rather than a bulk form.
Effect of matrix powder and reinforcement content on tribological behavior of particulate 6061Al-TiB2 composites
Authors: Paidpilli Mahesh , Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Upadhyaya Anish
Published: August 2018

In the present work, 6061Al-TiB2 composites were synthesized using two types of base 6061Al powder (prealloyed and premixed) through powder metallurgy route. Dry sliding wear test was performed on the specimens using pin on disk apparatus to investigate the effect of TiB2 content on tribological characteristics. The microstructure, worn surface, and subsurface were also characterized using scanning electron microscope to examine the wear mechanism of prealloyed- and premixed-based composites. A mathematical model was developed using parameters (composition and applied load) to predict wear rate and correlated with experimental results. Adequacy of developed model has been validated using analysis of variance. Results indicated that premixed 6061Al-TiB2 composites have superior tribological properties as compared to the prealloyed 6061Al-TiB2 composite.
Connecting With Students Through a Critical, Participatory Curriculum: An Exploration Into a High School History Teacher’s Construction of Teacher–Student Relationships
Authors: Zaccor Karla M.
Published: August 2018

Standardized testing is a top priority in schools, with conversations around teaching and learning reduced to raising student test scores. Often any other conversations about how schools should serve students are eliminated or pushed to the periphery. The central questions raised here are the following: how are student–teacher relationships constructed in the classroom and how important are those relationships to those students and teachers? My focal teacher enacted a curriculum that was critical and relevant to students’ lives. He considered the curriculum as his primary way of building relationships with students.
Immigration and house prices under various labour market structures in England and Wales
Authors: Zhu Jiazhe , Pryce Gwilym , Brown Sarah
Published: August 2018

This article estimates the impact of immigration on local house prices under various local labour market structures in England and Wales. Typically, for the nation as a whole, newly arriving immigrants add to the overall housing demand; this would in general push up house prices when facing an upward-sloping supply curve. However, sorting and native-outmigration response to immigration may change the dynamics and impact at the ‘local’ level, depressing house prices through income change. We use data on England and Wales to investigate the local house price effect of immigration when taking into account the local labour market structure of the areas, particularly with respect to employment density and average socioeconomic profile (skill) of workers. We found that in high density of employment areas but with a majority of the occupations in low skill sets, there is a negative house price effect led by immigrant inflows, and this might be due to a type of tenure ‘downgrade’ in the area as immigrants increase the rate of free renting. Free renters are less likely to participate in the housing market themselves and an increase in the rate of this form of tenure could also reduce their mobility further, hence lead to lower levels of housing stock turnover and transaction-related renovation; as a result, both housing quality and house prices fall. The evidence is in addition to the native flight argument typically found in the literature to explain house price depreciation led by immigration.
Transcultural Brokerage: The Role of Cosmopolitans in Bridging Structural and Cultural Holes
Authors: Levy Orly , Lee Hyun-Jung , Jonsen Karsten , Peiperl Maury A.
Published: August 2018

The growth and proliferation of global systems and transnational cultures have generated larger and more diverse types of cosmopolitans, all of whom span conventional social boundaries. Understanding this diversity is increasingly important because cosmopolitans often bridge across a wide range of transnational and global networks within and across global organizations. Drawing on multiple disciplines, we conceptualize cosmopolitanism as an embodied disposition characterized by high levels of cultural transcendence and openness that are manifested in and enacted along varied trajectories of cultural embeddedness in one’s own culture and cultural engagement with the cultural Other. We then propose an analytical framework for the influence of cosmopolitan disposition on transcultural brokerage processes, specifically, on bridging structural and cultural holes. Finally, we present a typology of cosmopolitan brokers and their corresponding practices and activities as they engage in transcultural brokerage. By recognizing the diversity of cosmopolitans and their respective dispositions, we significantly expand the pool of “global talent” beyond the traditional focus on expatriates, and we challenge the conventional wisdom on who counts as talent in an interconnected world.
On decoding the structural behaviour of hybrid cable bending-active units in fastening, prestress and load-bearing state
Authors: Phocas Marios C. , Alexandrou Kristis
Published: August 2018

This article examines the structural behaviour of six structural units composed of single, simply paired and paired-interconnected bending-active members, coupled with a single cable element. The form-found curvilinear shape of the members is achieved through fastening by contracting auxiliary elements, as well as through further deformation by decreasing the cable’s length. The overall structural behaviour of the units is investigated based on a step-by-step finite-element analysis. All units are evaluated with regard to the components’ stresses and deformations developed during the form-finding process and subsequent external vertical loading, for different possible section thickness values of the elastic members.
Comparison of Two Nondestructive Evaluation Technologies for the Condition Assessment of Bridge Decks
Authors: Sultan Ali A. , Washer Glenn A.
Published: August 2018

Selection of the appropriate condition assessment tool to meet the decision-making needs for preservation, maintenance, and repair (PM&R) actions can be difficult, because different nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies have different performance characteristics. The objective of the research was to compare the reliability of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT) for the detection of delamination in concrete bridge decks. Field tests were conducted on two in-service concrete decks constructed in the same era and having significant deterioration due to corrosion damage. Reliability of the technologies was evaluated using receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis, a methodology that allows for a quantitative point-by-point comparison of results from NDE technologies with ground truth. The analysis results quantified the reliability of IRT and GPR for the two candidate concrete decks. It was found that IRT exhibited a higher reliability measure as compared with GPR for these two bridge decks. The implication of the test results for implementation of these technologies is discussed. The results of the analysis provide useful data for bridge owners making decisions regarding suitable NDE technologies for the condition assessment of bridge decks.
Incorporating Multiple Uncertainties into Projections of Chinese Private Car Sales and Stock
Authors: Hsieh I-Yun Lisa , Kishimoto Paul Natsuo , Green William H.
Published: August 2018

China is in a fast-growing stage of mobility development, and its increasing demand for private cars comes with growing energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Uncertainty in Chinese parameterization of car ownership models makes forecasting these trends a challenge. We develop an application of the Monte Carlo method, conditioned on historical data, to sample parameters for a model projecting aspects of private car diffusion, such as the mix of new and replacement sales. Our model includes changes in per-capita disposable income—both the mean and level of inequality—and a measure of car affordability. By incorporating multiple uncertainties, we show a distribution of possible future outcomes: a low stock of 280 million (1st decile); median of 430 million; and high of 620 million vehicles (9th decile) in 2050. This illustrates the limitations of attempts to model vehicle markets at the national level, by showing how uncertainties in fundamental descriptors of growth lead to a broad range of possible outcomes. While uncertainty in projected per-capita ownership grows continually, the share of first-time purchases in sales is most uncertain in the near term and then narrows as the market saturates. Replacement purchases increasingly capture the sales market from 2025. Our results suggest that stakeholders have a narrow window of opportunity to regulate the fuel economy, pollution and other attributes of vehicles sold to first-time buyers. These may, in turn, shape consumers’ experience and expectations of car ownership, affecting their additional and replacement purchases.