bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Blood-Derived Products on the Chondrogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Originated from Three Different Locations
Authors: Neubauer Markus , Kuten Olga , Stotter Christoph , Kramer Karina , De Luna Andrea , Muellner Thomas , Lacza Zsombor , Nehrer Stefan
Published: December 2019

Background. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) from fat tissue considered “surgical waste” during joint surgery may provide a potent source for regenerative medicine. Intra-articular, homologous fat tissue (Hoffa’s fat pad, pouch fat) might possess a superior chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential in comparison to extra-articular, nonhomologous fat. Blood products might further enhance this potential. Methods. AD-MSCs were isolated from fat tissue of 3 donors from 3 locations each, during total knee replacement. Isolated cells were analyzed via flow cytometry. Cells were supplemented with blood products: two types of platelet-rich plasma (EPRP—PRP prepared in the presence of EDTA; CPRP—PRP prepared in the presence of citrate), hyperacute serum (hypACT), and standard fetal calf serum (FCS) as a positive control. The viability of the cells was determined by XTT assay, and the progress of differentiation was tested via histological staining and monitoring of specific gene expression. Results. Blood products enhance ex vivo cell metabolism. Chondrogenesis is enhanced by EDTA-PRP and osteogenesis by citrate PRP, whereas hyperacute serum enhances both differentiations comparably. This finding was consistent in histological analysis as well as in gene expression. Lower blood product concentrations and shorter differentiation periods lead to superior histological results for chondrogenesis. Both PRP types had a different biological effect depending upon concentration, whereas hyperacute serum seemed to have a more consistent effect, independent of the used concentration. Conclusion. (i) Blood product preparation method, (ii) type of anticoagulant, (iii) differentiation time, and (iv) blood product concentration have a significant influence on stem cell viability and the differentiation potential, favouring no use of anticoagulation, shorter differentiation time, and lower blood product concentrations. Cell-free blood products like hyperacute serum may be considered as an alternative supplementation in regenerative medicine, especially for stem cell therapies.
Study on the Multitarget Synergistic Effects of Kai-Xin-San against Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Systems Biology
Authors: Guo Sirui , Wang Jiahong , Wang Yunjia , Zhang Ying , Bi Kaishun , Zhang Zhou , Li Qing
Published: December 2019

Kai-Xin-San (KXS), a classical Chinese traditional prescription, was widely applied in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while its functional mechanisms still remain unclear. By using systems biology approaches at animal, cellular, and molecular levels, the improvement of KXS on cognitive impairment was achieved by inhibiting abnormal acetylcholinesterase. The function on the nerve skeleton was performed by regulating the Tau phosphorylation pathway. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects by modulating the aberrant upregulation of ROS, proinflammatory factors, and apoptosis-related proteins in the brain were studied to reveal the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of KXS. Then, formula dismantling in vitro indicated that ginseng was the principal herb, whereas three other herbs served adjuvant roles to achieve the best effect. After that, the in vivo analysis of components into plasma and brain of AD rats showed that 8 of 23 components in blood and 4 of 10 components in brain were from ginseng, respectively, further verifying the principal status of ginseng and the synergistic effects of the formula. Thus, the anti-AD effects of KXS were achieved by multitargets and multichannels. The systems biology approaches presented here provide a novel way in traditional herbal medicine research.
Modeling Rock Fracture Propagation and Water Inrush Mechanisms in Underground Coal Mine
Authors: Zhang Shichuan , Shen Baotang , Li Yangyang , Zhou Shengfan
Published: December 2019

Water inrush in underground mines is a major safety threat for mining personnel, and it can also cause major damage to mining equipment and result in severe production losses. Water inrush can be attributed to the coalescence of rock fractures and the formation of water channel in rock mass due to the interaction of fractures, hydraulic flow, and stress field. Hence, predicting the fracturing process is the key for investigating the water inrush mechanisms for safe mining. A new coupling method is designed in FRACOD to investigate the mechanisms of water inrush disaster (known as “Luotuoshan accident”) which occurred in China in 2010 in which 32 people died. In order to investigate the evolution processes and mechanisms of water inrush accident in Luotuoshan coal mine, this study applies the recently developed fracture-hydraulic (F-H) flow coupling function to FRACOD and focuses on the rock fracturing processes in a karst collapse column which is a geologically altered zone linking several rock strata vertically formed by the long-term dissolution of the flowing groundwater. The numerical simulation of water inrush is conducted based on the actual geological conditions of Luotuoshan mining area, and various materials with actual geological characteristics were used to simulate the rocks surrounding the coal seam. The influences of several key factors, such as in situ stresses, fractures on the formation, and development of water inrush channels, are investigated. The results indicate that the water inrush source is the Ordovician limestone aquifer, which is connected by the karst collapse column to No. 16 coal seam; the fracturing zone that led to a water inrush occurs in front of the roadway excavation face where new fractures coalesced with the main fractured zone in the karst collapse column.
The Impact of Food Service Attributes on Customer Satisfaction in a Rural University Campus Environment
Authors: Serhan Mireille , Serhan Carole
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine different food service attributes that have an impact on customers’ overall satisfaction at a rural university cafeteria. Over 5 weeks, 676 cafeteria users, including academics, staff, and students, were selected through convenience sampling. They completed an anonymous-designed survey with closed questions (n=29) assessing quality of food and beverages, quality of service and setting, and satisfaction with food service attributes. In order to measure the existence and degree of significant relationships between different research variables, Pearson correlation coefficients were employed to analyse the data. Means of scores and frequencies were calculated. Results indicated that customers’ satisfaction with different service attributes was above average. All service attributes had a significant and positive effect on the overall satisfaction. Since most customers (62.9%) would like to continue eating at the cafeteria, the most common improvements suggested to the university management included among others, improving diet quality by offering more nutritious food. Gaining insight into the different food service attributes can enable the university management to meet the needs and expectations of its academics, staff, and students in order to increase their confidence in the food provided.
Exploring the Effects of Signs’ Design and In-Vehicle Audio Warning on Driver Behavior at Flashing-Light-Controlled Grade Crossings: A Driving Simulator-Based Study
Authors: Yang Jingsi , Yan Xuedong , Xue Qingwan , Li Xiaomeng , Duan Ke , Hang Junyu , Li Wanjun
Published: December 2019

The complex environment at grade crossings and the severe collision consequences give rise to the concern of safety condition at crossings among traffic control authorities. Optimizing conventional devices and applying emerging technologies are worthwhile measures to improve the safety conditions at grade crossings. In this study, a flashing-light running (FLR) warning system was proposed to reduce crossing violation and improve performances of drivers at flashing-light-controlled grade crossings (FLCGCs). Forty-four fully licensed drivers aged between 30 and 48 years participated in a driving simulator study to investigate the efficacy of two countermeasures of the system: proposed design of signs and pavement markings (PSM) for grade crossing, and two-stage in-vehicle audio warning (IVAW) technology. A range of flashing light trigger timing and two foggy conditions were designed in this experiment to test the system applicability. Drivers’ gender and vocation were considered as well to examine drivers’ adaptation to the new proposed system. Five variables were collected and analyzed in this study to investigate the effectiveness of the system, i.e., drivers’ compliance, approaching mean speed, brake reaction time, deceleration, and red-to-crossing time. Results showed that drivers’ driving performances were improved in both PSM only condition and PSM + W condition. The FLR warning system could eliminate the negative effects of foggy weather and reduce gender differences in driver behaviors to some extent. These findings suggested that the FLR warning system has a potential to reduce the probability of grade crossing collisions.
A Model for Igniter Mass Flow Rate History Evaluation for Solid Rocket Motors
Authors: Ma Yanjie , Bao Futing , Hui Weihua , Liu Yang , Gao Yijie
Published: December 2019

This paper describes a zero-dimensional model for evaluating the mass flow rate history of a solid rocket motor igniter. Based on the results of an igniter-firing experiment, in which the igniter is the only source of combustion gas and no propellant is ignited, the proposed model can be used to compute the mass flow rate of the igniter. Different species and temperature-dependent properties, such as the specific heat for each species, are considered. The coupling between the flow field variables in the combustion chamber and the heat transfer at the gas-solid interface is computed in a segment way. Calculations are performed for different species and properties, and the errors are discussed. Using the computed igniter mass flow rate as a boundary condition, a two-dimensional calculation is performed for validation purposes. The results are in good agreement with experimental data. The proposed model can be used to provide reasonable boundary conditions for solid rocket motor simulations and to evaluate the performance of igniters. Although derived on the basis of a small-scale solid rocket motor, the model has the potential to be used in large-scale systems.
Ranolazine Induced Bradycardia, Renal Failure, and Hyperkalemia: A BRASH Syndrome Variant
Authors: Zaidi Syed Arsalan Akhter , Shaikh Danial , Saad Muhammad , Vittorio Timothy J.
Published: December 2019

Ranolazine is a well-known antianginal drug, that was first licensed for use in the United States in 2006. It was objectively shown to improve exercise capacity and to lengthen the time to symptom onset in patients with coronary artery disease. The most commonly reported side effects of ranolazine include dizziness, headache, constipation, and nausea. Here, we describe a case of bradycardia, hyperkalemia, and acute renal injury in the setting of ranolazine use. Our patient is an 88-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Her medical comorbidities included hypertension, diabetes, CAD, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypothyroidism, and a history of cerebrovascular accident without any residual deficits. Her prescription regimen included amlodipine, furosemide, isosorbide mononitrate, levothyroxine, metformin, omeprazole, and ranolazine. Physical examination was remarkable for bradycardia and decreased breath sounds in the left lower lung field. Laboratory studies were significant for a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L and a serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL. She was given insulin with dextrose, sodium polystyrene, and calcium gluconate in addition to fluids. Her bradycardia and renal function worsened over the next 24 hours. Ranolazine was discontinued. Metabolic derangements were treated appropriately. After 48 hours from presentation, potassium and renal function returned to baseline and her heart rate improved to a range of 60–100 bpm. She was discharged with an outpatient cardiology follow-up. Ranolazine treatment was not continued upon discharge. In summary, our case illustrates an association between ranolazine and renal failure induced hyperkalemia, leading to conduction delays in the myocardium. Though further studies are warranted, we suspect that this is a variant of the recently described BRASH syndrome. We propose that in cases such as ours, along with treatment of the hyperkalemia, medication review and removal of any offending agent should be considered.
Community Detection in Airline Networks: An Empirical Analysis of American vs. Southwest Airlines
Authors: Wu Weiwei , Zhang Haoyu , Zhang Shengrun , Witlox Frank
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we develop a route-traffic-based method for detecting community structures in airline networks. Our model is both an application and an extension of the Clauset-Newman-Moore (CNM) modularity maximization algorithm, in that we apply the CNM algorithm to large airline networks, and take both route distance and passenger volumes into account. Therefore, the relationships between airports are defined not only based on the topological structure of the network but also by a traffic-driven indicator. To illustrate our model, two case studies are presented: American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Results show that the model is effective in exploring the characteristics of the network connections, including the detection of the most influential nodes and communities on the formation of different network structures. This information is important from an airline operation pattern perspective to identify the vulnerability of networks.
Development of Debris Flow Impact Force Models Based on Flume Experiments for Design Criteria of Soil Erosion Control Dam
Authors: Eu Song , Im Sangjun , Kim Dongyeob
Published: December 2019

Soil erosion control dams are widely used as part of measures to reduce damage caused by debris flow all over the world. Engineering considerations are needed for proper design of erosion control dams, but in the Republic of Korea, the impact force of debris flow is not fully reflected in the current design criteria of the dam. Against this backdrop, this study was conducted to estimate the impact force of debris flow for the practical purpose of designing erosion control dam. Simulated flume experiments were performed to develop the relationship to estimate the flow velocity as well as the impact force of debris flow. Experimental results showed that increases both in sediment mixture volume and flume slope gradient led to an increase in flow velocity. Especially, it was found that as clay content increased gradually, the flume slope gradient had greater impact on the increase of flow velocity. Also, it was proved that the impact force of debris flow was well fitted to the hydrodynamic model as it showed linear correlation with the flow velocity. Then, the debris‐flow velocity model was established based on the factor related to the debris‐flow velocity. Finally, the dynamic model to estimate the impact force of debris flow was introduced utilizing correlations between the established debris‐flow velocity model and Froude number. Both models which were developed with using statistically significant watershed characteristics succeeded in explaining the experiment results in a more accurate way compared to existing models. Therefore, it is highly expected that these models can be fully utilized to estimate impact force of debris flow which will be required to design erosion control dams in practical use through overcoming their identified limitations.
Fluorescein Angiographic Findings of Peripheral Retinal Vasculature after Intravitreal Conbercept versus Ranibizumab for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Jin Enzhong , Yin Hong , Gui Yufei , Chen Juan , Zhang Jian , Liang Jianhong , Li Xiao-xin , Zhao Mingwei
Published: December 2019

Purpose. To evaluate angiographic findings of peripheral retina vasculature in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) neonates who received intravitreal conbercept (IVC) or ranibizumab (IVR).Methods. Fluorescein angiography (FA) findings were retrospectively evaluated for ROP neonates who received IVC or IVR. Outcome measures included peripheral avascular zone, vascular leakage, vascular blunting, vascular loops, vascular dilatation, arteriovenous shunt, and capillary dropout.Results. Fifty-four eyes (28 patients) with ROP were included. Twenty-nine eyes (15 patients) received IVC, and 25 eyes (13 patients) received IVR. For infants of the IVC group, the mean gestational age, birth weight, and postmenstrual age (PMA) at the initial treatment were 28.96 ± 2.36 weeks, 1168.8 ± 344.5 g, and 41.22 ± 4.39 weeks, respectively. For the IVR group, they were 28.83 ± 2.34 weeks, 1255.0 ± 356.9 g, and 39.42 ± 2.77 weeks, respectively (P=0.817, 0.522, and 0.075). For the IVC group, FA performed at 71.29–115.43 weeks PMA showed 96.55% of eyes had avascular zone; vascular leakage was found in 24.14% eyes; vascular blunting, vascular dilation, vascular loops, arteriovenous shunt, and capillary dropout were found in 96.55%, 72.41%, 79.31%, 48.28%, and 68.97% eyes, respectively. For the IVR group, FA performed at 65.57–133.71 weeks PMA showed 92.0% of eyes had avascular zone; vascular leakage was found in 40.0% eyes; vascular blunting, dilatation, loops, arteriovenous shunt, and capillary dropout were found in 100%, 60.0%, 64.0%, 36.0%, and 68.0% eyes, respectively.Conclusion. No significant difference can be observed between the IVC group and IVR group for peripheral vascular structure anomalies with FA evidence. FA studies should be considered to assess the status of the peripheral retinal vasculature to determine therapeutic outcomes and potential functional outcomes.
A Multichannel 2D Convolutional Neural Network Model for Task-Evoked fMRI Data Classification
Authors: Hu Jinlong , Kuang Yuezhen , Liao Bin , Cao Lijie , Dong Shoubin , Li Ping
Published: December 2019

Deep learning models have been successfully applied to the analysis of various functional MRI data. Convolutional neural networks (CNN), a class of deep neural networks, have been found to excel at extracting local meaningful features based on their shared-weights architecture and space invariance characteristics. In this study, we propose M2D CNN, a novel multichannel 2D CNN model, to classify 3D fMRI data. The model uses sliced 2D fMRI data as input and integrates multichannel information learned from 2D CNN networks. We experimentally compared the proposed M2D CNN against several widely used models including SVM, 1D CNN, 2D CNN, 3D CNN, and 3D separable CNN with respect to their performance in classifying task-based fMRI data. We tested M2D CNN against six models as benchmarks to classify a large number of time-series whole-brain imaging data based on a motor task in the Human Connectome Project (HCP). The results of our experiments demonstrate the following: (i) convolution operations in the CNN models are advantageous for high-dimensional whole-brain imaging data classification, as all CNN models outperform SVM; (ii) 3D CNN models achieve higher accuracy than 2D CNN and 1D CNN model, but 3D CNN models are computationally costly as any extra dimension is added in the input; (iii) the M2D CNN model proposed in this study achieves the highest accuracy and alleviates data overfitting given its smaller number of parameters as compared with 3D CNN.
DNA Hypermethylation Downregulates Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) during H. pylori-Induced Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Bussière Françoise I. , Michel Valérie , Fernandes Julien , Costa Lionel , Camilo Vania , Nigro Giulia , De Reuse Hilde , Fiette Laurence , Touati Eliette
Published: December 2019

Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis and is the major risk factor of gastric cancer. H. pylori induces a chronic inflammation-producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is a source of chromosome instabilities and contributes to the development of malignancy. H. pylori also promotes DNA hypermethylation, known to dysregulate essential genes that maintain genetic stability. The maintenance of telomere length by telomerase is essential for chromosome integrity. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is the catalytic component of telomerase activity and an important target during host-pathogen interaction. We aimed to investigate the consequences of H. pylori on the regulation of TERT gene expression and telomerase activity. In vitro, hTERT mRNA levels and telomerase activity were analysed in H. pylori-infected human gastric epithelial cells. In addition, C57BL/6 and INS-GAS mice were used to investigate the influence of H. pylori-induced inflammation on TERT levels. Our data demonstrated that, in vitro, H. pylori inhibits TERT gene expression and decreases the telomerase activity. The exposure of cells to lycopene, an antioxidant compound, restores TERT levels in infected cells, indicating that ROS are implicated in this downregulation. In vivo, fewer TERT-positive cells are observed in gastric tissues of infected mice compared to uninfected, more predominantly in the vicinity of large aggregates of lymphocytes, suggesting an inflammation-mediated regulation. Furthermore, H. pylori appears to downregulate TERT gene expression through DNA hypermethylation as shown by the restoration of TERT transcript levels in cells treated with 5′-azacytidine, an inhibitor of DNA methylation. This was confirmed in infected mice, by PCR-methylation assay of the TERT gene promoter. Our data unraveled a novel way for H. pylori to promote genome instabilities through the inhibition of TERT levels and telomerase activity. This mechanism could play an important role in the early steps of gastric carcinogenesis.
Maximum Phonation Time in People with Obesity Not Submitted or Submitted to Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Fonseca Ana Luara Ferreura , Salgado Wilson , Dantas Roberto Oliveira
Published: December 2019

Background. Our aim in this investigation was to evaluate maximum phonation time in people with obesity not submitted to surgery and in people with obesity submitted to bariatric surgery and compare it with maximum phonation time of healthy volunteers. The hypothesis was that the reduced maximum phonation time in people with obesity would be corrected after surgery due to weight loss. Method. Maximum phonation time was evaluated in 52 class III patients (Group A), 62 class III patients who were treated by surgery 3 to 115 months before (Group B), 20 controls (Group C), and 15 class III patients whose maximum phonation time was evaluated before and two to six months after surgery (Group D). Maximum phonation time was measured in the sitting position with the vowels /A/, /I/, and /U/. Results. Maximal phonation time was shorter in groups A and B compared with that of controls. There was an increase in maximal phonation time after surgery (Group B); however, the difference was not significant when compared with that in group A. In group D, maximal phonation time for /A/ increased after the surgery. In group A, there was a negative correlation between maximal phonation time and weight or body mass index and a positive correlation between maximal phonation time and height. In group B, there was an almost significant positive relation between percentage of weight loss and maximal phonation time for /A/ (p=0.08) and /I/ (p=0.07). Mean values of spirometry testing (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) in people with obesity (groups A and B), expressed as percentage of the predicted value, were within the normal range. Conclusion. Compared with healthy controls, maximal phonation time is shorter in people with obesity, with a tendency to increase after bariatric surgery, as a possible consequence of weight loss.
Bioactive Molecules for Skin Repair and Regeneration: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Deyun , Hou Qian , Zhong Lingzhi , Zhao Yali , Li Meirong , Fu Xiaobing
Published: December 2019

Skin regeneration is a vexing problem in the field of regenerative medicine. A bioactive molecule-based strategy has been frequently used in skin wound healing in recent years. Bioactive molecules are practical tools for regulating cellular processes and have been applied to control cellular differentiation, dedifferentiation, and reprogramming. In this review, we focus on recent progress in the use of bioactive molecules in skin regenerative medicine, by which desired cell types can be generatedin vitrofor cell therapy and conventional therapeutics can be developed to repair and regenerate skinin vivothrough activation of the endogenous repairing potential. We further prospect that the bioactive molecule-base method might be one of the promising strategies to achievein situskin regeneration in the future.
A Rare Etiology of Abnormally Large Gastric Folds: Menetrier’s Disease
Authors: Kamal Muhammad Umar , Tariq Hassan , Mehak Vaniza , Azam Sara , Kumar Kishore , Niazi Masooma , Dev Anil
Published: December 2019

Menetrier’s disease (MD) is described as hypertrophied giant gastric folds causing hypoproteinemia due to protein losing gastropathy and is associated with higher risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. We present a case of a 58-year-old male who presented to our clinic with Melena and endoscopic work up showed enlarged gastric folds and erythematous mucosa in the antrum and three nonbleeding angioectasias in the duodenum. Mucosa biopsies were negative for H. pylori infection. He underwent polypectomy which showed fundic gland polyps. After 1½ years, EGD was repeated for abnormal computerized tomography of abdomen which showed enlarged gastric folds and biopsy revealed gastric fundic mucosa with foveolar hyperplasia, dilated fundic glands, and chronic gastritis. Stomach biopsy results were consistent with MD. Our patient had progressive disease in one and half years. It is important to follow patient with large gastric folds regular as they can develop MD over time which has increased risk of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Treatment of an Adult Skeletal Class III Patient with Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion and Facemask
Authors: Behnia Hossein , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein , Behnaz Mohammad
Published: December 2019

This case report presents the treatment of a 21-year-old male patient with class III skeletal malocclusion, an open bite, and vertical growth pattern. He was managed with surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) along with an orthopedic facemask. The duration of treatment was 16 months. Significant improvement and favourable outcome were observed concerning both facial appearance and paraclinical parameters after completion of treatment.
Complex Fuzzy Power Aggregation Operators
Authors: Hu Bo , Bi Lvqing , Dai Songsong
Published: December 2019

A complex fuzzy set is an extension of the fuzzy set, of which membership grades take complex values in the complex unit disk. We present two complex fuzzy power aggregation operators including complex fuzzy weighted power (CFWP) and complex fuzzy ordered weighted power (CFOWP) operators. We then study two geometric properties which include rotational invariance and reflectional invariance for these complex fuzzy aggregation operators. We also apply the new proposed aggregation operators to decision making and illustrate an example to show the validity of the new approach.
Crash-Prone Section Identification for Mountainous Highways Considering Multi-Risk Factors Coupling Effect
Authors: Xue Gang , Wen Huiying
Published: December 2019

In order to identify crash-prone sections of the highways in mountainous areas professionally and exclusively, the common phenomena of “sharp turns”, “continuous long downhill”, “multiple tunnels”, “dangerous roadside environment”, and complex and changeable meteorological environment, which all imply risk factors of the mountainous highways, are comprehensively considered. Utilizing the improved classical coupling model, the coupling mechanism of the risk factors is revealed, and the coupling model of the traffic risk factors is constructed, by which the coupling degrees of multi-risk factors couplings are calculated respectively. Based on the coupling degrees of the above factors, the concept of vehicle operation risk index (VORI) of the mountainous highway is introduced and its numerical value is quantified as the basis for identifying the crash-prone sections. The 21 km of Songming to Huize section of the Songdai Highway in the Yunnan Province of China is selected as an example, and the good applicability of the identification model is verified.
Jesús Soto en el Pabellón venezolano de 1967
Authors: Chávez Herrera Moisés Orlando
Published: December 2019

Este escrito deriva de la tesis presentada en la VIII Maestría de Historia de la Arquitectura y del Urbanismo en la Universidad Central de Venezuela, titulada Villanueva y el Pabellón de Venezuela en la Expo 67: una obra de arte total. Aquí se estudia la labor que Jesús Soto tuvo en el proceso de creación de una escultura que se ubicó en uno de los cubos del pabellón, detallando su proceso de concepción, desarrollo y culminación, a lo largo del trabajo colaborativo que lideró Carlos Raúl Villanueva. Asimismo, se hace un estudio de los significados filosófico-artísticos y una revisión sobre el concepto de modernidad que se muestra y esconde en la esencia de la pieza.
Everything and nothing
Authors: Rivetti Lara C. Casares
Published: December 2019

Este artigo analisa um conjunto de trabalhos de Antonio Dias, realizado entre 1968 e meados de 1971, no qual se veem as primeiras formulações, temáticas e formais, de aspectos que serão caros a grande parte de sua produção posterior, sobretudo à série The Illustration of Art, realizada a partir daquele último ano e até cerca de 1978. São abordados os principais temas desse período, o modo como são internalizados na obra e o papel desempenhado pelos escritos de Robert Smitshon nesse processo. Por fim, a última seção do texto busca mencionar como esses elementos aparecem na produção posterior, de modo a apontar sua importância, enquanto recurso produtivo, na obra de Antonio Dias.
Hospital Factors Associated With Interhospital Transfer Destination for Stroke in the Northeast United States
Authors: Zachrison Kori S. , Onnela Jukka‐Pekka , Reeves Mathew J. , Hernandez Adrian , Camargo Carlos A. , Zhao Xin , Matsouaka Roland A. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Metlay Joshua P. , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: December 2019

Background

We aimed to determine if there is an association between hospital quality and the likelihood of a given hospital being a preferred transfer destination for stroke patients.

Methods and Results

Data from Medicare claims identified acute ischemic stroke transferred between 394 northeast
US
hospitals from 2007 to 2011. Hospitals were categorized as transferring (n=136), retaining (n=241), or receiving (n=17) hospitals based on the proportion of acute ischemic stroke encounters transferred or received. We identified all 6409 potential dyads of sending and receiving hospitals, and categorized dyads as connected if ≥5 patients were transferred between the hospitals annually (n=82). We used logistic regression to identify hospital characteristics associated with establishing a connected dyad, exploring the effect of adjusting for different quality measures and outcomes. We also adjusted for driving distance between hospitals, receiving hospital stroke volume, and the number of hospitals in the receiving hospital referral region. The odds of establishing a transfer connection increased when rate of alteplase administration increased at the receiving hospital or decreased at the sending hospital, however this finding did not hold after applying a potential strategy to adjust for clustering. Receiving hospital performance on 90‐day home time was not associated with likelihood of transfer connection.

Conclusions

Among northeast
US
hospitals, we found that differences in hospital quality, specifically higher levels of alteplase administration, may be associated with increased likelihood of being a transfer destination. Further research is needed to better understand acute ischemic stroke transfer patterns to optimize stroke transfer systems.
BİR KAMU DİPLOMASİSİ UYGULAMASI OLARAK AKSARAY ÜNİVERSİTESİ ÖRNEĞİNDE TÜRKİYE’NİN ULUSLARARASI ÖĞRENCİ KABULÜ
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Mehmet
Published: December 2019

Küreselleşmenin ve yükseköğretimde
uluslararasılaşmanın günümüzde en önemli göstergelerinden birisi uluslararası
öğrenci hareketliliğidir. Dünyanın farklı ülkelerinde eğitim görmek ve deneyim
kazanmak isteyen öğrenciler ile bunların oluşturduğu “hareketlilikten”
kültürel, akademik ve ekonomik anlamda fayda sağlamak isteyen ülkelerin
varlığının birbiriyle örtüşmesi, uluslararası öğrenci sayısının giderek
artmasını beraberinde getirmektedir. Bu çalışma; kamu diplomasisinin önemli bir
aracı olarak da değerlendirilen uluslararası öğrenci kabulüne ilişkin
Türkiye’deki mevcut durumu ve yaşanan gelişmeleri sistematik bir şekilde
incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Çalışmaya örnek teşkil etmesi için Aksaray
Üniversitesi’ndeki uluslararası öğrencilerin sayısal verilerinden de yararlanılmıştır.
Çalışmada ayrıca Türkiye’nin uluslararası öğrenci hareketliliğindeki yerine,
tarihi tecrübesine, ne tür politikalar izlediğine ve özellikle Büyük Öğrenci
Projesi ve Türkiye Bursları gibi programların muhtevasına ve önemine ilişkin
değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Sonuçta, kamu diplomasisi kapsamında yapılan
uygulamanın etkinliğini artırıcı önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Morphological development, distribution and ecology of the arctic oribatid mite Hermannia scabra (Acari: Oribatida: Hermanniidae) and synonymy of Hermannia gigantea
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , MAKAROVA OLGA L. , BIZIN MIKHAIL S.
Published: December 2019

The topotypes (adult and juvenile instars) of the arctic oribatid mite Hermannia scabra (L. Koch, 1879) (Oribatida, Hermanniidae) from Vaygach Island (easternmost arctic Europe) were investigated and compared with those of Hermannia gigantea Sitnikova, 1975 collected from southwest Taymyr Peninsula, northern Middle Siberia, resulting in the following new taxonomic proposal: Hermannia scabra (L. Koch, 1879) (= Hermannia gigantea Sitnikova, 1975, syn. nov.). The morphology of its all instars is described and illustrated in detail on the base of specimens collected from the northern West Siberia (Shokalsky Island). The main morphological traits are summarized. Two northern species of Hermannia with granulate notogaster, namely H. scabra and H. nodosa Michael, 1988, were regularly mixed up in the literature. Their differential diagnosis is provided after elaboration of spacious materials. The morphological differences of juvenile instars of five species of Hermannia (H. gibba (C.L. Koch, 1839), H. jesti Travé, 1977, H. nodosa, H. reticulata Thörell, 1871, and H. scabra) are given. The biotopic preferences of arctic members of Hermannia are briefly observed.
Dual Coaptation of Facial Nerve Using Masseteric Branch of Trigeminal Nerve for Iatrogenic Facial Palsy: Preliminary Reports
Authors: Lee Yoon Se , Ahn Joong Ho , Park Hong Ju , Lee Ho Jun , Bae Mi Rye , Roh Jong-Lyel , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon
Published: December 2019

Objectives:

Immediate facial nerve substitution or graft technique has been used for the repair of facial nerve defects occurring as a result of tumour dissection. However, some patients report unsatisfactory outcomes, such as difficulty in maintaining resting or smiling symmetry, due to persistent flaccid facial palsy. Here we evaluated the functional outcomes of transferring the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve to the facial nerve adjunct to facial nerve graft.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of seven patients who underwent facial reanimation surgery between 2014 and 2016. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of facial reanimation surgery: group A, masseteric nerve innervation with interposition graft; group B, interposition graft only. The postoperative resting symmetry and dynamic movement were compared.

Results:

Facial contraction was first observed in group A at 4 months and in group B at 7.3 months. Most of the patients achieved reliable resting symmetry; however, one patient in group B exhibited unsatisfactory facial weakness on the affected side. Group A patients showed better dynamic movement than group B patients. Eye closure, oral excursion and oral continence were better in group A than in group B patients. Smile symmetry in both groups was similar due to hyperkinetic movement in group A patients and flaccidity in group B patients.

Conclusions:

Dual innervation of the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve improves the dynamic movement of paralysed facial muscles and shortens the recovery period in patients with iatrogenic facial palsy.
Patterned pogroms: Patronage networks as infrastructure for electoral violence in India and Indonesia
Authors: Berenschot Ward
Published: December 2019

The regular occurrence of election-related violence between ethnic or religious communities has generated a burgeoning literature on ‘the dark side’ of democracy. This literature provides convincing accounts of how political competition incentivizes politicians to foment violence. Yet such elite-oriented approaches are less convincing in explaining why and how political elites succeed in mobilizing people who do not share their concern for electoral benefits. This article addresses this challenge by relating the capacity of politicians to foment violence to the everyday functioning of patronage networks. Using ethnographic fieldwork to compare violent and nonviolent areas during Hindu–Muslim violence in Gujarat (2002) and Christian–Muslim violence in North Maluku (1999–2000), I find that the informal networks through which citizens gain access to state benefits (‘patronage networks’) shape patterns of election-related violence between religious communities. Politicians succeeded in fomenting violence in areas where citizens depended strongly on ethnicized patronage networks, while violence was averted in areas where state–citizen interaction was organized through networks that bridge religious divides. Interpreting this finding, I argue that patronage networks generate both infrastructure and incentives to organize violence. They provide the infrastructure for violence because their everyday functioning generates interdependencies between politicians and local followers that facilitate the instigation and organization of violence. Patronage networks also generate incentives for violence because when prevailing patronage networks bridge social divides, politicians relying on these networks have an interest in preventing communal violence. When socio-economic changes cause patronage networks to become organized along religious divides, as occurred in the violent areas in Gujarat and North Maluku, divisive political discourse is more likely to resonate and political actors are more likely to benefit electorally from communal violence. In this manner this article provides a novel explanation for both subnational variation in patterns of violence and the hardening of social divisions.
Sibilant Fricative Merging in Taiwan Mandarin: An Investigation of Tongue Postures using Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Chiu Chenhao , Wei Po-Chun , Noguchi Masaki , Yamane Noriko
Published: December 2019

In Taiwan Mandarin, retroflex [ʂ] is allegedly merging with dental [s], reducing the traditional three-way contrast between sibilant fricatives (i.e., dental [s]–retroflex [ʂ]–alveopalatal [ɕ]) to a two-way contrast. Most of the literature on the observed merging focuses on the acoustic properties and perceptual identification of the sibilants, whereas much less attention has been drawn to the articulatory evidence accounting for the aforementioned sibilant merging. The current study employed ultrasound imaging techniques to uncover the tongue postures for the three sibilant fricatives [s, ʂ, ɕ] in Taiwan Mandarin occurring before vowels [a], [ɨ], and [o]. Results revealed varying classes of the [s–ʂ] merger: complete merging ( overlap), no merging ( non-overlap), and context-dependent merging ( context-dependent overlap, which only occurred before [a]). The observed [s–ʂ] merger was also confirmed by the perceptual identification by trained phoneticians. Center of gravity (CoG), a reliable spectral moment of identifying different sibilant fricatives, was also measured to reflect the articulatory–acoustic correspondence. Results showed that the [s–ʂ] merger varies across speakers and may also be conditioned by vowel contexts and that articulatory mergers may not be entirely reflected in CoG values, suggesting that auxiliary articulatory gestures may be employed to maintain the acoustic contrast.
Mental health literacy: conceptions of mental illness among African residents of Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Kometsi Molelekoa J , Mkhize Nhlanhla J , Pillay Anthony L
Published: December 2019

The prevalence of mental illness is on the rise, and there are many people with chronic or severe mental disorders who are unaware that they have a diagnosable disorder. It is plausible that this is largely because of the public’s non-alignment with biomedical understandings of mental illness which may imply a lack of mental health literacy. This study investigated conceptions and aetiological beliefs about mental illness among 787 randomly selected African residents of Sisonke District using a survey. The results show that participants did not use standard psychological nomenclature to describe mental illness, but instead used very broad, over-encompassing terms which may be indicative of their worldview. Of the three disorders investigated, depression was mainly conceptualised using psychological and medical terms, and schizophrenia and alcohol dependency were conceptualised in psychological and social terms. In addition, only schizophrenia, among the three disorders investigated, was conceptualised using supernatural descriptions such as bewitchment and ukuthwasa. The findings of this study highlight the importance of awareness campaigns that take into consideration and respect the cultural differences of the people as well as collaboration between traditional and medical practitioners.
Correlations of MIF polymorphism and serum levels of MIF with glucocorticoid sensitivity of sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Zhu Wen-Yan , Jin Xin , Ma Yong-Chi , Liu Zhi-Biao
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study explored the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene polymorphism (−173G/C) and glucocorticoid sensitivity in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Methods

A total of 120 patients with SSNHL were divided into a glucocorticoid-sensitive group and a glucocorticoid-resistant group. A group of 93 healthy individuals served as the control group. Serum MIF levels of the participants were measured and MIF genotyping was performed.

Results

The frequency of the MIF −173C allele was significantly higher in glucocorticoid-sensitive patients than in glucocorticoid-resistant patients. Serum MIF levels were significantly higher in SSNHL patients than in healthy controls, and higher in the glucocorticoid-sensitive group than in the glucocorticoid-resistant group of SSNHL patients, which was unexpected. Compared with patients with the GG genotype, patients with the −173C allele (GC and CC genotypes) had significantly higher levels of serum MIF and superoxide dismutase activity and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde.

Conclusion

The MIF −173G/C polymorphism is associated with glucocorticoid sensitivity in SSNHL patients. The C allele can result in higher MIF production, reduced oxidative stress, and greater glucocorticoid sensitivity.
Corporate governance factors as predictors of earnings management
Authors: Wasan Pratibha , Mulchandani Kalyani
Published: December 2019

Unlike developed markets, emerging markets like India have greater imperfections, have information asymmetry, and are particularly different in terms of accounting transparency, corruption, and corporate governance (CG). Also, concentrated ownership structure of Indian firms is more conducive for opportunistic earnings management (EM). There has been high incidence of financial frauds and EM in India particularly through related party transactions. The CG regulations were revised and enhanced in the year 2014 but increasing cases of financial frauds and CG violations indicate insufficiency of CG laws in the country. Linking CG to financial information in a context where investor protection laws are still evolving is important. The contributions of the present study are: first, it assesses earnings quality (EQ) as a key outcome of EM to confirm, in the Indian context, one of the two opposing perspectives of EM, namely opportunistic and informational. Second, it creates empirical evidence on those firm attributes and CG mechanisms which can predict EQ for investors in India. Third, it provides inputs on the effectiveness of the revised regulations in controlling EM, and finally, it puts forward theoretical rationale for EM and CG practices in India.
Work-Related Emotional Communication Model of Burnout: An Analysis of Emotions for Hire
Authors: Powers Samantha Rae , Myers Karen K.
Published: December 2019

This study proposes the Work-Related Emotional Communication model of burnout to explicate the relationships between processes of emotional work and emotional labor leading to burnout. The model was validated drawing on survey data from 2,067 practicing attorneys. Our analyses found emotional contagion to have a stronger positive influence on burnout through its direct effect on exhaustion than through its indirect effect on communicative responsiveness. Sensitivity to the Expressive Behavior of Others was a prominent influence on empathic communication. Inefficacy partially mediated the positive effects of exhaustion on cynicism. Surface acting did not contribute to inefficacy but had positive effects on exhaustion and cynicism. Deep acting had no apparent effect on burnout, whereas automatic regulation negatively influenced burnout. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications for future research and offer suggestions for management to work toward the reduction of worker burnout.
Coping with Institutional and Financial Crises in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: Ensuring the Survival of Ottoman Royal Waqfs
Authors: Orbay Kayhan
Published: December 2019

The Ottoman Empire had inherited the waqf (charitable foundation) as an institutionalized form of charity from the Near Eastern Islamic states, which had preceded it. Over time, new forms of charitable foundations emerged, while with the expansion of the Empire, waqfs grew in number and spread geographically. Donors created over fifty thousand charitable foundations, making them into the most widespread institution in Ottoman history. Some waqfs, the largest ones in particular, survived for many centuries. However, sometimes continued functioning was under severe threat, due to wars, epidemics, natural disasters, and rebellions.

To overcome financial straits, the waqfs resorted to a variety of measures. Occasionally, a royal waqf in difficulty received assistance from other foundations established by sultans and/or their relatives. Administrators reduced current expenditures, sometimes even suspending salaries and charitable services. Moreover, through long-term lease contracts involving substantial down payments by the lessees, waqf administrators often raised the money needed to restore damaged properties. In the present paper, we study Ottoman royal waqfs when exposed to adversities and financial hardships. As administrators reacted with considerable flexibility, the claim that the waqfs were rigid institutions is in obvious need of revision.