bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More Than Six Elements Per Wavelength: The Practical Use of Structural Finite Element Models and Their Accuracy in Comparison with Experimental Results
Authors: Langer P. , Maeder M. , Guist C. , Krause M. , Marburg S.
Published: March 2017

Choosing the right number and type of elements in modern commercial finite element tools is a challenging task. It requires a broad knowledge about the theory behind or much experience by the user. Benchmark tests are a common method to prove the element performance against analytical solutions. However, these tests often analyze the performance only for single elements. When investigating the complete mesh of an arbitrary structure, the comparison of the element’s performance is quite challenging due to the lack of closed or fully converged solutions. The purpose of this paper is to show a high-precision comparison of eigenfrequencies of a real structure between experimental and numerical results in the context of an element performance check with respect to a converged solution. Additionally, the authors identify the practically relevant accuracy of simulation and experiment. Finally, the influence of accuracy with respect to the number of elements per standing structural bending wave is shown.
Participating Contingent Premium Options
Authors: Rajae Aboulaich , Amina Dchieche
Published: March 2017

The first motivation of the creation of derivatives is hedging risk but unfortunately this motivation has changed over the decades since more conventional contracts are used for speculation. The purpose of this study is to use derivatives solely for hedging while respecting principles of profit and risk sharing. According to previous work about the pricing of Waad Bil Mourabaha and using the conventional expression of the contingent premium option, we will propose a model of Participating CPO.
Structural Safety Assessment of Existing Multiarch Tunnel: A Case Study
Authors: Lai Jinxing , Qiu Junling , Fan Haobo , Chen Jianxun , Hu Zhinan , Zhang Qian , Wang Junbao
Published: March 2017

Structural health assessment is one of the key activities in maintaining the performance of a tunnel during its service life. Due to the development of modern detection technology, comprehensive structural health assessment system is being established for operating tunnels. To evaluate the actual operational state of Shitigou tunnel, overall detection of the liner crack, tunnel seepage, and liner void was conducted by employing the modern detection technology, such as crack width monitoring technology, concrete strength monitoring technology, and electromagnetic wave nondestructive monitoring technology. Through the statistical analysis of the detection results, the distribution characteristic, development law, and damage grade of structural defects were obtained. Tunnel liner cracks are mainly located on the middle wall; serious water leakage is encountered on the side wall, middle wall, and vault; the strength of foundation and liner structure of left tunnel does not meet the design requirement; the liner voids are mostly located at the tunnel entrance section, especially, on the tunnel vault; and the proportion of influence factors of structural defects should be considered. The research results presented for this study can serve as references for effective design and health assessment of existing multiarch tunnel projects.
BROSMAP: A Novel Broadcast Based Secure Mobile Agent Protocol for Distributed Service Applications
Authors: Shehada Dina , Yeun Chan Yeob , Zemerly M. Jamal , Al Qutayri Mahmoud , Al Hammadi Yousof , Damiani Ernesto , Hu Jiankun
Published: March 2017

Mobile agents are smart programs that migrate from one platform to another to perform the user task. Mobile agents offer flexibility and performance enhancements to systems and service real-time applications. However, security in mobile agent systems is a great concern. In this paper, we propose a novel Broadcast based Secure Mobile Agent Protocol (BROSMAP) for distributed service applications that provides mutual authentication, authorization, accountability, nonrepudiation, integrity, and confidentiality. The proposed system also provides protection from man in the middle, replay, repudiation, and modification attacks. We proved the efficiency of the proposed protocol through formal verification with Scyther verification tool.
Recycle of Immobilized Endocellulases in Different Conditions for Cellulose Hydrolysis
Authors: Silva D. F. , Carvalho A. F. A. , Shinya T. Y. , Mazali G. S. , Herculano R. D. , Oliva-Neto P.
Published: March 2017

The immobilization of cellulases could be an economical alternative for cost reduction of enzyme application. The derivatives obtained in the immobilization derivatives were evaluated in recycles of paper filter hydrolysis. The immobilization process showed that the enzyme recycles were influenced by the shape (drop or sheet) and type of the mixture. The enzyme was recycled 28 times for sheets E′ and 13 times for drops B′. The derivative E′ showed the highest stability in the recycle obtaining 0.05 FPU/g, RA of 10%, and FPU Yield of 1.64 times, higher than FPU spent or Net FPU Yield of 5.3 times, saving more active enzymes. The derivative B showed stability in recycles reaching 0.15 FPU/g of derivative, yield of Recovered Activity (RA) of 25%, and FPU Yield of 1.57 times, higher than FPU spent on immobilization or Net PFU Yield of 2.81 times. The latex increased stability and resistance of the drops but did not improve the FPU/gram of derivative.
Paricalcitol Pretreatment Attenuates Renal Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury via Prostaglandin E2 Receptor EP4 Pathway
Authors: Hong Yu Ah , Yang Keum Jin , Jung So Young , Park Ki Cheol , Choi Hyunsu , Oh Jeong Min , Lee Sang Ju , Chang Yoon Kyung , Park Cheol Whee , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Suk Young , Hwang Hyeon Seok
Published: March 2017

The protective mechanism of paricalcitol remains unclear in renal ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury. We investigated the renoprotective effects of paricalcitol in IR injury through the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP4. Paricalcitol was injected into IR‐exposed HK‐2 cells and mice subjected to bilateral kidney ischemia for 23 min and reperfusion for 24 hr. Paricalcitol prevented IR‐induced cell death and EP4 antagonist cotreatment offset these protective effects. Paricalcitol increased phosphorylation of Akt and cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and suppressed nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in IR‐exposed cells and cotreatment of EP4 antagonist or EP4 small interfering RNA blunted these signals. In vivo studies showed that paricalcitol improved renal dysfunction and tubular necrosis after IR injury and cotreatment with EP4 antagonist inhibited the protective effects of paricalcitol. Phosphorylation of Akt was increased and nuclear translocation of p65 NF‐κB was decreased in paricalcitol‐treated mice with IR injury, which was reversed by EP4 blockade. Paricalcitol decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in renal IR injury. Paricalcitol also attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells and production of proinflammatory cytokines after IR injury. EP4 antagonist abolished these antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The EP4 plays a pivotal role in the protective effects of paricalcitol in renal IR injury.
Synergetic Control of Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Qian Junjie , Li Kaiting , Wu Huaren , Yang Jianfei , Li Xiaohui
Published: March 2017

It is important to improve the dynamic performance and the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system. This paper presents synergetic control for the control of a grid-connected PV system. Modeling of a grid-connected PV system is described, and differential-algebra equations are obtained. Two control strategies are used in normal operation and during LVRT of a PV system. Practical synergetic controllers with two control strategies are synthesized. The mathematical expressions are derived for computing control variables. The design of the synergetic controllers does not require the linearization of the grid-connected PV system. A grid-connected PV system with synergetic controllers is simulated in Simulink surroundings. The control performance is studied in normal operation and during LVRT. Simulation results show that the synergetic controllers are robust and have good dynamic characteristics under different operation states.
Nanocomposites of NR/SBR Blend Prepared by Latex Casting Method: Effects of Nano-TiO2 and Polystyrene-Encapsulated Nano-TiO2 on the Cure Characteristics, Physical Properties, and Morphology
Authors: Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn , Pokphat Peeraphong , Chaiwutthinan Phasawat , Chuayjuljit Saowaroj
Published: March 2017

Nanocomposites of 80/20 (w/w) natural rubber (NR)/styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) blend with four loadings of either nanosized titanium dioxide (nTiO2) or polystyrene-encapsulated nTiO2 (PS-nTiO2), ranging from 3 to 9 parts by weight per hundred of rubber (phr), were prepared by latex casting method. The PS-nTiO2 synthesized via in situ differential microemulsion polymerization displayed a core-shell morphology (nTiO2 core and PS shell) with an average diameter of 42 nm. The cure characteristics (scorch time, cure time, and cure rate index), mechanical properties (tensile properties, tear strength, and hardness), thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and morphology of the prepared nanocomposites were quantified and compared. The results showed that the cure characteristics of all the nanocomposites were not significantly changed compared to those of the neat NR/SBR blend. The inclusion of an appropriate amount of either nTiO2 or PS-nTiO2 into the NR/SBR blend apparently improved the tensile strength, modulus at 300% strain, tear strength, hardness, and thermal stability but deteriorated the elongation at break of the nanocomposites. Based on differential scanning calorimetry, the glass transition temperature of all the nanocomposites was similar to that of the neat NR/SBR blend. Moreover, the morphology of the PS-nTiO2-filled rubber nanocomposites fractured surface analyzed by scanning electron microscopy showed an improvement in the interfacial adhesion between the rubber phase and the nanoparticles.
Use of an Osteoblast Overload Damage Model to Probe the Effect of Icariin on the Proliferation, Differentiation and Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling Pathway
Authors: Liu Yingjie , Huang Lulu , Hao Baohui , Li Hao , Zhu Shuanglong , Wang Qiangsong , Li  Ruixin , Xu Yunqiang , Zhang Xizheng
Published: March 2017

Background/Aims: Mechanical loading plays an important role in the regulation of bone mass. However, bone cells are not always under physiological stress. In some cases, bone tissue is subjected to an overloaded mechanical environment. For example, a person who is weight training and a stevedore often experience bone pain, inflammation and other bone fatigue damage symptoms. Icariin is the major ingredient of Herba epimedii, which has been widely used for the treatment of bone injury in traditional Chinese medicine, but its mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to probe the effect of icariin on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts exposed to overload and to determine whether the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is involved in the drug response in osteoblasts. Methods: Mouse MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to mechanical tensile strain using a four- point bending device to create an overload damage model. An MTT assay was performed to determine the effects of icariin on MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation. The mRNA and protein levels of ALP, COL-I, OCN, RUNX2 and β-catenin were assessed using RT-PCR and immunoblotting. The protein levels of β-catenin in the MC3T3-E1 cells were also determined using fluorescence microscopy. The mineralization of osteoblasts was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining. Results: We found that icariin enhanced the proliferation of osteoblasts exposed to overload and promoted MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation and mineralization. Furthermore, the gene and protein expression levels of β-catenin and RUNX2 all increased with icariin treatment compared with those in the damage group. Conclusion: Our study suggested that icariin promotes proliferation and differentiation in osteoblasts exposed to overload. The effect of icariin on osteoblastic differentiation acted by activating the RUNX2 promoter and the Wnt/β- catenin pathway.
“Taken from Dust, Formed from Clay”: Compound Allusions and Scriptural Exegesis in 1QHodayota 11:20–37; 20:27–39 and Ben Sira 33:7–15
Authors: Cirafesi Wally V.
Published: March 2017

This article argues that, in 1QHa 11:20–27; 20:27–39 and Sir 33:7–15, the use of allusions to humanity’s creation from dust in Genesis 2–3 and to its formation from clay in Isa 29:16; 45:9; Jer 18:4, 6 represents a conscious exegetical process in which the Genesis and prophetic traditions were read and used in light of one another. Although originating within different social environments—one sectarian and the other as part of a more mainstream scribal context—both make use of the same two scriptural allusions and evince a similar pattern of interpretive reflection. The goal of the study is to demonstrate that the allusions function together, in a compounded manner, to present (1) a composite portrait of God as creator and determiner of all human outcomes, and (2) a corresponding composite portrait of humanity in its universal mortality and complete subjection to the deterministic will of God.
Narcissism or Facts?
Authors: Piercey Robert
Published: March 2017

This essay asks whether a pragmatist philosophy of history can make sense of the notion of historical facts. It is tempting to think it cannot, since pragmatists insist, as James puts it, that the trail of the human serpent is over everything. Facts, by contrast, are typically thought of as something untouched by the human serpent, something impervious to what we think and do. I argue, however, that there is a way of understanding facts that is perfectly at home in pragmatist philosophy of history. Drawing on work by Robert Brandom, I propose that facts be interpreted inferentially. On this view, to call something a fact, or to say that the facts make my beliefs true, is simply a shorthand way of saying that a particular sort of relationship exists among certain sentences. I further show that this inferential understanding of facts is fully compatible with the distinctive features of historical inquiry. In particular, it is compatible with history’s irreducibly narrative character, and with the way different narratives can reveal radically different facts. Finally, I use this account of historical facts to respond to a classic criticism of pragmatism: the charge that pragmatism is narcissistic. I argue that pragmatism is narcissistic in only the minimal sense that it cannot countenance theory-neutral givens. But pragmatists can happily grant that there is more to truth than consensus, and that our claims are answerable to facts that everyone can get wrong.
Transnational Christian Activities in a Colonial Setting
Authors: Ion Andrew Hamish
Published: March 2017

This paper looks at the issue of transnational Christian activities in a colonial setting through a case study of the overseas missionary work of the Nippon Seikôkai (NSKK). Missionary work in the Japanese overseas empire offers an example of Western and Japanese missionary societies and missionaries working in a colonial setting where the colonial overlord was neither European nor Christian but still intent to use religion for the benefit of its imperial rule. As the example of the NSKK shows after 1937 nationalistic concerns rather than transnational ones had become the dominant force behind Japanese overseas missionary work.
Moore’s Proof, Perception, and Scepticism (Moores Beweis, Wahrnehmung und Skeptizismus)
Authors: Dierig Simon
Published: March 2017

Two major arguments have been advanced for the claim that there is a transmission failure in G.E. Moore’s famous proof of an external world. The first argument, due to Crispin Wright, is based on an epistemological doctrine now known as ‘conservatism’. Proponents of the second argument, like Nicholas Silins, invoke probabilistic considerations, most important among them Bayes’ theorem. The aim of this essay is to defend Moore’s proof against these two arguments. It is shown, first, that Wright’s argument founders because one of its premises, viz., conservatism, invites scepticism and must therefore be rejected. Then the probabilistic argument is challenged, not because its formal part is dubious, but rather on the grounds that it incorporates an unconvincing philosophical claim as an implicit premise. Finally, the two most promising objections to dogmatism—the negation of conservatism—are repudiated.
From Murphy’s Irrational Heart to Beckett’s Worsening Word
Authors: Gunn Peter
Published: March 2017

In his 1937 letter to Axel Kaun, Beckett says that he is setting off for the beyond of the “word surface.” This trajectory is diverted when he goes on to indicate that he is also drawn to working with that surface itself when it is considered as having the plasticity of a fabric. Reading Murphy with “Comment Dire” / “What is the Word,” this paper proposes that the Beckettian text, of whatever period, can be taken as enacting this diversion: from the quest for a truth beyond to making present that fabric which is produced, immediately to hand, by the very act of writing.
The Mind-Body Nexus in Beckett’s Writing of Love-Melancholy
Authors: Kim Rina
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the influence of medieval and early modern medicine, in its pre-Cartesian material explanations for psychological phenomena, on Beckett’s works, as evident in his use of Burton’s Anatomy of Melancholy. Medieval medical reading on lovesickness is crucial in the history of medicine as it reveals the links between mental states and physiological mechanisms, and the ways in which mental functioning is conditioned by, and thus subject to, the temper of the body. Beckett’s writing of love-melancholy, equipped with knowledge of both medieval and early modern medicine and psychoanalysis, offers fertile ground for reassessing the intricate mind-body nexus and the role of affective alterity in subject-formation.
Mind, Brain, and Text
Authors: Byron Mark
Published: March 2017

Worstward Ho interrogates what it means for a text to imagine itself in the process of its own creation. Its rising and falling patterns of creation and decreation with respect to narrative, character, semantics, and syntax demonstrate a kind of immanent thinking as the text modulates between being and non-being. Worstward Ho manifests intensive creativity in its methods of allusion across and beyond Beckett’s oeuvre. These literary deformations bear morphological similarities with the gyri and sulci, the ridges and grooves in the human cortex that provide the human brain with significantly enhanced neural connectivity and processing power.
Shuffling in the Mortal Coil
Authors: Goodall Jane
Published: March 2017

For all his readiness to allow ghosts into his narratives, Beckett was no super-naturalist. Yet in his later plays, the voice of consciousness ranges across the human life span, from pre-natal to post-mortem states. This latitude in the way he dramatizes anxieties of incarnation harks back to his analysis with Wilfred Bion, with whom Beckett explored his own intrauterine memories. Bion’s view of ‘birth’ and ‘death’ as indeterminate boundaries may have enduring resonances in Beckett’s work.
‘Something to Do with Dust’
Authors: Stewart Glenn
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this article is to discuss how the issue of the Kantian ‘block’, as described by Theodor Adorno in his 1959 lectures on The Critique of Pure Reason, can help us understand Samuel Beckett’s depiction of the subject. Kant understood metaphysics as the science of limitation. In sense his philosophy is more agreeable with Beckett’s work than it may appear. It is this overlooked aspect of Kant’s philosophy that Adorno brings to the forefront and this essay is designed to illustrate how doing so numbers among Adorno’s other invaluable contributions to the study of Beckett’s works.
Revisions of two poorly known species of Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 (Squamata: Colubridae: Natricinae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: WANG YING-YONG , GUO QIANG , LIU ZU-YAO , LYU ZHI-TONG , WANG JIAN , LUO LIN , SUN YAN-JUN , ZHANG YAN-WU
Published: March 2017

The previous descriptions of Opisthotropis maxwelli Boulenger, 1914 and O. andersonii (Boulenger, 1888) were considered imperfect due to the limited number of specimens. This may in turn cause a problem for accurate species identification. In our study, the species boundaries of these two species were investigated using an integrative approach incorporating morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial Cyt b gene of 26 specimens of nine known Opisthotropis species collected from south-eastern China. Our results surprisingly revealed a new cryptic species, Opisthotropis shenzhenensis sp. nov., from Shenzhen and Dongguan, Guangdong Province, southern China. Further, we re-described O. maxwelli based on several specimens from Fujian and Guangdong, and O. andersonii based on a series of specimens from Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, China. We provide an updated identification key to all described Opisthotropis species from China.
The phytotelm tadpoles of Microhyla arboricola (Anura: Microhylidae) from Vietnam, with comments on reproductive biology and development
Authors: VASSILIEVA ANNA B. , TROUNOV VITALY L. , POYARKOV NIKOLAY A., JR. , GALOYAN EDUARD A.
Published: March 2017

The reproductive biology of Microhyla arboricola (Microhylidae) was studied in two regions of the southern Annamite Mountains in Vietnam. M. arboricola is an obligate phytotelm-breeder that reproduces in water-filled tree hollows in montane evergreen forests. Clutches are attached above the water level in the hollows and contain 5–37 pigmented, relatively large eggs. Larvae hatch at markedly advanced stages and develop in water until metamorphosis is completed. The developing tadpoles are obligately oophagous and feed on conspecific eggs and embryos. M. arboricola tadpoles differ from tadpoles of pond-dwelling Microhyla species in their external morphology (extremely long tails, dorsolateral position of the eyes, dark pigmentation), digestive tract morphology (large, extensible larval stomach and short intestine), and oral morphology. The larval chondrocranium and hyobranchiumof M. arboricola is described. M. arboricola shares its habitat with other hollow-breeding species of anurans. To date, M. arboricola is the only known arboreal species of the genus Microhyla that has a unique reproductive mode. The ecological niche of this species differs greatly from those occupied by other microhylids of Indochinese Peninsula.
Two new species of Lamiinae, synonymies in Hemilophini, and corrections on the concept of four genera with transfers of three species (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae)
Authors: GALILEO MARIA HELENA M. , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , WAPPES JAMES E.
Published: March 2017

The differences between Lycidola Thomson, 1864 and Apeba Martins & Galileo, 1991 are discussed, and a new concept proposed for both genera. Lycidola popeba Galileo & Martins, 2006 is transferred to Apeba. The authorship of Lycidola palliata nigrohumeralis (type species of Acabanga Martins & Galileo, 1991) is corrected. Hemilophus togatus sensu Haase (1892) and sensu Heyne & Taschenberg (1908) are excluded from the synonym of Apeba togata (Klug, 1825). Apeba herrerae sp. nov. is described from Bolivia, and a key to species of this genus is provided. Lycaneptia antiqua Waterhouse, 1880 (= Apeba antiqua) is synonymized with Saperda togata Klug, 1825 (= Apeba togata). Eranina tomentilla Mehl et al., 2015 and Tyrinthia humeralis Martins & Galileo, 2014) are synonymized with Tyrinthia reversa Bates, 1881 (= Icimauna reversa); I. reversa is recorded for the first time from Brazilian state of São Paulo. Icimauna macilenta (Bates, 1881) is figured for the first time, and I. macilenta sensu Martins & Galileo (2014b) is Eraninella longiscapus (Bates, 1881). A key to species of Icimauna is provided. Oreodera clarkei sp. nov. is described from Bolivia. A key to species of Oreodera Audinet-Serville, 1835 recorded from Bolivia is provided. The differences between Hippopsis Lepeletier & Audinet-Serville, 1825 and Megacera Audinet-Serville, 1835 are summarized, and a new concept is proposed for each. Subsequently, Megacera rigidula Bates, 1866, and M. acuminata Galileo & Martins, 2006 are transferred to Hippopsis.
Description of a new species of clupeid fish, Amblygaster indiana (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae), off Eraviputhenthurai, west coast of India
Authors: MARY ANTHONIPILLAI AROCKIA , BALASUBRAMANIAN THNGAVELU , SELVARAJU SHANKER , SHINY ANTHONIPILLAI
Published: March 2017

A new species, Amblygaster indiana sp. nov., is described from 12 specimens collected from fish landing centers and fish markets at Eraviputhenthurai, west coast of India. The new species can be differentiated from all other species of Amblygaster by its larger size and very deep body, 8 circular-shaped pre-pelvic scutes, different gill rakers counts, large eyes, 40 lateral scales, and peculiar gap between the left and right frontoparietal striae on the top of the head. The new species has been seasonally captured with A. sirm in Eraviputhenthurai and also other coastal waters of the south west coast of India. The proportions of A. indiana sp. nov. and A. sirm in fish catches are approximately 1 to 20. Gillnets and shore seines are used to catch Amblygaster spp. along the Eraviputhenthurai coast and along the coastal zones of south west coasts of India.
Notes and descriptions on North American Desmiphorini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae)
Authors: HEFFERN DANIEL , SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO
Published: March 2017

The differences between Estoloides Breuning, 1940, Tigrinestola Breuning, 1949, and Pseudestoloides Breuning & Heyrovsky, 1961 are discussed. A lectotype for Lypsimena tigrina Skinner, 1905 is designated. A new genus and two new species are described from Mexico: Tigrinestola nearnsi sp. nov., and Allotigrinestola sundbergi, gen. nov., sp. nov. A key to the four genera treated in this work, as well as to species of Tigrinestola are presented.
High-Resolution Statistical Downscaling in Southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Sobie Stephen R. , Murdock Trevor Q.
Published: March 2017

Knowledge from high-resolution daily climatological parameters is frequently sought after for increasingly local climate change assessments. This research investigates whether applying a simple postprocessing methodology to existing statistically downscaled temperature and precipitation fields can result in improved downscaled simulations useful at the local scale. Initial downscaled daily simulations of temperature and precipitation at 10-km resolution are produced using bias correction constructed analogs with quantile mapping (BCCAQ). Higher-resolution (800 m) values are then generated using the simpler climate imprint technique in conjunction with temperature and precipitation climatologies from the Parameter-Elevation Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM). The potential benefit of additional downscaling to 800 m is evaluated using the “Climdex” set of 27 indices of extremes established by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). These indices are also calculated from weather station observations recorded at 22 locations within southwestern British Columbia, Canada, to evaluate the performance of both the 10-km and 800-m datasets in replicating the observed quantities. In a 30-yr historical evaluation period, Climdex indices computed from 800-m simulated values display reduced error relative to local station observations than those from the 10-km dataset, with the greatest reduction in error occurring at high-elevation sites for precipitation-based indices.
A System for Retrieval and Incubation of Benthic Sediment Cores at In Situ Ambient Pressure and under Controlled or Manipulated Environmental Conditions
Authors: Jackson Keith , Witte Ursula , Chalmers Stewart , Anders Erik , Parkes John
Published: March 2017

The investigation of benthic biodiversity and biogeochemical processes in the deep sea is complicated by the need to conduct experiments at in situ pressures. Recovery of sediment samples to the surface without maintaining full-depth ambient pressure may damage the organisms that are of interest or cause physiological changes that could influence the processes being studied. It is possible to carry out in situ experiments using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or lander systems. However, the costs and complexity of ROV operations are significant and, for both ROVs and landers, the complexity and repeatability of the experiments are subject to the limitations imposed by these platforms. A system is described—the Multi-Autoclave Corer Experiment (MAC-EXP)—that has been developed with the aim of offering a new experimental approach to investigators. The MAC-EXP system is designed to retrieve sediment cores from depths down to 3500 m and to seal them into pressure chambers before being recovered so that they are maintained at their normal ambient pressure. After recovery the core chambers can be connected to a laboratory incubation system that allows for experimentation on the sediment without loss of pressure and under controlled conditions of temperature and oxygen concentration. The system is relatively low cost when compared to ROV systems and can be deployed using methods and equipment similar to those used for routine deployments of small unpressurized multicorers. The results of sea trials are detailed.
Builders of Ancient Babylon: Nabopolassar and Nebuchadnezzar II
Authors: Lundbom Jack R.
Published: March 2017

Nebuchadnezzar II looms large in the biblical books of Jeremiah and Daniel, the apocryphal literature, and writings of the classical authors. This article focuses on the building activity of Nebuchadnezzar II and his father Nabopolassar and describes also an inscribed brick found among the ruins of ancient Babylon.
“Resistance is Futile!”: The Ironies of Danielic Resistance to Empire
Authors: Newsom Carol A.
Published: March 2017

This essay explores how the discourses of imperial power and of the subordinated peoples are worked out in relation to one another in the book of Daniel. In resisting the empires that dominated Israel, the book of Daniel draws on imperial imagery of power exercised by human rulers, and thus inadvertently re-inscribes the imperial cycle by reifying idolatrous human institutions. This essay considers the alternative image of the rock hewed out—not by human hands—that undermines idolatrous images of power. To break free of imperialism, one must be open a radical new idea that deconstructs imperialism.
Stability and stabilization of 2-D Roesser systems with time-varying delays subject to missing measurements
Authors: Xuhui Bu , Senping Tian , Lizhi Cui , Junqi Yang
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the problem of stability and stabilization for a class of two-dimensional (2-D) Roesser systems with time-varying delays subject to missing measurements. The missing phenomenon of the sensor measurement is governed by a stochastic variable satisfying the Bernoulli random binary distribution. The aim of this paper is focused on the design of a state feedback controller such that the closed-loop 2-D system is asymptotic stability in the mean square sense. A delay-dependent stability condition is derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities, and formulas can be given for the control law design. Furthermore, the results are also extended to robust stability and stabilization of the uncertain 2-D time-varying delayed system. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of proposed approach.
Assembling and deconstructing radicalisation in PREVENT: A case of policy-based evidence making?
Authors: Mythen Gabe , Walklate Sandra , Peatfield Elizabeth-Jane
Published: March 2017

In the last 15 years the concept of radicalisation has come to prominence as a means of explaining the process by which individuals become attracted to extremist ideology and endorse the actions of terrorist groups. Post 9/11, radicalisation has gained traction in policy, political and media circles in Britain, being commonly connected to the threat of ‘home-grown’ terrorism. In this article, we critique the understanding of radicalisation outlined in the UK Government’s PREVENT strategy. We focus specifically on how particular understandings of radicalisation are constructed, evidenced and operationalised in PREVENT and the way in which these understandings align with party political worldviews. It is posited that an unremitting focus on the role of religious ideology in the process of radicalisation within PREVENT mutes recognition of otherwise important material grievances expressed by individuals involved in violent extremism. At a broader level, our analysis adds to growing concerns around the deleterious impacts of the securitisation of social policy.
Does a single session of electroconvulsive therapy alter the neural response to emotional faces in depression? A randomised sham-controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Miskowiak Kamilla W , Kessing Lars V , Ott Caroline V , Macoveanu Julian , Harmer Catherine J , Jørgensen Anders , Revsbech Rasmus , Jensen Hans M , Paulson Olaf B , Siebner Hartwig R , Jørgensen Martin B
Published: March 2017

Negative neurocognitive bias is a core feature of major depressive disorder that is reversed by pharmacological and psychological treatments. This double-blind functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated for the first time whether electroconvulsive therapy modulates negative neurocognitive bias in major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder were randomised to one active ( n=15) or sham electroconvulsive therapy ( n=12). The following day they underwent whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3T while viewing emotional faces and performed facial expression recognition and dot-probe tasks. A single electroconvulsive therapy session had no effect on amygdala response to emotional faces. Whole-brain analysis revealed no effects of electroconvulsive therapy versus sham therapy after family-wise error correction at the cluster level, using a cluster-forming threshold of Z>3.1 ( p<0.001) to secure family-wise error <5%. Groups showed no differences in behavioural measures, mood and medication. Exploratory cluster-corrected whole-brain analysis ( Z>2.3; p<0.01) revealed electroconvulsive therapy-induced changes in parahippocampal and superior frontal responses to fearful versus happy faces as well as in fear-specific functional connectivity between amygdala and occipito-temporal regions. Across all patients, greater fear-specific amygdala – occipital coupling correlated with lower fear vigilance. Despite no statistically significant shift in neural response to faces after a single electroconvulsive therapy session, the observed trend changes after a single electroconvulsive therapy session point to an early shift in emotional processing that may contribute to antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy.
PVT1 affects growth of glioma microvascular endothelial cells by negatively regulating miR-186
Authors: Ma Yawen , Wang Ping , Xue Yixue , Qu Chengbin , Zheng Jian , Liu Xiaobai , Ma Jun , Liu Yunhui
Published: March 2017

Vigorous angiogenesis is one of the reasons for the poor prognosis of glioma. A number of studies have shown that long non-coding RNA can affect a variety of biological behaviors of tumors. However, the influence of long non-coding RNAs on glioma vascular endothelial cells remains unclear. To simulate the glioma microenvironment, we applied glioma-conditioned medium to human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. The long non-coding RNA PVT1 was found to be highly expressed in glioma vascular endothelial cells. Cell Counting Kit-8, migration, and tube formation assays showed that PVT1 overexpression promoted glioma vascular endothelial cells proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. We also found that PVT1 overexpression upregulated the expression of the autophagy-related proteins Atg7 and Beclin1, which induced protective autophagy. Bioinformatics software and dual-luciferase system analysis confirmed that PVT1 acts by targeting miR-186. In addition, our study showed that miR-186 could target the 3′ untranslated region of Atg7 and Beclin1 to decrease their expression levels, thereby inhibiting glioma-conditioned human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell autophagy. In conclusion, PVT1 overexpression increased the expression of Atg7 and Beclin1 by targeting miR-186, which induced protective autophagy, thus promoting glioma vascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Therefore, PVT1 and miR-186 can provide new therapeutic targets for future anti-angiogenic treatment of glioma.
Crocetin shifts autophagic cell survival to death of breast cancer cells in chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Ailian , Li Jincheng
Published: March 2017

The chemotherapy with fluorouracil is not always effective, in which some breast cancer cells may survive the fluorouracil treatment through enhanced autophagy. Crocetin is the major constituent of saffron, a Chinese traditional herb, which has recently found to have multiple pharmacological effects, including anticancer. However, the effects of Crocetin on the outcome of fluorouracil therapy for breast cancer have not been studied. Here, we showed that fluorouracil treatment inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells, in either a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay or an MTT assay. Inhibition of autophagy further suppressed breast cancer cell growth, suggesting that the breast cancer cells increased autophagic cell survival during fluorouracil treatment. However, Crocetin significantly increased the suppressive effects of fluorouracil on breast cancer cell growth, without affecting either cell apoptosis or autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy at the presence of Crocetin partially abolished the suppressive effects on breast cancer cell growth, suggesting that Crocetin may increase autophagic cell death in fluorouracil-treated breast cancer cells. Furthermore, Crocetin decreased Beclin-1 levels but increased ATG1 levels in fluorouracil-treated breast cancer cells. Together, these data suggest that Crocetin may shift autophagic cell survival to autophagic cell death in fluorouracil-treated breast cancer cells, possibly through modulation of the expression of ATG1 and Beclin-1.
Aberrant gene-specific DNA methylation signature analysis in cervical cancer
Authors: Bhat Samatha , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Varghese Vinay Koshy , Chakrabarty Sanjiban , Mallya Sandeep P , Rotti Harish , Pandey Deeksha , Kushtagi Pralhad , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu
Published: March 2017

Multicomponent molecular modifications such as DNA methylation may offer sensitive and specific cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer biomarkers. In this study, we tested cervical tissues at various stages of tumor progression for 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels and also DNA promoter methylation profile of a panel of genes for its diagnostic potential. In total, 5-methylcytosine, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and promoter methylation of 33 genes were evaluated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based technique, and bisulfate-based next generation sequencing. The 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine contents were significantly reduced in squamous cell carcinoma and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a significant difference in (1) 5-methylcytosine between normal and squamous cell carcinoma tissues (area under the curve = 0.946) and (2) 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels among normal, squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Analyses of our next generation sequencing results and data from five independent published studies consisting of 191 normal, 10 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 21 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 335 malignant tissues identified a panel of nine genes ( ARHGAP6, DAPK1, HAND2, NKX2-2, NNAT, PCDH10, PROX1, PITX2, and RAB6C) which could effectively discriminate among the various groups with sensitivity and specificity of 80%–100% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 12 gene promoters (ARHGAP6, HAND2, LHX9, HEY2, NKX2-2, PCDH10, PITX2, PROX1, TBX3, IKBKG, RAB6C, and DAPK1) were also methylated in one or more of the cervical cancer cell lines tested. The global and gene-specific methylation of the panel of genes identified in our study may serve as useful biomarkers for the early detection and clinical management of cervical cancer.
Roles of zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 1 during the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Kwon Ryuk-Jun , Han Myoung-Eun , Kim Youn-Jae , Kim Yun Hak , Kim Ji-young , Liu Liangwen , Heo Woong , Oh Sae-Ock
Published: March 2017

Zinc-fingers and homeoboxes 1 (ZHX1) is a nuclear transcription repressor and known to be involved in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis. However, the pathophysiological roles of ZHX1 have not been characterized in glioblastoma. We examined ZHX1 expression in glioblastoma patients’ tissues and analyzed overall survival of the patients based on expression level of ZHX1. We also examined the effects of ZHX1 on proliferation and motility of glioblastoma cells. In silico analysis and immunohistochemical studies showed that the messenger RNA and protein expressions of ZHX1 were higher in the tissues of glioblastoma patients than in normal brain tissues, and that its overexpression was associated with reduced survival. In vitro, the downregulation of ZHX1 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells, whereas its upregulation had the opposite effects. In addition, we showed ZHX1 could contribute to glioblastoma progression via the regulations of TWIST1 and SNAI2. Taken together, this study demonstrates that ZHX1 plays crucial roles in the progression of glioblastoma, and its findings suggest that ZHX1 be viewed as a potential prognostic maker and therapeutic target of glioblastoma.
Amphiregulin impairs apoptosis-stimulating protein 2 of p53 overexpression–induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells
Authors: Liu Kai , Lin Dongdong , Ouyang Yabo , Pang Lijun , Guo Xianghua , Wang Shanshan , Zang Yunjin , Chen Dexi
Published: March 2017

Overexpression of apoptosis-stimulating protein 2 of p53 (ASPP2) induces apoptotic cell death in hepatoma cells (e.g. HepG2 cells) by enhancing the transactivation activity of p53, but long-term ASPP2 overexpression fails to induce more apoptosis since activation of the epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor/SOS1 pathway impairs the pro-apoptotic role of ASPP2. In this study, in recombinant adenovirus-ASPP2-infected HepG2 cells, ASPP2 overexpression induces amphiregulin expression in a p53-dependent manner. Although amphiregulin initially contributes to ASPP2-induced apoptosis, it eventually impairs the pro-apoptotic function of ASPP2 by activating the epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor/SOS1 pathway, leading to apoptosis resistance. Moreover, blocking soluble amphiregulin with a neutralizing antibody also significantly increased apoptotic cell death of HepG2 cells due to treatment with methyl methanesulfonate, cisplatin, or a recombinant p53 adenovirus, suggesting that the function of amphiregulin involved in inhibiting apoptosis may be a common mechanism by which hepatoma cells escape from stimulus-induced apoptosis. Thus, our data elucidate an apoptosis-evasion mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma and have potential implications for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Cytotoxicity of citral against melanoma cells: The involvement of oxidative stress generation and cell growth protein reduction
Authors: Sanches Larissa Juliani , Marinello Poliana Camila , Panis Carolina , Fagundes Tatiane Renata , Morgado-Díaz José Andrés , de-Freitas-Junior Julio Cesar Madureira , Cecchini Rubens , Cecchini Alessandra Lourenço , Luiz Rodrigo Cabral
Published: March 2017

Citral is a natural compound that has shown cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on breast and hematopoietic cancer cells; however, there are few studies on melanoma cells. Oxidative stress is known to be involved in all stages of melanoma development and is able to modulate intracellular pathways related to cellular proliferation and death. In this study, we hypothesize that citral exerts its cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells by the modulation of cellular oxidative status and/or intracellular signaling. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of citral on B16F10 murine melanoma cells evaluating its effects on cellular oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell death, and important signaling pathways, as these pathways, namely, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), AKT, and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. The p53 and nuclear factor kappa B were also investigated due to their ability to respond to intracellular stress. We observed that citral exerted antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects in B16F10; induced oxidative stress, DNA lesions, and p53 nuclear translocation; and reduced nitric oxide levels and nuclear factor kappa B, ERK1/2, and AKT. To investigate citral specificity, we used non-neoplastic human and murine cells, HaCaT (human skin keratinocytes) and NIH-3T3 cells (murine fibroblasts), and observed that although citral effects were not specific for cancer cells, non-neoplastic cells were more resistant to citral than B16F10. These findings highlight the potential clinical utility of citral in melanoma, with a mechanism of action involving the oxidative stress generation, nitric oxide depletion, and interference in signaling pathways related to cell proliferation.
African American Social Work Faculty
Authors: Allen Junior Lloyd , Huggins-Hoyt Kimberly Y. , Holosko Michael J. , Briggs Harold E.
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

This study explored the scholarship experiences of top-ranked African American faculty in schools of social work.

Method:

Qualitative interviews were conducted with N = 10 top-ranked African American faculty identified as achieving considerable productivity and impact of scholarship.

Findings:

Four major themes were identified, each of which had 2–3 subcategories. These included (1) mentorship, (2) collaboration, (3) time, and (4) strategic planning. The data revealed that of these identified themes, mentorship was the most prominent, and collaboration, although important, was the least.

Implications:

The noted experiences and strategies highlighted in this study could be of great utility for those seeking to enhance their scholarly productivity and impact, particularly for (a) junior faculty, (b) African American faculty, and (c) doctoral student researchers and candidates.
Hospital Compare and Hospital Choice: Public Reporting and Hospital Choice by Hip Replacement Patients in Texas
Authors: Blake Robert S. , Clarke Harold D.
Published: March 2017

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publicizes comparative performance data on Hospital Compare, a website maintained to support consumer decision making. Given the agency’s goal, this study investigates the relationship between public reporting and hospital choices of hip replacement patients in Texas. Estimating individual-level valuations of provider characteristics allowing for heterogeneity across patients, we find consumer selections and hospitals’ displayed performance vary together in time. Comparing associations involving public reporting with those associated with more readily observable hospital attributes, we conclude relationships coinciding with release of comparative performance data are modest, but not inconsequential. Our use of an empirical strategy novel for evaluation of public reporting has methodological implications, while the study’s affirmative result is of potential interest to policy makers and administrators.