bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islam Nusantara: Islam Khas dan Akomodatif terhadap Budaya Lokal
Authors: Susanto Edi , Karimullah Karimullah
Published: January 2018

This article is mainly to analyse background of the emerging of an Islamic thought, that is, friendly Indonesian model. This study has been conducted in order to address the spread of Islamic literalist-puritans-literalist-trans-nationalist massively and fiercely against local traditions. In this study, we look at the emerging a new Indonesian model of Islam, that is, the so called �Islam Nusantara�. The Islam Nusantara is believed basically rooted from Indonesians� tradition and has already grown in the early age of Islam in this country which was introduced by the Walisongo (the nine priests). Hence, Islam Nusantara should not be seen in suspicious perspective since it has been basically familiar with cultures and characters of Indonesian nation, which are moderate and tolerant ones. Moreover, it figures out the role of Pesantren institutions, and organisations such as NU and Muhammadiyah with their various characteristics, strength and weakness, are the pioneer of Islam Nusantara heritage and cultures.
Membangun Pemahaman Multikultural dan Multiagama Guna Menangkal Radikalisme di Aceh Singkil
Authors: Setiawan Deny , Amal Bahrul Khoir
Published: January 2018

Multicultural education is an educational reform movement. This process is mainly aimed to change the structure of educational institutions. At this stage, students who are members of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural groups will have an equal chance to achieve better academic values in school. Multi-religion is a situation where there is an existence of some religions in a certain area in which exists in a multi-cultural region. Conflicts which might emerge in Singkil of Aceh are caused by some factors. Among others: lack of the understanding through the existence of multicultural, lack of solidarity among the religious people (multi-religion), and the people from the outside of Aceh Singkil who wants to destroy the stability in this area. Economic disparities and live in poverty for many years is also as another factor rising this conflict, even if it is not the dominant factor.
Authors: Iskandar Iskandar , Nuruddin Amiur , Siregar Saparuddin
Published: January 2018

Artikel ini merupakan kelanjutan dari diskursus tentang kekhawatiran dan dilematika perkembangan bank syariah diantara pembiayaan bagi hasil dengan sistem mark-up (murabah). Studi ini berupaya menjelaskan alasan kejenuhan bank syariah dalam pembiayaan bagi hasil. Artikel ini hadir untuk menjelaskan tentang azas-azas manajemen risiko pembiayaan bagi hasil dan juga berupaya untuk menawarkan konstruksi filosofisnya. Azas manajemen risiko pembiayaan dalam bank syariah harus mengacu pada prinsip ketauhidan. Berdasarkan prinsip dasar tersebut, maka azas-azas umum dalam manajemen risiko pembiayaan musyarakah adalah ibadah, iba?ah, kebebasan berkontrak, konsensualisme, azas perikatan, azas keseimbangan dan kemitraan, kemaslahatan, amanah, keadilan, demokrasi dan, fath az-zariah, dengan empat kesadaran yaitu sadar risiko, tidak boleh menjuruskan dirinya dalam kerugian (wa la tulkuu), kesadaran kewajiban berbuat baik (wah ahshinu), kesadaran transedental (wa-takuw).
Islamic Religion Value on The Liric Text of Kaili Pop Song Regional Review of Literature in Islamic Education
Authors: Yunidar Yunidar , Ulinsa Ulinsa
Published: January 2018

Lyric of the Kaili Pop song is a literary work that reflects the cultural attitudes of the Kaili society as the owner. The lyrics of the song express feelings or ideas of authors based on the author's life experience. The lyrics of the Kaili's songs that are unique in the theoretical perspective representing the cultural values of Kaili that implicate literature, especially on religious values of Islamic education, (1) prayer (2) repentance, and (3) firmness/resignation. The data of this qualitative research is the text of the lyrics of Kaili pop song. The data source of this research is Kaili songs obtained through audiovisuals in the form of cassettes or CDs. Data were collected through documentation study. The text of the song’s lyric was transcribed into the data card sheets and coded according to the focus of the research. The data transcription is analyzed in accordance with the steps of analysis proposed by Ricoeur consisting of (1) semantic understanding stage, (2) reflective understanding stage, and (3) existential understanding stage.
Almanya Türklerinin Dil Tutumları Üzerine Toplumdilbilimsel Bir Araştırma
Authors: SAKIN Bertuğ
Published: January 2018

Almanya’da yarım asrı geride bırakarak misafir konumundan yerleşik duruma geçen Türk toplumu, bu süreç zarfında sosyal, ekonomik ve kültürel bakımdan büyük değişimler yaşamıştır. Hâkim toplumun baskın kültürü sebebiyle uğradıkları değişimlerin yanı sıra Almanya Türklerinde farklı dilsel tutumlar da ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu dilsel tutumlar, nesiller arası farklılık göstermekle beraber aynı zamanda çeşitli sosyal sınıflara göre de şekil almaktadır.  Bu araştırmada, Almanya Türklerinin göç süreçleri sonucunda ortaya çıkan dil tutumları, toplumdilbilim açısından ele alınmıştır. Bu bakış açısıyla Almanya Türklerinin dilsel tutumları; ana dile bakış açısı, Türkçeyi kullanma eğilimi, dil sürdürümü, dil tercihi, dil değiştirimi, Almancaya yaklaşımları, Türkçe hakimiyeti, ağızlara bakış açısı, dil kayması, genç kuşakların Türk edebiyatına yaklaşımları, Türkçe yayınlara eğilim, dil bağlamında entegrasyona yaklaşımları başlıkları altında incelenerek mevcut durum tespit edilmiş ve bu tutumlarda; yaşanılan eyalet, cinsiyet, nesil, doğulan ülke, eğitim durumu, vatandaşlık durumu, medeni hal, aylık gelir durumu, evde kimlerle yaşanıldığı, Almanya’da kalma süresi, eşin ve çocukların vatandaşlık durumu, katılımcının ve eşin konuşabildiği diller değişkenleri açısından tespit edilen farklılıklar ve bu değişkenlerin mevcut tutumlardaki etkileri ortaya konmuştur.
Nü Peride Romanına Yeni Tarihselci Bir Yaklaşım
Authors: Ulutürk Yasemin
Published: January 2018

Postmodernizmin edebî metinleri çözümleme yöntemleri ile benzerlik gösteren Yeni Tarihselcilik kuramı, tarihin kurgusallık boyutunu tartışmaya açar. Yeni Tarihselcilik "metnin dışında hiçbir şey yoktur" bakış açısına odaklanarak tarih ile edebî metin arasındaki sınırın ortadan kalktığını savunan bir kuramdır. Bu kuram bağlamında, çalışmamızın esasını oluşturan eser, Nü Peride adlı tarihî romandır. Bu eserde, tarih ile romanın metinsellik bakımından birbirine yaklaştırıldığı ve Yeni Tarihselcilik kuramı ile de oldukça zengin örnekler sunulduğu görülmektedir. Geleneksel tarih anlayışını reddeden Yeni Tarihselcilere göre tarih metinleri, sübjektif olarak ortaya konulan eserlerdir. Dolayısıyla tarihçi de tıpkı romancı gibi kendi ideolojisi ve bakış açısının tesirinde kalarak nesnellikten uzaklaşır ve öznel bir anlatıma yaklaşır. Nitekim onlara göre tarihçilerin ele aldıkları dönemlerde bile zorunlu bir seçim yapmak durumunda kalmaları, hiçbir zaman objektif olamayacaklarını göstermektedir. Bu nedenle çalışmanın amacı, postmodern tarih romanı olan Nü Peride'nin "Yeni Tarihselci" bir yaklaşım ile kaleme alınmış olduğunu ve tarih disiplinine farklı bir bakış açısı oluşturan bu kuramın romana nasıl tezahür ettiğini ortaya koymaktır.
Ramp-up Process Improvement Practices for Time-to-Market Reduction
Authors: Szabó Krisztián
Published: January 2018

The importance of the “Ramp-up bridge” covering the gap between product development and serial production, as well as the speed at which this bridge can be crossed, has increased, providing companies with a significant competitive advantage.However, a significant percentage of project aiming to introduce new products do not achieve their goals. [(60 percent of the automotive supplier ramp-up projects fail on either the technical, or the economic side (Bischoff, 2007)].The author explores the possible reasons, then makes suggestions regarding the support of successful ramp-up projects, through practical examples taken from the industry. Through the continuous improvement of ramp-ups, a new core competency can be achieved, with a decrease in time-to-market. This core competency is difficult to duplicate, and can provide an additional competitive advantage for companies manufacturing products with high technical complexity.
Who's still smoking? Disparities in adult cigarette smoking prevalence in the United States
Authors: Drope Jeffrey , Liber Alex C. , Cahn Zachary , Stoklosa Michal , Kennedy Rosemary , Douglas Clifford E. , Henson Rosemarie , Drope Jacqui
Published: January 2018

The continuing high prevalence of cigarette smoking among specific subpopulations, many of them vulnerable, is one of the most pressing challenges facing the tobacco control community. These populations include individuals in lower education and/or socioeconomic groups; from certain racial/ethnic groups; in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community; with mental illness; and in the military, particularly among those in the lowest pay grades. Although traditional tobacco control measures are having positive health effects for most groups, the effects are not sufficient for others. More attention to and support for promising novel interventions, in addition to new attempts at reaching these populations through conventional interventions that have proven to be effective, are crucial going forward to find new ways to address these disparities.CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:106‐115. ©2018 American Cancer Society.
Oral Azithromycin Pulse Therapy and Daily Topical Benzoyl Peroxide in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: An Open Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Akter Bilqis
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Combination therapy is an effective approach to simultaneously target multiple pathogenic factor of acne. A unique combination of oral azithromycin pulse therapy and daily topical benzoyl peroxide has been developed for treatment of acne.Material & Methods: It was an open, controlled, clinical trial, conducted on 37 out patients with acne vulgaris. Patients were clinically assessed at baseline &at week 0,4, 8 and 12. Evaluation included success rate (subjects clear or excellent improvement, good response), lesion count & percentage change in lesion count from baseline, cutaneous tolerability & adverse events.Results: The combination of oral azithromycin pulse therapy & daily topical benzoyl peroxide was very safe & effective with significant differences in percentage of lesion count change observed as early as 1-4 weeks .Adverse events were more frequent with the combination therapy that occurred early in the study &were transient.Conclusion: This study revealed that combination regimen of azithromycin &benzoyl peroxide (4%) is indeed very much efficacious & safe in the management of acne vulgaris.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 11-15
Surgical Management of a Case of Severe Coarctaton of Aorta with Biscuspic Aortic Valve
Authors: Hasan Md Nazmul , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Abdullah Abu Sadique
Published: January 2018

Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital cardiac malformation that can go undiagnosed until old age with only hypertension as a marker of its presence because clinical signs can be subtle and overlooked if a complete physical exam is not performed. Long-term survival is exceptional in patients with untreated aortic coarctation. In this case report, we present a late diagnosis of aortic coarctation in a 45-year-old male. Our patient was relatively asymptomatic until he presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue in his fourth decade of life. The patient was managed by surgery of aorta. After the 6 months follow-up visit, the patient was in good clinical condition.J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 33-36
Letter To The Editor Vol.36(1)
Authors: Begum Nazneen , Tasnim Saria
Published: January 2018

Abstract not availableJ Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 42
Exploring the Gaps in Practical Ethical Guidance for Animal Welfare Considerations of Field Interventions and Innovations Targeting Dogs and Cats
Authors: Tasker Louisa , Getty Susan , Briggs Joyce , Benka Valerie
Published: January 2018

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felis silvestris catus) are common species targeted by nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations, veterinarians and government agencies worldwide, for field interventions (e.g., population management, rabies vaccination programs) or innovations (e.g., development of technologies or pharmaceuticals to improve animal welfare). We have a moral responsibility to ensure that the conduct of this work is humane for dogs or cats, and to consider the human communities in which the animals live. Ethical review is widely accepted as being integral to responsible practice, and it is fundamental to good science that underpins innovation. Despite the necessity of field interventions or innovations to advance the welfare of individuals or populations of animals, we found a lack of specific guidance and review processes to help navigate ethical dilemmas surrounding the conduct of such work. This can be detrimental to the wellbeing of animals and their human communities. Here we identify the gaps in existing ethical frameworks (specifically application of Reduction and Refinement principles, challenges of obtaining meaningful informed consent with variations in the quality of human-animal relationships, and limited resources regarding considerations of local stakeholders), and outline the need for additional tools to promote ethical conduct in the field.
ECMWF Atmospheric Profiles in Maroua, Cameroon: Analysis and Overview of the Simulation of Downward Global Solar Radiation
Authors: Fotsing Talla Cyrille , Njomo Donatien , Cornet Céline , Dubuisson Philippe , Akana Nguimdo Leonard
Published: January 2018

Atmospheric analysis data from the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) have been acquired and are used to characterize the meteorological situation in Maroua, Cameroon ( 10.614 ∘ N, 14.361 ∘ E) at 12:00 UTC. These are then used to simulate downward global solar radiation (DGSR) with the moderate-resolution transmittance (MODTRAN) radiative transfer code (RTC). In comparison with meteorological data measured during the year 2014 in Maroua, ECMWF atmospheric quantities at ground level, in general, showed good correlation coefficients and slight differences. It is shown that ECMWF atmospheric profiles can thus be used to complete the scarce atmospheric data and to study the atmosphere state and dynamics, such as the African monsoon phenomenon detected in this region, which regulates the rainy season. In addition, they are more suitable to simulate clear-sky DGSR compared to MODTRAN standard atmospheric profiles. The causes and effects of the substantial bias and weak correlation coefficient observed with ECMWF wind data and the constant underestimation of simulated DGSR in comparison with ground-based measurements are investigated. The paper emphasizes the need for a better characterization of the Maroua atmosphere state and dynamics as well as the simulation of more accurate and reliable DGSR under any atmospheric conditions.
The Ever-Evolving Concept of the Cancer Stem Cell in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Valle Sandra , Martin-Hijano Laura , Alcalá Sonia , Alonso-Nocelo Marta , Sainz Jr. Bruno
Published: January 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is the 4th most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide, primarily due to the inherent chemoresistant nature and metastatic capacity of this tumor. The latter is believed to be mainly due to the existence of a subpopulation of highly plastic “stem”-like cells within the tumor, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have been shown to have unique metabolic, autophagic, invasive, and chemoresistance properties that allow them to continuously self-renew and escape chemo-therapeutic elimination. As such, current treatments for the majority of PDAC patients are not effective and do not significantly impact overall patient survival (<7 months) as they do not affect the pancreatic CSC (PaCSC) population. In this context, it is important to highlight the need to better understand the characteristics of the PaCSC population in order to develop new therapies to target these cells. In this review, we will provide the latest updates and knowledge on the inherent characteristics of PaCSCs, particularly their unique biological properties including chemoresistance, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, plasticity, metabolism and autophagy.
Extracellular Influences: Molecular Subclasses and the Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Veenstra Veronique , Garcia-Garijo Andrea , Van Laarhoven Hanneke , Bijlsma Maarten
Published: January 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer and carries the worst prognosis of all common cancers. Five-year survival rates have not surpassed 6% for some decades and this lack of improvement in outcome urges a better understanding of the PDAC-specific features which contribute to this poor result. One of the most defining features of PDAC known to contribute to its progression is the abundance of non-tumor cells and material collectively known as the stroma. It is now well recognized that the different non-cancer cell types, signalling molecules, and mechanical properties within a tumor can have both tumor-promoting as well as –inhibitory effects. However, the net effect of this intratumour heterogeneity is not well understood. Heterogeneity in the stromal makeup between patients is even less well established. Such intertumour heterogeneity is likely to be affected by the relative contributions of individual stromal constituents, but how these contributions exactly relate to existing classifications that demarcate intertumour heterogeneity in PDAC is not fully known. In this review, we give an overview of the available evidence by delineating the elements of the PDAC stroma and their contribution to tumour growth. We do so by interpreting the heterogeneity at the gene expression level in PDAC, and how stromal elements contribute to, or interconnect, with this.
Development of a Natural Anti-Age Ingredient Based on Quercus pubescens Willd. Leaves Extract—A Case Study
Authors: Plainfossé Hortense , Burger Pauline , Azoulay Stéphane , Landreau Anne , Verger-Dubois Grégory , Fernandez Xavier
Published: January 2018

Consumers pay more and more attention not just to the safety and health aspects of ingredients entering their cosmetics’ formulations, but also to their potency, origin, processing, ethical value and environmental footprint. Sustainability of the supply chain, preservation of biodiversity, as well as greener extraction techniques are hence very popular with consumers. Consumers are primarily concerned by the efficacy of the cosmetic products they use and continuously scrutinize product labels, so marketing arguments need to be based on rigorous testing and reliable results to support claims (anti-age, anti-pollution, etc.) displayed on the product’s packaging. As a result, the increasing demand for natural ingredients with assessed bioactivities has profoundly modified the strategies adopted by cosmetic professionals to innovate in terms of actives. Sourcing and developing new natural cosmetic actives is a long-term procedure that is thoroughly described in the present paper, via the example of the design of both liquid and solid ingredients based on Quercus pubescens Willd. leaves extract, for which anti-age properties were assessed by a combination of in vitro assays.
Effect of Alginate from Chilean Lessonia nigrescens and MWCNTs on CaCO3 Crystallization by Classical and Non-Classical Methods
Authors: Sánchez Marianela , Vásquez-Quitral Patricio , Butto Nicole , Díaz-Soler Felipe , Yazdani-Pedram Mehrdad , Silva Juan , Neira-Carrillo Andrónico
Published: January 2018

In our crystallization experiments, the influence of alginate from Chilean Lessonia nigrescens and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was tested through electrocrystallization (EC) and gas diffusion (GD) methods on the crystal growth of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and their possible stabilization of proto-structures in amorphous CaCO3 (ACC) state through pre-nucleation clusters (PNC) essays with automatic potentiometric titrations were performed. CaCO3 crystals obtained in the in vitro above-mentioned crystallization systems were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and powder X-ray diffractometer (XRD). Our experimental findings showed that ALG and functionalized MWCNTs stabilized truncated and agglomerated vaterite-like particles through GD and EC methods. While, on the other hand, we obtained qualitative information about induction or inhibition of CaCO3 nucleation that was provided by potentiometric titrations.
On the Use of Normalized Compression Distances for Image Similarity Detection
Authors: Coltuc Dinu , Datcu Mihai , Coltuc Daniela
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the usefulness of the normalized compression distance (NCD) for image similarity detection. Instead of the direct NCD between images, the paper considers the correlation between NCD based feature vectors extracted for each image. The vectors are derived by computing the NCD between the original image and sequences of translated (rotated) versions. Feature vectors for simple transforms (circular translations on horizontal, vertical, diagonal directions and rotations around image center) and several standard compressors are generated and tested in a very simple experiment of similarity detection between the original image and two filtered versions (median and moving average). The promising vector configurations (geometric transform, lossless compressor) are further tested for similarity detection on the 24 images of the Kodak set subject to some common image processing. While the direct computation of NCD fails to detect image similarity even in the case of simple median and moving average filtering in 3 × 3 windows, for certain transforms and compressors, the proposed approach appears to provide robustness at similarity detection against smoothing, lossy compression, contrast enhancement, noise addition and some robustness against geometrical transforms (scaling, cropping and rotation).
The PurdueTracer: An Energy-Efficient Human-Powered Hydraulic Bicycle with Flexible Operation and Software Aids
Authors: Marinaro Gianluca , Xu Zhuangying , Chen Zhengpu , Li Chenxi , Mao Yizhou , Vacca Andrea
Published: January 2018

Hydrostatic transmissions (HT) are widely applied to heavy-duty mobile applications because of the advantages of layout flexibility, power to weight ratio, and ease of control. Though applications of fluid power in light-duty vehicles face challenges, including the unavailability of off-the-shelf components suitable to the power scale, there are potential advantages for HTs in human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, the most important one being the energy-saving advantage achievable through regenerative braking in a hybrid HT. This paper describes an innovative design for a hydraulic hybrid bicycle, i.e., the PurdueTracer. The PurdueTracer is an energy-efficient human-powered hydraulic bicycle with flexible operation and software aids. An open-circuit hydraulic hybrid transmission allows PurdueTracer to operate in four modes: Pedaling, Charging, Boost, and Regeneration, to satisfy users’ need for different riding occasions. An aluminum chassis that also functions as a system reservoir was customized for the PurdueTracer to optimize the durability, riding comfort, and space for components. The selection of the hydraulic components was performed by creating a model of the bicycle in AMESim simulation software and conducting a numerical optimization based on the model. The electronic system equipped users with informative feedback showing the bicycle performance, intuitive execution of functions, and comprehensive guidance for operation. This paper describes the design approach and the main results of the PurdueTracer, which also won the 2017 National Fluid Power Association Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge. This championship serves to prove the excellence of this vehicle in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, durability, and novelty.
Low-Water Crossings: An Overview of Designs Implemented along Rural, Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Gautam Sudip , Bhattarai Rabin
Published: January 2018

Replacement of many old and aging bridges, culverts, and low-water crossings on rural low-volume roads is an increasing concern throughout the United States. The economic burden for many local bodies can be huge if these structures are to be replaced by a bridge or culvert. A low-water crossing (LWC) is a feasible and efficient road-stream crossing structure that can be used on these roads as an economical alternative to culverts and bridges. Three types of commonly used LWCs; unvented fords, vented fords and low-water bridges; their selection criteria, environmental considerations, design process, materials selection, signage and permitting requirements are included in this paper. Some of the issues with the existing LWCs are the safety in the crossing and effects on aquatic organism passage and surrounding environment. Through proper design, construction, and installation of proper signage, the functionality and reliability of LWCs can be improved. The study provides engineers and other practitioners in the United States and elsewhere with a proper set of information and design procedures for using LWCs.
lncRNA Gene Signatures for Prediction of Breast Cancer Intrinsic Subtypes and Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Silu , Wang Junqing , Ghoshal Torumoy , Wilkins Dawn , Mo Yin-Yuan , Chen Yixin , Zhou Yunyun
Published: January 2018

Background: Breast cancer is intrinsically heterogeneous and is commonly classified into four main subtypes associated with distinct biological features and clinical outcomes. However, currently available data resources and methods are limited in identifying molecular subtyping on protein-coding genes, and little is known about the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which occupies 98% of the whole genome. lncRNAs may also play important roles in subgrouping cancer patients and are associated with clinical phenotypes. Methods: The purpose of this project was to identify lncRNA gene signatures that are associated with breast cancer subtypes and clinical outcomes. We identified lncRNA gene signatures from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA )RNAseq data that are associated with breast cancer subtypes by an optimized 1-Norm SVM feature selection algorithm. We evaluated the prognostic performance of these gene signatures with a semi-supervised principal component (superPC) method. Results: Although lncRNAs can independently predict breast cancer subtypes with satisfactory accuracy, a combined gene signature including both coding and non-coding genes will give the best clinically relevant prediction performance. We highlighted eight potential biomarkers (three from coding genes and five from non-coding genes) that are significantly associated with survival outcomes. Conclusion: Our proposed methods are a novel means of identifying subtype-specific coding and non-coding potential biomarkers that are both clinically relevant and biologically significant.
WNT9A Is a Conserved Regulator of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Development
Authors: Richter Jenna , Stanley Edouard , Ng Elizabeth , Elefanty Andrew , Traver David , Willert Karl
Published: January 2018

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into all cell types of the blood and can be used therapeutically to treat hematopoietic cancers and disorders. Despite decades of research, it is not yet possible to derive therapy-grade HSCs from pluripotent precursors. Analysis of HSC development in model organisms has identified some of the molecular cues that are necessary to instruct hematopoiesis in vivo, including Wnt9A, which is required during an early time window in zebrafish development. Although bona fide HSCs cannot be derived in vitro, it is possible to model human hematopoietic progenitor development by differentiating human pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic cells. Herein, we modulate WNT9A expression during the in vitro differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to hematopoietic progenitor cells and demonstrate that WNT9A also regulates human hematopoietic progenitor cell development in vitro. Overexpression of WNT9A only impacts differentiation to CD34+/CD45+ cells during early time windows and does so in a dose-dependent manner. The cells that receive the Wnt signal—not the cells that secrete WNT9A—differentiate most efficiently to hematopoietic progenitors; this mimics the paracrine action of Wnt9a during in vivo hematopoiesis. Taken together, these data indicate that WNT9A is a conserved regulator of zebrafish and human hematopoietic development.
Do Natural Experiments of Changes in Neighborhood Built Environment Impact Physical Activity and Diet? A Systematic Review
Authors: MacMillan Freya , George Emma , Feng Xiaoqi , Merom Dafna , Bennie Andrew , Cook Amelia , Sanders Taren , Dwyer Genevieve , Pang Bonnie , Guagliano Justin , Kolt Gregory , Astell-Burt Thomas
Published: January 2018

Physical activity and diet are major modifiable risk factors for chronic disease and have been shown to be associated with neighborhood built environment. Systematic review evidence from longitudinal studies on the impact of changing the built environment on physical activity and diet is currently lacking. A systematic review of natural experiments of neighborhood built environment was conducted. The aims of this systematic review were to summarize study characteristics, study quality, and impact of changes in neighborhood built environment on physical activity and diet outcomes among residents. Natural experiments of neighborhood built environment change, exploring longitudinal impacts on physical activity and/or diet in residents, were included. From five electronic databases, 2084 references were identified. A narrative synthesis was conducted, considering results in relation to study quality. Nineteen papers, reporting on 15 different exposures met inclusion criteria. Four studies included a comparison group and 11 were pre-post/longitudinal studies without a comparison group. Studies reported on the impact of redeveloping or introducing cycle and/or walking trails (n = 5), rail stops/lines (n = 4), supermarkets and farmers’ markets (n = 4) and park and green space (n = 2). Eight/15 studies reported at least one beneficial change in physical activity, diet or another associated health outcome. Due to limitations in study design and reporting, as well as the wide array of outcome measures reported, drawing conclusions to inform policy was challenging. Future research should consider a consistent approach to measure the same outcomes (e.g., using measurement methods that collect comparable physical activity and diet outcome data), to allow for pooled analyses. Additionally, including comparison groups wherever possible and ensuring high quality reporting is essential.
Aedes Mosquitoes and Aedes-Borne Arboviruses in Africa: Current and Future Threats
Authors: Weetman David , Kamgang Basile , Badolo Athanase , Moyes Catherine , Shearer Freya , Coulibaly Mamadou , Pinto João , Lambrechts Louis , McCall Philip
Published: January 2018

The Zika crisis drew attention to the long-overlooked problem of arboviruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in Africa. Yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and Zika are poorly controlled in Africa and often go unrecognized. However, to combat these diseases, both in Africa and worldwide, it is crucial that this situation changes. Here, we review available data on the distribution of each disease in Africa, their Aedes vectors, transmission potential, and challenges and opportunities for Aedes control. Data on disease and vector ranges are sparse, and consequently maps of risk are uncertain. Issues such as genetic and ecological diversity, and opportunities for integration with malaria control, are primarily African; others such as ever-increasing urbanization, insecticide resistance and lack of evidence for most control-interventions reflect problems throughout the tropics. We identify key knowledge gaps and future research areas, and in particular, highlight the need to improve knowledge of the distributions of disease and major vectors, insecticide resistance, and to develop specific plans and capacity for arboviral disease surveillance, prevention and outbreak responses.
Adverse Selection in Community Based Health Insurance among Informal Workers in Bangladesh: An EQ-5D Assessment
Authors: Ahmed Sayem , Sarker Abdur , Sultana Marufa , Chakrovorty Sanchita , Hasan Md. , Mirelman Andrew , Khan Jahangir
Published: January 2018

Community-based Health Insurance (CBHI) schemes are recommended for providing financial risk protection to low-income informal workers in Bangladesh. We assessed the problem of adverse selection in a pilot CBHI scheme in this context. In total, 1292 (646 insured and 646 uninsured) respondents were surveyed using the Bengali version of the EuroQuol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire for assessing their health status. The EQ-5D scores were estimated using available regional tariffs. Multiple logistic regression was applied for predicting the association between health status and CBHI scheme enrolment. A higher number of insured reported problems in mobility (7.3%; p = 0.002); self-care (7.1%; p = 0.000) and pain and discomfort (7.7%; p = 0.005) than uninsured. The average EQ-5D score was significantly lower among the insured (0.704) compared to the uninsured (0.749). The regression analysis showed that those who had a problem in mobility (m 1.25–2.17); self-care (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.62–3.25) and pain and discomfort (OR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.13–1.81) were more likely to join the scheme. Individuals with higher EQ-5D scores (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.31–0.69) were less likely to enroll in the scheme. Given that adverse selection was evident in the pilot CBHI scheme, there should be consideration of this problem when planning scale-up of these kind of schemes.
How Do We Study the Dynamic Structure of Unstructured Proteins: A Case Study on Nopp140 as an Example of a Large, Intrinsically Disordered Protein
Authors: Na Jung-Hyun , Lee Won-Kyu , Yu Yeon
Published: January 2018

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) represent approximately 30% of the human genome and play key roles in cell proliferation and cellular signaling by modulating the function of target proteins via protein–protein interactions. In addition, IDPs are involved in various human disorders, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and amyloidosis. To understand the underlying molecular mechanism of IDPs, it is important to study their structural features during their interactions with target proteins. However, conventional biochemical and biophysical methods for analyzing proteins, such as X-ray crystallography, have difficulty in characterizing the features of IDPs because they lack an ordered three-dimensional structure. Here, we present biochemical and biophysical studies on nucleolar phosphoprotein 140 (Nopp140), which mostly consists of disordered regions, during its interaction with casein kinase 2 (CK2), which plays a central role in cell growth. Surface plasmon resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance studies were performed to characterize the interaction between Nopp140 and CK2. A single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer study revealed conformational change in Nopp140 during its interaction with CK2. These studies on Nopp140 can provide a good model system for understanding the molecular function of IDPs.
Human Microbiome Acquisition and Bioinformatic Challenges in Metagenomic Studies
Authors: D’Argenio Valeria
Published: January 2018

The study of the human microbiome has become a very popular topic. Our microbial counterpart, in fact, appears to play an important role in human physiology and health maintenance. Accordingly, microbiome alterations have been reported in an increasing number of human diseases. Despite the huge amount of data produced to date, less is known on how a microbial dysbiosis effectively contributes to a specific pathology. To fill in this gap, other approaches for microbiome study, more comprehensive than 16S rRNA gene sequencing, i.e., shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, are becoming more widely used. Methods standardization and the development of specific pipelines for data analysis are required to contribute to and increase our understanding of the human microbiome relationship with health and disease status.
Potential Role of Humoral IL-6 Cytokine in Mediating Pro-Inflammatory Endothelial Cell Response in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Garbuzova-Davis Svitlana , Ehrhart Jared , Sanberg Paul , Borlongan Cesario
Published: January 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial disease with limited therapeutic options. Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors are involved in ALS motor neuron degeneration. One possible effector accelerating motor neuron death in ALS is damage to the blood-Central Nervous System barrier (B-CNS-B), mainly due to endothelial cell (EC) degeneration. Although mechanisms of EC damage in ALS are still unknown, vascular impairment may be initiated by various humoral inflammatory factors and other mediators. Systemic IL-6-mediated inflammation is a possible early extrinsic effector leading to the EC death causing central nervous system (CNS) barrier damage. In this review, we discuss the potential role of humoral factors in triggering EC alterations in ALS. A specific focus was on humoral IL-6 cytokine mediating EC inflammation via the trans-signaling pathway. Our preliminary in vitro studies demonstrated a proof of principle that short term exposure of human bone marrow endothelial cells to plasma from ALS patient leads to cell morphological changes, significantly upregulated IL-6R immunoexpression, and pro-inflammatory cell response. Our in-depth understanding of specific molecular mechanisms of this humoral cytokine in EC degeneration may facilitate an endothelial-IL-6-targeting therapy for restoring cell homeostasis and eventually reestablishing B-CNS-B integrity in ALS.
Preventive Effects of Resveratrol on Endocannabinoid System and Synaptic Protein Modifications in Rat Cerebral Cortex Challenged by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion and Reperfusion
Authors: Carta Gianfranca , Poddighe Laura , Serra Maria Pina , Boi Marianna , Melis Tiziana , Lisai Sara , Murru Elisabetta , Muredda Laura , Collu Maria , Banni Sebastiano , Quartu Marina
Published: January 2018

This study aims to evaluate the putative roles of a single acute dose of resveratrol (RVT) in preventing cerebral oxidative stress induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, followed by reperfusion (BCCAO/R) and to investigate RVT’s ability to preserve the neuronal structural integrity. Frontal and temporal-occipital cortices were examined in two groups of adult Wistar rats, sham-operated and submitted to BCCAO/R. In both groups, 6 h before surgery, half the rats were gavage-fed with a single dose of RVT (40 mg/per rat in 300 µL of sunflower oil as the vehicle), while the second half received the vehicle alone. In the frontal cortex, RVT pre-treatment prevented the BCCAO/R-induced increase of lipoperoxides, augmented concentrations of palmitoylethanolamide and docosahexaenoic acid, increased relative levels of the cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), and peroxisome-proliferator-activated-receptor (PPAR)-α proteins. Increased expression of CB1/CB2 receptors mirrored that of synaptophysin and post-synaptic density-95 protein. No BCCAO/R-induced changes occurred in the temporal-occipital cortex. Collectively, our results demonstrate that, in the frontal cortex, RVT pre-treatment prevents the BCCAO/R-induced oxidative stress and modulates the endocannabinoid and PPAR-α systems. The increased expression of synaptic structural proteins further suggests the possible efficacy of RVT as a dietary supplement to preserve the nervous tissue metabolism and control the physiological response to the hypoperfusion/reperfusion challenge.
PDE4-Mediated cAMP Signalling
Authors: Fertig Bracy , Baillie George
Published: January 2018

cAMP is the archetypal and ubiquitous second messenger utilised for the fine control of many cardiovascular cell signalling systems. The ability of cAMP to elicit cell surface receptor-specific responses relies on its compartmentalisation by cAMP hydrolysing enzymes known as phosphodiesterases. One family of these enzymes, PDE4, is particularly important in the cardiovascular system, where it has been extensively studied and shown to orchestrate complex, localised signalling that underpins many crucial functions of the heart. In the cardiac myocyte, cAMP activates PKA, which phosphorylates a small subset of mostly sarcoplasmic substrate proteins that drive β-adrenergic enhancement of cardiac function. The phosphorylation of these substrates, many of which are involved in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, has been shown to be tightly regulated by highly localised pools of individual PDE4 isoforms. The spatial and temporal regulation of cardiac signalling is made possible by the formation of macromolecular “signalosomes”, which often include a cAMP effector, such as PKA, its substrate, PDE4 and an anchoring protein such as an AKAP. Studies described in the present review highlight the importance of this relationship for individual cardiac PKA substrates and we provide an overview of how this signalling paradigm is coordinated to promote efficient adrenergic enhancement of cardiac function. The role of PDE4 also extends to the vascular endothelium, where it regulates vascular permeability and barrier function. In this distinct location, PDE4 interacts with adherens junctions to regulate their stability. These highly specific, non-redundant roles for PDE4 isoforms have far reaching therapeutic potential. PDE inhibitors in the clinic have been plagued with problems due to the active site-directed nature of the compounds which concomitantly attenuate PDE activity in all highly localised “signalosomes”.
Multi-Response Parameter Interval Sensitivity and Optimization for the Composite Tape Winding Process
Authors: Deng Bo , Shi Yaoyao , Yu Tao , Kang Chao , Zhao Pan
Published: January 2018

The composite tape winding process, which utilizes a tape winding machine and prepreg tapes, provides a promising way to improve the quality of composite products. Nevertheless, the process parameters of composite tape winding have crucial effects on the tensile strength and void content, which are closely related to the performances of the winding products. In this article, two different object values of winding products, including mechanical performance (tensile strength) and a physical property (void content), were respectively calculated. Thereafter, the paper presents an integrated methodology by combining multi-parameter relative sensitivity analysis and single-parameter sensitivity analysis to obtain the optimal intervals of the composite tape winding process. First, the global multi-parameter sensitivity analysis method was applied to investigate the sensitivity of each parameter in the tape winding processing. Then, the local single-parameter sensitivity analysis method was employed to calculate the sensitivity of a single parameter within the corresponding range. Finally, the stability and instability ranges of each parameter were distinguished. Meanwhile, the authors optimized the process parameter ranges and provided comprehensive optimized intervals of the winding parameters. The verification test validated that the optimized intervals of the process parameters were reliable and stable for winding products manufacturing.
Effect of Carbon Content on the Properties of Iron-Based Powder Metallurgical Parts Produced by the Surface Rolling Process
Authors: Zhao Yan , Chen Di , Li Dekai , Peng Jingguang , Yan Biao
Published: January 2018

In recent years, the rolling densification process has become increasingly widely used to strengthen powder metallurgy parts. The original composition of the rolled powder metallurgy blank has a significant effect on the rolling densification technology. The present work investigated the effects of different carbon contents (0 wt. %, 0.2 wt. %, 0.45 wt. %, and 0.8 wt. %) on the rolling densification. The selection of the raw materials in the surface rolling densification process was analyzed based on the pore condition, structure, hardness, and friction performance of the materials. The results show that the 0.8 wt. % carbon content of the surface rolling material can effectively improve the properties of iron-based powder metallurgy parts. The samples with 0.8 wt. % carbon have the highest surface hardness (340 HV0.1) and the lowest surface friction coefficient (0.35). Even if the dense layer depth is 1.13 mm, which is thinner than other samples with low carbon content, it also meets the requirements for powder metallurgy parts such as gears used in the auto industry.
Reactive Inkjet Printing of Regenerated Silk Fibroin Films for Use as Dental Barrier Membranes
Authors: Rider Patrick , Brook Ian. , Smith Patrick , Miller Cheryl
Published: January 2018

Current commercially available barrier membranes for oral surgery have yet to achieve a perfect design. Existing materials used are either non-resorbable and require a second surgery for their extraction, or alternatively are resorbable but suffer from poor structural integrity or degrade into acidic by-products. Silk has the potential to overcome these issues and has yet to be made into a commercially available dental barrier membrane. Reactive inkjet printing (RIJ) has recently been demonstrated to be a suitable method for assembling silk in its regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) form into different constructs. This paper will establish the properties of RSF solutions for RIJ and the suitability of RIJ for the construction of RSF barrier membranes. Printed RSF films were characterised by their crystallinity and surface properties, which were shown to be controllable via RIJ. RSF films degraded in either phosphate buffered saline or protease XIV solutions had degradation rates related to RSF crystallinity. RSF films were also printed with the inclusion of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). As reactive inkjet printing could control RSF crystallinity and hence its degradation rate, as well as offering the ability to incorporate bioactive nHA inclusions, reactive inkjet printing is deemed a suitable alternative method for RSF processing and the production of dental barrier membranes.