bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Analysis on Water’s Micro Seepage Laws under Different Pressure Gradients Using Computed Tomography Method
Authors: Zhou Gang , Qiu Lei , Zhang Wenzheng , Xue Jiao
Published: September 2018

The aim of this paper was to develop a model that can characterize the actual micropore structures in coal and gain an in‐depth insight into water’s seepage rules in coal pores under different pressure gradients from a microscopic perspective. To achieve this goal, long‐flame coals were first scanned by an X‐ray 3D microscope; then, through a representative elementary volume (REV) analysis, the optimal side length was determined to be 60 μm; subsequently, by using Avizo software, the coal’s micropore structures were acquired. Considering that the porosity varies in the same coal sample, this study selected four regions in the sample for an in‐depth analysis. Moreover, numerical simulations on water’s seepage behaviors in coal under 30 different pressure gradients were performed. The results show that (1) the variation of the simulated seepage velocity and pressure gradient accorded with Forchheimer’s high‐velocity nonlinear seepage rules; (2) the permeability did not necessarily increase with the increase of the effective porosity; (3) in the same model, under different pressure gradients, the average seepage pressure decreased gradually, while the average seepage velocity and average mass flow varied greatly with the increase of the seepage length; and (4) under the same pressure gradient, the increase of the average mass flow from the inlet to the outlet became more significant under a higher inlet pressure.
Influence of Blood Vessels on Temperature during High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Hyperthermia Based on the Thermal Wave Model of Bioheat Transfer
Authors: Tan Qiaolai , Zou Xiao , Dong Hu , Ding Yajun , Zhao Xinmin
Published: September 2018

The coupled effects of blood vessels and thermal relaxation time on temperature and thermal lesion region in biological tissue during high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) hyperthermia are numerically investigated. Considering the non-Fourier behavior of heat conduction in biological tissue, the traditional Pennes bioheat equation was modified to thermal wave model of bioheat transfer (TWMBT). Consequently, a joint physical model, which combines TWMBT for tissue and energy transport equation for blood vessel, is presented to predict the evolution of temperature and the thermal lesion region. In this study, pulsatile blood flow is first introduced into numerical study of HIFU hyperthermia, and thermal relaxation time, ultrasonic focus location, blood vessel radius, and blood flow velocity are all taken into account. The results show that the thermal relaxation time plays a key role in the temperature and the thermal lesion region. Larger thermal relaxation time results in lower temperature and smaller thermal lesion region, which indicates that TWMBT leads to lower temperature and smaller thermal lesion region compared to Pennes bioheat transfer model. In addition, we found that the ultrasonic focus location and blood vessel radius significantly affected the temperature and thermal lesion region, while the heartbeat frequency and amplitude factor of pulsating blood flow as well as the average velocity of blood flow had only a slight effect.
On an Optimal Control Applied in MEMS Oscillator with Chaotic Behavior including Fractional Order
Authors: Tusset Angelo Marcelo , Janzen Frederic Conrad , Rocha Rodrigo Tumolin , Balthazar Jose Manoel
Published: September 2018

The dynamical analysis and control of a nonlinear MEMS resonator system is considered. Phase diagram, power spectral density (FFT), bifurcation diagram, and the 0‐1 test were applied to analyze the influence of the nonlinear stiffness term related to the dynamics of the system. In addition, the dynamical behavior of the system is considered in fractional order. Numerical results showed that the nonlinear stiffness parameter and the order of the fractional order were significant, indicating that the response can be either a chaotic or periodic behavior. In order to bring the system from a chaotic state to a periodic orbit, the optimal linear feedback control (OLFC) is considered. The robustness of the proposed control is tested by a sensitivity analysis to parametric uncertainties.
Liposarcoma in the Inguinal Canal: Challenges in Preoperative Diagnosis and Importance of Routine Pathological Examination of “Hernia Sacs”
Authors: Febres-Aldana Christopher A. , Min Jin , Rafols Marc , Willis Irvin , Alexis John
Published: September 2018

Liposarcoma is the most common histologic subtype of soft tissue sarcoma in the retroperitoneum. The distinction of primary cord liposarcomas, which arise in and are confined to the inguinal canal, from inguinoscrotal extension of a retroperitoneal tumor is mandatory. Both can be found incidentally in inguinal hernia sac specimens. Preoperative diagnosis is essential for adequate surgery with clear margins. We present a clinicopathological correlation of two men with slowly growing right para-testicular masses diagnosed as inguinal hernias. Pathological examination revealed well-differentiated lipoma-like liposarcoma and well-differentiated liposarcoma mixed type (lipoma-like and sclerosing types), respectively. The first tumor was considered a primary cord liposarcoma with no recurrence on follow-up. The second tumor showed an unusual growth pattern of discontinuous nodules that gave the false impression of complete resection. This growth pattern may explain why inguinal liposarcomas have a high recurrence rate despite apparently negative surgical margins. A follow-up CT scan exposed a fatty tumor in the retroperitoneum of the second patient. Careful interpretation of imaging studies in patients with fatty inguinal masses is mandatory to rule out a retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal component. Although the two cases herein discussed represent less than 0.1% of the total inguinal hernia sacs examined over the past five years in our pathology department, we recommend routine examination of all “mass-containing” hernia sacs as missing the diagnosis of liposarcoma can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality.
Bilateral Neurofibromas of the Nipple-Areolar Complex: A Case Report and Approach to Diagnosis
Authors: Hero Emily , Carey Martyn , Hero Isabelle , Shaaban Abeer M.
Published: September 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant condition which can manifest as multiple neurofibromas within subcutaneous tissue. Neurofibromas of the breast are rare and most often encountered on the nipple-areolar complexes. A 33-year-old woman presented with large, bilateral, fleshy, skin tags of the nipple-areolar complexes. She underwent bilateral diagnostic excision of the lesions and macroscopically, both nipple specimens displaying polypoid lesions. Histological examination showed bilateral neurofibromas comprising skin with underlying dermal proliferation of bland spindle shaped cells with wavy nuclei. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the spindle cell proliferation to be neural in origin; positive for S100 and neurofilament and negative for cytokeratins. This was associated with florid smooth muscle proliferation. This case demonstrates a rare presentation of nipple-areolar neurofibroma occurring within the skin and nipple parenchyma. Our report considers the differential diagnoses of spindle cell proliferation within the dermis and subcutis of the breast and also other deeper breast spindle cell lesions that may involve the nipple. It aims to provide an approach to diagnosing these lesions examining the literature surrounding breast neurofibromas.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Three-Dimensional Flow of an Oldroyd-B Nanofluid with Gyrotactic Micro-Organisms
Authors: Sulaiman M. , Ali Aamir , Islam S.
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses the three-dimensional flow of the gyrotactic bioconvection of an Oldroyd-B nanofluid over a stretching surface. Theory of microorganisms is utilized to stabilize the suspended nanoparticles through bioconvection induced by the effects of buoyancy forces. Analytic solution for the governing nonlinear equations is obtained by using homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of involved parameters on velocity, temperature, nanoparticles concentration, and density of motile microorganisms are discussed graphically. The local Nusselt, Sherwood, and motile microorganisms numbers are also analyzed graphically. Several known results have been pointed out as the particular cases of the present analysis. It is found that the non-Newtonian fluid parameters, i.e., relaxation time parameterβ1and retardation time parameterβ2, have opposite effects on the velocity profile. The velocity of the fluid and boundary layer thickness decreases for increasing relaxation time while it decreases for increasing retardation time effects.
Arm Circumference-to-Height Ratio as a Situational Alternative to BMI Percentile in Assessing Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents
Authors: Jayawardene Wasantha , Dickinson Stephanie , Lohrmann David , Agley Jon
Published: September 2018

Objective. To determine whether arm circumference-to-height ratio (AHtR) predicts adolescents’ cardiometabolic risk and how its predictive statistics compare to those of body mass index (BMI) percentile.Methods. Pooled data for adolescents (N = 12,269, 12–18 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, U.S., 1999–2014, were analyzed. For each of the eight cardiometabolic variables, borderline-risk and high-risk were considered unhealthy, and being unhealthy on any variable was considered “unhealthy overall” in terms of cardiometabolic risk. Area under the curve andR2were used to compare BMI percentile and AHtR for accuracy in predicting risk.Results. Female AHtR ≥ 0.19 and BMI percentile ≥ 94 and male AHtR ≥ 0.16 and BMI percentile ≥ 64 predicted a probability of >0.7 being unhealthy overall. AHtR predicted overall risk and unhealthy levels of six variables more accurately than BMI percentile. Significant differences were overall risk (χ2 = 4.18;p=0.041), total cholesterol (χ2 = 8.68;p=0.003), glycated hemoglobin (χ2 = 5.24;p=0.022), and systolic pressure (χ2 = 5.10;p=0.024). AHtR had higher accuracy in predicting high-density cholesterol, fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and systolic/diastolic pressures plus higher specificity in predicting all variables except triglycerides. BMI percentile had higher sensitivity for all variables. Sensitivity and accuracy were higher for males. No significant race/ethnicity differences were observed.Conclusions. Without needing adjustment for age and weight, AHtR can predict some cardiometabolic risk factors of adolescents, especially of males, more accurately than BMI percentile, thus facilitating population risk estimation and early interventions. Further research is required to validate these findings in younger children.
Effects of Biceramic AlN-SiC Microparticles on the Thermal Properties of Paraffin for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Badakhsh Arash , An Kay-Hyeok , Park Chan Woo , Kim Byung-Joo
Published: September 2018

Herein, simplified time-efficient production of AlN-coated SiC (SiC@AlN) ceramic powder was practiced. Short-term vibratory ball milling with high frequency was employed to integrate the microsize particles. Also, paraffin as a significant phase change material (PCM) was reinforced using the manufactured SiC@AlN in order to enhance the thermal conductivity (TC) and stability of the final composite. Various characterization methods were used to clarify the changes in particle size of the biceramic powder as well as the thermal features of the paraffin-based composite. Manufactured SiC@AlN was found to be the most effective in the improvement of interfacial adhesion of composite components and the subsequent enhancement of TC, compared with singular ceramic powders as the reinforcing agents. Also, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated a very slight increase in latent heat of the fabricated composite PCM.
Secure Deduplication Based on Rabin Fingerprinting over Wireless Sensing Data in Cloud Computing
Authors: Zhang Yinghui , Su Haonan , Yang Menglei , Zheng Dong , Ren Fang , Zhao Qinglan
Published: September 2018

The rapid advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing technologies have significantly promoted the collection and sharing of various data. In order to reduce the communication cost and the storage overhead, it is necessary to exploit data deduplication mechanisms. However, existing data deduplication technologies still suffer security and efficiency drawbacks. In this paper, we propose two secure data deduplication schemes based on Rabin fingerprinting over wireless sensing data in cloud computing. The first scheme is based on deterministic tags and the other one adopts random tags. The proposed schemes realize data deduplication before the data is outsourced to the cloud storage server, and hence both the communication cost and the computation cost are reduced. In particular, variable-size block-level deduplication is enabled based on the technique of Rabin fingerprinting which generates data blocks based on the content of the data. Before outsourcing data to the cloud, users encrypt the data based on convergent encryption technologies, which protects the data from being accessed by unauthorized users. Our security analysis shows that the proposed schemes are secure against offline brute-force dictionary attacks. In addition, the random tag makes the second scheme more reliable. Extensive experimental results indicate that the proposed data deduplication schemes are efficient in terms of the deduplication rate, the system operation time, and the tag generation time.
Effects of Aged Oil Sludge on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Fungal Diversity Revealed by High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Wang Huihui , Kuang Shaoping , Lang Qiaolin , Yu Wenjuan
Published: September 2018

The oilfield soil was contaminated for years by large quantities of aged oil sludge generated in the petroleum industry. In this study, physicochemical properties, contents of main pollutants, and fungal diversity of the aged oil sludge-contaminated soil were analyzed. Results revealed that aged oil sludge significantly changed physical and chemical properties of the receiving soil and increased the contents of main pollutants (petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals) in soil. Meanwhile, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing by Illumina Miseq platform at each taxonomic level demonstrated that the toxicological effect of oil pollutants obviously influenced the fungal diversity and community structure in soil. Moreover, it was found that the presence of three genera (Cephalotheca, Lecanicillium, and Septoriella) appeared in aged oil sludge-contaminated soil. And oil pollutants promoted the growth of certain genera in Ascomycota (70.83%) and Basidiomycota (10.78%), such as Venturia, Alternaria, and Piloderma. Nevertheless, the growth of Mortierella (9.16%), Emericella (6.02%), and Bjerkandera (0.00%) was intensively limited. This study would aid thorough understanding of microbial diversity in oil-contaminated soil and thus provide new point of view to soil bioremediation.
Prophylactic Zinc and Therapeutic Selenium Administration Increases the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Rat Temporoparietal Cortex and Improves Memory after a Transient Hypoxia‐Ischemia
Authors: Tomas-Sanchez Constantino , Blanco-Alvarez Victor-Manuel , Martinez-Fong Daniel , Gonzalez-Barrios Juan-Antonio , Gonzalez-Vazquez Alejandro , Aguilar-Peralta Ana-Karina , Torres-Soto Maricela , Soto-Rodriguez Guadalupe , Limón Ilhuicamina Daniel , Brambila Eduardo , Millán-Pérez-Peña Lourdes , Cebada Jorge , Orozco-Barrios Carlos E. , Leon-Chavez Bertha Alicia
Published: September 2018

In the cerebral hypoxia‐ischemia rat model, the prophylactic administration of zinc can cause either cytotoxicity or preconditioning effect, whereas the therapeutic administration of selenium decreases the ischemic damage. Herein, we aimed to explore whether supplementation of low doses of prophylactic zinc and therapeutic selenium could protect from a transient hypoxic‐ischemic event. We administrated zinc (0.2 mg/kg of body weight; ip) daily for 14 days before a 10 min common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). After CCAO, we administrated sodium selenite (6 μg/kg of body weight; ip) daily for 7 days. In the temporoparietal cerebral cortex, we determined nitrites by the Griess method and lipid peroxidation by the Gerard‐Monnier assay. qPCR was used to measure mRNA of nitric oxide synthases, antioxidant enzymes, chemokines, and their receptors. We measured the enzymatic activity of SOD and GPx and protein levels of chemokines and their receptors by ELISA. We evaluated long‐term memory using the Morris‐Water maze test. Our results showed that prophylactic administration of zinc caused a preconditioning effect, decreasing nitrosative/oxidative stress and increasing GPx and SOD expression and activity, as well as eNOS expression. The therapeutic administration of selenium maintained this preconditioning effect up to the late phase of hypoxia‐ischemia. Ccl2, Ccr2, Cxcl12, and Cxcr4 were upregulated, and long‐term memory was improved. Pyknotic cells were decreased suggesting prevention of neuronal cell death. Our results show that the prophylactic zinc and therapeutic selenium administration induces effective neuroprotection in the early and late phases after CCAO.
In Vivo Measurement of Middle Ear Pressure Changes during Balloon Eustachian Tuboplasty
Authors: Sudhoff Holger , Mittmann Philipp , Todt Ingo
Published: September 2018

Background. Balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) is known as a treatment for chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). The precise mechanism of action is not fully understood. Observations in sheep cadavers and human cadavers have shown specific middle ear pressure changes related to BET. Methods. In this prospective study using a microfibre optical pressure sensor, pressure changes during BET were for the first time monitored transtympanically in five normal human middle ears in vivo. Results. Middle ear pressure changes during 21 BETs consisted of five stages (insertion, inflation, deflation, withdrawal, and recovery). The highest pressure change occurred in most of the cases during the withdrawal of the balloon catheter. Withdrawal pressure yielded a mean middle ear pressure of 4.76 mmHg (61.89 daPa) with a maximum of 13.88 mmHg (179.55 daPa). Pressure amplitudes capable of causing barotrauma to ear structures were not detected. Internal carotid artery dehiscences were detected as causative of sinusidual pressure changes. Conclusion. The middle ear pressure changes detected in vivo during BET can be attributed to the balloon inflation. Further human studies with patients affected by OETD are necessary to gain more insight into the mechanism of action of BET to clarify a possible pressure related second mechanism of action of BET.
A Phase II and Biomarker Study of Sorafenib Combined with Modified FOLFOX in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Goyal Lipika , Zheng Hui , Abrams Thomas A. , Miksad Rebecca , Bullock Andrea J. , Allen Jill N. , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Kambadakone Avinash , Muzikansky Alona , Knowles Michelle , Galway Aralee , Afflitto Anthony J. , Dinicola Caroline F. , Regan Eileen , Hato Tai , Mamessier Emilie , Shigeta Kohei , Jain Rakesh K. , Duda Dan G. , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Sorafenib is a standard first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The phase III SHARP trial showed a median time-to-progression (mTTP) of 5.5 months, overall response rate (ORR) of 2%, and median overall survival (mOS) of 10.7 months with sorafenib. FOLFOX4 has shown modest activity in advanced HCC. We evaluated the combination of sorafenib and modified (m)FOLFOX in a single-arm, multicenter phase II study.

Patients and Methods:

The study included Child–Pugh A patients with advanced HCC and no prior systemic therapies. Patients received sorafenib 400 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by concurrent mFOLFOX [5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 1,200 mg/m2/day for 46 hours, leucovorin 200 mg/m2, and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 biweekly]. The primary endpoint was mTTP with an alternative hypothesis of 7 months, and secondary endpoints included ORR, mOS, and circulating biomarkers.

Results:

The study enrolled 40 patients: HCV/EtOH/HBV, 43%/28%/13%; Child–Pugh A5, 70%. Notable grade 3/4 adverse events (AE) included AST/ALT elevation (28%/15%), diarrhea (13%), hyperbilirubinemia (10%), hand–foot syndrome (8%), and bleeding (8%). mTTP was 7.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.4–8.9], ORR 18%, and mOS 15.1 months (7.9–16.9). Sorafenib + mFOLFOX increased plasma PlGF, VEGF-D, sVEGFR1, IL12p70, and CAIX and CD4+ and CD8+ effector T lymphocytes and decreased plasma sVEGFR2 and s-c-KIT and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Shorter TTP was associated with high baseline sVEGFR1. Shorter TTP and OS were associated with increases in Tregs and CD56Dim natural killer (NK) cells after sorafenib alone and plasma sMET after combination treatment (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Sorafenib + mFOLFOX met the prespecified endpoint with encouraging efficacy but moderate hepatotoxicity. Thus, this regimen may be effective in select patients with adequate liver reserve. Biomarker evaluations suggested a correlation between time-to-progression (TTP) and angiogenic biomarkers and circulating Tregs.
Dietary Protein Restriction Reprograms Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Enhances Immunotherapy
Authors: Orillion Ashley , Damayanti Nur P. , Shen Li , Adelaiye-Ogala Remi , Affronti Hayley , Elbanna May , Chintala Sreenivasulu , Ciesielski Michael , Fontana Luigi , Kao Chinghai , Elzey Bennett D. , Ratliff Timothy L. , Nelson David E. , Smiraglia Dominic , Abrams Scott I. , Pili Roberto
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

Diet and healthy weight are established means of reducing cancer incidence and mortality. However, the impact of diet modifications on the tumor microenvironment and antitumor immunity is not well defined. Immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with poor clinical outcomes and are potentially modifiable through dietary interventions. We tested the hypothesis that dietary protein restriction modifies macrophage function toward antitumor phenotypes.

Experimental Design:

Macrophage functional status under different tissue culture conditions and in vivo was assessed by Western blot, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and cytokine array analyses. Tumor growth in the context of protein or amino acid (AA) restriction and immunotherapy, namely, a survivin peptide–based vaccine or a PD-1 inhibitor, was examined in animal models of prostate (RP-B6Myc) and renal (RENCA) cell carcinoma. All tests were two-sided.

Results:

Protein or AA-restricted macrophages exhibited enhanced tumoricidal, proinflammatory phenotypes, and in two syngeneic tumor models, protein or AA-restricted diets elicited reduced TAM infiltration, tumor growth, and increased response to immunotherapies. Further, we identified a distinct molecular mechanism by which AA-restriction reprograms macrophage function via a ROS/mTOR-centric cascade.

Conclusions:

Dietary protein restriction alters TAM activity and enhances the tumoricidal capacity of this critical innate immune cell type, providing the rationale for clinical testing of this supportive tool in patients receiving cancer immunotherapies.
The Effect of Overhydration on Mortality and Technique Failure Among Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shu Ying , Liu Jing , Zeng Xiaoxi , Hong Hyokyoung G. , Li Yi , Zhong Hui , Ma Liang , Fu Ping
Published: September 2018

Background: Overhydration is common among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and can affect PD-related outcomes. This paper aims to systematically investigate whether bioimpedance-assessed overhydration is a predictor for mortality and technique failure in PD patients. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies on overhydration and prognosis in PD patients, strictly complying with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematical Reviews and Meta-analyses. Results: Eight articles met the selection criteria and 5 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analyses-revealed overhydration, defined as a high ratio of extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW), was significantly associated with higher risk for all-cause mortality and technique failure. Other higher dichotomized overhydration indicators and continuous hydration variables all indicated overhydration as a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality. Conclusion: Overhydration, defined by a higher ratio of ECW/TBW, might be an independent predictor for all-cause mortality and technique failure among PD patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm this conclusion. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco’ at https://www.karger.com/Journal/ArticleNews/223997?​sponsor=52
Serum Calprotectin Level in Children: Marker of Obesity and its Metabolic Complications
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , De Amici Mara , Leonard Maureen M. , De Silvestri Annalisa , Pelizzo Gloria , Buttari Nicoletta , Michev Alexandre , Leggio Miriana , Larizza Daniela , Cena Hellas
Published: September 2018

Aim: Elevated calprotectin levels have been reported in obese adults but have not been evaluated in pediatric population. We investigated the characteristics of serum calprotectin in overweight and obese children and its association with metabolic comorbidities. Methods: We enrolled 131 children (11.7 ± 4.1 years). According to body mass index (BMI), the subjects were divided into 3 groups: obese > 95th percentile; overweight BMI 75th–95th percentile, and normal weight BMI < 75th percentile. Patients were classified as having Metabolic Syndrome if they met 3 or more of the following criteria for age and sex: BMI > 97th percentile, triglycerides > 95th percentile, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 5th percentile, systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure > 95th percentile, and impaired glucose tolerance. In all patients, calprotectin serum levels were also detected. Results: Calprotectin was higher in obese and overweight children than normal weight subjects (p < 0.001), with calprotectin in females being significantly higher than in males (p = 0.04). Increased calprotectin was related to pathological fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001) and insulin resistance (p = 0.03), while BMI (p = 0.001), and diastolic pressure (p = 0.001) are independent factors for increased calprotectin. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the association between increased calprotectin and obesity also in children and suggest the potential utility of this biomarker in the monitoring of its metabolic complications.
PYCARD Gene Plays a Key Role in Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis: Results of a Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Zheng , Chen Xiaolei , Zhang Dongmei , Cao Yiling , Zhang Liang , Tang Wanxin
Published: September 2018

Background: Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is caused by various diseases process, thereby resulting in extensive crescent formation, which could lead to a rapid loss of kidney function. The molecular pathogenesis of RPGN remains largely unknown and requires clarification. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is a powerful bioinformatics tool to identify meaningful molecules in diseases. Methods: The dataset of GSE104948, which contains 22 RPGN and 18 normal samples, was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After data pre-processing, the WGCNA was performed to successfully cluster several significant modules. The most significant module was selected for further Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Visualization of network and screening of hub genes were performed by using Cytoscape software. Results: A total of 11 modules were clustered by WGCNA, and the most significant module-turquoise module was selected. As discovered via GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis, the turquoise module was mainly associated with neutrophil activation and degranulation. After visualization and calculation for the network, the PYCARD gene has higher relationship score in 2 clusters, namely, neutrophil activation and degranulation. In accordance with the literature review, the hub gene could be closely related to the inflammation response and could act as the potential therapeutic targets in RPGN. Conclusions: WGCNA in RPGN expression profiling was used for the first time in this paper. A novel hub gene closely associated with RPGN was screened out, thereby providing the brand-new molecular candidate for RPGN.
Signaling Mechanisms of Myofibroblastic Activation: Outside-in and Inside-Out
Authors: Zent Joshua , Guo Lian-Wang
Published: September 2018

Myofibroblasts are central mediators of fibrosis. Typically derived from resident fibroblasts, myofibroblasts represent a heterogeneous population of cells that are principally defined by acquired contractile function and high synthetic ability to produce extracellular matrix (ECM). Current literature sheds new light on the critical role of ECM signaling coupled with mechanotransduction in driving myofibroblastic activation. In particular, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and extra domain A containing fibronectin (EDA-FN) are thought to be the primary ECM signaling mediators that form and also induce positive feedback loops. The outside-in and inside-out signaling circuits are transmitted and integrated by TGF-β receptors and integrins at the cell membrane, ultimately perpetuating the abundance and activities of TGF-β1 and EDA-FN in the ECM. In this review, we highlight these conceptual advances in understanding myofibroblastic activation, in hope of revealing its therapeutic anti-fibrotic implications.
Increased Neural Strength and Reliability to Audiovisual Stimuli at the Boundary of Peripersonal Space
Authors: Noel Jean-Paul , Serino Andrea , Wallace Mark T.
Published: September 2018

The actionable space surrounding the body, referred to as peripersonal space (PPS), has been the subject of significant interest of late within the broader framework of embodied cognition. Neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies have shown the representation of PPS to be built from visuotactile and audiotactile neurons within a frontoparietal network and whose activity is modulated by the presence of stimuli in proximity to the body. In contrast to single-unit and fMRI studies, an area of inquiry that has received little attention is the EEG characterization associated with PPS processing. Furthermore, although PPS is encoded by multisensory neurons, to date there has been no EEG study systematically examining neural responses to unisensory and multisensory stimuli, as these are presented outside, near, and within the boundary of PPS. Similarly, it remains poorly understood whether multisensory integration is generally more likely at certain spatial locations (e.g., near the body) or whether the cross-modal tactile facilitation that occurs within PPS is simply due to a reduction in the distance between sensory stimuli when close to the body and in line with the spatial principle of multisensory integration. In the current study, to examine the neural dynamics of multisensory processing within and beyond the PPS boundary, we present auditory, visual, and audiovisual stimuli at various distances relative to participants' reaching limit—an approximation of PPS—while recording continuous high-density EEG. We question whether multisensory (vs. unisensory) processing varies as a function of stimulus–observer distance. Results demonstrate a significant increase of global field power (i.e., overall strength of response across the entire electrode montage) for stimuli presented at the PPS boundary—an increase that is largest under multisensory (i.e., audiovisual) conditions. Source localization of the major contributors to this global field power difference suggests neural generators in the intraparietal sulcus and insular cortex, hubs for visuotactile and audiotactile PPS processing. Furthermore, when neural dynamics are examined in more detail, changes in the reliability of evoked potentials in centroparietal electrodes are predictive on a subject-by-subject basis of the later changes in estimated current strength at the intraparietal sulcus linked to stimulus proximity to the PPS boundary. Together, these results provide a previously unrealized view into the neural dynamics and temporal code associated with the encoding of nontactile multisensory around the PPS boundary.
Lectotype designations in Acmaeodera Eschscholtz and Anthaxia Eschscholtz, and new synonymy in Phaenops Dejean and Anthaxia (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)
Authors: WESTCOTT RICHARD L. , BÍLÝ SVATOPLUK
Published: September 2018

Lectotype designations are provided for Acmaeodera conoidea Fall, 1899, A. recticollis Fall, 1899, Anthaxia (Haplanthaxia) sculptipennis Obenberger, 1924, and A. (H.) oneili Obenberger, 1931. The following new synonymy is proposed: Phaenops caseyi (Obenberger, 1944), syn. nov. = P. lecontei (Obenberger, 1928), Phaenops horni (Obenberger, 1944), syn. nov. = P. fulvoguttata (Harris, 1829), and Anthaxia (Haplanthaxia) oneili Obenberger, 1931, syn. nov. = A. (H.) sculptipennis Obenberger, 1924).
Acanthotomicus suncei, a new sweetgum tree pest in China (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Ipini)
Authors: GAO LEI , COGNATO ANTHONY I.
Published: September 2018

A new species of bark beetle, Acanthotomicus suncei Cognato, that kills sweetgum (Liquidambar spp.) is described. The new species is distinguished from the other Acanthotomicus species by the placement of elytral declivital spines on interstriae 2, 4, 6, 8 and the connection of spines 1 and 2 by a tumescence. Notes on the bark beetle’s potential damage to sweetgum are given.
A reappraisal of the genus Tethyrhynchia Logan, 1994 (Rhynchonellida, Brachiopoda): a conflict between phylogenies obtained from morphological characters and molecular data
Authors: SIMON ERIC , MOTCHUROVA-DEKOVA NEDA , MOTTEQUIN BERNARD
Published: September 2018

The genus Tethyrhynchia Logan in Logan & Zibrowius, 1994 is revised on the basis of different methods of analysis including SEM observations, detailed ontogenetic study of the crural development, transverse serial sections, and shell microstructure. Some morphological characters cited in the original diagnosis are analysed and contested by the ontogenetic results. The type of crura of Tethyrhynchia, often placed in the arcual group, appears to be of the raducal group, instead. Paedomorphosis and heterochronic development offer the possibility of opening a dialogue between morphological and phylogenetic approaches to classification of rhynchonellide brachiopods.
ANZUS and the Early Cold War
Authors: Kelly Andrew
Published: September 2018

The final major chapter of this book examines Australian, New Zealand and American responses to the 1956 Suez Crisis. This pivotal event publicly exposed a bitter rift in Anglo-American relations and essentially confirmed the end of British world leadership. It also exposed noticeable differences between Australia, New Zealand and the United States over the control of the Suez Canal, defence policy in the region, and Britain’s continued role in world affairs. For Canberra and Wellington, Suez starkly exposed the limitations to supporting Britain when London’s views were at odds with those in Washington. It provides a major insight into just how seriously Australia and New Zealand struggled to manage competing relationships with the United States and Britain, even after the US became a crucial component of the Tasman countries’ defence policies.
Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Global Ocean: Results from Multidecadal Global Ocean Simulations Isolating Tropical Cyclone Forcing
Authors: Li Hui , Sriver Ryan L.
Published: September 2018

Tropical cyclone (TC)-induced ocean vertical mixing can alter the upper-ocean temperature structure, influencing ocean heat content variability and meridional ocean heat transport. TC–ocean interactions can influence tropical variability on seasonal to interannual time scales. Here the impacts of TCs on the global ocean and the associated feedbacks are investigated using a hierarchy of high-resolution global ocean model simulations featuring the Community Earth System Model (CESM). The aim is to understand the potential impact of the model’s self-generated transient TC events on the modeled global ocean. Two ocean-only simulations are performed using the atmosphere boundary conditions from a fully coupled preindustrial CESM simulation configured with 0.25° atmosphere resolution and the nominal 1° ocean resolution (with ~0.25° meridional resolution in the tropics). The high-resolution coupled model is capable of directly simulating TC events with wind structure and climatology generally consistent with observations. TC effects at the ocean–atmosphere boundary are filtered out in one of the ocean simulations (OCN_FILT) while fully retained in the other (OCN_TC) in order to isolate the effect of the TCs on regional and global ocean variability across multiple time scales (from intraseasonal to interdecadal). Results show that the model-simulated TCs can 1) alter surface and subsurface ocean temperature patterns and variability; 2) affect ocean energetics, including increasing ocean mixed layer depth and strengthening subtropical gyre and meridional overturning circulations; and 3) influence ocean meridional heat transport and ocean heat content from seasonal to interannual time scales. Results help provide insights into the model behavior and the physical nature of the effect of TCs within the Earth system.
The Epistemological and Ethical Challenges of Archiving and Sharing Qualitative Data
Authors: Feldman Shelley , Shaw Linda
Published: September 2018

This article identifies the epistemological and ethical problems that accompany the growing mandate to archive and share qualitative data. We call attention to the potential consequences of “shared access” for data that is premised on meaning-making and interpretation embedded in interactions between the researcher and those they study. We argue that context specificity and the co-constitutive processes of qualitative data production preclude the separation of “evidence” from the relations of its production that is required when evidence is archived for future use by others. Furthermore, we identify the ethical challenges that attend to ensuring the rights and confidentiality of those we engage and the particular concerns such engagement entails for vulnerable populations when securing informed consent for the use of data by future unknown researchers. Finally, we ask whether the claim for greater efficiencies and accountability of public access are appropriate for the co-constitutive character of qualitative evidence and what these demands portend for knowledge production. We conclude by calling for the development of protocols to guide researchers who are sensitive to these issues but must respond to calls to archive and share their data.
Histopathology of the Mucosa of Eustachian Tube Orifice at the Middle Ear in Chronic Otitis Media With Effusion: Possible Insight Into Tuboplasty Failure
Authors: Christov Florian , Gluth Michael B.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Balloon dilation of the cartilaginous segment of the Eustachian tube has emerged as a means to directly augment tubal dilatory function, and this has been applied as a potential treatment for otitis media with effusion (OME). Although results of clinical studies involving this modality appear promising, there are still a moderate number of ears affected by OME that do not respond. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of mucosa of the Eustachian tube at the middle ear orifice in OME as it may relate to some cases of tuboplasty failure.

Methods:

Twenty-three temporal bone specimens with OME were identified within an institutional archived collection. Each specimen was inspected for the presence of a fixed obstruction at the level of the Eustachian tube orifice at the protympanum. In addition, the mucosa at the tubal orifice was graded on a 4-point scale.

Results:

Overall, 3 cases (13%) were normal (Grade 1), 6 cases (26%) were mildly thickened (Grade 2), 11 (48%) were severely thickened (Grade 3), and 3 (13%) were severely thickened with polypoid degeneration (Grade 4). A single case was noted to have a complete fixed obstruction in the form of a mucosal web.

Conclusion:

In ears affected by OME, the mucosa of the Eustachian tubal orifice at the middle ear is most often severely thickened. Normal mucosa, mucosa with severe polypoid changes, or a complete fixed obstruction are possible but uncommon. The majority of specimens studied had sufficiently diseased mucosa to raise questions regarding whether thickened mucosa in the tubal orifice may act as a barrier to middle ear ventilation that would not be directly addressed by cartilaginous Eustachian tube balloon dilation.
Founding the First PhD in Black Studies: A Sankofa Remembrance and Critical Assessment of Its Significance
Authors: Karenga Maulana
Published: September 2018

Clearly, the founding of the first PhD program in Black Studies at Temple University under the leadership of Molefi Kete Asante is a major, defining, and transformative achievement in the advancement of the discipline and in the discipline’s continuous initiatives and struggles to expand intellectual and institutional space for a truly multicultural, global, and quality education beyond the existing dominant monocultural Eurocentric paradigm and practice. Its significance also lies in the Afrocentric culturally grounded, agency-focused, and transformative discourse and practice the program has engendered beyond the academy, and the seminal contribution it has made to grounding and cultivating generations of activist intellectuals and scholars who play and will continue to play generative and transformative roles in the academy, their communities, and their societies in this country and in the world. The governing interest of this essay is to critically assess the transformative significance of this historic achievement. Beginning with an introduction to the issue and an examination of the sociohistorical and intellectual context out of which this achievement emerged and grounded itself, the essay, then, discusses some salient factors that define its transformative significance. It concludes with a discussion of sustaining and expanding that achievement in the context of sustaining and advancing the Black Studies project, while maintaining the discipline’s founding emancipatory and transformative mission.
Recalled Parenting Practices and Psychological Distress in Turkish Emerging Adults: The Role of Self-Criticism
Authors: Özdemir Yalçın , Sağkal Ali Serdar
Published: September 2018

Research investigating the development of psychological problems among children has typically focused on the role of parenting practices. The purpose of this study was to investigate the direct effects of recalled parenting practices (emotional warmth, rejection, and overprotection) on psychological distress and indirect effects through self-criticism. Participants were 410 undergraduate students (290 females and 120 males) with a mean age of 20.10 ( SD = 1.65). Participants completed the measure of My Memories of Upbringing—Egna Minnen Betraffande Uppfostra; Forms of Self Criticizing/Attacking and Self Reassuring Scale; and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale as self-report measures. Results provided evidence for highly similar patterns of associations among parenting practices, self-criticism, and psychological distress for both maternal and paternal models. Findings showed that parental emotional warmth and rejection were directly related to self-criticism and were indirectly related to psychological distress through self-criticism. Only maternal rejection was directly related to psychological distress. However, maternal and paternal overprotection was not related to psychological distress either directly or indirectly. Moreover, maternal and paternal parenting practices explained 61% and 58% of the variance in psychological distress, respectively. The findings of the present study highlighted the importance of self-criticism and past memories of parenting as intervention targets to support well-being of young people.
Relation of teacher self-efficacy and classroom practices: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Poulou Maria S. , Reddy Linda A. , Dudek Christopher M.
Published: September 2018

Teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy are one of the few individual characteristics that predict teacher practice. There is limited research linking teachers’ perceptions of self-efficacy and actual classroom practices. The study examined teacher’ perceptions of self-efficacy and actual instructional and behavior management practices using the Classroom strategies assessment system (CSAS), a multidimensional validated observation system. Fifty-eight Greek teachers completed the Teacher sense of efficacy scale (TSES) and were observed using the CSAS by independent observers. Significant differences between teachers’ self-reported self-efficacy and observers’ ratings were found in the domain of instructional strategies. Implications for research, professional development and school psychological practice are discussed.
Multistep Knowledge Transfer in Multinational Corporation Networks: When Do Subsidiaries Benefit From Unconnected Sister Alliances?
Authors: Faems Dries , Bos Brenda , Noseleit Florian , Leten Bart
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we explore under which conditions subsidiaries of multinational corporations can benefit from the external networks of sister subsidiaries in terms of new knowledge generation. We focus on the phenomenon of unconnected sister alliances—that is, alliances of sister subsidiaries with whom the focal subsidiary lacks a recent history of internal R&D collaboration. Whereas unconnected sister alliances provide knowledge recombination opportunities for the focal subsidiary, realizing them is challenging because of particular knowledge transfer frictions. In this paper, we theorize on how particular conditions (i.e., headquarters proximity, knowledge overlap, size of focal subsidiary’s own alliance network) influence the strength of these frictions, resulting in hypotheses on how these conditions moderate the relationship between the number of unconnected sister alliances and the generation of new knowledge by focal subsidiaries. We rely on a panel data set of 2,258 R&D subsidiaries belonging to 118 firms in the pharmaceutical industry to empirically test our hypotheses. Jointly, our findings enrich our current theoretical understanding of how different types of external linkages and their interactions shape subsidiaries’ generation of new knowledge. We also illuminate the opportunities and challenges that multistep knowledge transfer processes entail.