bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double-layered wrap-around sensor network for three-dimensional positioning of acoustic emission sources and its effect on monitoring crack propagation in rock samples
Authors: Yang Jing , Mu Zonglong , Liu Guangjian , Gong Shaokun , Javed Atif , Cao Jinglong , Yang Bofei , Yuan Fang
Published: September 2018

The present sensor arrangement in a cubic way for monitoring crack propagation in rock samples exhibits shortfalls of blind monitoring zone and large deviation. This study proposes a double-layered wrap-around sensor network, which enhances the monitoring range and improves the location accuracy of acoustic emission source. Furthermore, based on the polar formation algorithm, acoustic emission source was positioned to explore the propagation of microscopic cracks in cylindrical rock samples and this was further validated by the acoustic emission activity index. The results show that: (1) The double-layered wrap-around sensor network exhibits considerably broader monitoring range and enhanced precision. The simulated fracture formed from cracks of high-energy release had a favorable consistency with the macro-failure surface of rock specimens; (2) During the loading process, acoustic emission activity had a significant positive correlation with signal amplitude and the number of events. In addition, acoustic emission activity of medium-grained sandstone showed a tendency of decreasing—remaining at a low value—increasing—remaining at a high value, which exactly corresponds to the four rock loading stages of compaction, elastic deformation, crack development, and crack connection; (3) rock samples experienced micro-cracking of low energy, micro-cracking of high energy, and crack connection in sequence in the failure process, which shows a high consistency between crack development and acoustic emission activity. Thus, acoustic emission activity could be used as an index for assessing the rock failure state.
Animal Norms: An Investigation of Normativity in the Non-Human Social World
Authors: Lorini Giuseppe
Published: September 2018

A human being is not only a social and teleological animal, she/he is also a nomic animal, a creature that can act in light of rules. Starting from this new image of humankind, the author extends the investigation of normativity to other members of the animal kingdom, posing the question of whether other nomic animals exist outside the human species. Generally, the consensus tends toward the idea that non-human animals are incapable of acting in light of rules, as if this capacity were a specific characteristic of humanity excluded to all other species. The author instead assembles three impactful answers that counter this consensus, posited respectively by a legal expert, an ethologist, and a philosopher, responses that may pave the way for a new field of research: the ethology of normativity. In conclusion, the author points out how these new inquiries advance novel ideas of normativity that deserve investigating further, such as a “normativity without language,” and a “normativity without norms.”
Mirabegron, alone and in combination, in the treatment of overactive bladder: real-world evidence and experience
Authors: Allison Sara J. , Gibson William
Published: September 2018

Overactive bladder (OAB), the syndrome characterized by urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of infection or other pathology, is a common, distressing and often debilitating condition with a high prevalence in the general population. For many years, the only available pharmacological treatment for OAB were the antimuscarinic agents. More recently, mirabegron, a selective agonist of the β3 adrenergic receptor, has become available. In this article we review the current evidence and experience of its use.
Role of Superantigens in Allergic Inflammation: Their Relationship to Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Asthma, and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Muluk Nuray Bayar , Altın Fazilet , Cingi Cemal
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Our intention was to review all material published to date regarding superantigens (SAgs) and allergy from an otorhinolaryngological viewpoint to understand this association more clearly.

Methods

We identified all materials published mentioning both SAg and allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis (AD) that are indexed on PubMed, Google, or the ProQuest Central databases.

Results

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterial pathogen in humans and has the ability to produce enterotoxins with superantigenic features. The inflammatory response in allergy seen in both B cell and T cell may be attributed to SAgs. Sufferers of both allergic asthma with rhinitis and AR alone produce serological evidence of immunoglobulin E formation to SAgs produced by S. aureus. Perennial AR sufferers carry S. aureus more frequently and the presence of the organism within the nasal cavity may exacerbate perennial AR. SAg produced by S. aureus potentially worsens the asthmatic inflammatory response within the airway and may lead to the airways becoming hyperresponsive, as well as possibly activating T cells if asthmatic control is poor. Staphylococcal SAgs potentially increase the risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, additionally being a marker for more severe disease. If SAgs bring about chronic inflammatory responses in the nose and sinuses, then T cells excreting interferon-gamma may be a crucial mediator. In allergic dermatitis, S. aureus could be a key player in exacerbation of the condition. Even in younger pediatric patients with allergic dermatitis, allergic hypersensitivity to SAgs is frequent and may be a factor explaining how severe the condition becomes.

Conclusion

Just as SAgs are known to feature in many allergic conditions, they play their part in AR, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma, and AD. Further research is required before the relationship between SAgs and allergy can be adequately explained.
Masked hypertension incidence and risk factors in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Trudel Xavier , Brisson Chantal , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Duchaine Caroline S , Dalens Violaine , Talbot Denis , Milot Alain
Published: September 2018

Aims

Masked hypertension may affect up to 30% of the general population and is associated with a high cardiovascular disease risk. No previous study has examined the incidence of masked hypertension and its risk factors. The study aim was to determine the incidence of masked hypertension and to examine its related risk factors.

Methods

This is a cohort study including 1836 initially normotensive participants followed up on average for 2.9 years. Blood pressure was measured using Spacelabs 90207. Manual blood pressure was defined as the mean of the first three readings taken at rest. Ambulatory blood pressure was defined as the mean of the next readings recorded every 15 minutes during daytime working hours. Masked hypertension incidence at follow-up was defined as manual blood pressure less than 140 and less than 90 mmHg and ambulatory blood pressure at least 135 or at least 85 mmHg. Generalised estimating equations were used.

Results

The cumulative incidence of masked hypertension was 10.3% and was associated with male gender (relative risk (RR) 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–1.94), older age (RR40–49 years 1.56, 95% CI 1.16–2.11, RR≥50 years 1.50, 95% CI 1.06–2.10), higher education (RRcollege 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.65), body mass index (RR≥27 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.85), smoking (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09–2.010) and alcohol intake (RR≥6/week 1.65, 95% CI 1.13–2.03).

Conclusion

The present study is the first to identify risk factors for the incidence of masked hypertension. Current guidelines for hypertension detection recommend ambulatory blood pressure in patients with an elevated blood pressure reading at the clinic. As it is impractical to measure ambulatory blood pressure in all normotensive patients, factors identified in the present study should be considered for the screening of at-risk individuals and for primary prevention of masked hypertension.
Appearance alteration of fruits and vegetables to increase their appeal to and consumption by school-age children: A pilot study
Authors: Chung Louisa Ming Yan , Fong Shirley Siu Ming
Published: September 2018

Picky eating with regard to fruit and vegetables is common among children. This study investigated the effectiveness of enhancing the visual appeal of fruit and vegetables to increase children’s liking and consumption of fruit and vegetables. A pre–post experimental design was used, and the control and experimental groups were repeatedly exposed to the original food and transformed food, respectively, over 6 weeks. Significant differences in the consumption of pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, carrot and aubergine were observed between the groups, demonstrating that the appearance appeal of fruit and vegetables improves the willingness of children to try disliked fruit and vegetables and increases their vegetable consumption.
Dysregulation of CCL18/CCR8 axis predicts poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yi Jie , Jiang Shao-Jie
Published: September 2018

Increasing data have shown that the dysregulation of C-C motif chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) and C-C motif chemokine receptor (CCR8) is involved in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the clinical significance of CCL18/CCR8 axis in gastric cancer (GC) was still undocumented. In this study, the expression levels of CCL18 and its receptor CCR8 and their correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in patients with GC were analyzed by TCGA RNA sequencing data. Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to assess the association between CCL18/CCR8 expression and overall survival (OS) and tumor recurrence in patients with GC. As a consequence, we found that the expression of CCL18 was markedly elevated in GC samples as compared with the adjacent normal tissues and acted as an independent prognostic factor of tumor recurrence in patients with GC. Subsequently, Pearson correlation analysis revealed that CCL18 possessed a positive correlation with CCR8 expression in GC samples. CCR8 expression was upregulated in GC tissues and exhibited the association with poor survival in patients with GC. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that the dysregulation of CCL18/CCR8 axis could predict the poor prognosis in patients with GC and provide a potential antitumor target for the treatment of GC.
Reliability Generalization of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire: A Meta-Analytic View of Reliability Estimates
Authors: Holland David F. , Kraha Amanda , Zientek Linda R. , Nimon Kim , Fulmore Julia A. , Johnson Ursula Y. , Ponce Hector F. , Aguilar Mariya Gavrilova , Henson Robin K.
Published: September 2018

A reliability generalization meta-analysis was performed to explore the relationship between study factors and levels of alpha reliability for the 15 subscales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). The MSLQ has been widely adapted over the past 25 years to investigate the role of motivation and strategies in learning, primarily at the postsecondary level. A literature search from the years 1991 to 2015 yielded 295 peer-reviewed journal articles and 1,369 alpha reliability coefficients. Articles were coded for six potential moderator study variables. A novel varying coefficient (VC) model was adopted to determine average reliabilities across studies for each subscale and to perform multiple regression analyses to identify study variables that may moderate alpha reliability estimates. Commonality analyses were used to aid in interpretation of regression results. Meta-analyzed alpha reliabilities were lower than values published in the test manual for all but three of the subscales. Ability of specific moderators to predict score reliability varied across subscales; however, studies in North America, in English, or using a 7-point response scale generally corresponded to increased reliability estimates. Knowledge of expected levels of score reliability under varying sample and study conditions may provide useful information for researchers planning future use of the MSLQ.
An Investigation Into How Motivational Factors Differed Among Individuals Engaging in CrossFit Training
Authors: Feito Yuri , Brown Chris , Box Allyson , Heinrich Katie M. , Petruzzello Steven J.
Published: September 2018

With few adults completing recommended levels of aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, it is important to examine the motives of those who do, as well as how those motives might differ by participation frequency. Considering the rapid growth of CrossFit Training (CFT), we examined CFT participation motives in individuals training at different frequencies. Adults ( N = 732) with >3 months of CFT experience completed an online version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory–2 (EMI-2). Significant correlations were seen between CFT frequency and all EMI-2 variables except for those related to health pressures, ill-health avoidance, and appearance. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed individuals training <3 days/week scored lowest on enjoyment, affiliation, and competition motives. Those training >5 days/week scored highest on challenge, social recognition, strength and endurance, and nimbleness motives, but lowest on weight management. Our results suggest that CFT participants who trained more frequently report motives that satisfied competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs.
Exchange Rate Dynamics, Endogenous Risk Premium and the Balance Sheet Effect: An Effective Demand Model
Authors: Basu Moumita , Sengupta Jonaki , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: September 2018

This article describes a macroeconomic framework for analysing the interaction between output, domestic interest rate and exchange rate in the presence of the endogenous risk premium and balance sheet effect of exchange rate depreciation on investment demand. Output is demand determined. There are three assets: money, domestic bonds and foreign bonds. Domestic bonds and foreign bonds are not perfect substitutes due to the presence of risk premium. The endogenous risk premium depends on certain macroeconomic fundamentals, namely budget deficit and current account balance. Using this framework, we will examine implications of monetary policy, fiscal policy, tariff liberalization and global interest rate hike for exchange rate dynamics and output. The balance sheet effect and the risk premium together explain how an expansionary fiscal policy may generate recession, while tariff liberalization may produce favourable macroeconomic outcomes. Moreover, the model shows that an increase in world interest rate may have contractionary effect on the domestic output level due to the presence of the balance sheet effect of exchange rate depreciation.

JEL Classification: E27, E63, F13, F32
Defining the Nature and Future of the Party–Military Relations in North Korea
Authors: Woo Jongseok
Published: September 2018

Since Kim Jong-il officially launched his Songun politics in 1998, conflicting assessments have generated two competing arguments regarding the political role of the Korean People’s Army (KPA). The military garrison state argument suggests that Songun politics brought about the decline of the party and political ascendance of the military, while the party’s army model argues that the KPA is still the party’s army and under the party’s firm control. This article suggests that the debate mischaracterizes the KPA’s political place in North Korea and that the military has not been a politically influential organ from the state-building to the current Kim Jong-un era. This article identifies two distinct patterns of military control mechanisms—namely partisan (1960s–1990s) and personalistic (1998–2008)—and argues that the different control methods have little to do with the KPA’s political strength or weakness. Rather, they merely reflect the dictator’s ruling method of choice for regime survival. The analysis illustrates that the current Kim Jong-un regime is more stable than many outside observers may estimate, and a military coup is highly unlikely in the near future.
Formulation and in vivo evaluation of aliskiren-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles
Authors: Murrell Derek E , Coleman Jessica M , Brown Stacy D , Harirforoosh Sam
Published: September 2018

Aliskiren (ALS) is a direct renin inhibitor with low bioavailability and high drug cost. The goal of this study was to increase the bioavailability of ALS through nanoformulation. The optimized formulation was then evaluated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We developed an ALS poly(lactic- co-glycolic) acid nanoparticle (ALS-NP) through the emulsion–diffusion–evaporation method with various solvents, stabilizer concentrations, and centrifugation speeds. SHRs were orally dosed with 30 mg/kg ALS or dose equivalent ALS-NP. Several parameters were assayed in plasma and/or urine at baseline and 24 h post-dose, while pharmacokinetic analysis included serial sampling. The optimum formulation was found with ethyl acetate, a 1.00% w/v didodecyldimethylammonium bromide concentration, and a 10,000 r/min (15,554 g) centrifugation speed. A 168% relative bioavailability was observed as a result of ALS-NP administration along with significant, as determined by Student’s t-test, increases in the maximum ALS plasma concentration ( p = 0.0189) and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to infinity ( p = 0.0095). Conversely, a reduction was found in oral volume of distribution ( p = 0.0009) and oral clearance ( p = 0.0298). Blood urea nitrogen increased significantly after dosing in both groups ( p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001); however, no statistical difference was found between endpoint levels ( p > 0.05) following one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Kidney injury molecule-1 increased following ALS dosing ( p = 0.0486), while ALS-NP showed a decrease ( p = 0.027) which was also significantly decreased compared to ALS-Final ( p = 0.0008) when examined using two-way ANOVA. Urinary potassium excretion decreased significantly, as shown by two-way ANOVA, only in the ALS group ( p = 0.0274) which was also significantly reduced compared to ALS-NP-Final ( p = 0.016). Using the current formulation and at the dosage tested, ALS-NP showed a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile and positive kidney changes compared to ALS in regard to select outcomes. Thus, NP formulation may further improve ALS renoprotection in addition to increasing bioavailabilty.
Crowdfunding and Museums: A Field Trip Exemplar in the United Kingdom
Authors: Cavalcanti Junqueira Miriam Isabella , Discua Cruz Allan
Published: September 2018

This article sketches a project designed for an undergraduate course dealing with social contexts of entrepreneurship. The learning activity asks students to devise a reward-based crowdfunding campaign for a museum. The project relies on a field trip to a museum where students gather a better understanding of fiscal and brand visibility challenges currently unsettling these types of organizations. The project draws on intra and extra classroom activities that integrate innovative trends in entrepreneurship teaching, bridging theory, and real-life applications. The exercise motivates students to design solutions, develop collaborations, and cocreate value processes with the organization and diverse actors. The activities span over a 4-week period with tasks prior, during, and after the museum field trip, culminating with a presentation of a crowdfunding campaign. The pedagogical value of this exercise relates to students cocreating entrepreneurial action with a client/entrepreneurial organization within a resource-constrained environment, which motivates the design of innovative crowdfunding campaigns and empathizes with the entrepreneurial demands placed on cultural organizations. Cultural, social, and creative problem-solving competencies for working in international and multidisciplinary teams around crowdfunding can be expected as outcomes. This exercise can be advantageous for courses dealing with the multifaceted dynamics of social contexts of entrepreneurship.
China Intracranial Aneurysm Project (CIAP): protocol for a registry study on a multidimensional prediction model for rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Chen Junfan , Liu Jian , Zhang Yisen , Tian Zhongbin , Wang Kun , Zhang Ying , Mu Shiqing , Lv Ming , Jiang Peng , Duan ChuanZhi , Zhang Hongqi , Qu Yan , He Min , Yang Xinjian
Published: September 2018

Background

Ruptured aneurysms, the commonest cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, can be catastrophic; the mortality and morbidity of affected patients being very high. Some risk factors, such as smoking, hypertension and female sex have been identified, whereas others, such as hemodynamics, imaging, and genomics, remain unclear. Currently, no accurate model that includes all factors for predicting such rupture is available. We plan to use data from a large cohort of Chinese individuals to set up a multidimensional model for predicting risk of rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs).

Methods

The China Intracranial Aneurysm Project-2 (CIAP-2) will comprise screening of a cohort of 500 patients with UIA (From CIAP-1) and focus on hemodynamic factors, high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) findings, genetic factors, and biomarkers. Possible risk factors for rupture of UIA, including genetic factors, biomarkers, HRMRI, and hemodynamic factors, will be analyzed. The first project of the China Intracranial Aneurysm Project (CIAP-1; chaired by the Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China) will prospectively collect a cohort of 5000 patients with UIA from 20 centers in China, and collect baseline information for each patient. Multidimensional data will be acquired in follow-up assessments. Statistically significant clinical features in the UIA cohort will also be analyzed and integrated into the model for predicting risk of UIA rupture. After the model has been set up, the resultant evidence-based prediction will provide a preliminary theoretical basis for treating aneurysms at high risk of rupture.

Discussion

This study will explore the risk of rupture of aneurysms and develop a scientific multidimensional model for predicting rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Clinical Trials registrationA Study on a Multidimensional Prediction Model for Rupture Risk of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (CIAP-2), NCT03133624. Registered: 16 April 2017.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03133624
Incidence and outcomes of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria infections in intensive care unit from Nepal- a prospective cohort study
Authors: Siwakoti Shraddha , Subedi Asish , Sharma Abhilasha , Baral Ratna , Bhattarai Narayan Raj , Khanal Basudha
Published: September 2018

Background

Infections caused by multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections are the principle threats to the critically ill patients of intensive care units. Increasing reports of these infections from the Nepalese intensive care unit underline the clinical importance of these pathogens. However, the impact of these infections on the patient’s clinical outcome has not yet been clearly evaluated. The objective of our study was to determine the incidence and associated clinical outcome of multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections in intensive care unit from a tertiary care center of Nepal.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients admitted in intensive care unit of B. P Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from July to December 2017. Patients infected with multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria, non-multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria and those without infection were included. Identification of gram-negative bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was performed with standard microbiological methods. Demographic, clinical profiles and outcomes (in-hospital-mortality, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay) were documented.

Results

The incidence rate of multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria infections was 47 per 100 admitted patients (64/137) with 128 episodes. Acinetobacter species (41%, 52/128) was the commonest followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (28%, 36/128) and Pseudomonas spp (21%, 27/128). Patients with multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria in comparison to non-multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria had high healthcare-associated infections (95%, 61/64 versus 20%, 2/10; p = < 0.001). In-hospital-mortality was 38% (24/64), 20% (2/10) and 10% (4/41) in multi-drug resistant, non-multi-drug resistant and uninfected group respectively (p = 0.007). After adjustment for independent risk factors, compared to uninfected patients, the odds ratio (CI) for in-hospital-mortality in multi-drug resistant and non-multi-drug resistant group was (4.7[1.4–15.5], p = 0.01) and 2.60 [0.38–17.8], p = 0.32) respectively. Multi-drug resistant patients also had longer intensive care unit and hospital stay, however, it was statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

The incidence of multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacterial infections was remarkably high in our intensive care unit and showed a significant association with healthcare-associated infections and in-hospital-mortality.
Characterization of drug responses of mini patient‐derived xenografts in mice for predicting cancer patient clinical therapeutic response
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Wang Wenjie , Long Yuan , Liu Hui , Cheng Jijun , Guo Lin , Li Rongyu , Meng Chao , Yu Shan , Zhao Qingchuan , Lu Shun , Wang Lili , Wang Haitao , Wen Danyi
Published: September 2018

Background

Patient‐derived organoids and xenografts (PDXs) have emerged as powerful models in functional diagnostics with high predictive power for anticancer drug response. However, limitations such as engraftment failure and time‐consuming for establishing and expanding PDX models followed by testing drug efficacy, and inability to subject to systemic drug administration for ex vivo organoid culture hinder realistic and fast decision‐making in selecting the right therapeutics in the clinic. The present study aimed to develop an advanced PDX model, namely MiniPDX, for rapidly testing drug efficacy to strengthen its value in personalized cancer treatment.

Methods

We developed a rapid in vivo drug sensitivity assay, OncoVee® MiniPDX, for screening clinically relevant regimens for cancer. In this model, patient‐derived tumor cells were arrayed within hollow fiber capsules, implanted subcutaneously into mice and cultured for 7 days. The cellular activity morphology and pharmacokinetics were systematically evaluated. MiniPDX performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values) was examined using PDX as the reference. Drug responses were examined by tumor cell growth inhibition rate and tumor growth inhibition rate in PDX models and MiniPDX assays respectively. The results from MiniPDX were also used to evaluate its predictive power for clinical outcomes.

Results

Morphological and histopathological features of tumor cells within the MiniPDX capsules matched those both in PDX models and in original tumors. Drug responses in the PDX tumor graft assays correlated well with those in the corresponding MiniPDX assays using 26 PDX models generated from patients, including 14 gastric cancer, 10 lung cancer and 2 pancreatic cancer. The positive predictive value of MiniPDX was 92%, and the negative predictive value was 81% with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 93%. Through expanding to clinical tumor samples, MiniPDX assay showed potential of wide clinical application.

Conclusions

Fast in vivo MiniPDX assay based on capsule implantation was developed‐to assess drug responses of both PDX tumor grafts and clinical cancer specimens. The high correlation between drug responses of paired MiniPDX and PDX tumor graft assay, as well as translational data suggest that MiniPDX assay is an advanced tool for personalized cancer treatment.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Cryoneurolysis for Postoperative Analgesia After Limb Amputation: A Case Series
Authors: Gabriel Rodney A. , Finneran John J. , Trescot Andrea M. , Ilfeld Brian M.
Published: September 2018

Pain after limb amputation is frequently challenging to adequately treat with local anesthetic-based regional anesthesia techniques due to its relatively long duration. Furthermore, uncontrolled pain in the immediate postoperative period is associated with persistent postsurgical pain, and frequently phantom limb pain. Cryoneurolysis is an alternative regional analgesic method to local anesthesia-based techniques. We report 3 cases in which ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoneurolysis was performed in the perioperative period of limb amputation. All reported profound analgesia in the postoperative period without persistent postsurgical residual limb or phantom pain in the following months. No adverse events associated with the cryoneurolysis procedure occurred.
The mechanistic insight of a specific interaction between 15d-Prostaglandin-J2 and eIF4A suggests an evolutionary conserved role across species
Authors: Yun So Jeong , Kim Hyunjoon , Lee Seung Gee , Jung Seung-Hyun , Kim Joon Hyun , Ryu Jeong Eun , Singh N. Jiten , Jeon Jouhyun , Han Jin-Kwan , Kim Cheol-Hee , Kim Sanguk , Jang Sung Key , Kim Woo Jae
Published: September 2018

15-deoxy-delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) is anti-inflammatory/anti-neoplastic prostaglandin which functions through covalent binding to cysteine residues of various target proteins. We previously showed that 15d-PGJ2 mediated anti-inflammatory responses are dependent on the translational inhibition through its interaction with eIF4A. Binding of 15d-PGJ2 to eIF4A specifically blocks the interaction between eIF4G and eIF4A leads to the formation of stress granules (SGs), which cluster mRNAs with inhibited translation. Here we show that the binding between 15d-PGJ2 and eIF4A specifically blocks the interaction between the MIF4G domain of eIF4G and eIF4A. To reveal the mechanism of this interaction, we used computational simulation-based docking studies and identified that the carboxyl tail of 15d-PGJ2 could stabilize the binding of 15d-PGJ2 to eIF4A through arginine 295 of eIF4A, which is the first suggestion that the 15d-PGJ2 tail play a physiological role. Interestingly, the putative 15d-PGJ2 binding site on eiF4A is conserved across many species, suggesting a biological role. Our data propose that studying 15d-PGJ2 and its targets will may uncover new therapeutic approaches in anti-inflammatory drug discovery.
Efficacy of the combination of crude extracts of Solanum nigrum and Plumbago capensis on Leishmania major
Authors: Mutoro Christine N. , Kinyua Johnson , Ng'ang'a Joseph , Kariuki Daniel , Ingonga Johnson M. , Anjili Christopher O.
Published: September 2018

Background:Leishmaniasis is an endemic tropical disease caused byLeishmaniaparasites, transmitted mainly by phlebotomine sandflies, impacting both health and socioeconomic wellbeing.  Currently there are inadequate therapeutic measures to manage the disease thus indicating the need for the development of affordable and effective therapeutic interventions from herbal plants as alternative medicine. This study investigated theinvitroantileishmanial effects of blends of crude extracts ofSolanum nigrumandPlumbago capensisagainstLeishmania major.

Methods:The promastigote parasites ofLeishmania majorwere cultured and grown for 3 days in different concentrations of the individual extracts to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). Thein vitroantileishmanial efficacy was determined by exposing promastigotes and macrophages infected withL. majorto the blends of extracts in ratios of 2000:250, 1000:500, 500:1000 and 250:2000. Finally, nitric oxide released byL. majorinfected macrophages that were treated with the plant extracts at ratio of 125:125 was quantified using a standard nitrite curve.

Results:The individual methanol extracts were most effective in inhibiting the growth of promastigotes with MIC values between 0.25 mg/ml and 1.0 mg/ml as compared to aqueous extracts. The most active ratios for the blends were 250:2000 and 2000:250 for methanolic and aqueous blends respectively. The infection rates and multiplication indices associated with all the combined extracts were significantly different (P< 0.05) from those of pentostam and amphotericin B at all the concentrations studied. The OD for the combined test extracts ranged between 0.034 and 0.041 and these corresponded to < 5 µM of NO.

Conclusion:Findings from this study demonstrate that combination therapy usingS. nigrumandP. capensisextracts is effective in treatingLeishmania major infection. Based on our findings we recommendin vivostudies to be conducted to determine the efficacy of these combined therapies againstLeishmaniamajor.
Innovative Approaches to the Organization of Educational Process in the Information and Educational Environmenty
Authors: Лысенко Е. , Lysenko E. , Михайленко О. , Mihaylenko O. , Назарова Л. , Nazarova L.
Published: September 2018

The article deals with the important issues related to informatization of professional education on the example of vocational teacher education. The research problem consists in the definition of innovative approaches to the organization of the educational process in the information and educational environment that facilitate the integration of the interests of society in the training of competent personnel and the interests of the students. The authors consider the essence and structure of the information and educational environment, the features of its functioning in the university teaching process, as well as the role and place of the educational portal elms.timacad.ru. The authors consider the use of blended learning technology, combining the possibilities of the Internet and digital media with classroom activities, for the preparation of future vocational teachers on the example of the course "Management psychology and personnel management". In particular, the authors use the "flipped classroom" model of blended learning technology: before the lesson begins, students independently study theoretical material (usually using ICTs: video lectures, audio lectures, interactive materials, diagnostic techniques, etc.), and the lesson focuses on solving problems, cooperation, training interaction, applying knowledge and skills in a new situation, creating a new training product. Empirical data are presented on the students' assessments of the effectiveness of the blended learning model on the basis of the educational portal. The main difficulties of application of mixed training technology are revealed: high labor-capacity of development of educational content for e-courses and low level of teachers’ information competence.
Appetite stimulants in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Quimby Jessica M
Published: September 2018

Poor appetite is a common clinical complaint in patients with chronic kidney disease. Nurses can play an important role by helping to perform regular nutritional assessment to identify patients that require intervention. This article aims to discuss the importance of this clinical problem and the different mechanisms by which appetite may become abnormal in chronic kidney disease. Recent research on pharmacologic options for appetite stimulation offer new options such as mirtazapine for cats and capromorelin for dogs.
A preliminary study investigating the use of rabbit-related Facebook groups in relation to rabbit health information
Authors: Oxley James A , Kogan Lori
Published: September 2018

Background:

There has been a dramatic increase in the use of social networking sites such as Facebook over the last decade. However, limited research has been conducted focusing on pet owners' use of these sites for pet health information.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to gather, via an online anonymous survey, information from rabbit owners about their use of rabbit-related Facebook groups and determine if and how these group pages are used for rabbit health information.

Methods:

Responses from 304 UK rabbit owners who were members of at least one rabbit-related Facebook groups were received and analysed.

Results:

The majority of participants were a member of more than one rabbit-related Facebook group. The most common reasons for joining such groups were to ‘to keep up to date about rabbit-related information’ (84.9%), ‘to learn more about rabbits’ (78.0%) and ‘to discuss topics about rabbits with like-minded people’ (71.1%). Just over half of respondents (52.3%) joined rabbit-related Facebook groups to ‘seek advice about the health of my rabbits’. Nearly half of owners (41.3%) deemed Facebook groups as a trustworthy source of rabbit health information. The most common health issue Facebook group users asked about was gastrointestinal related.

Conclusions:

Results of this study highlight the importance of veterinarians and veterinary staff engaging with social media pet health groups to facilitate owners sourcing accurate and reliable online pet health information and seeking timely veterinary treatment.
Combining ability and breeding potential of oilseed rape advanced lines for some of important quantitative traits
Authors: Rameeh Valiollah
Published: September 2018

Information on estimates of combining ability of the promising lines of breeding material is important for evolving higher yielding varieties of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). An experiment was conducted to quantitatively examine the genetic parameters of phenological traits, plant height, pods on main raceme, pods per plant and seed yield for eight oilseed rape genotypes using a half-diallel crosses. The result of the diallel analysis revealed significant mean squares of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) for all studied traits, indicating the importance of additive and non-additive genetic effects for these traits. On the other hand estimation of high narrow-sense heritability estimates for days to flowering, duration of flowering and pods on main raceme, indicated the prime importance of additive genetic effects for these traits. L420 and L401 with significant negative GCA effects for days to flowering and days to maturity were suitable for yielding early maturity combinations. L41, Zafar and L22 with significant positive GCA effects for seed yield were superior parents for increasing seed yield. The crosses with significant positive SCA effects for seed yield had at least one parent with significant positive GCA effects for this trait. The crosses including L41×L22, L41×LF2, Zafar×L22 and Zafar×L420 with seed yield of 3421.7, 3400, 3348.1 and 3311.3 kg ha-1 could be promising for determination of superior recombinants for high seed yield coupled with other growth characters in advanced generations of segregation.
Stone in architecture and sculpture – source material for reconstruction
Authors: Lorenc Marek W. , Lorenc H.
Published: September 2018

Stone is the oldest, natural material, which was (and still is) used as both building and sculptural material. The most commonly used for these purposes are: granites, marbles, limestones and sandstones, representing the three main genetic groups of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. All of them are permanently being destroyed in result as well of natural weathering as microbiological activity and anthropogenic pollution of atmosphere, known as deterioration. The speed of such decay depends on both environmental conditions and mineral composition of the stone and it can lead to such intensive destruction that conservation may require partial replacement. Smaller damages are refilled with appropriate mineral masses, whereas in case of bigger damages refilling with natural stone is necessary. Professional conservation practice demands the selection and use of the same rock or the rock that is, in so far as is possible, identical to that originally used. It can be done only after previous detailed petrographical studies of the original material. Only then the stone material used for reconstruction will be appropriate and stonework performed properly will not (or almost not) leave marks. In many cases the ancient quarries do not exist and original source material is not available. Then petrographical studies of numerous rock-samples, which are recently available from other existing and/or working quarries, will allow the indication the most similar material. In many cases, unfortunately, the stone used for replacement is not identical to the original but only macroscopically similar. In such a case results might be visible sooner or later. These will be differences in colour, differences in structure and in some cases even crystallization of secondary minerals in the newly inserted fragments.
Bounded rationality and the ineffectiveness of big push policies
Authors: Xiao Wei , Xu Junyi
Published: September 2018

If a poverty trap exists, can a big-push policy lift the economy out of it? This paper applies Sargent’s [Sargent, Thomas J. 1993.Bounded Rationality in Macroeconomics. New York: Oxford University Press] bounded rationality approach to study the post-policy transition of an economy from a low-income equilibrium to a high-income equilibrium. The effectiveness of the policy diminishes if individuals are adaptive learners who cannot make optimal decisions instantaneously. This paper contributes to the renewed discussion on the effectiveness of massive aid policies for developing countries from a theoretical perspective.
Pyropia lunaesp. nov. andPyropia islaesp. nov. (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from the Philippines
Authors: Dumilag Richard V. , Yap Sandra L.
Published: September 2018

Challenges in morphology come to bear when assigning specific names in foliose Bangiales. Recent studies suggest that the integration of molecular and phenotypic data is essential, particularly in setting species boundaries and revealing the true species diversity of a given area. In an attempt to further elucidate the diversity of foliose Bangiales in the Philippines, two new species,Pyropia lunaesp. nov. andPyropia islaesp. nov. are described. Each species differs from other closely related taxa by a combination of morphological and anatomical characters, and nucleotide sequences. Phylogenetic reconstruction based onrbcL gene sequences supports the sister relationship ofP. lunaeandPyropia acanthophora, whereasP. islaeis recovered as a species allied toPyropia tanegashimensisandPyropia denticulata. These two previously undescribed species increase the number of confirmed PhilippinePyropiaspecies to four. So far,P. lunaeandP. islaeare found only from the Batanes Islands whileP. acanthophoraandP. tanegashimensisare known to extend their native distributions across into the Indo-Pacific waters. Questions remain, however, with regard to the true species diversity of foliose Bangiales in the Philippines. A wider sampling effort and the application of molecular methods will make it possible to resolve the remaining gaps in the taxonomy of Philippine foliose Bangiales.
For a Good Poet's Made, as Well as Born: The Relational Ontology of Shakespeare’s Genius
Authors: Ross Wendy , Vallée-Tourangeau Frédéric
Published: September 2018

Folk and scholarly conjectures on the nature of creative genius often focus on intrapsychic processes: The explanations centre on the person, the creator, transcending the more prosaic forces that shape everyday, routine cognition. Focusing on the alleged extraordinary character of a creator deflects attention from the emergent, distributed and relational nature of creativity. A more productive research agenda considers a range of factors, operating at different time scales, that guide and constrain the manufacture of creativity. We argue that a transactional perspective is particularly fruitful for the analysis of the dramatic work of William Shakespeare. Drama is an inherently relational art form created by the writer, the director, actors and audience. Further, Shakespeare’s output is a palimpsest of classical texts and writers contemporary to him, and was shaped by practical constraints. Viewing his work as situated in a historical time period and in a dialogue with other voices gives us a fuller account of the ontological locus of his creativity.
Professional Competences. Reconstruction of the Opinions of Polish Female Directors
Authors: Modrzejewska-Świgulska Monika
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work is to reconstruct the convictions and opinions of Polish female film directors concerning work competences that actuate work and success in the field of film directing. Qualitative data are presented in the text, which were collected by the Author herself in free interviews carried out with twelve Polish female film directors.
Firms’ Proactiveness During the Crisis: Evidence from European Data
Authors: Brzozowski Jan , Cucculelli Marco , Peruzzi Valentina
Published: September 2018

This paper contributes to the literature on the entrepreneurial behavior of firms during the economic crisis, by investigating the determinants of proactive behavior on a large sample of European companies during the 2008–2009 financial crisis. We explore various dimensions of proactive behavior, including: investments in innovation, expanding product offer, undergoing quality certification, investing in tangible assets and avoiding layoff. Our findings show a surprising heterogeneity of determinants in the case of different proactivity measures, especially when considering the impact of public policies which support entrepreneurship. We also provide some evidence supporting the organizational learning hypothesis with regard to proactiveness, as we show that the previous crisis experience matters in the case of the adoption of proactive or reactive strategy by a firm.
Elastic Moduli and Elastic Constants of Alloy AuCuSi With FCC Structure Under Pressure
Authors: Hoc Nguyen Quang , Duc Tinh Bui , Hien Nguyen Duc
Published: September 2018

This paper studies on the dependence of the mean nearest neighbor distance, the Young modulus E, the bulk modulus K, the rigidity modulus G and the elastic constants C
11, C
12, C
44 on temperature, pressure, the concentration of substitution atoms and the concentration of interstitial atoms for alloy AuCuSi (substitution alloy AuCu with interstitial atom Si) with FCC structure by the way of the statistical moment method (SMM). The numerical results for alloy AuCuSi are compared with the numerical results for main metal Au, substitution alloy AuCu, interstitial alloy AuSi, other calculated results and experiments.
Deposition Characteristics of Multitrack Overlayby Plasma Transferred Arc Welding on SS316Lwith Co-Cr Based Alloy – Influence ofProcess Parameters
Authors: Deshmukh D. D. , Kalyankar V. D.
Published: September 2018

Plasma transferred arc welding (PTAW) is one of the outstanding overlay coating technique used in numerous industries including pressure vessel, automotive, chemical, nuclear, etc. owing to its superior characteristics, low dilution and high efficiency in the coating. In the present investigations, an effort is made to investigate the multitrack overlay deposition by PTAW on 16 mm thick 316 L plate by CO-Cr alloy. Samples are produced under different processing conditions, as per full factorial central composite design of experiment with preheating of 200°C by maintaining the interpass temperature 250 °C. Effects of transferred arc current, welding travel speed, powder feed rate, welding oscillation speed and stand-off distance on weld bead shape parameters comprising of width of deposition and reinforcement are presented and discussed based on experimental observations and fitted model. Relationship between the input process parameters with deposition characteristics is also presented in the form of regression equation. Lower current (100–120 A), intermediate travel speed (120–140 mm/min), intermediate powder feed rate (12–14 gms/min), lower oscillating speed (450–550 mm/min) and lower stand-off distance (6–8 mm) would give better deposition characteristics with minimum distortion, less residual stresses, no surface defects with strong metallurgical bond.