bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing the science of health research capacity strengthening in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review of the published literature, 2000–2016
Authors: Dean Laura , Gregorius Stefanie , Bates Imelda , Pulford Justin
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Substantial development assistance and research funding are invested in health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) interventions in low-income and middle-income countries, yet the effectiveness, impact and value for money of these investments are not well understood. A major constraint to evidence-informed HRCS intervention has been the disparate nature of the research effort to date. This review aims to map and critically analyse the existing HRCS effort to better understand the level, type, cohesion and conceptual sophistication of the current evidence base. The overall goal of this article is to advance the development of a unified, implementation-focused HRCS science.

Methods

We used a scoping review methodology to identify peer-reviewed HRCS literature within the following databases: PubMed, Global Health and Scopus. HRCS publications available in English between the period 2000 and 2016 were included. 1195 articles were retrieved of which 172 met the final inclusion criteria. A priori thematic analysis of all included articles was completed. Content analysis of identified HRCS definitions was conducted.

Results

The number of HRCS publications increased exponentially between 2000 and 2016. Most publications during this period were perspective, opinion or commentary pieces; however, original research publications were the primary publication type since 2013. Twenty-five different definitions of research capacity strengthening were identified, of which three aligned with current HRCS guidelines.

Conclusions

The review findings indicate that an HRCS research field with a focus on implementation science is emerging, although the conceptual and empirical bases are not yet sufficiently advanced to effectively inform HRCS programme planning. Consolidating an HRCS implementation science therefore presents as a viable option that may accelerate the development of a useful evidence base to inform HRCS programme planning. Identifying an agreed operational definition of HRCS, standardising HRCS-related terminology, developing a needs-based HRCS-specific research agenda and synthesising currently available evidence may be useful first steps.
Hepatitis delta virus persists during liver regeneration and is amplified through cell division both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Giersch Katja , Bhadra Oliver D , Volz Tassilo , Allweiss Lena , Riecken Kristoffer , Fehse Boris , Lohse Ansgar W , Petersen Joerg , Sureau Camille , Urban Stephan , Dandri Maura , Lütgehetmann Marc
Published: December 2017

Objective

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) was shown to persist for weeks in the absence of HBV and for months after liver transplantation, demonstrating the ability of HDV to persevere in quiescent hepatocytes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of cell proliferation on HDV persistence in vitro and in vivo.

Design

Genetically labelled human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP)-transduced human hepatoma(HepG2) cells were infected with HBV/HDV and passaged every 7 days for 100 days in the presence of the entry inhibitor Myrcludex-B. In vivo, cell proliferation was triggered by transplanting primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) isolated from HBV/HDV-infected humanised mice into naïve recipients. Virological parameters were measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and cell proliferation were determined by immunofluorescence.

Results

Despite 15 in vitro cell passages and block of viral spreading by Myrcludex-B, clonal cell expansion permitted amplification of HDV infection. In vivo, expansion of PHHs isolated from HBV/HDV-infected humanised mice was confirmed 3 days, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. While HBV markers rapidly dropped in proliferating PHHs, HDAg-positive hepatocytes were observed among dividing cells at all time points. Notably, HDAg-positive cells appeared in clusters, indicating that HDV was transmitted to daughter cells during liver regeneration even in the absence of de novo infection.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that HDV persists during liver regeneration by transmitting HDV RNA to dividing cells even in the absence of HBV coinfection. The strong persistence capacities of HDV may also explain why HDV clearance is difficult to achieve in HBV/HDV chronically infected patients.
Accuracy assessment of default and modified Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) simplified models for estimation of facing tensile forces of soil nail walls
Authors: Liu Huifen , Tang Liansheng , Lin Peiyuan , Mei Guoxiong
Published: December 2017

The accuracy of the default Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) simplified model for estimation of facing tensile forces for soil nail walls under in-service conditions was evaluated using a large quantity of measured long-term and short-term facing tensile force data collected from the literature. The estimation accuracy was quantified by the mean and coefficient of variation (COV) of the bias where bias is defined as the ratio of measured to calculated facing tensile force. Based on the available data, the default FHWA simplified model equation was found to overestimate long- and short-term facing tensile forces by about 15% and 23% on average, respectively. The corresponding spreads in estimation accuracy expressed as the bias COV were about 43% and 67%. Undesirable correlations between bias values and calculated facing tensile forces using the default FHWA simplified model equation were detected. A modified FHWA simplified model was proposed to improve the on average accuracy, reduce the spread in estimation accuracy, and remove the hidden correlations noted above. In addition, the modified equation has fewer empirical coefficients than the current formulation (i.e., four versus five). The facing tensile force equations developed in this study are a contribution to the design of facing of soil nail walls within the current FHWA soil nail wall design framework.
Dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) undertake large-scale migrations between tropical and temperate ecosystems
Authors: Braccini Matias , de Lestang Simon , McAuley Rory
Published: December 2017

Understanding the large-scale migrations of marine predators can allow better representation of their population dynamics. The migration biology of dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus), a cosmopolitan large marine predator with very low resilience to fishing, was quantified using a large-scale network of acoustic receivers deployed across Western Australia. Time-series plotting of individual shark detections and modified logistic modelling were used to determine the timing of acoustically tagged sharks’ seasonal migration, the proportion of the population migrating, and the size at which sharks start to migrate. Large (>200 cm fork length) dusky sharks migrated between areas closed (north) and open (south) to commercial shark fishing. There was limited evidence that smaller sharks occurred in the northern study area, whereas several larger individuals of both sexes undertook repeated north–south displacements, moving between disparate ecosystems within the Indian Ocean (21.7°S–35.4°S) and covering round-trip distances of 2000–3000 km per migratory event. For migrating individuals, the probability of occurring in the north was high in the austral winter–spring and low (males) to moderate (females) during the austral summer–autumn.
Knowledge sharing about deep-sea ecosystems to inform conservation and research decisions
Authors: Januchowski-Hartley Stephanie R. , Selkoe Kimberly A. , Gallo Natalya D. , Bird Christopher E. , Hogan J. Derek
Published: December 2017

The Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (MNM) currently extends policy-based protection to deep-sea ecosystems contained within it, but managers require better understanding of the current knowledge and knowledge gaps about these ecosystems to guide decision-making. To address this need, we present a case study of the Marianas Trench MNM using in-depth interviews to determine scientists’ (1) current understanding of anthropogenic drivers of change and system vulnerability in deep-sea ecosystems; and (2) perceptions of the least understood deep-sea ecosystems and processes in the Marianas Trench MNM, and which of these, if any, should be research priorities to fill knowledge gaps about these systems and the impacts from anthropogenic drivers of change. Interview respondents shared similar views on the current knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems and potential anthropogenic drivers of change in the Marianas Trench MNM. Respondents also identified trench and deep pelagic (bathyal, abyssal, and hadal zones) ecosystems as the least understood, and highlighted climate change, litter and waste, mining and fishing, and interactions between these drivers of change as critical knowledge gaps. To fill key knowledge gaps and inform conservation decision-making, respondents identified the need for monitoring networks and time-series data. Our approach demonstrates how in-depth interviews can be used to elicit knowledge to inform decision-making in data-limited situations.
Some Characterizations of Lattice OWA Operators
Authors: De Miguel Laura , Paternain Daniel , Lizasoain Inmaculada , Ochoa Gustavo , Bustince Humberto
Published: December 2017

Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operators are a family of aggregation functions for data fusion. If the data are real numbers, then OWA operators can be characterized either as a special kind of discrete Choquet integral or simply as an arithmetic mean of the given values previously ordered. This paper analyzes the possible generalizations of these characterizations when OWA operators are defined on a complete lattice. In addition, the set of all n-ary OWA operators is studied as a sublattice of the lattice of all the n-ary aggregation functions defined on a distributive lattice.
Linking Mathematical Morphology andL-Fuzzy Concepts
Authors: Alcalde Cristina , Burusco Ana , Bustince Humberto , Fuentes-Gonzalez Ramon , Sesma-Sara Mikel
Published: December 2017

In this paper we study the relation between L-fuzzy morphology and L-fuzzy concepts over complete lattices. In particular, we show how the erosion and dilation operators of the former can be understood in terms of the derivation operators of the latter, even when the set of objects is different from the set of attributes.
Synthesis of Cross-Correlation Functions of Partial Responses and the Extended Kalman Filter Approach for Structural Damage Detection Under Ambient Excitations
Authors: Lei Y. , Xia D. D. , Chen F. , Deng Y. M.
Published: December 2017

It is still necessary to investigate the detection of structural damage under ambient excitations since the excitations are random and unmeasured while measurement noises are inevitable. In this paper, a method based on the synthesis of cross-correlation functions of partial structural responses and the extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach is proposed for the identification and damage detection of structures under ambient excitations, in which both independent stationary and non-stationary white noise excitations in the product models are discussed. First, the equations of cross-correlation functions of structural responses are established when the ambient excitations are independent stationary white noise processes. Then, the EKF approach is utilized to identify structural parameters and cross-correlation functions using partial measurements of structural acceleration responses. Structural damage is detected based on the degradations of the identified structural element stiffness parameters. Finally, the proposed method is extended to deal with independent non-stationary white noise excitations in the product models. The numerical simulation examples of the ASCE structural health monitoring benchmark building subject to ambient excitation, a moment resisting frame model under white noise excitation, and a cantilever beam model under multiple independent non-stationary excitations are used to validate the feasibility of the proposed method. It is shown that the method is not sensitive to measurement noises. Also, a lab experimental study of the identification of a multi-story shear structure is investigated to further illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.
COMPARISON OF DYNAMIC STABILITY DURING WALKING AND RUNNING ON NONMOTORIZED CURVED TREADMILL ACCORDING TO CURVATURE RADIUS
Authors: KIM SAYUP , ROH JONGRYUN , HYEONG JOONHO , KIM YOUNGHO
Published: December 2017

It is generally believed that running on a curved surface is more unstable than running on a flat surface. In this study, the dynamic stability of locomotion on a nonmotorized curved treadmill (NMCT) with three curvature radii was compared with that on a motorized flat treadmill. Sixteen healthy adult men maintained four different self-paced speeds: slow walking, fast walking, jogging, and running. Significant differences were statistically verified using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) according to the curvature radii and speeds, and the interaction effects were confirmed. Furthermore, to understand the significant differences between the speed and curvature radius, post hoc analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA. Except for the step width, the other parameters showed differences and correlation effects between the curvature radius and speed. As the curvature radius decreased, the stability decreased at slow speeds (slow walking) but increased at fast speeds (running). However, as the curvature radius increased, the stability increased at slow speeds (slow walking) but decreased at high speeds (running). The study results will help in suggesting the appropriate curvature radius for different user types such as athletes, the elderly, and people who require rehabilitation and will serve as preliminary data for designing the curvature radii of NMCTs.
STRONG REAL-TIME QRS COMPLEX DETECTION
Authors: BENOSMAN M. M. , BEREKSI-REGUIG F. , SALERUD E. GORAN
Published: December 2017

Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is used as a marker of autonomic nervous system activity which may be related to mental and/or physical activity. HRV features can be extracted by detecting QRS complexes from an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. The difficulties in QRS complex detection are due to the artifacts and noises that may appear in the ECG signal when subjects are performing their daily life activities such as exercise, posture changes, climbing stairs, walking, running, etc. This study describes a strong computation method for real-time QRS complex detection. The detection is improved by the prediction of the position of [Formula: see text] waves by the estimation of the RR intervals lengths. The estimation is done by computing the intensity of the electromyogram noises that appear in the ECG signals and known here in this paper as ECG Trunk Muscles Signals Amplitude (ECG-TMSA). The heart rate (HR) and ECG-TMSA increases with the movement of the subject. We use this property to estimate the lengths of the RR intervals. The method was tested using famous databases, and also with signals acquired when an experiment with 17 subjects from our laboratory. The obtained results using ECG signals from the MIT-Noise Stress Test Database show a QRS complex detection error rate (ER) of 9.06%, a sensitivity of 95.18% and a positive prediction of 95.23%. This method was also tested against MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, the result are 99.68% of sensitivity and 99.89% of positive predictivity, with ER of 0.40%. When applied to the signals obtained from the 17 subjects, the algorithm gave an interesting result of 0.00025% as ER, 99.97% as sensitivity and 99.99% as positive predictivity.
Asymmetric Adaptive Particle Refinement in SPH and Its Application in Soil Cutting Problems
Authors: Wu Hao , Wang Jian , Wang Jianhua , Liao Chencong
Published: December 2017

In this study, a novel asymmetric adaptive particle refinement algorithm in smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is developed for soil cutting problems. Each candidate particle that located at the cutting blade of the structure is split into two “children” particles to minimize the oscillation of the contact force. And thus reduce the local instability. To minimize the density refinement error, a numerical method to determine the optimal smoothing lengths for “children” particles is given. To verify the accuracy of proposed algorithm, the adaptive refinement procedure are implemented into two models: one for soil cutting test on plane strain condition and the other for sample drilling test on axisymmetric condition. The observed flow pattern of the soil and contact forces are compared with laboratory experimental data available in the literature. Results indicate that the proposed asymmetric adaptive refinement algorithm could significantly avoid severe local instability and contributes to high-accuracy simulation.
Analytical approximation for spread option pricing in local volatility model
Authors: Yang Ying
Published: December 2017

This paper introduces a methodology of analytical approximation in general European option-pricing case based on local volatility model and then apply it to price a European Spread Option. The approximation procedure is flexible in pricing financial derivatives with any form of volatility, drift rate, risk-free rate and payoff function. We also work out the explicit pricing formula up to the second-order approximation of spread option which is good-fitting compared with finite difference method and Monte Carlo simulation. The relative error compared to finite difference method is no more than 5%, which attests to the accuracy of our second-order closed-form formulas.
Climatological trends and anticipated karst spring quantity and quality: case study of the Slovene Istria
Authors: Ravbar Nataša , Kovačič Gregor , Petrič Metka , Kogovšek Janja , Brun Clarissa , Koželj Alenka
Published: December 2017

The behaviour of aquifers with karst porosity is dependent on hydrological conditions. This is due to the peculiar characteristics of the groundwater flow and dynamics of hydrological processes in karst. As a result, karst aquifers are especially vulnerable to the effects of environmental change. We assessed the long-term climatological and hydrological trends and the short-term effects of increasingly frequent extreme hydrological events (droughts) for the Mediterranean karst spring Rižana in SW Slovenia. The findings predict higher mean annual air temperatures of 0.34°C decade
−1
, lower annual precipitation of
c.
60 mm decade
−1
and higher annual actual evapotranspiration (especially during spring and summer) of 32–49 mm decade
−1
. As a consequence, we can expect a decrease in the mean annual discharge of the spring of
c.
480 l s
−1
decade
−1
with prolonged dry summer periods. Detailed monitoring of the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters showed that the flood pulses caused by precipitation events after a long dry period cause a significant deterioration in water quality. In such situations, contaminants stored in the unsaturated zone are flushed out and counts of coliform bacteria can reach >1400 cfu (100 ml)
−1
, with total Al and Fe concentrations up to 206 and 474 μg l
−1
, respectively. These results suggest that there should be urgent adherence to water quality standards to protect karst water sources in view of the anticipated climatological stresses. Management strategies should promote monitoring and the rational use of karst water supplies.
Do Tonic Itch and Pain Stimuli Draw Attention towards Their Location?
Authors: van Laarhoven Antoinette I. M. , van Damme Stefaan , Lavrijsen A. (Sjan) P. M. , van Ryckeghem Dimitri M. , Crombez Geert , Evers Andrea W. M.
Published: December 2017

Background. Although itch and pain are distinct experiences, both are unpleasant, may demand attention, and interfere with daily activities. Research investigating the role of attention in tonic itch and pain stimuli, particularly whether attention is drawn to the stimulus location, is scarce. Methods. In the somatosensory attention task, fifty-three healthy participants were exposed to 35-second electrical itch or pain stimuli on either the left or right wrist. Participants responded as quickly as possible to visual targets appearing at the stimulated location (ipsilateral trials) or the arm without stimulation (contralateral trials). During control blocks, participants performed the visual task without stimulation. Attention allocation at the itch and pain location is inferred when responses are faster ipsilaterally than contralaterally. Results. Results did not indicate that attention was directed towards or away from the itch and pain location. Notwithstanding, participants were slower during itch and pain than during control blocks. Conclusions. In contrast with our hypotheses, no indications were found for spatial attention allocation towards the somatosensory stimuli. This may relate to dynamic shifts in attention over the time course of the tonic sensations. Our secondary finding that itch and pain interfere with task performance is in-line with attention theories of bodily perception.
Are Shopkeepers Suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Asemahagn Mulusew Andualem
Published: December 2017

Background. Despite several interventions, tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health concern in developing countries. Objective. To determine pulmonary TB prevalence and associated factors among shopkeepers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 among 520 shopkeepers who had TB signs and symptoms using questionnaire interview and sputum samples processing. Shopkeepers were considered TB positive if two sputum slides became positive. Data were edited and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors. Results. A total of 520 shopkeepers were interviewed and gave sputum samples. About 256 (49.2%) of them were under the ≤30 years’ age category, 22.0% can read and write, 65.0% were Muslims, and 32.0% originated from rural areas. Pulmonary TB prevalence was 7.0% (37/520), and positivity proportion was 57.0% (21/37) in males and 70.0% (26/37) in urban residents. Smaller (44.0%) shopkeepers got health education on TB. Illiteracy, no health education, contact history, cigarette smoking, nonventilated shops, and comorbidities were factors to TB infection (p value < 0.05). Conclusions. Significant numbers of shopkeepers were infected by TB. Factors to TB infection were either personal or related to comorbidities or the environment. Therefore, TB officials need to specially emphasize awareness creation, occupational health, and early screening to prevent TB.
Relay Positioning Strategy for Traffic Data Collection of Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Hybrid Optimization Systems: A FANET-Based Case Study
Authors: Jailton José , Carvalho Tassio , Araújo Jasmine , Francês Renato
Published: December 2017

In the new context of Next Generation Networks, Aerial Ad Hoc Networks, also known as FANET (Flying Ad Hoc Network), are being used to monitor areas of difficult access. Owing to the dynamism and autoconfiguration of this type of network, a strategy is needed to position its devices (drones) to ensure it can achieve good performance. In light of this, this paper proposes a flight path planning model, which involves a metaheuristic optimization-based approach. The proposal relied on the artificial neural networks to optimize the positioning of the relay device, so that the throughput between the other devices could be increased; the benefits of the proposal were demonstrated through simulations.
A Novel DBSCAN Based on Binary Local Sensitive Hashing and Binary-KNN Representation
Authors: He Qing , Gu Hai Xia , Wei Qin , Wang Xu
Published: December 2017

We revisit the classic DBSCAN algorithm by proposing a series of strategies to improve its robustness to various densities and its efficiency. Unlike the original DBSCAN, we first use the binary local sensitive hashing (LSH) which enables faster region query for the k neighbors of a data point. The binary data representation method based on k neighborhood is then proposed to map the dataset into the Hamming space for faster cluster expansion. We define a core point based on binary influence space to enhance the robustness to various densities. Also, we propose a seed point selection method, which is based on influence space and k neighborhood similarity, to select some seed points instead of all the neighborhood during cluster expansion. Consequently, the number of region queries can be decreased. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm can greatly improve the clustering speed under the premise of ensuring better algorithm clustering accuracy, especially for large-scale datasets.
Sustained Effectiveness of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Artesunate and Amodiaquine in 480 Patients with Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Assi Serge Brice , Nguessan Abouo Franklin , Aba Yapo Thomas , Toure André Offianan , Menan Hervé , Yavo Jean Claude , San Koffi Moïse , Bissagnéné Emmanuel , Duparc Stephan , Lameyre Valérie , Tanoh Mea Antoine
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to monitor the effectiveness of artesunate-amodiaquine fixed-dose combination tablets (ASAQ Winthrop®) in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Côte d’Ivoire. Two enrolment periods (November 2009 to May 2010 and March to October 2013) were compared using an identical design. Subjects with proven monospecific P. falciparum infection according to the WHO diagnostic criteria were eligible. 290 patients during each period received a dose of ASAQ Winthrop tablets appropriate for their age. The primary outcome measure was PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response at Day 28 in the per protocol population (255 in Period 1 and 240 in Period 2). This was achieved by 95.7% of patients during Period 1 and 96.3% during Period 2. Over 95% of patients were afebrile at Day 3 and complete parasite clearance was achieved at Day 3 in >99% of patients. Nineteen adverse events in nineteen patients were considered as possibly related to treatment, principally vomiting, abnormal liver function tests, and pruritus. There was no evidence for loss of effectiveness over the three-year period in spite of strong drug pressure. This trial was registered in the US Clinical Trials Registry (clinical.trials.gov) under the identifier number NCT01023399.
A Rare Case of Metastatic Choriocarcinoma of Lung Origin
Authors: Rali Parth , Xie Jianwu , Rali Grishma , Rali Mayur , Silverman Jan , Malik Khalid
Published: December 2017

Choriocarcinoma is part of the spectrum of gestational trophoblastic disease that occurs in women of reproductive age. Although the most common metastatic site of choriocarcinoma is the lung, primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma is rare. To diagnose primary pulmonary choriocarcinoma, the patient should have no previous gynecologic malignancy, have elevated human chorionic gonadotropin, and have pathological confirmation of the disease excluding gonadal primary site of the tumor. Due to the paucity of data, there are no guidelines for treatment. Prognosis of this malignancy is extremely poor. We report a rare case of metastatic primary lung choriocarcinoma in a 69-year-old postmenopausal woman who was treated with combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The patient had a good outcome and is doing well after 1-year follow-up.
T Helper Lymphocyte and Mast Cell Immunohistochemical Pattern in Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity
Authors: Losurdo Giuseppe , Piscitelli Domenico , Pezzuto Federica , Fortarezza Francesco , Covelli Claudia , Marra Antonella , Iannone Andrea , Amoruso Annacinzia , Principi Mariabeatrice , Ierardi Enzo , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: December 2017

Background and Aims. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a gluten-related emerging condition. Since few data about NCGS histopathology is available, we assessed the markers of lymphocyte and innate immunity activation. Materials and Methods. We retrieved duodenal biopsy samples of patients with NCGS diagnosis according to the Salerno criteria. We selected specimens of positive (seropositive celiac disease/Marsh 1-2 stage) and negative (normal microscopic picture) controls. Immunohistochemistry for CD3 (intraepithelial lymphocytes-IELs), CD4 (T helper lymphocytes), CD8 (T cytotoxic lymphocytes), and CD1a/CD117 (Langerhans/mast cells) was performed. ANOVA plus Bonferroni’s tests were used for statistical analysis. Results. Twenty NCGS, 16 celiac disease, and 16 negative controls were selected. CD3 in NCGS were higher than negative controls and lower than celiac disease (18.5 ± 6.4, 11.9 ± 2.8, and 40.8 ± 8.1 IELs/100 enterocytes; p<0.001). CD4 were lower in NCGS than controls and celiac disease (31.0 ± 22.1, 72.5 ± 29.5, and 103.7 ± 15.7 cells/mm2; p<0.001). CD8 in NCGS were similar to negative controls, but lower than celiac disease (14.0 ± 7.4 and 34.0 ± 7.1 IELs/100 enterocytes, p<0.001). CD117 were higher in NCGS than celiac disease and negative controls (145.8 ± 49.9, 121.3 ± 13.1, and 113.5 ± 23.4 cells/mm2; p=0.009). Conclusions. The combination of CD4 and CD117, as well as IEL characterization, may be useful to support a clinical diagnosis of NCGS.
Dynamic Response of Wheel-Rail Interaction at Rail Weld in High-Speed Railway
Authors: An Boyang , Wang Ping , Xiao Jieling , Xu Jingmang , Chen Rong
Published: December 2017

As a main part of continuously welded rail track, rail weld widely exists in high-speed railway. However, short-wave irregularities can easily initiate and develop in rail weld due to the limitation of welding technology and thus rail weld has been a main high-frequency excitation and is responsible for deterioration of track components. This work reports a 3D finite element model of wheel-rail rolling contact which can simulate dynamic wheel-rail interaction at arbitrary contact geometry up to 400 km/h. This model is employed to investigate dynamic response of wheel-rail interaction at theoretical and measured rail weld, including wheel-rail force and axle-box acceleration. These simulation results, combined with Quality Index (QI) method, are used to develop a quantitative expression, which can be easily applied for evaluating rail weld deterioration based on measured rail profiles and axle-box acceleration.
Prevalence of Thyroid Abnormalities in Thai Patients with Vitiligo
Authors: Vachiramon Vasanop , Harnchoowong Sarawin , Onprasert Woranit , Chanprapaph Kumutnart
Published: December 2017

Background. Vitiligo is an acquired hypopigmentary disorder. The prevalence of vitiligo is 0.1–2% worldwide. Numerous autoimmune diseases are associated with vitiligo, including autoimmune thyroid diseases. The prevalence of thyroid abnormalities is up to 34% in vitiligo patients depending on ethnicities. Objective. This study aims to investigate thyroid abnormalities in Thai patients with vitiligo. Methods. Medical records of vitiligo patients attending outpatient dermatology clinic at a university-based hospital from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding vitiligo, clinical features, and autoimmune thyroid laboratory results were retrieved and analyzed. Results. Among 325 vitiligo patients identified, anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin were positive in 90 (27.7%) and 63 patients (19.4%), respectively. Positive thyroid antibody was associated with female gender (p<0.001) and vitiliginous hand lesions (p<0.02). Out of 197 patients with complete thyroid function test, the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) is 12.7%. Female, nonsegmental type, higher affected area, and the presence of leukotrichia are significantly associated with AITD in vitiligo patients. Conclusions. Prevalence of positive thyroid antibodies and AITD in Thai patients with vitiligo is compatible with previous studies around the world. Screening for AITD with thyroid antibodies and serum TSH is essential for vitiligo patients.
Bone Lid Technique Using a Piezoelectric Device for the Treatment of a Mandibular Bony Lesion
Authors: Younes Ronald , Nasseh Ibrahim , Lahoud Pierre , Wassef Elie , Dagher Maroun
Published: December 2017

Different techniques for the enucleation of jaw cyst lesion in the oral and maxillofacial regions have been proposed, including the bone lid technique. The purpose of this case report is to describe the case of a cystic lesion, approached with the bone lid technique performed using a piezoelectric device, with an 8-month clinical and radiographic follow-up. A 14-year-old male patient was treated for a suspicious lesion detected on a panoramic radiograph. The concerned area was surgically accessed, and a radiographically predetermined bony window was drawn, and the beveled bony lid was removed. The underlying lesion was enucleated and sent for pathology as a routine procedure, and the removed bony lid was repositioned in situ and secured with a collagen tape. Healing was uneventful with limited swelling and reduced pain. A complete radiographic bone healing at the previously diseased site was confirmed with an 8-month cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan with no buccal bone resorption nor ridge collapse. The bone lid technique with a piezoelectric device was noninvasive and atraumatic in this case. Further studies are needed and could lead to the adaptation of this approach as a possible standard of care.
ZNF750 Expression Is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Otsuka Ryota , Akutsu Yasunori , Sakata Haruhito , Hanari Naoyuki , Murakami Kentaro , Kano Masayuki , Toyozumi Takeshi , Takahashi Masahiko , Matsumoto Yasunori , Sekino Nobufumi , Yokoyama Masaya , Okada Koichiro , Shiraishi Tadashi , Komatsu Aki , Iida Keiko , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: December 2017

Objective: ZNF750, a transcriptional regulator of epidermal differentiation, has been identified as a tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of ZNF750 expression and to evaluate the effect of ZNF750 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in ESCC. Methods: A total of 124 patients with ESCC who underwent curative esophagectomy were evaluated in this study. The expression of ZNF750 in surgical specimens was immunohistochemically assessed and used in the analysis of clinicopathological features and overall survival (OS). The molecular role of ZNF750 was investigated by ZNF750 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in ESCC cell lines. Results: Low ZNF750 expression had a significant correlation with positive lymph node metastasis (p = 0.028). Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between low expression of ZNF750 in ESCC and a poor OS, and a multivariate analysis showed that low ZNF750 expression was an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.020). The cell growth, migration, and invasion were significantly increased by downregulation of ZNF750. Conclusions: The low expression of ZNF750 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis, and ZNF750 expression may, therefore, be a reliable prognostic biomarker in ESCC.
Lysine Restriction Affects Feed Intake and Amino Acid Metabolism via Gut Microbiome in Piglets
Authors: Yin Jie , Han Hui , Li Yuying , Liu Zhaojin , Zhao Yurong , Fang Rejun , Huang Xingguo , Zheng Jie , Ren Wenkai , Wu Fei , Liu Gang , Wu Xin , Wang Kai , Sun Liping , Li Chunyong , Li Tiejun , Yin Yulong
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Our previous reports suggested that dietary supplementation with lysine influenced intestinal absorption and metabolism of amino acids. In this study, we further investigated the effect of lysine restriction (30%) on feed intake and we also tested the hypothesis that gut microbiome contributed to the potential mechanism of lysine restriction-mediated feeding behavior. Here, we profiled gut microbial communities by sequencing 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes from gut samples as well as growth performance, serum hormones, and intestinal lysine transport in a piglet model. Results: Piglets preferred to the lysine restricted diet when giving three diets and the feed intake was markedly higher in the lysine-restricted group than that in the control group. Altered hormones (leptin, CCK, and ghrelin) might contribute to the feeding behavior caused by lysine restriction. Meanwhile, lysine transporting ability (SLC7A1 and SLC7A2 expression, intestinal electrophysiological changes, and amino acid pool in mesenteric vein) was decreased in response to lysine restriction. Through deep sequencing of bacterial rRNA markers, we observed that bacterial diversity was enhanced in the lysine-restricted group (Shannon H, PD, and Chao1). At the phylum level, lysine restriction enhanced gut Actinobacteria, Saccharibacteria, and Synergistetes abundances. At the family level, Moraxellaceae, Halomonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, Comamonadaceae, Microbacteriaceae, Caulobacteraceae, and Synergistaceae abundances were increased in response to lysine restriction. Predictive functional profiling of microbial communities by PICRUSt also confirmed that dietary lysine restriction affected gut microbiome, which might further mediate amino acid metabolism, membrane transport, and endocrine system. Conclusion: Our results indicated that lysine restriction inhibited intestinal lysine transport and promoted feed intake, which might be associated with gut microbiome.
A construção socioeconômica da cannabis no Marrocos: o kif como produto tradicional, produto manufaturado e produto de contrabando
Authors: Afsahi Kenza
Published: December 2017

Designado kif no Marrocos, a cannabis passou por importantes transformações que impactaram o seu valor social e econômico neste país. O presente artigo analisa essas mudanças no que se refere à evolução das normas, modos de uso e técnicas, e no que diz respeito às mudanças dos atores que produzem e comercializam a cannabis, em um primeiro momento num contexto tradicional, e em um segundo momento em dois mercados no período dos protetorados francês e espanhol (1912-1956): o mercado de monopólio e o mercado de contrabando.
EDITORIAL VOLUMEN 12 NÚMERO 3 (2017)
Authors: Bruscato Underléa Miotto , Tosello Maria Elena
Published: December 2017

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Sephardic Migration and Cultural Transfer: The Ottoman and Spanish Expansion through a Cinquecento Jewish Lens
Authors: Jacobs Martin
Published: December 2017

This study explores the reading and writing practices of Joseph Ha-Kohen, a sixteenth-century Jewish chronicler from Genoa, against the background of his Italian and Spanish sources: in what ways and why did he adapt, change or subvert their narratives? It focuses on two of Ha-Kohen’s major works: his Franco-Turkish Chronicle, and his Hebrew adaptation of López de Gómara’s account of the Spanish conquests in the Americas. Based on these writings, the essay asks how the author’s Sephardic identity and migration experience inform his ideas about the Habsburg and Ottoman Empires. Notably, the Jewish chronicler applauds the Ottomans’ conversion of churches into mosques, while he condemns the forced Christianization of the Amerindians. At the same time, Ha-Kohen shares cultural attitudes with Gómara and voices qualified support for a Spanish civilizing mission. These ambiguities in Ha-Kohen’s writings—oscillating between praise and repudiation of imperial ideology—prove to be emblematic of post-expulsion Sephardic Jewry.
Institutionalisation of Emerging Norms of Customary International Law through Resolutions and Operational Activities of the Political and Subsidiary Organs of the United Nations
Authors: Droubi Sufyan
Published: December 2017

The paper looks at resolutions and operational activities of the un as parts of processes of institutionalisation of nascent norms of cil. It argues that institutionalisation clarifies the scope of the norm and of its application; and improves mechanisms of persuasion and compliance with the norm, thereby increasing social pressure on resilient States. Hence, institutionalised norms have a higher potential to affect both the behaviour and attitude of States than non-institutionalised norms. Crucially, the paper argues that un resolutions and activities foster processes of institutionalisation of new norms. Although the work acknowledges that is not possible to foresee whether a norm will crystallise as cil, it suggests that its potential increases if it matches and draws on the normative framework provided by the
un Charter; if it does not excessively challenge the predominant expectations of States, and if un organs work together in promoting it.
Another Brick in the Wall
Authors: Arsić-Đapo Jasna
Published: December 2017

The origins of the osce began as a political conference established by the 1975 Helsinki Accords, rather than a treaty-based international organization. Through political decisions it has evolved in a fragmented way, structurally and legally, which has resulted in a decades-long debate over its international legal personality and its status as an ‘fully-fledged’ international organization. In that light, the June 2017 Arrangement between the osce and the Republic of Poland on the Status of the osce in the Republic of Poland, as well as the 2017 Agreement between the Republic of Austria and the osce regarding the Headquarters of the osce
, which were concluded as treaties, demonstrate recognition, by those two states, of the osce as a subject of international law with treaty-making capacity. This suggests that the osce may be acquiring international legal personality much in the same way as states achieve statehood—element by element and recognition state by state.
Sacralizing Reality Digitally: YouTruths, Kennewick Claims and the First Americans
Authors: Damgaard Mads
Published: December 2017

Marshalling scientific arguments and methods for religious ends is certainly not a new trend in religious expressions, but new modes of writing scientifically legitimated myths has developed online. Computer-mediated communication provides new tools for such a fusing of religion and science, and the present article asks what this entails for categories of religious authority and authenticity. Taking online expressions of the Neo-Pagan faith called Asatrú, a 9,500 year-old skeleton and an associated modern North American conspiracy theory as the starting points, a configuration of religious authenticity derived from scientific sources is analysed. The case is made that through hyperlinks, YouTube videos and discussion forums, religious communities such as the online Asatrú groups strategically assemble religious authority on a foundation of science, tapping into non-religious ecologies of knowledge available online. This puts into question theoretical premises such as notions of the secular and differentiation of rationalities. Research in CMC and religion, it is argued, must take into consideration the specific hybrid knowledges facilitated by online structures and technologies.
Some Initial Reflections on XML Markup for an Image-Based Electronic Edition of the Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri
Authors: Dobbs-Allsopp F. W. , Hooker Chris , Murray Gregory
Published: December 2017

A collaborative project of the Brooklyn Museum and a number of allied institutions, including Princeton Theological Seminary and West Semitic Research, the Digital Brooklyn Museum Aramaic Papyri (DBMAP) is to be both an image-based electronic facsimile edition of the important collection of Aramaic papyri from Elephantine housed at the Brooklyn Museum and an archival resource to support ongoing research on these papyri and the public dissemination of knowledge about them. In the process of building out a (partial) prototype of the edition, to serve as a proof of concept, we have discovered little field-specific discussion that might guide our markup decisions. Consequently, here our chief ambition is to initiate such a conversation. After a brief overview of DBMAP, we offer some initial reflection on and assessment of XML markup schemes specifically for Semitic texts from the ancient Near East that comply with TEI, CSE, and MEP guidelines. We take as our example BMAP 3 (=TAD B3.4) and we focus on markup as pertains to the editorial transcription of this documentary text and to the linguistic analysis of the text’s language
Mixed Up by Time and Chance? Using Digital Methods to “Re-Orient” the Syriac Religious Literature of Late Antiquity
Authors: Michelson David A.
Published: December 2017

The British Library’s collection of approximately 1000 Syriac manuscripts is one of the world’s richest collections of materials for the study of Syriac Christianity. These manuscripts were catalogued in the nineteenth century shortly after a large collection of over 500 manuscripts were acquired by the British from the monastery of Dayr al-Suryān in Egypt. This article examines the intellectual assumptions that guided the nineteenth-century cataloguing efforts and offers a methodological proposal for how a new digital catalogue of the manuscripts could and should differ. New methods of digital representation can permit users to engage the Dayr al-Suryān manuscripts and the whole of the British Library Syriac collection from multiple, varied, and even conflicting perspectives. Several such digital approaches are being implemented in Syriaca.org’s digital catalogue of the British Library Syriac manuscripts. The diversity of such digital approaches promises to open new insights into the history of Christianity in late antiquity and beyond.
Gateway to the Syriac Saints: A Database Project
Authors: Saint-Laurent Jeanne-Nicole Mellon
Published: December 2017

This article describes The Gateway to the Syriac Saints, a database project developed by the Syriac Reference Portal (www.syriaca.org). It is a research tool for the study of Syriac saints and hagiographic texts. The Gateway to the Syriac Saints is a two-volume database: 1) Qadishe and 2) Bibliotheca Hagiographica Syriaca Electronica (BHSE).

Hagiography, the lives of the saints, is a multiform genre. It contains elements of myth, history, biblical exegesis, romance, and theology. The production of saints’ lives blossomed in late antiquity alongside the growth of the cult of the saints. Scholars have attended to hagiographic traditions in Greek and Latin, but many scholars have yet to discover the richness of Syriac hagiographic literature: the stories, homilies, and hymns on the saints that Christians of the Middle East told and preserved. It is our hope that our database will give scholars and students increased access to these traditions to generate new scholarship.

The first volume, Qadishe or “saints” in Syriac, is a digital catalogue of saints or holy persons venerated in the Syriac tradition. Some saints are native to the Syriac-speaking milieu, whereas others come from other linguistic or cultural traditions. Through the translation of their hagiographies and the diffusion of saints’ cults in the late antique world, saints were adopted, “imported,” and appropriated into Syriac religious memory.

The second volume, the BHSE, focuses on Syriac hagiographic texts. The BHSE contains the titles of over 1000 Syriac stories, hymns, and homilies on saints. It also includes authors’ or hagiographers’ names, the first and last lines of the texts (in Syriac, English, and French), bibliographic information, and the names of the manuscripts containing these hagiographic works. We have also listed modern and ancient translations of these works.

All of the data in the Gateway to the Syriac Saints has been encoded in TEI, and it is fully searchable, linkable, and open.