bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soothe ourselves in times of need: A qualitative exploration of how the feeling of ‘soothe’ is understood and experienced in everyday life
Authors: Mok Michelle C. L. , Schwannauer Matthias , Chan Stella W. Y.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Evidence suggests that self‐compassion is linked to psychological benefits. Compassion‐focused therapy emphasizes the importance of developing abilities to self‐soothe in alleviating psychological distress. However, little is known about how the feeling of soothe is understood, experienced, and achieved in everyday life. This study addressed two research questions: (1) How is the feeling of soothe understood? (2) How is the feeling of soothe experienced in everyday life?

Design

This is part of our ongoing research Project Soothe (www.projectsoothe.com), which collects soothing images from the public with the goal to develop a bank of soothing images for psychotherapeutic and research use. We also set up an online survey to explore how individuals understand and experience the feeling of soothe in everyday lives. The current study was based on the qualitative narratives obtained in this survey.

Methods

A total of 176 participants were recruited. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged in response to the first research question: (1) a complex interconnected state of feelings, (2) self‐soothe and being soothed, and (3) involvement of physical sensations. Five themes emerged regarding the second research question: (1) venturing out in nature, (2) being in a familiar surrounding, (3) being solitary, (4) being affiliated, and (5) being physically and mentally relaxed.

Conclusions

Our study illustrated the importance of affiliations, physical sensations, mindfulness, connection with nature, and solitude on the cultivation of soothe. Results may help develop therapeutic techniques in enhancing self‐soothe by tapping into individuals’ understanding and subjective experience in everyday contexts.

Practitioner points

Compassion‐focused therapy and related third wave therapies emphasize the role of cultivating self‐compassion and feelings of self‐soothe in reducing psychological distress and improving mental well‐being.

This study sheds light on how individuals understand and achieve self‐soothe in everyday life contexts.

Individuals’ subjective narratives suggested that both being in solitude and affiliated with others were associated with feelings of self‐soothe, in addition to feeling connected with the nature, being in familiar environments and experiencing physical sensations.

These findings will help practitioners develop different ways to enhance individuals’ self‐compassion by tapping into their understanding and experience of self‐soothe in everyday life.
Effect of thidiazuron on microspore embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica rapa. var. parachinenis)
Authors: Jia JunXiang , Zhang Yun , Cui LianWei , Feng Hui
Published: August 2019

Traditional breeding methods require more than 6 years to obtain homozygous inbred lines, while isolated microspore culture (IMC) is an effective way to cultivate double haploid homozygous lines in only 2 years. However, low embryogenesis induction frequency in Chinese flowering cabbage remains a key obstacle to the practical application of this technique. Thidiazuron was added at different concentrations to NLN‐13 medium to estimate its effects on microspore embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration. Results showed that three genotypes responded positively. Optimum thidiazuron concentrations produced embryo yields of up to 14.67 embryos per bud and increased microspore embryogenesis frequency with up to 100% survival. Plantlet regeneration rates were up to 81.67%, and the treatment groups showed lower callus formation. We obtained up to 552 diploid plants from the tested genotypes, and the percentage of doubled haploid at different TDZ concentrations showed slight differences, and doubled haploid rates in the three genotypes were above 70%. They showed a high uniformity and can be directly used for hybrid breeding. This method accelerates microspore application in Chinese flowering cabbage hybrid breeding.
A Computer-Aided Design Based Research Platform for Design Thinking Studies
Authors: Rahman Molla Hafizur , Schimpf Corey , Xie Charles , Sha Zhenghui
Published: August 2019

Design thinking is often hidden and implicit, so empirical approach based on experiments and data-driven methods has been the primary way of doing such research. In support of empirical studies, design behavioral data which reflects design thinking becomes crucial, especially with the recent advances in data mining and machine learning techniques. In this paper, a research platform that supports data-driven design thinking studies is introduced based on a computer-aided design (cad) software for solar energy systems, energy3d, developed by the team. We demonstrate several key features of energy3d including a fine-grained design process logger, embedded design experiment and tutorials, and interactive cad interfaces and dashboard. These features make energy3d a capable testbed for a variety of research related to engineering design thinking and design theory, such as search strategies, design decision-making, artificial intelligent (AI) in design, and design cognition. Using a case study on an energy-plus home design challenge, we demonstrate how such a platform enables a complete research cycle of studying designers” sequential decision-making behaviors based on fine-grained design action data and unsupervised clustering methods. The results validate the utility of energy3d as a research platform and testbed in supporting future design thinking studies and provide domain-specific insights into new ways of integrating clustering methods and design process models (e.g., the function–behavior–structure model) for automatically clustering sequential design behaviors.
Design of a Reconfigurable Quality Assurance Phantom for Verifying the Spatial Accuracy of Radiosurgery Treatments for Multiple Brain Metastases
Authors: Cobi Alban C. , Gray Luke , Mittmann Elizabeth R. , Link Steven B. , Hanumara Nevan C. , Lyatskaya Yulia , Roche Ellen , Slocum Alexander H. , Zygmanski Piotr
Published: August 2019

Radiation therapy frequently involves highly customized and complex treatments, employing sophisticated equipment, that require extensive patient-specific validation to verify the accuracy of the treatment plan as part of the clinical quality assurance (QA) process. This paper introduces a novel, reconfigurable QA phantom developed for the spatial validation of radiosurgery treatments of multiple brain metastases (MBM). This phantom works in conjunction with existing electronic portal imaging detector (EPID) technology to rapidly verify MBM treatment plans with submillimeter accuracy. The device provides a 12 × 12 × 12 cm3 active volume and multiple, independently configurable markers, in the form of 3 mm diameter radiopaque spheres, which serve as surrogates for brain lesions. The device is lightweight, portable, can be setup by a single operator, and is adaptable for use with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) techniques and stereotactic linear accelerators (LINACs). This paper presents the device design and fabrication, along with initial testing and validation results both in the laboratory, using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and under simulated clinical conditions, using a radiosurgery treatment plan with 15 lesions. The device has been shown to place markers in space with a 0.45 mm root-mean-square error, which is satisfactory for initial clinical use. The device is undergoing further testing under simulated clinical conditions and improvements to reduce marker positional error.
A proof of concept for structure-based vaccine design targeting RSV in humans
Authors: Crank Michelle C. , Ruckwardt Tracy J. , Chen Man , Morabito Kaitlyn M. , Phung Emily , Costner Pamela J. , Holman LaSonji A. , Hickman Somia P. , Berkowitz Nina M. , Gordon Ingelise J. , Yamshchikov Galina V. , Gaudinski Martin R. , Kumar Azad , Chang Lauren A. , Moin Syed M. , Hill Juliane P. , DiPiazza Anthony T. , Schwartz Richard M. , Kueltzo Lisa , Cooper Jonathan W. , Chen Peifeng , Stein Judith A. , Carlton Kevin , Gall Jason G. , Nason Martha C. , Kwong Peter D. , Chen Grace L. , Mascola John R. , McLellan Jason S. , Ledgerwood Julie E. , Graham Barney S. ,   the VRC 317 Study Team, Novik Laura , Saunders Jamie , Mendoza Floreliz , Whalen William , Eshun Aba , Cunningham Jennifer , Wang Xiaolin , Hicks Renunda , Sitar Sandra , Hendel Cynthia Starr , Ola Abidemi , Requilman LaShawn , Tran Colin , Nguyen Thuy , Williams Pernell , Boyd Catina , Trofmenko Olga , Carter Cristina , Widge Alicia
Published: August 2019

Building a better RSV vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory disease, especially in infants and the elderly. However, attempts to produce effective human vaccines have largely been unsuccessful. Structure-based design has been used to generate an RSV fusion glycoprotein stabilized in its prefusion conformation (DS-Cav1). This immunogen is highly effective in mice and macaques. Crank
et al.
now report the results of a phase I vaccine clinical trial using the stabilized prefusion DS-Cav1 molecule. Four weeks after immunization, these vaccines elicited substantially more high-quality antibody titers than those typically generated using earlier RSV immunogens. The findings provide a proof of concept for how structural biology can contribute to precision vaccine design.

Science
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505
Incidental finding of a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ureter
Authors: Obi-Njoku Obinna , Bell Chris , Menon Prashant Ravindran , Shergill Iqbal
Published: August 2019

The ureter is an extremely rare site for small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. We present a case of this disease in a patient who presented without urological symptoms. The multidisciplinary team proposed nephroureterectomy (if fit) or watchful waiting as management. After discussion with the patient a decision in favour of watchful waiting was made. We report her case including a review of the literature, and emphasise that although small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas can be very aggressive, they can remain asymptomatic.
Medical encounters, cardiac arrests and deaths during a 109 km community-based mass-participation cycling event: a 3-year study in 102 251 race starters—SAFER IX
Authors: Killops Jannelene , Schwellnus Martin , Janse van Rensburg Dina Christina , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme
Published: August 2019

Background

There are few data on medical encounters, including deaths during mass-participation cycling events.

Objective

To determine the incidence and nature of medical encounters during a community-based mass-participation cycling event.

Design

Cross-sectional study across three annual events.

Setting

2012–2014 Cape Town Cycle Tour (109 km), South Africa.

Participants

102 251 race starters (male=80 354, female=21 897).

Methods

Medical encounters (moderate, serious life-threatening, sudden cardiac arrest/death), using the 2019 international consensus definitions, were recorded on race day for 3 years as incidence rates (IR per 1000 starters; 95% CI). Overall illness-related (by organ system) or injury-related (by anatomical region) encounters, and severity were recorded.

Results

We recorded 539 medical encounters (IR 5.3; 4.8 to 5.7). The IR was 3.2 for injuries (2.9 to 3.6), 2.1 for illnesses (1.0 to 2.4) and 0.5 for serious life-threatening medical encounters (0.4 to 0.7). In the 3-year study, we encountered three cardiac arrests and one death (2.9 and 1.0 per 100 000 starters, respectively). Injury IRs included upper limb (1.9; 1.6 to 2.1), lower limb (1.0; 0.8 to 1.0) and head/neck (0.8; 0.6 to 1.0). Illness IRs included fluid/electrolyte abnormalities (0.6; 0.5 to 0.8) and the cardiovascular system (0.5; 0.4 to 0.6).

Conclusion

In a 109 km community-based mass-participation cycling event, medical encounters (moderate to severe) occurred in about 1 in 200 cyclists. Injury-related (1/300 cyclists) encounters were higher than illness-related medical encounters (1 in about 500). Serious life-threatening medical encounters occurred in 1/2000 cyclists. These data allow race organisers to anticipate the medical services required and the approximate extent of demand.
LASI-DAD study: a protocol for a prospective cohort study of late-life cognition and dementia in India
Authors: Lee Jinkook , Banerjee Joyita , Khobragade Pranali Yogiraj , Angrisani Marco , Dey A B
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can be considered the epidemic of the 21st century. Particularly, the predicted growth in the size of elderly populations in low-income and middle-income countries is expected to produce a dramatic surge in dementia prevalence and incidence. Although a rising burden of dementia presents an urgent challenge for India, previous efforts to study dementia in the country have relied on non-representative samples in geographically restricted regions. The Harmonised Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI-DAD) will provide rich, population-representative data on late-life cognition and dementia and their risk factors for the first time in India.

Methods

The LASI-DAD will recruit a sample of 3000 people aged 60+ years. Their family members or friends, whom respondents nominate as informants, participate in the computer-assisted personal interview. The study sample is drawn from the ongoing, nationally representative Longitudinal Aging Study in India, a multipurpose panel survey of aging. We aim to collect rich data on cognitive and neuropsychological tests, informant reports, and epidemiological data through a comprehensive geriatric assessment, and venous blood collection and assays. For a subsample, we collect neuroimaging data. Data collection is currently in progress in 14 States and Union Territories of India. Clinicians will provide clinical consensus diagnosis based on the Clinical Dementia Rating.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Indian Council of Medical Research and all collaborating institutions. Anonymised data will be available for the larger research community through a secured website hosted by the Gateway to Global Aging Data platform. Research findings from the LASI-DAD team will be disseminated through journal publications and presentations at professional conferences.
Rationale, development and feasibility of group antenatal care for immigrant women in Sweden: a study protocol for the Hooyo Project
Authors: Byrskog Ulrika , Ahrne Malin , Small Rhonda , Andersson Ewa , Essen Birgitta , Adan Aisha , Ahmed Fardosa Hassen , Tesser Karin , Lidén Yvonne , Israelsson Monika , Åhman-Berndtsson Anna , Schytt Erica
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Somali-born women comprise a large group of immigrant women of childbearing age in Sweden, with increased risks for perinatal morbidity and mortality and poor experiences of care, despite the goal of providing equitable healthcare for the entire population. Rethinking how care is provided may help to improve outcomes.

Overall aim

To develop and test the acceptability, feasibility and immediate impacts of group antenatal care for Somali-born immigrant women, in an effort to improve experiences of antenatal care, knowledge about childbearing and the Swedish healthcare system, emotional well-being and ultimately, pregnancy outcomes. This protocol describes the rationale, planning and development of the study.

Methods and analysis

An intervention development and feasibility study. Phase I includes needs assessment and development of contextual understanding using focus group discussions. In phase II, the intervention and evaluation tools, based on core values for quality care and person-centred care, are developed. Phase III includes the historically controlled evaluation in which relevant outcome measures are compared for women receiving individual care (2016–2018) and women receiving group antenatal care (2018–2019): care satisfaction (Migrant Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire), emotional well-being (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), social support, childbirth fear, knowledge of Swedish maternity care, delivery outcomes. Phase IV includes the process evaluation, investigate process, feasibility and mechanisms of impact using field notes, observations, interviews and questionnaires. All phases are conducted in collaboration with a stakeholder reference group.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board, Stockholm, Sweden. Participants receive information about the study and their right to decline/withdraw without consequences. Consent is given prior to enrolment. Findings will be disseminated at antenatal care units, national/international conferences, through publications in peer-reviewed journals, seminars involving stakeholders, practitioners, community and via the project website. Participating women will receive a summary of results in their language.
Liver biopsy in primary biliary cholangitis: is sinusoidal fibrosis the missing key?
Authors: Warnes Thomas , Roberts Stephen , Smith Alexander , Haboubi Najib , McMahon Raymond F
Published: August 2019

Aims

The role of liver biopsy in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is controversial, as is the optimal method of histological assessment. We compared the Ludwig and Ishak systems and three components of the Japanese (Nakanuma) staging system to evaluate their clinical and biochemical correlations and prognostic value.

Methods

We reviewed biopsies from 106 patients with PBC, derived from a previous trial of colchicine therapy with 24–34 years’ follow-up, following which five clinical outcomes were evaluated: hepatic decompensation, cholestatic PBC death/liver transplant, portal hypertensive PBC death, all PBC deaths and overall survival.

Results

Ludwig and Ishak stages correlated well with prognostically significant parameters, including serum bilirubin, and both Mayo and Child Scores. Serum aspartate aminotransferase correlated with interface hepatitis (IFH), and alkaline phosphatase with orcein deposition, bile duct (BD) loss and cholestasis. Ludwig correlated with all five clinical outcomes, while Ishak stage was only significantly correlated with two. While sinusoidal fibrosis, orcein deposition, BD loss and cholestasis all predicted hepatic death/transplant, after correction for Mayo Score, the only histological parameters predictive of clinical outcomes were IFH (associated with two) and sinusoidal fibrosis (associated with all five).

Conclusion

Liver biopsy is required in the diagnosis of around 20% of patients with PBC. The Ludwig system is of more prognostic value than both Ishak and any of the three individual components of the Nakanuma staging system, but the major histological parameter providing independent prognostic value beyond the Mayo Score is sinusoidal fibrosis.
Chloramphenicol‐associated megaoesophagus in a dog
Authors: Bishop Bradley , Walton Stuart
Published: August 2019

A three‐year‐old spayed female Belgian malinois that was being treated with chloramphenicol forCorynebacterium‐associated encrusted cystitis for seven weeks was evaluated for regurgitation, change in bark, hindlimb ataxia and anorexia. Thoracic radiographs revealed a severely, diffusely dilated oesophagus. Acetylcholine receptor antibody testing was negative. Chloramphenicol administration was discontinued and within five weeks of discontinuing the medication, the regurgitation ceased, ataxia resolved and appetite returned to normal. Thoracic radiographs were performed four months later revealing resolution of the previously observed megaoesophagus. This case suggests that chloramphenicol may be associated with the development of reversible megaoesophagus and peripheral neurotoxicity in dogs.
Spatial, sexual, and rapid temporal differentiation in neuromast expression on lateral plates of Haida Gwaii threespine stickleback (Gasterosteusaculeatus)
Authors: Planidin N.P. , Reimchen T.E.
Published: August 2019

Lateral lines, a major sensory modality in fishes, are diverse among taxa, but their intraspecific variation has received limited attention. We examined numbers of superficial neuromasts on the buttressing lateral plates (LP) of 1910 threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758) from 26 ecologically and morphologically diverse populations on the Haida Gwaii archipelago, western Canada. Extending from previous studies, we predicted that (i) highly stained dystrophic localities would have threespine stickleback with elevated numbers of neuromasts per plate due to a greater reliance on non-visual sensory modalities and (ii) that LP count and neuromast numbers per plate would functionally covary with predatory assemblage. We found that there were no differences in neuromast count across major habitats (marine, lake, stream), but clear-water populations and those with predatory fish had significantly more neuromasts per plate than most populations in highly stained dystrophic lakes, the effects being accentuated on the first buttressing plate (LP4). We also report the first evidence that neuromast counts per plate are sexually dimorphic, with males having a greater density of neuromasts in most populations. Two transplant experiments between ecologically opposite habitats indicate that within 12 generations, neuromast counts per plate can rapidly shift in response to a change in habitat.
On Verifying and Maintaining Connectivity of Interval Temporal Networks
Authors: Akrida Eleni C. , Spirakis Paul G.
Published: August 2019

An interval temporal network is, informally speaking, a network whose links change with time. The term interval means that a link may exist for one or more time intervals, called availability intervals of the link, after which it does not exist (until, maybe, a further moment in time when it starts being available again). In this model, we consider continuous time and high-speed (instantaneous) information dissemination. An interval temporal network is connected during a period of time [Formula: see text], if it is connected for all time instances [Formula: see text] (instantaneous connectivity). In this work, we study instantaneous connectivity issues of interval temporal networks. We provide a polynomial-time algorithm that answers if a given interval temporal network is connected during a time period. If the network is not connected throughout the given time period, then we also give a polynomial-time algorithm that returns large components of the network that remain connected and remain large during [Formula: see text]; the algorithm also considers the components of the network that start as large at time [Formula: see text] but dis-connect into small components within the time interval [Formula: see text], and answers how long after time [Formula: see text] these components stay connected and large. Finally, we examine a case of interval temporal networks on tree graphs where the lifetimes of links and, thus, the failures in the connectivity of the network are not controlled by us; however, we can “feed” the network with extra edges that may re-connect it into a tree when a failure happens, so that its connectivity is maintained during a time period. We show that we can with high probability maintain the connectivity of the network for a long time period by making these extra edges available for re-connection using a randomized approach. Our approach also saves some cost in the design of availabilities of the edges; here, the cost is the sum, over all extra edges, of the length of their availability-to-reconnect interval.
Counteracting the Dynamical Degradation of Digital Chaos by Applying Stochastic Jump of Chaotic Orbits
Authors: Fan Chunlei , Ding Qun , Tse Chi K.
Published: August 2019

The performance of digital chaotic systems in secure communications and cryptographic applications is significantly degraded due to the limited precision of digital computational devices that are used to implement digital chaotic systems. However, regardless of the initial value, the digital chaotic map employed in these applications converges to several periodic orbits. Thus, a periodic orbit search algorithm (POSA) can be designed to accurately locate fixed points and limit cycles. In addition, an effective method based on stochastic jumps of chaotic orbits is proposed to counteract the performance degradation of digital chaos. Numerical simulations were performed to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method in terms of autocorrelation, phase space inspection, approximate entropy and periodicity analysis. Furthermore, comparison with other existing methods is presented to show the competitiveness of the proposed scheme. Finally, a pseudorandom bit generator (PRBG), with desirable statistical properties, is constructed for chaos cryptography and other applications.
Dynamical Mechanism and Energy Conversion of the Couette–Taylor Flow
Authors: Wang Heyuan
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study the dynamical mechanism and energy conversion of the Couette–Taylor flow. The Couette–Taylor flow chaotic system is transformed into the Kolmogorov type system, which is decomposed into four types of torques. Combining different torques, the key factors of chaos generation and the physical interpretation of the Couette–Taylor flow are studied. We further investigate the conversion among Hamiltonian, kinetic and potential energies, as well as the correlation between the energies and the Reynolds number. It is concluded that the combination of the four torques is necessary to produce chaos, and the system can produce chaos only when the dissipative torques match the driving (external) torques. Any combination of three types of torques cannot produce chaos. Moreover, we introduce the Casimir function to analyze the system dynamics, and choose its derivation to formulate the energy conversion. The bound of chaotic attractor is obtained by the Casimir function and Lagrange multiplier. It is found that the Casimir function reflects the energy conversion and the distance between the orbit and the equilibria.
Global Invariant Manifolds of Dynamical Systems with the Compatible Cell Mapping Method
Authors: Yue Xiao-Le , Xu Yong , Xu Wei , Sun Jian-Qiao
Published: August 2019

An iterative compatible cell mapping (CCM) method with the digraph theory is presented in this paper to compute the global invariant manifolds of dynamical systems with high precision and high efficiency. The accurate attractors and saddles can be simultaneously obtained. The simple cell mapping (SCM) method is first used to obtain the periodic solutions. The results obtained by the generalized cell mapping (GCM) method are treated as a database. The SCM and GCM are compatible in the sense that the SCM is a subset of the GCM. The depth-first search algorithm is utilized to find the coarse coverings of global stable and unstable manifolds based on this database. The digraph GCM method is used if the saddle-like periodic solutions cannot be obtained with the SCM method. By taking this coarse covering as a new cell state space, an efficient iterative procedure of the CCM method is proposed by combining sort, search and digraph algorithms. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the classical Hénon map with periodic or chaotic saddles is studied in far more depth than reported in the literature. Not only the global invariant manifolds, but also the attractors and saddles are computed. The computational efficiency can be improved by up to 200 times compared to the traditional GCM method.
Soft Computing Simulations of Chaotic Systems
Authors: Nepomuceno Erivelton G. , Guedes Priscila F. S. , Barbosa Alípio M. , Perc Matjaž , Repnik Robert
Published: August 2019

Soft computing strategies are drawing widespread interest in engineering and science fields, particularly so because of their capacity to reason and learn in a domain of inherent uncertainty, approximation, and unpredictability. However, soft computing research devoted to finite precision effects in chaotic system simulations is still in a nascent stage, and there are ample opportunities for new discoveries. In this paper, we consider the error that is due to finite precision in the simulation of chaotic systems. We present a generalized version of the lower bound error using an arbitrary number of natural interval extensions. The lower bound error has been used to simulate a chaotic system with lower and upper bounds. The width of this interval does not diverge, which is an advantage compared to other techniques. We illustrate our approach on three systems, namely the logistic map, the Singer map and the Chua circuit. Moreover, we validate the method by calculating the largest Lyapunov exponent.
Fluent Editor and Controlled Natural Language in Ontology Development
Authors: Weichbroth Paweł
Published: August 2019

Ontologies facilitate concise communication across applications and people, by means of precisely defined terms that provide a shared and common understanding. However, typically, the development of an ontology entails the commitment of multiple users and requires significant skills and knowledge in this area. To face this problem, in this paper we discuss the features and capabilities of Fluent Editor and, based on a real-life example, present the properties of Controlled Natural Language (CNL). Firstly, the editor is designed to be user-friendly and is customized with a ribbon and self-extensible windows. Secondly, it actively supports the user when typing sentences by providing built-in features such as syntax highlighting, a hint box, a predicted word list, marking errors, parsing and serializing, and reformatting and validating options. Thirdly, the built-in graphics engine produces high quality images of ontology diagrams, represented on a 2-D view-port, and easy to manipulate and change. Fourthly, CNL allows users with even basic English skills to start typing sentences with little or no preliminary effort in defining terms and the relations between them, and prevents the user from entering any grammatically or morphologically incorrect sentence. The evidenced success of the development of ontologies in many business areas, using CNL aided by Fluent Editor on the one hand, and results from similar studies documented in the literature on the other, seem to indicate that together the language and the tool form a mature approach to developing and maintaining complex information structures. In this case, there is substantial evidence to indicate that the adoption of the above technologies to teach the foundations of knowledge engineering covering artificial intelligence applications, ought to be considered as a good choice also for classroom settings.
Hyperuricemia is associated with impaired intestinal permeability in mice
Authors: Xu Daxing , Lv Qiulan , Wang Xiaofeng , Cui Xuena , Zhao Peng , Yang Xiaomin , Liu Xiu , Yang Wan , Yang Guanpin , Wang Guangtao , Wang Pengjun , Wang Zenglan , Li Zhiyuan , Xing Shichao
Published: August 2019

Hyperuricemia is associated with many metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The gut microbiota has been demonstrated to play significant roles in the immunity and metabolism of the host. In the present study, we constructed a hyperuricemic mouse model to investigate whether the metabolic disorder caused by hyperuricemia is related to intestinal dysbiosis. A significantly increased intestinal permeability was detected in hyperuricemic mice. The difference in microflora between wild-type and hyperuricemic mice accompanies the translocation of gut microbiota to the extraintestinal tissues. Such a process is followed by an increase in innate immune system activation. We observed increased LPS and TNF-α levels in the hyperuricemic mice, indicating that hyperuricemic mice were in a state of low-grade systemic inflammation. In addition, hyperuricemic mice presented early injury of parenteral tissue and disordered lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that intestinal dysbiosis due to an impaired intestinal barrier may be the key cause of metabolic disorders in hyperuricemic mice. Our findings should aid in paving a new way of preventing and treating hyperuricemia and its complications.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hyperuricemia is associated with many metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We constructed a hyperuricemic mouse model to explore the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and metabolic disorder caused by hyperuricemia.
Low resting diffusion capacity, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Elbehairy Amany F. , O'Donnell Conor D. , Abd Elhameed Asmaa , Vincent Sandra G. , Milne Kathryn M. , James Matthew D. , Webb Katherine A. , Neder J. Alberto , O’Donnell Denis E. ,   Canadian Respiratory Research Network
Published: August 2019

The mechanisms linking reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO) to dyspnea and exercise intolerance across the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continuum are poorly understood. COPD progression generally involves both DlCO decline and worsening respiratory mechanics, and their relative contribution to dyspnea has not been determined. In a retrospective analysis of 300 COPD patients who completed symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise tests, we tested the association between peak oxygen-uptake (V̇o2), DlCO, and other resting physiological measures. Then, we stratified the sample into tertiles of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and inspiratory capacity (IC) and compared dyspnea ratings, pulmonary gas exchange, and respiratory mechanics during exercise in groups with normal and low DlCO [i.e., <lower limit of normal (LLN)] using Global Lung Function Initiative reference values. DlCO was associated with peak V̇o2 ( P = 0.006), peak work-rate ( P = 0.005), and dyspnea/V̇o2 slope ( P < 0.001) after adjustment for other independent variables (airway obstruction and hyperinflation). Within FEV1 and IC tertiles, peak V̇o2 and work rate were lower ( P < 0.05) in low versus normal DlCO groups. Across all tertiles, low DlCO groups had higher dyspnea ratings, greater ventilatory inefficiency and arterial oxygen desaturation, and showed greater mechanical volume constraints at a lower ventilation during exercise than the normal DlCO group (all P < 0.05). After accounting for baseline resting respiratory mechanical abnormalities, DlCO<LLN was consistently associated with greater dyspnea and poorer exercise performance compared with preserved DlCO. The higher dyspnea ratings and earlier exercise termination in low DlCO groups were linked to significantly greater pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities, higher ventilatory demand, and associated accelerated dynamic mechanical constraints.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our study demonstrated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO) less than the lower limit of normal had greater pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities, which resulted in higher ventilatory demand and greater dynamic mechanical constraints at lower ventilation during exercise. This, in turn, led to greater exertional dyspnea and exercise intolerance compared with patients with normal DlCO.
Antimalarial Efficacy and Toxicological Assessment of Extracts of Some Ghanaian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Laryea Michael Konney , Borquaye Lawrence Sheringham
Published: August 2019

The economic costs associated with morbidity and mortality due to malaria and malaria associated complications in many sub-Saharan countries and other malaria endemic regions of the world are huge. Reports of emergence of parasite resistance to current malaria drugs have complicated malaria treatment and require the development of new therapeutic agents. The folkloric use of medicinal plants for the management of malaria is well documented. This work evaluated the antiplasmodial activities and toxicity of some medicinal plants used to treat malaria and malaria-like symptoms in Ghana. Plant extracts were obtained by cold maceration in 70% ethanol. Antiplasmodial efficacies were assessed in vitro against 3 strains of Plasmodium falciparum strains (FCM, W2, and CAM06) and in vivo via the 4-day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Cytotoxicity and acute toxicity were assessed in mammalian cells and mice, respectively. All extracts were active against at least one of the Plasmodium falciparum strains in in vitro evaluations with IC50’s in the range of 4–116 μg/mL, whereas Bidens pilosa extracts, with a chemosuppression rate of 75%, was the most active plant in the in vivo experiments. All plant extracts displayed very weak to no cytotoxicity against the mammalian cell line used and exhibited very good selectivity towards the Plasmodium parasites. Syzygium guineense and Parinari congensis extracts were the most toxic in the acute toxicity tests. Altogether, the results indicate that the medicinal plants do possess impressive antiplasmodial properties and provide scientific basis for their use in traditional herbal medicine.
Research on Prediction Method of Reasonable Cost Level of Transmission Line Project Based on PCA‐LSSVM‐KDE
Authors: Xue-hua Zhao , Xu-juan Miao , Zhen-gang Zhang , Zheng Hao
Published: August 2019

In order to reduce the investment risk, the evaluation standard of transmission line project investment planning becomes higher, which puts forward higher requirements for the reasonable level prediction of transmission line project cost. This paper combines principal component analysis (PCA) with the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model and establishes a point prediction model for transmission line project cost. Based on the analysis of the error of the point prediction model, the kernel density estimation (KDE) method is innovatively introduced to estimate the prediction error, and the probability density function of the error is obtained. Then, according to different confidence levels, the corresponding cost intervals are obtained, which means that the reasonable level of transmission line project cost is obtained. The results show that the coverage rate of the cost prediction interval under 85% confidence level is 88.57%. This conclusion shows that the model has high reliability and can provide a reliable basis for the evaluation of transmission line project investment planning.
Dual-Echo Arterial Spin Labeling for Brain Perfusion Quantification and Functional Analysis
Authors: Paschoal André Monteiro , Paiva Fernando Fernandes , Leoni Renata Ferranti
Published: August 2019

Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) is a noninvasive MRI-based method to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF). Recently, the study of ASL as a functional tool has emerged once CBF fluctuation comes from capillaries in brain tissue, giving a more spatially specific response when compared to the standard functional MRI method, based on the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast. Although the BOLD effect could be desirable to study brain function, if one aims to quantify CBF, such effect is considered contamination that can be more attenuated if short TE value is used in the image acquisition. An approach that provides both CBF and function information in a simultaneous acquisition is the use of a dual-echo ASL (DE-ASL) readout. Our purpose was to evaluate the information provided by DE-ASL regarding CBF quantification and functional connectivity with a motor task. Pseudocontinuous ASL of twenty healthy subjects (age: 32.4 ± 10.2 years, 13 male) was acquired at a 3T scanner. We analyzed the influence of TE on CBF values and brain connectivity provided by CBF and concurrent BOLD (cc-BOLD) time series. Brain networks were obtained by the general linear model and independent component analysis. Connectivity matrices were generated using a bivariate correlation (Fisher Z values). No effect of the sequence readout, but significant effect of the TE value, was observed on gray matter CBF values. Motor networks with reduced extension and more connections with important regions for brain integration were observed for CBF data acquired with short TE, proving its higher spatial specificity. Therefore, it was possible to use a dual-echo readout provided by a standard commercial ASL pulse sequence to obtain reliable quantitative CBF values and functional information simultaneously.
Full-Disk Solar Flare Forecasting Model Based on Data Mining Method
Authors: Li Rong , Du Yong
Published: August 2019

Solar flare is one of the violent solar eruptive phenomena; many solar flare forecasting models are built based on the properties of active regions. However, most of these models only focus on active regions within 30° of solar disk center because of the projection effect. Using cost sensitive decision tree algorithm, we build two solar flare forecasting models from the active regions within 30° of solar disk center and outside 30° of solar disk center, respectively. The performances of these two models are compared and analyzed. Merging these two models into a single one, we obtain a full-disk solar flare forecasting model.
15-Deoxy-∆-12,14-Prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), an Endogenous Ligand of PPAR-γ: Function and Mechanism
Authors: Li Jingjing , Guo Chuanyong , Wu Jianye
Published: August 2019

15-Deoxy-∆-12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a natural peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(PPAR-γ) agonist, has been explored in some detail over the last 20 years. By triggering the PPAR-γsignalling pathway, it plays many roles and exerts antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, antifibrosis, and antiangiogenesis effects. Although many synthetic PPAR-γreceptor agonists have been developed, as an endogenous product of PPAR-γreceptors, 15d-PGJ2 has beneficial characteristics including rapid expression and the ability to contribute to a natural defence mechanism. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in our knowledge of the biological role of 15d-PGJ2 mediated through PPAR-γ. It is important to understand its structure, synthesis, and functional mechanisms to develop preventive agents and limit the progression of associated diseases.
Adsorptive Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Solution by KMnO4-Modified Rice Husk and Rice Straw
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Li Yunjin
Published: August 2019

Rice husk (RH) and rice stalk (RS), the abundant biomasses, have been tentatively explored as the renewable biochar which were prepared by means of hydrothermal and activation processes, and the synthetic procedure is quite simple and easy to be scaled up for industrial applications. In this work, the removal of malachite green (MG) was investigated by KMnO4-treated RH and RS as the efficient adsorbents at various experimental conditions. Various operational parameters such as initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and solution temperature in batch systems were investigated on the use of RH and RS. The adsorption isotherm model (Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms), kinetic model (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models), and the adsorption mechanism (intraparticle diffusion and Boyd models) were studied. It showed that that the Langmuir model and Elovich model are suitable for describing the adsorption process, and the diffusion rate of surface adsorption and the particle diffusion rate jointly affect the reaction rate of adsorption. This facile, efficient, and template-free synthesis strategy holds great promise for preparing novel porous biochar from renewable biomass resources for application in adsorbents.
Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndoMT): Roles in Tumorigenesis, Metastatic Extravasation and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Platel Valentin , Faure Sébastien , Corre Isabelle , Clere Nicolas
Published: August 2019

Cancer cells evolve in a very complex tumor microenvironment, composed of several cell types, among which the endothelial cells are the major actors of the tumor angiogenesis. Today, these cells are also characterized for their plasticity, as endothelial cells have demonstrated their potential to modify their phenotype to differentiate into mesenchymal cells through the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). This cellular plasticity is mediated by various stimuli including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and is modulated dependently of experimental conditions. Recently, emerging evidences have shown that EndoMT is involved in the development and dissemination of cancer and also in cancer cell to escape from therapeutic treatment. In this review, we summarize current updates on EndoMT and its main induction pathways. In addition, we discuss the role of EndoMT in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and its potential implication in cancer therapy resistance.
GNPDA2 Gene Affects Adipogenesis and Alters the Transcriptome Profile of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wu Lijun , Ma Feifei , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Zhang Mei-Xian , Wu Jianxin , Mi Jie
Published: August 2019

Background. Genome-wide association studies have found an obesity-related single-nucleotide polymorphism rs10938397 near the glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase 2 gene (GNPDA2) encoding, an enzyme that catalyzes the deamination of the glucosamine-6-phosphate involved in the hexosamine signaling pathway, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the missing link between GNPDA2 and obesity remain elusive. Methods. As obesity is accompanied by an increase in the size and the number of adipocytes, the present study investigates the possible mechanism of the GNPDA2 in adipogenesis using GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Results. We found that overexpression of GNPDA2 enhanced accumulation of lipid droplets, and knocking down the gene decreased accumulation of lipid droplets. GO term enrichment analysis indicated that most differentially expressed genes (DEGs) affected by deficiency of GNPDA2 have functions to lipid and glucose metabolism. Further KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the greatest proportion of DEGs are involved in thermogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, carbon metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism including fatty acid degradation, elongation, and biosynthesis. Conclusion. These findings suggest that GNPDA2 may be a critical gene for lipid and glucose metabolism, and the expression level of GNPDA2 alters the transcriptome profile of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
Lessons Learned from Checkpoint Blockade Targeting PD-1 in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lesokhin Alexander M. , Bal Susan , Badros Ashraf Z.
Published: August 2019

Immune checkpoints and agonists modulate ongoing, antigen-specific immune responses. Therapeutic blockade of CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 has proven to be an effective treatment approach for a subset of patients with a variety of cancers of epithelial, mesenchymal, or hematologic origin. In multiple myeloma, a B-cell lymphoid malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells, PD-1 pathway blockade is ineffective as a single agent. The initial promise in combination approaches utilizing anti–PD-1 with the immunomodulatory drugs, lenalidomide or pomalidomide, was not confirmed in randomized trials. Here, we explore available data for and against manipulation of the PD-1 pathway and other immune checkpoints in myeloma and highlight several promising concepts and challenges that face ongoing development of immunotherapeutics for this disease.