bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waste Utilization Method for δ-MnO2 Anode Composited with MWCNT and Graphene by Embedding on Conductive Paper for Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Boya , Wan Jiaqi
Published: March 2019

Lithium-ion batteries have received considerable attention as energy storage tool for modern-life equipments. However, drawbacks like low electric conductivity and volume expansion are the obstacles that hinder its application. To solve these problems, we developed a facile method using waste eggshell as hard template to reduce its particle size and change its morphology by simple hydrothermal process. Then, by utilizing waste paper, conductive paper (CP) current collector with graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotube implanted was prepared and combined with MnO2 anode material. The composite anode shows extraordinary electrochemical performances like much smaller impedance, high reversible capacity of 1767/1762[Formula: see text]mAh/g even after 200 cycles at 100[Formula: see text]mA/g, superior rate performance, etc. Compared with anode using metal current collectors, this composite anode will reduce weight and can be generalized to other high energy storage applications. Our environment-friendly method has far-reaching referential significance to other active materials and battery systems.
Limiting spectral distribution of the product of truncated Haar unitary matrices
Authors: Adhikari Kartick , Bose Arup
Published: March 2019

Let [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], be [Formula: see text] probabilistically independent matrices of order [Formula: see text] (with [Formula: see text]) which are the left-uppermost blocks of [Formula: see text] Haar unitary matrices. Suppose that [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text]. Using free probability and Brown measure techniques, we find the limiting spectral distribution of [Formula: see text].
Moderate deviations for extreme eigenvalues of beta-Laguerre ensembles
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Shaochen
Published: March 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be respectively the largest and smallest eigenvalues of beta-Laguerre ensembles with parameters [Formula: see text]. For fixed [Formula: see text], under the condition that [Formula: see text] is much larger than [Formula: see text], we obtain the full moderate deviation principles for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by using the asymptotic expansion technique. Interestingly, under this regime, our results show that asymptotically the exponential tails of the extreme eigenvalues are Gaussian-type distribution tail rather than the Tracy–Widom-type distribution tail.
Sulforaphane-Enriched Broccoli Sprouts Pretreated by Pulsed Electric Fields Reduces Neuroinflammation and Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Mouse Brain through Its Antioxidant Ability via Nrf2-HO-1 Activation
Authors: Subedi Lalita , Cho KyoHee , Park Yong Un , Choi Hyuk Joon , Kim Sun Yeou
Published: March 2019

Activated microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key pathogenic role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and ischemia. Sulforaphane is an active compound produced after conversion of glucoraphanin by the myrosinase enzyme in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var) sprouts. Dietary broccoli extract as well as sulforaphane has previously known to mitigate inflammatory conditions in aged models involving microglial activation. Here, we produced sulforaphane-enriched broccoli sprouts through the pretreatment of pulsed electric fields in order to trigger the biological role of normal broccoli against lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia. The sulforaphane-enriched broccoli sprouts showed excellent potency against neuroinflammation conditions, as evidenced by its protective effects in both 6 and 24 h of microglial activation in vitro. We further postulated the underlying mechanism of action of sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts, which was the inhibition of an inflammatory cascade via the downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Simultaneously, sulforaphane-enriched broccoli sprouts inhibited the LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the secretions of inflammatory proteins (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, PGE2, etc.), which are responsible for the inflammatory cascades in both acute and chronic inflammation. It also upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in normal and activated microglia followed by the lowered neuronal apoptosis induced by activated microglia. Based on these results, it may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects via the NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways. Interestingly, sulforaphane-enriched broccoli sprouts improved the scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice through Nrf2 activation, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis particularly through inhibition of caspase-3 activation which could lead to the neuroprotection against neurodegenerative disorders. The present study suggests that sulforaphane-enriched broccoli sprouts might be a potential nutraceutical with antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities.
Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Lever-Type Electric Erection System Based on Approximate Model
Authors: Niu Hailong , Gao Qinhe , Tang Shengjin , Guan Wenliang
Published: March 2019

Linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm is proposed to realize accurate trajectory tracking for the lever-type electric erection system. By means of system identification and curve fitting, the approximate model is built, which is consisting of the servo drive system with velocity closed-loop and the lever-type erection mechanism. The proportional control law with velocity feedforward is designed to improve the trajectory tracking performance. The experimental results verify that, based on approximate model, LADRC has better tracking accuracy and stronger robustness to the disturbance caused by the change of intrinsic parameters compared with PI controller.
Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neural Lineage Cells Induced by bFGF-Chitosan Controlled Release System
Authors: Li Manli , Zhao Wen , Gao Yudan , Hao Peng , Shang Junkui , Duan Hongmei , Yang Zhaoyang , Li Xiaoguang
Published: March 2019

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells undergo differentiation to different lineages with different efficiencies when induced by different factors. We added a bFGF-chitosan controlled release system (bFGF-CCRS) as an inducer into conditioned medium to facilitate the oriented differentiation of BMSCs into neural lineage cells (eventually mature neurons); furthermore, we synchronized BMSCs to the G0/G1 phase via serum starvation to observe the effect of the inducer on the differentiation direction and efficiency. The nonsynchronized group, chitosan alone (not loaded with bFGF) group, soluble bFGF group, and conditioned medium group served as controls, and we observed the dynamic process of differentiation of BMSCs into neural lineage cells at different time points after the beginning of coculture. We analyzed the binding patterns of bFGF and chitosan and assayed the expression differences of key factors (FGFR1, ERK, and c-fos) and molecular switches (BTG2) that regulate the transformation from cell proliferation to differentiation. We also investigated the potential molecular mechanism of BMSC differentiation into neural lineage cells at a high percentage when induced by bFGF-CCRS.
Endocarditis following Consumption of Cereal Associated with Salmonella enterica Subtype Mbandaka Outbreak
Authors: Dickter Jana K. , Cai LiYing , Snyder David S.
Published: March 2019

A 69-year-old immunocompromised man developed mitral valve endocarditis due to Salmonella enterica serotype Mbandaka, contracted from the cereal outbreak. The patient had a history of HLA-matched related hematopoietic stem cell transplant with persistent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This case report discusses prior international outbreaks that occurred due to Salmonella enterica subtype Mbandaka, the risks of developing endovascular infections from salmonellosis, and persistent infections that may develop more frequently with S. enterica serotype Mbandaka. The patient received a six-week course of intravenous antibiotics and remains on oral suppressive antibiotics, with his length of therapy to be determined based on his GVHD treatment.
Energy Analysis on Dynamic Fragmentation Degree of Cemented Sand Specimens under Confining Pressure
Authors: Xu Ying , Ge Jinjin , Huang Wei
Published: March 2019

In order to study the fragmentation energy dissipation characteristics of cemented sand specimens under confining pressure and impact loads, the energy consumption of cemented sand specimens was analyzed through an impact compression and split test performed at different loading rates with different impact pressures by using a variable cross section SHPB (split Hopkinson pressure bar) with an active confining pressure loading apparatus. The results show that (1) the absorbed energy and incident energy were in a linear relationship and the proportion between them was relatively constant under confining pressure, and the absorbed energy had a quadratic relationship with the incident energy under zero confining pressure. (2) The fracture energy ratio increased with the increase in incident energy, the damage energy ratio decreased with the increase in incident energy, and the damage energy ratio were always higher than the fracture energy ratio under confining pressure. (3) The energy absorbed by the cemented sand specimens decreased sharply with the increase of confining pressure under the same incident wave energy conditions, and the reflected wave energy and transmitted wave energy increased. (4) When the incident wave energy was constant, the ratio of the energy causing surface fractures to the energy absorbed by the cemented sand specimens decreased sharply with the increase of confining pressure, while the energy causing crack growth and damage increased sharply. These conclusions may guide similar models of blasting tests in the future.
Assessment of Plant Growth Promoting and Abiotic Stress Tolerance Properties of Wheat Endophytic Fungi
Authors: Ripa Farhana Alam , Cao Wei-dong , Tong Shuai , Sun Jian-guang
Published: March 2019

The aims of the present work were to isolate and characterize fungal endophytic communities associated with healthy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants, collected from the North China. Segregated endophytes were screened for their PGP traits, abiotic stresses (heavy metals, salinity, drought, and temperature), and antibiotic sensitivity. A total of 16 endophytic fungi were isolated using the culture-dependent approach from different tissue parts of wheat plants. Based upon their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA gene sequencing, 15 out of 16 isolates were selected for further analysis. In the contemporary investigation, a number of the tested endophytes exhibited fairly good 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACCD) (0.03±0.011 to 1.43±0.01µmolα-KB mg−1protein hr−1), indole acetic acid (IAA) (1.125±0.04 to36.12±0.004µgml−1), and phosphate solubilizing index (PSI) (2.08±0.03to5.16±0.36) activities. More than 30% isolates gave positive result for siderophore and ammonia tests, whereas all exhibited catalase activity but only 2 (582PDA1 and 582PDA11) produced hydrogen cyanide.Trichodermastrains showed salt, heavy metals, and drought tolerance at high levels and also exhibited resistance to all the tested antibiotics. Strain 582PDA4 was found to be the most temperature (55°C) tolerant isolate. The findings of this study indicated that the microbial endophytes isolated from wheat plants possessing a crucial function to improve plant growth could be utilized as biofertilizers or bioagents to establish a sustainable crop production system.
Maxillary Incisive Canal Characteristics: A Radiographic Study Using Cone Beam Computerized Tomography
Authors: Soumya Penala , Koppolu Pradeep , Pathakota Krishnajaneya Reddy , Chappidi Vani
Published: March 2019

Background. The incisive canal located at the midline, posterior to the central incisor, is an important anatomic structure of this area to be considered while planning for immediate implant placement in maxillary central incisor region. The purpose of the present study is to assess incisive canal characteristics using CBCT sections.Materials and Methods. CBCT scans of 79 systemically healthy patients, with intact maxillary incisors, were evaluated by two calibrated and independent examiners. Assessments included (1) mesiodistal diameter, (2) labiopalatal diameter, (3) length of the incisive canal, (4) shape of incisive canal, and (5) width of the bone anterior to the incisive foramen.Results. The mean width of the foramen labiopalatally and mesiodistally was 3.12 ± 0.94 mm and 3.23 ± 0.98 mm, respectively. Mean canal length was 18.63 ± 2.35 mm and males have significantly longer incisive canal than females. The mean width of bone anterior to the incisive canal was 6.32 ± 1.43 mm. As age of the subjects increased, incisive foramen diameter and incisive canal length were found to be increased. Cylindrical shaped incisive canals were seen in most of the individuals followed by funnel shaped and hour-glass shaped canals, and banana-like canal is least prevalent type.Conclusion. The findings from the present study suggest that the diameter and length of incisive canal vary among different individuals and presence of very thin bone anterior to the canal would suggest that a pretreatment CBCT scan is a valuable tool to evaluate anatomic variations, morphology, and dimensions of incisive foramen before immediate implant placement in maxillary central incisor region.
Some Modified Fixed Point Results in V-Fuzzy Metric Spaces
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Verma Manu , Khan Mohammad Saeed
Published: March 2019

The present research paper focuses on the existence of fixed point in V-fuzzy metric space. The presentation of V-fuzzy metric space in n-tuple encourages us to define different mapping in the symmetric V-fuzzy metric space. Here, the properties of fuzzy metric space are extended to V-fuzzy metric space. The introduction of notion for pair of mappings (f,g) on V-fuzzy metric space called V-weakly commuting of type Vf and V-R weakly commuting of type Vf is given. This proved fixed point theorem in V-fuzzy metric space employing the effectiveness of E.A. property and CLRg property. For the justification of the results, some examples are illustrated.
Analysis of the Phenotypes in the Rett Networked Database
Authors: Frullanti Elisa , Papa Filomena T. , Grillo Elisa , Clarke Angus , Ben-Zeev Bruria , Pineda Mercedes , Bahi-Buisson Nadia , Bienvenu Thierry , Armstrong Judith , Roche Martinez Ana , Mari Francesca , Nissenkorn Andreea , Lo Rizzo Caterina , Veneselli Edvige , Russo Silvia , Vignoli Aglaia , Pini Giorgio , Djuric Milena , Bisgaard Anne-Marie , Ravn Kirstine , Bosnjak Vlatka Mejaski , Hayek Joussef , Khajuria Rajni , Montomoli Barbara , Cogliati Francesca , Pintaudi Maria , Hadzsiev Kinga , Craiu Dana , Voinova Victoria , Djukic Aleksandra , Villard Laurent , Renieri Alessandra
Published: March 2019

Rett spectrum disorder is a progressive neurological disease and the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in females. MECP2 is the major causative gene. In addition, CDKL5 and FOXG1 mutations have been reported in Rett patients, especially with the atypical presentation. Each gene and different mutations within each gene contribute to variability in clinical presentation, and several groups worldwide performed genotype-phenotype correlation studies using cohorts of patients with classic and atypical forms of Rett spectrum disorder. The Rett Networked Database is a unified registry of clinical and molecular data of Rett patients, and it is currently one of the largest Rett registries worldwide with several hundred records provided by Rett expert clinicians from 13 countries. Collected data revealed that the majority of MECP2-mutated patients present with the classic form, the majority of CDKL5-mutated patients with the early-onset seizure variant, and the majority of FOXG1-mutated patients with the congenital form. A computation of severity scores further revealed significant differences between groups of patients and correlation with mutation types. The highly detailed phenotypic information contained in the Rett Networked Database allows the grouping of patients presenting specific clinical and genetic characteristics for studies by the Rett community and beyond. These data will also serve for the development of clinical trials involving homogeneous groups of patients.
Superior Dislocation of the Patella in a Young Patient without Osteophytes: A Case Report with Discussion about Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Brito Wander Edney de , Campos Gustavo Constantino , Miranda João Batista de , Zorzi Alessandro Rozim
Published: March 2019

We report a case of superior dislocation of the patella in a young woman without degenerative changes. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data obtained from the patient. This article describes a rare case of patellar dislocation following a bicycle fall in a 19-year-old woman without any history of patellofemoral complaints. Our literature search yielded 28 case reports; however, most reports describe older individuals with osteoarthritis. Only two reports have previously described this lesion in young patients without osteophytes, but some features, like an increase of the patella tilt, may raise doubts about whether it would be better to classify them as a vertical dislocation of the patella, another quite rare lesion, or just as a variant of a superior dislocation.
Iodine-Enhanced Micro-CT Imaging of Soft Tissue on the Example of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Heimel Patrick , Swiadek Nicole Victoria , Slezak Paul , Kerbl Markus , Schneider Cornelia , Nürnberger Sylvia , Redl Heinz , Teuschl Andreas Herbert , Hercher David
Published: March 2019

Microcomputed tomography (μCT) is widely used for the study of mineralized tissues, but a similar use for soft tissues is hindered by their low X-ray attenuation. This limitation can be overcome by the recent development of different staining techniques. Staining with Lugol’s solution, a mixture of one part iodine and two parts potassium iodide in water, stands out among these techniques for its low complexity and cost. Currently, Lugol staining is mostly used for anatomical examination of tissues. In the present study, we seek to optimize the quality and reproducibility of the staining for ex vivo visualization of soft tissues in the context of a peripheral nerve regeneration model in the rat. We show that the staining result not only depends on the concentration of the staining solution but also on the amount of stain in relation to the tissue volume and composition, necessitating careful adaptation of the staining protocol to the respective specimen tissue. This optimization can be simplified by a stepwise staining which we show to yield a similar result compared to staining in a single step. Lugol staining solution results in concentration-dependent tissue shrinkage which can be minimized but not eliminated. We compared the shrinkage of tendon, nerve, skeletal muscle, heart, brain, and kidney with six iterations of Lugol staining. 60 ml of 0.3% Lugol’s solution per cm3 of tissue for 24 h yielded good results on the example of a peripheral nerve regeneration model, and we were able to show that the regenerating nerve inside a silk fibroin tube can be visualized in 3D using this staining technique. This information helps in deciding the region of interest for histological imaging and provides a 3D context to histological findings. Correlating both imaging modalities has the potential to improve the understanding of the regenerative process.
In Situ Preparation and Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Cyanidin Hydrogel Films
Authors: Zhang Xiaojuan , Cai Wenbin , Hao Lingyun , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2019

This study synthesized poly(vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl chitosan/cyanidin (PVA/CMCS/CY) hydrogel films. First, PVA and CMCS were used to synthesize hydrogel films by ultraviolet irradiation. Meanwhile, CY was in situ combined into the hydrogel films through the electrostatic attraction between CMCS and CY. Next, the products were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle test, swelling analysis, and mechanical property test. The results revealed that compared with PVA/CMCS hydrogel films, the PVA/CMCS/CY hydrogel films had an interporous structure and good swelling and mechanical properties. Moreover, the drug release experiments demonstrated that the PVA/CMCS/CY hydrogel films had a CY encapsulation efficiency of 33.5% with a sustained CY release of up to 60 h. Furthermore, the examined antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that the porous PVA/CMCS/CY hydrogel films exhibited a certain inhibition. Cell viability experiments demonstrated that the PVA/CMCS/CY films displayed no obvious cytotoxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
Glutathione Peroxidase 1 Promotes NSCLC Resistance to Cisplatin via ROS-Induced Activation of PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Chen Baishen , Shen Zhuojian , Wu Duoguang , Xie Xuan , Xu Xia , Lv Liangzhan , Dai Honglue , Chen Ju , Gan Xiangfeng
Published: March 2019

Purpose. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced cytotoxicity is an important mechanism by which cisplatin kills tumor cells. Glutathione peroxidase family (GPXs) is an important member of antioxidant system which metabolizes intracellular ROS and maintains homeostasis of cells. Altered expressions of GPXs enzymes, especially GPX1, have been described in a variety of human cancers. However, their functional roles in cisplatin-based chemoresistance in human malignancies including non-small cell lung cancer have never been explored. Methods. A panel of NSCLC cell lines were selected for this study. GPX1 expression was detected using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Cisplatin-induced cell killing was analyzed by CCK8 assay. Intracellular ROS levels were detected by fluorescence-based flow cytometry analysis. In vitro overexpression and knockdown of GPX1 expression were performed using GPX1 expression vector and siRNA approaches. Protein levels of PTEN, NF-κB, BCL2, Bax, and phosphorylated AKT were detected with western blot analysis using specific antibodies. Results. GPX1 expression was upregulated in a subset of NSCLC cell lines resistant to cisplatin treatment. Expression vector-mediated forced overexpression of GPX1 significantly increased cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cell lines, whereas RNA inference-mediated downregulation of GPX1 could restore sensitivity to cisplatin. Overexpression of GPX1 significantly suppressed elevation of intracellular ROS and activation of AKT pathway when NSCLC cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of cisplatin. Activation of the AKT pathway inhibited proapoptotic cascade and subsequently led to cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. Inhibition of NF-κB by its chemical inhibitor BAY can significantly downregulate GPX1 expression and restore the cisplatin sensitivity of the cell lines resistant to cisplatin. Conclusions. Our findings suggested that overexpression of GPX1 is a novel molecular mechanism for cisplatin-based chemoresistance in NSCLC. GPX1 overexpression blocks cisplatin-induced ROS intracellular accumulation, activates PI3K-AKT pathway by increased AKT phosphorylation, and further leads to cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling may be an alternative approach for restoring cisplatin sensitivity for NSCLC cells resistant to cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Usability Evaluation Model for Biometric System considering Privacy Concern Based on MCDM Model
Authors: Oh Junhyoung , Lee Ukjin , Lee Kyungho
Published: March 2019

Biometric devices play an integral role in consumer’s daily life, providing a seamless environment. However, it is essential to measure the usability of biometrics, owing to the elements of biometrics satisfying both usability and security. This study redefines the elements of biometrics pertaining to usability determined in previous studies and adds elements of psychological relevance, such as privacy concerns. To organize the interrelated usability structure systemically, this paper applies the DEcision MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to derive the usability structure. Thereupon, the established structure is applied in the clustered weighted Analytical Network Processes (ANP) to generate the proposed usability evaluation model. By these methods, the pertinent relationships between the factors are clarified and the weight of each element is determined. In the empirical study, 106 students measured usability of the fingerprint recognition system, iris recognition system, and facial recognition system employing our usability evaluation model. The results of this model generate the quantitative score of usability for biometric systems and suggest strategies to increase the score. The proposed usability evaluation model can comprehensively assist usability practitioners to evaluate biometric systems.
NADPH Oxidase Isoforms Are Involved in Glucocorticoid-Induced Preosteoblast Apoptosis
Authors: Bai Shu-Cai , Xu Qian , Li Hui , Qin Ya-Fei , Song Li-Cheng , Wang Chen-Guang , Cui Wen-Hao , Zheng Zhi , Yan De-Wen , Li Zhi-Jun , Li Dong , Wan Xin , Zhang Hua-Feng
Published: March 2019

Oxidative stress induced by long-term glucocorticoid (GC) use weakens the repair capacity of bone tissue. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a superoxide-generating enzyme that plays an important role in regulating bone metabolism. To clarify the role of nonphagocytic NOX isoforms in osteoblast reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis, dexamethasone was used to establish a high-dose GC environment in vitro. A dose-dependent increase in intracellular ROS generation was demonstrated, which was accompanied by increased osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis. Addition of the ROS inhibitor NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) or NOX inhibitor DPI (diphenyleneiodonium) reversed this effect, indicating that NOX-derived ROS can induce osteoblast apoptosis under high-dose dexamethasone stimulation. NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 are NOX homologs recently identified in bone tissue. To clarify the NOX isoforms that play a role in osteoblast ROS generation, Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 mRNA expression and NOX2 and NOX4 protein expression were analyzed. Nox1 and Nox4 mRNA expression was elevated in a dose-dependent manner after culture in 100 nM, 250 nM, 500 nM, or 1000 nM dexamethasone, and the increased expression of NOX1 mRNA was more significant compared with NOX4 mRNA. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to confirm the role of NOX1 and NOX4 in ROS generation. To clarify the signaling pathway in ROS-induced osteoblast apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling molecules were analyzed. Phosphorylated ASK1 and p38 levels were significantly higher in the 1000 nM dexamethasone group, which NAC or DPI markedly attenuated. However, the total mRNA and protein levels of ASK1 and p38 between the dexamethasone group and control were not significantly different. This is related to ROS regulating the posttranslational modification of ASK1 and p38 in MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis. Altogether, NOX1- and NOX4-derived ROS plays a pivotal role in high-dose dexamethasone-induced preosteoblast apoptosis by increasing phosphorylated ASK1 and p38 and may be an important mechanism in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH).
Idiopathic CRMO and MEFV Gene Variant Alleles: Is There Any Relationship?
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Anari Hassan , Sarkhanloo Sepehr
Published: March 2019

Background and Objective. CRMO is an inflammatory disease of bone that occurs more often in children. The clinical manifestations are intermittent fever, pain, and bone lesions, especially in long bones. Although there is an idiopathic type of disease, it is usually associated with some autoimmune disorders. This study evaluates MEFV gene mutations as background pathology of idiopathic CRMO. Methods. Blood samples of patients, who diagnosed as childhood idiopathic CRMO by imaging and pathologic study from June 2011 until September 2018, have been screened for the 12 common pathogenic variants of MEFV gene mutations. Result. Nine patients enrolled in this study, and eight of them were male. The most common involvement locations were tibia and femur, and the least ones were zygoma, calcaneus, and radius. The mean duration of the involvement was 1.3 years. Six patients had only 1 involved location, 2 patients showed two sites of involvement, and one patient had three affected areas. There were two positive MEFV gene mutations (22%), as E148Q/wt and K695R/wt both in the heterozygote form. There was no meaningful relationship between MEFV gene mutations and the age of onset, gender, and location of involvement. Patients with positive mutation had more involved sites and long duration of involvement significantly. Conclusion. There is no significant immunopathogenic relationship between the common MEFV gene variant alleles and CRMO disease.
Prospective Observational Cohort Study of the Efficacy of Bacterial Immune Prophylaxis in the Prevention of Uncomplicated, Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: López-Martín Leticia , Alcover-Díaz Javier , Charry-Gónima Paula , González-López Raquel , Rodríguez-Gil David , Palacios-Peláez Ricardo , González-Enguita Carmen
Published: March 2019

Objective: To investigate the long-term prophylactic effect of a vaccine on lower urinary tract infections (UTI) of bacterial and the impact of the intensity of the symptoms on the quality of life (QoL). Methods: Adult female could be enrolled in this study if they had acute UTI at the enrolment visit and bacterial microbiological count of ≥103 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli. Results: A total of 21 patients were included. Fifteen days after the administration of a vaccine for 3 months, the number of infections dropped almost to zero. Significant differences were observed in the QoL score (p < 0.05). The safety profile was good. Conclusions: In patients diagnosed with recurrent UTI and treated for 3 months with the vaccine the number of UTI episodes fell very quickly (15 days), and patients remained free of episodes and improved their QoL significantly for 1 year. These results suggest that bacterial vaccines are a possible effective alternative in the prevention of recurrent UTI.
Kandinsky
Authors: White Richard J.
Published: March 2019

In Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1911) and other writings, the artist Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) pursues several guiding questions concerning the spiritual aspects of art. For example: What is the relationship between art and spirituality? How does a work of art express spiritual ideas and themes? And would it be helpful to think of the artist as a kind of visionary or a spiritual seer? In this article, I reconstruct Kandinsky’s theory of art and I clarify his understanding of what spirituality is. Then I return to the three guiding questions listed above to consider the relationship between art and spirituality in the light of Kandinsky’s views. I argue that both Kandinsky’s writings and his paintings help to illuminate the spiritual dimension of art, and his pioneering text, Concerning the Spiritual in Art, remains an important starting-point for reflections on this theme.
Peter Howson and the Language of Salvation
Authors: Froehlich Caleb
Published: March 2019

Since his conversion to Christianity in 2001, Peter Howson’s religious paintings have generally been met with critical incomprehension. A case in point was his 2012 exhibition Redemption, where reviewers suggested an irreconcilable incongruity between its grotesque imagery and redemption, the exhibition’s title. In response to this critical bewilderment, the present article argues for the appropriateness of the grotesque in Howson’s depictions of salvation by examining the significance of his conversion experience and providing a more sophisticated and developed analysis of the grotesque as his visual language. More specifically, it utilizes insights from an analysis of the content and practice of the artist’s belief system and a new taxonomy of the grotesque in a close reading of the Hades cycle, featured in Howson’s Redemption exhibition, in order to show how the artist communicates salvation through the grotesque. It is hoped that this article may serve as useful groundwork for other scholars engaging with Howson’s extraordinary religious art.
Climbing to God on “The Burning Ladder”
Authors: Hren Joshua
Published: March 2019

Christian existentialism is a stepping stool by which we can approach Dana Gioia’s poems of doubt. Such poems—and here we will consider just one, “The Burning Ladder”—contain “an essentially religious irruption and claim, an agony of faith, the cry of the subjectivity towards its God,” and evince “a revelation of the person and of his anguish in the face of the nothingness which is non-being in the existent, the ‘crack in the existent’ ”; read alongside crucial works of Christian existentialism and mysticism, Gioia’s poem reveals these cracks as rungs on which the faithful lover can climb to God.
Australian Consumers’ Knowledge and Concern for Animal Welfare in Food Production: Influences on Purchasing Intentions
Authors: Cornish Amelia R. , Ashton Brayden , Raubenheimer David , McGreevy Paul D.
Published: March 2019

Consumers are increasingly concerned about nonhuman animal welfare in food production and, as their awareness continues to rise, demand for welfare-friendly products is growing. The current study explores the Australian market for welfare-friendly food of animal origin by outlining and clarifying how consumers’ welfare concerns affect their purchasing decisions. It reports the findings of an Australian face-to-face survey of consumers’ knowledge of and attitudes to farm animal welfare and their reported purchasing of welfare-friendly animal-derived products. A novel aspect of this survey was its effort to establish consumers’ understanding of welfare-friendly labels, their motivation to purchase welfare-friendly products, and the barriers to doing so. The survey was deployed in four shopping districts in New South Wales, Australia, in 2016. Data were collected from 135 respondents, and the results are discussed below.
Art and the Politics of Eliminating Handicraft
Authors: Beech Dave
Published: March 2019

This essay charts the outlines of the historical transition from the artisanal workshop to the artist’s studio and the transition from the artisan to the artist, not through the transition from patronage to the art market but through an analysis of the transformation of labour’s social division of labour. The essay reassesses the discourses on the artist as genius and the artist as worker through a reinterpretation of the elevation of the Fine Arts above handicraft. This sheds new light, also, on the discourse of deskilling in art. This essay argues that the transition from the artisan to the artist is an effect of the social division of labour in which the knowledge, skills and privileges of the master artisan are distributed among a set of specialists.
Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology: Living the Full Gospel
Authors: Alexander Kimberly Ervin
Published: March 2019

Utilizing the metaphors of family and the migrant family road trip, this essay offers an appreciative challenge to Vondey’s contribution of constructive theological narrative of the fivefold gospel. By suggesting the importance of the inclusion of a relational and familial model, it raises the issue of what is missed by the lack of inclusion of the voices of testifying members of the Pentecostal family, particularly those of sisters and mothers. Further, the journey motif, it is suggested, better fits the epic spirituality of the Pentecostal movement.
Review of Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology: Living the Full Gospel
Authors: Studebaker Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Wolfgang Vondey’s Pentecostal Theology is a creative, constructive, and far ranging contribution to the development of Pentecostal theology. Grounded in the Pentecostal experience of the full gospel, it provides both a fundamental Pentecostal theology and a Pentecostal perspective on major categories of systematic theology. The book marks a new phase of efforts to develop a comprehensive or systematic Pentecostal theology by starting with Pentecostal concerns and developing a theology in terms of them. This review focuses on Vondey’s discussions of creation (ch. 7) and theological anthropology (ch. 8), in which he argues that a Pentecostal theology of creation and eschatology does not conclude with God razing the world, but with the Spirit’s renewing creation. Furthermore, although Spirit baptism transforms the individual, the purpose of that individual transformation is to lead beyond the self and to create a community of sanctified life. Spirit baptism leads those who receive it into the world to live for all people.
Reaching Out and Receiving In
Authors: Moe David Thang
Published: March 2019

This article examines the contrasts found in the Lukan banquet parable (Lk. 14.12–24). While most scholars tend to focus on the role of the banquet host or on the role of the guests, many interpreters forget the role of the servant in the parable. This article re-considers the equally important roles of the inviting host, the invited guests, and the sent servant for a paradigmatic relation between a trinitarian theological paradigm of hospitality and a trinitarian church’s hospitable identity and vocation in a contemporary world of hostility. It is argued that a trinitarian church must embody the Trinity in its twofold inseparable move of reaching out to the other by crossing their cultures as a metaphorical reflection of external Trinity and of receiving them in by making a hospitable space for the other as a reflection of internal Trinity.
Dreams and Visions as Welcoming Spaces for Interfaith Dialogue
Authors: Droll Anna M.
Published: March 2019

This essay argues for the missiological significance of dreams and visions (D/Vs) as mediators of new, welcoming spaces for engaging the religious other. The discussion suggests a correlation between two important conversations, that of the church envisioning the role of Christianity in the midst of religious plurality, and that of anthropologists and dream researchers who point to D/Vs as valued experiences in religions of the world. In light of the research on the value of dreams and visions in spirituality, how might D/V experiences, narrations, and interpretations provide bridges for interfaith dialogue? Keeping in view the value of D/Vs for spirituality, this paper offers a distinctly Pentecostal perspective with the following thesis: When D/V experiences are assessed for their spiritual value within a pneumatological re-envisioning of missiology and soteriology, the possibility of their significance for fostering welcoming spaces for interfaith dialogue becomes apparent.
A hitherto unnoticed adaptive radiation: epitoniid species (Gastropoda: Epitoniidae) associated with corals (Scleractinia)
Authors: Gittenberger Adriaan , Gittenberger Edmund
Published: March 2019

Twenty-two epitoniid species that live associated with various hard coral species are described. Three genera, viz. Epidendrium gen. nov., Epifungium gen. nov., and Surrepifungium gen. nov., and ten species are introduced as new to science, viz. Epidendrium aureum spec. nov., E. sordidum spec. nov., Epifungium adgranulosa spec. nov., E. adgravis spec. nov., E. adscabra spec. nov., E. marki spec. nov., E. nielsi spec. nov., E. pseudolochi spec. nov., E. pseudotwilae spec. nov., Surrepifungium patamakanthini spec. nov., and ‘Epitonium’ crassicostatum spec. nov. and ‘E.’ graviarmatum spec. nov. Although their identities as separate gene pools are convincingly demonstrated by molecular data, some of these species cannot be identified unequivocally on the basis of conchological characters alone. The shell shape and sculpture are only partially diagnostic because of interspecifically overlapping character states. In most of these cases, the operculum, jaw structure, radula, spawn and/or the habitat do reveal the identity. Most of these species are associated with only one or a restricted number of coral host species and have large ranges, similar to those of their hosts.
Morphological variation in two genetically distinct groups of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Amphibia: Urodela)
Authors: Alexandrino J. , Ferrand N. , Arntzen J.W. , Alexandrino João
Published: March 2019

Morphometric and colour pattern variation in the endemic Iberian salamander Chioglossa lusitanica is concordant with the genetic differentiation of two groups of populations separated by the Mondego river in Portugal. Salamanders from the south have shorter digits than those from the north. Clinal variation with a south to north increase in limb, toe and finger length was found superimposed on this dichotomy, resulting in stepped clines for characters describing appendage size. Genetic variability was paralleled by colour pattern variability in the contact zone and in northern populations. To explain the observed parallels we invoke the neutral processes of vicariant isolation, admixture in a secondary contact zone, genetic drift in addition to selection acting along an environmental gradient. Morphological constraints imposed by a highly specialized ecological niche may explain why the genetic subdivision of C. lusitanica since the early Pleistocene has remained fairly cryptic.
Increased genetic diversity in Greek populations of the genus Ligidium (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) revealed by RFLP analysis of mtDNA segments
Authors: Klossa-Kilia Elena , Kilias George , Sfenthourakis Spyros
Published: March 2019

We investigated mtDNA genetic differentiation and the phylogenetic relationships of 11 populations of the oniscidean genus Ligidium. We studied nine populations from Greece, assigned to three nominal species (L. euboicum, L. germanicum and L. beieri), and two from central Europe (L. germanicum and L. hypnorum), applying RFLP analysis of two mtDNA segments (12S rDNA and 16S rDNA) amplified by PCR. The analysis revealed seven monomorphic and four polymorphic populations, and 17 different haplotypes, each one present in one population only. Several restriction enzymes produced population specific patterns, enabling discrimination among the different populations. The estimated net nucleotide divergence between populations ranges from 1.06 to 16.52%, while the high NST value (0.96) indicates the existence of increased interpopulation genetic differentiation that can be attributed to the extreme isolation among Ligidium populations. The relationships between haplotypes and populations are not congruent with their geographical distribution and the established taxonomy within the genus.
Debating phylogenetic relationships of the scleractinian Psammocora: molecular and morphological evidences
Authors: Benzoni Francesca , Stefani Fabrizio , Stolarski Jaroslaw , Pichon Michel , Mitta Guillaume , Galli Paolo
Published: March 2019

The phylogenetic relationships of the scleractinian genus Psammocora with the other genera traditionally included in the family Siderastreidae and some Fungiidae are assessed based on combined skeletal and molecular data. P. explanulata differs from the other examined congeneric species (P. contigua, P. digitata, P. nierstraszi , P. profundacella, P. superficialis, and P. stellata) in possessing interstomatous septa between adult corallites, costae, and in having continuous buttress-like structures joining septal faces (i.e., fulturae) which typically occur in fungiids. These characters are shared with Coscinaraea wellsi but not with the remainder of the examined siderastreids (the congeneric C. columna, and Anomastraea irregularis, Horastrea indica, Pseudosiderastrea tayamai, Siderastrea savignyana) whose septa are interconnected by typical synapticulae. Most of the examined species form septa with distinct transverse groups of centers of calcification, a biomineralization pattern typical of the Robusta clade. The observations on skeletal structures corroborate the results of the ITS2 and 5.8S molecular phylogeny. C. wellsi and P. explanulata are phylogenetically very close to each other and show closer genetic affinity with the examined Fungiidae (Halomitra pileus, Herpolitha limax, Fungia paumotensis, and Podabacia crustacea) than with the other species in the genera Psammocora and Coscinaraea, or with any other siderastreid. Our results show that neither Psammocora nor Coscinaraea are monophyletic genera. The high genetic distances between the species of Siderastreidae, especially between Pseudosiderastrea tayamai and Siderastrea savignyana on one side and the other genera on the other, suggest a deep divergence in the phylogenetic structure of the family.
Taxonomic uniqueness of the Javan Leopard; an opportunity for zoos to save it
Authors: Gippoliti Spartaco , Meijaard Erik
Published: March 2019

The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas) is a distinct subspecies, basal to the phylogenetic tree of Asian leopards. At present this taxon is not specifically managed in captive breeding programs in America and Europe. As it is endangered in the wild, and represents a genetically and morphologically unique and distinct taxon we recommend a more concerted effort to target this species for captive breeding.
Affinities of the family Sollasellidae (Porifera, Demospongiae). II. Molecular evidence
Authors: Erpenbeck Dirk , Hooper John N.A. , List-Armitage Sue E. , Degnan Bernard M. , Wörheide Gert , van Soest Rob W.M.
Published: March 2019

This is the second part of a revision and re-classification of the demosponge family Sollasellidae, and an example of a successful use of combined morphological and molecular data. Sollasella had been a poorly known, long forgotten taxon, placed incertae sedis in the order Hadromerida in the last major revision of the demosponges. It has recently been suggested to belong to Raspailiidae in the order Poecilosclerida due to striking morphological similarities. The present analysis verified this re-classification using molecular markers. Comparing 28S rDNA fragments of Sollasella cervicornis, a newly described species S. moretonensis and a representative set of raspailiid and hadromerid samples. In our analyses Sollasella clearly clusters inside the Raspailiidae clade, and distantly from hadromerid taxa. Supporting morphological hypothesis of Van Soest et al. (2006), that Sollasella is a raspailiid sponge.