bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Village-level supply reliability of groundwater irrigation in rural China
Authors: Li Yanrong , Wang Jinxia , Huang Jikun , Adhikari Bihm , You Liangzhi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation, and discuss how it is affected by climate change and tubewell density in rural China.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a nine-province village survey and secondary climate data. A Tobit model (or censored regression model) was used to estimate the determinants of supply reliability of groundwater irrigation.

Findings

Results show that the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation was 89 percent on average in the past three years. The non-linear relationship in the econometric results revealed that the 30-year annual temperature significantly influenced the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation. When the temperature rises above the turning point (6.30°C), it shifts from a positive to a negative relationship with the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation. The 30-year annual temperature in eight of the nine provinces (i.e. except for Jilin Province) was higher than the turning point. If the temperature increases by 20°C in the future, other factors being constant, the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation will decline by 20 percent. However, if precipitation increases by 10 percent, the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation could improve by 3 percent, while reducing precipitation by 10 percent will lower the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation by 3 percent. Increasing the density of tubewells considerably improves the supply reliability of groundwater irrigation. However, although increasing the density of tubewells may yield enough groundwater for irrigation, this one-sided approach raises sustainability concerns.

Research limitations/implications

Although increasing the density of tubewells may ensure that enough groundwater is available for irrigation, such a conclusion is one sided, and sustainability concerns should be raised in assessing this method of creating supply reliability.

Originality/value

This paper improves the understanding of the impact of climate variables on agriculture irrigation and water supply reliability in the micro scale, and provides a scientific basis for relevant policy making.
Incentive mechanisms and hedging effectiveness – an experimental study
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wan Difang , Wang Wenhu , Shang Chen , Wan Fang
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of four different incentives in improving hedging effectiveness and propose an alternative regulatory mechanism for China’s futures market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method that this study uses is a laboratory experiment, and this study follows the basic norms of experimental research. In addition, this paper designs and conducts a game experiment between hedgers and futures brokerage firms (FBFs) under different incentive mechanisms.

Findings

By analyzing the experimental data, it is found that compared with other incentive mechanisms, hedgers’ willingness to hedge and FBFs’ regulatory intention are both significantly higher for the dynamic linkage updating mechanism, indicating that hedgers have a stronger willingness to follow their hedging plan, and FBFs are more responsible for their regulatory behaviors. Additionally, the dynamic linkage updating mechanism has a long-term impact on effective hedging in the futures market.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the dynamic linkage updating mechanism is beneficial for effectively restricting both hedgers’ over-speculation and FBFs’ regulatory slack and improving the hedging efficiency of the futures market.

Practical implications

To solve the problem of inefficient hedging in China’s futures market, i.e., hedgers’ over-speculation and FBFs’ passive collusion with hedgers, the regulators of China’s futures market should reform the existing incentives and adopt a dynamic linkage updating mechanism to encourage all the participants to actively improve hedging effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper analyzes and verifies, for the first time, the role of the dynamic linkage updating mechanism in the investing behaviors of hedgers and the regulatory behaviors of future brokerage firms. The futures market experiment that was designed and used in this study is a pioneering and exploratory experiment that applies game theory and mechanism design theory to the field of behavioral finance.
Myths as errors and inventions: the shadow of tradition in pa praxis
Authors: Schmukler Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impossible segregation of founding myths from any actual understanding of life in common, the public good and PA theorizing. The notion of shadow as used by Robert Denhardt to designate the “other side” of rational motives in organizing fits well with the approach to PA myths here intended, in consonance with the theme of unity in apparent opposites and the “intensely meaningful acts of heroes and heroines” (Denhardt, 1981, p. xii). Finally, the questionable opposition between logos and myth will be reviewed along the discussion of the sacred and the secret in PA tradition.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines PA myths and discusses conjectures and explanations.

Findings

PA founding myths are not false believes or illusionary entities but genuine precursors and effective backstage arrangers of theory and praxis. The processes of languaging, musicking and organizing, basic human traits and fundamental events for human life to occur and get structured as it does, cannot prescind from them. Myths are intertwined with reasons and desires, inseparable, coexisting in the unified and pluriversal forms of doing, knowing and valuing that configure human life. Nothing different corresponds to PA and its myths as key components of the processes of thought, action and judgment that constitute the public domain.

Originality/value

PA myths persist not only through the ages of the administrative state but through the transformations of thoughts also occurred in each theorist’s own life experience. At different times, situations and conditions all of us – the author guess – have addressed this or that PA myth for motives worth deserving the reiterated discussion. It was never the same discussion; it could not have been, it is not, and it will not ever be.
Breaching intellectual capital: critical reflections on Big Data security
Authors: La Torre Matteo , Dumay John , Rea Michele Antonio
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Reflecting on Big Data’s assumed benefits, this study aims to identify the risks and challenges of data security underpinning Big Data’s socio-economic value and intellectual capital (IC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews academic literature, professional documents and public information to provide insights, critique and projections for IC and Big Data research and practice.

Findings

The “voracity” for data represents a further “V” of Big Data, which results in a continuous hunt for data beyond legal and ethical boundaries. Cybercrimes, data security breaches and privacy violations reflect voracity and represent the dark side of the Big Data ecosystem. Losing the confidentiality, integrity or availability of data because of a data security breach poses threat to IC and value creation. Thus, cyberthreats compromise the social value of Big Data, impacting on stakeholders’ and society’s interests.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the interpretative nature of this study, other researchers may not draw the same conclusions from the evidence provided. It leaves some open questions for a wide research agenda about the societal, ethical and managerial implications of Big Data.

Originality/value

This paper introduces the risks of data security and the challenges of Big Data to stimulate new research paths for IC and accounting research.
Biofilms in the Spotlight: Detection, Quantification, and Removal Methods
Authors: González‐Rivas Fabián , Ripolles‐Avila Carolina , Fontecha‐Umaña Fabio , Ríos‐Castillo Abel Guillermo , Rodríguez‐Jerez José Juan
Published: July 2018

Microorganisms can colonize and subsequently form biofilms on surfaces, which protect them from adverse conditions and make them more resistant than their planktonic free‐living counterparts. This is a major concern in the food industry because the presence of biofilms has significant implications for microbial food contamination and, therefore, for the transmission of foodborne diseases. Adequate hygienic conditions and various preventive and control strategies have consequently been developed to ensure the provision of safe, good‐quality food with an acceptable shelf‐life. This review focuses on the significance of biofilms in the food industry by describing the factors that favor their formation. The interconnected process among bacteria known as “quorum sensing,” which plays a significant role in biofilm development, is also described. Furthermore, we discuss recent strategic methods to detect, quantify, and remove biofilms formed by pathogenic bacteria associated with food processing environments, focusing on the complexity of these microbial communities.
NOX4, a new genetic target for anti‐cancer therapy in digestive system cancer
Authors: Tang Chao Tao , Gao Yun Jie , Ge Zhi Zheng
Published: July 2018

Oxidative stress has been implicated as an important factor in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit 4 (NOX4), a substrate of NADPH that can generate H2O2 reactive oxygen species, has been reported to be highly expressed in gastrointestinal tumors. In this review we summarize the available evidence on the biological function of NOX4 in digestive system tumors by focusing on its correlation with classical cell signaling pathways, including VEGF, MAPK and PI3K/AKT, and with biochemical mediators, such as nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB), activator protein (AP)‐1 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β. According to the clinical and database studies on tumors of the digestive system, such as colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancer, there are significant associations between NOX4 expression and tumor prognosis as well as patient's survival. Animal studies using NOX4 inhibitors such as diphenylene iodonium and GKT137831, which selectively block NOX4, indicate their potential as therapeutic agents for targeting cancer cells.
Elimination of p19ARF‐expressing cells protects against pulmonary emphysema in mice
Authors: Mikawa Ryuta , Suzuki Yohei , Baskoro Hario , Kanayama Kazuki , Sugimoto Kazushi , Sato Tadashi , Sugimoto Masataka
Published: July 2018

Senescent cells accumulate in tissues during aging and are considered to underlie several aging‐associated phenotypes and diseases. We recently reported that the elimination of p19ARF‐expressing senescent cells from lung tissue restored tissue function and gene expression in middle‐aged (12‐month‐old) mice. The aging of lung tissue increases the risk of pulmonary diseases such as emphysema, and cellular senescence is accelerated in emphysema patients. However, there is currently no direct evidence to show that cellular senescence promotes the pathology of emphysema, and the involvement of senescence in the development of this disease has yet to be clarified. We herein demonstrated that p19ARF facilitated the development of pulmonary emphysema in mice. The elimination of p19ARF‐expressing cells prevented lung tissue from elastase‐induced lung dysfunction. These effects appeared to depend on reduced pulmonary inflammation, which is enhanced after elastase stimulation. Furthermore, the administration of a senolytic drug that selectively kills senescent cells attenuated emphysema‐associated pathologies. These results strongly suggest the potential of senescent cells as therapeutic/preventive targets for pulmonary emphysema.
A framework for applying learning analytics in serious games for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Nguyen Andy , Gardner Lesley A. , Sheridan Don
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a systematic framework to integrate learning analytics into serious games for people with intellectual disabilities. Serious games for an inclusive learning environment need to be prudently designed with adaptive and measurable competencies to meet the needs of the target users. The recent emergence of learning analytics provides a capability to capture important data in real time from within the highly interactive nature of serious games to better understand and enhance the learning process. Although previous research has addressed different applications of learning analytics in serious games, few studies have investigated the needs of individuals with disabilities. This paper proposes a framework for serious games analytics specialised for people with intellectual disabilities (SGAPID) for the purpose of supporting the integration of learning analytics within serious games to create an inclusive learning environment. We provide a framework based on previous studies in both learning analytics, serious games and educational technologies for people with intellectual disabilities. The framework consists of three central components, namely learner profiling, learning adaptation and learning evaluation. It provides needed guidance for educational application developers and reflects the contemporary trends in educational technologies. The SGAPID framework will also be valuable for the design, implementation, evaluation and adaptation of serious games for inclusive learning and teaching at the group or individual level.
The opportunities and challenges of serious games for people with an intellectual disability
Authors: Terras Melody M. , Boyle Elizabeth A. , Ramsay Judith , Jarrett Dominic
Published: July 2018

Serious Games (SG) are increasingly used to deliver education and training to support well‐being, social skills, independent living and online safety. This presents opportunities and challenges for users, developers and educational providers to ensure their benefits are available to all. People with intellectual disability (ID) experience high levels of digital exclusion. This article reviews and synthesises the literature on the use of SG with people with ID. Recent work indicates the importance of the psycho‐social profile of the gameplayer, mechanics and game context. We consider how these factors influence the inclusivity of SG and how they could be addressed. We demonstrate how a psychological perspective illuminates the impact of the user's psychological profile on game use and effectiveness, and explore how culture, personalisation and learning analytics can increase inclusivity of SG. We conclude by identifying wider challenges such as the need for multi‐disciplinary working and a more integrated, conceptual framework for games design which addresses diversity in learning needs.
Autistic youth in 3D game‐based collaborative virtual learning: Associating avatar interaction patterns with embodied social presence
Authors: Wang Xianhui , Xing Wanli , Laffey James M.
Published: July 2018

This study examines interaction patterns in a series of game activities for learning social skills by autistic youth in a 3D game‐based collaborative virtual learning environment (CVLE). Researchers studying collaborative learning have indicated the importance of social interactions and social presence. However, few studies have examined the relationship of avatar social interactions with embodied social presence in a 3D game‐based CVLE. Specifically, we examined avatar‐mediated verbal and nonverbal interactions by autistic youth in iSocial, a game‐based 3D CVLE for developing social competencies. How are avatar‐mediated verbal and nonverbal social interactions related to the extent of embodied social presence? Building on prior studies on embodied social presence (ESP) theory and the verbal and nonverbal social interaction framework, this paper aims to explore the link between the combination of verbal (appropriate and inappropriate) and nonverbal (avatar proximity, orientation, joint attention and gesture) interaction patterns and experienced ESP level. We report on the results of 3 cohorts of a total of 11 youth aged from 11 to 14 who were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder learning in 13 game activities in iSocial. The video data of the participants’ screen recordings were analyzed and coded based on the ESP theory and verbal and nonverbal social interaction framework. Through cluster analysis, the results identify distinct patterns of verbal and nonverbal interaction that are associated with different levels of embodied social presence. The findings of this study (1) shed light on the link between social interactions and embodied social presence and (2) provide a deeper understanding of how the unique spatial and visual characteristics of 3D CVLE and the design of game activities in 3D CVLE may transform collaborative learning, especially for autistic youth.
Olfactory bulb neuroplasticity: A prospective cohort study in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Shehata E.M. , Tomoum M.O. , Amer M.A. , Alarabawy R.A. , Eltomey M.A.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To compare the olfactory bulb volumes (OBVs) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) to healthy individuals, and to assess the changes of the OBVs in patients with CRSwNP before and after the endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) utilising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with specialised software.

Design

This is a prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tanta University hospital (tertiary referral hospital), Egypt.

Participants

Thirty patients with CRSwNP (Group A) were compared with thirty healthy individuals (Group B) as regards the OBVs. Patients with CRSwNP underwent ESS where the Smell Identification Test‐40 (SIT‐40) and the OBVs were assessed pre‐operatively and at least 6 months postoperatively. Assessment of the OBVs was carried out using MRI with specialised software.

Main outcome measures

Assessment of the volumetric changes of the olfactory bulbs in patients with CRSwNP before and after endoscopic sinus surgery utilise magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

The OBVs were significantly smaller in Group A (58.94 ± 7.96 mm3 and 60.79 ± 8.14 mm3 on the right and left sides, respectively) as compared with the Group B (73.46 ± 8.54 mm3 and 72.96 ± 9.74 mm3 on the right and left sides, respectively). There was also a significant increase in the olfactory bulb volumes as well as improvement of the SIT‐40 6 months postoperatively in the Group A.

Conclusions

The olfactory bulb is characterised by neural plasticity, and its volume may be affected by the peripheral olfactory function.
Small fish diet in connected and isolated lakes in a Neotropical floodplain
Authors: Quirino Bárbara A. , Carniatto Natália , Thomaz Sidinei M. , Fugi Rosemara
Published: July 2018

Hydrological connectivity interferes directly in dispersal rates of organisms and in similarity of environmental conditions among floodplain environments. Consequently, connectivity promotes changes in food resources availability to fish. Here we tested the predictions that (a) isolated floodplain lakes have greater environmental heterogeneity than connected lakes, (b) fish diet differs more among isolated than among connected lakes and (c) trophic niche breadth of the species is smaller in isolated than in connected lakes. We used one invertivorous and one algivorous species of fish to test these two last predictions. The environmental heterogeneity (evaluated in relation to abiotic variables and the macrophyte composition) tended to be greater in isolated lakes. Diet of both species differed significantly in all isolated lakes populations, and in the majority of the populations in connected lakes; however, the main items consumed for invertivorous species were common in all connected lakes. Trophic niche breadth of the invertivorous fish was significantly greater in the connected lakes; however, the algivorous species showed no significant difference between connected and isolated lakes. Our findings suggest that connectivity can facilitate the dispersal of organisms, allowing the increase in food item richness and consequently, trophic niche breadth, as observed for invertivorous species. However, connectivity likely plays a minor role on the algivorous species, whose diet may be more affected by local conditions, such as habitat structure. Our results support the view that regional (dispersion) and local (habitat structure) factors interact with feeding habit to determine fish food composition in the floodplain lakes we studied.
Parenting Advice and Regrets of Empty‐Nesters
Authors: Chapman Ashton , Schramm David
Published: July 2018

Objective

To identify the advice and regrets empty‐nest parents have when reflecting on their experiences as parents, and to investigate the utility of the parenting pyramid framework for parent education on the basis of that advice and those regrets.

Background

The parenting pyramid specifies that the parent–child relationship, teaching, and correction are key components of parenting and that they should be emphasized in that order or priority. However, the extent to which this model is reflective of what parents actually think or do, or wish they would have done, remains unclear.

Method

Empty‐nesters were recruited through social media, professional e‐mail listservs, university advertising, newspaper ads in multiple states, and word of mouth, resulting in a convenience sample of 379 individuals from across the United States who completed an online, open‐ended survey. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Consistent with the parenting pyramid, empty‐nesters conveyed the importance of a healthy parent–child relationship being the foundation for teaching, reasoning, direction, and correction throughout children's lives. Empty‐nesters' advice focused primarily on the importance of the parent–child relationship and the role of parents as teachers. Regrets were related to overemphasizing correction and negativity.

Conclusions

These findings provide empirical support for the utility of the parenting pyramid as a useful framework for principles‐focused parent education.

Implications

The relative importance of relationship building versus correction and discipline suggest that parent educators should reduce the amount of time and attention they spend answering the question “What to do when things go wrong?” and focus more on helping things go right.
Clinicopathological investigation of steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter study using immunohistochemical analysis of adenoma‐related markers
Authors: Taniai Makiko , Hashimoto Etsuko , Tobari Maki , Kodama Kazuhisa , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Takayama Tadatoshi , Sugitani Masahiko , Sano Keiji , Kondo Fukuo , Fukusato Toshio
Published: July 2018

Aims

Steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma (SH‐HCC) is a newly proposed concept, which shows histological features of steatohepatitis in HCC lesions, and it is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and steatosis/steatohepatitis in non‐cancerous lesions. Recently, a substantial number of HCC associated with MS were reported to have developed from pre‐existing inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). To elucidate the characteristic features of SH‐HCC, we clinicopathologically investigated strictly diagnosed SH‐HCC and non‐SH‐HCC (standard HCC).

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study. A clinicopathological investigation was undertaken to compare 62 cases with SH‐HCC features to 31 age‐ and sex‐matched standard HCC cases, including an immunohistochemical study using markers for classification of HCA and diagnosis of HCC.

Results

The characteristic features of SH‐HCC compared with standard HCC include a higher rate of complications of MS, more frequent non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease as an underlying liver disease, and HCC development in non‐cirrhotic liver. The rate of solitary tumors showed no difference between the two groups, but the median diameter of the main tumor was greater in SH‐HCCs (45 mm/20 mm, P = 0.01). The HCCs were mostly moderately differentiated, and the patterns were mainly trabecular in both groups. Positive findings for serum amyloid A and C‐reactive proteins, classification markers of inflammatory HCA, were significantly higher in cancerous lesions of SH‐HCC cases (50%/13%, P < 0.01 and 42%/16%, respectively; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We confirmed that SH‐HCC was strongly associated with MS and NAFLD, and found that classification markers of inflammatory HCA were significantly higher in SH‐HCC. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between SH‐CCC and HCA for understanding the carcinogenic pathways in these diseases.
Reflectance Transformation Imaging and the Future of Medieval Sigillography
Authors: McEwan John Alexander
Published: July 2018

In the Middle Ages, people used seals to authenticate records, but those seals preserve words and images used by many different social groups, from the nobility to the peasantry, as well as both men and women. They thus provide an opportunity to explore the ideas, values, and beliefs of a wide range of people. Consequently, seals are valued by a range of scholars, including historians, art‐historians, and archeologists, as well as those interested in heraldry, genealogy, and local history. Seals are an important part of the medieval legacy, but they are also precious and fragile objects, and therefore scholars as well as members of the public generally have little personal experience with them. As a result, seals remain little known, but that could change, thanks to novel forms of digital imaging such as Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI).
Indian Ocean navigation in Islamic sources 850–1560 CE
Authors: Staples Eric
Published: July 2018

Oceanic histories have become increasingly popular in the last few decades, as maritime‐based approaches to historical inquiry, often referred to as a “new thalassology,” gain prominence. Indian Ocean studies in particular have flourished as a result of this trend. However, the study of Indian Ocean navigation has not received the same level of academic attention. This paper briefly reviews the historical and historiographical development of Indian Ocean navigation and argues that although significant work—based largely on Arabic manuscripts sources—was conducted in the twentieth century, the field has become somewhat stagnant. It concludes with recommendations for future research that could further enhance our understanding of Indian Ocean navigation and enrich the broader field of Indian Ocean studies.
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer without cutaneous manifestations in two Japanese siblings
Authors: Noguchi Go , Furuya Mitsuko , Okubo Yoichiro , Nagashima Yoji , Kato Ikuma , Matsumoto Kana , Tanaka Reiko , Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Yao Masahiro , Kishida Takeshi
Published: July 2018

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer is a rare genetic disorder characterized by cutaneous and uterine leiomyomatosis, and an aggressive type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma. The disease is caused by a germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene. We report a familial hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer in two siblings. A 34‐year‐old woman underwent nephrectomy for treatment of a renal cell carcinoma. The patient's sister had been diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma at 28 years‐of‐age and died of the disease. Neither sister had apparent skin tumors. Histopathology of the renal cell carcinomas of the siblings showed tubulocystic and papillary architectures with high nuclear grades. Immunostaining showed no fumarate hydratase expression in either tumor. Genomic DNA sequencing of the patient showed a germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase gene (c.675delT). Although there is no epidemiological information on Asian hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer, physicians should be aware that typical cutaneous leiomyomatosis might not always be present in patients with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer.
Semi‐aquatic spider silks: transcripts, proteins, and silk fibres of the fishing spider, Dolomedes triton (Pisauridae)
Authors: Correa‐Garhwal S.M. , Chaw R.C. , Dugger T. , Clarke T.H. , Chea K.H. , Kisailus D. , Hayashi C.Y.
Published: July 2018

To survive in terrestrial and aquatic environments, spiders often rely heavily on their silk. The vast majority of silks that have been studied are from orb‐web or cob‐web weaving species, leaving the silks of water‐associated spiders largely undescribed. We characterize transcripts, proteins, and silk fibres from the semi‐aquatic spider Dolomedes triton. From silk gland RNAseq libraries, we report 18 silk transcripts representing four categories of known silk protein types: aciniform, ampullate, pyriform, and tubuliform. Proteomic and structural analyses (scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, contact angle) of the D. triton submersible egg sac reveal similarities to silks from aquatic caddisfly larvae. We identified two layers in D. triton egg sacs, notably a highly hydrophobic outer layer with a different elemental composition compared to egg sacs of terrestrial spiders. These features may provide D. triton egg sacs with their water repellent properties.
Increased risk of cognitive impairment and more severe brain lesions in hypertensive compared to non‐hypertensive patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Pavlovic Aleksandra M. , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Trajkovic Jasna Zidverc , Tomic Gordana , Cvitan Edita , Sternic Nada
Published: July 2018

Although cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is traditionally associated with aging and hypertension (HT), there are patients exhibiting sporadic SVD, free of HT. We aimed to investigate the differences in clinical and neuroradiological presentation in SVD patients in reference to the presence of HT as a risk factor (RF). Vascular RF, cognitive and functional status were evaluated in a cohort of 424 patients. Patients were classified in two groups based on the presence of HT. Severity of vascular lesions was assessed using 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging with Age‐Related White Matter Changes scale total score (tARWMC) and Fazekas scale periventricular (PV) and deep subcortical (DS) scores. No difference between groups in age and sex distribution was noted. In univariate analysis, HT was associated with vascular cognitive impairment (vCI) (OR 2.30, 1.53‐3.45, P < 0.0001), functional status (OR 1.47, 1.11‐1.95, P = 0.007), depression (OR 2.13, 1.23‐3.70, P = 0.007), tARWMC (OR 1.10, 1.05‐1.16 95% CI, P < 0.0001), Fazekas PV score (OR 1.34, 1.08‐1.67 95% CI, P = 0.008), Fazekas DS score (OR 1.95, 1.44‐2.63 95% CI, P < 0.0001) and total number of lacunes (OR 1.10, 1.02‐1.18 95% CI, P = 0.009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that HT was an independent RF for vCI (OR 1.74, 1.09‐2.76 95% CI, P = 0.020) and higher Fazekas DS score (OR 1.57, 1.11‐2.22 95% CI, P = 0.011). The Kaplan‐Meier curve of estimates of survival of SVD patients without vCI revealed a higher proportion of patients with HT progressing to vCI over time when compared to HT‐free cases. In patients with sporadic SVD, HT is a contributing factor to worse clinical outcomes and neuroradiological presentation.
Trehalose phosphate synthase 5‐dependent trehalose metabolism modulates basal defense responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xuelan , Du Yan , Yu Diqiu
Published: July 2018

Despite the recent discovery that trehalose synthesis is important for plant development and abiotic stress tolerance, the effects of trehalose on biotic stress responses remain relatively unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that TREHALOSE PHOSPHATE SYNTHASE 5 (TPS5)‐dependent trehalose metabolism regulates Arabidopsis thaliana defenses against pathogens (necrotrophic Botrytis cinerea and biotrophic Pseudomonas syringae). Pathogen infection increased trehalose levels and upregulated TPS5 expression. Application of exogenous trehalose significantly improved plant defenses against B. cinerea, but increased the susceptibility of plants to P. syringae. We demonstrate that elevated trehalose biosynthesis, in transgenic plants over‐expressing TPS5, also increased the susceptibility to P. syringae, but decreased the disease symptoms caused by B. cinerea. The knockout of TPS5 prevented the accumulation of trehalose and enhanced defense responses against P. syringae. Additionally, we observed that a TPS5‐interacting protein (multiprotein bridging factor 1c) was required for induced expression of TPS5 during pathogen infections. Furthermore, we show that trehalose promotes P. syringae growth and disease development, via a mechanism involving suppression of the plant defense gene, Pathogenesis‐Related Protein 1. These findings provide insight into the function of TPS5‐dependent trehalose metabolism in plant basal defense responses.
Updated status of assisted reproductive technology activities in the Asia‐Oceania region
Authors: Li H. W. Raymond , Tank Jaydeep , Haththotuwa Rohana ,   on behalf of Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Published: July 2018

Aim

To report on a descriptive survey on the availability, regulation and funding issues of assisted reproductive technology (ART) activities in member countries of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AOFOG).

Methods

A survey questionnaire was initially sent out to representatives of the 28 member national societies of AOFOG in 2015, and final verification and compilation of data were completed in November 2017.

Results

A response was received from 24 countries. Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization treatments were available in 23 and 22 of them respectively. Of the 23 responding countries where ART activities were carried out, these were governed by legislation or national regulations in 12 of them, and 15 had a national registry, to which reporting was compulsory in 11 of them. Only Australia, Nepal, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia allowed ART treatment for both single men and women, while only Australia and New Zealand allowed ART treatment for homosexual couples. In Vietnam, ART treatment was allowed only for single women (but not men) from the same country. In Israel, only single or homosexual women but not men were allowed to receive ART treatment. Government subsidy was available for artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization treatments in 10 and 9 responding countries respectively. Compensation to gamete donors and surrogate mothers were allowed in some countries, mostly on the basis of covering the medical treatment cost and compensation for leave from work.

Conclusion

There is great diversity in the availability of various forms of ART treatments, their regulations and data‐monitoring mechanisms, as well as funding issues, among Asian‐Oceanic countries. Availability of ART activities involving donor gametes or surrogacy, or those for nonheterosexual unions, is still limited in this region.
Neuronal regulation of intestinal immune functions in health and disease
Authors: Fornai M. , van den Wijngaard R. M. , Antonioli L. , Pellegrini C. , Blandizzi C. , de Jonge W. J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Nerve‐mucosa interactions control various elements of gastrointestinal functions, including mucosal host defense, gut barrier function, and epithelial cell growth and differentiation. In both intestinal and extra‐intestinal diseases, alterations of autonomic nerve activity have been observed to be concurrent with the disease course, such as in inflammatory and functional bowel diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This is relevant as the extrinsic autonomic nervous system is increasingly recognized to modulate gut inflammatory responses. The molecular and cellular mechanisms through which the extrinsic and intrinsic nerve pathways may regulate digestive mucosal functions have been investigated in several pre‐clinical and clinical studies.

Purpose

The present review focuses on the involvement of neural pathways in gastrointestinal disease, and addresses the current strategies to intervene with neuronal pathway as a means of treatment.
Secondary Dark Reactions Following Photodynamic Treatment are More Damaging Than Previously Thought
Authors: Chiemezie Callistus , Greer Alexander
Published: July 2018

Photodynamic treatment is often thought to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that directly induce killing; the nomenclature and phrases revolve around such notions of light‐dependency. Few studies reference the possible existence of oxidation products formed in secondary reactions, which bear cytotoxicity competitive to their ROS precursors. Here, we highlight the paper by Girotti and Korytowski in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology, which does just that. In this paper, they report on cholesterol hydroperoxides, which are formed after photosensitized oxidation and yield cytotoxic mixtures in dark reactions after the light's turned off. Some of the hydroperoxides are transported by protein carriers and damage tissue outside their site of origin. A similar dark cytotoxicity may be anticipated for biological peroxides from in vivo photodynamic therapy.
Singlet Oxygen Production by a Crude Oil from the San Jorge Gulf Basin, Argentina
Authors: Marisa López Rosmari , Mangani Adriana del Luján , Arbeloa Ernesto Maximiliano , Luiz Marta Mabel , Gutiérrez María Isela
Published: July 2018

The quantum yields for singlet oxygen production by diluted solutions of an Argentine crude oil and its SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes) fractions were obtained by direct detection of the characteristic phosphorescence following monochromatic excitation at 355 nm. The most efficient sensitizers of singlet oxygen in organic media are crude oil, maltenes and aromatics fractions (values of singlet oxygen quantum yield are around 0.7), and resins (values around 0.1) are the poorest. Also, the quenching of singlet oxygen by the crude oil and its fractions was investigated; the asphaltenes and the petroleum are relatively efficient quenchers of singlet oxygen.
Efficacy of stimulus intensity increases and decreases as inhibitors of the acoustic startle response
Authors: Peterson Hope , Blumenthal Terry D.
Published: July 2018

The human startle eyeblink response can be inhibited by a change in the stimulus environment briefly before the startling stimulus; both stimulus presentation (prepulse) and cessation of background sound (gap) can result in startle inhibition. More intense prepulses often result in greater inhibition, and this study (N = 53 college students) examined whether graded decreases in sound energy relative to a steady background noise (a “partial gap”) would follow this same pattern of inhibition. Embedded in a 65 dB steady background noise were 100 dB white noise startle stimuli preceded at 120 ms on some trials by stimulus intensity increases or decreases of 5, 10, or 15 dB relative to background. Results showed that startle inhibition was graded by amount of change relative to background, such that greater increases or decreases resulted in greater inhibition. Also, increases were more effective startle inhibitors than decreases at equivalent levels of change from background. These results demonstrate that the neural centers responsible for startle inhibition are responsive to both increases and decreases in stimulus intensity, and are sensitive to amount of change, not simply whether a change occurs. These findings may have implications for the development of a screening method for a hearing disorder called tinnitus.
Potential mechanisms of microRNA mobility
Authors: Lemcke Heiko , David Robert
Published: July 2018

microRNAs (miRNAs) are important epigenetic modulators of gene expression that control cellular physiology as well as tissue homeostasis, and development. In addition to the temporal aspects of miRNA‐mediated gene regulation, the intracellular localization of miRNA is crucial for its silencing activity. Recent studies indicated that miRNA is even translocated between cells via gap junctional cell‐cell contacts, allowing spatiotemporal modulation of gene expression within multicellular systems. Although non coding RNA remains a focus of intense research, studies regarding the intra‐and intercellular mobility of small RNAs are still largely missing. Emerging data from experimental and computational work suggest the involvement of transport mechanisms governing proper localization of miRNA in single cells and cellular syncytia. Based on these data, we discuss a model of miRNA translocation that could help to address the spatial aspects of miRNA function and the impact of miRNA molecules on the intercellular signaling network.
The Dynamics of Circuit of Culture Model in Promoting Angelina Jolie’s Humanitarian Activities
Authors: Ayeni Oluwadamilola
Published: July 2018

This paper addresses the dynamics of Circuit of Culture model in relation to a celebrity’s publicity efforts at promoting humanitarian activities. This analysis presents the publicity activities of Angelina Jolie using theoretical frameworks of the circuit of culture model which are; dynamics of representation, construction, consumption, identity and regulation. This paper presents several modes and points through which this model applies to her personality and humanitarian activities. This provides a description of how publicity works, thereby validating the importance of the model in the planning publicity activities for both individuals and organisations. The author conducts a case study using the method of content analysis and explores several academic literatures, texts, videos and media tools that demonstrates publicity activities by this celebrity.This case study reveals that actions and activities embarked upon by Angelina Jolie depicts a clearer picture of how the circuit of culture model works. Each point on the model linking to one another and acting as tools to supporting the other.
Wake-Wake Interactions for a Pair of Staggered Cylinders at Low Reynolds Number (Re = 100)
Authors: Raees Mohd. , Sarkar Sudipto
Published: July 2018

Fluid flow around two square cylinders of equal size arranged in staggered configuration is investigated using Fluent. The centre-to-centre pitch ratio is considered to be constant (P/D = 2) and the angle of incidence is varying from 0° to 90°. This simulation is carried out at Reynolds number Re = 100 (Re= U∞D/v, where U∞ is the free stream velocity, D is side of both the square cylinders and v is the kinematic viscosity of fluid) which lies in the periodic vortex shedding regime. The geometry of the flow problem is developed using Gambit software, which also helps to impose the boundary conditions of the flow domain. In the present work, instantaneous vortex dynamics for the staggered arrangement are discussed thoroughly along with aerodynamics forces and Strouhal frequency (St). When compared with previously published results, it reveals that Fluent is capable to generate almost identical results at least for laminar periodic vortex shedding regime.
Optimization and Validation of Secondary Flow Effect for Flowrange Enhancement in a Low Solidity Circular Cascade Diffuser
Authors: Tun Min Thaw , Sakaguchi Daisaku
Published: July 2018

A Low Solidity circular cascade Diffuser (LSD) in a centrifugal blower is designed by means of multi-objective optimization technique. An optimization code with a meta-model assisted evolutionary algorithm is used with a commercial CFD code ANSYS-CFX. The optimization is aiming at improving the static pressure coefficient at design point and at small flow rate condition while constraining the slope of the lift coefficient curve. Seven detailed design parameters describing the shape and position of the LSD vane were introduced. Moreover, a small tip clearance of the LSD blade was applied in order to activate and to stabilize the secondary flow effect at small flow rate conditions. The optimized LSD blade has been manufactured and the characteristic of optimized LSD is confirmed by the experimental test rig. Optimized LSD has an extended operating range of 114 % towards smaller flow rate as compared to the baseline design without deteriorating the diffuser pressure recovery at design point. The detailed flow in the diffuser is also confirmed by means of a Particle Image Velocimetery (PIV). The flow was compared between in the cases with and without tip clearance. In spite of the fluctuating flow at the diffuser inlet, secondary flow spreads to the whole area of LSD blade pitch stably. Stable secondary flow suppresses flow separation at the suction surface of the LSD. It is found that the optimized LSD blade shows good improvement of the blade loading in the whole operating range, while at small flow rate the flow separation on the LSD blade has been successfully suppressed by the secondary flow effect.
Design of Inducer-Impeller Configurations of Self-Priming Vacuum Pump Using Response Surface Method
Authors: Kim Jae-Won , Ji Hyo-Geun , Kim Youn-Jea
Published: July 2018

Self-priming vacuum pump is characterized for absorbing viscous fluid such as slurry and it is operated by the rotation of inducer and impeller generating partial vacuum in the rotor casing. In this study, the effect of inducer-impeller configurations on the performance of self-priming vacuum pump was precedently investigated with design parameters by using commercial code, ANSYS CFX to formulate the ranges of input parameters for optimization. And then, the optimization of inducer-impeller configurations was conducted by using response surface method (RSM) based on design of experiment (DOE) and the optimal model which provides the maximized head was suggested.
Numerical Optimization Research on the Bidirectional Shaft Tubular Pump
Authors: Xie Rongsheng , Tang Fangping , Shi Lijian , Xie Chuanliu , Tu Lianlian
Published: July 2018

The geometric parameterization model for passage inlet and outlet is solved by controlling the dimensions of each composing section, so that it will be convenient to get new model by changing the dimensions above. Base on Reynolds average N-S equations, RNG k-ε turbulent model, the hydraulic performance of bidirectional shaft tubular pumping station is simulated with the commercial CFD software. The result shows that the efficiency and the head is higher when shaft front positioned. The hydraulic loss of each part is analyzed according to the micro element method, the conclusion below can be drawn: the hydraulic loss of the shaft tubular and straight passage is small when they used for inlet passage, and mainly for frictional head loss; with the effect of circulation and spread section, the flow is easy to take off, so the hydraulic loss is lager. The hydraulic loss has a significantly reduced than the original case by adjusting the hull lines of the flow passage, The efficiency of the simulation up to 72% at positive condition, and to 57.9% at reverse condition, the efficiency of model test up to 70.4% at positive condition, and to 56.2% at reverse condition.