bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Splitter Blade on the Performance of a Pump-Turbine in Pump Mode
Authors: Li Guidong , Wang Yang , Cao Puyu , Zhang Jinfeng , Mao Jieyun
Published: October 2018

The pumped hydro energy storage is the most effective way to store large-scale electricity and has been widely used in the world. As the key equipment in the pumped hydro energy storage, it is significant and urgent to improve the performance and operation stability of the pump-turbine. In this study, the effect of runners with and without splitter blade on the performances and inner flow characteristics of a pump-turbine in pump mode was analyzed by the method of numerical calculation. The results suggest that larger tangential velocity at runner outlet and higher pressure at the trailing edge of pressure side in splitter blade runner scheme contribute to higher head. The area of backflow at runner outlet, the highest values of entropy generation rate, and vorticity distribution in splitter blade runner scheme are well smaller than those in prototype runner without splitter blade, which is conducive to improving model performance.
Glomerulonephritis Pattern at a Jordanian Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Farah Randa I.
Published: October 2018

Aim. To determine the prevalence and frequency of different pathological patterns of glomerulonephritis (GN) in adolescent (age ≥ 11 years) and adult Jordanian patients. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of all clinical and pathological reports of Jordanian patients who had native renal biopsies at the University of Jordan hospital between January 2007 and March 2018 to assess the prevalence and pathological pattern of GN. The data were analyzed statistically using descriptive statistics, the chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact tests. The level of significance was set at P<0.05. Results. Two hundred and nine patients (88 males and 121 females) had native kidney biopsies diagnosed as having GN; the mean age at the time of biopsy was 36.0±14.9 years. Primary GN (51.2%) was more common than secondary GN (48.8%). The most common GN was lupus nephritis (LN) (33.5%), followed by membranous nephropathy (MGN) (15.3%), and diabetic nephropathy (DN) (11.0%). Furthermore, IgA nephropathy was noted in 8.1% of cases. LN was the most common among the secondary GN and occurred in 49.6% of females; MGN was the most common primary GN and occurred in 22.7% of males. There was a statistically significant difference between males and females in the prevalence of LN and MGN (P<.001 and P=.011, respectively). LN was also dominant in all age groups expect for the ≥60 years group, which tended to exhibit DN (40%). Conclusion. LN is the most common GN type in Jordan, followed by MGN and DN. MGN is the predominant primary GN with a higher prevalence among males; LN is the predominant secondary GN and tends to occur in Jordanian females. The GN patterns in this study shifted from membranoproliferative GN to MGN in Jordan, which revealed a shift towards similar patterns exhibited in developed countries. Furthermore, DN is the most frequent GN in the elderly.
Networked Control System Design for Turbofan Aeroengines with Aging and Deterioration
Authors: Li Ruichao , Nguang Sing Kiong , Guo Yingqing , Chen Yifeng
Published: October 2018

This paper is concerned with designing a networked controller for a mixed flow two‐spool turbofan aeroengine with aging and deterioration. Firstly, the state‐space representation of the aeroengine considering aging and deterioration is identified, by which the engine system with aging and deterioration is modeled as an uncertain linear system. Then based on this uncertain linear system, theoretical results from the networked control systems and the regional pole assignment are introduced to formulate the networked engine control design in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). By solving these LMIs simultaneously, a networked engine controller is obtained which guarantees both the robustness against delay/dropout and the satisfactory dynamic performance. Finally, the proposed method is applied to an aerothermodynamic component‐level engine simulator to demonstrate its validity and applicability. The corresponding delay/dropout margin is also calculated, which provides reference for the future development of the distributed engine control system.
Overnutrition and Scholastic Achievement: Is There a Relationship An 8-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Flores Ofelia C. , Orellana Yasna Z. , Leyton Bárbara D. , Valenzuela Rodrigo B. , Barrera Cynthia R. , Almagià Atilio F. , Martínez Víctor C. , Ivanovic Daniza
Published: October 2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between overnutrition and scholastic achievement (SA). Methods: A representative and proportional sample of 477 children of the 5th elementary school grade of both genders was randomly chosen during 2010, in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. SA was measured through the 2009 Education Quality Measurement System (SIMCE) tests of language (LSA), mathematics (MSA) and understanding of the natural environment (UNESA). Current nutritional status was assessed through the body mass index Z-score (Z-BMI). Nutritional quality of diet, schedule exercise, socioeconomic status, family, and educational variables were also recorded. Four and 8 years later, SA was assessed through the 2013 SIMCE and the University Selection Test (2017 PSU), respectively. Results: Socioeconomic status, the number of repeated school years, and maternal schooling were strong predictors of 2009 SIMCE and the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power for LSA (Model R2 = 0.178; p < 0.00001) variances, besides of gender for MSA (Model R2 = 0.205; p< 0.00001) and UNESA (Model R2 = 0.272; p < 0.00001). Overnourished children did not have significantly lower 2009 and 2013 SIMCE and 2017 PSU outcomes. Conclusions: These results confirm that overnourished children did not achieve significantly lower SA.
Research Domain Criteria: Cutting Edge Neuroscience or Galen’s Humors Revisited?
Authors: Ross Christopher A. , Margolis Russell L.
Published: October 2018

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) scheme has guided the research agenda of the National Institute of Mental Health for the past decade. The essence of RDoC is its dimensional conception of mental illness, with the assumption that psychopathology is a manifestation of extremes along axes of neuropsychological variation. Research, it follows, should emphasize normal neuropsychological function and its associated neurocircuitry. We argue that RDoC, dressed in terms of modern neurobiology, is in fact a return to the humoral theory of Galen, a dimensional approach in which physical and mental health requires a balance of the four basic bodily humors (blood, black bile, yellow bile, and phlegm). The RDoC/Galenic approach may be useful in understanding those conditions best understood as extremes along a continuum, such as personality disorders. However, we contend that for the most severe psychiatric disorders – categorically defined diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism – RDoC’s Galenic dimensionalism is a retreat from the biomedical approach that seeks to find rational therapeutic targets by identifying etiologic factors and pathogenic pathways. Abandoning this medical model now, in the context of remarkable advances in genetics, neuroimaging, and neuroscience, is a major setback for the advancement of scientific psychiatry.
Effect of Baicalein on GLUT4 Translocation in Adipocytes of Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Min Wen , Wu Mingjie , Fang Penghua , Yu Mei , Shi Mingyi , Zhang Zhenwen  , Bo Ping
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Although baicalein has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in liver of mice, there is no literature available about the effect of baicalein on glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation from intracellular membrane pools to plasma membranes in adipocytes of diet-induced obese mice. Methods: In the present study, the obese model was induced in mice fed a high fat diet (20% carbohydrates, 21% protein and 59% fat) for 16 weeks. The diet-induced obese mice were given 20mg/kg baicalein intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 21 days. The plasma insulin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance indexes were measured by glucose tolerance test (GTT). The expression levels of PGC-1α, UCP1, GLUT4, PPARγ, pP38MAPK, pERK and pAKT in adipocytes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results: The present findings showed that administration of baicalein decreased pP38MAPK, pERK and PPARγ levels, but enhanced pAKT, PGC-1α and UCP1 contents as well as GLUT4 expression in adipocytes, and reversed high fat diet-induced glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. Moreover, baicalein treatment increased GLUT4 concentration in plasma membranes of adipocytes, i.e. baicalein may prevent insulin resistance through the GLUT4 translocation from intracellular membrane compartments to plasma membranes in adipocytes. Conclusion: These results suggest that baicalein is a powerful and promising agent for treatment of obesity and insulin resistance via Akt/GLUT4 pathway.
A FUS-LATS1/2 Axis Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Activating Hippo Pathway
Authors: Bao Le , Yuan Lei , Li Pengfei , Bu Qingyun , Guo Aijun , Zhang Hui , Cui Ning , Liu Bin
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: The roles and related mechanisms of RNA binding protein FUS (fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma) are unclear in numerous cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, cell viability, transwell migration and invasion, tumor spheres formation and in vivo tumor formation assays were used to examine the effects of FUS on HCC progression in HuH7 and MHCC97 cells. Additionally, transcriptome analysis based on RNA-sequencing data, qRT-PCR, western blots, luciferase reporter and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to explore the LATS1/2 (large tumor suppressor kinases 1/2)-related mechanisms contributing to FUS functions. Finally, qRT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the levels of FUS and LATS1/2 in HCC and adjacent normal tissues, and the correlation between them in HCC tissues. Results: Overexpression of FUS decreased cell viability, migration, invasion and stemness. Moreover, FUS interacted and stabilized LATS1/2 stability, and thus promoted LATS1/2 expression and activated Hippo pathway. Finally, FUS and LAST1/2 levels were positively correlated and significantly down-regulated in HCC tissues. Conclusion: We demonstrate that FUS/LATS1/2 axis inhibits HCC progression via activating Hippo pathway.
CDC27 Facilitates Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion and Metastasis via Twist-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Xin Yongfan , Ning Shili , Zhang Liang , Cui Ming
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Lymph node metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related death among patients with gastric cancer (GC), and cell division cycle 27 (CDC27) promotes the metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in many cancers. Till now, the mechanisms underlying CDC27-induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of GC are still unclear. Methods: We analyzed the expression levels of CDC27 and EMT-related biomarkers using immunohistochemistry and Western blot in 60 cases of GC tissues, and then GC cells with CDC27 shRNAs or plasmids were subjected to in vitro and in vivo assays, including CCK-8, wound healing and transwell assays. Results: The CDC27 expression was obviously increased in GC tissues, and significantly correlates with EMT-related biomarkers, lymph node metastasis and poor 5-year overall survival. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that silencing of CDC27 expression effectively inhibited GC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Conversely, CDC27 overexpression led to the opposite results. Finally, we demonstrated that Twist shRNA inhibited CDC27-meditated invasion and EMT of GC cells. Conclusion: CDC27 facilitates gastric cancer cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis via Twist-induced EMT; thus, this study offered a new therapy method for GC patients.
Riligustilide Attenuated Renal Injury by the Blockade of Renin
Authors: Kong Juan , Han Li , Su Han , Hu Yihan , Huang Xueshi , Lou Yan
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Nephropathy related with renin can be alleviated with ACE-inhibitors or AT1R blockers, whereas they might be ineffective after long-term administration because of a feedback production of enhanced renin. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a new category of anti-nephropathy medicine directly targeting renin. Riligustilide (C20), originally isolated from the Chinese herb Ligusticumporteri, a rhizome, was confirmed effective against many diseases. Methods: The therapeutic effect of C20 on renal injury and its underlying mechanism were investigated in three different nephrotic models, which were spontaneously hypertension rats (SHR) model, diabetic nephropathy in BTBR ob/ob mice model and 5/6-nephrectomized (5/6NX) rats model. Results: The intensity of kidney fibrosis was extensively decreased in the C20-treated rats compared to the vehicle animals. C20 significantly alleviated renal injury much more in 5/6 NX rats than in vehicle group. The rats in 5/6 NX without administrated C20 developed albuminuria earlier with more severe symptoms. Additionally, our findings showed that C20 down-regulated the renin expression and relocation of CREB-CBP complex in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: C20 plays importantly reno-protective roles most likely through the relocation of CREB-CBP complex.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Embryo Implantation in Mice and Rats
Authors: Zhang Wen-Qian , Zhao Miao , Huang Ming-Yu , Liu Ji-Long
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Embryo implantation is an essential process for eutherian pregnancy, but this process varies across eutherians. The genomic mechanisms that led to the emergence and diversification of embryo implantation are largely unknown. Methods: In this study, we analyzed transcriptomic changes during embryo implantation in mice and rats by using RNA-seq. Bioinformatics and evolutionary analyses were performed to characterize implantation-associated genes in these two species. Results: We identified a total of 518 differentially expressed genes in mouse uterus during implantation, of which 253 genes were up-regulated and 265 genes were down-regulated at the implantation sites compared with the inter-implantation sites. In rat uterus, there were 374 differentially expressed genes, of which 284 genes were up-regulated and 90 genes were down-regulated. A cross-species comparison revealed that 92 up-regulated genes and 20 down-regulated genes were shared. The differences and similarities between mice and rats were investigated further at the gene ontology, pathway, network, and causal transcription factor levels. Additionally, we found that embryo implantation might have evolved through the recruitment of ancient genes into uterine expression. The evolutionary rates of the differentially expressed genes in mouse and rat uterus were significantly lower than those of the non-changed genes, indicating that implantation-related genes are evolutionary conserved due to high selection pressure. Conclusion: Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the evolution of embryo implantation.
Downregulation of NGAL is Required for the Inhibition of Proliferation and the Promotion of Apoptosis of Human Gastric Cancer MGC-803 Cells
Authors: Han Ming-Yang , Nie Jie-Wei , Li Yuan-Yuan , Zhu Yuan-Zeng , Wu Gang
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Gastric cancer is considered as a common malignancy with a poor prognosis as well as unsatisfactory treatment. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been reported to affect multiple aspects of human tumor, including gastric cancer. This study aims to explore the effects of NGAL gene silencing on the proliferation as well as apoptosis of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. Methods: This study included 87 patients with gastric cancer. MGC-803 cells were collected and mainly treated with siRNA against NGAL and recombinant NGAL plasmid. The expression of NGAL mRNA and the expressions of NGAL protein and apoptosis-related proteins were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were tested by flow cytometry, and cell proliferation was detected by water soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) assay. The effect of NGAL gene silencing on tumorigenicity of MGC-803 cells in vivo was detected through establishment of xenograft in nude mice. Results: NGAL was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues. The protein and mRNA expressions of NGAL gene in MGC-803 cells treated with NGAL-siRNA were obviously reduced, and the amount of cells in G0/G1 phase was increased. Moreover, MGC-803 cells treated with NGAL-siRNA exhibited inhibited proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, decreased expressions of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) as well as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and increased expressions of cysteine-aspartic acid specific protease-9 (caspase-9) and Bcl2-associated X (Bax), as well as repressed tumorigenicity in vivo. Conclusion: NGAL gene silencing inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of MGC-803 cells, which can provide a novel theory for treatment of gastric cancer.
Combination of Fluoride and SO2 Induce DNA Damage and Morphological Alterations in Male Rat Kidney
Authors: Gao Yan , Liang Chen , Zhang Jianhai , Ma Junjie , Wang Jinming , Niu Ruiyan , Tikka Chiranjeevi , Wang Yewei , Wang Jundong
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: We investigated the combined toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) on kidney morphological changes and DNA damage in male Wistar rats. Methods: In this study we selected totally 96 male Wistar rats (12-week-old) then randomly group-housed them into four cages, treated with deionized water, NaF, SO2 and co-treatment of NaF and SO2 respectively. Morphological changes of kidney were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. Correspondingly, tailing ratio and comet length were measured by BAB Bs Comet Assay System, including DNA damage special unit were calculated to evaluate the grades of kidney DNA damage at the same time. Results: Treated groups showed a body weight decrease when compared to control group. However, no significant difference in the relative weight of kidney was found in all four groups. It is noteworthy that at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after exposure, the morphological alteration of renal tubules were observed in all treated groups, especially in group-IV. Also, at 4 and 6 weeks, notable DNA damage was found in all treated groups, as assessed by significantly increasing trend of comet length tailing ratio. Conclusion: The study manifests that presence of NaF and SO2 will not only induce renal tissue lesions but also impact DNA integrity. In addition, this combined exposure exhibits a synergistic effect, characterizing a dose-dependence and time correlation. These findings may provide novel insights regarding perturbations of DNA damage and its functions as a potential new mechanism, by which cautious interpretation of NaF and SO2 co-exposure evolved in both animals and human beings is necessary.
TGFβ1-Smad Signaling Pathway Participates in Interleukin-33 Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of A549 Cells
Authors: Tan Qiu-Yue , Cheng Zhen-Shun 
Published: October 2018

Backgrounds/Aims: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proven to be involved in development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the role of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-smad signaling pathway in the interleukin-33 (IL-33) induced EMT. Methods: The human type II alveolar epithelial cell line, A549, and small airway epithelial cells (SAEC) were cultured and divided into 4 groups including Control, LY-2109761 (TGFβ receptor inhibitor), IL-33 and IL-33+LY-2109761 group. Expression of TGFβ1, E-cadherin (E-cad) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by using real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and western blot assay, respectively. The smad3 signaling pathway factors, including smad3 and phosphorylated smad3 (p-smad3), were also detected by using western blot assay. Results: IL-33 significantly activated T1/ST2 expression in A549 cells (P< 0.05). TGFβ1 receptor inhibitor significantly suppressed the IL-33 caused down-expression of E-cad compared to IL-33 alone (P< 0.05). IL-33 significantly increased the α-SMA levels compared to Control group (P< 0.05) and TGFβ1 receptor inhibitor inhibited the other effects of IL-33. IL-33 significantly enhanced the levels of TGFβ1 compared to Control group (P< 0.05). TGFβ1 receptor inhibitor suppressed the IL-33 induced up-expression of p-smad3. Conclusion: The TGFβ1-smad signaling pathway participates in the IL-33 induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of A549 cells.
Bladder Explosion during Transurethral Resection of the Prostate Repaired Laparoscopically: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hammad Fayez T. , Fidal George
Published: October 2018

Objective: To report on a case of intravesical explosion during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) which was managed laparoscopically and to review the relevant literature. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: During TURP, a loud explosion was heard, and a jolt was felt in the abdomen. A bladder tear was seen endoscopically. Systematic laparoscopic exploration showed no injury to abdominal organs apart from the irregular large bladder tear which was repaired laparoscopically. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: Bladder explosion during TURP is an extremely rare and serious complication. It should be considered as a blast injury and systematic exploration of abdominal organs and vessels should be performed. The severity and urgency of the condition should not preclude the use of laparoscopy for exploration and repair.
Modulation of Cardiac Ventricular Excitability by GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
Authors: Ang Richard , Mastitskaya Svetlana , Hosford Patrick S. , Basalay Marina , Specterman Mark , Aziz Qadeer , Li Yiwen , Orini Michele , Taggart Peter , Lambiase Pier D. , Gourine Andrey , Tinker Andrew , Gourine Alexander V.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, systemic actions of these agents cause sympathetic activation, which is generally considered to be detrimental in cardiovascular disease. Despite significant research interest in cardiovascular biology of GLP-1, the presence of GLP-1R in ventricular cardiomyocytes remains a controversial issue, and the effects of this peptide on the electrical properties of intact ventricular myocardium are unknown. We sought to determine the effects of GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex4) on ventricular action potential duration (APD) and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia in the rat heart in vivo and ex vivo.

Methods:

Ventricular monophasic action potentials were recorded in anaesthetized (urethane) rats in vivo and isolated perfused rat hearts during sinus rhythm and ventricular pacing.

Results:

In vivo, systemic administration of Ex4 (5 μg/kg intravenously) increased heart rate, and this effect was abolished by β-adrenoceptor blockade. Despite causing sympathetic activation, Ex4 increased APD at 90% repolarization during ventricular pacing by 7% (
P
=0.044; n=6) and reversed the effect of β-adrenoceptor agonist dobutamine on APD at 90% repolarization. In isolated perfused hearts, Ex4 (3 nmol/L) increased APD at 90% repolarization by 14% (
P
=0.015; n=6) with no effect on heart rate. Ex4 also reduced ventricular arrhythmia inducibility in conditions of β-adrenoceptor stimulation with isoproterenol. Ex4 effects on APD and ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility were prevented in conditions of muscarinic receptor blockade or inhibition of nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that GLP-1R activation effectively opposes the effects of β-adrenoceptor stimulation on cardiac ventricular excitability and reduces ventricular arrhythmic potential. The effect of GLP-1R activation on the ventricular myocardium is indirect, mediated by acetylcholine and nitric oxide and, therefore, can be explained by stimulation of cardiac parasympathetic (vagal) neurons.
Cardiac Dysfunction in the Sigma 1 Receptor Knockout Mouse Associated With Impaired Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics
Authors: Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Alam Shafiul , Aishwarya Richa , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel , Peretik Jonette M. , Orr A. Wayne , James Jeanne , Osinska Hanna , Robbins Jeffrey , Lorenz John N. , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin
Published: October 2018

Background

The Sigma 1 receptor (Sigmar1) functions as an interorganelle signaling molecule and elicits cytoprotective functions. The presence of Sigmar1 in the heart was first reported on the basis of a ligand‐binding assay, and all studies to date have been limited to pharmacological approaches using less‐selective ligands for Sigmar1. However, the physiological function of cardiac Sigmar1 remains unknown. We investigated the physiological function of Sigmar1 in regulating cardiac hemodynamics using the Sigmar1 knockout mouse (Sigmar1
−/−
).

Methods and Results

Sigmar1
−/−
hearts at 3 to 4 months of age showed significantly increased contractility as assessed by left ventricular catheterization with stimulation by increasing doses of a β
1
‐adrenoceptor agonist. Noninvasive echocardiographic measurements were also used to measure cardiac function over time, and the data showed the development of cardiac contractile dysfunction in Sigmar1

−/−

hearts as the animals aged. Histochemistry demonstrated significant cardiac fibrosis, collagen deposition, and increased periostin in the Sigmar1

−/−

hearts compared with wild‐type hearts. Ultrastructural analysis of Sigmar1
−/−
cardiomyocytes revealed an irregularly shaped, highly fused mitochondrial network with abnormal cristae. Mitochondrial size was larger in Sigmar1
−/−
hearts, resulting in decreased numbers of mitochondria per microscopic field. In addition, Sigmar1
−/−
hearts showed altered expression of mitochondrial dynamics regulatory proteins. Real‐time oxygen consumption rates in isolated mitochondria showed reduced respiratory function in Sigmar1
−/−
hearts compared with wild‐type hearts.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a potential function of Sigmar1 in regulating normal mitochondrial organization and size in the heart. Sigmar1 loss of function led to mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mitochondrial architecture, and adverse cardiac remodeling, culminating in cardiac contractile dysfunction.
Baseline Longitudinal Strain Predicts Recovery of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Hospitalized Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Swat Stanley A. , Cohen David , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Freed Benjamin H. , Vorovich Esther E. , Yancy Clyde W. , Jonnalagadda Siddhartha R. , Prenner Stuart , Kim Daniel , Wilcox Jane E.
Published: October 2018

Background

Heart failure (
HF
) with “recovered” ejection fraction (
HF
rec
EF
) is an emerging phenotype, but no tools exist to predict ejection fraction (
EF
) recovery in acute
HF
. We hypothesized that indices of baseline cardiac structure and function predict
HF
rec
EF
in nonischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced
EF
.

Methods and Results

We identified a nonischemic cardiomyopathy cohort with
EF
<40% during the first
HF
hospitalization (n=166). We performed speckle‐tracking echocardiography to measure longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain, and the average of these measures (myocardial systolic performance).
HF
rec
EF
was defined as follow‐up
EF
≥40% and ≥10% improvement from baseline
EF
. Fifty‐nine patients (36%) achieved
HF
rec
EF
(baseline
EF
26±7%; follow‐up
EF
51±7%) within a median of 135 (interquartile range 58‐239) days after the first
HF
hospitalization. Baseline demographics, biomarker profiles, and comorbid conditions (except lower chronic kidney disease in
HF
rec
EF
) were similar between
HF
rec
EF
and persistent reduced‐
EF
groups.
HF
rec
EF
patients had smaller baseline left ventricular end‐systolic dimension (3.6 versus 4.8 cm;
P
<0.01), higher baseline myocardial systolic performance (9.2% versus 8.1%;
P
=0.02), and improved survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.62). We found a significant interaction between baseline left ventricular end‐systolic dimension and absolute longitudinal strain. Among patients with left ventricular end‐systolic dimension >4.35 cm, higher absolute longitudinal strain (≥8%) was associated with
HF
rec
EF
(unadjusted odds ratio=3.9, 95%
CI
)confidence interval 1.2, 12.8). Incorporation of baseline indices of cardiac mechanics with clinical variables resulted in a predictive model for
HF
rec
EF
with c‐statistic=0.85.

Conclusions

Factors associated with achieving
HF
rec
EF
were specific to cardiac structure and indices of cardiac mechanics. Higher baseline absolute longitudinal strain is associated with
HF
rec
EF
among nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients with reduced
EF
and larger left ventricular dimensions.
Albuminuria, Reduced Kidney Function, and the Risk of ST‐ and non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: de Chickera Sonali N. , Bota Sarah E. , Kuwornu John Paul , Wijeysundera Harindra C. , Molnar Amber O. , Lam Ngan N. , Silver Samuel A. , Clark Edward G. , Sood Manish M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Chronic kidney disease is a recognized independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but whether the risks of ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
STEMI
) and non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (
NSTEMI
) differ in the chronic kidney disease population is unknown.

Methods and Results

Using administrative data from Ontario, Canada, we examined patients ≥66 years of age with an outpatient estimated glomerular filtration rate (
eGFR
) and albuminuria measure for incident myocardial infarction from 2002 to 2015. Adjusted Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models accounting for the competing risk of death were used. In 248 438 patients with 1.2 million person‐years of follow‐up,
STEMI
,
NSTEMI
, and death occurred in 1436 (0.58%), 4431 (1.78%), and 30 015 (12.08%) patients, respectively. The highest level of albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (>30 mg/mmol) was associated with a 2‐fold higher adjusted risk of both
STEMI
and
NSTEMI
among patients with
eGFR
≥60 mL/(min·1.73 m
2
) compared to albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio <3 mg/mmol. The lowest level of
eGFR
(<30 mL/[min·1.73 m
2
]) was not associated with higher
STEMI
risk but with a 4‐fold higher risk of
NSTEMI
compared to those with
eGFR
≥60 mL/(min·1.73 m
2
). The lowest
eGFR
(<30 mL/[min·1.73 m
2
]) and highest albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (>30 mg/mmol) were associated with a greater than 4‐fold higher risk of both
STEMI
and
NSTEMI
(subdistribution hazard models [95% confidence interval] 4.53 [3.30‐6.21] and 4.42 [3.67‐5.32], respectively) compared to albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio <3 mg/mmol and
eGFR
≥60 mL/(min·1.73 m
2
).

Conclusions

Elevations in albuminuria are associated with a higher risk of both
NSTEMI
and
STEMI
, regardless of kidney function, whereas reduced kidney function alone is associated with a higher
NSTEMI
risk.
Jasmonic acid modulates Meloidogyne incognita – tomato plant interactions
Authors: Seiml-Buchinger Victoria V. , Zinovieva Svetlana V. , Udalova Zhanna V. , Matveeva Elizaveta M.
Published: October 2018

Molecular aspects of the responses of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants to invasion by Meloidogyne incognita, as well as the nematode reproduction capacity, were investigated and the role of jasmonic acid (JA) in these interactions was evaluated. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that resistant and susceptible plants had similar levels of Mi1.2, PR1 and PR6 gene expression in stress-free conditions. During nematode invasion resistant plants showed up-regulation of Mi1.2, PR1 and PR6 genes and no reproduction of M. incognita. By contrast, susceptible plants showed no response in gene expression and the nematode had a high level of reproduction. Treatment of tomato plants with JA modulated Mi1.2 and PR6 gene expression that was accompanied by a suppression of the M. incognita reproduction on the roots of JA-treated susceptible plants.
Worker Voice in America: Is There a Gap between What Workers Expect and What They Experience?
Authors: Kochan Thomas A. , Yang Duanyi , Kimball William T. , Kelly Erin L.
Published: October 2018

This article is the fifth in a series to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ILR Review. The series features articles that analyze the state of research and future directions for important themes this journal has featured over many years of publication.

The decline in unionization experienced in the United States over the past 40 years raises a question of fundamental importance to workers, society, and the field of industrial relations: Have workers lost interest in having a voice at work, or is there a gap between workers’ expectations for a voice and what they actually experience? And if a “voice gap” exists, what options are available to workers to close that gap? The authors draw on a nationally representative survey of workers that both updates previous surveys conducted in 1977 and 1995 and goes beyond the scope of these previous efforts to consider a wider array of workplace issues and voice options. Results indicate that workers believe they should have a voice on a broad set of workplace issues, but substantial gaps exist between their expected and their actual level of voice at work. Nearly 50% of non-union workers say they would vote for a union, compared to approximately one-third in the two prior national surveys, which points to continued interest in unions as a voice mechanism. Additionally, the authors find significant variation in the rates of use of different voice options and workers’ satisfaction with those options. The results suggest that a sizable voice gap exists in American workplaces today, but at the same time, no one voice option fits all workers or all issues.
Stigma associated with mental illness among Asian men in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Livingston James , Patel Nimesh , Bryson Stephanie , Hoong Peter , Lal Rodrick , Morrow Marina , Guruge Sepali
Published: October 2018

Background:

Due to racism, xenophobic nationalism, acculturation pressures and patriarchal social relations, Asian men in Western societies may be particularly susceptible to negative experiences and beliefs regarding mental illness and treatment services.

Aims:

We examine factors associated with stigma toward mental illness among Asian men in Canada.

Methods:

Between 2013 and 2017, 428 self-identified Asian men living in proximity to Vancouver, Canada, were recruited and completed self-administered questionnaires assessing social stigma and self-stigma. The degree to which these variables were associated with the men’s sociodemographic characteristics was analyzed.

Results:

Multivariable regression revealed that social stigma was significantly predicted by age, immigration, employment status and experience with mental illness. Together, these variables accounted for 12.36% of variance in social stigma. Interaction terms were added to the regression models to examine whether the effects of immigration on social stigma varied by age and experience with mental illness, but none of the interaction terms were statistically significant. Among the 94 Asian men identified as living with mental illness, self-stigma was predicted by age, immigration and employment status, which together accounted for 14.97% of variance in self-stigma.

Conclusion:

These results offer new knowledge about the factors predicting stigma toward mental illness among Asian men in Western societies.
Performance-Based Feedback to Enhance Preservice Teachers’ Practice and Preschool Children’s Expressive Communication
Authors: Coogle Christan Grygas , Ottley Jennifer R. , Storie Sloan , Rahn Naomi L. , Kurowski-Burt Amy
Published: October 2018

A multiple-probe, single-case design was used to determine the effect of delayed and immediate performance-based feedback on preservice teachers’ use of embedded learning opportunities, an evidence-based practice in early childhood special education, as well as focus children’s expressive communication and responses to preservice teachers’ practice. Results suggest delayed performance-based feedback improved preservice teachers’ practice, which was further enhanced when immediate feedback was used. Positive outcomes were observed across children for both their responses and overall expressive communication.
Modeling for predicting the thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performance of fabrics used in firefighters' clothing
Authors: Mandal Sumit , Annaheim Simon , Greve Jemma , Camenzind Martin , Rossi René M
Published: October 2018

Standardized test methods are available for measuring the thermal protective as well as thermo-physiological comfort Performance of fabrics used in firefighters' clothing. However, these tests are usually fabric destructive in nature, time consuming, and/or expensive to carry out on a regular basis. Hence, the availability of empirical models could be useful for conveniently predicting the thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performances from the fabric properties. The aim of this study is to develop individual models for predicting thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performances of fabrics. For this, different single- and multi-layered fabrics that are commercially used to manufacture firefighters' protective clothing were selected, and the fundamental properties of these fabrics (weight, thickness, thermal resistance, air-permeability, evaporative resistance, and water spreading speed) were measured using the standard test methods developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The thermal protective performance of these fabrics was measured by the ISO 9151:2016 test method under 80 kW/m2 flame exposure. The thermo-physiological comfort performance of fabrics was determined by the ISO 18640-1:2018 test method and a statistical model. Thereafter, the key fabric properties affecting the thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performances of fabrics were determined statistically. It has been found that thermal and evaporative resistances are the key fabric properties to affect the thermal protective performance, whereas the fabric weight, evaporative resistance, and water spreading speed are the key properties to affect the thermo-physiological comfort performance. By employing these key fabric properties, Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed for predicting the thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performances. Through a comparison of the predicting performance parameters of these models, it has been found that ANN models can more accurately predict the performances of fabrics. These models can be implemented in the textile industry and academia for effectively and conveniently predicting the thermal protective and thermo-physiological comfort performances only by utilizing the key fabric properties.
Controlling factors for the accumulation and enrichment of tight sandstone gas in the Xujiahe Formation, Guang’an Area, Sichuan Basin
Authors: Li Yong , Chen Shijia , Qiu Wen , Su Kaiming , Wu Bingyan
Published: October 2018

Tight sandstone gas characterized by a wide distribution, local enrichment and a complex gas–water distribution has high exploration potential. This study, using the Xujiahe Formation in the Guang’an gas field as an example, aims to determine the main controlling factors of the enrichment of tight gas through comprehensive analyses of the source rock and reservoir characteristics, pressure evolution and structural effects by using various methods including well logging, geochemistry, mercury injection, reservoir physical properties and formation pressure. The results show that the proximal-source, interbedded hydrocarbon accumulation results from a dispersed hydrocarbon supply, which is the root cause of the widely distributed tight sandstone gas. The abnormally high reservoir pressure caused the enrichment of tight sandstone gas even under insufficient hydrocarbon generation dynamics; in addition, natural gas preferentially accumulated in the relatively high-quality reservoirs under the same hydrocarbon supply, which means that differences in the reservoir physical properties control gas charge in the reservoir. Structure controls the gas–water differentiation under the stable tectonic background, and the higher the structure is, the more abundant the gas–water differentiation is, and the easier pure gas reservoirs form. Therefore, the accumulation and enrichment of tight sandstone gas in the Xujiahe Formation is controlled by source rocks, abnormally high reservoir pressure and the physical properties and structure of the reservoir.
Publishing and perishing? Publishing patterns of information science academics in Kenya
Authors: Kwanya Tom
Published: October 2018

This study investigated the publishing patterns of information science academics in Kenya. Using a bibliometric approach, the author conducted an analysis of the quantity, quality and visibility of the publications indexed by Google Scholar. Data for the analysis was collected using Harzing’s “Publish or Perish” software from Google Scholar and presented using VOSviewer software. The findings of the study revealed low quantity, quality and visibility of research publications by information science academics in Kenya. Twenty (22.4%) serving academics are yet to publish any scholarly work. Similarly, 185 (42%) of the published papers have not been cited. This low publishing performance can be attributed to lack of scholarly communication skills; inadequate research funding and facilitation; limited access to scholarly communication channels; and heavy teaching workloads, among other factors. The quantity, quality and visibility of publications by information science academics in Kenya can be enhanced by training the lecturers on scholarly communication; accrediting journals and publishers; increasing research funding; strengthening research collaboration; increasing scholarly forums and platforms; and balancing lecturers’ teaching and research workloads.
Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 are indicators of prognosis in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Feng Lanyun , Qi Qi , Wang Peng , Chen Hao , Chen Zhen , Meng Zhiqiang , Liu Luming
Published: October 2018

Objective

Early detection and prognosis prediction are critical to improve patient survival in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether interleukins could serve as indicators of prognosis in pancreatic cancer.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with pancreatic cancer were enrolled in the study during the period between 2012 and 2014. The serum levels of a broad spectrum of interleukins in these patients were determined, including IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-15, and IL-23.

Results

IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 showed significant positive correlations with each other. Moreover, high levels of serum IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were independently strongly associated with poor survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 could be useful markers for prediction of prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Risk factors for nicotine dependence in Chinese patients with lung cancer
Authors: Gu Fen , He Yayi , Mao Yanjun , Lu Shiwen , Zhao Chao , Li Xuefei , Zhou Caicun , Hirsch Fred R
Published: October 2018

Objective

Smoking is a poor prognostic factor for lung cancer. Nicotine dependence remains the major cause of failure of smoking cessation. We investigated the risk factors for nicotine dependence in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

Eligible patients were identified from November 2014 to February 2015. Age, marital status, educational level, annual household income, occupation, histology of lung cancer, tumor stage, smoking status, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level, drive gene mutations, sleep quality, and patient personality were assessed. Physical nicotine dependence was assessed by the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).

Results

In total, 202 smokers were included in this study. Univariate analysis showed that marital status and pain were significantly correlated with nicotine dependence. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that age at the initiation of smoking, attempts to quit, NSE level, and sleep quality were significantly correlated with FTND scores.

Conclusions

Pain, more attempts to quit, and poorer sleep quality were significantly associated with nicotine dependence. These risk factors could help to prevent smoking in Chinese patients with lung cancer.
Window into chaos
Authors: Castoriadis Cornelius , Cooper Andrew
Published: October 2018

This is the first English translation of a remarkable two-part lecture given by Cornelius Castoriadis at the École des hautes etudes en sciences sociales in January 1992. The lecture features within a series on social transformation and the task of creative forms of labour. In this installment Castoriadis explores the significance of art through a creative reading of Aristotle's famous definition of tragedy in the Poetics. He rejects Aristotle's dependence on the mimetic tradition in search for a vision of art as the unveiling of the creative resources that lie within the human being. Yet he retains Aristotle's vivid depiction of art as a form of production that is at once cognitive, emotive and social. Art, for Castoriadis, affects a transformation on the level of imagination that opens us anew to the fundamental questions of human being and doing. Through his extensive knowledge of western forms of artistic production Castoriadis draws lucid connections between Aristotle, Shakespeare, Kant, Hegel, Greek sculpture, renaissance painting, modern literature and folk music to explore the work of art as a ‘window into chaos’, a creative production that gives form to what cannot be formed: the ground of creativity at the heart of the imagination.
Moral geometry, natural alignments and utopian urban form
Authors: Baldacchino Jean-Paul
Published: October 2018

The city has featured as a central image in utopian thought. In planning the foundation of the new and ideal city there is a close interconnection between ideas about urban form and the vision of the moral good. The spatial structure of the ideal city in these visions is a framing device that embodies and articulates not only political philosophy but is itself an articulation of moral and cosmological systems. This paper analyses three different utopian moments in three different historical epochs – Tommaso Campanella’s City of the Sun (1602), the Choson dynasty foundation of the city of Seoul (1395) and the modernist utopian urbanism of the controversial Le Corbusier (1887–1965). In this analysis attention is drawn to the cosmological and moral visions articulated in these three ‘images of the city’ (Lynch). The opposition between rationalistic/mechanistic and religious/traditional urban design can prove to be an oversimplification that obscures the complex interrelations between the moral geometry and the natural alignments of the ideal urban form.