bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Edgy Romanticism
Authors: McInnes Andrew , Bradshaw Michael , Van-Hagen Steve
Published: June 2018

This introduction provides a rationalisation for a special issue of Romanticism on edges, boundaries, and borders. The Romantic period and Romantic studies have both been fascinated by the marginal, the exile, and the outsider. ‘Edgy Romanticism’, inspired by a conference held in April 2016 at Edge Hill University, looks again at these figures, but we are also interested in new work that is being done at the edges of the discipline, thinking about new methodologies and themes as constituting the borders and boundaries of Romanticism as such. So, our collection of articles begins and ends with new ways to conceptualise Romantic understandings of history, continuing with novel approaches to place, canonical Romantic poetry, and women's writing. The introduction concludes with a consideration of the effect the digital turn in the humanities will have on Romantic studies.
Catachthonic Romanticism: Buried History, Deep Ruins
Authors: Groom Nick
Published: June 2018

This article considers Romanticism in terms of racial migration and history, seventeenth-century political theory, Whig cultural identity, legitimacy, and commerce. By examining uses of race, heritage, and region I will explain how antiquarian historical theories are incorporated into developing notions of cultural identity. In particular, this approach adds a temporal dimension to the spatialities of archipelagic thinking: historicizing archipelagic understanding to develop a catachthonic approach that analyses the historicity of historiographical theories of nationality and identity, effectively through a doubled, or subterranean, history.
‘A Kind of Geological Novel’: Wales and Travel Writing, 1783–1819
Authors: Edwards Elizabeth
Published: June 2018

This article explores the layered and multivocal nature of Romantic-period travel writing in Wales through the theme of geology. Beginning with an analysis of the spectral sense of place that emerges from William Smith's 1815 geological map of England and Wales, it considers a range of travel texts, from the stones and fossils of Thomas Pennant's A Tour in Wales (1778–83), to Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday's early nineteenth-century Welsh travels, to little-known manuscript accounts. Wales is still the least-researched of the home nations in terms of the Enlightenment and the Romantic period, despite recent and ongoing work that has done much to increase its visibility. Travel writing, meanwhile, is a form whose popularity in the period is now little recognised. These points doubly position Welsh travel writing on the fringes of our field, in an outlying location compounded by the genre's status as a category that defies easy definition.
Psychological Limits in Percy Shelley's Prefaces
Authors: Roberts Merrilees
Published: June 2018

The prefaces to Shelley's poems are generally seen as an important addendum to understanding the complex narratorial personae in the poems they accompany; to pull these textual edges into the centre of enquiry allows for consideration of the unique perspectives on ethics and aesthetics that they offer. I argue that Shelley's prefaces conflate Sympathy conceived of as a personal and morally accountable emotional reflex, such as found in the thought of Adam Smith, and sympathy conceived as the abstract, disinterested aesthetic judgment of Kant's Critique of Judgment. This conflation casts the sensitivity of the poet as both a faculty of judgment which forges an only indirect relationship to moral concerns, and, paradoxically, as something requiring explicitly moral behaviour. This tension engenders a psychological trauma which makes the idea of ‘the self’ a contested, liminal space that marks the edges of Shelley's understanding of the mental operations that occur in aesthetic experience.
Fashionable Connections: Alicia LeFanu and Writing from the Edge
Authors: Fitzer Anna M.
Published: June 2018

This article focuses upon Alicia LeFanu (fl. 1809–36), author of several poems, six multi-volume novels, a critical biography of her grandmother, Frances Sheridan, and articles for the Court Magazine. Descended from an eminent literary family, and since misremembered as a mere ‘petticoat novelist’, LeFanu complicates ideas of the centre and the periphery in her writing. I explore how this interest is figured in LeFanu's use of the chapter epigraph, developing work I have undertaken as editor of LeFanu's early novel, Strathallan (1816). LeFanu's epigraphs persist across her fiction as a dimension in which she not only reflects upon literary legacies, but also contests the boundaries of her own print culture. Through its consideration of LeFanu, as author and reader, the article further reflects upon the significance of her example for a broader understanding of other women writers at the edges and borders of Romanticism, and of their literary networks.
Women's Life Writing and Reputation: A Case Study of Mary Darby Robinson
Authors: Civale Susan
Published: June 2018

The posthumously published Memoirs of the Late Mrs. Robinson (1801) has been read as a final – but flawed – attempt to defend the conduct and rescue the reputation of the notorious actress, poet, and one-time royal mistress, Mary Darby Robinson (1758–1800). Narrating her life as a pathetic tale of transgression and suffering, the Memoirs seems destabilised by inconsistencies in structure and gaps in content which are often discussed by modern critics as shortcomings: evidence of self-censorship, ‘confused’ intentions, or an inability to fashion an acceptable feminine persona. However, these so-called shortcomings may comprise a nuanced strategy of self-presentation designed to evoke curiosity and sympathy. Robinson's Memoirs was reprinted throughout the nineteenth century, spurring numerous novels, mini-biographies, and periodical articles. By examining nineteenth-century responses to the Memoirs, this essay argues for Robinson's life writing as innovative and influential, and gestures to the benefits of extending the traditional ‘edges’ of Romanticism in terms of both genre and period.
The Romantics in Alternate History from Hawthorne to Clarke: Generic Edges and the Counterfactual Turn
Authors: Broadhead Alex
Published: June 2018

In 2009, Damian Walford Davies called for a counterfactual turn in Romantic studies, a move reflective of a wider growth of critical interest in the relationship between Romanticism and counterfactual historiography. In contrast to these more recent developments, the lives of the Romantics have provided a consistent source of speculation for authors of popular alternate history since the nineteenth century. Yet the aims of alternate history as a genre differ markedly from those of its more scholarly cousin, counterfactual historiography. How, then, might such works fit in to the proposed counterfactual turn?

This article makes a case for the critical as well as the creative value of alternate histories featuring the Romantics. By exploring how these narratives differ from works of counterfactual historiography, it seeks to explain why the Romantics continue to inspire authors of alternate history and to illuminate the forking paths that Davies's counterfactual turn might take.
The French Translations of Thomson's The Seasons, 1754–1818
Authors: Van De Walle Kwinten
Published: June 2018

Between 1754 and 1818 Thomson's poem was translated into French four times in full and more often in part. This article surveys this history, characterizing its phases, and attends to print-cultural contexts as well as the textual transformations of the translation process. Most French translators in the second half of the eighteenth century turned Thomson's verse into prose, with the intention of making The Seasons as accessible as possible to French readers. Generally attempting fidelity, they nevertheless tended to highlight and expand on the sentimental and moralizing dimensions of the poem so as to adapt it to French tastes. Once its status as an English classic had been established around the turn of the century, The Seasons was increasingly used as a tool of instruction to acquaint readers with British culture.
Soviet Language in English Retranslations: Mikhail Bulgakov's The Heart of a Dog
Authors: Kaloh Vid Natalia , Žagar-Šoštarić Petra
Published: June 2018

Following Antoine Berman it would normally be assumed that the early translations of a given text will be more target-oriented and domesticating than later ones. To test this hypothesis, the extent to which retranslations approximate to the source text is examined in terms of how they deal with the type of of historical realia we refer to as ‘Sovietisms’. This comparative corpus analysis is based on English translations of Bulgakov's novella The Heart of a Dog by Michael Glenny (1968), Mirra Ginsburg (1968), Hugh Aplin (2005), Andrew Bromfield (2007), and Antonina W. Bouis (2016).
A Provider’s Approach to the Assurance Market of Sustainability Reports in Spain
Authors: Vaz Ogando Natalia , Ruiz Blanco Silvia , Fernandez-Feijoo Belen
Published: June 2018

The assurance of sustainability reports faces significant challenges that arise from the characteristics of sustainability information and the regulatory context in which it is developed. This recently growing service has favoured the creation of a rapidly evolving market, a complex professional field in its early stages of development and study. The aim of this paper is to analyse whether the use of international standards or the profile of the provider performing the service affects assurance process and quality. To this end, we applied a novel methodology for this field: a survey through written questionnaires. The use of a primary information source allows us to gain insight into the topic, beyond other visible aspects often used in previous literature (e.g., assurance statement contents). We tested our hypotheses on a sample of Spanish accounting and consulting firms. Our results show that neither the use of international standards nor the provider’s professional background has any effect on assurance process and assurance quality. However, the way the professional perceives the developed service does have an impact on quality.
Applying Deep Neural Network (DNN) for Robust Indoor Localization in Multi-Building Environment
Authors: Adege Abebe Belay , Lin Hsin-Piao , Tarekegn Getaneh Berie , Jeng Shiann-Shiun
Published: June 2018

In the Internet of Things (IoT) era, indoor localization plays a vital role in academia and industry. Wi-Fi is a promising scheme for indoor localization as it is easy and free of charge, even for private networks. However, Wi-Fi has signal fluctuation problems because of dynamic changes of environments and shadowing effects. In this paper, we propose to use a deep neural network (DNN) to achieve accurate localization in Wi-Fi environments. In the localization process, we primarily construct a database having all reachable received signal strengths (RSSs), and basic service set identifiers (BSSIDs). Secondly, we fill the missed RSS values using regression, and then apply linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to reduce features. Thirdly, the 5-BSSIDs having the strongest RSS values are appended with reduced RSS vector. Finally, a DNN is applied for localizing Wi-Fi users. The proposed system is evaluated in the classification and regression schemes using the python programming language. The results show that 99.15% of the localization accuracy is correctly classified. Moreover, the coordinate-based localization provides 50%, 75%, and 93.10% accuracies for errors less than 0.50 m, 0.75 m, and 0.90 m respectively. The proposed method is compared with other algorithms, and our method provides motivated results. The simulation results also show that the proposed method can robustly localize Wi-Fi users in hierarchical and complex wireless environments.
A Fully Coupled Model for the Simulation of Gas Flow in Multiscale Shale Reservoirs Combining Multiple Effects
Authors: Hou Xiaowei , Zhu Yanming , Liu Yu , Wang Yang
Published: June 2018

Gas flow mechanisms in shale reservoirs with multiscale pores and fractures are extremely complex. In this study, a dual fracture framework model was adopted to describe gas flow in multiscale shale reservoirs. Gas flow through a shale reservoir occurs through both the shale matrix and hydraulic fractures. This study considered bulk phase and adsorbed gas flow in the shale matrix. Next, a series of partial theories were combined to derive a fully coupled model simulating gas flow in multiscale shale reservoirs: (1) fractal theory was adopted to obtain the pore distribution within shale reservoirs; (2) mechanical equilibrium equations were used to investigate the stress-sensitivity of permeability and porosity; and (3) a Langmuir adsorption model was applied to describe the effects of gas adsorption/desorption. The proposed model was validated using traditional models as well as field data on gas production from Marcellus Shale, and was subsequently applied to study variations of mass flux in various flow regimes with respect to reservoir pressure. We found that mass flux in the slip flow regime decreased at first and then increased with decreasing reservoir pressure, while in the continuum regime, Knudsen diffusion and surface diffusion the mass flux decreased with decreasing reservoir pressure. Stress-sensitivity has a significant impact on bulk phase gas flow, while adsorption/desorption influence both the bulk phase gas flow and adsorbed gas flow. At high pressures, the impact of stress-sensitivity on total gas mass flux is greater than that of adsorption/desorption, while the reverse was true for low pressures. The proposed model shows promising applications for analyzing various gas flow regimes in multiscale pores/fractures, and accurately evaluating in situ apparent permeability.
Derivation of New Staggered Compact Schemes with Application to Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: De Angelis Enrico Maria , Coppola Gennaro , Capuano Francesco , De Luca Luigi
Published: June 2018

A method is proposed for the derivation of new classes of staggered compact derivative and interpolation operators. The algorithm has its roots in an implicit interpolation theory consistent with compact schemes and reduces to the computation of the required staggered derivatives and interpolated quantities as a combination of nodal values and collocated compact derivatives. The new approach is cost-effective, simplifies the imposition of boundary conditions, and has improved spectral resolution properties, on equal order of accuracy, with respect to classical schemes. The method is applied to incompressible Navier-Stokes equations through the implementation into a staggered flow solver with a fractional step procedure, and tested on classical benchmarks.
Simulation of Severe Dust Events over Egypt Using Tuned Dust Schemes in Weather Research Forecast (WRF-Chem)
Authors: Eltahan Muhammed , Shokr Mohammed , Sherif Atef O.
Published: June 2018

Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem) was used to simulate selected severe dust storm events over Egypt in terms of the aerosol optical depth (AOD). Two severe events, which occurred on 22 January 2004 and 31 March 2013, are examined. The analysis includes three dust emission schemes: Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART), GOCART with Air Force Weather Agency (GOCART-AFWA), and GOCART with University of Cologne (GOCART-UOC). Each scheme was tested by adjusting coefficients related to the dust flux. The AOD and Single scattering albedo (SSA) from the model were compared against the same parameters derived from the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The grid spacing for both of the data sets is 10 km. Results from the March 2013 event were also compared against point measurements from an Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) station in Cairo. Using WRF with built-in coefficients, all schemes resulted in underestimating AOD. After tuning the coefficients, it was possible to bring the model results closer to the observations from satellite and AERONET. Each severe event required a different tuning, depending on the origin and composition of the dust storm. Sensitivity analysis for each case is performed to identify the scheme that best simulates the given events based on spatial error distribution. A novel comparison of eigenvalue structures for images of both for AOD and SSA from model and MODIS was used. After tuning, the adjusted coefficient GOCART scheme is found to simulate AOD best across the country in both events. However, the results for the 2004 event from GOCART-UOC were closest to MODIS AOD over Cairo (within 5% bias). On the other hand, GOCART-AFWA produced nearest estimate of AOD for the 2013 event when compared to AERONET measurements (within 7% bias). For both of the events, SSA from GOCART and GOCART-AFWA schemes were found to be comparable to MODIS measurements with accuracy that was close to 98%. The accuracy from GOCART-UOC was around 93%.
How Organisms Gained Causal Independence and How It Might Be Quantified
Authors: Farnsworth Keith Douglas
Published: June 2018

Two broad features are jointly necessary for autonomous agency: organisational closure and the embodiment of an objective-function providing a ‘goal’: so far only organisms demonstrate both. Organisational closure has been studied (mostly in abstract), especially as cell autopoiesis and the cybernetic principles of autonomy, but the role of an internalised ‘goal’ and how it is instantiated by cell signalling and the functioning of nervous systems has received less attention. Here I add some biological ‘flesh’ to the cybernetic theory and trace the evolutionary development of step-changes in autonomy: (1) homeostasis of organisationally closed systems; (2) perception-action systems; (3) action selection systems; (4) cognitive systems; (5) memory supporting a self-model able to anticipate and evaluate actions and consequences. Each stage is characterised by the number of nested goal-directed control-loops embodied by the organism, summarised as will-nestedness N. Organism tegument, receptor/transducer system, mechanisms of cellular and whole-organism re-programming and organisational integration, all contribute to causal independence. Conclusion: organisms are cybernetic phenomena whose identity is created by the information structure of the highest level of causal closure (maximum N), which has increased through evolution, leading to increased causal independence, which might be quantifiable by ‘Integrated Information Theory’ measures.
Sales and Advertising Channels of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Internet, Social Networks, and Smartphone Apps
Authors: Miliano Cristina , Margiani Giulia , Fattore Liana , De Luca Maria
Published: June 2018

In the last decade, the trend of drug consumption has completely changed, and several new psychoactive substances (NPS) have appeared on the drug market as legal alternatives to common drugs of abuse. Designed to reproduce the effects of illegal substances like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, or ketamine, NPS are only in part controlled by UN conventions and represent an emerging threat to global public health. The effects of NPS greatly differ from drug to drug and relatively scarce information is available at present about their pharmacology and potential toxic effects. Yet, compared to more traditional drugs, more dangerous short- and long-term effects have been associated with their use, and hospitalizations and fatal intoxications have also been reported after NPS use. In the era of cyberculture, the Internet acts as an ideal platform to promote and market these compounds, leading to a global phenomenon. Hidden by several aliases, these substances are sold across the web, and information about consumption is shared by online communities through drug fora, YouTube channels, social networks, and smartphone applications (apps). This review intends to provide an overview and analysis of social media that contribute to the popularity of NPS especially among young people. The possibility of using the same channels responsible for their growing diffusion to make users aware of the risks associated with NPS use is proposed.
Effects of Dance Movement Therapy on Adult Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mastrominico Anna , Fuchs Thomas , Manders Elizabeth , Steffinger Lena , Hirjak Dusan , Sieber Maik , Thomas Elisabeth , Holzinger Anja , Konrad Ariane , Bopp Nina , Koch Sabine C.
Published: June 2018

This study examines the effects of dance movement therapy (DMT) on empathy for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DMT based on the embodiment approach offers body-centered interventions, such as mirroring techniques, to address the needs of ASD patients. Accordingly, findings of a feasibility study suggest that DMT may be an effective approach for clients on the ASD spectrum. The present study is a randomized controlled trial that was conducted as a multicenter study within the framework of the EU-funded research project TESIS (Toward an Embodied Science of Intersubjectivity), and employed a two-factorial between-subject design. The treatment group (n = 35) participated in a 10-week manualized DMT intervention, whereas the control group (n = 22) received treatment only after a waiting period. Empathy, measured with the Cognitive and Emotional Empathy Questionnaire (CEEQ), was the main variable of interest, analyzed by a repeated measures analysis of variance. In order to also include incomplete data cases, we used the expectation-maximization algorithm for missing data estimation. Results suggest no significant changes in overall empathy between groups. We discuss the results and limitations, as well as future research options.
Removal of Methylene Blue from Water by BiFeO3/Carbon Fibre Nanocomposite and Its Photocatalytic Regeneration
Authors: Jiao Shuang , Zhao Yiming , Bi Meng , Bi Shuyue , Li Xiangman , Wang Binsong , Li Chensha , Dong Yinmao
Published: June 2018

It is essential to prepare a highly efficient and reproducible adsorbent for purifying industrial dye wastewater. In this work, a novel and efficient BiFeO3/carbon fiber (CCT-BFO) nanocomposite adsorbent was prepared by the template method and through optimizing the preparation process. The morphology, physicochemical properties, and specific surface characteristics of the CCT-BFO were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm. The CCT-BFO could efficiently remove the Methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions, and the adsorption performance is not easily influenced by the environment. The equilibrium adsorption data were fitted to the classical models very well; the maximum capacity of adsorption MB onto the CCT-BFO was higher than many other reported adsorbents and the data of the adsorption kinetics were described by a pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, the CCT-BFO can be recycled by photocatalytic regeneration. And the constant adsorption capacity was almost retained after recycling five times.
A Study of the Crystal Structure and Hydrogen Bonding of 3-Trifluoroacetyloxime Substituted 7-Acetamido-2-aryl-5-bromoindoles
Authors: Mphahlele Malose J.
Published: June 2018

The 7-acetyl-2-aryl-5-bromo-3-(trifluoroacetyl)indoles 1a-d were reacted with hydroxylamine hydrochloride (2.2 equiv.) in the presence of pyridine in ethanol under reflux to afford the corresponding diketo oxime derivatives 2a-d. Beckmann rearrangement of the latter with trifluoroacetic acid under reflux afforded the corresponding 7-acetamido-2-aryl-5-bromo-3-(trifluoroacetyloxime)indoles 3a-d. The structures of the prepared compounds were characterized using a combination of NMR (1H & 13C), IR, and mass spectrometric techniques. The molecular structure of the 3-trifluoroacetyloxime substituted 7-acetamido-2-aryl-5-bromoindoles was unambiguously confirmed by the single crystal X-ray diffraction data of 3d. Structural studies of 3d in the solid state by X-ray crystallography provided evidence of hydrogen bonding networks and π-stacking of the indole moiety. Compound 3d was crystallized in the trigonal space group R-3:H with unit cell dimensions a = 25.1614(13), b = 25.1614(13), c = 17.3032(9) Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°, V = 9486.9(11) Å3, Z = 6. The density functional theory (DFT) structural parameters (bond lengths, bond angles, and torsion angles) of the optimized geometry calculated using the B3LYP/6-311G basis set were found to compare favourably with those of the X-ray crystal structure.
On the Applicability of Molodensky’s Concept of Heights in Planetary Sciences
Authors: Tenzer Robert , Foroughi Ismael
Published: June 2018

Geometric heights, defined with respect to a geometric reference surface, are the most commonly used in planetary studies, but the use of physical heights defined with respect to an equipotential surface (typically the geoid) has been also acknowledged for specific studies (such as gravity-driven mass movements). In terrestrial studies, the geoid is defined as an equipotential surface that best fits the mean sea surface and extends under continents. Since gravimetric geoid modelling under continents is limited by the knowledge of a topographic density distribution, alternative concepts have been proposed. Molodensky introduced the quasigeoid as a height reference surface that could be determined from observed gravity without adopting any hypothesis about the topographic density. This concept is widely used in geodetic applications because differences between the geoid and the quasigeoid are mostly up to a few centimeters, except for mountainous regions. Here we discuss the possible applicability of Molodensky’s concept in planetary studies. The motivation behind this is rationalized by two factors. Firstly, knowledge of the crustal densities of planetary bodies is insufficient. Secondly, large parts of planetary surfaces have negative heights, implying that density information is not required. Taking into consideration the various theoretical and practical aspects discussed in this article, we believe that the choice between the geoid and the quasigeoid is not strictly limited because both options have advantages and disadvantages. We also demonstrate differences between the geoid and the quasigeoid on Mercury, Venus, Mars and Moon, showing that they are larger than on Earth.
Recognizing Catatonia in Medically Hospitalized Older Adults: Why It Matters
Authors: Serra-Mestres Jordi , Jaimes-Albornoz Walter
Published: June 2018

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by a variety of motor, behavioral, emotional, and autonomic abnormalities caused by general medical, neurological, and psychiatric disorders, as well as by medications and drugs of abuse. Although there has been a plethora of research on catatonia over the last twenty years, it is still underdiagnosed. Studies of catatonia involving older adults have been sparse, despite its apparent high prevalence, higher risk of serious complications, and of association with non-psychiatric causes. This paper aims to provide an introduction to catatonia as a syndrome, as well as an account of its specificities in older adults, especially those in general hospitals, with the aim to raise awareness of catatonia amongst clinicians working with this age group in acute medical settings, so improvements in its diagnostic rates, treatment, and outcomes can be achieved.
Suicide Stigma among Medical Students in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rivera-Segarra Eliut , Rosario-Hernández Ernesto , Carminelli-Corretjer Paola , Tollinchi-Natali Nelmit , Polanco-Frontera Norka
Published: June 2018

Suicide is a global public health issue and the 10th leading cause of death, regardless of age, in the U.S. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens with one of the highest rates of suicide ideation and attempts (SIA) among all Latino sub-groups. Research has found that stigma is a risk factor for SIA. Medical students are an important group to target as they engage in routine clinical interactions with potential suicide victims, playing an important role in suicide prevention efforts. However, these efforts may be hampered by suicide stigma. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlates of suicide stigma in a sample of medical students in Puerto Rico. We implement an exploratory cross-sectional design using quantitative techniques. A total of 123 medical students participate in the study. Bivariate analyses suggest that gender is significantly correlated to suicide stigma (p < 0.05). Hierarchical regression analysis suggests that suicide literacy (β = −0.196, p < 0.05) and emotional reaction to suicide (β = 0.212, p < 0.05) predict suicide stigma. Although preliminary, these findings echo previous research regarding the importance of literacy and emotional reaction in the stigmatization process. Future research may develop intervention strategies aimed at reducing suicide stigma among medical students.
Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor (CDNF) Has Neuroprotective Effects against Cerebral Ischemia That May Occur through the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Authors: Zhang Geng-Lin , Wang Li-Hong , Liu Xing-Yu , Zhang Ya-Xuan , Hu Meng-Yang , Liu Lin , Fang Yuan-Yuan , Mu Yu , Zhao Yan , Huang Shu-Hong , Liu Ting , Wang Xiao-Jing
Published: June 2018

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF), previously known as the conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor, belongs to the evolutionarily conserved CDNF/mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor MANF family of neurotrophic factors that demonstrate neurotrophic activities in dopaminergic neurons. The function of CDNF during brain ischemia is still not known. MANF is identified as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein; however, the role of CDNF in ER stress remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we test the neuroprotective effect of CDNF on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and neurons and astrocytes treated with oxygen–glucose depletion (OGD). We also investigate the expression of CDNF in cerebral ischemia and in primary neurons treated with ER stress-inducing agents. Our results show that CDNF can significantly reduce infarct volume, reduce apoptotic cells and improve motor function in MCAO rats, while CDNF can increase the cell viability of neurons and astrocytes treated by OGD. The expression of CDNF was upregulated in the peri-infarct tissue at 2 h of ischemia/24 h reperfusion. ER stress inducer can induce CDNF expression in primary cultured neurons. Our data indicate that CDNF has neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia and the OGD cell model and the protective mechanism of CDNF may occur through ER stress pathways.
Cystic Fibrosis Newborn Screening in Portugal: PAP Value in Populations with Stringent Rules for Genetic Studies
Authors: Marcão Ana , Barreto Celeste , Pereira Luísa , Vaz Luísa Guedes , Cavaco José , Casimiro Ana , Félix Miguel , Silva Teresa Reis , Barbosa Telma , Freitas Cristina , Nunes Sidónia , Felício Verónica , Lopes Lurdes , Amaral Margarida , Vilarinho Laura
Published: June 2018

Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has been shown to be advantageous for children with CF, and has thus been included in most NBS programs using various algorithms. With this study, we intend to establish the most appropriate algorithm for CF-NBS in the Portuguese population, to determine the incidence, and to contribute to elucidating the genetic epidemiology of CF in Portugal. This was a nationwide three-year pilot study including 255,000 newborns (NB) that were also screened for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and 24 other metabolic disorders included in the Portuguese screening program. Most samples were collected in local health centers spread all over the country, between the 3rd and 6th days of life. The algorithm tested includes immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) determination, pancreatitis associated protein (PAP) as a second tier, and genetic study for cases referred to specialized clinical centers. Thirty-four CF cases were confirmed positive, thus indicating an incidence of 1:7500 NB. The p.F508del mutation was found in 79% of the alleles. According to the results presented here, CF-NBS is recommended to be included in the Portuguese NBS panel with a small adjustment regarding the PAP cut-off, which we expect to contribute to the improvement of the CF-NBS performance. According to our results, this algorithm is a valuable alternative for CF-NBS in populations with stringent rules for genetic studies.
Utilization of Quercetin as an Oviposition Stimulant by Lab-Cultured Coleomegilla maculata in the Presence of Conspecifics and a Tissue Substrate
Authors: Riddick Eric W. , Wu Zhixin , Eller Fred J. , Berhow Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Background: The discovery of natural products to improve the reproductive performance of mass-reared predators is an important aim for successful augmentative biological control. We tested the hypothesis that quercetin (a bioflavonoid) stimulates oviposition by the ladybird beetle Coleomegillamaculata in the presence of conspecifics and a tissue substrate. Methods: We conducted bioassays in solitary cages (housing one female) and communal cages (housing 10 females) to estimate daily oviposition site preferences, egg production in response to quercetin in the presence or absence of a tissue paper substrate, and female “resting” positions. Results: Females preferentially oviposited within 1–2 cm of quercetin powder, held in a tiny dish, at the base of cages. When given a choice, females oviposited in the dish with quercetin over a tissue paper substrate. In one of two experiments, they produced more egg clutches, regardless of oviposition site, when the quercetin and tissue were in close juxtaposition. Females “rested” on the tissue in the presence or absence of quercetin. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that quercetin can be utilized as an oviposition stimulant by C. maculata in a rearing system. Future research should determine if quercetin stimulates oviposition in other ladybird beetle species.
Investigation of Three-Dimensional Microstructure of Tricalcium Silicate (C3S) by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yang Fei , Liu Xianping , Zhao Yongjuan , Zhang Yongming , Wang Peiming , Robinson Ian , Chen Bo
Published: June 2018

A serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) system, composed of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an ultra-microtome installed within the SEM vacuum chamber, has been used to characterize the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of tricalcium silicate (C3S) grains embedded in epoxy resin. A selection of C3S grains were segmented and rendered with 3D-image processing software, which allowed the C3S grains to be clearly visualized and enabled statistically quantitative analysis. The results show that about 5% of the C3S grains have volumes larger than 1 μm3 and the average volume of the grains is 25 μm3. Pores can also be clearly seen in the biggest C3S grain, the volume of which is 3.6 × 104 μm3, and the mean volume and total volume of all the pores within this grain are 4.8 μm3 and 3.0 × 103 μm3, respectively. The reported work provides a new approach for the characterization of the 3D spatial structure of raw C3S materials, and the resulting 3D structure of the raw C3S is important for further systematic research on the relationships between the spatial microstructure and the hydration kinetics of C3S and other cement minerals.
Enhanced Dielectric and Mechanical Properties of Ternary Composites via Plasticizer-Induced Dense Interfaces
Authors: Feng Yefeng , Peng Cheng , Li Yandong , Hu Jianbing
Published: June 2018

High overall performance, including high dielectric constant, low loss, high breakdown strength, fine flexibility, and strong tensile properties, is difficult to achieve simultaneously in polymer nanocomposites. In our prior work, we modified the surfaces of alpha-SiC nanoparticles and chemically cross-linked the polymeric matrix to simultaneously promote the dielectric and mechanical properties of composites. In this work, a novel strategy of high-temperature plastification towards a polymeric matrix has been proposed to fabricate ternary nanocomposites with balanced dielectric and mechanical characteristics by the solution cast method in order to reduce costs and simplify steps during large-scale preparation. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) with inner double bonds as matrix, unfunctionalized alpha-SiC nanoparticles (NPs) as filler, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as plasticizer were employed. By introducing DBP and high-temperature treatment, the dispersion of NPs and the degree of compactness of the interface regions were both improved due to the reduced cohesion of the fluoropolymer, resulting in an increase in the dielectric constant (by 30%) and breakdown strength (by 57%) as well as the lowering of loss (by 30%) and conductivity (by 16%) in nanocomposites. Moreover, high-temperature plastification contributed to the promotion of flexible and tensile properties. This work might open the door to large-scale fabrication of nanocomposite dielectrics with high overall properties through the cooperation of the plasticizer and high temperature.
Electromechanical Response of High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites Containing Milled Glass Fibers under Tension
Authors: Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Dong Joo
Published: June 2018

The self-damage sensing capacity of high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) that blended long- (1 vol %) and medium-length (1 vol %) smooth steel fibers was considerably improved by adding milled glass fibers (MGFs) with a low electrical conductivity to a mortar matrix. The addition of MGFs (5 wt %) significantly increased the electrical resistivity of the mortar matrix from 45.9 to 110.3 kΩ·cm (140%) and consequently improved the self-damage sensing capacity (i.e., the reduction in the electrical resistivity during the tensile strain-hardening response) from 17.27 to 25.56 kΩ·cm (48%). Furthermore, the addition of MGFs improved the equivalent bond strength of the steel fibers on the basis of the higher pullout energy owing to the accumulated cementitious material particles attached to the surfaces of steel fibers.
Biomaterials in Tendon and Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering: Current Trends and Challenges
Authors: Beldjilali-Labro Megane , Garcia Garcia Alejandro , Farhat Firas , Bedoui Fahmi , Grosset Jean-François , Dufresne Murielle , Legallais Cécile
Published: June 2018

Tissue engineering is a promising approach to repair tendon and muscle when natural healing fails. Biohybrid constructs obtained after cells’ seeding and culture in dedicated scaffolds have indeed been considered as relevant tools for mimicking native tissue, leading to a better integration in vivo. They can also be employed to perform advanced in vitro studies to model the cell differentiation or regeneration processes. In this review, we report and analyze the different solutions proposed in literature, for the reconstruction of tendon, muscle, and the myotendinous junction. They classically rely on the three pillars of tissue engineering, i.e., cells, biomaterials and environment (both chemical and physical stimuli). We have chosen to present biomimetic or bioinspired strategies based on understanding of the native tissue structure/functions/properties of the tissue of interest. For each tissue, we sorted the relevant publications according to an increasing degree of complexity in the materials’ shape or manufacture. We present their biological and mechanical performances, observed in vitro and in vivo when available. Although there is no consensus for a gold standard technique to reconstruct these musculo-skeletal tissues, the reader can find different ways to progress in the field and to understand the recent history in the choice of materials, from collagen to polymer-based matrices.
Solid-State NMR Characterization of the Structure of Self-Assembled Ile–Phe–OH
Authors: Kawamura Izuru , Shirakata Hiroki , Ozawa Yumi , Mijiddorj Batsaikhan , Ueda Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2018

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides significant structural information regarding the conformation and dynamics of a variety of solid samples. In this study, we recorded the 13C and 15N solid-state NMR spectra of a self-assembled isoleucine-phenylalanine (Ile–Phe–OH) dipeptide. Immediately after the addition of hexane to a solution of concentrated peptide in ethyl acetate, the peptide visually aggregated into a nanofiber. Then, we obtained well-resolved 13C and 15N NMR signals of the natural, isotopic-abundant Ile–Phe–OH peptide in the nanofiber. Furthermore, we calculated the chemical shift values of the reported crystal structure of the Ile–Phe dipeptide via the density functional theory (DFT) calculation and compared these results with the experimental values. Notably, the two sets of values were in good agreement with each other, which indicated that the self-assembled structure closely reflected the crystal structure. Therefore, herein, we demonstrated that solid-state NMR characterization combined with DFT calculations is a powerful method for the investigation of molecular structures in self-assembled short peptides.
Predicting outcome of treatment with radiotherapy in endocrine ophthalmopathy
Authors: Veličkienė Džilda , Kazanavičius Gintautas , Danilevičius Juozas , Jankauskienė Jūratė
Published: June 2018

Objective. To evaluate if the concentration of C-reactive protein and the level of antibodies to thyrotropin receptors might predict the outcome of retrobulbar irradiation in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy. Material and methods. Patients with moderate endocrine ophthalmopathy received orbital radiotherapy. The overall severity of endocrine ophthalmopathy was assessed using the total eye score based on the NOSPECS classification before the treatment and 6 months later. Treatment outcome was evaluated using major and minor criteria recommended by L. Bartalena 6 months after the treatment. Patients who improved in at least one major or in two or more minor criteria were considered responders. Patients in whom no changes occurred or who responded in only one minor criterion or eye status worsened were classified as nonresponders. The active disease was considered present in a patient who responded successfully to retrobulbar irradiation, and the inactive one when a patient did not respond. Results. The level of antibodies to thyrotropin receptors in responders was 24.0 IU/L (range 2.0–405.0 IU/L) and in nonresponders 23.0 IU/L (range 2.0–405.0 IU/L); P=0.72. C-reactive protein levels in responders and nonresponders were 0.1 mg/L (range 0.1–3.1 mg/L) and 0.1 mg/L (range 0.1–1.5 mg/L), respectively; P=0.92. Although responders and nonresponders differed by proptosis, the severity of endocrine ophthalmopathy, and clinical activity score, but according to the binary logistic regression model, only the clinical activity score could give additional information on the prediction of the treatment outcome. If clinical activity score increased by 1, odds ratio for successful treatment outcome increased 2.4 times. Conclusions. 1) At the baseline of radiotherapy, the level of antibodies to thyrotropin receptors and concentration of C-reactive protein in responders did not differ from nonresponders; 2) Responders did not differ from nonresponders to radiotherapy by age, gender, duration of endocrine ophthalmopathy and thyroid disease; 3) The pretreatment clinical activity score, total eye score, proptosis of the responders were higher.
Changes in morphometric parameters and function of left ventricle in child and adolescent athletes
Authors: Bartkevičienė Aldona , Bakšienė Dalia
Published: June 2018

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of physical load on left ventricular morphometric parameters and function in child and adolescent athletes. Material and methods. A total of 143 trained athletes aged 7–17 years and 54 healthy nonathletic children and adolescents aged 8–17 years were involved in this study. The participants were divided into four groups according to the duration of physical activity (training hours per week). Two-dimensional, M-mode, and Doppler echocardiography were used to evaluate cardiac dimensions and function. Absolute parameters and parameters corrected for body surface area were calculated. Left ventricular fractional shortening was calculated as an index of systolic function, and E/A ratio was calculated for evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. Results. In 69.9% of athletes, septal and posterior wall thickness, end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular mass, and mass index were statistically significantly higher than in controls. There were no differences in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and posterior wall thickness corrected for body surface area as well as diastolic E/A ratio between the groups. The fractional shortening in athletes was significantly higher (P<0.01). Interventricular septum thickness, end-diastolic diameter, and left ventricular mass were significantly higher in athletes whose training exceeded 8 hours per week compared to the controls. Left ventricular fractional shortening was significantly higher in athletes training more than 10 hours per week than in controls. Diastolic function index – E/A ratio – did not differ between the groups. Conclusion. Our study demonstrated that echocardiographic parameters of child and adolescent athletes statistically significantly exceeded the parameters of untrained controls. These parameters were dependent on the anthropometric data and physical activity (the duration of training expressed in hours per week).
Mineralogical, Rock-Magnetic and Palaeomagnetic Properties of Metadolerites from Central Western Svalbard
Authors: Burzyński Mariusz , Michalski Krzysztof , Manby Geoffrey , Nejbert Krzysztof
Published: June 2018

A combination of mineralogical, rock-magnetic and palaeomagnetic methods were employed in an attempt to shed a new light on the tectonism and paleogeography of Central Western Svalbard. The focus is on six metadolerite sites from the metamorphic Proterozoic–Lower Palaeozoic complex of south-western Oscar II Land (Western Spitsbergen). The primary mineral compositions of the metadolerites were strongly remineralized during Caledonian (sensu lato) greenschist-facies metamorphism although some younger tectonothermal modification is also apparent from the rock-magnetic studies. Rock-magnetic experiments supported by thin-section mineral identification and separation of Fe-containing fractions indicate that the main ferromagnetic carriers of the Natural Remanent Magnetization are represented by low-coercivity pyrrhotite and magnetite/maghemite. The investigated metadolerites are characterized by complex pattern of magnetization. The low-temperature palaeomagnetic components which demagnetized up to 250 °C, are characterized by high inclinations (~70–80°) potentially representing Mesozoic–Cenozoic remagnetization. The most stable middle-high temperature directions which demagnetized from 250 °C, were obtained from only two of six sites. Two Virtual Geomagnetic Poles calculated from two of the middle-high temperature site means do not correlate with the Laurussia reference path for syn- to post-Caledonian time. Two possible explanations of observed inconsistency are discussed. These are a modification of the Oscar II Land Caledonian basement geometry by listric faulting and/or tectonic rotations related to Daudmannsdalen–Protectorbreen high-strain (shear) zone. The results presented here suggest that post-Caledonian tectonic modification of the palaeomagnetic directions may be more a widespread feature of Western Svalbard.