bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guanosine Triphosphate:
5-Hydroxylysine Phosphotransferase in Rat Kidney Cortex
Authors: Chang Albert Y.
Published: November 2019

An enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of the 7-phosphate from GTP onto
5-hydroxylysine was partially purified from rat kidney cortex by means of acid precipitation and
DEAE-Sephadex A-50 column chromatography. The enzyme activity was assayed by measuring
the transfer of [32P] from γ-[32P]-GTP to materials not adsorbed by charcoal. This partially
purified enzyme showed essentially no GTP phosphohydrolase activity and an optimal pH of 8.0.
An apparent K(m) of about 23.8 μmol/1 was obtained with respect to 5-hydroxylysine. Mg^2+ was
required for the activity of this enzyme. Ethanolamine, L-lysine, L-ornithine and choline inhibited
the enzyme but L-threonine, L-serine and hydroxy-L-proline did not. None of these compounds
served as substrate for this enzyme.
Dog Liver 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A
Reductase
Authors: Ho Peter P.K. , Esterman Michail A. , Towner Richard D. , Turner Robert K.
Published: November 2019

A rapid and sensitive assay method for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A
reductase (HMG-CoA reductase, EC 1.1.1.34) is described. HMG-CoA reductase is demonstrated in
dog liver microsomes, and the converted reaction product has been identified as mevalonolactone.
The enzyme activity undergoes cyclic variation and increases by more than tenfold 5 h after
feeding. The properties of dog liver enzyme are generally similar to the rat liver enzyme in the
method of solubilization, cold inactivation, pH optimum, and K(m) values.
Interactions of Citrate Synthases from Osmoconforming
and Osmoregulating Animals with Salt:
Possible Signs of Molecular Eco-Adaptation?
Authors: Sarjussian Igor V.
Published: November 2019

This study considers differential sensitivity of citrate synthase (citrate oxaloacetatelyase
[CoA acetylating]) EC 4.1.3.7. from an osmoconforming animal (sea anemone) and an
osmoregulating animal (the pig) to salt. Attention is drawn to the fact that the osmoconforming
sea anemone is in essence a sessile creature while the pig is readily mobile and able to change its
ionic environment at will. It had been shown earlier that citrate synthase from another
osmoconformer (oyster) is also not sensitive to ionic strength while citrate synthase from
osmoregulating white shrimp is sensitive to increasing levels of salt. However, these enzymes are
characteristically regulated by ATP and a-ketoglutarate. Both forms of citrate synthase are
denatured by 6 M guanidine hydrochloride and are aided by salt levels in their refolding but the
rate and extent of refolding of the osmoconformer citrate synthase are greater than those of the
osmoregulator citrate synthase. Catalytic activity of both forms of citrate synthase is inhibited by
incubation in distilled water; osmoconformer citrate synthase was inhibited completely in 7 h
while osmoregulator citrate synthase was inhibited only 60% in this time and 80% after 22 h in
distilled water. The eco-adaptive and evolutionary implications of these findings are discussed.
Two Immunologically Distinct Human Acidic
/3-Galactosidase A Isozymes
Authors: Ben-Yoseph Yoav , Shapira Emmanuel , Nadler Henry L.
Published: November 2019

Two acidic β-galactosidase isozymes (designated A(1) and A(2)) were separated by
isoelectric focusing from β-galactosidase A of human liver. Kinetic studies with 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-galactopyranoside substrate revealed similar parameters for both. The K(m) value was
0.32 mmol/1 for A(1) and 0.30 mmol/1 for A(2) and V(max) values of 59.3 and 59.4 μmol min^-1 mg^-1,
respectively. The pH optimum was 4.2 for β-galactosidase A(1) and 4.5 for the A(2) form. The A(1)
enzyme form was shown to be more heat labile than the A(2). Significant differences were observed
with antibody preparations against the two enzyme forms. Using the anti-Ai antibodies two
precipitin arcs with residual enzymatic activity were obtained by immunoelectrophoresis of
β-galactosidase A whereas only one with anti-A(2) antibodies. Anti-A(1) precipated 85% of the original
activity present in β-galactosidase A and only 56% could be precipated by anti-A(2). The possibility
of common structural components is suggested.
Comparison of Biliary Stent versus Biliary Sphincterotomy Alone in the Treatment of Bile Leak
Authors: Chandra Subhash , Murali Arvind R. , Masadeh Maen , Silverman William B. , Johlin Frederick C.
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims: Bile leaks are uncommon but are a painful postoperative complication of hepatobiliary interventions. Many authors advocate treating them with biliary stenting. We compared the outcomes in patients treated with endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EBS) alone versus EBS with biliary stenting. Methods: We reviewed charts of patients treated endoscopically for bile leak from 2009 to 2015 at our tertiary care center. Based on endoscopists’ practice preference, patients underwent EBS alone or with a biliary stent. Clinical resolution of bile leak and total number of endoscopic and nonendoscopic interventions were compared between patients treated with EBS alone versus EBS with a biliary stent. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included; etiology was cholecystectomy (52), hepatic resection (5), and liver trauma (1). The leak was from the cystic duct (22), duct of Luschka (23), common bile, or hepatic duct (2), and intrahepatic duct (11). Thirty-seven patients had EBS alone (EBS group), and 21 had stents (stent group). Single intervention resolved the bile leak in 34 (92%) patients in EBS group and 19 (90%) in the stent group (p = 0.85). Resolution was slower (p = 0.02) and more patients required second intervention (p < 0.01) in the stent group. Conclusion: EBS with or without a biliary stent is highly effective in the management of bile leak. Clinical resolution of the bile leak is quicker with EBS alone, requires fewer interventions, and may cost less.
Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Vulvodynia
Authors: Tribó Maria José , Canal Carla , Baños Josep-E. , Robleda Gemma
Published: November 2019

Background/Aims: The term vulvodynia refers to vulvar pain of unknown origin lasting at least 3 months. Psychiatric comorbidities are a common feature and, along with pain, may severely affect patients’ wellbeing. We aimed to determine the characteristics of pain in vulvodynia, to correlate characteristics with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and to analyse the impact of these factors on patients’ quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study analysed pain, anxiety, and depression and the effects of these factors on quality of life. Pain, anxiety, and depression were assessed using validated tools in 110 women. Results: Statistical analyses found correlations between pain and anxiety and between anxiety and worsened quality of life. Patients often reported stinging, burning, pain, itching, and dyspareunia, pointing to the importance of temporal, localisation, punctate pressure, thermal, tactile sensitivity, and emotional tension characteristics. Most patients had severe pain related to psychiatric comorbidities and decreased quality of life. Conclusion: Using descriptors of pain quality and assessing anxiety and depression might help to define subgroups of patients that may benefit from different therapeutic approaches and thus enable treatments to be tailored to individual patients.
MiR-296 Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation by Upregulating Cbfal
Authors: Yu Shengjun , Luan Jingjie , Liu Yunyan , Su Yue , Li Xiao
Published: November 2019

We aim to identify the potential role of miR-296, which is a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs in regulating osteoblast differentiation. Human osteoblast cell line, hFOB 1.19 cells, were transfected with miR-296 overexpression or inhibition plasmid to upregulate or downregulate miR-296 expression, and then co-transfected with anti-Cbfal antibody to knockdown Cbfal. Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays were performed to evaluate the extent of osteoblast differentiation. MTT assays were applied to measure cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to determine the ability of osteoblast migration and invasion. Flow cytometry assay was used to measure cell apoptosis and cell cycle change. The mRNA and protein expression of Cbfal, OSX, and Col-1 were confirmed by RT-qPCR and western blot respectively. We found that miR-296 overexpression contributed to a significant enhancement of matrix mineralization, ALP activity, and osteocalcin expression comparing with the negative control, whereas knockdown of miR-296 caused an opposite result. Meanwhile, the treatment of miR-296 promotes osteoblast migration, invasion, and proliferation, while it inhibits cell apoptosis. Compared with the negative control groups, the cells transfected with miR-296 also presented a much higher expression of Cbfal, OSX, and Col-1. Further experiments confirmed that the positive regulatory role of miR-296 in osteoblast differentiation is achieved by upregulating Cbfal expression. In conclusion, miR-296 promotes osteoblast differentiation by upregulating Cbfal expression in hFOB 1.19 cells, which may be used as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of bone diseases in future.
Is Cisterna Magna Width a Useful First-Trimester Marker of Aneuploidy?
Authors: Pauta Montse , Grande Maribel , Borobio Virginia , Illanes Carmen , Soler Anna , Nogué Laura , Borrell Antoni
Published: November 2019

Objective: To assess whether the cisterna magna (CM) width measured in first-trimester fetuses is a useful marker for aneuploidy detection. Methods: This was a prospective study in 2 different cohorts in a tertiary referral center. The first cohort comprised 913 fetuses from the general pregnancy population during the period 2012–2016 and was used to construct the CM reference ranges applying the λ-μ-σ (LMS) method. The second cohort included 714 high-risk fetuses undergoing chorionic villus sampling during the period 2012–2016. Mean detection rates using the 95th percentile for CM width observed in chromosomal anomaly groups were compared with those obtained in chromosomally normal fetuses. Results: The 50th percentile for CM ranged from 1.66 to 2.75 mm when crown-rump length (CRL) increased from 45 to 84 mm. Among high-risk fetuses, the following chromosomal anomalies were diagnosed in 125 (17%) fetuses: trisomy 21 (n = 63), trisomy 18 or 13 (n = 21), monosomy X (n = 9), submicroscopic anomalies (n = 11), and other anomalies (n = 22). The mean CM width for euploid fetuses was 2.4 mm (1.13 multiples of the median, MoM). While CM width was significantly increased in trisomy 21 (mean 2.7 mm; 1.23 MoM; p > 0.05), no differences were found in the other anomaly groups. Among the 63 fetuses with trisomy 21, a CM width above the 99th percentile was observed in 23 fetuses (37%). Conclusions: The new reference range for CM width at 11–13 weeks of gestation did not differ from previous studies. In first-trimester fetuses with trisomy 21, CM width appears to be increased, although its value as an ultrasound marker is limited, because of its detection rate of 37%.
A Novel, Hybrid, Stereotactic Approach (Radiosurgery and Dual Ommaya Reservoirs) for the Treatment of Mixed (Polycystic and Solid) Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Jarebi Meshal , Coutte Alexandre , Bartier Florence , Khormi Yahya , Peltier Johann , Lefranc Michel
Published: November 2019

Background: Craniopharyngioma is a difficult entity to treat, which is particularly true for mixed craniopharyngioma (i.e., a mixture of both solid and cystic components). The present case report illustrates a minimally invasive, two-component, stereotactic treatment approach as an alternative to standard microsurgery. Case Description: A 38-year-old patient presented with progressive intracranial hypertension followed by pan-hypopituitarism, deterioration of the visual field, and cognitive impairment. Brain MRI revealed hydrocephalus and a suprasellar mixed solid and polycystic lesion that was suggestive of craniopharyngioma. Using a robot-assisted, stereotactic treatment approach, we combined the installation of catheters for 2 Ommaya reservoirs with 5-fraction CyberKnife radiosurgery of the solid tumor. The high intracranial pressure and visual field deterioration resolved completely. A partial improvement in endocrine function was noted, and the patient returned to work 6 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: A combined, robot-assisted, stereotactic approach to the treatment of mixed (solid and polycystic) craniopharyngioma is a safe alternative to microsurgery. Further studies including larger numbers of patients will be needed to assess the long-term efficacy and morbidity and mortality rates associated with this approach.
Analgesic Effect of Dizocine Combined with Ropivacaine on Recurrent Neuropathic Pain in Peripheral Nerve Compression Rats
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Chu Chunqin , Ma Chengtai , Sun Jian , Liu Zhenfang
Published: November 2019

To explore the analgesic effect of dizocine combined with ropivacaine on recurrent neuropathic pain in rat model of peripheral nerve compression. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham control group (S), peripheral nerve compression model group (M), dizocine group (D), ropivacaine group (R), and combined drug group (DR). Rat peripheral nerve compression model was constructed to observe the symptoms of the rats before and after surgery. Mechanical withdrawal threshold was measured on the 21st day after surgery. The electrophysiological changes of rat peripheral nerve were measured by biopotential recording system, including proximal latency, distal latency, and compound muscle action potential. The incubation period and nerve conduction velocity were further obtained. Histological changes were observed by HE staining and toluidine blue staining. Axon number and myelin damage grade were performed, and the ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical withdrawal threshold, nerve conduction velocity, and compound muscle action potential were effectively increased in combination group. However, the proximal latency, distal latency, and incubation period were significantly reduced. Furthermore, dizocine combined with ropivacaine can effectively reduce the degree of myelination. TEM shown that the DR group had the best therapeutic effect, and the histological appearance of the cross section was quite similar to that of the S group. Dizocine combined with ropivacaine has a significant analgesic effect in rat model of peripheral nerve compression.
Allergy and Atopic Diseases: An Update on Experimental Evidence
Authors: Verschoor Daniëlle , von Gunten Stephan
Published: November 2019

Over the last decades, an increasing appearance of allergies and atopic disorders, such as asthma, dermatitis, and rhinitis, has been observed. The mechanisms of these disorders remain unclear, and therefore the development of novel therapies is limited. Current treatments are often symptomatic, nonspecific, or may have severe side effects. Further insights into the mechanisms of the underlying disease pathogenesis could reveal novel targets for treatment. In this review, we provide an update on recent basic and translational studies that offer novel insights and opportunities for the treatment of patients with atopic disorders.
Чи може бути гормонотерапія елементом комбінованого радикального лікування хворих на низькодиференційований рак сечового міхура?
Authors: Yakovlev P. G.
Published: November 2019

Мета роботи: визначити відмінності в захворюваності на низькодиференційований (G3) рак сечового міхура (РСМ), показники загальної виживаності після радикального хірургічного лікування залежно від статі та стадії хвороби та оцінити можливий вплив гормональних факторів на дані відмінності і доцільність проведення відповідної гормональної терапії.

Матеріали і методи. Ретроспективно проаналізовано за допомогою методу Каплан–Майєр 364 історії хвороби пацієнтів (чоловіків – 305, жінок – 59), які проходили радикальне хірургічне лікування з приводу G3 РСМ із метою виявлення статистично значущої кореляції між статтю пацієнта, показниками захворюваності та результатами виживаності залежно від клінічної стадії РСМ.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Співвідношення чоловіків до жінок склало 5,2:1. Зі збільшенням клінічної стадії G3 РСМ кількість захворілих жінок зменшується пропорційно стадії раку. Статистично достовірну відмінність виявлено лише між кривими виживаності хворих зі стадією IV G3 РСМ з р<0,05 з достовірно кращими результати виживаності жінок. Результати 5-річної виживаності хворих в стадії ІI, III та IV кращі серед жінок. Дані попередніх досліджень вказують на зниження експресії андрогенних та зростання експресії естрогенних рецепторів зі збільшенням стадії РСМ, що ймовірно впливає на ініціювання, прогресію РСМ та модуляцію ними впливу інших етіологічних чинників РСМ.
Encounters—Ongoing
Authors: Kalache Hiba
Published: November 2019

The series of drawings, Encounters – ongoing stems from chance meetings on leisurely road trips around the mountains of Lebanon. The drawings act as markers of my conversations with landowners, farmers, and people directly working in the fields. The formal particularities of drawing, and specifically the use of ink washes, allows for an approach that is both intuitive and intentional. This approach reproduces the spontaneity of these accidental or brief exchanges with people who have a vested interest in Lebanese land. Each conversation is represented by a simple tree branch, or a fragment of a (flowering) plant, belonging to the site and moment the encounter took place. This fragment indexes an encounter in which the farmer's story, experience, or relationship to the land and its borders was shared. Excerpts from our exchanges are also hand-written in Arabic on the picture plane. In the directness of the creative process, and the abstraction of the conversations, this project alludes to, and yet blurs, the sectarian divisions upon which the ownership of land is based, as well as a present geopolitical context. What I share is the marking of unplanned encounters through the representations of fragmented personal accounts along specific terrains and borders.
Contingency Plans: Art Collectives, Shared Pseudonyms, and Theories of Collectivity
Authors: Caplan Lindsay
Published: November 2019

This review considers Jacopo Galimberti's Individuals Against Individualism: Art Collectives in Western Europe (1956–1969), 2017, and Marco Deseriis's Improper Names: Collective Pseudonyms from the Luddites to Anonymous, 2017 and the theories of collectivity that inform them (multitude, inoperative community, and transindividuality). While Galimberti looks at how collaborative practices model new strategies for collective action, and Deseriis examines forms that allow multiple actions and ideologies to flow through them, they authors share a desire to move beyond representation to model, enact, and realize real change in the world. Taken together, these two books afford us the opportunity to evaluate the critique of cultural and political representation at the heart of these theories of collectivity and assess the limits of analogies between aesthetic and political forms.
Failed Suppression of Salient Stimuli Precedes Behavioral Errors
Authors: Feldmann-Wüstefeld Tobias , Busch Niko A. , Schubö Anna
Published: November 2019

Our visual system is constantly confronted with more information than it can process. To deal with the limited capacity, attention allows us to enhance relevant information and suppress irrelevant information. Particularly, the suppression of salient irrelevant stimuli has shown to be important as it prevents attention to be captured and thus attentional resources to be wasted. This study aimed at directly connecting failures to suppress distraction with a neural marker of suppression, the distractor positivity (Pd). We measured participants' EEG signal while they performed a visual search task in which they had to report a digit inside a shape target while ignoring distractors, one of which could be a salient color singleton. Reports of target digits served as a behavioral index of enhancement, and reports of color distractor digits served as a behavioral index of failed suppression, each measured against reports of neutral distractor digits serving as a baseline. Participants reported the target identity more often than any distractor identity. The singleton identity was reported least often, suggesting suppression of the singleton below baseline. Suppression of salient stimuli was absent in the beginning and then increased throughout the experiment. When the singleton identity was reported, the Pd was observed in a later time window, suggesting that behavioral errors were preceded by failed suppression. Our results provide evidence for the signal suppression hypothesis that states salient items have to be actively suppressed to avoid attentional capture. Our results also provide direct evidence that the Pd is reflecting such active suppression.
« Des perles dans leur coquillage » ? Les femmes et la réinvention du patriarcat dans l’Algérie coloniale (1882–1962)
Authors: Jomier Augustin
Published: November 2019

L’anthropologie des années 1960–1970 et l’apologétique musulmane véhiculent des visions fixistes des femmes au Maghreb. Combinées à la rareté des sources, ces idées font obstacle à la connaissance historique. À partir du cas du Mzab, une région du nord du Sahara algérien à la population majoritairement berbérophone et ibadite, cet article propose des pistes pour historiciser la condition des Algériennes durant la période coloniale. Là où Elizabeth Thompson a montré que le patriarcat a été réinventé et renforcé dans la Syrie mandataire par l’alliance des élites locales et de l’administration, cet article montre que la médiation de maîtresses femmes au Mzab a été indispensable au renforcement de la domination masculine. Un groupe de femmes savantes et pieuses, nommées les laveuses des mortes, y enseignaient la religion aux femmes et secondaient les lettrés ibadites dans leur mission. Elles furent les indispensables agents de la domination masculine, et virent leur agency accrue.
A new species of Colacus Ohaus, 1910 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from the Mata Seca biotope of Brazil, and notes on Colacus morio Ohaus, 1910
Authors: SOBRAL RAFAEL , DE MORAIS JOSÉ W. , GROSSI PASCHOAL C.
Published: November 2019

In this contribution, Colacus rubrofemoratus Sobral, Morais, & Grossi new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Agaocephalini) is described and illustrated based on male specimens found in a transitional area of Caatinga, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado in Brazil. In addition, the female of Colacus morio Ohaus, 1910 is redescribed, a distribution map for the genus is provided, and a new key to the species of Colacus is presented.
Description of Cribronema sturhani sp. n. (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Cephalobidae), a second species of a rare genus from Cameroon
Authors: BOSTRÖM SVEN , HOLOVACHOV OLEKSANDR
Published: November 2019

Specimens of a population of Cribronema collected in Cameroon are described as Cribronema sturhani sp. n. The new species resembles C. cribrum, which is the only species described in the genus, but it differs from it by the following features: a somewhat shorter tail in the females, longer spermatheca and postuterine vulval sac, tail terminus in females pointed vs. harpoon-shaped, and presence vs. absence of males.
Effect of Antibiotic Bone Cement Chain Bead Combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Large Femoral Bone Defect
Authors: Huang Yonghong , Ren Xuetong , Li Yanhong , Ren Hongjie
Published: November 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of pluripotent stem cells with the characteristics of highamplification, multi-directional differentiation, hematopoiesis and immune regulation. Their maintenance, regeneration, and repair of tissues and organs have become the frontier of life
science research. The use of reasonable antibiotics on the basis of thorough debridement is critical for effective control of infection. 25 rats were used to establish the femur large segmental bone defects model and randomly divided into 5 groups, group A: control group (no treatment), group
B: surgery group; group C: surgery + antibiotic bone cement chain bead group; Group D: surgery + MSCs group; and group E: surgery + antibiotic bone cement chain beads + MSCs group. Osteophyte was collected at 4 weeks after modeling. The expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by real-time PCR and western blot. The expressions of BMP2 and VEGF showed no statistical differences between group C and group D on the 4th week postoperatively (P > 0.05). However, their expressions were significantly different
between group C and group B (P < 0.05), which were different in group E compared with group C and D (P < 0.05). Antibiotic bone cement chain bead combined with MSCs significantly increased BMP2 and VEGF expressions in large femoral bone defect.
miR-9-5p Increases Sensitivity to Cisplatin in Thyroid Cancer Cells by Down-Regulating BRAF Expression
Authors: Chen Wanzhi , Yu Jichun , Xie Rong , Zhong Meijun
Published: November 2019

Objective: To explore the expression of miR-9-5p and BRAF in cisplatin resistant strain thyroid cancer cells and reversal effect of drug resistance as well as the possible mechanism. Methods: The cisplatin-resistant thyroid cancer cells (FTC-133/DDP and TPC-1/DDP) were
respectively divided into 3 groups as NC, DDP and DDP + miRNA groups. Measuring cell proliferation by MTT assay and cell apoptosis by flow cytometry; Evaluating invasion cell number and wound healing rates by transwell and wound healing assay. The relative proteins (BRAF, Mek and Erk1/2) were
measured by WB assay. The correlation between miR-9-5p and BRAF by dual-luciferase reporter assay in FTC-133/DDP and TPC-1/DDP cells. Results: In FTC-133/DDP and TPC-1/DDP cells experiment, compared with DDP group, with miR-9-5p supplement, the cell proliferation rats were significantly
depressed with cell apoptosis increasing (P < 0.001, respectively); invasion cell number and wound healing rats were significantly down-regulation (P < 0.001, respectively) in DDP + miRNA groups. Meanwhile, the BRAF, Mek and Erk1/2 proteins expressions were significantly
depressed in DDP + miRNA groups were significantly suppressed compared with those in DDP groups (P < 0.001, respectively). By dual-luciferase reporter assay, BRAF was the target gene of miR-9-5p in FTC133/DDP and TPC-1/DDP cells. Conclusion: miR-9-5p increases sensitivity
to cisplatin in thyroid cancer cells by down-regulating BRAF expression.
Effects of Titanium Ions on Osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 Cells Through Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Anqian , Li Xue , Yu Hongqiang , Xin Xirui , Ding Xinxin , Wang Yao , Zhou Yanmin
Published: November 2019

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been now widely used in the denture implantation. However, due to corrosion, the surface of the implants may release titanium (IV) (Ti(IV)) ions affecting the periimplant environment. Studies have found that Ti ions at high concentration may improve
the activity of osteoclasts and increase the inflammation, the mechanism of which is still unclear. Our study aimed to explore the effects of the Ti ions at low concentration (10 μmol/L) on the MC3T3-E1 cells which were of great osteogenic potential and whether the TGF-β/Smad
pathway played an important role during the process. We confirmed that 10 μmol/L Ti ions could improve the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells in a time-independent way. The expressions of Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3 and osteogenesis related genes were upregulated when the MC3T3-E1 cells cultured
in the medium with 10 mol/L Ti ions. In summary, low concentration of Ti ions (10 μmol/L) could promote the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through the TGF-β/Smad pathway.
Critical Analysis of Two Dimensional and Four-Dimensional Spiking Neuron Models
Authors: Kandpal Pankaj Kumar , Mehta Ashish
Published: November 2019

In the present article, two-dimensional “Spiking Neuron Model” is being compared with the fourdimensional “Integrate-and-fire Neuron Model” (IFN) using error correction back propagation learning algorithm (error correction learning). A comparative study has been
done on the basis of several parameters like iteration, execution time, miss-classification rate, number of iterations etc. The authors choose the five-bit parity problem and Iris classification problem for the present study. Results of simulation express that both the models are capable to
perform classification task. But single spiking neuron model having two-dimensional phenomena is less complex than Integrate-fire-neuron, produces better results. On the contrary, the classification performance of single ingrate-and-fire neuron model is not very poor but due to complex four-dimensional
architecture, miss-classification rate is higher than single spiking neuron model, it means Integrate-and-fire neuron model is less capable than spiking neuron model to solve classification problems.
Implementation of Various Load-Balancing Approaches for Cloud Computing Using CloudSim
Authors: Sharma Minakshi , Kumar Rajneesh , Jain Anurag
Published: November 2019

Cloud computing is an Internet based technology which empowers its user by providing access to an offsite huge distributed virtualized and scalable infrastructure via Internet. This infrastructure is composed of a number of hosts which may be homogeneous or heterogeneous in configuration
are networked together to enable network storage, computing, services to the users. During high demands of users the workload on infrastructure increases which may impact the performance in cloud environment due to load imbalance. To overcome such issues the concept of load balancing arises.
It is a methodology which works towards to equalize the load among the available resources in cloud surroundings. The role of load balancing is vital in cloud computing surroundings as it is responsible for maintaining the Quality of Services (QoS) in terms of optimized usage of resources,
limiting the operational cost, making energy efficient system and increasing scalability. Testing of the load balancing algorithms in real cloud environs is a bottleneck due to resource wastage and lack of time. Simulation provides an aid to developers or researchers to provide a feedback
by mimicking the actual environment. The paper deals with simulation based analysis of different distributed and centralized load balancing algorithms implemented in CloudSim.
Investigating the Role of the Tibetan Plateau in the Formation of Pacific Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Wen Qin , Yang Haijun
Published: November 2019

The effects of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) on the Pacific Ocean circulation are investigated using a fully coupled climate model. Sensitivity experiments are designed to demonstrate that the presence of the TP is the reason for the lack of strong deep water formation in the subpolar North Pacific, because removing the TP in the model would enable the establishment of the Pacific meridional overturning circulation (PMOC). The processes involved are described in detail as follows. Removing the TP in the model would excite an anomalous high pressure over the subpolar North Pacific, causing anomalous Ekman downwelling that enhances surface water subduction north of 40°N. Removing the TP would also lead to less freshwater flux into the western Pacific, increasing sea surface salinity over the region. The high-salinity surface water can then be advected northward and eastward by the Kuroshio and its extension, subducting along the 26–27σθ isopycnal surfaces to the deeper ocean, which enables the formation of deep water in the North Pacific and the setup of the PMOC. Afterward, more high-salinity warm water would be transported from the tropics to the extratropics by the Kuroshio, leading to the establishment of the PMOC. The role of the Rocky Mountains is also examined in this study. We conclude that the Rocky Mountains may play a trivial role in modulating the meridional overturning circulations in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Topographic Rainfall of Tropical Cyclones past a Mountain Range as Categorized by Idealized Simulations
Authors: Huang Ching-Yuang , Chou Cher-Wei , Chen Shu-Hua , Xie Jia-Hong
Published: November 2019

Topographic rainfall induced by westbound tropical cyclones past an island mountain is investigated using an idealized Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Idealized simulations with varying vortex core size R (100–250 km), vortex intensity Vmax (20–35 m s−1), and steering wind speed U (4–10 m s−1) are conducted. The results show that the geometric distributions of major rainfall over the island are not greatly sensitive to cloud microphysics schemes using either single momentum or double momentum. Major rainfall is produced over northeastern and southwestern slopes of the mountain for smaller U. As U is doubled, the rainfall, however, is considerably weakened or is present only over southwestern slopes. For smaller U, a bifurcation of island rainfall with a sudden change in intensity or geometric shifting exists within a tiny range of R or Vmax. When the bifurcation occurs with small track deviations, geometric distributions of major rainfall are also more sensitive to cloud microphysics schemes. Such formation of bifurcation or double-peak rainfall, however, is significantly reduced when the terrain size is doubled. Systematic experiments are conducted to relate the topographical rainfalls over the northern half, southern half, and the whole of the mountain slopes to varying R, Vmax, and U. Larger U tends to produce much larger southern rainfall than northern rainfall. The average and maximum rainfalls generally increase with increased Vmax, except for large R. The decrease of average rainfall and maximum rainfall with increased U is more evident for smaller R, while not necessarily true for larger R.
Falling on Deaf Ears? An Analysis of Youth Political Claims in the European Mainstream Press
Authors: Terren Ludovic , Clua Infante Anna , Ferran-Ferrer Núria
Published: November 2019

There is a growing body of work on the ability of young people and minorities to have their voices heard in the public sphere, particularly with advances in information and communication technologies and the emancipatory expectations that ensued. Are all young people, in all their diversity, equally likely to have their political claims relayed by the mainstream press? Is the growing prevalence of social media communication reflected in mainstream media agenda setting? Does it contribute to political equality in terms of representation in the mainstream press? This article aims to answer these questions through a large-scale political claims analysis in 45 newspapers across nine European countries. It comes to confirm the theoretical underpinnings laid out by scholars like Herman and Chomsky with their analysis of media agenda setting and power relations or Chantal Mouffe and her notion of agonistic pluralism and the need to address unequal access to the public sphere. Overall, our findings suggest that young people in general—but even more so disadvantaged youth socioeconomic groups—are misrepresented in mainstream newspapers and that the increasing prevalence of social media communication does not seem to be reflected in mainstream media agenda setting.
Owners, creditors and traders: Women in late colonial Calcutta
Authors: Chakravarty Ishita
Published: November 2019

This article tries to reconstruct the world of the property-owning, mortgage-holding and money-lending women in late colonial Bengal and especially in Calcutta, the commercial capital of British India until the First World War. It argues that as all poor women occupying the urban space were not either sex workers or domestic servants, similarly all middle-class women in colonial Calcutta were not dependent housewives, teachers and doctors. At least a section of them engaged in other gainful economic activities. However, existing scholarship sheds very little light on those women who chose other means of survival than the bhadramahila: those who bought and sold houses, lent money for interest, acquired mortgages, speculated in jute trade and even managed indigenous banking business. Evidence of court records suggests that they, along with the lady teacher, the lady doctor, the midwife and the social worker or later members of political organisations, could be found in considerable numbers in late colonial Calcutta. Due to the enactment of stringent laws to control moneylending, on the one hand, and the commercial decline of Calcutta, on the other hand, these women were possibly driven out of the shrinking market of the 1940s and 1950s.
Integrating Conflict: A Proposed Framework for the Interdisciplinary Study of Workplace Conflict and Its Management
Authors: Avgar Ariel
Published: November 2019

This article contributes to existing conflict research by proposing a theoretical framework capable of integrating findings and insights across distinct disciplines. The author utilizes the Kochan, Katz, and McKersie (1986) three-tiered industrial relations framework and demonstrates its unique capacity to situate and organize what we know about conflict and to highlight areas that have been neglected as a result of disciplinary fragmentation. The article reviews key themes, findings, and insights advanced by organizational behavior, industrial relations, and legal scholars. The author identifies the barriers associated with disciplinary boundaries and the costs these have had in terms of our current understanding of conflict in organizations. This review also examines potential areas of integration in the study of conflict and their implications for existing scholarship. Finally, the author proposes theoretical linkages that stem from the integration of conflict insights across disciplines, which serve as the basis for a future research agenda.
Evaluation of the effects of nanomaterials on durability of engineered cementitious composites exposed to the aggressive environment
Authors: Mansoori Alireza , Behfarnia Kiachehr
Published: November 2019

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of micro silica, nano silica and carbon nanotube in the engineered cementitious composites made with polyvinyl alcohol fibers. Accordingly, the compressive strength and the modulus of the samples rupture were studied to evaluate the impact of micro silica, nano silica and carbon nanotube in engineered cementitious composite. In addition, different curing conditions were considered to investigate the durability of the mixes. In this regard, the mechanical properties of the samples cured in sulphuric acid and freeze and thaw cycling were compared to those cured in water. The results indicated that the mechanical properties were reduced upon exposure to acid and freeze and thaw cycling. It was also found that the application of micro silica and nano silica made the mixtures compacted and reduced the permeability. The module of rupture was increased significantly by the addition of carbon nanotube. Moreover, the evaluation of the samples cured in the aggressive environment showed that the role of carbon nanotube was significant in increasing the durability of the mixes. Further, the scanning electron microscopy images showed that the crack width was reduced by the addition of carbon nanotube. It was also revealed from the scanning electron microscopy images that the polyvinyl alcohol fibers were completely interacted and connected to the paste.
Associations among Periodontitis, Calcified Carotid Artery Atheromas, and Risk of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gustafsson N. , Ahlqvist J. , Näslund U. , Buhlin K. , Gustafsson A. , Kjellström B. , Klinge B. , Rydén L. , Levring Jäghagen E.
Published: November 2019

Cardiovascular disease is a common cause of morbidity and premature mortality. Cardiovascular disease can be prevented when risk factors are identified early. Calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs), detected in panoramic radiographs, and periodontitis have both been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This case-control study aimed to 1) investigate associations between periodontitis and CCAA detected in panoramic radiographs and 2) determine the risk of future myocardial infarctions due to CCAA combined with periodontitis. We evaluated 1,482 participants (738 cases and 744 controls) with periodontitis and CCAAs recruited from the PAROKRANK study (Periodontitis and Its Relation to Coronary Artery Disease). Participants were examined with panoramic radiographs, including the carotid regions. Associations between myocardial infarction and periodontitis combined with CCAA were evaluated in 696 cases and 696 age-, sex-, and residential area–matched controls. Periodontitis was evaluated radiographically (as degree of bone loss) and with a clinical periodontal disease index score (from clinical and radiographic assessments). We found associations between CCAA and clinical periodontal disease index score among cases (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.10; P = 0.02) and controls (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.38; P < 0.01), although not between CCAA and the degree of bone loss. In a multivariable model, myocardial infarction was associated with CCAA combined with periodontitis, as assessed by degree of bone loss (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.74; P = 0.01). When the cohort was stratified by sex, only men showed a significant association between myocardial infarction and CCAA combined with periodontitis. Participants with clinically diagnosed periodontitis exhibited CCAA in panoramic radiographs more often than those without periodontitis, irrespective of the presence of a recent myocardial infarction. Participants with combined periodontitis and CCAA had a higher risk of having had myocardial infarction as compared with participants with either condition alone. These findings implied that patients in dental care might benefit from dentists assessing panoramic radiographs for CCAA—particularly, patients with periodontitis who have not received any preventive measures for cardiovascular disease.
Finite element analysis modeling research on the compression process of cotton fiber assembly
Authors: Xu Minjun , Chen Xiaochuan , Wang Jun , Li Yong
Published: November 2019

In order to analyze the compressive stress state of a cotton fiber assembly in the compression process, a new cotton fiber assembly model, the tetrakaidecahedral porous cotton fiber assembly model, is presented based on the idea of three-dimensional open-cell foam material modeling. Based on the model, the compression process of cotton fiber assembly is analyzed using the finite element method. The change in the compressive stress of the cotton fiber assembly in the compression process is successfully described. The measurement method of compressive modulus of the cotton fiber assembly is also studied, and the relation between compressive modulus and relative density of the cotton fiber assembly is determined. Finally, the effect of different moisture regain on compressive stress of the cotton fiber assembly is analyzed, and the reference value of moisture regain in the cotton baling process is given. The results show that the simulation results are consistent with the actual situation. Therefore, the established model of cotton fiber assembly has validity.
Factors Associated With Hospitalization Costs of Coronary Heart Disease in Township Hospitals in Rural China
Authors: Wang Qun , Zhang Shuo , Wang Yaling , Zhang Xichun , Zhang Ying
Published: November 2019

In large proportions of rural areas in many developing countries, health care delivery system is less developed and is less likely to be equipped to conduct sophisticated treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients locally. This study aims at describing the status quo of and exploring factors associated with hospitalization costs of CHD in township hospitals where only drug therapy was available for CHD conditions. We collected data of inpatients with CHD from discharge records from 10 township hospitals in rural Liaoning from December 2013 to December 2014. We used multilevel linear regression to analyze the factors associated with CHD hospitalization costs. A total of 4635 inpatients were included in the analysis. We found that the average hospitalization costs were 6249.97 RMB (US$1012.47) with the average of 8.89 days of hospitalization in township hospitals in Liaoning. Age, gender, length of stay, the number of times of admissions, by which route was hospitalized, and type of CHD were all the factors significantly associated with hospitalization costs of CHD in township hospitals. The factors associated with hospitalization costs of CHD in township hospitals in rural China showed some different features from the existing studies. When the government designs the related policy, the policy makers need to consider the specific feature of hospitalization costs of CHD in township hospitals in rural areas.
Creating Content That Influences People: Considering User Experience and Behavioral Design in Technical Communication
Authors: Verhulsdonck Gustav , Shalamova Nadya
Published: November 2019

As people today use information products in contexts with distractions, we need to design for people’s attention. User experience design routinely relies on behavioral design to engage distracted users and nudge them toward specific behavior. Although practiced in user experience design, behavioral design is less known in technical communication. In this article, we use the CHOICES (Context, Habits, Other people, Incentives, Congruence, Emotions, and Salience) framework developed by McKinsey’s Behavioral Lab to introduce students to learn about behavioral design principles that make use of cognitive biases to influence people. We maintain that behavioral design is useful for technical communicators because they create digital assets that are part of the user experience.
Tourists’ Experiences with Smart Tourism Technology at Smart Destinations and Their Behavior Intentions
Authors: Jeong Miyoung , Shin Hyejo Hailey
Published: November 2019

This study attempts to assess how tourists use smart tourism technologies at destinations and measure the effects of STT usage on overall travel experience and future revisit intention. Although STTs have received growing attention, little research has evaluated tourists’ experience with STTs available at various smart tourism destinations and potential consequences. Building on studies on online tourism information sources, this study develops a conceptual framework to test hypotheses related to STT experiences and consequences. Based on an online survey with travelers to top five US smart cities, this study classifies the most frequently used STTs and examines tourists’ overall experience and satisfaction with STTs as well as their revisit intention. Findings suggest that three attributes of STTs—informativeness, interactivity, and personalization—are the key factors affecting tourists’ experience, satisfaction, and revisit intentions. The level of perceived security/privacy moderates the relationships between three STT attributes and tourists’ memorable experience.