bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noncanonical STAT3 Activation Regulates Excess TGF-β1 and Collagen I Expression in Muscle of Stricturing Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Li Chao , Iness Audra , Yoon Jennifer , Grider John R. , Murthy Karnam S. , Kellum John M. , Kuemmerle John F. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Increased TGF-β1 and TGF-β1–dependent Collagen I production in intestinal mesenchymal cells result in fibrosis in patients with Montreal B2 fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease. Numerous cytokines, including IL-6, are produced by activated mesenchymal cells themselves and activate STAT3. The aim of the current study was to determine the mechanisms by which STAT-3 activation might result in intestinal fibrosis. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. STAT3 and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 protein levels were measured by immunoblot, STAT3-TGFB1 DNA–binding activity by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and TGFB1 transcriptional activity by luciferase reporter assay. TGF-β1 (TGFB1), Collagen1α1, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. The role of STAT3 activation was determined using STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic, and by transfection of STAT3 mutants. Autocrine production of cytokines was increased in muscle cells of B2 phenotype patients from strictures and normal intestine in the same patient and compared with other Crohn’s phenotypes, ulcerative colitis, and non-Crohn’s patients. A unique pattern of STAT3 phosphorylation emerged: high STAT3(S727) and low STAT3(Y705) in strictures and the opposite in unaffected intestine. TGFB1 transcriptional activity was regulated by phospho-STAT3(S727) and was decreased by Stattic or dominant-negative STAT3(S727A). TGF-β1, COL1A1, and CTGF expression was inhibited by Stattic or dominant-negative STAT3(S727A). Treatment of normal muscle cells with IL-6 or expression of constitutively active STAT3(S727E) phenocopied muscle cells from strictured intestine. Neutralization of autocrine IL-6 reversed STAT3 phosphorylation and normalized expression of TGF-β1 in strictured intestinal muscle. The ability of Stattic to improve development of fibrosis was confirmed in mice with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid–induced colitis. We observed a unique phospho-STAT3(S727) response in patients with Montreal B2 Crohn’s disease, particularly in response to IL-6 leading to increased TGF-β1, collagen, and CTGF production in ileal strictures.
A PosterioriError Estimates of Semidiscrete Mixed Finite Element Methods for Parabolic Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Chen Yanping , Lin Zhuoqing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA posteriorierror estimates of semidiscrete mixed finite element methods for quadratic optimal control problems involving linear parabolic equations are developed. The state and co-state are discretised by Raviart-Thomas mixed finite element spaces of orderk, and the control is approximated by piecewise polynomials of orderk(k≥ 0). We derive oura posteriorierror estimates for the state and the control approximations via a mixed elliptic reconstruction method. These estimates seem to be unavailable elsewhere in the literature, although they represent an important step towards developing reliable adaptive mixed finite element approximation schemes for the control problem.
Distributed Feedback Control of the Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers Equation by a Reduced-Order Model
Authors: Piao Guang-Ri , Lee Hyung-Chun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA reduced-order model for distributed feedback control of the Benjamin-Bona-Mahony-Burgers (BBMB) equation is discussed. To retain more information in our model, we first calculate the functional gain in the full-order case, and then invoke the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method to design a low-order controller and thereby reduce the order of the model. Numerical experiments demonstrate that a solution of the reduced-order model performs well in comparison with a solution for the full-order description.
Morphological features of the tongue in the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Pourlis A. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine the morphology of the tongue in the quail. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, the tongues of six adult quails (three males, three females) were studied. Specimen's observation was performed with a scanning electron microscope. Results: The tongue was triangular in shape with a shallow median groove along the body. The length of the tongue was 1.2 cm. The length of the body was 1cm whereas of the root 2 mm. The anterior dorsal surface showed a relatively smooth surface lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Openings of lingual glands, partly filled with mucus were identified. The caudal part of the body of the tongue exhibited two slightly raised symmetrical areas. A transverse groove separated the root from the body of the tongue. Along the posterior border of the root, a crest of conical papillae was observed. Behind the glottis, big conical papillae were also recorded. Conclusion: These morphological indings could be useful for further studies of avian feeding mechanisms and comparisons with other avian species.
ADVANCES IN FILLER DISPERSION MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Nikiel Leszek , Mason Russell , Wampler Wesley 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
It is well documented throughout the literature that filler dispersion significantly influences rubber performance. However, there is no single experimental method to measure dispersion precisely. By presenting new experimental techniques and reviewing several existing ones that measure dispersion at different length scales, steps are undertaken to close the knowledge gap in understanding dispersion. Some methods, such as electrical resistivity, are able to probe only the conductive carbon black network; the others take into consideration all compounding ingredients including mineral fillers and chemicals. One of the techniques discussed in more detail will be surface profilometry, which is based on the noncontact optical interferometry principle. The other technique reviewed in more detail is based on high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging. These different techniques were employed to evaluate multiple rubber compounds with varying dispersion levels, and the data will be presented and discussed.
Psychological Aspects and Depression in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Moschos Marilita , Chatzirallis Alexandras , Chatziralli Irini 
Published: March 2015

Purpose To assess the psychological impact and the potential relationship between depression and visual impairment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods Our study included 34 patients with RP and 35 age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and dilated funduscopy, and they completed the Zung Depression Inventory questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Questionnaires were rated according to specific guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results There was a statistically significant difference in PHQ-9 score and Zung score between patients with RP and controls. The BCVA differed significantly between the 2 groups as well. Older subjects presented significantly higher Zung score and PHQ-9 score, as well as worse BCVA in both eyes. Sex did not show any significant correlation as far as Zung score, PHQ-9 score, or BCVA. Zung score was correlated positively with PHQ-9 score, while both Zung and PHQ-9 score were positively correlated with BCVA. Conclusions Patients with RP seem to present mild to moderate depressive symptoms in comparison with healthy control subjects without visual impairment. These symptoms were found to be correlated with BCVA and age, suggesting that visual loss and older age in patients with RP could be predictive factors of their emotional status. Therefore, there is need for close monitoring and supportive management of this population, so as to detect depression and to treat it promptly.
Presumed Bilateral Acute Retinal Necrosis 11 Years Apart, Atypical Presentation, and Early Vitrectomy
Authors: Navarro-Navarro Aida , Martinez-Toldos Jose J. , Tarazona-Jaimes Claudia P. , Fernandez-Martinez Cristian , Baeza-Diaz Manuel V. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose To report a case of presumed bilateral acute retinal necrosis with delayed onset caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, medical treatment, and surgical approach. Methods Retrospective, interventional case described in a 51-year-old patient who complained of unilateral blurred vision with history of nonoperated retinal detachment in his fellow eye after posterior uveitis 11 years earlier. Results Ocular examination suggested diagnosis of acute retinal necrosis involving the posterior pole and sparing periphery. The causative agent was demonstrated using polymerase chain reaction analysis of the aqueous humor. Intensive medical treatment with intravenous acyclovir, intravitreous foscarnet, and corticosteroids was administered, slowing down but not stopping progression of the disease. Due to the monocular status of the patient and high probability of secondary retinal detachment, early vitrectomy was indicated. Conclusions Rapid and aggressive medical treatment is necessary in this condition. Bilateral involvement often occurs within weeks, but can also happen more rarely after several months or years, requiring long-term follow-up. Early surgical treatment is controversial but it is an option to be considered in certain cases.
Does Conventional Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Trigger Timing Produce Optimal Hemodynamic Effects in vivo?
Authors: Kolyva Christina , Pantalos George M. , Pepper John R. , Khir Ashraf W. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) provides circulatory support through counterpulsation. The hemodynamic effects of the IABP may vary with assisting frequency and depend on IAB inflation/deflation timing. We aimed to assess in vivo the IABP benefits on coronary, aortic, and left ventricular hemodynamics at different assistance frequencies and trigger timings. Methods Six healthy, anesthetized, open-chest sheep received IABP support at 5 timing modes (EC, LC, CC, CE, CL, corresponding to early/late/conventional/conventional/conventional inflation and conventional/conventional/conventional/early/late deflation, respectively) with frequency 1:3 and 1:1. Aortic (Qao) and coronary (Qcor) flow, and aortic (Pao) and left ventricular (PLV) pressure were recorded simultaneously, with and without IABP support. Integrating systolic Qao yielded stroke volume (SV). Results EC at 1:1 produced the lowest end-diastolic Pao (59.5 ± 7.8 mmHg [EC], 63.4 ± 11.1 mmHg [CC]), CC at 1:1 the lowest systolic PLV (69.1 ± 6.5 mmHg [CC], 76.4 ± 6.5 mmHg [control]), CC at 1:1 the highest SV (88.5 ± 34.4 ml [CC], 76.6 ± 31.9 ml [control]) and CC at 1:3 the highest diastolic Qcor (187.2 ± 25.0 ml/min [CC], 149.9 ± 16.6 ml/min [control]). Diastolic Pao augmentation was enhanced by both assistance frequencies alike, and optimal timings were EC for 1:3 (10.4 ± 2.8 mmHg [EC], 6.7 ± 3.8 mmHg [CC]) and CC for 1:1 (10.8 ± 6.7 mmHg [CC], −3.0 ± 3.8 mmHg [control]). Conclusions In our experiments, neither a single frequency nor a single inflation/deflation timing, including conventional IAB timing, has shown superiority by uniformly benefiting all studied hemodynamic parameters. A choice of optimal frequency and IAB timing might need to be made based on individual patient hemodynamic needs rather than as a generalized protocol.
Construction of a Biocompatible Decellularized Porcine Hepatic Lobe for Liver Bioengineering
Authors: Hussein Kamal H. , Park Kyung M. , Kim Hyun M. , Teotia Pankaj K. , Ghim Jinn H. , Woo Heung M. 
Published: March 2015

Objective One of the major obstacles in applying decellularized organs for clinical use is the recellularization step, during which huge numbers of cells are required to develop whole livers. We established a simple protocol for constructing a bioartificial hepatic lobe and investigated its biocompatibility. Methods The right lateral lobe of porcine liver was decellularized using 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate through the right branch of the portal vein. Decellularized lobes were evaluated by histological and biochemical analyses. DNA content was quantified to validate the decellularization protocol. The presence of immunogenic and pathogenic antigens was checked to exclude potential rejection and thrombosis after xenotransplantation. Xeno-reactivity of decellularized tissue against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was examined. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against hepatocarcinoma cells. Finally, scaffolds were incubated in collagenase for biodegradation testing. Results The decellularized lobe preserved the three-dimensional architecture, ultrastructure, extracellular matrix components, and vasculature. Scaffolds were almost depleted of DNA in addition to antigenic and pathogenic antigens, which are considered barriers to xenotransplantation. The human immune response against scaffolds was considered non-significant. Our matrices were biocompatible and biodegradable. Conclusions We successfully developed a non-cytotoxic, non-immunogenic, and biodegradable porcine hepatic lobe for future liver regeneration and bioengineering.
Cost-Effective Organization of an Institutional Human Cancer Biobank in a Clinical Setting: CRO-Biobank Experience Toward Harmonization
Authors: Cervo Silvia , De Paoli Paolo , Perin Tiziana , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Steffan Agostino 
Published: March 2015

This report describes the organization of the Biobank of the CRO Aviano National Cancer Institute, Aviano (CRO- Biobank), Italy, implemented as a structured facility dedicated to collecting human biological samples. It describes a particular disease-specific biobank and the integration of a research biobank in a clinical setting. The CRO-Biobank's mission is rooted in supporting and implementing cancer research, with its main focus on optimizing technical and quality processes, while also investigating ethical, legal and IT topics. The CRO-Biobank has implemented processes aimed at guaranteeing the safety of the providers, protecting patient privacy and ensuring both the traceability and quality of its samples. Our 8 years of experience allow us to offer insights and useful suggestions that may solve theoretical and practical issues that can arise when starting up new biobanks or developing existing biobanks further.
Maoism:
Authors: Kang Liu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Mao Zedong's legacy has an enduring global impact, as both a political foundation for the Chinese revolution and an ideology of revolution. This paper offers a brief account of Maoism as a knowledge and a theory of (alternative) modernity, and questions the contradictory and problematic nature of Maoism within the context of globalization. Meanwhile, I wish to point out some conditions of possibility embedded in such a genealogy of knowledge, which may open up some new conceptual and theoretical space for thinking about and rethinking globalization.
Revolution and Event:
Authors: Weng Leihua 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Alain Badiou refers to his translation of Plato's Republic as a “hypertranslation.” In Plato's Republic: A Dialogue in 16 Chapters (2012), Badiou contemporizes Plato's Republic, and reinvents Socrates into a Maoist philosopher who constantly quotes Mao. This paper conducts a textual analysis of Badiou's references to Mao and Maoist Revolution and discusses these quotations as part of his philosophical speculation. Badiou's deployment of Mao reveals his post-structuralist understanding of revolution, echoing Lacan's notion of the forever-negating “void” and Foucault's “thinking from the outside.” By contemporizing Plato's Republic with a Maoist Socrates, Badiou claims that the essence and relevancy of Mao's Revolution lies in its consistent defiance of any institutional stabilization, and in its incessant drive for social, political, and spiritual renewal.
Children's Literature During China's Cultural Revolution:
Authors: Sheng Anfeng 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Children's literature in China during the Cultural Revolution period has never been adequately explored since the end of the movement. Contrary to the assumption that the government at that time neglected children's literature, they paid much more attention in order to bring up worthy successors to the “socialist revolutionary cause.” But of course, this “attention” was always tightly controlled and stiflingly suppressed rather than relaxed and encouraging. In this article, the author first traces the political pressure and intervention during the time of the “seventeen-year literature,” which spans from the founding of the new republic to the eve of the Cultural Revolution. The author then will describe the unprecedented disasters inflicted by the extreme policies and guidelines during the Cultural Revolution on the cultural fields, and on children's literature especially. With concrete examples and textual analyses, the author will point out the major features of children's literature during that time. Politically, children's literature had to firmly keep in mind the “class struggle,” follow the numerous guidelines, and write for “the masses,” for politics, and for “the proletariat revolutionary cause.” Thus instead of promoting knowledge acculturation and science education, children's literature was deprived of interest and delight, descending to a stereotyped, dry and dull, and repetitive megaphone of politics or brainwashing instrument. The ironic phenomena of collective authorship and the concept of individual heroism in children's literature during that time will also be analyzed in this article. In conclusion, the author wants to point out that the long-fettered mind could not be easily liberated and that it takes more than one generation to recover from a nation's cultural and spiritual catastrophe.
VTE risk assessment in cancer
Authors: Pabinger I. , Ay C. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryVenous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cancer is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality, and its prevention is of major clinical importance. However, the VTE rates in the cancer population vary between 0.5–20 %, depending on cancer-, treatment- and patient-related factors. The most important contributors to VTE risk are the tumour entity, stage and certain anticancer treatments. Cancer surgery represents a strong risk factor for VTE, and medical oncology patients are at increased risk of developing VTE, especially when receiving chemotherapy or immunomodulatory drugs. Also biomarkers have been investigated for their usefulness to predict risk of VTE (e.g. elevated leucocyte and platelet counts, soluble P-selectin, D-dimer, etc.). In order to identify cancer patients at high risk of VTE and to improve risk stratification, risk assessment models have been developed, which contain both clinical parameters and biomarkers. While primary thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular- weight-heparin (LMWH) is recommended postoperatively for a period of up to 4 weeks after major cancer surgery, the evidence is less clear for medical oncology patients. Thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized medical oncology patients is advocated, and is based on results of randomized controlled trials which evaluated the efficacy and safety of LMWH for prevention of VTE in hospitalized medically ill patients. In recent trials the benefit of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in the ambulatory setting has been investigated. However, at the present stage primary thromboprophylaxis for prevention of VTE in these patients is still a matter of debate and cannot be recommended for all cancer outpatients.
« Vite et à tout prix ? » ou l’importance du prix pour le consommateur pressé
Authors: Lallement Jeanne , Zollinger Monique 
Published: March 2015

Vite et à tout prix ? Le consommateur pressé accorde-t-il moins d’importance au prix ? Cette recherche examine les effets conjoints de la pression temporelle (PT) et de l’expérience sur l’importance accordée au prix décrite par ses trois dimensions : la saillance (la priorité donnée à l’examen du prix), la pertinence (sa part dans le total des informations utilisées) et la déterminance (son poids dans la décision finale). Les résultats confirment l’importance du prix en situation de temps contraint. S’il est plus saillant, sa pertinence et sa déterminance restent les mêmes. L’expertise du consommateur en situation de PT est, sans doute, une base de segmentation intéressante pour le distributeur, qui n’a pas intérêt à dissimuler son prix.
Permeability of compacting porous lavas
Authors: Ashwell P. A. , Kendrick J. E. , Lavallée Y. , Kennedy B. M. , Hess K.‐U. , von Aulock F. W. , Wadsworth F. B. , Vasseur J. , Dingwell D. B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe highly transient nature of outgassing commonly observed at volcanoes is in part controlled by the permeability of lava domes and shallow conduits. Lava domes generally consist of a porous outer carapace surrounding a denser lava core with internal shear zones of variable porosity. Here we examine densification using uniaxial compression experiments on variably crystalline and porous rhyolitic dome lavas from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Experiments were conducted at 900°C and an applied stress of 3 MPa to 60% strain, while monitoring acoustic emissions to track cracking. The evolution of the porous network was assessed via X‐ray computed tomography, He‐pycnometry, and relative gas permeability. High starting connected porosities led to low apparent viscosities and high strain rates, initially accompanied by abundant acoustic emissions. As compaction ensued, the lavas evolved; apparent viscosity increased and strain rate decreased due to strain hardening of the suspensions. Permeability fluctuations resulted from the interplay between viscous flow and brittle failure. Where phenocrysts were abundant, cracks had limited spatial extent, and pore closure decreased axial and radial permeability proportionally, maintaining the initial anisotropy. In crystal‐poor lavas, axial cracks had a more profound effect, and permeability anisotropy switched to favor axial flow. Irrespective of porosity, both crystalline samples compacted to a threshold minimum porosity of 17–19%, whereas the crystal‐poor sample did not achieve its compaction limit. This indicates that unconfined loading of porous dome lavas does not necessarily form an impermeable plug and may be hindered, in part by the presence of crystals.
Seismic fatigue failure may have triggered the 2014 Mw7.9 Rat Islands earthquake
Authors: Miyazawa Masatoshi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSeismic waves propagating from large earthquakes cause global transient stress changes capable of triggering other earthquakes at great distances. The study of such remote and dynamic triggering phenomena provides a better understanding of the mechanisms that generate earthquakes. I introduce an integrated seismicity model to stochastically evaluate the time intervals of consecutive earthquakes at global scales, making it possible to detect a pair of earthquakes possibly related to each other. I show a Mw7.9 intermediate‐depth earthquake that occurred in the Rat Islands in 2014 is inferred to have been associated with a sequence of distant large (Mw≥6.5) earthquakes originating from the Kermadec Islands. The passage of seismic surface waves from the Kermadec events that produced small stress changes varying within at most 10 Pa at the hypocenter, probably caused a reduction in the fault's strength by cyclic fatigue and eventually triggered its failure during their passage.