bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stateless Opportunistic Routing Protocol for Underwater Sensor Networks
Authors: Ghoreyshi Seyed Mohammad , Shahrabi Alireza , Boutaleb Tuleen
Published: November 2018

Routing packets in Underwater Sensor Networks (UWSNs) face different challenges, the most notable of which is perhaps how to deal with void communication areas. While this issue is not addressed in some underwater routing protocols, there exist some partially state‐full protocols which can guarantee the delivery of packets using excessive communication overhead. However, there is no fully stateless underwater routing protocol, to the best of our knowledge, which can detect and bypass trapped nodes. A trapped node is a node which only leads packets to arrive finally at a void node. In this paper, we propose a Stateless Opportunistic Routing Protocol (SORP), in which the void and trapped nodes are locally detected in the different area of network topology to be excluded during the routing phase using a passive participation approach. SORP also uses a novel scheme to employ an adaptive forwarding area which can be resized and replaced according to the local density and placement of the candidate forwarding nodes to enhance the energy efficiency and reliability. We also make a theoretical analysis on the routing performance in case of considering the shadow zone and variable propagation delays. The results of our extensive simulation study indicate that SORP outperforms other protocols regarding the routing performance metrics.
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in Long-Termed Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Hsu Heng-Jung , Yang Shih-Ying , Wu I-Wen , Hsu Kuang-Hung , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chen Chun-Yu , Lee Chin-Chan
Published: November 2018

Background.Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but serious clinical complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with high mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of patients with EPS and to search for possible factors useful for EPS prevention and early diagnosis.Method.This retrospective study was performed in a single dialysis center in Taiwan between August 1990 and April 2014. Overall, a total of 565 patients were included and the medical records of those patients who had developed EPS (EPS group) and those who had not developed EPS (control group) were collected. We compared several factors between these two groups.Result.In the univariate analysis, EPS was significantly associated with a change of transport state (Delta 2) (p= 0.007), duration of PD (p< 0.001), duration of peritonitis treatment (p= 0.001), number of peritonitis episodes (p= 0.002), and fungus related peritonitis (p= 0.031). After multivariate logistic model analysis, we found that only the duration of PD was independently significantly associated with EPS (p= 0.034). In addition, we used the ROC curve and found that a duration of peritoneal dialysis of about 8.4 years is the best cut-off point to predict EPS occurrence.Conclusion.In this study, long-termed PD duration is the only strong independent risk factor for EPS development. Total peritonitis times, total peritonitis treatment duration, and marked increased peritoneal D/Pcrratio were also significantly associated with the duration of PD.
Risk for ASD in Preterm Infants: A Three-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Harel-Gadassi Ayelet , Friedlander Edwa , Yaari Maya , Bar-Oz Benjamin , Eventov-Friedman Smadar , Mankuta David , Yirmiya Nurit
Published: November 2018

Background. The aim of this study was to examine the long-term risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in individuals who are born preterm and full-term using both observational instruments and parental reports. Neonatal risk factors and developmental characteristics associated with ASD risk were also examined. Method. Participants included 110 preterm children (born at a gestational age of ≤ 34 weeks) and 39 full-term children assessed at ages 18, 24, and 36 months. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, the Social Communication Questionnaire, and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning were administered. Results and Conclusions. The long-term risk for ASD was higher when parental reports were employed compared to observational instruments. At 18 and 24 months, a higher long-term risk for ASD was found for preterm children compared to full-term children. At 36 months, only one preterm child and one full-term child met the cutoff for ASD based on the ADOS, yet clinical judgment and parental reports supported an ASD diagnosis for the preterm child only. Earlier gestational age and lower general developmental abilities were associated with elevated ASD risk among preterm children.
The Intertwining Impact of Intraorganizational and Routine Networks on Routine Replication Dynamics: An Agent‐Based Model
Authors: Gao Dehua , Squazzoni Flaminio , Deng Xiuquan
Published: November 2018

Organizational routines are means through which organizations can reutilize best practices and so their replication, i.e., duplicating beneficial routines across context, is a key value‐creating strategy. However, it is difficult to map network effects on routine replication. Here, we investigated routine replicating dynamics considering two types of network contexts, namely, (1) connections between different (geographically distributed) units in a decentralized organization and (2) the coupling relation between routines, i.e., a bundle of different routines involved in each unit. By considering routine replication as one kind of template‐based activities between different units, we examined interrelations between routines with a NK‐based fitness landscape model. Our results show that when there is an appropriate level of absorptive capacities (i.e., when organizations are capable of identifying and acquiring externally generated knowledge), there is an optimal combination of these two types of networks, which is beneficial to routine replicating practices and organization adaptation. Furthermore, we also found that intraorganizational variations, including template‐duplicating errors and innovative activities, are instrumental to enhance adaptive changes. Our findings suggest measures to control and manage best practice diffusion across organizations.
Experimental Evidence of Precipitation of All 12 Variants in a Single β Grain in Titanium Alloys
Authors: Chen Yi , Kou Hongchao , Cheng Liang , Zhang Yunlong , Yu Yun , Lu Yalin , Zhu Fuxian
Published: November 2018

The effect of the changing of the local composition of the β matrix on the precipitation of the α phase has been investigated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to obtain more insight in the nucleation and variant selection of these α plates based on the Ti‐5.04Al/Ti‐1.52Mo (at.%) diffusion couple. The results showed that the composition gradient was formed from one side of the diffusion couple to another side after diffusion annealing. Followed by a secondary heat treatment process, it was found for the first time that all 12 variants formed in a single β grain in the diffusion zone in the Ti‐5.04Al/Ti‐1.52Mo diffusion couple, which indicated that the changing of the local composition of the β matrix significantly weakened the α variants selection behavior.
Research on Antennas Alignment of Dynamic Point-to-Point Communication
Authors: Zeng Qilin , Liu Jiaxin , Xiong Weiming
Published: November 2018

In the dynamic point-to-point communication, to track and aim at antenna fast and accurately is the guarantee of high quality communication signal. In order to solve the problem of antenna alignment, we used the least square method (LSM) to fit the optimal level signal value (LSV) point which is based on coordinate coarse tracking alignment and matrix scanning strategy to find the LSV in this paper. Antenna is driven by two-dimensional turntable (azimuth and elevation angle (AE)): the two-dimensional turntable is decomposed into two independent one-dimensional turntables, and the LSV in AE direction are obtained by scanning, respectively. The optimal LSV point of two-dimensional turntable can be find by combing optimal LSV point of two independent one-dimensional turntables. The method has the advantages of high precision and easy implementation and can meet the requirement of fast and accurately alignment in dynamic point-to-point communication antenna engineering.
Noise-Induced Truth Seeking of Heterogeneous Hegselmann-Krause Opinion Dynamics
Authors: Liu Yan , Mo Lipo
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we study the noise-induced truth seeking for heterogeneous Hegselmann-Krause (HK) model in opinion dynamics. It has been proved that small noise could induce the group to achieve truth in homogeneous HK model; however, for the more practical heterogeneous HK model, the theoretical conclusion is absent. Here, we prove that small noise could also induce the group to achieve truth in heterogenous HK model, and, moreover, we first theoretically prove that large noise could drive some agents to deviate from the truth. These theoretical findings evidently reveal how the free information flow spreading in the media determines the social truth seeking.
The Interaction Effect between Blood Stasis Constitution and Atherosclerotic Factors on Cognitive Impairment in Elderly People
Authors: Liu Zhizhen , Yang Hongqing , Zhang Mozhu , Cai Jing , Huang Zijie
Published: November 2018

Objective. Blood stasis (BS) constitution represents a tendency to stagnation and positively associates with the severity of atherosclerosis. In this study, we have identified the interaction effect between BS constitution and atherosclerosis on cognitive impairment in the elderly people. Methods. Eligible elderly people ≥65 years old who attended physical examination in the Mawei community of Fuzhou city during 2015 were enrolled in this study. We explored the characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution and atherosclerotic factors in the normal and cognitive impairment groups and their interaction effect between participants’ Minimental State Examination (MMSE) scores in the elderly people. Results. The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the elderly people was 13.0%. Red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), ankle brachial index (ABI), brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV), and blood stasis (BS) were significantly different between normal and cognitive impairment group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that RBC (odds ratio (OR)=0.530 (0.343‐0.817), P=0.004), HB (OR=0.980 (0.967‐0.993), P=0.003), ABI (OR=2.199(1.112‐4.347), P=0.023), and blood stasis constitution (OR=1.808 (1.022‐3.202), P=0.042) were correlated with cognitive impairment. The interactions of blood stasis with HB, ABI, and BaPWV significantly impacted the MMSE score (P<0.05). Conclusion. Elderly individuals with blood stasis may be at a higher risk of arterial stenosis and sclerosis, leading to susceptibility to cognitive impairment.
Plumbagin-Loaded Nanoemulsion Drug Delivery Formulation and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Effect on Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Chrastina Adrian , Baron Veronique T. , Abedinpour Parisa , Rondeau Gaelle , Welsh John , Borgström Per
Published: November 2018

Background. Plumbagin, a medicinal plant-derived 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, is an emerging drug with a variety of pharmacological effects, including potent anticancer activity. We have previously shown that plumbagin improves the efficacy of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer and it is now being evaluated in phase I clinical trial. However, the development of formulation of plumbagin as a compound with sparing solubility in water is challenging. Methods. We have formulated plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsion using pneumatically controlled high pressure homogenization of oleic acid dispersions with polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate as surfactant. Nanoemulsion formulations were characterized for particle size distribution by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The kinetics of in vitro drug release was determined by equilibrium dialysis. Anticancer activity toward prostate cancer cells PTEN-P2 was assessed by MTS (Owen’s reagent) assay. Results. Particle size distribution of nanoemulsions is tunable and depends on the surfactant concentration. Nanoemulsion formulations of plumbagin with 1-3.5% (w/w) of surfactant showed robust stability of size distribution over time. Plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsion with average hydrodynamic diameter of 135 nm showed exponential release of plumbagin with a half-life of 6.1 h in simulated gastric fluid, 7.0 h in simulated intestinal fluid, and displayed enhanced antiproliferative effect toward prostate cancer cells PTEN-P2 compared to free plumbagin. Conclusion. High drug-loading capacity, retention of nanoparticle size, kinetics of release under simulated physiological conditions, and increased antiproliferative activity indicate that oleic-acid based nanoemulsion formulation is a suitable delivery system of plumbagin.
Influence of Bidirectional Impact Loading on Anomalously Low‐Friction Effect in Block Rock Media
Authors: Li Liping , Li Weijun , Tang Jupeng , Lv Jiaqing
Published: November 2018

The anomalously low‐friction effect is a key scientific problem in deep mining. The deep coal rock media is usually a block structure with joint fracture. When the deep block coal rock is subjected to repeated strong dynamic impact caused by long‐term excavation activities, the anomalously low‐friction effect will occur, resulting in dynamic disasters such as rock bursts. Taking granite block rock media as research object and using bidirectional impact loading to simulate the dynamic disturbance of rock media, a numerical model was established. The vertical acceleration and the horizontal displacement on working block media were defined as the characteristic parameters of the anomalously low‐friction effect. The effects of delay time and horizontal impact loading amplitude and frequency on the characteristic parameters under bidirectional impact loading were examined by numerical simulation. The generation and variation of the anomalously low‐friction effect of block rock media subjected to bidirectional impact loading were presented. The results show that the delay time has a significant effect to the vertical acceleration amplitude and horizontal displacement on the working block media under bidirectional impact loading. There exists a delay time threshold; when reach to the threshold, quasiresonance and the anomalously low‐friction effect on block media will easily occur. With the increase in horizontal impact amplitude, the residual horizontal displacement on the working block media also increases by power function, while it decreases by power function with the increase of horizontal impact loading frequency. Finally, this study denotes that it is great significance to investigate the bidirectional impact loading in order to capture the mechanism of anomalously low‐friction effect.
Childcare Correlates of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Adiposity in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the SPLASHY Study
Authors: Arhab Amar , Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Kakebeeke Tanja H. , Lanzi Stefano , Stülb Kerstin , Zysset Annina E. , Leeger-Aschmann Claudia S. , Schmutz Einat A. , Meyer Andrea H. , Munsch Simone , Kriemler Susi , Jenni Oskar G. , Puder Jardena J.
Published: November 2018

Background. The childcare (CC) environment can influence young children’s physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and adiposity. The aim of the study was to identify a broad range of CC correlates of PA, SB, and adiposity in a large sample of preschoolers. Methods. 476 preschool children (mean age 3.9 yrs; 47% girls) participated in the Swiss Preschoolers’ Health Study (SPLASHY). PA and SB were measured by accelerometry. Outcome measures included total PA (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), SB, body mass index (BMI), and skinfold thickness (SF). PA measures consisted of both daily PA during CC attendance days and overall daily PA (CC and non-CC days). Results. We identified the following CC correlates for higher TPA and/or higher MVPA or lower SB during CC attendance days: older age, sex (boys), more frequent child-initiated interactions during CC, mixing different ages within a group, and the presence of a written PA policy in the CC (all p≤0.02). The CC correlates for overall TPA and/or MVPA or lower overall SB including both CC and non-CC days were the following: older age, sex (boys), more frequent child-initiated interactions during CC, mixing different ages within a group, less parental PA involvement in the CC, and having a larger surface area in CC (all p≤0.046). Correlates for lower SF were sex (boys) and parental PA involvement in the CC (all p≤0.02), and, for lower BMI, only increased age (p=0.001) was a correlate. Conclusions. More frequent child-initiated interactions and mixing different ages in CC, the presence of a written PA policy, and a larger CC surface are correlates of PA and SB during CC attendance days and/or of overall PA. Parental involvement in CC PA projects was a correlate for reduced body fat. These novel factors are mostly modifiable and can be tackled/addressed in future interventions.
First Ukrainian Growth References for Height, Weight, and Body Mass Index for Children and Adolescents Aged 7 to 18 Years
Authors: Nyankovskyy Serhiy , Dereń Katarzyna , Wyszyńska Justyna , Nyankovska Olena , Łuszczki Edyta , Sobolewski Marek , Mazur Artur
Published: November 2018

Introduction. To date, growth centiles of children and adolescents have not been created in Ukraine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct reference growth charts for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of Ukrainian school-aged children and to compare them with World Health Organization references from 2007 for children’s BMI. Material and Methods. Among the representative sample of 13,712 students (aged 7 to 18 years) who were included in this study, 6,582 (48%) were boys and 7,130 (52%) were girls. Assessments of height, body mass, and BMI of participants were performed. Reference charts were developed using LMS models within the ChartMaker lms program. Results. We present first growth references for height, weight, and body mass index for Ukrainian children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years. The younger Ukrainian pediatric population (7-13 years) was heavier than population reported in the multiethnic WHO references, while the older (13-18 years) had lower body weight comparing to the same references from WHO. Conclusions. The constructed reference growth charts are a benchmark for following secular trends in Ukraine and are also an optimal clinical tool for health care. We recommend national implementation of the Ukrainian reference growth charts for anthropometric measurements.
Comparison of Diazinon Toxicity to Temperate and Tropical Freshwater Daphnia Species
Authors: Pham Thanh-Luu , Bui Ha Manh
Published: November 2018

The presence of pesticides in water bodies presents unique challenges to the ecosystem and all the life forms. Biological methods have been widely used to examine the toxic effects of various toxicants including pesticides. The present study aims at determining the adverse effects of diazinon, a nonsystemic organophosphate insecticide, on two cladoceran species including the temperate Daphnia magna (D. magna) and the tropical Daphnia lumholtzi (D. lumholtzi). The 48 h LC50 values demonstrated higher toxicity of diazinon for D. lumholtzi at a concentration of 3.41 µg·L−1 compared to D. magna at a concentration of 4.63 µg·L−1. After 14 days of exposure to diazinon, the survival capacity as well as the reproduction potential of the two cladoceran species clearly reduced and their rate of population increase (RPI) decreased at concentrations >0.1 µg·L−1. The present study indicated that the tropical cladoceran (D. lumholtzi) was more sensitive than the temperate D. magna. Therefore, it could be used as an indicator for toxicity assessment in tropical environments. The presence of diazinon in water bodies can be associated with significant risk to aquatic organisms.
Assessment of the Dynamic Behavior of Beam‐to‐Column Connections in Steel Pallet Racks under Cyclic Load: Numerical Investigation
Authors: Lyu Zhi-Jun , Wu Meng , Huang YuXin , Song YiMing , Cui Xiong
Published: November 2018

Steel pallet racks (SPRs) are characterized by boltless beam‐column connections (BCCs). The role of BCCs becomes more significant during hazardous conditions such as earthquakes. Due to the great number of beam‐end connector types and member geometries, the accurate evaluation of their structural behavior, especially under seismic loads, seems to be very difficult to perform so far. In this paper, the authors present results of simulation based on cyclic tests on different types of industrial rack joints by the finite element (FE) modeling of connections. This paper mainly investigates the BCC geometrical factors affecting the dynamic behavior of braced racks. Design indications are consequently provided in order to guarantee a globally homogenous ductility among different BCC configurations under seismic actions.
Toxoplasma Encephalitis following Tandem Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kollu Vidya , Magalhaes-Silverman Margarida , Tricot Guido , Ince Dilek
Published: November 2018

Infection withToxoplasma gondiiis a rare but often fatal complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Most cases have been reported in allogeneic (allo-) HSCT recipients, with only narrative reports following autologous HSCT (ASCT). We report the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male presenting with toxoplasma encephalitis following tandem ASCT for myeloma and successfully treated with diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. He was treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine (with leucovorin) followed by pyrimethamine and atovaquone as secondary prophylaxis while receiving subsequent therapy for progressive multiple myeloma. Toxoplasmosis is a potential complication in allo-HSCT as well as ASCT recipients and should be considered in any post-HSCT patient with neurological dysfunction. Rapid diagnosis and immediate antimicrobial treatment are essential to avoid morbidity and mortality.
Effects of Micropit Depths on Tribology Performance of Textured Port Plate Pair
Authors: Deng Haishun , He Shiju , Mao Feiyu , Wang Chuanli
Published: November 2018

In order to improve the friction and wear performance of textured port plate pair, effects of the micropit depth on the tribology performance is studied in the paper. The relation between the micropit depth and the port plate pair’s oil loading carrying capacity is analyzed in theory; with the friction coefficient, the wear volume and the surface roughness as the evaluation criteria, effects of the micropits’ depth on the tribology performance are investigated. The conclusions are shown as follows: oil loading capacity would come to its peak when the oil film thickness is equal to the micropit depth; the optimal micropit depth is unrelated to the area ratios and micropits’ diameters. With the same parameters, the effects of antifriction is optimal when the micropits’ depth is 10 μm, while antiwear and surface integrity are optimal when 15 μm. When the micropits’ depth is 5 μm, the antiwear, surface roughness, and antifriction are worse compared with those of the untextured port plate pair.
The Expression of lncRNA NEAT1 in Human Tuberculosis and Its Antituberculosis Effect
Authors: Huang Shuying , Huang Zikun , Luo Qing , Qing Cheng
Published: November 2018

Increasing evidence suggests that lncRNA is important in innate immune responses. Recent study has demonstrated that lncRNA NEAT1 (which has two subtypes: NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is essential in immune regulation, but the expression and clinical significance in tuberculosis are still unclear. In this work, we aimed to discuss the expression and clinical significance of NEAT1 in tuberculosis patients. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression of NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with tuberculosis and healthy controls and analyze the association of NEAT1 with the development, progression, and outcome of tuberculosis. Then NEAT1 was silenced in THP-1 cells using siRNA. The expression of tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-)αand interleukin- (IL-) 6 was detected after Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, and the change in bactericidal capacity against Mtb was assessed. We demonstrated that the relative expression of NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) in patients with tuberculosis was higher than that in the control. However, the expression of NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) in the new case and relapse groups had insignificant differences. The level of NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) in PBMCs declined gradually with treatment and was restored to the normal level. The expression of NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) in THP-1 cells increased markedly after Mtb infection. The levels of IL-6 but not TNF-αin Mtb-infected THP-1 cells declined after the NEAT1 (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) knockout. The survival of Mtb in NEAT1-knockout (both NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2) THP-1 cells reached its peak 72 h after infection, taking 0 h after Mtb infection as the baseline data; the difference was statistically significant compared with the control. Thus, our results indicate that the expression of NEAT1 increased during Mtb infection, and it might be associated with the outcome of tuberculosis. The decreased expression of NEAT1 might weaken the clearance of intracellular Mtb by macrophages.
TOAST Subtypes of Ischemic Stroke and Its Risk Factors: A Hospital-Based Study at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Harris Salim , Sungkar Saleha , Rasyid Al , Kurniawan Mohammad , Mesiano Taufik , Hidayat Rakhmad
Published: November 2018

Background and Purpose. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with ischemic stroke as the highest prevalent cases in Indonesia. Ischemic stroke can be classified further into five subtypes according to TOAST classification. Numerous studies have revealed that stroke risk factor has variable correlation with different stroke subtype. Currently, there is no data regarding this phenomenon in Indonesia. The aim of study is to identify characteristic of ischemic stroke subtypes and the risk factors in TOAST classification. Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from January till December 2016. Demographic data, ischemic stroke subtypes, risk factors, and other relevant data were documented. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done using SPSS 23. Results. 235 recorded data patients were included. Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was the most prevalent stroke subtypes at 59,6%, followed with small vessel disease (SVD) at 26,7%, undetermined etiology at 9,8%, cardioembolism (CE) at 2,1%, and other determined etiology at 0,9%. Hypertension was the most common vascular risk factor. However, it was only significant in SVD (p=0,023) and undetermined etiology subtypes (p<0,001). Significant risk factor in LAA was diabetes (55%; p=0,016) while in CE subtypes was atrial fibrillation (60%;p<0,001). In multivariate analyses, hypertension (OR 3; 95% CI 1,12-8,05) was the only variable that was related to SVD while in CE it was atrial fibrillation (OR 113,5; 95% CI 13,6-946,5). Conclusion. LAA was the most common stroke ischemic subtypes. Associated risk factor in LAA was diabetes while in SVD and undetermined etiology subtypes it was hypertension. Atrial fibrillation was associated with cardioembolism.
Maximum Power Point Tracking of DFIG with DC-Based Converter System Using Coordinated Feedback Linearization Control
Authors: Sun Yuliang , Yan Shaomin , Cai Bin , Wu Yuqiang
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a coordinated feedback linearization strategy (CFLS) for DC-based doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) system to track the maximum power point. The stator and rotor of DFIG are connected to DC grid directly by two voltage source converters. Compared with a traditional DFIG system, the DC-based DFIG system has more system inputs and coupling, which increases the difficulty of vector control strategy. Accordingly, CFLS is proposed to make DFIG operate at the maximum power point (MPP), and two aspects are improved: first a single-loop control is adopted to make DFIG operate steady and accurate under coordinated the control of RSC and SSC. Second system control laws are obtained by the feedback linearization strategy that achieves DC-based DFIG system decoupling fully during the MPPT and system control. Simulations are carried out the comparison between CFLS and conventional vector control (VC), and it shows that the control performance of CFLS is superior.
Transitory Spontaneous Remission of Myelodysplasia in an Elderly Man while Receiving Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for Bladder Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Murray Nigel P. , Fuentealba Cynthia , Salazar Isidora , Salazar Aníbal , Lopez Marco Antonio , Minzer Simona
Published: November 2018

Myelodysplasia is a clonal disorder characterized by progressive cytopenias. Intravescial BCG is standard immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer. We present a patient with transfusion-dependent myelodysplasia whose blood counts normalized during treatment with intravesical BCG for bladder cancer. After finishing treatment, the patient became transfusion dependent once more. We discuss possible mechanisms to explain this case report.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Activation Disrupts the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Pathway: A Novel Mechanism for Extracellular Matrix Accumulation in Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhu Wei , Jiang Chun-Ming , Feng Yuan , Xia Yang-Yang , Zhang Qing-Yan , Xu Peng-Fei , Zhang Miao
Published: November 2018

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is characterized by progressive extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Increasing evidence has suggested that ECM synthesis was increased in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) under high-glucose conditions, but the effects of high-glucose peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) on ECM synthesis have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanisms of high-glucose PDS-induced production of ECM in HPMCs. HPMCs were stimulated by high-glucose PDS. The activity of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) was inhibited by rapamycin or regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (raptor) siRNA. Morphological changes in the cells were observed under an inverted microscope. Oil red O, filipin staining and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to examine lipid accumulation. The expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) regulation, the mTORC1 pathway and ECM-associated markers were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The results showed that after treatment with PDS, HPMCs showed notable elongation consistent with the morphology of myofibroblasts, and the expression of ECM proteins such as α-smooth muscle actin, fibroblast specific protein-1 and collagen I was increased. In addition, there was a parallel increase in the ECM and lipid accumulation. Moreover, the effect of intracellular lipid deposition was closely correlated with the dysregulation of LDLr, which was mediated through the upregulation of LDLr, sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), and SREBP-2 and through the enhanced coexpression of the SCAP with the Golgin. Further analysis showed that PDS enhanced the protein phosphorylation of mTOR, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, and p70 S6 kinase. Interestingly, blocking mTORC1 activity reversed the dysregulation of LDLr, even in the presence of PDS. These effects were also accompanied by a decrease in the expression of ECM components. Our findings demonstrated that increased mTORC1 activity exacerbated ECM formation in HPMCs by disrupting LDLr regulation, which contributed to lipid disorder-mediated PF.
Coronary Artery Calcification in Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Jansz Thijs.T , van Reekum Franka E. , Özyilmaz Akin , de Jong Pim A. , Boereboom Franciscus T.J. , Hoekstra Tiny , Verhaar Marianne C. , van Jaarsveld Brigit C.
Published: November 2018

Background: Vascular calcification is seen in most patients on dialysis and is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality. Vascular calcification is promoted by phosphate, which generally reaches higher levels in hemodialysis than in peritoneal dialysis. However, whether vascular calcification develops less in peritoneal dialysis than in hemodialysis is currently unknown. Therefore, we compared coronary artery calcification (CAC), its progression, and calcification biomarkers between patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Methods: We measured CAC in 134 patients who had been treated exclusively with hemodialysis (n = 94) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 40) and were transplantation candidates. In 57 of them (34 on hemodialysis and 23 on peritoneal dialysis), we also measured CAC progression annually up to 3 years and the inactive species of desphospho-uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP), fetuin-A, osteoprotegerin. We compared CAC cross-sectionally with Tobit regression. CAC progression was compared in 2 ways: with linear mixed models as the difference in square root transformed volume score per year (ΔCAC SQRV) and with Tobit mixed models. We adjusted for potential confounders. Results: In the cross-sectional cohort, CAC volume scores were 92 mm3 in hemodialysis and 492 mm3 in peritoneal dialysis (adjusted difference 436 mm3; 95% CI –47 to 919; p = 0.08). In the longitudinal cohort, peritoneal dialysis was associated with significantly more CAC progression defined as ΔCAC SQRV (adjusted difference 1.20; 95% CI 0.09 to 2.31; p = 0.03), but not with Tobit mixed models (adjusted difference in CAC score increase per year 106 mm3; 95% CI –140 to 352; p = 0.40). Peritoneal dialysis was associated with higher osteoprotegerin (adjusted p = 0.02) but not with dp-ucMGP or fetuin-A. Conclusions: Peritoneal dialysis is not associated with less CAC or CAC progression than hemodialysis, and perhaps with even more progression. This indicates that vascular calcification does not develop less in peritoneal dialysis than in hemodialysis.
Constitutively Photomorphogenic 1 Reduces the Sensitivity of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells to Fludarabine Through Promotion of Ubiquitin-Mediated P53 Degradation
Authors: Fu Chunling , Shi Xuanxuan , Gong Yanqing , Wan Yan , Sun Zengtian , Shi Hengliang , Wang Zhenzhen , Marinaccio Christian , Crispino John D , Xu Kailin 
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: Chronic Lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and resistance to apoptosis due to gene mutation or abnormal gene expression. In our previous study, constitutively photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) was shown to be upregulated in Binet C-phase CLL patients. Based on the negative regulation of COP1 in the repair of DNA damage, we further studied the function of COP1 in CLL cell apoptosis induced by fludarabine in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We analyzed the sensitivity of primary CLL cells to the fludarabine by CCK-8, and detected the expression of p53 in cells after drug treatment by western blot. Next, we constructed COP1 overexrpessing CLL cell line HG3, and analyzed the effect of COP1 overexpression on the HG3 cell’s apoptosis, and HG3 transplant mice survival with drug treatment. Results: Here, we found that primary CLL cells with high expression of COP1 showed low sensitivity to the drug and presented delayed enrichment of p53 protein than cells with low COP1 expressed. COP1 overexpression reduced HG3 cell sensitivity to the fludarabine treatment and inhibited cell apoptosis, and also retarded itself via autoubiquitination. The further study showed that COP1 promoted ubiquitin-dependent p53 degradation, which further disrupts the formation of the p53-Brn-3a complex and activation of Bcl-2 transcription. Moreover, mice engrafted with cells overexpressing COP1 showed a shortened survival, increased tumor cells burden in spleen and bone marrow (BM), and reduced tumor cell apoptosis even when fludarabine combined cyclophosphamide (F+C) therapy was administered. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that COP1 contributes to drug resistance of CLL cells to the fludarabine treatment in vitro and in vivo.
Effects of Triple-Mutated Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α on Angiogenesis and Cardiac Function Improvement in Rats with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Mingyan , Cui Yongsheng , He Wenkai , Deng Xiufang , Wang Yuting , Cai Meifeng , Wang Yuegang , Pei Jingxian , Mei Xiao , Wu Pingsheng
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: The effects of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on angiogenesis and cardiac function improvement in rats with myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown and our current study was to evaluate whether HIF-1α would be beneficial for angiogenesis and cardiac function improvement in MI rats. Methods: A mutant of adenovirus HIF-1α (Ad-HIF-1α-Trip) was constructed by three sites mutation (Pro402, Pro564 and Asn803) in HIF-1α. The rat MI model was produced by permanent ligation of left anterior descending artery and 1×109 PFU adenovirus (Ad) vector particles of Ad-Null, Ad- HIF-1a-564/402, Ad- HIF-1a-Trip, 250ng vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 0.5ml saline or only 0.5 ml saline were injected intramuscularly around the infarct border zone. Real-time PCR, ELISA and western blotting were used to evaluate angiogenesis factors expression. Capillary density and necrotic areas were detected by immunohistochemistry staining and TTC staining, respectively. Cardiac function assessment was done by echocardiography before operation and on day 7, 14 and 28 after MI. Blood samples were drawn for the measurement of cardiac biomarkers, liver function and kidney function. Results: On day 7, compared to the other groups, the expressions of HIF-1α and angiogenesis factors, and the capillary density were all significantly higher in the Ad-HIF-1α-Trip group. However, on day 28, no significant between-group differences were observed. After 72 hours of MI, serum level of cardiac biomarkers and the necrotic areas were significantly lower in the Ad-HIF-1a-Trip group compared to the other groups. Echocardiography showed that on day 7, cardiac functions were significantly reduced in all groups compared to the baseline. Cardiac function in the Ad-HIF-1α-Trip group was decreased less profoundly through day 7 to day 28 compared to the other groups. Importantly, no significant differences in liver and renal function were observed. Conclusion: Mutation of Pro402, Pro564 and Asn803 are beneficial for enhancement of the efficacy of HIF-1α. Ad-HIF–1α-Trip is able to improve angiogenesis and cardiac function, which may be a promising avenue for treatment of ischemic heart disease in the future.
ПЕРВИННІ ІМУНОДЕФІЦИТИ: РЕГІОНАЛЬНІ, НАЦІОНАЛЬНІ ТА ГЛОБАЛЬНІ ВИКЛИКИ
Authors: Boyarchuk O. R. , Volokha A. P. , Hariyan T. V. , Dmytrash L. M.
Published: November 2018

Первинні імунодефіцити – група захворювань, що зумовлені генетичними дефектами та проявляються порушенням функції імунної системи. За останні роки спостерігається позитивна динаміка виявлення первинних імунодефіцитів в Україні та в Тернопільській області, проте рання діагностика захворювань залишається важливою проблемою. 
Мета дослідження – проаналізувати проблеми діагностики та лікування первинних імунодефіцитів в Україні та регіоні для визначення напрямків їх удосконалення. Протягом останніх років у країнах Східної Європи та в Україні відбулися значні зрушення в діагностиці первинних імунодефіцитів. Кількість захворювань в Україні за останні 10 років зросла втричі, проте ще значна кількість випадків залишається не виявленою. З 2012 р. в Україні ведеться реєстр хворих з первинними імунодефіцитами. В Тернопільській області спостерігається недостатнє виявлення дефектів антитілоутворень та комбінованих імунодефіцитів, порівняно з Україною та Європою, не використовуються усі можливості діагностики імунодефіцитів із синдромними ознаками, зокрема Ніймеген-синдрому та синдрому Ді-Джорджі. Проведений аналіз показав недостатню обізнаність студентів-медиків, лікарів-інтернів різних спеціальностей та практичних лікарів як первинної ланки, так і вузьких спеціалістів щодо діагностики та ведення первинних імунодефіцитів. Міждисциплінарна співпраця фахівців різних галузей (первинної ланки, імунологів, алергологів, пульмонологів, ревматологів, хірургів, неонатологів, оториноларингологів, гастроентерологів тощо) є важливим аспектом у питаннях діагностики і лікування пацієнтів із первинними імунодефіцитами. Розширення спектра генетичної діагностики первинних імунодефіцитів, забезпечення пацієнтів усіх вікових груп високоякісними імуноглобулінами для внутрішньовенного та підшкірного введень, доступність алогенної трансплантації гемопоетичних стовбурових клітин від родинного та сумісного неродинного донора є на сьогодні основними викликами розвитку дитячої імунології в Україні та в регіоні. Впровадження моделі освіти лікарів та підвищення громадської настороженості з удосконаленням інфраструктури діагностики первинних імунодефіцитів дозволить покращити ранню діагностику захворювань та якість життя дітей.
ВИБІР МЕТОДУ РЕКОНСТРУКЦІЇ ДЕФЕКТІВ ПОКРИВНИХ ТКАНИН ТУЛУБА ТА КІНЦІВОК У ТРАВМОВАНИХ ХВОРИХ
Authors: Ponomarenko E. V.
Published: November 2018

Об’єм реконструктивних втручань із відновлення дефектів покривних тканин, які виникають унаслідок травматичного ушкодження, визначає результат як з функціональної, так і з естетичної точки зору.

Мета дослідження – обрати оптимальний метод відновно-реконструктивного втручання із закриття ранових дефектів тулуба та кінцівок після травми.

Матеріали і методи. У роботі проаналізовано дані 242 хворих із дефектами покривних тканин тулуба та кінцівок, які виникли унаслідок механічного ушкодження за період 2008–2016 рр. Пацієнтам виконали 697 оперативних втручань, з них 492 (70,6 %) операцій з приводу відновлення ушкоджених тканин.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Хворих поділили на 4 групи залежно від розмірів, глибини та ступеня ушкодження м’яких тканин та інших структур тулуба й кінцівок. Перша група – 44 (18,2 %) хворих з обмеженою (до 5 см у діаметрі) ділянкою ушкодження шкіри та підлеглих тканин до глибокої фасції. Їм було виконано 61 (8,8 %) втручання. Друга група – 67 (27,7 %) хворих із великою та надвеликою рановою поверхнею й ушкодженням м’яких тканин нижче глибокої фасції. У цій групі виконано 144 (20,6 %) оперативних втручань. Третю групу склали 90 (37,2 %) пацієнтів з дефектами покривних тканин, які виникли разом або унаслідок ушкодження кістково-суглобового апарату. Було виконано 272 (39 %) операцій. Четверта група – 41 (16,9 %) хворих з поєднаною або множинною травмою, що супроводжується ушкодженням магістральних судин, нервів частковим або повним відокремленням кінцівки. В цій групі було виконано 220 (31,6 %) операцій.

Висновки. Використання васкуляризованих клаптів у 21,3 % усіх можливих реконструкцій підвищило функціональні та косметичні результати лікування, знизило кількість ішемічних розладів та запальних процесів (1,9 % післяопераційних ускладнень). Ретельний підхід до вибору відновного втручання дефектів покривних тканин, які зумовлені механічними ушкодженнями, дозволив досягти задовільних результатів у 98,9 % випадків.
Taraxacum sandomiriense (sect. Erythrosperma, Asteraceae), a new species from Poland
Authors: WOLANIN MATEUSZ MARIAN , MUSIAŁ KRYSTYNA , WOLANIN MAGDALENA NATALIA
Published: November 2018

Taraxacum sandomiriense Wolanin, a new species of Taraxacum sect. Erythrosperma from Poland is described. It is a triploid (2n=24) characterized by strongly corniculated inner bracts, brown-colored achenes and distinctly haired leaves. It is an extremely rare taxon found in the xerothermic plant communities in the Świętokrzyskie Province. The species conservation assessment for T. sandomiriense determines its threat status as Critically Endangered, since it consists of three populations with a very small number of individuals. A detailed species description, photographs, distribution map, notes on ecology and chorology are provided.
Tilletia triraphidis (Tilletiaceae), a new smut fungus on Triraphis purpurea (Poaceae) from Namibia
Authors: DENCHEV TEODOR T. , VAN DER ZON A. P.M. , DENCHEV CVETOMIR M.
Published: November 2018

A new smut fungus from Namibia, Tilletia triraphidis (Tilletiaceae) on Triraphis purpurea (Poaceae: Triraphideae), is described and illustrated. It differs from all other species of Tilletia by specialization on Triraphis. Tilletia triraphidis is distinguished from the known smut fungi on host plants in the tribe Triraphideae (Ustilago neyraudiae, U. latzii, and U. triraphidis) by having sterile cells and reticulate spores. A key to the smut fungi that infect Neyraudia and Triraphis is also provided.
Description of the pupa of Culex (Culex) bidens Dyar (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: RIVERA-GARCÍA KARINA D. , IBÁÑEZ-BERNAL SERGIO
Published: November 2018

The pupa of Culex (Culex) bidens Dyar is described based on specimens from Mexico. The pupa is compared with the pupae of Culex (Culex) declarator Dyar & Knab and Culex (Culex) interfor Dyar, similar species which are easily confused with Culex bidens.
The bard of love: Memory and antiquity in Petrarch
Authors: Tuccini Giona
Published: November 2018

Departing from Aulus Gellius’ concept of ‘classicus’, the article explores the intersection of this term with others, such as ‘exemplary’, ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’, while focusing on the classical hallmark of Petrarch’s oeuvre and on his relationship with classical authors, notably the Latin authors. It is precisely the figure of Petrarch, whose evocative lyrics have been a centuries-old source of inspiration, extending as far as Zanzotto in the 20th century, that warrants the introduction of the ‘ancient versus modern’ dichotomy. This has been subject to various interpretations over the centuries, with particular reference to the Fathers of the Church and to Humanism, the central perspective of renewal and research, which – while not being exempt from paradoxes and incongruities – encases the origins of ‘modern culture’ and modernity, by virtue of its emphasis on the study of the humanae litterae and on the concept of human perfectibility.
Radiopathologic correlation of collision lung cancer with ground-glass opacity
Authors: Uchida Shinsuke , Tsuta Koji , Kusumoto Masahiko , Shiraishi Kouya , Kohno Takashi , Watanabe Shun-ichi
Published: November 2018

Pulmonary collision tumors have been described as a special entity of synchronous multiple lung cancer. There have been no reports detailing the chronological changes in primary collision lung cancers on chest computed tomography. We report a case of ground-glass lung nodules gradually colliding with each other. The collision tumors of the lung were composed of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ with epidermal growth factor mutations. Immunohistochemically, the Ki-67 labeling indices were different in the 2 components. Ki-67 staining was useful to distinguish the 2 components. The 2 dominant ground-glass tumors grew slowly with radiologic and pathologic heterogeneity.