bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CFD Simulations to Study Parameters Affecting Gas Explosion Venting in Compressor Compartments
Authors: Cen Kang , Song Bin , Huang Yan , Wang Qingsheng
Published: December 2017

In this work, a series of vented explosions in a typical compressor compartment are simulated using FLACS code to analyze the explosion venting characteristics. The effects of relevant parameters on the pressure peaks (i.e., overpressure and negative pressure) are also numerically investigated, including vent area ratio of the compressor compartment, vent activation pressure, mass per unit area of vent panels, and volume blockage ratio of obstacles. In addition, the orthogonal experiment design and improved grey relational analysis are implemented to evaluate the impact degree of these relevant parameters. The results show that the pressure peaks decrease with the increase of vent area ratio. There is an approximately linearly increasing relationship between the pressure peaks and the vent activation pressure. The pressure peaks increase with the mass per unit area of vent panels. The pressure peaks increase with the volume blockage ratio of obstacles. Based on the grey relational grade values, the effects of these relevant parameters on the overpressure peak are ranked as follows: volume blockage ratio of obstacles > vent activation pressure > vent area ratio > mass per unit area of vent panels. These achievements provide effective guidance for the venting safety design of gas compressor compartments.
Thermal Performance Analyses of Multiborehole Ground Heat Exchangers
Authors: Luo Wanjing , Tang Changfu , Feng Yin , Miao Pu
Published: December 2017

Geothermal energy known as a clean, renewable energy resource is widely available and reliable. Ground heat exchangers (GHEs) can assist the development of geothermal energy by reducing the capital cost and greenhouse gas emission. In this paper, a novel semianalytical method was developed to study the thermal performance of multiborehole ground heat exchangers (GHEs) with arbitrary configurations. By assuming a uniform inlet fluid temperature (UIFT), instead of uniform heat flux (UHF), the effects of thermal interference and the thermal performance difference between different boreholes can be examined. Simulation results indicate that the monthly average outlet fluid temperatures of GHEs will increase gradually while the annual cooling load of the GHEs is greater than the annual heating load. Besides, two mechanisms, the thermal dissipation and the heat storage effect, will determine the heat transfer underground, which can be further divided into four stages. Moreover, some boreholes will be malfunctioned; that is, boreholes can absorb heat from ground when the GHEs are under the cooling mode. However, as indicated by further investigations, this malfunction can be avoided by increasing borehole spacing.
What Each Clinical Anatomist Has to Know about Left Renal Vein Entrapment Syndrome (Nutcracker Syndrome): A Review of the Most Important Findings
Authors: Orczyk Krzysztof , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Majos Agata , Stefańczyk Ludomir , Topol Mirosław , Polguj Michał
Published: December 2017

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is the most common term for compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. The development of NCS is associated with the formation of the left renal vein (LRV) from the aortic collar during the sixth to eighth week of gestation and abnormal angulation of the superior mesenteric artery from the aorta. Collateralization of venous circulation is the most significant effect of NCS. It includes mainly the left gonadal vein and the communicating lumbar vein. Undiagnosed NCS may affect retroperitoneal surgery and other radiological and vascular procedures. The clinical symptoms of NCS may generally be described as renal presentation when symptoms like haematuria, left flank pain, and proteinuria occur, but urologic presentation is also possible. Radiological methods of confirming NCS include Doppler ultrasonography as a primary test, retrograde venography, which can measure the renocaval pressure gradient, computed tomography angiography, which is faster and less traumatic, intravascular ultrasound, and magnetic resonance angiography. Treatment can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of symptoms and degree of LRV occlusion. Nutcracker syndrome is worth considering especially in differential diagnosis of haematuria of unknown origin.
Adverse Health Effects of Betel Quid and the Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Chen Ping-Ho , Mahmood Qaisar , Mariottini Gian Luigi , Chiang Tai-An , Lee Ka-Wo
Published: December 2017

Global reports estimate 600 million betel quid (BQ) chewers. BQ chewing has been demonstrated not only to be a risk factor for cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) but also to cause other cancers and adverse health effects. Herein, we summarized the international comparison data to aid in the understanding of the close relationship between the prevalence of BQ chewing, the occurrence of oral and pharyngeal cancers, and adverse health effects. Potential biomarkers of BQ carcinogens, such as areca nut, alkaloids, and 3-methylnitrosaminopropionitrile (MNPN), are closely associated with human health toxicology. Molecular mechanisms or pathways involving autophagy, hypoxia, COX-2, NF-κB activity, and stemness are known to be induced by BQ ingredients and are very closely related to the carcinogenesis of cancers of oral and pharynx. BQ abuse-related monoamine oxidase (MAO) gene was associated with the occurrence and progress of oral and pharyngeal cancers. In summary, our review article provides important insights into the potential roles of environmental BQ (specific alkaloid biomarkers and nitrosamine products MNPN) and genetic factors (MAO) and offers a basis for studies aiming to reduce or eliminate BQ-related OPMD and oral/pharyngeal cancer incidences in the future.
Task Space Trajectory Tracking Control of Robot Manipulators with Uncertain Kinematics and Dynamics
Authors: Liang Xichang , Wan Yi , Zhang Chengrui
Published: December 2017

To improve the tracking precision of robot manipulators’ end‐effector with uncertain kinematics and dynamics in the task space, a new control method is proposed. The controller is based on time delay estimation and combines with the nonsingular terminal sliding mode (NTSM) and adaptive fuzzy logic control scheme. Kinematic parameters are not exactly required with the consideration of kinematic uncertainties in the controller. No dynamic models or numerous parameters of the robot manipulator system are required with the use of TDE. Thus, the controller is simple structure and suitable for practical applications. Furthermore, errors caused by time delay estimation are compensated by the adaptive fuzzy nonsingular terminal sliding mode scheme. The simulation is performed on a 2‐DOF robot manipulator with three cases in the task space. The results show that the proposed controller provides faster convergence rate and higher tracking precision than TDE based NTSM and improved TDE based NTSM controller.
A Cloud-User Protocol Based on Ciphertext Watermarking Technology
Authors: Liu Keyang , Zhang Weiming , Dong Xiaojuan
Published: December 2017

With the growth of cloud computing technology, more and more Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) begin to provide cloud computing service to users and ask for users’ permission of using their data to improve the quality of service (QoS). Since these data are stored in the form of plain text, they bring about users’ worry for the risk of privacy leakage. However, the existing watermark embedding and encryption technology is not suitable for protecting the Right to Be Forgotten. Hence, we propose a new Cloud-User protocol as a solution for plain text outsourcing problem. We only allow users and CSPs to embed the ciphertext watermark, which is generated and embedded by Trusted Third Party (TTP), into the ciphertext data for transferring. Then, the receiver decrypts it and obtains the watermarked data in plain text. In the arbitration stage, feature extraction and the identity of user will be used to identify the data. The fixed Hamming distance code can help raise the system’s capability for watermarks as much as possible. Extracted watermark can locate the unauthorized distributor and protect the right of honest CSP. The results of experiments demonstrate the security and validity of our protocol.
Nanotechnology-Based Cardiac Targeting and Direct Cardiac Reprogramming: The Betrothed
Authors: Passaro Fabiana , Testa Gianluca , Ambrosone Luigi , Costagliola Ciro , Tocchetti Carlo Gabriele , di Nezza Francesca , Russo Michele , Pirozzi Flora , Abete Pasquale , Russo Tommaso , Bonaduce Domenico
Published: December 2017

Cardiovascular diseases represent the first cause of morbidity in Western countries, and chronic heart failure features a significant health care burden in developed countries. Efforts in the attempt of finding new possible strategies for the treatment of CHF yielded several approaches based on the use of stem cells. The discovery of direct cardiac reprogramming has unveiled a new approach to heart regeneration, allowing, at least in principle, the conversion of one differentiated cell type into another without proceeding through a pluripotent intermediate. First developed for cancer treatment, nanotechnology-based approaches have opened new perspectives in many fields of medical research, including cardiovascular research. Nanotechnology could allow the delivery of molecules with specific biological activity at a sustained and controlled rate in heart tissue, in a cell-specific manner. Potentially, all the mediators and structural molecules involved in the fibrotic process could be selectively targeted by nanocarriers, but to date, only few experiences have been made in cardiac research. This review highlights the most prominent concepts that characterize both the field of cardiac reprogramming and a nanomedicine-based approach to cardiovascular diseases, hypothesizing a possible synergy between these two very promising fields of research in the treatment of heart failure.
Seizure-Related Injuries among People with Epilepsy at the Outpatient Department of the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Institutional-Based Study
Authors: Bifftu Berhanu Boru , Tadesse Tiruneh Bewket , Mekonnen Kelkay Mengistu , Bayu Nestanet Habte , Tewolde Abebe Woldesellassie , Takele Wubet Worku , Getnet Mehammed Adem , Azagew Abere Woretaw
Published: December 2017

Background. The characteristics of epilepsy such as the episodic nature of impairment of consciousness and motor control, psychomotor comorbidity, seizure frequency, and side effects of antiepileptic drugs impact negatively on the physical safety of the patients. Physical injuries such as burn, fracture, dental loss, and hemorrhage affect the quality of patients’ life to the extent of death. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of physical injury and associated factors among people with epilepsy. Methods. The study was carried out among 409 people with epilepsy. Cross-sectional study design was utilized to enroll the selected study participants using systematic random sampling technique. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were fitted to identify associated factors using an odds ratio and 95% CI. Results. The overall estimated prevalence of seizure-related physical injury was found to be 27.9%. Of the 27.9% seizure-related physical injuries, 12.5% had abrasions, 5.9% had burns, 4.4% had dental injuries, 2.2% had fractures, and 1.5% had head injuries and dislocations, respectively. Employment, 2-3 years duration of illness, seizure frequencies, and frequencies of drug taken were factors associated with physical injury. Conclusion. More than a quarter of the study participants experienced physical injury. Designing/strengthening injury prevention strategies is suggested especially for those who had uncontrolled seizure frequency for longer period of time.
Brain Tumor Diagnostics and Therapeutics with Superparamagnetic Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Hyder Fahmeed , Manjura Hoque S.
Published: December 2017

Ferrite nanoparticles (F-NPs) can transformbothcancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Superparamagnetic F-NPs exhibit high magnetic moment and susceptibility such that in presence of a static magnetic field transverse relaxation rate of water protons for MRI contrast is augmented to locate F-NPs (i.e., diagnostics) and exposed to an alternating magnetic field local temperature is increased to induce tissue necrosis (i.e., thermotherapy). F-NPs are modified by chemical synthesis of mixed spinel ferrites as well as their size, shape, and coating. Purposely designed drug-containing nanoparticles (D-NPs) can slowly deliver drugs (i.e., chemotherapy). Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of D-NPs with MRI guidance improves glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. MRI monitors the location of chemotherapy when D-NPs and F-NPs are coadministered with CED. However superparamagnetic field gradients produced by F-NPs complicate MRI readouts (spatial distortions) and MRS (extensive line broadening). Since extracellular pH (pHe) is a cancer hallmark,pHeimaging is needed to screen cancer treatments. Biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts (BIRDS) extrapolatespHefrom paramagnetically shifted signals and thepHeaccuracy remains unaffected by F-NPs. Hence effect ofbothchemotherapy and thermotherapy can be monitored (by BIRDS), whereas location of F-NPs is revealed (by MRI). Smarter tethering of nanoparticles and agents will impact GBM theranostics.
Composite Fire Detection System Using Sparse Representation Method
Authors: Qu Na , Wang Jianhui , Liu Jinhai , Li Zhonghai
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes that fire parameter data of smoke, temperature, and CO is fused by sparse representation algorithm. It designs a kind of overcomplete dictionary and obtains the sparse solution of fire recognition through L1 norm, L3/4 norm, L1/2 norm, and L1/4 norm, respectively, in order to select more suitable norm type. A comprehensive classification method is proposed for fire identification. The simulation results show that L1 norm and L3/4 norm are used to obtain the solution with remarkable sparsity and high accuracy. The comprehensive classification method is more effective than minimum residual method and sum of weight coefficients method. This paper uses DSP TMS320F28022 as the core chip, TC72 as the temperature sensor, MQ‐7 as the CO gas sensor, and MQ‐9 as the smoke sensor to design the hardware of fire detection system. Code Composer Studio (CCS) software is used to compile and debug the program. Proteus software is used to load the program into the hardware circuit for joint simulation. The simulation results show that system design is feasible.
Primary Signet-Ring Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urinary Bladder Treated with Partial Cystectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Fernando D. M. Hilary , Herath Kasun Bandara , de Silva M. V. Chandu , Goonewardena S. A. S.
Published: December 2017

Primary signet-ring cell carcinoma is a variant of adenocarcinoma which is extremely rare, associated with poor prognosis and generally found to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We report a case of primary signet-ring cell carcinoma of the bladder which was successfully treated with partial cystectomy. A 71-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and ischaemic heart disease presented with painless haematuria for 2 months’ duration. The abdominal ultrasonography showed a localised polypoidal vesical growth arising from the bladder dome. Cystoscopy revealed an exophytic solid tumour in the anterior fundal wall. A deep transurethral resection of bladder tumour was done and histology revealed an adenocarcinoma composed of mucinous and signet-ring cell components. Later, considering the patient’s age and the poor general condition, a partial cystectomy was done. Follow-up cystoscopy and ultrasonography were done at 12 months and there was no evidence of tumour recurrence and the patient is currently symptom-free. Partial cystectomy may be considered in patients with localised tumour without evidence of metastasis and poor general condition. Regular cystoscopies and ultrasound imaging are necessary for follow-up and early identification of recurrences.
K Important Neighbors: A Novel Approach to Binary Classification in High Dimensional Data
Authors: Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , Pourahmad Saeedeh , Zare Najaf
Published: December 2017

K nearest neighbors (KNN) are known as one of the simplest nonparametric classifiers but in high dimensional setting accuracy of KNN are affected by nuisance features. In this study, we proposed the K important neighbors (KIN) as a novel approach for binary classification in high dimensional problems. To avoid the curse of dimensionality, we implemented smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) logistic regression at the initial stage and considered the importance of each feature in construction of dissimilarity measure with imposing features contribution as a function of SCAD coefficients on Euclidean distance. The nature of this hybrid dissimilarity measure, which combines information of both features and distances, enjoys all good properties of SCAD penalized regression and KNN simultaneously. In comparison to KNN, simulation studies showed that KIN has a good performance in terms of both accuracy and dimension reduction. The proposed approach was found to be capable of eliminating nearly all of the noninformative features because of utilizing oracle property of SCAD penalized regression in the construction of dissimilarity measure. In very sparse settings, KIN also outperforms support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF) as the best classifiers.
Effects of Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings on Quality and Antioxidant Enzyme System of Strawberry during Cold Storage
Authors: Li Li , Sun Jian , Gao Haiyan , Shen Yingbin , Li Changbao , Yi Ping , He Xuemei , Ling Dongning , Sheng Jinfeng , Li Jiemin , Liu Guoming , Zheng Fengjin , Xin Ming , Li Zhichun , Tang Yayuan
Published: December 2017

Strawberry is a nutritious, but highly perishable fruit. Three polysaccharide-based edible coatings (alginate, chitosan, and pullulan) were applied to postharvest strawberry fruit during cold storage (4°C), and their effects on fruit quality and antioxidant enzyme system were investigated in the present study. The results showed that polysaccharide coatings showed a significant delay in fruit softening and rot and reduced changes in total soluble solid and titratable acidity content during 16 d storage. Polysaccharide coatings also maintained higher ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents than control from day 2 and significantly inhibited fruit decay and respiration after 12 d storage (p<0.05). Polysaccharide treatments enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase) so as to prevent lipid peroxidation and reduce membrane damage. Additionally, chitosan coating had the most positive effects on fruit quality amongst three polysaccharide-based edible coatings and presented the highest relative activities of antioxidant enzymes. These results indicated that polysaccharide-based edible coatings were helpful in postharvest quality maintenance of strawberry fruit.
Cuestionando el Tratamiento Tributario del Goodwill
Authors: Gonzalez Rene
Published: December 2017

El actual tratamiento tributario del Goodwill y el Badwill produce desigualdad tributaria. En el caso del Goodwill, esta se explica por la imposibilidad de que el contribuyente reconozca pérdidas efectivas surgidas en un proceso de fusión, sino hasta que la organización que las registra se disuelva o lleve a cabo el término de su giro empresarial. En el caso del Badwill, esta  surge de la tributación de utilidades que eventualmente ya tributaron en sus orígenes. Estas situaciones podrían incentivar al contribuyente a buscar alternativas para evitar una potencial doble tributación interna o a reconocer, justificadamente y en el corto plazo, las pérdidas generadas en un determinado proceso de fusión de sociedades. Una alternativa para contrarrestar estos efectos es, por medio de una modificación legal, reconocer el genuino derecho a utilizar las pérdidas y buscar una metodología que permita distinguir utilidades que ya tributaron en sus organizaciones de origen.
VEGFR2–Mediated Reprogramming of Mitochondrial Metabolism Regulates the Sensitivity of Acute Myeloid Leukemia to Chemotherapy
Authors: Nóbrega-Pereira Sandrina , Caiado Francisco , Carvalho Tânia , Matias Inês , Graça Gonçalo , Gonçalves Luís G. , Silva-Santos Bruno , Norell Haakan , Dias Sérgio
Published: December 2017

Metabolic reprogramming is central to tumorigenesis, but whether chemotherapy induces metabolic features promoting recurrence remains unknown. We established a mouse xenograft model of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that enabled chemotherapy-induced regressions of established disease followed by lethal regrowth of more aggressive tumor cells. Human AML cells from terminally ill mice treated with chemotherapy (chemoAML) had higher lipid content, increased lactate production and ATP levels, reduced expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and fewer mitochondria than controls from untreated AML animals. These changes were linked to increased VEGFR2 signaling that counteracted chemotherapy-driven cell death; blocking of VEGFR2 sensitized chemoAML to chemotherapy (re-)treatment and induced a mitochondrial biogenesis program with increased mitochondrial mass and oxidative stress. Accordingly, depletion of PGC-1α in chemoAML cells abolished such induction of mitochondrial metabolism and chemosensitization in response to VEGFR2 inhibition. Collectively, this reveals a mitochondrial metabolic vulnerability with potential therapeutic applications against chemotherapy-resistant AML.

Significance: These findings reveal a mitochondrial metabolic vulnerability that might be exploited to kill chemotherapy-resistant acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Res; 78(3); 731–41. ©2017 AACR.
Coactivation of Estrogen Receptor and IKKβ Induces a Dormant Metastatic Phenotype in ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: El-Shennawy Lamiaa , Dubrovskyi Oleksii , Kastrati Irida , Danes Jeanne M. , Zhang Yiqun , Whiteley Herbert E. , Creighton Chad J. , Frasor Jonna
Published: December 2017

A growing body of evidence suggests that the inflammatory NFκB pathway is associated with the progression of ER+ tumors to more aggressive stages. However, it is unknown whether NFκB is a driver or a consequence of aggressive ER+ disease. To investigate this question, we developed breast cancer cell lines expressing an inducible, constitutively active form of IκB kinase β (CA-IKKβ), a key kinase in the canonical NFκB pathway. We found that CA-IKKβ blocked E2-dependent cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in a reversible manner, suggesting that IKKβ may contribute to tumor dormancy and recurrence of ER+ disease. Moreover, coactivation of ER and IKKβ promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro and drove experimental metastasis in vivo. Gene expression profiling revealed a strong association between ER and CA-IKKβ–driven gene expression and clinically relevant invasion and metastasis gene signatures. Mechanistically, the invasive phenotype appeared to be driven by an expansion of a basal/stem-like cell population rather than EMT. Taken together, our findings suggest that coactivation of ER and the canonical NFκB pathway promotes a dormant, metastatic phenotype in ER+ breast cancer and implicates IKKβ as a driver of certain features of aggressive ER+ breast cancer.

Significance: The canonical NFκB pathway promotes expansion of stem/basal-like cells and a dormant, metastatic phenotype in ER+ breast cancer cells. Cancer Res; 78(4); 974–84. ©2017 AACR.
Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Leads to Resistance to EGFR TKIs in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer by Activating Src-mediated Bypass Signaling
Authors: Ye Mingxiang , Zhang Yong , Gao Hongjun , Xu Yan , Jing Pengyu , Wu Jianxiong , Zhang Xinxin , Xiong Jie , Dong Chenfang , Yao Libo , Zhang Jian , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2017

Purpose: The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been generally recognized as a ligand-activated transcriptional factor that responds to xenobiotic chemicals. Recent studies have suggested that the expression of AhR varies widely across different cancer types and cancer cell lines, but its significance in cancer treatment has yet to be clarified.

Experimental Design: AhR expression in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was determined by Western blotting and IHC staining. In vitro and in vivo functional experiments were performed to determine the effect of AhR on sensitivity to targeted therapeutics. A panel of biochemical assays was used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Results: A high AhR protein level indicated an unfavorable prognosis for lung adenocarcinoma. Inhibition of AhR signaling sensitized EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in NSCLC cells that express high level of endogenous AhR protein. Notably, activation of AhR by pharmacologic and molecular approaches rendered EGFR-mutant cells resistant to TKIs by restoring PI3K/Akt and MEK/Erk signaling through activation of Src. In addition, we found that AhR acts as a protein adaptor to mediate Jak2–Src interaction, which does not require the canonical transcriptional activity of AhR.

Conclusions: Our results reveal a transcription-independent function of AhR and indicate that AhR may act as a protein adaptor that recruits kinases bypassing EGFR and drives resistance to TKIs. Accordingly, targeting Src would be a strategy to overcome resistance to EGFR TKIs in AhR-activated NSCLC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(5); 1227–39. ©2017 AACR.
STN DBS for Advanced Parkinson Disease Simultaneously Alleviates Cluster Headache
Authors: Huotarinen Antti , Reich Martin , Volkmann Jens , Pekkonen Eero
Published: December 2017

Background: STB DBS (deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus) is commonly used to treat advanced Parkinson disease (PD) while posterior hypothalamic DBS for cluster headache (CH) remains experimental. Methods: We present a case where a middle-aged man was diagnosed with both CH and PD and received medical treatment for both. The patient was treated with bilateral STN DBS after developing side effects related to L-dopa. Findings: STN DBS not only alleviated PD symptoms but also the CH, and hence the CH treatment could be withdrawn. During follow-up PD progressed but the effect on CH symptoms was sustained. Conclusions: The anatomical proximity of the medial STN and hypothalamus, their similar connectivity via the hyperdirect pathway, and the autonomic effects of STN DBS could explain symptom relief for both PD and CH.
Higher Serum Hepatocyte Growth Factor Concentration is Associated with Better Preservation of GFR in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Baum Ewa , Maćkowiak Beata , Sosińska-Zawierucha Patrycja , Pawlaczyk Krzysztof , Kołodziejczak Barbara , Breborowicz Andrzej
Published: December 2017

Background/Aims: Hemodialysis induces an intravascular inflammatory reaction which may further deteriorate renal function. We studied changes of serum interleukin 6 (IL6) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) concentrations during dialysis sessions, and at 12 month intervals. The synthesis of these cytokines in arterial endothelial cells in the presence of serum obtained from dialyzed patients was studied. Changes of the inflammatory reaction during 12 months of treatment were correlated with GFR. Methods: The study was performed on a group of 30 uremic patients treated with hemodialysis. Serum samples were collected before the start of dialysis, 15 minutes, and 4 hours later, when the session was finished. Serum levels of IL6 and HGF were measured with ELISA, as was the effect of serum samples on the synthesis of these cytokines in arterial endothelial cells. Results: At baseline hemodialysis induced an increase of serum IL6 (+10%) and HGF (+164%) levels at the end of the session. After 12 months of treatment predialysis serum IL 6 level was increased as compared to the beginning of the study (+22%), but no change in serum HGF level was observed. At that time the dialysis-induced rise of serum IL6 level was stronger than at the start (+18%), but the observed effect for HGF was weaker (+116%). An inverse correlation was observed between the dialysis-induced increase of HGF level and decrease of GFR after 12 months of study. The same relation was seen for HGF synthesis in the endothelium, but opposite for IL6 synthesis in the endothelium. Conclusions: We found that a higher HGF serum level during hemodialysis treatment is associated with a slower loss of residual renal function.
Why Public and Theological? The Problem of Public Theology in the Chinese Context
Authors: Xie Zhibin
Published: December 2017

This article reviews the discourses on public theology in the Chinese context and examines the traditional Chinese understanding of the term ‘public’, the tradition of public theology in China, and the specific issues facing a public theology in the Chinese context. It highlights the problems that surround a governmental-dominated public, the identity of social organizations, and the theological character of political entanglement when Christianity seeks to engage in public life in China. These problems shape the development of public theology in the Chinese setting as well as its prospective contribution to the global discourse on public theology. It also examines the tension that sometimes arises surrounding the relationship between the two substantive terms—public and theological. It seeks to demonstrate how to be public and theological at one and the same time—and, do so, with special reference to its implications in the Chinese context.
A Medieval Hebrew Adaptation of Two Crusading Texts: Presentation, Analysis and Edition
Authors: Roth Pinchas , Rubin Jonathan
Published: December 2017

A Hebrew manuscript in the Parma Palatinate Library, produced in the fourteenth century, probably in Provence, contains adaptations from Latin/Romance texts, including two that originate in the Christian crusading tradition. These two sections consist mainly of historical and geographical data relating to the Levant. The Hebrew adaptations, although selective, are religiously neutral, reflecting the redactor’s keen interest in the history and geography of the Orient and his willingness to absorb information about it from Christian sources.
Building a Fascist Romania: Voluntary Work Camps as Mobilisation Strategies of the Legionary Movement in Interwar Romania
Authors: Cârstocea Raul
Published: December 2017

This paper addresses the importance of work camps as mobilisation strategies employed by the ‘Legion of the Archangel Michael’, Romania’s interwar fascist movement. It argues that the success of the legionary constructive work projects, practically taking the form of voluntary work camps and smaller ‘construction sites’ (şantiere) – the latter developed according to similar principles, yet more limited in size – contributed significantly to the increase in popularity of the movement, in spite of (and perhaps even aided by) sustained opposition from the state authorities. As such, the case study of the legionary work camps is employed in an attempt to show how grassroots mobilisation strategies, emphasising activism and voluntarism, as well as cross-class solidarity among members of the movement, added considerable credibility to a populist palingenetic project, circumventing a shortage of material resources that prevented the use of more elaborate propaganda methods. Such strategies rendered the legionary movement distinct from all the other political parties in interwar Romania, and their positive reception, especially among the rural population, gave credence to the legionary criticism of the democratic parties and, implicitly, to the movement’s challenge to parliamentary democracy.
The cedaw Committee and Gender-Based Violence against Women
Authors: McQuigg Ronagh J.A.
Published: December 2017

On 14 July 2017, the un Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (cedaw Committee) adopted its General Recommendation No. 35 on gender-based violence against women. The purpose of this General Recommendation was to update the Committee’s General Recommendation No. 19 on violence against women, which had been adopted 25 years previously. This article examines General Recommendation No. 35 and analyses the extent to which this General Recommendation may contribute to addressing the issue of gender-based violence against women. However, although General Recommendation No. 35 is undoubtedly a positive development in the response of international human rights law to this issue, it is argued that further measures are necessary, in the form of a un treaty on violence against women.
Utopian Concept, Mixed Structure, Digital Extent and New Claims
Authors: Mlynarska-Sobaczewska Anna
Published: December 2017

The right to artistic culture, as a set of rights and freedoms associated with participation in artistic culture, can be regarded as a kind of umbrella term, consisting of an array of rights and freedoms related to the freedom to create and share one’s own works, the right to experience the works of others, setting the boundaries in horizontal relations between artists, and the freedom of access and creation on the basis of available works. The right to culture in European states with state patronage systems means also fulfilling a number of positive obligations, particularly connected to the fair financing of artistic life and universally assured access to it. This right is not by nature homogeneous and cannot be categorised only as a social right, while some components of it are already established and protected in civil rights systems of protection. Finding the elements of this right in the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case-law and domestic legal measures delivers the evidence on its complex nature and allows the pointing out of some paradoxes in its development. It also considers the justiciability to the right to culture.
Socratic Dialogue Faces the History
Authors: Candiotto Laura
Published: December 2017

This essay will demonstrate the nexus between philosophical dialogue and political action by analyzing the work of Leonard Nelson and his disciples Gustav Heckman and Minna Specht. The central question is: “In which sense can a dialogical education be considered as a political action?”

In the 1920s and 1930s, Nelson promoted Socratic dialogue amongst his students as a practice of freedom in opposition to the rising Nazi power. Nelson understood that to educate the new generation through a very participative model of philosophical inquiry that privileged critical thinking and autonomy was the best form of resistance. Minna Specht’s idea of education for confidence gave to this dialogical practice a very innovative dimension, which led her to be engaged with unesco’s educational programs in post-war Germany. In this way, the Socratic dialogue faced history.
Typification of the name Polygala flavescens DC. (Polygalaceae)
Authors: ROMA-MARZIO FRANCESCO , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: December 2017

The present contribution is part of an ongoing work promoted by the Italian Botanical Society aimed to recognize and typify all the taxa described from Italy and their loci classici, in order to increase their systematic knowledge and promote further studies (Domina et al. 2012, Peruzzi et al. 2015, Brundu et al. 2017). One of these taxa is Polygala flavescens Candolle (1813: 134), an Italian endemic species that, according to Arrigoni (2014), includes three subspecies: P. flavescens DC. subsp. flavescens, P. flavescens DC. subsp. maremmana (Fiori in Fiori et al. 1908: 495) Arrigoni (2014: 251) and P. flavescens DC. subsp. pisaurensis (Caldesi 1879: 189) Arcangeli (1882: 68). To the best of our knowledge, the name Polygala flavescens was not yet typified.
Pinus vallartensis (Pinaceae), a new species from western Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: DE LA ROSA JORGE A. PÉREZ , GERNANDT DAVID S.
Published: December 2017

We propose and describe Pinus vallartensis Pérez de la Rosa & Gernandt as a new species from western Jalisco, Mexico. The pine occurs near the southern limit of the Sierra Occidental at the intersection of the municipalities of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo Corrientes, and Talpa de Allende. Pinus oocarpa occurs within the margins of this forest to the south and P. jaliscana to the west. The more distantly related pine, P. maximinoi, also occurs in the area. Pinus vallartensis is like P. jaliscana and P. oocarpa in possessing leaf resin canals in a septal condition and serotinous seed cones on slender peduncles. It is distinguished mainly by its small seed cones and lax foliage. This discovery highlights the exceptional diversity of pines in Mexico and the state of Jalisco.
Revision of the Agrilus humilis species-group (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilini) with description of thirteen new species from Southeastern Asia
Authors: JENDEK EDUARD
Published: December 2017

The newly defined Agrilus humilis species–group comprising twenty taxa of Indo–Malayan and Australasian region is revised based on the examination of type specimens. The taxonomic concept and distribution of all known species is critically revised for the first time since they were described. The complete commented bibliographic data are given for each name. The key to species is provided and complemented with illustration of habitus and genitalia. Images of all primary types are also included. The following thirteen new species are described: Agrilus aruensis sp. nov.; A. ateles sp. nov.; A. bicoloripennis sp. nov.; A. chloros sp. nov.; A. duffelsorum sp. nov.; A. ecalcaratus sp. nov.; A. incrassatus sp. nov.; A. korbicola sp. nov.; A. oidema sp. nov.; A. sphenopterus sp. nov.; A. suturistriatus sp. nov.; A. thailandicus sp. nov. and A. vogti sp. nov.
Advancing Science and Services during the 2015/16 El Niño: The NOAA El Niño Rapid Response Field Campaign
Authors: Dole Randall M. , Spackman J. Ryan , Newman Matthew , Compo Gilbert P. , Smith Catherine A. , Hartten Leslie M. , Barsugli Joseph J. , Webb Robert S. , Hoerling Martin P. , Cifelli Robert , Wolter Klaus , Barnet Christopher D. , Gehne Maria , Gelaro Ronald , Kiladis George N. , Abbott Scott , Akish Elena , Albers John , Brown John M. , Cox Christopher J. , Darby Lisa , de Boer Gijs , DeLuisi Barbara , Dias Juliana , Dunion Jason , Eischeid Jon , Fairall Christopher , Gambacorta Antonia , Gorton Brian K. , Hoell Andrew , Intrieri Janet , Jackson Darren , Johnston Paul E. , Lataitis Richard , Mahoney Kelly M. , McCaffrey Katherine , McColl H. Alex , Mueller Michael J. , Murray Donald , Neiman Paul J. , Otto William , Persson Ola , Quan Xiao-Wei , Rangwala Imtiaz , Ray Andrea J. , Reynolds David , Dellaripa Emily Riley , Rosenlof Karen , Sakaeda Naoko , Sardeshmukh Prashant D. , Slivinski Laura C. , Smith Lesley , Solomon Amy , Swales Dustin , Tulich Stefan , White Allen , Wick Gary , Winterkorn Matthew G. , Wolfe Daniel E. , Zamora Robert
Published: December 2017

Forecasts by mid-2015 for a strong El Niño during winter 2015/16 presented an exceptional scientific opportunity to accelerate advances in understanding and predictions of an extreme climate event and its impactswhile the event was ongoing. Seizing this opportunity, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) initiated an El Niño Rapid Response (ENRR), conducting the first field campaign to obtain intensive atmospheric observations over the tropical Pacific during El Niño.

The overarching ENRR goal was to determine the atmospheric response to El Niño and the implications for predicting extratropical storms and U.S. West Coast rainfall. The field campaign observations extended from the central tropical Pacific to the West Coast, with a primary focus on the initial tropical atmospheric response that links El Niño to its global impacts. NOAA deployed its Gulfstream-IV (G-IV) aircraft to obtain observations around organized tropical convection and poleward convective outflow near the heart of El Niño. Additional tropical Pacific observations were obtained by radiosondes launched from Kiritimati , Kiribati, and the NOAA shipRonald H. Brown, and in the eastern North Pacific by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Global Hawk unmanned aerial system. These observations were all transmitted in real time for use in operational prediction models. An X-band radar installed in Santa Clara, California, helped characterize precipitation distributions. This suite supported an end-to-end capability extending from tropical Pacific processes to West Coast impacts. The ENRR observations were used during the event in operational predictions. They now provide an unprecedented dataset for further research to improve understanding and predictions of El Niño and its impacts.
The Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Extreme Precipitation over Coastal and Inland Areas of China and Its Association to ENSO
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Gu Xihui , Li Jianfeng , Shi Peijun , Singh Vijay P.
Published: December 2017

The coastal part of China and its surrounding regions are dominated by a highly dense population and highly developed economy. Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) cause a lot of damage and hence changes in these events and their causes have been drawing considerable attention. This study investigated EPEs resulting from western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclones (TCs) and their potential link to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), using TC track data, daily precipitation data from 2313 stations for 1951–2014, and the NCAR–NCEP reanalysis dataset. Two types of EPEs were considered: EPEs within 500 km from the TC center, and those caused by mesoscale and synoptic systems, referred to as predecessor rain events (PREs), beyond 1000 km from the TC center. Results indicated significant impacts of TCs on EPEs along the coastal areas, and discernable effects in inland areas of China. However, the effect of TCs on EPEs tended to be modulated by ENSO. During neutral years, inland areas of China are more affected by TC-induced extreme precipitation than during El Niño or La Niña years, with the highest density of TC tracks and larger-than-average numbers of tropical storms, typhoons, and landfalling TCs. During the El Niño phase, the central and eastern equatorial Pacific was characterized by higher sea surface temperature (SST), greater low-level vorticity (1000 hPa) and upper-level divergence (250 hPa), and stronger prevailing westerlies, which combined to trigger the movement of mean genesis to the eastern and southeastern WNP, resulting in fewer TCs passing through the Chinese territory.
Breadth of Statistical Training Among Pharmacy Residency Programs Across the United States
Authors: Newsome Cheyenne , Ryan Keenan , Bakhireva Ludmila , Sarangarm Preeyaporn
Published: December 2017

Background: Pharmacy residents’ knowledge of biostatistics is a self-identified deficit. Objective: To describe statistical training practices across postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency programs and correlate training practices with residency program directors’ (RPDs) confidence in their residents’ statistical abilities. Methods: A 13-item survey was sent to PGY1 RPDs and included questions regarding respondents’ institution, program characteristics, type and amount of statistical training offered and desired, as well as performance of statistics, resident project publication rates, and RPDs’ confidence in residents’ statistical abilities. Results: Of the 1054 RPDs invited to participate in the survey, 202 (19.7%) surveys were completed. Nearly 25% of PGY1 pharmacy residency programs in this sample offered no statistical training to their residents. The most common types of training were study design considerations/selecting statistical tests (64.9%), descriptive statistics (59.9%), and database development/data manipulation (46.6%). The majority (60.9%) of RPDs had low confidence in their residents’ abilities to perform their own statistical analysis. After adjusting for significant covariates, residents receiving complex statistical training (odds ratio [OR]: 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-24.9) and a publication rate >50% (OR: 5.63; 95% CI: 1.61-19.69) were associated with higher RPD confidence in residents’ abilities to perform statistical analyses. Conclusion: The sample of programs in this survey indicates that statistical training for many residents may be limited, and many RPDs are not confident in their residents’ abilities to perform statistical analysis of research projects. Statistical training and opportunities to enhance research skills may be an area for future growth in pharmacy residency training programs.
Human Papillomavirus Genome Integration and Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Pinatti L.M. , Walline H.M. , Carey T.E.
Published: December 2017

We conducted a critical review of human papillomavirus (HPV) integration into the host genome in oral/oropharyngeal cancer, reviewed the literature for HPV-induced cancers, and obtained current data for HPV-related oral and oropharyngeal cancers. In addition, we performed studies to identify HPV integration sites and the relationship of integration to viral-host fusion transcripts and whether integration is required for HPV-associated oncogenesis. Viral integration of HPV into the host genome is not required for the viral life cycle and might not be necessary for cellular transformation, yet HPV integration is frequently reported in cervical and head and neck cancer specimens. Studies of large numbers of early cervical lesions revealed frequent viral integration into gene-poor regions of the host genome with comparatively rare integration into cellular genes, suggesting that integration is a stochastic event and that site of integration may be largely a function of chance. However, more recent studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) suggest that integration may represent an additional oncogenic mechanism through direct effects on cancer-related gene expression and generation of hybrid viral-host fusion transcripts. In HNSCC cell lines as well as primary tumors, integration into cancer-related genes leading to gene disruption has been reported. The studies have shown that integration-induced altered gene expression may be associated with tumor recurrence. Evidence from several studies indicates that viral integration into genic regions is accompanied by local amplification, increased expression in some cases, interruption of gene expression, and likely additional oncogenic effects. Similarly, reported examples of viral integration near microRNAs suggest that altered expression of these regulatory molecules may also contribute to oncogenesis. Future work is indicated to identify the mechanisms of these events on cancer cell behavior.