bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between urbanisation and type 2 diabetes: an ecological study
Authors: Gassasse Zakariah , Smith Dianna , Finer Sarah , Gallo Valentina
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Previous studies have explored the effect of urbanisation on the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) at regional/national level. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between urbanisation and T2D at country level, worldwide, and to explore the role of intermediate variables (physical inactivity, sugar consumption and obesity). The potential effect modification of gross domestic product (GDP) was also assessed.

Methods

Data for 207 countries were collected from accessible datasets. Direct acyclic graphs were used to describe the association between urbanisation, T2D and their intermediate variables (physical inactivity, sugar consumption and obesity). Urbanisation was measured as urban percentage (UP) and as agglomeration index (AI). Crude and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to explore selected associations. The interaction between urbanisation and T2D across levels of GDP per capita was investigated.

Results

The association between urbanisation and T2D diverged by exposure: AI was positively associated, while UP negatively associated with T2D prevalence. Physical inactivity and obesity were statistically significantly associated with increased prevalence of T2D. In middle-income countries (MIC) UP, AI and GDP were significantly associated with T2D prevalence, while in high-income countries (HIC), physical inactivity and obesity were the main determinant of T2D prevalence.

Conclusions

The type of urban growth, not urbanisation per se, predicted T2D prevalence at country level. In MIC, population density and GDP were the main determinant of diabetes, while in HIC. these were physical inactivity and obesity. Globalisation is playing an important role in the rise of T2D worldwide.
Xenopusembryos to study fetal alcohol syndrome, a model for environmental teratogenesis
Authors: Fainsod Abraham , Kot-Leibovich Hadas
Published: October 2017

Vertebrate model systems are central to characterize the outcomes of ethanol exposure and the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), taking advantage of their genetic and morphological closeness and similarity to humans. We discuss the contribution of amphibian embryos to FASD research, focusing on Xenopus embryos. The Xenopus experimental system is characterized by external development and accessibility throughout embryogenesis, large clutch sizes, gene and protein activity manipulation, transgenesis and genome editing, convenient chemical treatment, explants and conjugates, and many other experimental approaches. Taking advantage of these methods, many insights regarding FASD have been obtained. These studies characterized the malformations induced by ethanol including quantitative analysis of craniofacial malformations, induction of fetal growth restriction, delay in gut maturation, and defects in the differentiation of the neural crest. Mechanistic, biochemical, and molecular studies in Xenopus embryos identified early gastrula as the high alcohol sensitivity window, targeting the embryonic organizer and inducing a delay in gastrulation movements. Frog embryos have also served to demonstrate the involvement of reduced retinoic acid production and an increase in reactive oxygen species in FASD. Amphibian embryos have helped pave the way for our mechanistic, molecular, and biochemical understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of FASD.
A dual porosity model of high-pressure gas flow for geoenergy applications
Authors: Hosking L.J. , Thomas H.R. , Sedighi M.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the development of a dual porosity numerical model of multiphase, multicomponent chemical–gas transport using a coupled thermal, hydraulic, chemical, and mechanical formulation. Appropriate relationships are used to describe the transport properties of nonideal, reactive gas mixtures at high pressure, enabling the study of geoenergy applications such as geological carbon sequestration. Theoretical descriptions of the key transport processes are based on a dual porosity approach considering the fracture network and porous matrix as distinct continua over the domain. Flow between the pore regions is handled using mass exchange terms and the model includes equilibrium and kinetically controlled chemical reactions. A numerical solution is obtained with a finite element and finite difference approach and verification of the model is pursued to build confidence in the accuracy of the implementation of the dual porosity governing equations. In the course of these tests, the time-splitting approach used to couple the transport, mass exchange, and chemical reaction modules is shown to have been successfully applied. It is claimed that the modelling platform developed provides an advanced tool for the study of high-pressure gas transport, storage, and displacement for geoenergy applications involving multiphase, multicomponent chemical–gas transport in dual porosity media, such as geological carbon sequestration.
Charged bulk viscous cylindrical collapse in f(R) theory
Authors: Sharif M. , Farooq Naila
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of charged cylindrical stellar collapsing model filled with bulk viscous dissipative fluid in [Formula: see text] gravity. For this purpose, we formulate dynamical equations through Misner–Sharp technique and derive transport equation. Finally, we analyze the collapse rate by coupling the transport and dynamical equations. It is concluded that the collapse rate of charged cylindrical model slows down under the influence of dark source terms and matter variables.
Micropore network modelling from 2D confocal imagery: impact on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon recovery
Authors: Jobe T.D. , Geiger S. , Jiang Z. , Zhang S. , Agar S.
Published: October 2017

Microporosity in carbonate reservoirs is globally pervasive and commonly used to explain high-porosity, low-permeability reservoirs, higher than expected water saturations, low resistivity pay zones and poor sweep efficiency. The potential for micropores to store and produce hydrocarbons has long been recognized, yet limitations on tools to evaluate microporosity has prevented rigorous evaluation. Here we demonstrate a workflow for evaluating microporosity through a combination of laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and pore network modelling. Specific values for microporosity and permeability calculated in our study should not be applied explicitly, as these are simulated values, but they demonstrate the viability of micropore networks to store and flow hydrocarbons. Carbonate reservoir assessment is critical not only in the petroleum industry, but also for applications in hydrothermal and mineral resources, carbon capture and storage, and groundwater supply. This approach can be applied to understand the potential for any reservoir to hold and transmit fluids.
Replication in Criminology and the Social Sciences
Authors: Pridemore William Alex , Makel Matthew C. , Plucker Jonathan A.
Published: October 2017

Replication is a hallmark of science. In recent years, some medical sciences and behavioral sciences struggled with what came to be known as replication crises. As a field, criminology has yet to address formally the threats to our evidence base that might be posed by large-scale and systematic replication attempts, although it is likely we would face challenges similar to those experienced by other disciplines. In this review, we outline the basics of replication, summarize reproducibility problems found in other fields, undertake an original analysis of the amount and nature of replication studies appearing in criminology journals, and consider how criminology can begin to assess more formally the robustness of our knowledge through encouraging a culture of replication.
Psychology's Renaissance
Authors: Nelson Leif D. , Simmons Joseph , Simonsohn Uri
Published: October 2017

In 2010–2012, a few largely coincidental events led experimental psychologists to realize that their approach to collecting, analyzing, and reporting data made it too easy to publish false-positive findings. This sparked a period of methodological reflection that we review here and call Psychology's Renaissance. We begin by describing how psychologists’ concerns with publication bias shifted from worrying about file-drawered studies to worrying about p-hacked analyses. We then review the methodological changes that psychologists have proposed and, in some cases, embraced. In describing how the renaissance has unfolded, we attempt to describe different points of view fairly but not neutrally, so as to identify the most promising paths forward. In so doing, we champion disclosure and preregistration, express skepticism about most statistical solutions to publication bias, take positions on the analysis and interpretation of replication failures, and contend that meta-analytical thinking increases the prevalence of false positives. Our general thesis is that the scientific practices of experimental psychologists have improved dramatically.
Aerobic exercise training-induced changes in serum C1q/TNF-related protein levels are associated with reduced arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Hasegawa Natsuki , Fujie Shumpei , Horii Naoki , Uchida Masataka , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Sanada Kiyoshi , Hamaoka Takafumi , Iemitsu Motoyuki
Published: October 2017

Adiponectin regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells, and body fat loss by aerobic exercise training promotes adiponectin secretion. Recently, C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs) have been identified as novel adipokines and are paralogs of adiponectin, but the association between exercise training-induced reduction of arterial stiffness and circulating CTRPs levels remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify whether the reduction of arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults is associated with the change in serum levels of CTRPs induced by exercise training. A total of 52 middle-aged and older participants were randomly divided into two groups: a training group ( n = 26) and a sedentary control group ( n = 26). Participants in the training group completed 8 wk of aerobic exercise training (60–70% peak oxygen uptake for 45 min, 3 days/wk). The reduction of percent whole body fat, abdominal visceral fat area, and carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) was significantly greater in the training group than in the control group ( P < 0.05). Moreover, the increase in serum adiponectin, CTRP3, and CTRP5 from baseline to 8 wk was significantly higher in the training group compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Additionally, the training-induced change in cfPWV was negatively correlated with the training-induced change in serum adiponectin, CTRP3, and CTRP5 levels ( r = −0.51, r = −0.48, r = −0.42, respectively, P < 0.05), and increased plasma nitrite/nitrate level by exercise training was correlated only with adiponectin levels ( r = 0.41, P < 0.05). These results suggest that the exercise training-induced increase in serum CTRPs levels may be associated with the reduction of arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older adults.
IL-33 deficiency slows cancer growth but does not protect against cisplatin-induced AKI in mice with cancer
Authors: Ravichandran Kameswaran , Holditch Sara , Brown Carolyn N. , Wang Qian , Ozkok Abdullah , Weiser-Evans Mary C. , Nemenoff Raphael , Miyazaki Makoto , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather , Parikh Chirag R. , Ljubanovic Danica , Edelstein Charles L.
Published: October 2017

The effect of IL-33 deficiency on acute kidney injury (AKI) and cancer growth in a 4-wk model of cisplatin-induced AKI in mice with cancer was determined. Mice were injected subcutaneously with murine lung cancer cells. Ten days later, cisplatin (10 mg·kg−¹·wk−¹) was administered weekly for 4 wk. The increase in kidney IL-33 preceded the AKI and tubular injury, suggesting that IL-33 may play a causative role. However, the increase in serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein, acute tubular necrosis, and apoptosis scores in the kidney in cisplatin-induced AKI was the same in wild-type and IL-33-deficient mice. There was an increase in kidney expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and TNF-α, known mediators of cisplatin-induced AKI, in IL-33-deficient mice. Surprisingly, tumor weight, tumor volume, and tumor growth were significantly decreased in IL-33-deficient mice, and the effect of cisplatin on tumors was enhanced in IL-33-deficient mice. As serum IL-33 was increased in cisplatin-induced AKI in mice, it was determined whether serum IL-33 is an early biomarker of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Immediate postoperative serum IL-33 concentrations were higher in matched AKI cases compared with non-AKI controls. In conclusion, even though the cancer grows slower in IL-33-deficient mice, the data that IL-33 deficiency does not protect against AKI in a clinically relevant model suggest that IL-33 inhibition may not be useful to attenuate AKI in patients with cancer. However, serum IL-33 may serve as a biomarker of AKI.
Hypoxia-reoxygenation enhances murine afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction by angiotensin II
Authors: Pahlitzsch Tamara , Liu Zhi Zhao , Al-Masri Amira , Braun Diana , Dietze Stefanie , Persson Pontus B. , Schunck Wolf-Hagen , Blum Maximilian , Kupsch Eckehardt , Ludwig Marion , Patzak Andreas
Published: October 2017

We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) augments vasoreactivity to angiotensin II (ANG II). In particular, we compared an in situ live kidney slice model with isolated afferent arterioles (C57Bl6 mice) to assess the impact of tubules on microvessel response. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to estimate slice viability. Arterioles in the slices were located by differential interference contrast microscopy, and responses to vasoactive substances were assessed. Cytosolic calcium transients and NADPH oxidase (NOX) mRNA expression were studied in isolated afferent arterioles. SOD activity was measured in live slices. Both experimental models were subjected to control and H/R treatment (60 min). Slices were further analyzed after 30-, 60-, and 90-min hypoxia followed by 10- or 20-min reoxygenation (H/R). H/R resulted in enhanced necrotic tissue damage compared with control conditions. To characterize the slice model, we applied ANG II (10−7M), norepinephrine (NE; 10−5M), endothelin-1 (ET-1; 10−7M), and ATP (10−4M), reducing the initial diameter to 44.5 ± 2.8, 50.0 ± 2.2, 45.3 ± 2.6, and 74.1 ± 1.8%, respectively. H/R significantly increased the ANG II response compared with control in live slices and in isolated afferent arterioles, although calcium transients remained similar. TEMPOL incubation prevented the H/R effect on ANG II responses. H/R significantly increased NOX2 mRNA expression in isolated arterioles. SOD activity was significantly decreased after H/R. Enhanced arteriolar responses after H/R occurred independently from the surrounding tissue, indicating no influence of tubules on vascular function in this model. The mechanism of increased ANG II response after H/R might be increased oxidative stress and increased calcium sensitivity of the contractile apparatus.
tDCS over the motor cortex improves lexical retrieval of action words in poststroke aphasia
Authors: Branscheidt Meret , Hoppe Julia , Zwitserlood Pienie , Liuzzi Gianpiero
Published: October 2017

One-third of stroke survivors worldwide suffer from aphasia. Speech and language therapy (SLT) is considered effective in treating aphasia, but because of time constraints, improvements are often limited. Noninvasive brain stimulation is a promising adjuvant strategy to facilitate SLT. However, stroke might render “classical” language regions ineffective as stimulation sites. Recent work showed the effectiveness of motor cortex stimulation together with intensive naming therapy to improve outcomes in aphasia (Meinzer et al. 2016). Although that study highlights the involvement of the motor cortex, the functional aspects by which it influences language remain unclear. In the present study, we focus on the role of motor cortex in language, investigating its functional involvement in access to specific lexico-semantic (object vs. action relatedness) information in poststroke aphasia. To this end, we tested effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left motor cortex on lexical retrieval in 16 patients with poststroke aphasia in a sham-controlled, double-blind study design. Critical stimuli were action and object words, and pseudowords. Participants performed a lexical decision task, deciding whether stimuli were words or pseudowords. Anodal tDCS improved accuracy in lexical decision, especially for words with action-related content and for pseudowords with an “action-like” ending ( t15 = 2.65, P = 0.036), but not for words with object-related content and pseudowords with “object-like” characteristics. We show as a proof-of-principle that the motor cortex may play a specific role in access to lexico-semantic content. Thus motor-cortex stimulation may strengthen content-specific word-to-semantic concept associations during language treatment in poststroke aphasia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The role of motor cortex (MC) in language processing has been debated in both health and disease. Recent work has suggested that MC stimulation together with speech and language therapy enhances outcomes in aphasia. We show that MC stimulation has a differential effect on object- and action-word processing in poststroke aphasia. We propose that MC stimulation may specifically strengthen word-to-semantic concept association in aphasia. Our results potentially provide a way to tailor therapies for language rehabilitation.
Distributed 3D Source Localization from 2D DOA Measurements Using Multiple Linear Arrays
Authors: Canclini Antonio , Antonacci Fabio , Sarti Augusto , Tubaro Stefano
Published: October 2017

This manuscript addresses the problem of 3D source localization from direction of arrivals (DOAs) in wireless acoustic sensor networks. In this context, multiple sensors measure the DOA of the source, and a central node combines the measurements to yield the source location estimate. Traditional approaches require 3D DOA measurements; that is, each sensor estimates the azimuth and elevation of the source by means of a microphone array, typically in a planar or spherical configuration. The proposed methodology aims at reducing the hardware and computational costs by combining measurements related to 2D DOAs estimated from linear arrays arbitrarily displaced in the 3D space. Each sensor measures the DOA in the plane containing the array and the source. Measurements are then translated into an equivalent planar geometry, in which a set of coplanar equivalent arrays observe the source preserving the original DOAs. This formulation is exploited to define a cost function, whose minimization leads to the source location estimation. An extensive simulation campaign validates the proposed approach and compares its accuracy with state-of-the-art methodologies.
Cross-Cultural Validation of Urdu Version KOOS in Indian Population with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ateef Mahamed , Kulandaivelan Sivachidambaram , Alqahtani Mazen
Published: October 2017

Purpose. The primary aim of this study was to translate a self-reported questionnaire (KOOS) from English to Urdu and then to see its internal consistency, agreement, test-retest reliability, and validity among primary OA knee patients.Methodology. First, KOOS questionnaire was translated from English language to Urdu through standardized cross-cultural protocol. This translated version of KOOS was administered to 111 radiographically diagnosed primary OA knee patients at two times with 48-hour interval in-between. Cronbach’s alpha, floor and ceiling effect, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), absolute agreement %, and Spearman correlation were used to fulfill our objectives.Results. Average time to administer this questionnaire was 20 minutes. There was good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.7246 to 0.9139. The absolute agreement of each item between two tests ranged from 81.08% to 98.20%. Test-retest reliability was excellent (“r” ranged from 0.9673 to 0.9782). There was no ceiling effect; however less than 4% floor effect was seen in two subscales. There was significant difference that existed between different X-ray grades in all subscales meaning good content validity for disease prognosis.Conclusion. The present results show that KOOS Urdu version is a reliable and valid measure for primary OA knee patients.
The Dynamical Behaviors for a Class of Immunogenic Tumor Model with Delay
Authors: Bi Ping , Liu Zijian , Muthoni Mutei Damaris , Pang Jianhua
Published: October 2017

This paper aims at studying the model proposed by Kuznetsov and Taylor in 1994. Inspired by Mayer et al., time delay is introduced in the general model. The dynamic behaviors of this model are studied, which include the existence and stability of the equilibria and Hopf bifurcation of the model with discrete delays. The properties of the bifurcated periodic solutions are studied by using the normal form on the center manifold. Numerical examples and simulations are given to illustrate the bifurcation analysis and the obtained results.
The Incidence of Depression among the Population of Central Kazakhstan and Its Relationship with Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Turgunova L. , Laryushina Ye , Turmukhambetova A. , Koichubekov B. , Sorokina M. , Korshukov I.
Published: October 2017

It has been established that the presence of depression is accompanied by an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The aim of this research was to estimate depressive symptom prevalence among the population in Central Kazakhstan and to define the relationship with social-demographic and behavioral factors. 1820 respondents of the population of Central Kazakhstan, aged 25 to 65, were performed. Participants included 777 urban and 1043 rural residents. Depressive symptoms assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The results showed that some degree of depressive symptoms was detected in 75.7% of the respondents. A minimal degree of depressive symptoms was observed in 28.51%, mild in 27.7%, moderate in 13.7%, and severe and very severe degree of depressive symptoms in 4.6% and 1.2%, respectively; the absence of depression symptoms was reported in 24.3% of the respondents. The study found a relationship between the prevalence of depressive symptoms and factors such as gender, education, income, presence of chronic diseases, and physical activity. We have not found a correlation between the frequencies of depressive symptoms with age, employment, character of labor, and marital status.
Sirt1 Protects Endothelial Cells against LPS‐Induced Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Weijin , Zhang Yaoyuan , Guo Xiaohua , Zeng Zhenhua , Wu Jie , Liu Yanan , He Jing , Wang Ruiting , Huang Qiaobing , Chen Zhongqing
Published: October 2017

Sepsis is a threatening health problem and characterized by microvascular dysfunction. In this study, we verified that LPS caused the downregulation of Sirt1 and the hyperpermeability of endothelial cells. Inhibition of Sirt1 with ex527 or Sirt1 siRNA displayed a higher permeability, while activation of Sirt1 with SRT1720 reversed the LPS‐induced hyperpermeability, formation of fiber stress, and disruption of VE‐cadherin distribution. In pulmonary microvascular vein endothelial cells isolated from wild‐type mice, Sirt1 was attenuated upon LPS, while Sirt1 was preserved in a receptor of advanced glycation end product‐knockout mice. The RAGE antibody could also diminish the downregulation and ubiquitination of Sirt1 in LPS‐exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells. An LPS‐induced decrease in Sirt1 activity was attenuated by the RAGE antibody and TLR4 inhibitor. In vivo study also demonstrated the attenuating role of Sirt1 and RAGE knockout in LPS‐induced increases in dextran leakage of mesenteric venules. Furthermore, activation of Sirt1 prevented LPS‐induced decreases in the activity and expression of superoxide dismutase 2, as well as the increases in NADPH oxidase 4 and reactive oxygen species, while inhibition of Sirt1 aggravated the SOD2 decline. It also demonstrated that Sirt1‐deacetylated p53 is required for p53 inactivation, which reversed the downregulation of β‐catenin caused by LPS.
Polymorphisms in CCR5Δ32 and Risk of HIV-1 Infection in the Southeast of Caspian Sea, Iran
Authors: Heydarifard Zahra , Tabarraei Alijan , Moradi Abdolvahab
Published: October 2017

Prevalence of CCR5Δ32 among blood samples of more than 400 healthy and HIV-1-infected people was investigated in Iran. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) following DNA extraction was used. Desired frequency was analyzed by Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analysis and SPSS 16.0 software to harvest the results. The prevalence of CCRΔ32 heterozygote genotype was 3% in healthy people and 0.7% in HIV-1–infected individuals. There was no homozygote CCR5Δ32 in both groups, and the allele Δ32 was only observed in 1.5% and 0.36% of healthy and HIV-1–infected participants, respectively. Therefore according to this study, the frequency of the allele CCR5Δ32 indicates no significant difference between either groups (p=0.18) and it sounds that the mentioned mutation in heterozygote people would not affect their susceptibility against HIV infection. Genotyping trial in Iranians with HIV infection is supposed to be helpful as a matter of prognostic purposes.
Overvoltage and Insulation Coordination of Overhead Lines in Multiple-Terminal MMC-HVDC Link for Wind Power Delivery
Authors: He Huiwen , Wang Lei , Zhou Peihong , Yan Fei
Published: October 2017

The voltage-sourced converter-based HVDC link, including the modular multilevel converter (MMC) configuration, is suitable for wind power, photovoltaic energy, and other kinds of new energy delivery and grid-connection. Current studies are focused on the MMC principles and controls and few studies have been done on the overvoltage of transmission line for the MMC-HVDC link. The main reason is that environmental factors have little effect on DC cables and the single-phase/pole fault rate is low. But if the cables were replaced by the overhead lines, although the construction cost of the project would be greatly reduced, the single-pole ground fault rate would be much higher. This paper analyzed the main overvoltage types in multiple-terminal MMC-HVDC network which transmit electric power by overhead lines. Based on ±500 kV multiple-terminal MMC-HVDC for wind power delivery project, the transient simulation model was built and the overvoltage types mentioned above were studied. The results showed that the most serious overvoltage was on the healthy adjacent line of the faulty line caused by the fault clearing of DC breaker. Then the insulation coordination for overhead lines was conducted according to the overvoltage level. The recommended clearance values were given.
An Improved Car‐Following Model Accounting for Impact of Strong Wind
Authors: Liu Dawei , Shi Zhongke , Ai Wenhuan
Published: October 2017

In order to investigate the effect of strong wind on dynamic characteristic of traffic flow, an improved car‐following model based on the full velocity difference model is developed in this paper. Wind force is introduced as the influence factor of car‐following behavior. Among three components of wind force, lift force and side force are taken into account. The linear stability analysis is carried out and the stability condition of the newly developed model is derived. Numerical analysis is made to explore the effect of strong wind on spatial‐time evolution of a small perturbation. The results show that the strong wind can significantly affect the stability of traffic flow. Driving safety in strong wind is also studied by comparing the lateral force under different wind speeds with the side friction of vehicles. Finally, the fuel consumption of vehicle in strong wind condition is explored and the results show that the fuel consumption decreased with the increase of wind speed.
Search for an Appropriate Behavior within the Emotional Regulation in Virtual Creatures Using a Learning Classifier System
Authors: Rosales Jonathan-Hernando , Ramos Félix , Ramos Marco , Cervantes José-Antonio
Published: October 2017

Emotion regulation is a process by which human beings control emotional behaviors. From neuroscientific evidence, this mechanism is the product of conscious or unconscious processes. In particular, the mechanism generated by a conscious process needs a priori components to be computed. The behaviors generated by previous experiences are among these components. These behaviors need to be adapted to fulfill the objectives in a specific situation. The problem we address is how to endow virtual creatures with emotion regulation in order to compute an appropriate behavior in a specific emotional situation. This problem is clearly important and we have not identified ways to solve this problem in the current literature. In our proposal, we show a way to generate the appropriate behavior in an emotional situation using a learning classifier system (LCS). We illustrate the function of our proposal in unknown and known situations by means of two case studies. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to converge to the appropriate behavior even in the first case; that is, when the system does not have previous experiences and in situations where some previous information is available our proposal proves to be a very powerful tool.
Curve and Surface Smoothing Using a Modified Cahn‐Hilliard Equation
Authors: Choi Yongho , Jeong Darea , Kim Junseok
Published: October 2017

We present a new method using the modified Cahn‐Hilliard (CH) equation for smoothing piecewise linear shapes of two‐ and three‐dimensional objects. The CH equation has good smoothing dynamics and it is coupled with a fidelity term which keeps the original given data; that is, it does not produce significant shrinkage. The modified CH equation is discretized using a linearly stable splitting scheme in time and the resulting scheme is solved by using a Fourier spectral method. We present computational results for both curve and surface smoothing problems. The computational results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is fast and efficient.
T-Cell Subsets in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients on Long-Term Anti-TNF or IL-6 Receptor Blocker Therapy
Authors: Dulic Sonja , Vásárhelyi Zsófia , Sava Florentina , Berta László , Szalay Balázs , Toldi Gergely , Kovács László , Balog Attila
Published: October 2017

Data on the impact of biological therapies on the T-cell phenotype in rheumatoid arthritis are limited. Here, we prospectively measured the percentages of 15 circulating T-cell subtypes using flow cytometry. We obtained transversal and longitudinal data in 30 anti-TNF responders, 19 secondary anti-TNF nonresponders, and 43 IL-6R antagonist responders, before, 8 weeks and at least 6 months after biological therapy. Untreated RA patients and healthy controls were also included. The important findings are the following: (1) the proportion of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) which are decreased in untreated RA patients becomes normal in all long-term-treated groups; (2) in anti-TNF responders as well as in nonresponders, the frequencies of naïve CD4+ and CD8+ cells are lower, whereas those of proinflammatory Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and HLA-DR+-activated cells are higher than those in untreated RA or healthy controls; (3) in IL-6R responders, Th1 proportion is decreased, while that of Th2 and Th17 is increased as compared to that in anti-TNF-treated patients and controls; (4) pending confirmation, a CD4CD69 ratio < 2.43 at baseline, could be useful to predict a good therapeutic response to anti-TNF therapy. This study provides comprehensive information regarding the long-term impacts of those biological therapies on the ecotaxis of T-cells in RA. The ClinicalTrials.gov registration number of our study is NCT03266822.
Effects of Glutathione on Mechanical Allodynia and Central Sensitization in Chronic Postischemic Pain Rats
Authors: Yeo Jinseok , Jung Hoon , Lee Hyerim
Published: October 2017

Background. The chronic postischemia pain (CPIP) model is an animal model using ischemia/reperfusion injury that mimics the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome type I. Glutathione (GSH) prevents ischemia/reperfusion injury by scavenging free radicals. We conducted this study to investigate the protective effect of GSH in CPIP rats via changes of mechanical allodynia and phospholyration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN1.Methods. We divided 45 rats into 5 groups: sham, CPIP, CPIP + GSH 100 mg/kg, CPIP + GSH 200 mg/kg, and CPIP + GSH 500 mg/kg. Rats in the sham and CPIP groups received normal saline and rats in the other groups received GSH at the designated doses thirty minutes prior to reperfusion. Withdrawal thresholds were evaluated before sugery as well as 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. pGluN1 level in the spinal cord was also measured.Results. GSH treated rats show a significant increase in the withdrawal thresholds of both hind paws as compared with the CPIP group dose-dependently. The expression of pGluN1 in the GSH treated rats significantly decreased as compared to the CPIP group (allP< 0.05).Conclusion. These findings suggest that GSH inhibited the development of mechanical allodynia and central sensitization in CPIP rats.
On Power Sums Involving Lucas Functions Sequences
Authors: Barbero Stefano
Published: October 2017

We present some general formulas related to sum of powers, also with alternating sign, involving Lucas functions sequences. In particular, our formulas give a synthesis of various identities involving sum of powers of well‐known polynomial sequences such as Fibonacci, Lucas, Pell, Jacobsthal, and Chebyshev polynomials. Finally, we point out some interesting divisibility properties between polynomials arising from our results.
Modeling the Power Variability of Core Speed Scaling on Homogeneous Multicore Systems
Authors: Du Zhihui , Ge Rong , Lee Victor W. , Vuduc Richard , Bader David A. , He Ligang
Published: October 2017

We describe a family of power models that can capture the nonuniform power effects of speed scaling among homogeneous cores on multicore processors. These models depart from traditional ones, which assume that individual cores contribute to power consumption as independent entities. In our approach, we remove this independence assumption and employ statistical variables of core speed (average speed and the dispersion of the core speeds) to capture the comprehensive heterogeneous impact of subtle interactions among the underlying hardware. We systematically explore the model family, deriving basic and refined models that give progressively better fits, and analyze them in detail. The proposed methodology provides an easy way to build power models to reflect the realistic workings of current multicore processors more accurately. Moreover, unlike the existing lower-level power models that require knowledge of microarchitectural details of the CPU cores and the last level cache to capture core interdependency, ours are easier to use and scalable to emerging and future multicore architectures with more cores. These attributes make the models particularly useful to system users or algorithm designers who need a quick way to estimate power consumption. We evaluate the family of models on contemporary x86 multicore processors using the SPEC2006 benchmarks. Our best model yields an average predicted error as low as 5%.
Shear Resistance Capacity of Interface of Plate‐Studs Connection between CFST Column and RC Beam
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Ma Hua , Li Zhenbao , Tang Zhenyun , Chen Haiyan , Li Peng
Published: October 2017

The combination of a concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) column and reinforced concrete (RC) beam produces a composite structural system that affords good structural performance, functionality, and workability. The effective transmission of moments and shear forces from the beam to the column is key to the full exploitation of the structural performance. The studs of the composite beam transfer the interfacial shear force between the steel beam and the concrete slab, with the web bearing most of the vertical shear force of the steel beam. In this study, the studs and vertical steel plate were welded to facilitate the transfer of the interfacial shear force between the RC beam and CFST column. Six groups of a total of 18 specimens were used to investigate the shear transfer mechanism and failure mode of the plate‐studs connection, which was confirmed to effectively transmit the shear forces between the beam and column. The results of theoretical calculations were also observed to be in good agreement with the experimental measurements.
A Proximal Fully Parallel Splitting Method for Stable Principal Component Pursuit
Authors: Sun Hongchun , Liu Jing , Sun Min
Published: October 2017

As a special three‐block separable convex programming, the stable principal component pursuit (SPCP) arises in many different disciplines, such as statistical learning, signal processing, and web data ranking. In this paper, we propose a proximal fully parallel splitting method (PFPSM) for solving SPCP, in which the resulting subproblems all admit closed‐form solutions and can be solved in distributed manners. Compared with other similar algorithms in the literature, PFPSM attaches a Glowinski relaxation factor to the updating formula for its Lagrange multiplier, which can be used to accelerate the convergence of the generated sequence. Under mild conditions, the global convergence of PFPSM is proved. Preliminary computational results show that the proposed algorithm works very well in practice.
Androgen Receptor Expression and Bicalutamide Antagonize Androgen Receptor Inhibit β-Catenin Transcription Complex in Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Huang Rui , Han Jiguang , Liang Xiaoshuan , Sun Shanshan , Jiang Yongdong , Xia Bingshu , Niu Ming , Li Dalin , Zhang Jian , Wang Shuo , Wei Wei , Liu Qing , Zheng Wei , Zhang Guoqiang , Song Yanni , Panga Da
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Little is known about the potential mechanism of action for androgen receptor (AR) targeting treatment in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate AR status and its prognosis in four breast cancer subtypes. Bicalutamide has been identified as an AR antagonist and used for treating AR+/ER- breast cancer in a phase II trial. Our studies will clarify its mechanism in breast cancer treatment. Methods: A total of 510 consecutive cases of invasive ductal cancer (IDC) were evaluated in this study. The expression of AR was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with patient survival, and its implications were evaluated in four subtypes of IDC. We examined bicalutamide as an AR antagonist to inhibit proliferation and increased apoptosis in AR+/ER- breast cancer cell lines. We explored the tumor suppressive functions of bicalutamide in vitro and vivo and its related mechanisms in AR+/ER- breast cancer. Results: AR expression was related to that of ER (P<0.001), PR (P<0.001), Her2 (P=0.017), Ki-67(P=0.020) and to four subtypes (P<0.001). AR retained independent prognostic signifcance (P=0.007, ER- cases; P=0.001, ER+ cases; P=0.001, total cases). We found that bicalutamide significantly decreased viability and increased apoptosis in vitro and vivo. The mechanistic analysis revealed that bicalutamide blocked androgen-stimulated oncogenic AR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inhibited the growth of AR+/ER- breast cancer. Conclusion: Our studies provide novel insights into bicalutamide as an antagonist of AR function in AR+/ER- breast cancer and reveal the mechanistic basis for targeting AR as a therapeutic opportunity for patients with AR+/ER- breast cancer.
НАПРЯМИ РОЗВИТКУ СИСТЕМИ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ В УКРАЇНІ: ПОГЛЯД У МАЙБУТНЄ
Authors: Voronenko Yu. V.
Published: October 2017

Метою даної роботи є концептуальне обґрунтування моделі підготовки медичних кадрів в Україні. Робота побудована на статистичних даних МОЗ України із застосуванням методів концептуального узагальнення та соціального моделювання.Визначено проблеми підготовки медичних кадрів, що існують у всьому світі і в Україні, наприклад: невідповідності між компетенціями, потребами і фінансами; географічні і професійні дисбаланси медиків на ринку праці; гендерна стратифікація по спеціальностях; кадрове домінування стаціонарної допомоги над первинною; професійний сепаратизм із великою кількістю спеціальностей тощо.Запропоновано низку концептуальних першочергових заходів, які стосуються змін у законодавстві та направлені на: улагодження взаємовідносин між ВНЗ та практичними закладами охорони здоров’я; введення ліцензування медичної практики; удосконалення системи кількісної оцінки безперервного професійного розвитку; введення резидентури; якісної підготовки управлінців та фахівців за спеціальністю “Громадське здоров’я”; оптимізації спеціальностей та підготовки лікарів в інтернатурі тощо.Соціальними наслідками втілення концептуальних складових моделі підготовки медичних кадрів в Україні прогнозується не тільки значне підвищення якості підготовки професійних медичних кадрів, а й забезпечення європейського вектора розвитку держави. Робота є оригінальною.
УНІВЕРСИТЕТСЬКІ КЛІНІКИ В РОЗВИТКУ ВИЩОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Lisovyi V. M. , Kapustnyk V. A. , Rezunenko Yu. K. , Korostii V. I.
Published: October 2017

Сучасний курс України на євроінтеграцію та відповідність вищої медичної освіти міжнародним стандартам визначає актуальність питання про роль університетської клініки в розвитку вищої медичної освіти. У статті викладені результати спроби визначити роль університетської клініки в розвитку вітчизняної вищої медичної освіти, напрямки розвитку та оптимальну модель університетської клініки в сучасних вітчизняних умовах на основі аналізу існуючих європейських та вітчизняних моделей університетських клінік та досвіду роботи  Навчально-наукового медичного комплексу «Університетська клініка» Харківського національного медичного університету. Пропонується модель університетської клініки, яка  сприятиме можливості реалізації потенціалу медичного університету, з численними клінічними кафедрами, як координатора навчально-науково-лікувального процесу та міжнародного співробітництва.
ОСВІТНІЙ ПРОЦЕС І СИСТЕМА УПРАВЛІННЯ ЯКІСТЮ ОСВІТИ В ПІДГОТОВЦІ МЕДИЧНИХ ФАХІВЦІВ
Authors: Rozhko M. M. , Ersteniuk H. M. , Kapechuk V. V. , Ivantsiv M. O.
Published: October 2017

У статті викладено основні підходи до запровадження системи управління якістю освітнього процесу в Івано-Франківському національному медичному університеті з врахуванням вимог міжнародного стандарту ДСТУ ISO 9001:2015. Описано проблемні питання та ризики і шляхи вирішення їх у процесі підготовки до сертифікації.
ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ НАВЧАЛЬНО-МЕТОДИЧНОЮ ЛІТЕРАТУРОЮ – ВИМОГА З ПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ОСВІТНЬОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ У СФЕРІ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ ВІДПОВІДНО ДО ЛІЦЕНЗІЙНИХ УМОВ ПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ОСВІТНЬОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ЗАКЛАДІВ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Melnyk I. V. , Farion T. I. , Polishchuk M. O.
Published: October 2017

Мета роботи – провести комплексний аналіз інформації щодо забезпечення студентів усіх спеціальностей вищих навчальних закладів МОЗ України підручниками, навчальними посібниками, довідковою та іншою навчальною літературою та оцінити відповідність вимогам щодо провадження освітньої діяльності у сфері вищої освіти.Основна частина. Комплексний аналіз інформації щодо забезпечення студентів вищих навчальних закладів МОЗ України навчальною літературою, що здійснюється Державною установою «Центральний методичний кабінет з вищої медичної освіти МОЗ України», свідчить про те, що у 2016/2017 навчальному році загальні показники забезпеченості навчальною літературою студентів ВНЗ МОЗ України в цілому суттєво не зросли. При цьому виявлено найгірші показники щодо забезпеченості у 2016/2017 навчальному році навчальними книгами студентів спеціальності «Технологія фармацевтичних препаратів» та «Клінічна фармація». Найвищі показники забезпеченості підручниками у 2016/2017 навчальному році студентів спеціальностей «Лікувальна справа», «Педіатрія», «Медико-профілактична справа» зафіксовано у Харківському національному медичному університеті; ДВНЗ «Тернопільський державний медичний університет імені І.Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України» та Запорізькому державному медичному університеті. Виявлені особливості забезпечення студентів вищих навчальних закладів МОЗ України навчальною літературою дозволяють оцінити відповідність вимогам щодо провадження освітньої діяльності у сфері вищої освіти та надати рекомендації.Висновок. Для реалізації забезпечення навчальною книгою здобувачів вищої освіти у вищих навчальних закладах МОЗ України, що є необхідною умовою виконання навчальним закладом Ліцензійних умов провадження освітньої діяльності, необхідно створити умови для активізації профільних фахівців вищих навчальних закладів щодо написання сучасної навчально-методичної літератури, виділяти достатню кількість коштів на придбання та видання медичних книг.
ДИДАКТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ БЕЗПЕРЕРВНОЇ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОСВІТИ ДІЛЬНИЧНИХ ПЕДІАТРІВ
Authors: Khvysiuk О. М. , Marchenko V. H. , Tsodikova O. A. , Yalovchuk A. V. , Rozhnov O. O. , Hridnieva N. N. , Bryntsova S. S. , Lapina I. H.
Published: October 2017

Мета роботи – поділитись власним досвідом та думками про вдосконалення методів безперервної медичної освіти в умовах реформування охорони здоров’я.Основна частина. У статі висвітлено проблеми безперервної медичної освіти дільничних педіатрів. Представлено власний погляд на оптимізацію навчального процесу, що полягає в підвищенні змістовних аспектів підготовки лікаря, застосуванні ефективних педагогічних прийомів і методик, а також широкому впровадженні новітніх інформаційних технологій. Це дозволяє лікарю одержати освітні послуги прямо на робочому місці чи вдома, підвищити ступінь індивідуалізації і диференціації навчання, покращити мотиваційну активність, окрім цього, знизити фінансову залежність, що є не менш важливим у наш час.В умовах реформування охорони здоров’я бажано, щоб  цикли тематичного удосконалення бути короткотривалими: 5, 10, 14 днів, а їх кількість – не обмежувалася протягом року.Тематика циклів тематичного удосконалення сучасних дільничних педіатрів обов’язково має бути спрямована на профілактику, збереження й зміцнення здоров’я дітей і орієнтована на доказову медицину. Такий підхід сприятиме якісній підготовці висококваліфікованого спеціаліста, формуванню його професійної компетенції на всіх етапах безперервного професійного розвитку.Використовуючи сучасне комп’ютерне обладнання та технічні засоби навчання (достатня кількість комп’ютерів, інтерактивна дошка, симулятори, Smart-система для інтерактивного тестування), впровадження передових педагогічних прийомів, методів і технологій сприяє формуванню необхідного рівня знань  педіатрів. На циклах (у тому числі й на виїзних) проводяться бінарні лекції, що підвищує ефективність засвоєння матеріалу заняття та сприяє активності слухачів, використовуються елементи дистанційного навчання на базі платформи Moodle ХМАПО (moodle.med.edu.ua) з додатковими консультаціями викладачів по Skype у Центрі дистанційної освіти академії.У перспективі, в умовах конкурентного освітнього середовища відбудеться “вільний вибір закладу, форми навчання (курси, стажування, e-Learning)”. Дільничні педіатри будуть самі обирати й оцінювати роботу вищого медичного навчального закладу за якістю наданої їм навчальної послуги.Висновки. Інформаційні технології в медичній освіті оптимізують та підвищують ефективність безперервного професійного розвитку сучасного лікаря-педіатра.Впровадження нових сучасних методів у медичну освіту дільничних лікарів сприяє формуванню нового мислення, підвищенню зацікавленості та задоволеності навчальним процесом.