bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Stability of Rotary Frequency Converter Fed Low Frequency Railway Grids: The Impact of Different Grid Impedances and Different Converter Station Configurations
Authors: Laury John , Abrahamsson Lars , Bollen Math
Published: June 2018

One method of strengthening low frequency AC railway grids is to upgrade Booster Transformer (BT) catenary systems, to Auto Transformer (AT) catenary systems. An AT catenary system has lower equivalent impedance compared to a BT system. Thus, an upgrade makes the existing converter stations electrically closer.

Converter stations may have different types of Rotary Frequency Converters (RFCs) installed in them, and it is not well explored how different RFCs behaves and interact during and after a large disturbance.

Using the Anderson-Fouad model of synchronous machines to describe the dynamics of RFCs, several case studies have been performed through numerical simulations. The studies investigate the interactions within and between converter stations constituted with different RFC types, for BT as well AT catenary systems.

The numerical studies reveal that replacing BT with AT catenary systems, results in a more oscillatory system behaviour. This is seen for example in the power oscillations between and inside converter stations, after fault clearance.
The acoustical signals produced by antibubble formation
Authors: Naghavi Seyed Ataollah , Czerski Helen
Published: June 2018

An antibubble is an unusual object: a submerged water drop encapsulated in a thin shell of air that is stable underwater for 10–100 s. They are often thought of as the inverse of a soap bubble because they are a spherical shell of air in water in contrast to a shell of water in air. Antibubbles may be formed when water droplets impact the surface of surfactant-covered water, within a limited range of drop radius and drop impact velocity. In this paper, the range of drop size and impact velocity over which large antibubbles (radius 1–3 mm) are generated by the impact of falling drops is characterised, and the relationship of these parameters to the size of the antibubble formed is shown. Measurements of the two acoustical signals that may be produced as an antibubble is formed by drop impact are reported, and their relationship to the antibubble radius and shell thickness is established. Acoustical measurements taken are interpreted in the context of a modified Rayleigh-Plesset equation that provides a good fit to the frequency data for air shells greater than 100 μm in thickness. However, these results highlight the need for future work on the damping mechanisms associated with these larger antibubbles.
Seaweed masses assault Caribbean islands
Authors: Langin Katie
Published: June 2018

Scientists scramble to explain unusual bloom of
Sargassum
weed.
Response to Comment on “Satellites reveal contrasting responses of regional climate to the widespread greening of Earth”
Authors: Forzieri Giovanni , Alkama Ramdane , Miralles Diego G. , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: June 2018

Li
et al
. contest the idea that vegetation greening has contributed to boreal warming and argue that the sensitivity of temperature to leaf area index (LAI) is instead likely driven by the climate impact on vegetation. We provide additional evidence that the LAI-climate interplay is indeed largely driven by the vegetation impact on temperature and not vice versa, thus corroborating our original conclusions.
Animals feel safer from humans in the dark
Authors: Benítez-López Ana
Published: June 2018

Mammals shift their activities to twilight and night hours in response to human disturbance
Fluorescence
In Situ
Hybridization (FISH) and Peptide Nucleic Acid Probe-Based FISH for Diagnosis of Q Fever Endocarditis and Vascular Infections
Authors: Prudent Elsa , Lepidi Hubert , Angelakis Emmanouil , Raoult Didier
Published: June 2018

Endocarditis and vascular infections are common manifestations of persistent localized infection due to
Coxiella burnetii
, and recently, fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (FISH) was proposed as an alternative tool for their diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of FISH in a series of valve and vascular samples infected by
C. burnetii
.
Electroacupuncture: A New Approach to Open the Blood–brain Barrier in Rats Recovering from Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Zhang Jiangsong , Lin Xianming , Zhou Hui , Chen Yuanyuan , Xiao Shuangkai , Jiao Junyue , Zhao Yibin , Di Zhong
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine for an opening effect on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in intact rats and rats with experimental ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) during the recovery period after various electroacupuncture (EA) treatments with different time courses, and to determine whether there is a time-dependent effect. An additional objective was to determine whether this method could induce the penetration of nerve growth factor (NGF) through the BBB.

Methods

A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was first established. We chose different stimulation time courses and observed the effects of EA treatment (100 Hz frequency; 2 mA intensity) at GV20 and GV26 on the BBB in rats recovering from MCAO 3 weeks after modelling. The rats were injected with 2% Evans blue (EB) saline. The brain water content was measured using a wet/dry weighing method. The degree of penetration of EB was detected using spectrophotometry and laser confocal microscopy. The rats were then injected with NGF, and the concentration of NGF in the brain tissues was measured using ELISA.

Results

The increase in the BBB permeability was most notable following the 8 min EA stimulation (P<0.05), which may be advantageous for the targeted delivery of drugs (such as NGF) into the brain. Additionally, this effect did not appear to cause brain oedema (P>0.05) in healthy or MCAO rats.

Conclusions

EA treatment for a certain stimulation time at GV20 and GV26 in MCAO rats can increase BBB permeability.
Left ventricular chamber dilation and filling pressure may help to categorise patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zoppini Giacomo , Bergamini Corinna , Bonapace Stefano , Trombetta Maddalena , Mantovani Alessandro , Toffalini Anna , Lanzoni Laura , Bertolini Lorenzo , Zenari Luciano , Bonora Enzo , Targher Giovanni , Rossi Andrea
Published: June 2018

Background

Type 2 diabetes may alter cardiac structure and function. Many patients with type 2 diabetes have diastolic dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction (EF). Recently, this latter measure was criticised. Thus, this research looked at the impact of left ventricular end-diastolic volume and E/e′ ratio variations in patients with type 2 diabetes and preserved EF with the aim to recognise different clinical phenotypes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated 176 men affected by type 2 diabetes with transthoracic echocardiography. All subjects have preserved EF (>50%). Patients were stratified into four groups based on the median value of both left ventricular end-diastolic volume and E/e′ ratio, and the clinical variables were registered. The independent predictors associated with the groups were analysed by a multinomial logistic regression model.

Results

Diabetes duration, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate and antihypertensive treatments were significantly different among the groups as were EF, left atrial volume index (LAVI), E/A, septum thickness and s′ mean wave. Multinomial regression analysis showed that the groups significantly differed for age, diabetes duration, EF, LAVI, septum thickness and s′ mean wave. The main result of this study was that patients with higher left ventricular volume and higher E/e′ ratio (group 2) showed the worse clinical profile.

Conclusions

Our study might suggest that variations of left ventricular end-diastolic volume along with E/e′ ratio variations, even in the normal range, may allow to recognise phenotypes of patients with type 2 diabetes with worse clinical characteristics. This finding should be tested in prospective studies to assess the predictive roles of these phenotypes.
Road to resilience: a systematic review and meta-analysis of resilience training programmes and interventions
Authors: Joyce Sadhbh , Shand Fiona , Tighe Joseph , Laurent Steven J , Bryant Richard A , Harvey Samuel B
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To synthesise the available evidence on interventions designed to improve individual resilience.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis

Methods

The following electronic databases were searched: Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, PsycINFO, Ovid Cochrane and WHO Clinical Trials Registry in order to identify any controlled trials or randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving psychological resilience. Pooled effects sizes were calculated using the random-effects model of meta-analysis.

Outcome measures

Valid and reliable measures of psychological resilience.

Results

Overall, 437 citations were retrieved and 111 peer-reviewed articles were examined in full. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria and were subject to a quality assessment, with 11 RCTs being included in the final meta-analysis. Programmes were stratified into one of three categories (1) cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based interventions, (2) mindfulness-based interventions or (3) mixed Interventions, those combining CBT and Mindfulness training. A meta-analysis found a moderate positive effect of resilience interventions (0.44 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.64) with subgroup analysis suggesting CBT-based, mindfulness and mixed interventions were effective.

Conclusions

Resilience interventions based on a combination of CBT and mindfulness techniques appear to have a positive impact on individual resilience.
HOspitals and patients WoRking in Unity (HOW R U?): telephone peer support to improve older patients’ quality of life after emergency department discharge in Melbourne, Australia—a multicentre prospective feasibility study
Authors: Lowthian Judy A , Lennox Alyse , Curtis Andrea , Wilson Gillian , Rosewarne Cate , Smit De Villiers , O’Brien Debra , Browning Colette Joy , Boyd Lee , Smith Cathie , Cameron Peter , Dale Jeremy
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of theHOW R U?programme, a novel volunteer-peer postdischarge support programme for older patients after discharge from the emergency department (ED).

Design

A multicentre prospective mixed-methods feasibility study.

Setting

Two tertiary hospital EDs in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

A convenience sample of 39 discharged ED patients aged 70 years or over, with symptoms of social isolation, loneliness and/or depression.

Intervention

TheHOW R U?intervention comprised weekly social support telephone calls delivered by volunteer peers for 3 months following ED discharge.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were feasibility of study processes, intervention acceptability to participants and retention in the programme. Secondary outcomes were changes in loneliness level (UCLA-3—3-item Loneliness Scale), mood (5-item Geriatric Depression Scale) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS) postintervention.

Results

Recruitment was feasible, with 30% of eligible patients successfully recruited. Seventeen volunteer peers provided telephone support to patient participants, in addition to their usual hospital volunteer role.HOW R U?was well received, with 87% retention in the patient group, and no attrition in the volunteer group.

The median age of patients was 84 years, 64% were female, and 82% lived alone. Sixty-eight per cent of patients experienced reductions in depressive symptoms, and 53% experiencing reduced feelings of loneliness, and these differences were statistically significant Patient feedback was positive and volunteers reported great satisfaction with their new role.

Conclusion

HOW R U?was feasible in terms of recruitment and retention and was acceptable to both patients and volunteers. The overall results support the potential for further research in this area and provide data to support the design of a definitive trial to confirm the observed effects.

Trial registration number

ANZCTRN12615000715572; Results.
Realist Evaluation of the Use of Patient Experience Data to Improve the Quality of Inpatient Mental Health Care (EURIPIDES) in England: study protocol
Authors: Weich Scott , Fenton Sarah-Jane Hannah , Bhui Kamaldeep , Staniszewska Sophie , Madan Jason , Larkin Michael , Newton Elizabeth , Crepaz-Keay David , Canaway Alastair , Croft Charlotte , Griffiths Frances
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Inpatient mental healthcare continues to be an area of high risk and where patients report negative experiences. To ensure the patient voice is heard, National Health Service (NHS) Trusts are required to collect feedback from patients routinely. We do not know what kinds of feedback are most important or what management processes are needed to translate this into effective action plans. Further, we do not know if this makes any difference to the patients themselves. This study seeks to explore which of the many different approaches to collecting and using patient experience data are the most useful for supporting improvements in inpatient mental healthcare. The overarching aim of the study is to arrive at recommendations for best practice in the collection and use of patient experience data in NHS England adult inpatient mental health settings. We present the protocol for Realist Evaluation of the Use of Patient Experience Data to Improve the Quality of Inpatient Mental Health Care study (EURIPIDES).

Methods and analysis

The study is composed of five work packages (WPs), including a systematic review of patient experiences (WP1); a telephone survey to assist the selection of case sites (WP2); six indepth case studies involving interviews with service users, carers and staff to enable a realist evaluation of the use of patient experience to improve quality in adult inpatient mental health services (WP3); an economic evaluation of patient experience feedback activity (WP5); and a consensus conference (WP4). We discuss the methodological rationale for the five WPs.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from West Midlands/South Birmingham NHS Research Ethics Committee. The outcome of the consensus conference meeting (WP4) will form the basis of the outputs to be disseminated to NHS providers. Dissemination will also take place through publications and presentations at relevant conferences.
Protection of pregnant women at work in Switzerland: practices, obstacles and resources. A mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Krief Peggy , Zellweger Alessia , Politis Mercier Maria-Pia , Danuser Brigitta , Wild Pascal , Zenoni Michela , Probst Isabelle
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Like most industrialised countries, Switzerland has introduced legislation to protect the health of pregnant workers and their unborn children from workplace exposure. This legislation provides for a risk assessment, adaptations to workplaces and, if the danger is not eliminated, preventive leave (prescribed by a gynaecologist). This study’s first objective is to analyse the degree to which companies, gynaecologists and midwives implement the law. Its second objective is to understand the obstacles and resources of this implementation, with a focus on how relevant stakeholders perceive protective measures and their involvement with them.

Methods and analysis

Data will be collected using mixed methods: (1) online questionnaires for gynaecologists and midwives; telephone questionnaires with company human resources (HR) managers in the healthcare and food production sectors; (2a) case studies of 6–8 companies in each sector, including interviews with stakeholders such as women workers, HR managers and occupational health physicians; (2b) two focus groups, one involving occupational physicians and hygienists, one involving labour inspectors.

Quantitative data will be analysed statistically using STATA software V.15. Qualitative data will be transcribed and thematically analysed using MaxQDA software.

Ethics and dissemination

The Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton Vaud (CER-VD) has certified that this research study protocol falls outside of the field of application of the Swiss Federal Act on Research Involving Humans.

The publications and recommendations resulting from this study will form the starting point for future improvements to the protection of pregnant women at work and their unborn children.

This study started in February 2017 and will continue until January 2020.
Children with Allergic Diseases Have An Increased Subsequent Risk of Migraine upon Reaching School Age
Authors: Wei Chang-Ching , Lin Cheng-Li , Shen Te-Chun , Chen An-Chyi
Published: June 2018

The association between migraine and allergy has remained a subject of debate for more than a century. To systemically investigate the interaction between children with antecedent allergic diseases and their future risks of migraine on reaching school age, we recruited 16,130 children aged 7–18 with migraine diagnosed between 2000 and 2008, and 64,520 matched controls without a history of migraine. The ORs of migraine were calculated for the association with allergic diseases diagnosed before migraine diagnosis. The allergic diseases included atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma. Children with preceding allergic diseases had a greater subsequent risk of migraine than the controls. Among the four evaluated diseases, AR had the highest adjusted OR (aOR) of 2.17 (95% CI 2.09 to 2.26). Children with all four allergic diseases had the highest aOR of 3.59 (95% CI 2.91 to 4.44). Further, an increasing trend of aORs was observed with more allergic disease-associated medical consulting. Our study indicates that children with allergic diseases are at increased subsequent risk of migraine when they reach school age, and the risk shows a cumulative effect of more allergic diseases and more allergy-related healthcare.
Optical and Magnetic Studies of Fe3O4/Au Core/Shell Nanocomposites
Authors: Al-Sherbini Al-Sayed A. M. , El-Ghannam Gamal , Yehya Hesham , Nassef O. Aied
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we report the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles which are resistant to surface poisoning, has been adopted. Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been successfully coated with Au in the form of a shell with different sizes (Fe3O4/Au Core/Shell). Adjustment of the components’ ratio makes the shell thickness of the core/shell particles tunable. Thus, the presented route yields well-defined core/shell structures of different sizes in the range 15–57[Formula: see text]nm with varying the proportion of Au noble metal to Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The UV-Visible absorption spectra, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were applied for the characterization of the formed core/shell structures. Moreover, magnetic properties of the core/shell nanocomposites were also studied using Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM).
On properties of a deformed Freud weight
Authors: Zhu Mengkun , Chen Yang
Published: June 2018

We study the recurrence coefficients of the monic polynomials [Formula: see text] orthogonal with respect to the deformed (also called semi-classical) Freud weight [Formula: see text] with parameters [Formula: see text]. We show that the recurrence coefficients [Formula: see text] satisfy the first discrete Painlevé equation (denoted by d[Formula: see text]), a differential–difference equation and a second-order nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) in [Formula: see text]. Here [Formula: see text] is the order of the Hankel matrix generated by [Formula: see text]. We describe the asymptotic behavior of the recurrence coefficients in three situations: (i) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] finite, (ii) [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] finite, (iii) [Formula: see text], such that the radio [Formula: see text] is bounded away from [Formula: see text] and closed to [Formula: see text]. We also investigate the existence and uniqueness for the positive solutions of the d[Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we derive, using the ladder operator approach, a second-order linear ODE satisfied by the polynomials [Formula: see text]. It is found as [Formula: see text], the linear ODE turns to be a biconfluent Heun equation. This paper concludes with the study of the Hankel determinant, [Formula: see text], associated with [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] tends to infinity.
Neurons and Glia in the Enteric Nervous System and Epithelial Barrier Function
Authors: Vergnolle Nathalie , Cirillo Carla
Published: June 2018

The intestinal epithelial barrier is the largest exchange surface between the body and the external environment. Its functions are regulated by luminal, and also internal, components including the enteric nervous system. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of the digestive “neuronal-glial-epithelial unit” on epithelial barrier function.
DEPTOR at the Nexus of Cancer, Metabolism, and Immunity
Authors: Caron Alexandre , Briscoe David M. , Richard Denis , Laplante Mathieu
Published: June 2018

DEP domain-containing mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-interacting protein (DEPTOR) is an important modulator of mTOR, a kinase at the center of two important protein complexes named mTORC1 and mTORC2. These highly studied complexes play essential roles in regulating growth, metabolism, and immunity in response to mitogens, nutrients, and cytokines. Defects in mTOR signaling have been associated with the development of many diseases, including cancer and diabetes, and approaches aiming at modulating mTOR activity are envisioned as an attractive strategy to improve human health. DEPTOR interaction with mTOR represses its kinase activity and rewires the mTOR signaling pathway. Over the last years, several studies have revealed key roles for DEPTOR in numerous biological and pathological processes. Here, we provide the current state of the knowledge regarding the cellular and physiological functions of DEPTOR by focusing on its impact on the mTOR pathway and its role in promoting health and disease.
Development and Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Faecal Samples
Authors: Mwangi Ibrahim N. , Agola Eric L. , Mugambi Robert M. , Shiraho Esther A. , Mkoji Gerald M.
Published: June 2018

Human intestinal schistosomiasis is caused by the blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni. With intensified efforts to control schistosomiasis by mass drug administration using praziquantel (PZQ), there is an urgent need to have accessible, quality-assured diagnostic tests for case detection and disease surveillance and for monitoring efficacy of treatment and other interventions. Current diagnostic tools are limited by suboptimal sensitivity, slow turn-around-time, affordability, and inability to distinguish current from past infections. We describe a simple and rapid diagnostic assay, based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology for diagnosis of S. mansoni infection in human faecal samples. The LAMP primers used in this assay were previously described and they target a 121-bp DNA repeat sequence in S. mansoni. The LAMP assay was optimized at an isothermal temperature of 63°C for 1 hour. The amplified DNA was either visualized under ultraviolet light after electrophoresis or by directly observing the color change after staining the amplicons with CYBR Green dye. The LAMP assay was evaluated against the microscopy-based procedure and the results were analysed using Cohen’s kappa coefficient to determine the degree of agreement between the two techniques. The LAMP assay reliably detected S. mansoni ova DNA in faecal samples and parasite DNA in amounts as low as 32fg. When the assay was tested for specificity against other faecal-based soil-transmitted helminths (STH), no cross-reactivity was observed. The LAMP assay was superior to the Kato-Katz assay with a 97% specificity; a high positivity score reliably detecting S. mansoni and a Kappa Coefficient of 0.9 suggested an exceptional agreement between the two techniques. The LAMP assay developed has great potential for application in field settings to support S. mansoni control and elimination campaigns.
Occluded Street Objects Perception Algorithm of Intelligent Vehicles Based on 3D Projection Model
Authors: Liu Wei , Wei Longsheng , Li Yongbo
Published: June 2018

We present a super perception system of intelligent vehicles for perceiving occluded street objects by collecting images from neighbor front vehicles V2V (vehicle to vehicle) video streams based on 3D projection model. This super power can avoid some serious accidents of driver-assistant systems or automatic driving systems which can only detect visible objects. Our street perception system can “see through” the front vehicles to realize detecting of the occluded street objects only by analyzing the pair images received from front and host (back) vehicles. Upon the 3D projection model based on the pair images, the system uses affine transformation to achieve augmented reality method to increase the visibility perspective of driver system. Experimental results on different datasets are shown to validate our approach. Evaluation method was first introduced into our perception system.
The Associations between Biochemical and Microbiological Variables and Taste Differ in Whole Saliva and in the Film Lining the Tongue
Authors: Feng Yunzi , Licandro Hélène , Martin Christophe , Septier Chantal , Zhao Mouming , Neyraud Eric , Morzel Martine
Published: June 2018

The objective of this work was to investigate whether the biological film lining the tongue may play a role in taste perception. For that purpose, the tongue film and saliva of 21 healthy subjects were characterized, focusing on microorganisms and their main metabolic substrates and products. In parallel, taste sensitivity was evaluated using a test recently developed by our group, and the links between biological and sensory data were explored by a correlative approach. Saliva and tongue film differed significantly in biochemical composition (proportions of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactic, butyric, and acetic acids) and in microbiological profiles: compared to saliva, tongue film was characterized by significantly lower proportions of Bacteroidetes (p<0.001) and its main genus Prevotella (p<0.01) and significantly higher proportions of Firmicutes (p<0.01), Actinobacteria (p<0.001), and the genus Streptococcus (p<0.05). Generic taste sensitivity was linked to biological variables in the two compartments, but variables that appeared influent in saliva (flow, organic acids, proportion of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes) and in tongue film (sugars and proportions of Bacteroidetes) were not the same. This study points to two interesting areas in taste research: the oral microbiome and the specific characterization of the film lining the tongue.
Mangiferin and Morin Attenuate Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neurocytotoxicity, Induced by Amyloid Beta Oligomers
Authors: Alberdi Elena , Sánchez-Gómez María Victoria , Ruiz Asier , Cavaliere Fabio , Ortiz-Sanz Carolina , Quintela-López Tania , Capetillo-Zarate Estibaliz , Solé-Domènech Santiago , Matute Carlos
Published: June 2018

Amyloid beta‐ (Aβ‐) mediated ROS overproduction disrupts intraneuronal redox balance and exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction which leads to neuronal injury. Polyphenols have been investigated as therapeutic agents that promote neuroprotective effects in experimental models of brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the neuroprotective effects of morin and mangiferin against Aβ oligomers in cultured cortical neurons and organotypic slices as well as their mechanisms of action. Cell death caused by Aβ oligomers in neuronal cultures was decreased in the presence of micromolar concentrations of mangiferin or morin, which in turn attenuated oxidative stress. The neuroprotective effects of antioxidants against Aβ were associated with the reduction of Aβ‐induced calcium load to mitochondria; mitochondrial membrane depolarization; and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, a key trigger of apoptosis. Additionally, we observed that both polyphenols activated the endogenous enzymatic antioxidant system and restored oxidized protein levels. Finally, Aβ induced an impairment of energy homeostasis due to a decreased respiratory capacity that was mitigated by morin and mangiferin. Overall, the beneficial effects of polyphenols in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal injury in AD cell models suggest that morin and mangiferin hold promise for the treatment of this neurological disorder.
The Neural Basis of Fear Promotes Anger and Sadness Counteracts Anger
Authors: Zhan Jun , Ren Jingyuan , Sun Pei , Fan Jin , Liu Chang , Luo Jing
Published: June 2018

In contrast to cognitive emotion regulation theories that emphasize top-down control of prefrontal-mediated regulation of emotion, in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, different emotions are considered to have mutual promotion and counteraction relationships. Our previous studies have provided behavioral evidence supporting the hypotheses that “fear promotes anger” and “sadness counteracts anger”; this study further investigated the corresponding neural correlates. A basic hypothesis we made is the “internal versus external orientation” assumption proposing that fear could promote anger as its external orientation associated with motivated action, whereas sadness could counteract anger as its internal or homeostatic orientation to somatic or visceral experience. A way to test this assumption is to examine the selective involvement of the posterior insula (PI) and the anterior insula (AI) in sadness and fear because the posterior-to-anterior progression theory of insular function suggests that the role of the PI is to encode primary body feeling and that of the AI is to represent the integrative feeling that incorporates the internal and external input together. The results showed increased activation in the AI, parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), posterior cingulate (PCC), and precuneus during the fear induction phase, and the activation level in these areas could positively predict subsequent aggressive behavior; meanwhile, the PI, superior temporal gyrus (STG), superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were more significantly activated during the sadness induction phase, and the activation level in these areas could negatively predict subsequent feelings of subjective anger in a provocation situation. These results revealed a possible cognitive brain mechanism underlying “fear promotes anger” and “sadness counteracts anger.” In particular, the finding that the AI and PI selectively participated in fear and sadness emotions was consistent with our “internal versus external orientation” assumption about the different regulatory effects of fear and sadness on anger and aggressive behavior.
Exposure to Ti4Al4V Titanium Alloy Leads to Redox Abnormalities, Oxidative Stress, and Oxidative Damage in Patients Treated for Mandible Fractures
Authors: Borys Jan , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Antonowicz Bożena , Krętowski Adam , Waszkiel Danuta , Bortnik Piotr , Czarniecka-Bargłowska Katarzyna , Kocisz Magdalena , Szulimowska Julita , Czajkowski Marek , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Zalewska Anna
Published: June 2018

Due to the high biotolerance, favourable mechanical properties, and osseointegration ability, titanium is the basic biomaterial used in maxillofacial surgery. The passive layer of titanium dioxide on the surface of the implant effectively provides anticorrosive properties, but it can be damaged, resulting in the release of titanium ions to the surrounding tissues. The aim of our work was to evaluate the influence of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy on redox balance and oxidative damage in the periosteum surrounding the titanium miniplates and screws as well as in plasma and erythrocytes of patients with mandibular fractures. The study included 31 previously implanted patients (aged 21–29) treated for mandibular fractures and 31 healthy controls. We have demonstrated increased activity/concentration of antioxidants both in the mandibular periosteum and plasma/erythrocytes of patients with titanium mandibular fixations. However, increased concentrations of the products of oxidative protein and lipid modifications were only observed in the periosteum of the study group patients. The correlation between the products of oxidative modification of the mandible and antioxidants in plasma/erythrocytes suggests a relationship between the increase of oxidative damage at the implantation site and central redox disorders in patients with titanium miniplates and screws.
An ADRC Method for Noncascaded Integral Systems Based on Algebraic Substitution Method and Its Structure
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Li Yudong , Liu Yihua , Sui Wenbo , Zhang Guichen
Published: June 2018

The Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) prefers the cascaded integral system for a convenient design or better control effect and takes it as a typical form. However, the state variables of practical system do not necessarily have a cascaded integral relationship. Therefore, this paper proposes an algebraic substitution method and its structure, which can convert a noncascaded integral system of PID control into a cascaded integral form. The adjusting parameters of the ADRC controller are also demonstrated. Meanwhile, a numerical example and the oscillation control of a flexible arm are demonstrated to show the conversion, controller design, and control effect. The converted system is proved to be more suitable for a direct ADRC control. In addition, for the numerical example, its control effect for the converted system is compared with a PID controller under different disturbances. The result shows that the converted system can achieve a better control effect under the ADRC than that of a PID. The theory is a guide before practice. This converting method not only solves the ADRC control problem of some noncascaded integral systems in theory and simulation but also expands the application scope of the ADRC method.
Temporal-Spatial Characteristics of Drought in Guizhou Province, China, Based on Multiple Drought Indices and Historical Disaster Records
Authors: Cheng Qingping , Gao Lu , Chen Ying , Liu Meibing , Deng Haijun , Chen Xingwei
Published: June 2018

Guizhou Province, China, experienced several severe drought events over the period from 1960 to 2013, causing great economic loss and intractable conflicts over water. In this study, the spatial and temporal characteristics of droughts are analyzed with the standard precipitation index (SPI), comprehensive meteorological drought index (CI), and reconnaissance drought index (RDI). Meanwhile, historical drought records are used to test the performance of each index at identifying droughts. All three indices show decreasing annual and autumn trends, with the latter particularly prominent. 29, 30, and 32 drought events were identified during 1960–2013 by the SPI, CI, and RDI, respectively. Continuous drought is more frequent in winter–spring and summer–autumn. There is a significant increasing trend in drought event frequency, peak, and strength since the start of the 21st century. Drought duration indicated by CI shows longer durations in the higher-elevation region of central and western Guizhou. The corresponding drought severity is high in these regions. SPI and RDI indicate longer drought durations in the lower elevation central and eastern regions of Guizhou Province, where the corresponding drought severity is also very strong. SPI shows an increasing trend in drought duration and drought severity across most of the regions of Guizhou. In general, SPI and RDI show an increasing trend in the western Guizhou Province and a decreasing trend in central and eastern Guizhou. Comparing these three drought indices with historical records, the RDI is found to be more objective and reliable than the SPI and CI when identifying the periods of drought in Guizhou.
Benzo[g]coumarin-Based Fluorescent Probes for Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Jung Yuna , Jung Junyang , Huh Youngbuhm , Kim Dokyoung
Published: June 2018

Benzo[g]coumarins, which consist of coumarins fused with other aromatic units in the linear shape, have recently emerged as an interesting fluorophore in the bioimaging research. The pi-extended skeleton with the presence of electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents from the parent coumarins changes the basic photophysical parameters such as absorption and fluorescence emission significantly. Most of the benzo[g]coumarin analogues show red/far-red fluorescence emission with high two-photon absorbing property that can be applicable for the two-photon microscopy (TPM) imaging. In this review, we summarized the recently developed benzo[g]coumarin analogues including photophysical properties, synthesis, and applications for molecular probes that can sense biologically important species such as metal ions, cell organs, reactive species, and disease biomarkers.
The Effects of Buckwheat Leaf and Flower Extracts on Antioxidant Status in Mouse Organs
Authors: Sadauskiene Ilona , Liekis Arunas , Bernotiene Rasa , Sulinskiene Jurgita , Kasauskas Arturas , Zekonis Gediminas
Published: June 2018

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the extracts of buckwheat leaf and flower on the antioxidant status of the brain and liver tissue. The administration of buckwheat extracts (both concentrations were 10%) to mice (at the dose 10 mL/kg of body weight) for 21 days significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reduced the amount of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the mouse brain, while catalase (CAT) activity significantly increased. In the mouse liver, the amount of GSH and activity of SOD increased, while the CAT activity after administering buckwheat leaf and flower extracts was lower in experimental mice than in the control group. However, the administration of 10% ethanol (for 21 days) to control animals also had a significant effect on the antioxidant system in brain and liver cells. Experimental animals demonstrated rather marked changes in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT in their liver and brain cells, and changes in the levels of GSH and MDA were observed when compared with the control group.
Energy Dissipation Contribution Modeling of Vibratory Behavior for Silicon Micromachined Gyroscope
Authors: Zhou J. , Shen Q. , Xie J. B. , Cao P. P. , Yuan W. Z.
Published: June 2018

Energy dissipation contribution of micro‐machined Coriolis vibratory gyroscope (MCVG) is modeled, numerically simulated, and experimentally verified in this paper. First, the amount of independent damping dissipation consisting of thermoelastic loss, anchor loss, surface loss, Akhiezer loss, and air damping loss during vibration is obtained by simulation model, PML‐based method, and numerical calculation, respectively. Then, temperature and pressure dependence characteristic of the corresponding quality factor (Q) for the MCVG are obtained. Meanwhile, dominant sources of damping dissipation are determined, which paves the way to improve Q. Finally, the temperature‐dependent and pressure‐dependent characteristics of the total Q are measured with errors of less than 10% and 18% compared with the simulated total Q, respectively, in which accuracy is acceptable for predicting the damping dissipation behavior of MCVG in design stage before high‐cost fabrication.
STAT5 and TET2 Cooperate to Regulate FOXP3-TSDR Demethylation in CD4+ T Cells of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ma Hulin , Gao Weishi , Sun Xiaoxia , Wang Weixing
Published: June 2018

The tumor-infiltrating Tregs are linked to colorectal cancer progression and outcome. FOXP3 is regarded as a critical developmental and functional factor for Tregs. FOXP3-TSDR demethylation is required for stable expression of FOXP3 and maintenance of Treg function. In our study, we found specific DNA hypomethylation of FOXP3-TSDR in CD4+ T cells from colon tumor tissues as compared with normal colonic tissues. Moreover, we also found that the expression of STAT5 and TET2 was increased in CD4+ T cells from colon tumor tissues, and the superfluous STAT5 and TET2 binding to FOXP3-TSDR resulted in DNA hypomethylation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that excessive amounts of STAT5 may bind more TET2 to the FOXP3-TSDR and upregulate FOXP3 expression via DNA demethylation. Our study improved the mechanism of FOXP3-TSDR hypomethylation in tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells of CRC patients.
Near-Surface Geochemical Anomalies Integrated with Seismic and Well Data over the Contact of the Outer Carpathians and the Carpathian Foredeep (SE Poland)
Authors: Sechman Henryk , Góra Adrianna , Twaróg Anna , Guzy Piotr , Górska-Mruk Ewelina , Górecki Wojciech
Published: June 2018

The objective of this study is to interpret the regularities in distribution of surface geochemical anomalies observed in a fragment of the contact zone between the Carpathian Fold-and-Thrust Belt and the Carpathian Foredeep (SE Poland). The surface geochemical survey included a total of 670 soil gas samples analyzed by gas chromatography, integrated with seismic cross sections, and supplemented by production data from wells. Maximum concentrations of methane, total alkanes C2-C5, total alkenes C2-C4, H2, and CO2measured in soil gas samples were 27.1 vol.%, 45.3 ppm, 0.49 ppm, 0.232 vol.%, and 6.29 vol.%, respectively. Traces of alkanes detected in samples are the result of microseepage from a few accumulations of various compositions. Methane and ethane migrate primarily from relative shallow Miocene strata, and higher alkanes from deeper Miocene strata and from Paleozoic-Mesozoic basement. We found relatively high positive correlation between the distribution of surface geochemical anomalies and the relative intensity of hydrocarbon shows recorded in the wells. The location and range of 13 anomalous zones are controlled by the patterns of both the Dębno and the Wojnicz slice-folds. Most of the anomalies occur over the Wojnicz Trough, suggesting the presence of conventional accumulations and/or the sites where the Miocene mudstone and heterolithic formations are saturated with gas.
Cytokines Produced by Lymphocytes in the Incompetent Great Saphenous Vein
Authors: Grudzińska Ewa , Lekstan Andrzej , Szliszka Ewelina , Czuba Zenon P.
Published: June 2018

The pathogenesis of chronic venous disease (CVD) remains unclear, but lately inflammation is suggested to have an important role in its development. This study is aimed at assessing cytokines released by lymphocytes in patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. In 34 patients exhibiting oscillatory flow (reflux) in GSV, blood was derived from the cubital vein and from the incompetent sapheno-femoral junction. In 12 healthy controls, blood was derived from the cubital vein. Lymphocyte culture with and without stimulation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was performed. Interleukins (IL) 1β, 2, 4, 10, 12 (p70), and 17A; interleukin 1 receptor α (IL-1ra); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interferon-gamma (IFN-γ); and RANTES were assessed in culture supernatants by the Bio-Plex assay. In both stimulated and unstimulated samples, in the examined group, IL-1β and IFN-γ had higher concentrations and RANTES had lower concentrations when compared to those in the control group. In the examined group, IL-4 and IL-17A had higher concentrations without stimulation and TNF-α had higher concentrations with stimulation. The GSV samples had higher IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 (p70), and IFN-γ concentrations without stimulation and lower IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations with stimulation when compared to those of the upper limb in the examined group. These observations indicate that the oscillatory flow present in incompetent veins causes changes in the cytokine production by lymphocytes, promoting a proinflammatory profile. However, the relations between immunological cells, cytokines, and the endothelium require more insight.
Multitask Allocation to Heterogeneous Participants in Mobile Crowd Sensing
Authors: Zhu Weiping , Guo Wenzhong , Yu Zhiyong , Xiong Haoyi
Published: June 2018

Task allocation is a key problem in Mobile Crowd Sensing (MCS). Prior works have mainly assumed that participants can complete tasks once they arrive at the location of tasks. However, this assumption may lead to poor reliability in sensing data because the heterogeneity among participants is disregarded. In this study, we investigate a multitask allocation problem that considers the heterogeneity of participants (i.e., different participants carry various devices and accomplish different tasks). A greedy discrete particle swarm optimization with genetic algorithm operation is proposed in this study to address the abovementioned problem. This study is aimed at maximizing the number of completed tasks while satisfying certain constraints. Simulations over a real‐life mobile dataset verify that the proposed algorithm outperforms baseline methods under different settings.
Herpes Simplex Virus Colitis in a Patient with Newly Diagnosed Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Jafri H. , Kalina D. R. , Aziz T. , Serrano P. E. , Haider S.
Published: June 2018

Herpesvirus colitis is a known cause of morbidity and mortality amongst immunosuppressed individuals. We present a case of HSV colitis following a diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease and methylprednisolone therapy. Diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining and supported by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cutaneous vesicles. The patient recovered following three weeks of acyclovir.
Understanding the Effect of an E-Hailing App Subsidy War on Taxicab Operation Zones
Authors: Fang Zhixiang , Su Rongxiang , Huang Lian
Published: June 2018

Understanding taxicab operation behaviors under various management or market policies (i.e., subsidies) is critical to making informed operating decisions for e-hailing companies and for government surveillance. This paper investigates the change of taxicab operation zones in context of an e-hailing app subsidy war in China, which is an important perspective that reflects changes in taxicab behavior, such as how the operation zones of taxicabs under the e-hailing app subsidy war change and how this change affects their trip distance and cruising time. To investigate this issue, this paper utilizes three indexes to elucidate the change of taxicab operation zones, namely, the repetition ratio of operation zone pairs, the area, and the degree of dispersion in the spatial distribution. A case study using taxicab trajectories during all of the important periods of the e-hailing app subsidy war in Shenzhen, China, was conducted and produced several valuable findings; for example, with respect to taxicabs as a whole, the proportion of habitual operation zone pairs among operation zone pairs in neighboring periods is relatively stable under any subsidy policy, and changes in the operation zones have little effect on changes in the average daily trip distance and average daily cruising time. Four groups of taxicabs divided according to initial change patterns in the operation zones present different change patterns during the subsidy war. By comparing these changes before and after the subsidy war, this paper finds that the subsidy war influences the taxicabs in groups I and II, while it has little influence on the taxicabs in groups III and IV, although all groups were affected during the subsidy war. For the taxicab groups in the period with the highest subsidy, the average daily trip distance and average daily cruising time decreased, whereas, in other periods, they presented different patterns.