bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 400 μW Near-Threshold Feedback Class-C VCO with Auto Amplitude Control
Authors: Yan Chenggang , Hu Chen
Published: September 2017

A 400[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W near-threshold supply class-C voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with amplitude feedback loop and auto amplitude control (AAC) is proposed in this paper. The amplitude feedback loop and AAC ensure the robust startup of the proposed VCO and automatically adapts it to the class-C mode in steady state. Consequently, ultra-low power can be achieved in AAC mode and low phase noise, high swing can be achieved in AAC off mode. The proposed VCO with AAC gets ultra-low power consumption by limiting the oscillating amplitude and driving the proposed VCO into the deep Class-C mode. Additionally, the peak value detector is employed in this work to boost the controlling voltage of capacitors bank. Thus, a low on resistance of switch transistors is obtained, which increases the Q value of capacitors bank. The simulated phase noise is [Formula: see text]124.5[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz at 1[Formula: see text]MHz offset with the 1.16[Formula: see text]GHz oscillation frequency. In this case, the figure-of-merit including tuning range (FOMT) of proposed VCO is [Formula: see text]195[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz. The proposed VCO is fabricated in SMIC 40[Formula: see text]nm CMOS process and consumes 0.62[Formula: see text]mA from 0.65[Formula: see text]V supply. The measured phase noise is [Formula: see text]109[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz and FOMT is [Formula: see text]179[Formula: see text]dBc/Hz.
Correlation in Interval-Valued Atanassov’s Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets — Conjugate and Negation Operators
Authors: Reiser Renata Hax Sander , Bedregal Benjamin
Published: September 2017

This paper studies the conjugate functions related to main connectives of the Intervalvalued Atanassov’s Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic. The relationships among automorphism classes are formalized by the ϕ-representability theorem, passing from automorphisms to interval-valued intuitionistic automorphisms, also visiting other two ones, intuitionistic automorphisms and interval-valued automorphisms. Additionally, the ϕ-conjugate of an interval-valued Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy negation can be obtained either from an interval-valued fuzzy negation or from an Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy negation, including a discussion presenting such reverse constructions. The ϕ-conjugate of an interval-valued Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy negation not only preserves the main properties of its corresponding fuzzy negation but also of two other ones, the intuitionistic fuzzy negation and interval-valued fuzzy negation. Moreover, an extension of the intuitionistic fuzzy index as well as the correlation coefficient is discussed in terms of fuzzy negations, by considering the Atanassov’s Intuitionistic Fuzzy Logic.
CHARACTERIZATION OF OCTADECYLTRICHLOROSILANE SELF-ASSEMBLED MULTILAYERS ON PYREX GLASS
Authors: HONG TINGTING , SUN HUAJUN , LIU XIAOFANG , SUI HUITING , ZHANG YONG , LIU PENGDONG , RUAN YONG
Published: September 2017

In this paper, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) self-assembled multilayer (SAM) films are fabricated on Pyrex glass by dipping method. The hydrophobicity, constituent and surface morphology of OTS SAM at various dipping times in solutions of 1, 2 and 5[Formula: see text]mM concentrations are investigated. Characteristic absorption peaks around 2850 and 2920[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] are observed by FTIR and island-like structures on samples are detected by AFM. After 15[Formula: see text]min dipping time for solution of 5[Formula: see text]mM, water contact angle of the sample reaches the maximum value of 116.4[Formula: see text] with relatively low surface root mean square (Rms) roughness of 0.152[Formula: see text]nm. The critical surface tension ([Formula: see text] of the analyzed sample is 18.2[Formula: see text]dyne/cm. The optimum dipping time in the solution of 5[Formula: see text]mM for a complete SAM film is about 30[Formula: see text]min. The study of the optimal conditions for the formation of integrated OTS SAM has significant scientific and practical values in modification of solid surfaces.
INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL AND CORROSION PROPERTIES OF AA2024–B4C–TiC HYBRID METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES
Authors: MUTHUSAMY SARAVANAN , PANDI GANESAN
Published: September 2017

Metal matrix composites are widely applied in the automotive and aircraft structural components. This work investigates the influence of mechanical and corrosion properties hybrid aluminium 2024 metal matrix composites having 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of TiC and B4C (equal amount) reinforcement compositions. The increase in volume fraction of B4C and TiC particle in matrix alloy increases the hardness, yield strength, ultimate strength and decreases the ductility of the composite. SEM images show microstructure of the composites with particles having a different volume percentage of reinforcement. The uniform distribution of B4C and TiC particles is most predominant in composite fabrication and the reinforcement particle additions have proved improved corrosion resistance in AA2024–B4C–TiC MMCs.
EFFECT OF DIAMOND INTERLAYER ON THE TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TiAlN FILM SLIDING AGAINST CARBON STEEL
Authors: LEI X. L. , HE Y. , SUN F. H.
Published: September 2017

In this study, the effect of diamond interlayer on the tribological properties of titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) film sliding against medium carbon steel is investigated in dry rotary friction tests, by evaluating the coefficients of friction (COFs), wear rates, worn surfaces and element transitions of the contacted surfaces in the cemented carbide (WC-Co)-steel, TiAlN-steel, microcrystalline diamond (MCD)-steel, TiAlN/MCD-steel, micro- and nano-crystalline diamond (MNCD)-steel and TiAlN/MNCD-steel contacting pairs. It is found that compared with the TiAlN monolayer, the TiAlN/MCD bilayer film shows 57% higher COF, while the COF of TiAlN/MNCD multilayer inversely drops as much as 54%, due to the distinguished surface diamond grain morphologies of the MCD and MNCD interlayers as well as the copied effect of the TiAlN layer with relatively small thickness. Meanwhile, the diamond interlayer can provide robust load support for the top TiAlN layer, induce the wear mechanism transform from the abrasive wear to adhesive wear, and result in the mild wear of TiAlN/MCD and TiAlN/MNCD multilayers compared to the TiAlN monolayer. Moreover, the softer TiAlN top layer on MCD and MNCD interlayers can effectively improve the storage capacity of element oxygen and worn steel ball debris as well as accelerating the surface chemical reactions to form a smoother continuous ionic metal oxides tribofilm in the contacted zones due to its good self-lubricating property. Among all the hard coatings discussed when sliding against medium carbon steel, the TiAlN/MNCD coating shows the lowest COF and mild wear, due to the robust load support capacity of the beneath MNCD layer as well as the good self-lubricated and tribofilm formation capacity of the top TiAlN layer, which shows broad application potential in carbon steel machining.
Modeling and design of singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator with an intracavity idler absorber for enhanced conversion efficiency for the signal
Authors: Singh Tajinder , Shenoy M. R.
Published: September 2017

We present modeling and design of continuous-wave (cw) singly-resonant optical parametric oscillator (SR-OPO) with an intracavity idler absorber to enhance the conversion efficiency for the signal by suppressing the back conversion of the signal and idler to the pump. Following plane wave analysis, we arrive at the optimum parameters of the OPO, with the intracavity idler absorber, to achieve high conversion efficiency for the signal. For a given pump intensity, we have analyzed the effect of position and number of absorbers required for optimum performance of the device. The model is also extended to the case in which the signal is absorbed, yielding higher conversion efficiency for the idler (in mid-IR region). The magnitude of absorption and the effect of intercrystal phase shift on the conversion efficiency are also discussed. We also present an analytical solution for twin-crystal SR-OPO with an absorber in between, taking into account the variation of signal amplitude inside the cavity, we reaffirm that the frequently used constant signal-wave approximation is valid if the reflectivity of the output coupler is high for the signal.
BARRIER OPTIONS PRICING WITH JOINT DISTRIBUTION OF GAUSSIAN PROCESS AND ITS MAXIMUM
Authors: DENG PINGJIN , LI XIUFANG
Published: September 2017

Barrier options are one of the most popular exotic options. In this contribution, we propose a performance barrier option, which is a type of barrier option defined with the [Formula: see text]th period logarithm return rate process on an underlying asset over the time interval [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. We show that the price of this performance barrier option is determined by the joint distribution of a Slepian process and its maximum. Furthermore, we derive a tractable formula for this joint distribution and obtain explicit formulas for the up-out-call performance option and up-out-put performance option.
A Natural Method for Ranking Objects from Hesitant Fuzzy Preference Relations
Authors: Tang Jie , An Qingxian , Meng Fanyong , Chen Xiaohong
Published: September 2017

Hesitant fuzzy preference relations (HFPRs) are efficient tools to denoting the decision maker’s judgements that permit the decision makers to compare objects using several values in [0, 1], and the number of elements in different hesitant fuzzy elements may be different. After reviewing the previous researches about decision making with HFPRs, one can find that there are several limitations. To avoid these issues and to guarantee the reasonable ranking order, this paper introduces a new additive consistency concept for HFPRs. Different from the previous consistency concepts, the new concept neither needs to add values into hesitant fuzzy elements nor disregards any information offered by the decision makers. To measure the additive consistency of HFPRs, two 0-1 mixed programming models are constructed. Meanwhile, an additive consistency based 0-1 mixed programming model is established to determining the missing values in incomplete HFPRs that can address the situation where ignored objects exist. Then, an algorithm to obtaining the hesitant fuzzy priority weight vector from (incomplete) HFPRs is provided. Considering group decision making, a new group consensus index is defined, and an interactive approach to improving the group consensus level of individual HFPRs is offered. Furthermore, a probability distance measure between two HFPRs is defined to deriving the weights of the decision makers. According to the additive consistency and consensus analysis, an approach to group decision making with incomplete and inconsistent HFPRs is performed. Finally, two practical numerical examples are provided, and comparison analysis is offered.
WDNfinder: A method for minimum driver node set detection and analysis in directed and weighted biological network
Authors: Chu Yanshuo , Wang Zhenxing , Wang Rongjie , Zhang Ningyi , Li Jie , Hu Yang , Teng Mingxiang , Wang Yadong
Published: September 2017

Structural controllability is the generalization of traditional controllability for dynamical systems. During the last decade, interesting biological discoveries have been inferred by applied structural controllability analysis to biological networks. However, false positive/negative information (i.e. nodes and edges) widely exists in biological networks that documented in public data sources, which can hinder accurate analysis of structural controllability.

In this study, we propose WDNfinder, a comprehensive analysis package that provides structural controllability with consideration of node connection strength in biological networks. When applied to the human cancer signaling network and p53-mediate DNA damage response network, WDNfinder shows high accuracy on essential nodes prediction in these networks. Compared to existing methods, WDNfinder can significantly narrow down the set of minimum driver node set (MDS) under the restriction of domain knowledge. When using p53-mediate DNA damage response network as illustration, we find more meaningful MDSs by WDNfinder.

The source code is implemented in python and publicly available together with relevant data on GitHub: https://github.com/dustincys/WDNfinder .
Dynamical symmetries, coherent states and nonlinear realizations: The SO(2,4) case
Authors: Arbuzov Andrej B. , Cirilo-Lombardo Diego Julio
Published: September 2017

Nonlinear realizations of the [Formula: see text] group are discussed from the point of view of symmetries. Dynamical symmetry breaking is introduced. One linear and one quadratic model in curvature are constructed. Coherent states of the Klauder–Perelomov type are defined for both cases taking into account the coset geometry. A new spontaneous compactification mechanism is defined in the subspace invariant under the stability subgroup. The physical implications of the symmetry rupture in the context of nonlinear realizations and direct gauging are analyzed and briefly discussed.
BOARDROOM DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION IN THE UAE BANKS
Authors: IREN PERIHAN , TEE KIENPIN
Published: September 2017

Corporate governance carries strategic importance and should be addressed correctly by decision-makers. Corporate finance literature suggests that diverse boards are a part of good corporate governance practice. However, it is not clear how diverse board characteristics might affect innovation and innovation search strategies. Utilising the data from 25 banks listed in the UAE stock exchanges, this study evaluates the impact of boardroom diversity on firm innovativeness both before and after the drop in the oil prices. The results show that although gender and education do not significantly affect innovativeness of banks, having more experienced and independent board members enhances the innovation. The effect of experienced board members on innovation is more pronounced during the oil price drop period, whereas the effect of independent board members decreases after the drop in the oil prices.
Preparation of Porous Ni–Cu Alloy Electrodes and their Electrocatalytic Performance as Cathode for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Yuan Li , Gao Chen , Zeng Chunyan , Lu Yue , Qian Xuzheng , Chen Fuyi
Published: September 2017

Porous Ni–Cu alloy electrodes were conveniently fabricated by galvanic displacement reaction (GDR) between Ni foam and copper ion in copper ion solutions, followed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) treatment to form a hierarchical microstructure. The electrocatalytic performance of prepared electrodes in terms of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was investigated in a 1[Formula: see text]mol/L KOH solution at room temperature. Different copper ion solutions were tested to determine the best copper ion solution and the optimum GDR time, and experimental results show that all cathodes obtained by GDR between Ni foam and copper ion exhibit a superior HER activity over the pure Ni foam cathode, while the HER activity of electrode obtained by GDR between Ni foam and copper ion in 0.5[Formula: see text]mol/L CuCl2 solutions for 1[Formula: see text]h is the highest. Furthermore, it is found that the HER activity of electrode obtained by GDR between Ni foam and copper ion in 0.5[Formula: see text]mol/L CuCl2 solutions for 1[Formula: see text]h can be further enhanced through a CV treatment and the optimal number of CV cycles is 3, which can be attributed to a hierarchical microstructure (a needle-like nano–microstructure formed on the surface of the electrode during the CV treatment process).
Three-dimensional, isotropic imaging of mouse brain using multi-view deconvolution light sheet microscopy
Authors: Liu Sa , Nie Jun , Li Yusha , Yu Tingting , Zhu Dan , Fei Peng
Published: September 2017

We present a three-dimensional (3D) isotropic imaging of mouse brain using light-sheet fluorescent microscopy (LSFM) in conjunction with a multi-view imaging computation. Unlike common single view LSFM is used for mouse brain imaging, the brain tissue is 3D imaged under eight views in our study, by a home-built selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). An output image containing complete structural information as well as significantly improved resolution ([Formula: see text]4 times) are then computed based on these eight views of data, using a bead-guided multi-view registration and deconvolution. With superior imaging quality, the astrocyte and pyramidal neurons together with their subcellular nerve fibers can be clearly visualized and segmented. With further including other computational methods, this study can be potentially scaled up to map the connectome of whole mouse brain with a simple light-sheet microscope.
Substrate chemistry regulates the surface phase separation of polyurethane films
Authors: Xing Juan , Pan Xianchao , Wang Jinfeng , Luo Yanfeng
Published: September 2017

The effect of substrate chemistry on surface phase separation of polyurethane films were investigated by using self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with chemically different modifications, i.e. hydroxy (–OH) and methyl (–CH3) end groups. Results showed that hydrophilic (–OH) and hydrophobic end groups (–CH[Formula: see text] could respectively promote the aggregation of hard and soft segments at polyurethane–substrate interface, which further regulates the phase separation of polyurethane surface that contacts the substrate. The aggregation of hard segments tended to enhance the surface smoothness of polyurethane films, especially on hydrophilic substrates with hydroxy modification. Further analysis of tensile testing revealed that the regulation of surface phase separation had no effect on the shape memory effect of polyurethane films. These findings suggest that the chemical properties of the substrates could regulate the phase separation and may provide some guidance on the design of specific polyurethane with desired morphology and properties.
Facile synthesis and formation mechanism of uniform antimony nanotubes
Authors: Wang Xinwei , Su Shichen , Fang Dan , Zhang Haoran , Wang Dengkui , Tang Jilong , Wang Xiaohua , Jin Fangjun , Wei Zhipeng
Published: September 2017

One-dimensional tubular antimony (Sb) nanomaterials were successfully synthesized via a facile template-free solvothermal reduction process. These as-synthesized Sb nanotubes exhibited a middle-hollow, multi-walled, open-ended structures with the average size of lengths and diameters for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm. Also, they show the rhombohedral phase and good crystallinity in nature. Based on the crystal structures and morphologies evolution of Sb nanomaterials by the temperature-dependent reactions, the formation mechanism of Sb nanotubes has been proposed to be that the nanosized clusters nucleated first and then self-assembly aggregated into thin nanosheets and finally rolled into the nanotubes through some driving forces, namely, a rolling-up mechanism.
MEASURING POLICY BENEFITS OF THE CYCLONE SHELTER PROGRAM IN THE NORTH INDIAN OCEAN: PROTECTION FROM INTENSE WINDS OR HIGH STORM SURGES?
Authors: SEO S. NIGGOL
Published: September 2017

This paper provides a quantitative estimate of the policy benefit of the cyclone shelter program (CSP) implemented in Bangladesh. The present author examines all cyclones that were generated in the North Indian Ocean, both the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, from 1990 to 2015. A negative binomial (NB) model of cyclone fatalities against cyclone intensity finds that the CSP does little in protecting people’s lives against the high storm intensity. In contrast, a two-stage NB model of cyclone fatalities against the level of surges reveals that the CSP is vastly effective against storm surges. The number of fatalities is, on average, 75% smaller in the areas where the shelter program has been implemented against the areas without the program in response to the same level of storm surges. A set of Probit adoption models of adaptation options in response to cyclone surges and intensity reveals that the CSP has been directed to a low-income area with high population density, which is in contrast to the other strategies which have been increasingly adopted with higher income, e.g., cyclone trajectory projection technologies.
Cytomegalovirus Disease of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Marques Susana , Carmo Joana , Pinto Daniel , Bispo Miguel , Ramos Sância , Chagas Cristina
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The colon is the most commonly affected site, and the literature is scarce regarding CMV disease of the upper GI tract. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the clinical and endoscopic features of upper GI CMV disease. Methods: This 10-year retrospective study included all patients with a histopathological diagnosis of upper GI CMV infection. Patients' clinical, endoscopic, therapy, and follow-up data were collected from medical records. Results: Twelve patients with histopathologically proven upper GI CMV disease were identified (age 61 ± 18 years, 50% men). Most of the patients were immunocompromised (75%) due to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), malignancy, and/or immunosuppressive therapy. In the remainder (25%), the disease occurred in the absence of immunodeficiency and immunosuppression. Three patients (all with AIDS) presented with disseminated CMV infection. In the majority of the cases (83%), upper GI CMV disease was symptomatic, and the most common clinical presentations were odynophagia/dysphagia (25%) and nausea/vomiting (25%). Endoscopically, there were 5 cases of esophagitis (42%) and 7 cases of gastritis (58%). The lower esophagus (33%) and the gastric antrum (42%) were the most frequently affected GI sites. Regardless of the location, mucosal ulceration was the most common endoscopic finding (75%) and was associated with very deep ulceration resembling cavitation in 2 cases. Other endoscopic features were mucosal edema, hyperemia, and nodularity (25%). Eleven patients (92%) received antiviral treatment (duration 26 ± 12 days). The 1-month and 1-year mortality rates were 16.7 and 25%, respectively. Conclusions: Upper GI CMV disease can occur in the absence of immunodeficiency and immunosuppression. It is usually symptomatic, and mucosal ulceration is often evident at endoscopy. It is associated with significant mortality; therefore, early diagnosis and adequate antiviral treatment are essential.
Contribution of Neuro-Imaging for Prediction of Functional Recovery after Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Heiss Wolf-Dieter
Published: September 2017

Prediction measures of recovery and outcome after stroke perform with only modest levels of accuracy if based only on clinical data. Prediction scores can be improved by including morphologic imaging data, where size, location, and development of the ischemic lesion is best documented by magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to the primary lesion, the involvement of fiber tracts contributes to prognosis, and consequently the use of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess primary and secondary pathways improves the prediction of outcome and of therapeutic effects. The recovery of ischemic tissue and the progression of damage are dependent on the quality of blood supply. Therefore, the status of the supplying arteries and of the collateral flow is not only crucial for determining eligibility for acute interventions, but also has an impact on the potential to integrate areas surrounding the lesion that are not typically part of a functional network into the recovery process. The changes in these functional networks after a localized lesion are assessed by functional imaging methods, which additionally show altered pathways and activated secondary centers related to residual functions and demonstrate changes in activation patterns within these networks with improved performance. These strategies in some instances record activation in secondary centers of a network, for example, also in homolog contralateral areas, which might be inhibitory to the recovery of primary centers. Such findings might have therapeutic consequences, for example, image-guided inhibitory stimulation of these areas. In the future, a combination of morphological imaging including DTI of fiber tracts and activation studies during specific tasks might yield the best information on residual function, reserve capacity, and prospects for recovery after ischemic stroke.
Typical Hemodialysis in India: A Case Report
Authors: Abraham Georgi , Vijayan Madhusudan , Mathew Milly
Published: September 2017

We report here a typical case of a patient on hemodialysis (HD) for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in India that highlights some of the management issues encountered in a country with an enormous burden of ESRD and major challenges of underdialysis and management of comorbidities. The patient, a 42-year-old multiparous woman with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage V, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension is a homemaker from a middle-class family, living in a large city, with no family history of CKD. From May 2013 to December 2016, she has been receiving twice-weekly maintenance HD for 4 h (intermittent HD); access was via an internal jugular line initially and then via a left brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) from late June 2013. Medical problems in this patient included poor medication and dietary compliance, underdialysis, anemia, volume overload, congestive cardiac failure with recurrent pulmonary edema, and hypertensive crisis. In December 2016, she complained of pain in the fistula arm during dialysis, and in January 2017, she developed edema of the arm. Specific endovascular intervention with balloon angioplasty resulted in a resolution of the stenosis of the venous side of the AVF and the edema. Counselling for dietary compliance and drug adherence resulted in good blood pressure control. Unlike in most other dialysis units, we have been able to increase her HD to thrice weekly and institute several ancillary services, including skilled dietary counselling, cardiac care, and regular bioimpedance analysis with favorable outcomes. Thus, a multidisciplinary team approach offering such ancillary services would allow for better management and improved outcomes in patients with ESRD in resource-poor settings.
Mineral and Bone Disorder in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case Report from Vietnam
Authors: Bui Pham Van , Tuan Nguyyen Minh , Nghia Huynh Thi Nguyen , Phuong Pham Nguyen Thanh
Published: September 2017

We report a case of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPDD) involving a patient on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The 32-year-old man presented in August 2016 with a complaint of left shoulder swelling of 8 months' duration with no trauma or fever. He was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome in 1998, which progressed to ESRD. He commenced MHD in 2012. Examination at our hospital revealed a soft nontender swelling of the left shoulder. Blood biochemistry showed elevated serum urate, phosphate, β2 microglobulin, and parathyroid hormone. Imaging revealed joint effusion and dense heterogenous deposition. Aspirate analysis showed urate crystals 3+, and culture yielded no growth. Following rheumatology review, the working diagnosis was periarticular tissue tuberculosis, after excluding pseudogout and amyloidosis. Following 1 month of colchicine and allopurinol, synovial fluid microscopy showed CPDD crystals. Symptoms gradually resolved over the course of 6 months. In this rare case, a diagnosis of CPDD was made with a multidisciplinary approach that included imaging and biochemical investigations.
Support for Dialysis Therapy in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar by Japanese Societies in the Field of Blood Purification
Authors: Kokubo Kenichi , Kobayashi Kozue , Urabe Sunichiro , Matsubara Hirokazu , Naramura Tomotaka , Wakai Haruki , Naganuma Toshihide , Nakajima Fumitaka , Shibahara Nobuhisa , Hyodo Toru , Matsuda Kenichi , Yoshida Kazunari , Yamashita Akihiro C. , Kawanishi Hideki
Published: September 2017

With recent economic development in Southeast Asia, there have been improvements in medical services and healthcare provision. This has led to increased numbers of dialysis patients and increased numbers of dialysis facilities in the region. To assist economically developing countries in managing this change, support projects from Japan have been conducted in the region since around 2007. This article summarizes and discusses Japan's support activities, in which some of the authors were directly involved, in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Initial support was mainly organized by the non-governmental organization Ubiquitous Blood Purification International (NGO UBPI), and currently several organizations in the field of blood purification work together to offer ongoing support in the region. Many positive changes have resulted from these activities in Southeast Asia, but challenges remaining for the future are to establish an educational system for each dialysis specialty and develop dialysis techniques ensuring high treatment quality and safety.
Fetal Aneuploidy: A Comparison of Dichorionic Twins and Monochorionic Twins
Authors: Shi Xiaomei , Li Lin , Huang Xuan , Chen Baojiang , Zhou Yi , Fang Qun
Published: September 2017

Objective: To assess the clinical characteristics of fetal aneuploidy between dichorionic twins (DCT) and monochorionic twins (MCT) undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis. Methods: Twin fetuses undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis were enrolled in this study. All twin fetuses were classified into 2 groups according to chorionicity. The rates of fetal aneuploidy in different groups were compared. Result: This study included 1,714 fetuses (857 sets of twin pairs); among them, 1,190 were DCT and 524 were MCT. Overall, the rate of aneuploidy was 4.7% (56/1,190) in DCT and 3.4% (18/524) in MCT. Sixty-four (86.5%, 64/74) fetal aneuploidies occurred in only one fetus of the twin pairs. In DCT, the most common aneuploidy was trisomy 21 (53.6%, 30/56), followed by trisomy 18 (21.4%, 12/56) and trisomy 13 (8.9%, 5/56), while in MCT, the most common aneuploidy was Turner syndrome (33.3%, 6/18), followed by trisomy 21 (27.7%, 5/18) and 47,XYY (11.0%, 2/18). Conclusion: Aneuploidy mostly occurred in only one fetus in the twin pairs. The most common aneuploidy was trisomy 21 in DCT and Turner syndrome in MCT. Dual amniocentesis should be performed when discordant monozygotic twins are suspected.
The Implications of Recent Recommendations for Managing Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Fumaric Acid Esters
Authors: Foley Catherine C. , Molloy Oonagh E. , Lally Aoife , Kirby Brian
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) are a well-established efficacious systemic treatment for psoriasis. Recent recommendations from the European Medicines Agency suggest monitoring of full blood count every 4 weeks for the duration of therapy for psoriasis. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of lymphopenia in patients taking FAEs and the impact of recent recommendations for our practice. Methods: We reviewed 151 patients treated with FAEs for psoriasis between December 2013 and 2015. Results: Lymphopenia <700 × 109/L was detected within the last 12 months in 36/151 (24%) and lymphopenia <500 × 109/L in 10/151 (7%). Of 39 patients no longer on treatment, 7 (18%) stopped because of persistent lymphopenia. Conclusion: The implementation of these recommendations would have significant resource implications and also likely influence the acceptability of FAEs to patients. Cessation of FAEs necessitates the need for alternative therapy, commonly biologic therapy.
Atypical Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical and Pathologic Features
Authors: Maltese Giuseppa , Fontanella Caterina , Lepori Stefano , Scaffa Cono , Fucà Giovanni , Bogani Giorgio , Provenzano Salvatore , Carcangiu Maria Luisa , Raspagliesi Francesco , Lorusso Domenica
Published: September 2017

Background: Clinical characteristics combined with new biomarkers help discriminate between atypical uterine smooth muscle tumors (AUSMT) and leiomyosarcomas (LMS). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively collected a series of leiomyomas (LM), AUSMT, and LMS. Estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), p16, Ki-67, and p53 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. For AUSMT patients, immunohistochemistry evaluations were performed at the time of diagnosis and at recurrences. Results: A total of 27 cases of AUSMT, 22 LM, and 31 LMS were identified. The expression of ER and PR decreased from LM to LMS (ER+: LM 95.5%, AUSMT 88.9%, LMS 41.9%, p < 0.001; PR+: LM 100%, AUSMT 88.9%, LMS 38.2%, p = 0.002). By contrast, p16 and p53 expression increased (p16+: LM 4.5%, AUSMT 40.7%, LMS 45.2%, p = 0.004; p53: LM 9.1%, AUSMT 33.3%, LMS 58.1%, p = 0.001). At a median follow-up of 33.47 months, 40.7% of patients with AUSMT experienced recurrent disease, 6 patients relapsed as AUSMT and 5 as LMS. In univariate analysis was observed that ER status (p = 0.027) and p53 expression (p = 0.015) predicted risk of relapse. Conclusions: Treatment of AUSMT should be centralized in dedicated centers. International collaborations are needed to optimize research strategy, which may lead to the identification of new useful biomarkers and to improvement in the clinical management of this rare disease.
Identifying Attenuating Mutations: Tools for a New Vaccine Design against Flaviviruses
Authors: Khou Cécile , Pardigon Nathalie
Published: September 2017

Emerging Flaviviruses pose an increasing threat to global human health. To date, human vaccines against yellow fever virus (YFV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), dengue virus (DV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) exist. However, there is no human vaccine against other Flaviviruses such as Zika virus (ZIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV). In order to restrict their spread and to protect populations against the diseases they induce, vaccines against these emerging viruses must be designed. Obtaining new live attenuated Flavivirus vaccines using molecular biology methods is now possible. Molecular infectious clones of the parental viruses are relatively easy to generate. Key mutations present in live attenuated vaccines or mutations known to have a key role in the Flavivirus life cycle and/or interactions with their hosts can be identified by sequencing, and are then inserted in infectious clones by site-directed mutagenesis. More recently, the use of chimeric viruses and large-scale reencoding and introduction of microRNA target sequences have also been tested. Indeed, a combination of these methods will help in designing new generations of vaccines against emerging and reemerging Flaviviruses.
Syncytia Induction by Clinical Isolates of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus A
Authors: Gagliardi Talita Bianca , Criado Miriã Ferreira , Proença-Módena José Luiz , Saranzo Ariane Mirela , Iwamoto Marisa Akiko , de Paula Flávia Escremim , Cardoso Ricardo Souza , Delcaro Luana Sela , Silva Maria Lúcia , Câmara Ataide Ademir , Arruda Eurico
Published: September 2017

Objective: Syncytia formation is the hallmark of the cytopathic effect caused by human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), which is the most important viral respiratory pathogen in children. This article reports methodological improvements in primary HRSV isolation and the importance of syncytia formation and mRNA levels of F protein for the progeny yield, using clinical isolates of HRSV. Methods: The A and B strains of HRSV were isolated in HEp-2 cell cultures from fresh and frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates. The formation of syncytia was evaluated using 2 different assays. Levels of F protein mRNA were quantified by real-time PCR while HRSV progeny titration was done by plaque assay. Results: HRSV was primarily isolated from 238 of 312 (90.7%) samples, and 13 of these (12 HRSV-A and 1 HRSV-B) were continuously passaged in vitro. The quantity and size of syncytia formed by 6 pure HRSV-A clinical isolates were different, as were the levels of F protein mRNA. Conclusion: There is a direct correlation of quantities of syncytia and inoculum size, but not with mRNA levels of HRSV-A F protein. Importantly, levels of F protein mRNA were directly related to progeny production.
The Long Non-Coding RNA XIST Interacted with MiR-124 to Modulate Bladder Cancer Growth, Invasion and Migration by Targeting Androgen Receptor (AR)
Authors: Xiong Yaoyao , Wang Long , Li Yuan , Chen Minfeng , He Wei , Qi Lin
Published: September 2017

Backgrounds/Aims: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is involved in the progression of several tumors. The interaction between lncRNA and miRNA or miRNA’s target genes is reported to play crucial roles in malignancy. In addition, Androgen receptor (AR) is considered to be involved in bladder cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the role of XIST in human bladder cancer and its interaction with miR-124 and AR. Methods: XIST and AR expression was detected in bladder tumor samples and cell lines. Effects of XIST and AR on bladder cancer cells growth, invasion and migration were analyzed. Bioinformatic analysis and luciferase assays were used to identify the interaction among XIST, AR and miR-124. The correlations of miR-124 with XIST and AR in bladder cancer samples were statistically analyzed. Results: XIST and AR were upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and positively correlated. Higher XIST and AR expression were related to poorer TNM stage of bladder cancer. XIST knockdown reduced bladder cancer cells’ proliferation, invasion and migration. While this inhibitory effect could be partially restored by AR overexpression. XIST inhibited miR-124 expression by directly targeting. Moreover, miR-124 could bind to the 3’UTR of AR to regulate its expression. MiR-124 inhibition partially restored the XIST knockdown-induced reduction of AR, c-myc, p27, MMP13 and MMP9 expression. In bladder cancer tissues, miR-124 level was inversely correlated with the expression of XIST and AR, respectively. Conclusion: These findings indicated that XIST might be an oncogenic lncRNA that promoted the bladder cancer growth, invasion and migration via miR-124 dependent AR regulation.
iSAM - Um sistema de indicadores para o monitoramento da Área de Proteção Ambiental Mananciais do Rio Paraíba do Sul
Authors: Siani Sacha Maruã Ortiz , Amaral Silvana , Monteiro Antônio Miguel Vieira
Published: September 2017

A Área de Proteção Ambiental Mananciais do Rio Paraíba do Sul (APA-MRPS) é um importante instrumento de planejamento territorial ambiental que tem como objetivo proteger os mananciais que abastecem mais de 15 milhões de pessoas no sudeste do Brasil. Este espaço protegido inclui áreas rurais e urbanas, com diferentes contextos sociodemográficos e níveis de conservação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi construir um sistema de indicadores espacialmente explícitos, que auxiliasse o diagnóstico socioambiental e o monitoramento da APA-MRPS. O sistema, intitulado iSAM – Indicadores Socioambientais de Monitoramento da APA-MRPS, consiste em um conjunto de indicadores, construídos a partir de dados de sensoriamento remoto e dados censitários, que pretende identificar e localizar no espaço as condições de proteção dos mananciais e os diferenciais sociodemográficos da população residente. A unidade Jaguari foi selecionada para análise, de modo a demonstrar a capacidade do iSAM de representar os diferenciais socioterritoriais existentes nessa unidade de conservação. O iSAM é indicado para apoiar a gestão e o monitoramento sistemático da APA-MRPS. O arcabouço conceitual criado neste trabalho para lidar com a APA-MRPS, com adaptações, pode ser utilizado para a construção de outros sistemas de indicadores no contexto do monitoramento e planejamento territorial de outras áreas protegidas
Dinâmica de Inundação do Banhado a partir do índice NDPI, Reserva Biológica de São Donato – RS
Authors: Bittencourt Daniela Zanetti , Guasselli Laurindo Antonio
Published: September 2017

Os banhados característicos do bioma Pampa fazem parte de um grande leque de áreas úmidas, que são periodicamente inundadas por reflexo lateral de rios e de lagos, pela precipitação direta ou por água subterrânea. Para compreender a dinâmica desses ambientes – em especial o banhado da Reserva Biológica de São Donato - RS, a partir de processamento de imagens Landsat 5 e Landsat 8, foi utilizado o índice NDPI (Normalized Difference Pond Index ou Índice de Diferença Normalizada de Corpos de água) e registros de precipitação diários e mensais de quatro estações pluviométricas, duas locais e duas montantes do rio Uruguai. Foram determinadas classes de NDPI: Muito Seco, Seco, Úmido e Muito Úmido. Os resultados mostram que existem padrões nas imagens NDPI associados as manchas de inundação. Foram definidos três padrões de inundação no banhado da reserva: o regional, por influência de chuvas oriundas do trecho a montante na bacia do rio Uruguai; o sub-regional, por influência de chuvas oriundas ao leste, da sub-região hidrográfica dos rios Butuí e Icamaquã; e um padrão local, por influência de chuvas à montante do rio Butuí, que afeta o banhado com o encharcando do solo.
Feiras e Mercados Municipais em Bocaiúva (MG) e Montes Claros (MG): O Empoderamento das Mulheres Agricultoras
Authors: Fonseca Ana Ivania Alves , Costa Silviane Gasparino , Vieira Genilda Do Rosário Alves Lima , Galdino Sanndy Maria Gonçalves
Published: September 2017

As feiras e os mercados municipais no Norte de Minas são locais onde são manifestas relações culturais. Há o entrelaçamento entre o urbano e o rural por meio dos produtos comercializados e do contato entre os agricultores familiares e a população urbana. Para as agricultoras familiares dos municípios de Montes Claros (MG) e Bocaiúva (MG), a feira, nesses mercados, não só possibilita o ganho financeiro, mas também são locais de socialização de seus saberes e de qualidade de vida. A maioria das mulheres agricultoras que participa das feiras relata estar satisfeita com a comercialização de seus produtos nesses espaços e que não troca essa atividade por um trabalho na cidade com carteira assinada. Assim, este trabalho objetiva verificar o acesso das mulheres rurais aos mercados e feiras como forma de construção de sua identidade social.
Subterranean millipedes (Diplopoda) of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: REBOLEIRA ANA SOFIA P.S. , ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: September 2017

We present a checklist of subterranean millipedes from the Iberian Peninsula. Among the 16 orders of millipedes present worldwide, nine are represented in the Iberian Peninsula, of which five have troglobiont species: Polyxenida, Glomerida, Polydesmida, Chordeumatida and Julida. Currently, 75 species of troglobiont millipedes are known from the Iberian Peninsula, although only 68 have been described so far. Most of this diversity occurs in Spain, while only seven species are known from Portugal, two endemic to Gibraltar, and  three in the Balearic archipelago. We compiled all of the literature and added our own records of the troglobiont millipedes known in the Iberian Peninsula.
A review of Euryobeidia Fletcher, 1979 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Ennominae), with description of three new species
Authors: XIANG LANBIN , XUE DAYONG , WANG WENKAI , HAN HONGXIANG
Published: September 2017

The genus Euryobeidia Fletcher, 1979 is reviewed. Five species from China are recognized, of which, E. ellipsoidea sp. nov., E. incrassata sp. nov. and E. quadrata sp. nov. are described as new to science. Diagnoses for all the species are provided and illustrations of external features and genitalia are presented.
Contribution to the Chinese Rhaphidophorinae Walker, 1869 (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Rhaphidophorinae): New species of Rhaphidophora Serville, 1838 from China
Authors: BIAN XUN , ZHU QIDI , SHI FUMING
Published: September 2017

This paper is the second contribution to the taxonomy and faunistics of the subfamily Rhaphidophorinae in China. Six new species are described and illustrated from China. A key and distribution maps of known Rhaphidophorinae from China are provided.
A new species of treefrog of the genus Ptychohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Southern Mexico
Authors: CANSECO-MÁRQUEZ LUIS , AGUILAR-LÓPEZ J. LUIS , LURÍA-MANZANO RICARDO , PINEDA EDUARDO , CAVIEDES-SOLÍS ITZUE W.
Published: September 2017

We describe a new species of treefrog of the genus Ptychohyla from southern Mexico occurring to the east of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This new species can be distinguished from Mexican congeners by a combination of a pale pink iris and the presence of nuptial excrescences in breeding males. Including this new taxon, the number of species of Ptychohyla increases to 14, with seven of these occurring in Mexico. The new species is relatively common in pristine tropical forests, but appears to be sensitive to habitat degradation and has not been found in human modified habitats, suggesting that habitat modification is a threat for this hylid frog.
A review of Labidostomis species similar to L. longimana from southeastern Europe with descriptions of two new species from Greece and Turkey (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Clytrini)
Authors: BEZDĚK JAN , REGALIN RENATO
Published: September 2017

This publication reviews the Labidostomis species from Southeastern Europe similar to L. longimana. Two new species, L. daccordii sp. nov. (Central Greece) and L. leonardii (Greece: Kos Island, Turkey), are described. The type specimens of L. balcanica Tomov, 1987 (Croatia), L. graeca Tomov, 1990 and L. tymphristica Tomov, 1990 (both from Greece) were studied, all three species are confirmed as valid and their diagnostic characters are described. The aedeagus sclerites are introduced as useful character to separate Labidostomis species.
Gibocercus Szumik and Biguembia Szumik (Embioptera, Archembiidae): new species and the potentiality of female traits
Authors: SZUMIK CLAUDIA , GANDOLFO RAQUEL , PEREYRA VERONICA
Published: September 2017

Two new species of Biguembia Szumik (B. mirador n. sp. and B. troncol n. sp.) and one new species of Gibocercus Szumik (G. podamita n. sp.) from Brazil are described and illustrated. The female of Gibocercus chaco Szumik is described for the first time. Female terminalia of both genera are redefined and redescribed for B. copo, G. chaco and G. beni. Additionally, a cladistic analysis using almost 100 morphological characters was developed. Both genera appear monophyletic and well supported by several synapomorphies. The results also indicate that some species are unjustified and therefore they are synonymized: Gibocercus magnus Ross, 2001 = Gibocercus beni Szumik, 1997; Gibocercus flavipes Ross, 2001 = Gibocercus nanai Szumik, 1997; Gibocercus napoa Ross, 2001 = Gibocercus sandrae Ross, 2001, all new synonymies. The relationships of the new species are discussed as well as the potentiality of female traits.
Five-Year Multicenter Study of Clinical Tests of Neonatal Purulent Meningitis
Authors: Zhao Zhi , Yu Jia-Lin , Zhang Hai-Bo , Li Ju-Hua , Li Zhan-Kui
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to provide more data support for early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal purulent meningitis through retrospective analysis of its clinical diagnosis and treatment, pathogen distribution, and drug resistance in 5 third-class A hospitals in Southwest and Northwest China from January 2011 to December 2015. It was found that both the positive rates of blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture were low, and Escherichia coli should be the main pathogenic bacteria. Drug-resistant strains with varying degrees to the third generation of cephalosporin antibiotics have appeared currently.