bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T in younger acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients: A single-center experience
Authors: Frikha Rim , Rebai Tarek , Lobna Ben Mahmoud , Frikha Fakher , Mdhaffar Moez , Frikha Imen , Elloumi Moez , Bouayed Nouha 
Published: December 2018

Context Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms, mainly the C677T, have been implicated as risk factors for several cancers as the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In addition, a potential effect of such variant on the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) has been reported. Objective In this study, we evaluated the impact of the C677T variant of MTHFR on MTX-related toxicity in ALL patients from Tunisia; to provide new insights for a personalized therapy based on the human genotype. Materials and methods Genotyping was carried out with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) on blood samples from a total of 35 younger patients; suffering from ALL. Results In the ALL patients, the MTHFR 677CT genotype confers a greater risk of toxicity with 1.3 times as relative risk mainly the hepatic toxicity when compared with MTHFR 677CC. Conclusion Our findings suggest that C677T polymorphism of MTHFR seems to be a good marker for MTX-related toxicity in ALL.
Physician Attitudes Toward Living Kidney Donation
Authors: Trachtman Howard , Parent Brendan , Kirshenbaum Ari , Caplan Arthur 
Published: December 2018

Background: Compared to dialysis, living kidney donation has a greater chance of restoring health and is associated with better outcomes than deceased kidney donation. Although physicians advocate for this treatment, it is uncertain how they would act as potential living kidney donors or recipients. Methods: We surveyed 104 physicians, pediatric, and internal medicine nephrologists, to ascertain their attitudes toward living donation. Results: Among surveyed nephrologists, there was nearly universal support for living kidney donation as a viable medical option, and nearly all of them would support a healthy and medically cleared patient who wishes to participate. Although support was still strong, nephrologists were significantly less likely to support their friends and relatives participating in living kidney donation, and their support declined further for friends and relatives donating to nonrelatives. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need to more deeply examine physician-perceived risks involved in serving as a living kidney donor. Based on differences in surveyed nephrologist attitudes regarding donation to and from loved ones versus nonrelatives, we suggest that physicians should give careful consideration to how they describe the risks of living donation to potential donors.
How I treat MDS after hypomethylating agent failure
Authors: Santini Valeria 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine are standard of care for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Response to these agents occurs in ∼50% of treated patients, and duration of response, although variable, is transient. Prediction of response to HMAs is possible with clinical and molecular parameters, but alternative approved treatments are not available, and in the case of HMA failure, there are no standard therapeutic opportunities. It is important to develop a reasoned choice of therapy after HMA failure. This choice should be based on evaluation of type of resistance (primary vs secondary, progression of disease [acute leukemia or higher risk MDS] vs absence of hematological improvement) as well as on molecular and cytogenetic characteristics reassessed at the moment of HMA failure. Rescue strategies may include stem-cell transplantation, which remains the only curative option, and chemotherapy, both of which are feasible in only a minority of cases, and experimental agents. Patients experiencing HMA failure should be recruited to clinical experimental trials as often as possible. Several novel agents with different mechanisms of action are currently being tested in this setting. Drugs targeting molecular alterations (IDH2 mutations, spliceosome gene mutations) or altered signaling pathways (BCL2 inhibitors) seem to be the most promising.
Human erythrocyte band 3 is a host receptor for Plasmodium falciparum glutamic acid–rich protein
Authors: Almukadi Haifa , Schwake Christopher , Kaiser Maima M. , Mayer D. C. Ghislaine , Schiemer James , Baldwin Michael R. , Hegde Shreeya , Lu Yunzhe , Hanada Toshihiko , Chishti Athar H. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMalaria remains a major global threat to human health and economic development. Microvascular lesions caused by Plasmodium falciparum–infected human erythrocytes/red blood cells are hallmarks of severe pathogenesis contributing to high mortality, particularly in children from sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we used a phage display complementary DNA library screening strategy to identify P falciparum glutamic acid–rich protein (PfGARP) as a secreted ligand that recognizes an ectodomain of human erythrocyte anion-exchanger, band 3/AE1, as a host receptor. Domain mapping of PfGARP revealed distinct nonoverlapping repeats encoding the immune response epitopes and core erythrocyte-binding activity. Synthetic peptides derived from the erythrocyte-binding repeats of PfGARP induced erythrocyte aggregation reminiscent of the rosetting phenomenon. Using peptides derived from the immunogenic repeats, a quantitative immunoassay was developed to detect a selective immune response against PfGARP in human plasma samples obtained from patients in rural Mali, suggesting the feasibility of PfGARP as a potential biomarker of disease progression. Collectively, our results suggest that PfGARP may play a functional role in enhancing the adhesive properties of human erythrocytes by engaging band 3 as a host receptor. We propose that immunological and pharmacological inhibition of PfGARP may unveil new therapeutic options for mitigating lesions in cerebral and pregnancy-associated malaria.
A robust methodology for time picking and error analysis of ultrasonic waveforms and rock densities in the laboratory
Authors: Durán Evert L. , Adam Ludmila , Wallis Irene C. 
Published: December 2018

The relationships between elastic wave speeds and rock physical properties are commonly studied through laboratory experiments. However, the estimation of elastic wave arrival times and the associated errors are not reported consistently. Changes in experimental conditions such as pressures or fluid substitution vary the arrival time and shape of the recorded ultrasonic signals. Crosscorrelation techniques are a simple way of estimating time differences between waveforms for a range of experimental conditions. However, in the presence of elastic wave attenuation, which results in the change of waveform shape (frequency content), this technique can be unstable. We design a methodology based on dynamic time warping functions for consistently picking arrival times between different ultrasonic waveforms. This methodology is robust to small changes in ultrasonic waveform shape due to variation in the experimental conditions. Here, we estimate and correlate P- and S-wave time picks for variations in (1) fluid type or saturation and (2) confining or fluid pressures. We also develop a semiautomated error analysis that uses Monte Carlo simulations to propagate uncertainty in time picks into wave speed and elastic moduli errors. We test the methodology on a set of volcaniclastic and intrusive rocks from a geothermal field in New Zealand at atmospheric conditions and confining stresses. The Python code for this analysis is freely available to the community.
Systematic Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Tetraaryltellurium Compounds Ar4TeIV
Authors: Kobayashi Sho , Sugamata Koh , Minoura Mao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHypervalent tetraaryltellurium(IV) compounds of the type Ar4TeIV (1: Ar = C6H5; 2: Ar = p-H3CC6H4; 3: Ar = p-t-BuC6H4; 4: Ar = p-F3CC6H4) were prepared via a convenient one-pot reaction between the isolated corresponding ArLi reagent and TeCl4. X-ray crystallographic analyses of 1–4 revealed distorted pseudo-trigonal-bipyramidal (TBP) structures for Ar4Te and the TBP character was analyzed by the dihedral angle method.
Traveling through narrative time: How tense and temporal deixis guide the representation of time and viewpoint in news narratives
Authors: Sanders José , van Krieken Kobie 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study examines the linguistic construal and cognitive representation of time and viewpoint in the genre of news narratives. We present a model of mental spaces that involves a News Space in which the deictic center is construed of the news actors at the time the newsworthy events took place, and a Reality Space in which the deictic here-and-now center of journalist and reader is construed. This model explains how the dynamic representation of narrative news discourse, characterized by shifts in time and viewpoint, is steered by linguistic devices. An analysis of Dutch news narratives shows that temporal adverbs such as yesterdayand shifts from present tense to past tense may signal a moveforwardin narrative time, to a viewpoint in the future relative to the narrative now-point, rather thanbackward. These atypical time shifts can be accounted for by presupposing an Intermediate Space located at a point in time between the News Space and the Reality Space where the progression of narrative time comes to a halt and experiences are rather relived than reported. The salience of the Intermediate Space may be signaled by quotative conditionals reflecting the viewpoints of implicitly quoted sources. These results clarify how tense and temporal deixis steer the linguistic construal of time and viewpoint in news narratives, demonstrating that time and viewpoint are closely linked in the cognitive representation of these narratives.
Application of Adaptive Feedforward-Feedback Control on Multiple Effect Evaporator Process
Authors: Matheus Mota Sousa Felipe , Rodrigues Fonseca Rodolpho 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Evaporation is one of the most standard procedures in many industrial processes. Although its importance, this operation is quite expensive and, to minimize costs, it is applied multiple effect evaporators. In terms of process control, this configuration is more susceptible to disturbances and also more complicated to control due to process non-linearity. In this paper, a two effects evaporator in a feedforward pattern of feeding was controlled by different adaptive strategies of regulatory control. It was developed feedback and feedforward-feedback control loops in which their PID and lead-lag control parameters were modified according to a gain scheduling strategy based on process variable value. It was shown that adaptive strategy used in feedback control led to a better performance against non-adaptive control, reducing ISE, IAE and ITAE criteria by 12.60%, 7.86% and 13.98% respectively, but also the settling time. However, the final control element was affected leading to 59.77% increase of control effort (ISU). On the other hand, feedforward-feedback allowed even more disturbance rejection than adaptive feedback. As example, IAE values were reduced by 29.96% and 48.17% for feedforward-feedback using non-adaptive and adaptive lead-lag control, respectively. Although their better performance, both feedforward-feedback loops increased control effort, reaching even 70 times of feedback ISU value.
Effect of Ultrasound on Heat Pump Drying Characteristics of Pea Seeds
Authors: Tao Zhichao , Yang Zhao , Yu Fei , Yang Zongyu 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
For the purpose to study the effect of ultrasound treatment on heat pump drying, the experiments were conducted on pea seeds at drying temperature of 30, 35 and 40 °C , ultrasound power of 0, 60 and 100 W and frequency of 0, 28 and 40 kHz. The influence of ultrasound and temperature on the drying process was studied by analyzing the drying characteristics of pea seeds. The results demonstrated that increasing the ultrasound power, frequency and drying temperature can improve the drying rate and the Midilli model can describe the drying kinetics of pea seeds well. The effective moisture diffusion coefficient increased with the increase of ultrasound power, frequency and drying temperature, while there was no obvious trend for the change of seed activation energy under different conditions. The seed viability was promoted with the raise of ultrasound power and fell when increasing drying temperature.
Optimization of Concentration Quenching on Erbium Ytterbium Doped Wave Guide EYDWA Using for Extended Reach up to 160 Km of Hybrid Gigabit Passive Optical Networks and Free Space Optical Technologie “GPON-FSO”
Authors: Attaouia Bentahar , Malika Kandouci 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an implementation of Er3+/Yb3+ codoped glass waveguide amplifiers (EYDWA) as a post-amplifier can provide an extended reach and a high split-ratio for the cost-effective implementation of hybrid fiber-to-the-x (FTTx) and free space optical (FSO) technologies. The performance has been compared on the basis of transmission distance, however the results of simulation show enhancement offered by EYDWA. This amplifier was able to reach transmission distance ratio of 160:5 km for GPON:FSO. Moreover in this paper, was study different characterizations of EYDWA amplifier, which depend essentially on the opt-geometric parameters, such as concentrations of ions erbium, length of the waveguide amplifier and the effect of those parameters to optimize the gain G, quality factor Q, min of BER and eye diagram.
“Get the Tone Right”: Reading with the Realism of Object-Oriented Ontology
Authors: Wei-Hao Chin Gabriel Patrick 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
This paper investigates the consequences of taking seriously the metaphysics of Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO), as defined by Graham Harman, in the field of literature. Acutely focusing on just one possible mobilisation and application of the theory, the essay deploys OOO to read two major writers of the late 20th century, Don DeLillo and Murakami Haruki, in novel configurations made possible by applying an Object-Oriented method to the genre of Magic Realism. Using this method, the essay unearths an unarticulated avenue for studying the genre and these authors against established national, cultural, and canonical boundaries in literature, putting into conversation various literary traditions based on formal characteristics found in the texts through OOO’s metaphysics, and suggesting wholly untested paths for literary study in the wake of Object-Oriented philosophies.
A határérték bal kamrai ejekciós frakció együtt jár a mitralis anulus méretének és funkciójának eltéréseivel. Eredmények a MAGYAR-Healthy Tanulmányból
Authors: Kovács Zsolt , Kormányos Árpád , Domsik Péter , Kalapos Anita , Lengyel Csaba , Ajtay Zénó , Forster Tamás , Nemes Attila 
Published: December 2018

Abstract: Introduction: Morphology and function of the mitral annulus (MA) shows alterations in different valvular (for instance in mitral regurgitation) and non-valvular disorders (for instance in certain cardiomyopathies, cardiac amyloidosis). Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between MA morphologic and functional properties and three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography- (3DSTE) derived left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) in subjects with normal versus borderline LV-EF. Method: The present study comprised 146 volunteers (mean age: 32.0 ± 11.4 years; 74 males) in whom complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography was performed with a negative result extended with 3DSTE. The population was further divided into two groups according to their 3DSTE-derived LV-EF (borderline 50–54% versus ≥55%). Results: In cases with borderline LV-EF, higher LV end-systolic LV volumes and lower LV longitudinal strain could be measured. All end-systolic and end-diastolic MA diameter, area and perimeter data proved to be higher in cases with borderline LV-EF. In these subjects, MA functional parameters proved to be lower as well. In contrast, LV-EF showed correlations neither with end-systolic and end-diastolic MA dimensions nor with MA functional parameters. Conclusions: 3DSTE-derived borderline LV-EF is associated with MA dilatation and functional impairment. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(50): 2129–2135.
A glargin és glulizin inzulinnal folytatott bázis-bolus kezelési rendszer egyéves eredményessége 2-es típusú cukorbetegségben. Elemzés a gyógyszerár-támogatás tükrében
Authors: Jermendy György , Kovács Gábor 
Published: December 2018

Abstract: Introduction: Being entitled for no patient co-payment, the Hungarian reimbursement condition of analogue insulins as part of basal-bolus treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires that two HbA1c levels should achieve <8.0% target value within 12 months (measured two months apart) after switching from treatment with human insulins. Achieving this target, the treatment should be considered effective from drug reimbursement perspective. Aim: The aims of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of insulin glargine + insulin glulisine basal-bolus regimen from the payer’s perspective and to investigate the ability to maintain the achieved glycaemic control in previously uncontrolled T2DM patients (HbA1c >9.0%). Method: This one-year, non-interventional study included patients with T2DM inadequately controlled (HbA1c >9.0%) on previous human basal-bolus treatment. The main outcomes were the proportion of patients who achieved the adequate glycaemic control (defined by the reimbursement rules) and the proportion of patients who achieved reimbursement rules defined HbA1c <8.0% target value by the 6 months after switch and could maintain this glycaemic control for upcoming further 6 months. As safety outcome, the hypoglycaemic events were recorded. Results: Out of the 557 patients enrolled, 287 had available data to be included in the efficacy analysis. Out of the 287 efficacy analysis patients, 169 (58.9%) achieved the reimbursement rules defined glycaemic control. At 6 months, 167 patients had HbA1c value <8.0% and 152 (91.0%) remained in this target range until the end of the 12-month observational period. Overall, 1221 non-severe and 6 severe hypoglycaemic events were reported. Conclusions: More than half of the patients with T2DM who were newly switched to insulin glargine + glulisine basal-bolus treatment could achieve the reimbursement rule criteria requiring for prescription of the analogue insulins with no co-payment beyond 1 year of treatment in Hungary. However, the results revealed that glycaemic control assessment with HbA1c measurements had not met the reimbursement requirements in a significant part of patients. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(50): 2122–2128.
Bilateral choanal stenosis in a craniosynostosis child: a case report
Authors: Tan H. Y. , Anuar Noor Azrin M. , Sawali Halimuddin 
Published: December 2018

<p class="abstract">Congenital bilateral choanal stenosis is a rare developmental condition and is highly associated with craniosynostosis syndromes. It can present with life threatening asphyxia. Diagnosis is made clinically using simple bedside tests and nasoendoscopy. Computed tomography of paranasal sinus confirms the diagnosis and facilitates pre-operative planning. Although the definitive treatment is surgery, the surgical options are based on involvement of unilateral or bilateral as well as bony or membranous. We report a rare case of bilateral choanal stenosis in a child with Pfeiffer syndrome who presented with severe respiratory distress at day 32 of life. Clinically, there was failure to insert suction catheter size 6 French through both nasal cavities. A high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of paranasal sinus confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral choanal stenosis. Endoscopic repair of the choanal stenosis was performed and stent was inserted for 14 days. Post-operatively, there was no evidence of restenosis after 3 months of clinical follow up.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>
Influence of Women Participation on Sustainability of Indigenous Chicken Value Chain Project in Kapseret Sub – County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
Authors: Cherotich Soy , Sakaja Yona 
Published: December 2018

<p>The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of women participation on sustainability of indigenous chicken value chain project in Kapseret sub county, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Due to this fact of lack of involvement of women in project participation, some projects have failed to meet the required goals thus not being able to attain sustainability. The objectives to be addressed in study were; to examine the influence of interactive participation among women on sustainability of indigenous chicken Value Chain Project implemented in Kapseret sub county, Uasin Gishu County Kenya, to determine the influence of capacity building among women on sustainability of Indigenous chicken Value Chain Project in Kapseret sub county, Uasin Gishu, Kenya, to identify the influence of financial mobilization among the women on sustainability of Indigenous Chicken Value Chain project in Kapseret Sub County, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to determine how Market accessibility among women influences sustainability of indigenous chicken value chain project in Kapseret sub county ,Uasin Gishu county, Kenya . The research design that was used by the study was descriptive survey design. The target population of 345 respondents was used, which provided a sample size of 181 respondents obtained by using Krejcie and Morgan sample determination Table. The researcher employed stratified simple random sampling while selecting the women groups proportionally. Questionnaires and interviews were used as the main data collection instruments. Validity was tested by scrutinizing the research instrument with the supervisor and help from other university lecturers. Data analysis was done by the use of descriptive statistics aided by Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) tool of analysis and the results were presented in frequency distribution table. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in statements forms. The study found that participation of women in various activities influenced sustainability of the indigenous Chicken value chain project. In conclusion it shows that interactive participation was agreed upon by majority of the members to be an ingredient that enhances sustainability of their projects. Majority of the respondents mentioned to have been trained and it contributed significantly to productivity levels and through meetings, viable financial structures and enterprise performance are established in projects. </p>