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Abstract Background McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome is an uncommon and severe disorder caused by large hypersecretory tumors located in the distal colorectal area. Excessive secretion from adenomas is an unusual clinical manifestation that leads to severe electrolyte and fluid depletion, subsequently resulting in kidney injury. Successful treatment relies on quick and cooperative decision-making for timely intervention. Case presentation A 79-year-old Bulgarian male patient was admitted to the emergency department with syncope resulting from severe electrolyte depletion and renal failure caused by excessive secretion from a rectal polyp. The initial diagnostic and treatment journey included computed tomography, rectoscopy, biopsy, and an attempt at piecemeal removal, ultimately leading to abdominoperineal resection. Despite the permanent colostomy, the patient experienced a smooth recovery and significant improvement in his quality of life. Conclusion McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome begins with nonspecific initial symptoms in the first extended latent phase, mainly diarrhea, followed by a brief deterioration phase and decompensation phase. However, the key to restoring renal function and correcting electrolyte imbalances lies in surgically removing the tumor, making early detection crucial. Employing a multidisciplinary strategy that includes prompt recognition, timely intervention, and thorough preoperative stabilization is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.

A comprehensive investigation of a highly complex petroleum refinery (Nelson complexity index of 10.7) during the processing of 11 crude oils and an imported atmospheric residue replacing the design Urals crude oil was performed. Various laboratory oil tests were carried out to characterize both crude oils, and their fractions. The results of oil laboratory assays along with intercriteria and regression analyses were employed to find quantitative relations between crude oil mixture quality and refining unit performance. It was found that the acidity of petroleum cannot be judged by its total acid number, and acid crudes with lower than 0.5 mg KOH/g and low sulphur content required repeated caustic treatment enhancement and provoked increased corrosion rate and sodium contamination of the hydrocracking catalyst. Increased fouling in the H-Oil hydrocracker was observed during the transfer of design Urals crude oil to other petroleum crudes. The vacuum residues with higher sulphur, lower nitrogen contents, and a lower colloidal instability index provide a higher conversion rate and lower fouling rate in the H-Oil unit. The regression equations developed in this work allow quantitative assessment of the performance of crucial refining units like the H-Oil, fluid catalytic cracker, naphtha reformer, and gas oil hydrotreatment based on laboratory oil test results.

This study explores the relationship between the light features of the Arctic spring equinox and circadian rhythms, sleep and metabolic health. Residents (N = 62) provided week-long actigraphy measures, including light exposure, which were related to body mass index (BMI), leptin and cortisol. Lower wrist temperature (wT) and higher evening blue light exposure (BLE), expressed as a novel index, the nocturnal excess index (NEIbl), were the most sensitive actigraphy measures associated with BMI. A higher BMI was linked to nocturnal BLE within distinct time windows. These associations were present specifically in carriers of the MTNR1B rs10830963 G-allele. A larger wake-after-sleep onset (WASO), smaller 24 h amplitude and earlier phase of the activity rhythm were associated with higher leptin. Higher cortisol was associated with an earlier M10 onset of BLE and with our other novel index, the Daylight Deficit Index of blue light, DDIbl. We also found sex-, age- and population-dependent differences in the parametric and non-parametric indices of BLE, wT and physical activity, while there were no differences in any sleep characteristics. Overall, this study determined sensitive actigraphy markers of light exposure and wT predictive of metabolic health and showed that these markers are linked to melatonin receptor polymorphism.

We develop a new approach for asymmetric LDPC-based information reconciliation in order to adapt to the current channel state and achieve better performance and scalability in practical resource-constrained QKD systems. The new scheme combines the advantages of LDPC codes, a priori error rate estimation, rate-adaptive and blind information reconciliation techniques. We compare the performance of several asymmetric and symmetric error correction schemes using a real industrial QKD setup. The proposed asymmetric algorithm achieves significantly higher throughput, providing a secret key rate that is close to the symmetric one in a wide range of error rates. Thus, our approach is found to be particularly efficient for applications with high key rates, limited classical channel capacity and asymmetric computational resource allocation.

Рассматривается новый период церковно-государственных отношений в Советском Союзе, начавшийся в 1943–1948 гг. Его характерными чертами стали восстановление патриаршества и общее потепление отношений Русской православной церкви и сталинского государства. На территории, оккупированной немецкими войсками в годы войны, начался обратный процесс: стали проходить аресты священнослужителей, священников отстраняли от управления большими приходами или перемещали в соседние епархии. Многие епископы, особенно из среды бывших обновленцев, испугавшись новых санкций, удалили из своих епархий связанных с нацистами священников. Параллельно с этим осуществлялись назначения на пустующие приходы и в благочиния тех духовных лиц, которые в условиях войны показали наибольшую приверженность советскому строю, а также помогали просоветскому подполью, в первую очередь партизанам. Многие из этих священников не были готовы к столь серьезным переменам и просили священноначалие отстранить себя от управления благочиниями. Взамен тех духовных лиц, которые участвовали в антисоветской пропаганде, а также входили в епархиальные управления, организованные в условиях немецкой оккупации, на приходы стали назначаться молодые священники, наиболее лояльные к советской власти. Они были невероятно амбициозны и смогли получить доверие у местных верующих. Часть из них была лояльна к священникам, которые служили при немцах, и всеми силами препятствовала критике этих пастырей церковным активом. Другие же, наоборот, участвовали в просоветской проповеднической деятельности и параллельно с этим отправляли епархиальному начальству сигналы о подозрительных действиях священников-«оккупантов». Неоднозначно вели себя и рядовые верующие. Некоторые из них противостояли назначению на приходы лояльных советскому строю духовных лиц, не доверяли им и считали их сторонниками советской власти. Данная группа верующих ценила священников, которые не собирали беспрестанно деньги на патриотические нужды, не говорили с амвона о защите колхозной собственности и не заявляли о наличии в регионе незарегистрированных церковных групп. Другие же, наоборот, стали проводниками внутрицерковных репрессий и организовывали внутренние расследования хозяйственной и экономической деятельности «собратьев в рясе». Актуальность темы обусловлена отсутствием в современной научной литературе работ, в которых прослеживается судьба православного духовенства, находившегося в годы Второй мировой войны на временно оккупированной территории РСФСР и оставшегося впоследствии на территории Советского Союза. Опубликованные исследования в наибольшей степени касаются духовенства, эвакуировавшегося на Запад, или новой генерации православных пастырей, ставших священниками в послевоенное время. Исследование основано на данных региональных российских архивов и епархиальных архивов Центрального Черноземья: Курска, Белгорода, Воронежа, Орла, Северо-Запада и Юга России, а также Белоруссии.

Abstract Background Previous studies have identified IFNγ as an important early barrier to oncolytic viruses including vaccinia. The existing innate and adaptive immune barriers restricting oncolytic virotherapy, however, can be overcome using autologous or allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells as carrier cells with unique immunosuppressive properties. Methods To test the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to overcome innate and adaptive immune barriers and to successfully deliver oncolytic vaccinia virus to tumor cells, we performed flow cytometry and virus plaque assay analysis of ex vivo co-cultures of stem cells infected with vaccinia virus in the presence of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors. Comparative analysis was performed to establish statistically significant correlations and to evaluate the effect of stem cells on the activity of key immune cell populations. Results Here, we demonstrate that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have the potential to eradicate resistant tumor cells through a combination of potent virus amplification and sensitization of the tumor cells to virus infection. Moreover, the ADSCs demonstrate ability to function as a virus-amplifying Trojan horse in the presence of both autologous and allogeneic human PBMCs, which can be linked to the intrinsic immunosuppressive properties of stem cells and their unique potential to overcome innate and adaptive immune barriers. The clinical application of ready-to-use ex vivo expanded allogeneic stem cell lines, however, appears significantly restricted by patient-specific allogeneic differences associated with the induction of potent anti-stem cell cytotoxic and IFNγ responses. These allogeneic responses originate from both innate (NK)- and adaptive (T)- immune cells and might compromise therapeutic efficacy through direct elimination of the stem cells or the induction of an anti-viral state, which can block the potential of the Trojan horse to amplify and deliver vaccinia virus to the tumor. Conclusions Overall, our findings and data indicate the feasibility to establish simple and informative assays that capture critically important patient-specific differences in the immune responses to the virus and stem cells, which allows for proper patient-stem cell matching and enables the effective use of off-the-shelf allogeneic cell-based delivery platforms, thus providing a more practical and commercially viable alternative to the autologous stem cell approach.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

This article deals with the personality of archpriest Alexander Osipov, the prominent Orthodox priest, who in the middle of the 20th century renounced his faith in God and became an active fi ghter against the Russian Orthodox Church. The main purpose of the article is to comprehend main reasons for Osipov’s abandoning religion, his psychology and main lines of behaviour. Contrary to the lay opinion, this priest, still serving in non-Soviet Estonia, was extremely ambitious and wished rapid promotion. The article specifi cally demonstrates how the renegade could fi nd his key to hearts of various representatives of church and state authorities, how he altered his own political views and denominational preferences. The article shows how he managed to ingratiate himself with representatives of the Orthodox Church, then literally betrayed them and passed compromising judgments to Soviet security offi cers. The article does not raise the issue of where and when Osipov lost his way to God because excessive ambition and envy were always typical of the renegade, and his conversion to atheism was nothing but a tactical step determined by the inception of the new phase of religious persecutions. The article draws on archival materials, both church and secular: Archive of St Petersburg diocese, Central State Historical Archive of St Petersburg, Estonian Historical Archive in Tartu. Besides, the study made use of the historiography of life and work of archpriest Alexander Osipov.

Several oncolytic viruses (OVs) including various human and canine adenoviruses, canine distemper virus, herpes-simplex virus, reovirus, and members of the poxvirus family, such as vaccinia virus and myxoma virus, have been successfully tested for canine cancer therapy in preclinical and clinical settings. The success of the cancer virotherapy is dependent on the ability of oncolytic viruses to overcome the attacks of the host immune system, to preferentially infect and lyse cancer cells, and to initiate tumor-specific immunity. To date, several different strategies have been developed to overcome the antiviral host defense barriers. In our study, we used canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAdMSCs) as a “Trojan horse” for the delivery of oncolytic vaccinia virus Copenhagen strain to achieve maximum oncolysis against canine soft tissue sarcoma (CSTS) tumors. A single systemic administration of vaccinia virus-loaded cAdMSCs was found to be safe and led to the significant reduction and substantial inhibition of tumor growth in a CSTS xenograft mouse model. This is the first example that vaccinia virus-loaded cAdMSCs could serve as a therapeutic agent against CSTS tumors.

The Soviet repressions against Orthodox members of the Russian Student Christian Movement in Estonia in 1940–1941 are the subject of the article. The main phases of the repressions against the clergy and laity are illustrated by the actual life stories of three Movement members. The main body of research is based on files from the Estonian State Archive. The article is published as part of the series of articles and documentaries that tell the life stories of RSCM members in the XX century Baltic States. The series reopens the debate on the mechanism of Soviet repressions against Orthodox believers.

Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related death in companion animals such as dogs and cats. Despite recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of advanced canine and feline cancer, overall patient treatment outcome has not been substantially improved. Virotherapy using oncolytic viruses is one promising new strategy for cancer therapy. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) preferentially infect and lyse cancer cells, without causing excessive damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and initiate tumor-specific immunity. The current review describes the use of different oncolytic viruses for cancer therapy and their application to canine and feline cancer.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined by the American Liver Society as the buildup of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol, is the most common liver disease in North America. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are viewed as the major causes of NAFLD. Environmental contaminants have also been implicated in the development of NAFLD. Northern populations are exposed to a myriad of persistent organic pollutants including polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, flame retardants, and toxic metals, while also affected by higher rates of obesity and alcohol abuse compared to the rest of Canada. In this study, we examined the impact of a mixture of 22 contaminants detected in Inuit blood on the development and progression of NAFLD in obese JCR rats with or without co-exposure to 10% ethanol. Hepatosteatosis was found in obese rat liver, which was worsened by exposure to 10% ethanol. NCM treatment increased the number of macrovesicular lipid droplets, total lipid contents, portion of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver. This was complemented by an increase in hepatic total cholesterol and cholesterol ester levels which was associated with changes in the expression of genes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism and transport. In addition, NCM treatment increased cytochrome P450 2E1 protein expression and decreased ubiquinone pool, and mitochondrial ATP synthase subunit ATP5A and Complex IV activity. Despite the changes in mitochondrial physiology, hepatic ATP levels were maintained high in NCM-treated versus control rats. This was due to a decrease in ATP utilization and an increase in creatine kinase activity. Collectively, our results suggest that NCM treatment decreases hepatic cholesterol export, possibly also increases cholesterol uptake from circulation, and promotes lipid accumulation and alters ATP homeostasis which exacerbates the existing hepatic steatosis in genetically obese JCR rats with or without co-exposure to ethanol.

Self-organization on the nanometer scale is a trend in materials research. Thermodynamic driving forces may, for example, yield chessboard patterns in metal alloys [Y. Ni and A. G. Khachaturyan, Nature Mater. 8, 410–414 (2009)]10.1038/nmat2431 or nitrides [P. H. Mayrhofer, A. Hörling, L. Karlsson, J. Sjölén, T. Larsson, and C. Mitterer, Appl. Phys. Lett. 83, 2049 (2003)]10.1063/1.1608464 during spinodal decomposition. Here, we explore the ZrN-AlN system, which has one of the largest positive enthalpies of mixing among the transition metal aluminum nitrides [D. Holec, R. Rachbauer, L. Chen, L. Wang, D. Luefa, and P. H. Mayrhofer, Surf. Coat. Technol. 206, 1698–1704 (2011)10.1016/j.surfcoat.2011.09.019; B. Alling, A. Karimi, and I. Abrikosov, Surf. Coat. Technol. 203, 883–886 (2008)]10.1016/j.surfcoat.2008.08.027. Surprisingly, a highly regular superhard (36 GPa) two-dimensional nanolabyrinthine structure of two intergrown single crystal phases evolves during magnetron sputter thin film synthesis of Zr0.64Al0.36N/MgO(001). The self-organization is surface driven and the synergistic result of kinetic limitations, where the enthalpy reduction balances both investments in interfacial and elastic energies.

Abstract Intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) during implantation of stereo‐EEG electrodes are rare. The impact of tobacco‐free nicotine consumption on periprocedural bleeding is uncertain. We present a 20+ year‐old man with drug‐resistant epilepsy who underwent stereo‐EEG with 17 depth electrodes. Within a few days after insertion, the patient developed multiple ICHs in the electrode trajectories and an intradural hemorrhage after a diagnostic spinal tap. We performed the investigation of the clotting system and whole‐exome sequencing (WES). WES identified a heterozygous mutation c.4698G>T, p.(Trp1566Cys) in COL4A2 (NM_001846.4) encoding a collagen type‐IV alpha‐2 chain inherited from his seemingly healthy mother. As COL4A2 mutations had been identified in four adult patients with ICH we postulated that the identified variant presents a potential risk factor. Notably, mutations encoding other collagens have been linked to cerebral hemorrhages (COL4A1) and increased propensity to trigger ICH upon smoking (COL1A2). Our patient consumed at least 24 oral nicotine pouches (containing 11 mg nicotine each) per day. We consider the patient's COL4A2 mutation in combination with his substantial nicotine consumption as likely predisposition to multiple ICHs precipitated by stereo‐EEG. Patients with nicotine consumption and any collagen mutation may have a substantially higher risk for hemorrhagic complications in SEEG and other neurosurgical procedures. Plain Language Summary A young man with drug‐resistant epilepsy experienced multiple intracerebral hemorrhages after implantation of SEEG electrodes for presurgical evaluation and concomitantly a intradural hemorrhage after a lumbar spinal tap. A collagen IV mutation of unclear significance and heavy use of oral nicotine pouches were the only potential risk factors identified. As collagen mutations were previously described risk factors and smoking in particular worsens the bleeding risk in collagen mutations, further research is warranted to prevent hemorrhages in neurosurgical procedures. Nicotine consumption in any form is a preventable risk factor.

Internationally, few studies have been written on the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers, and there is no research on the subject in Hungary. This is particularly important in weight-related sports such as rowing. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2023. In a non-random convenience sampling, our target population consisted of certified competitive rowers (n = 222). In addition to socio-demographic, performance-related questions, the anonymous, self-completed questionnaire used the validated The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Results were considered significant when p < 0.05. A total of 57 lightweight (25.67%) and 165 openweight (74.33%) rowers participated in the study. On the perfectionism subscale and the interoceptive awareness subscale, rowers competing in the lightweight category scored significantly higher (p = 0.03; p = 0.05). Scores on the EDI subscales, gender and BMI data did not show significant relationships. Overall, rowers in the openweight group scored higher on the bulimia subscale, but no rowers who met all criteria and could be identified as having eating disorders. Rowers who have only competed in national championships and not in international competitions were more likely to reduce stress levels by eating. The study showed that the prevalence of eating disorders among rowers is no higher than in the general population. However, continued assessment, further extensive research and education of rowers is essential in this area, as weight-related sports will always be a risk group for eating disorders.

Background: Despite the increased use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in recent years, there remains a lack of research on in-hospital mortality rates following the procedure, the primary factors influencing these rates, and the potential for predicting them. This study aimed to utilize interpretable machine learning (ML) to help clarify these uncertainties. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO)-related ischemic stroke who underwent MT. The patient division was made into two groups: (I) the in-hospital death group, referred to as miserable outcome, and (II) the in-hospital survival group, or favorable outcome. Python 3.10.9 was utilized to develop the machine learning models, which consisted of two types based on input features: (I) the Pre-MT model, incorporating baseline features, and (II) the Post-MT model, which included both baseline and MT-related features. After a feature selection process, the models were trained, internally evaluated, and tested, after which interpretation frameworks were employed to clarify the decision-making processes. Results: This study included 602 patients with a median age of 76 years (interquartile range (IQR) 65–83), out of which 54% (n = 328) were female, and 22% (n = 133) had miserable outcomes. Selected baseline features were age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) value, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), international normalized ratio (INR), the type of the affected vessel (‘Vessel type’), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), baseline glycemia, and premorbid modified Rankin scale (pre-mRS). The highest odds ratio of 4.504 was observed with the presence of peripheral arterial disease (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.120–9.569). The Pre-MT model achieved an area under the curve (AUC) value of around 79% utilizing these features, and the interpretable framework discovered the baseline NIHSS value as the most influential factor. In the second data set, selected features were the same, excluding pre-mRS and including puncture-to-procedure-end time (PET) and onset-to-puncture time (OPT). The AUC value of the Post-MT model was around 84% with age being the highest-ranked feature. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the moderate to strong effectiveness of interpretable machine learning models in predicting in-hospital mortality following mechanical thrombectomy for ischemic stroke, with AUCs of 0.792 for the Pre-MT model and 0.837 for the Post-MT model. Key predictors included patient age, baseline NIHSS, NLR, INR, occluded vessel type, PAD, baseline glycemia, pre-mRS, PET, and OPT. These findings provide valuable insights into risk factors and could improve post-procedural patient management.

Abstract Purpose The scientific community shows great interest in the study of DNA damage induction, DNA damage repair, and the biological effects on cells and cellular systems after exposure to ionizing radiation. Several in silico methods have been proposed so far to study these mechanisms using Monte Carlo simulations. This study outlines a Geant4‐DNA example application, named “molecularDNA”, publicly released in the 11.1 version of Geant4 (December 2022). Methods It was developed for novice Geant4 users and requires only a basic understanding of scripting languages to get started. The example includes two different DNA‐scale geometries of biological targets, namely “cylinders” and “human cell”. This public version is based on a previous prototype and includes new features, such as: the adoption of a new approach for the modeling of the chemical stage, the use of the standard DNA damage format to describe radiation‐induced DNA damage, and upgraded computational tools to estimate DNA damage response. Results Simulation data in terms of single‐strand break and double‐strand break yields were produced using each of the available geometries. The results were compared with the literature, to validate the example, producing less than 5% difference in all cases. Conclusion: “molecularDNA” is a prototype tool that can be applied in a wide variety of radiobiology studies, providing the scientific community with an open‐access base for DNA damage quantification calculations. New DNA and cell geometries for the “molecularDNA” example will be included in future versions of Geant4‐DNA.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate and analyse transition events that occur when the loaded transformer is turned on and off within the welding device. The purpose of the welder is to provide a high quality and stable voltage during the ignition of the arc, and often during the ignition of the arc the transformer comes from its no-load state to the work-load state, depending on the diameter of the electrode that the arc melts. The welding currents of the MIG/MAG (Metal Inert/Active Gas) process are not less than 100 A, about 350 A, at a voltage of the arc of 35 V (DC). In this paper, the MATLAB/PSB programme package is used to analyse the no-load inrush currents and the loaded inrush currents of welding transformers. Current and voltage waveforms were recorded on the primary side of the transformer, as well as the harmonic content of the transformer primary currents, with indicator calculation of the current waveform distortion - THDi.

Background: as a relatively high number of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients develop major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), our aim was to determine the significance, and possible predictive value of QRS complex width and ST-segment elevation. Methods: our patient sample included 200 PCI-treated STEMI patients, which were divided into two groups based on the following duration of symptoms: (I) less than 6 h, and (II) 6 to 12 h. For every patient, an ECG was performed at six different time points, patients were followed for up to six years for the occurrence of MACE. Results: the mean age was 60.6 ± 11.39 years, and 142 (71%) were male. The 6–12 h group had significantly wider QRS complex, higher ST-segment elevation, lower prevalence of ST-segment resolution as well as MACE prevalence (p < 0.05). ECG parameters, QRS width, and magnitude of ST-segment elevation were proved to be independent significant predictors of MACE in all measured time points (p < 0.05). Even after controlling for biomarkers of myocardial injury, these ECG parameters remained statistically significant predictors of MACE (p < 0.05). Conclusion: our study highlights that wider QRS complex and a more pronounced ST-segment elevation are associated with longer total ischemic time and higher risk of long-term MACE.

This paper presents an analytical model that investigates the impact of Coulomb effect on tunneling ionization events in an elliptically polarized laser field. The model focuses on ionization rate and momenta, at a specific moment, based on recent experimental findings and strong-field approximation. Results show that incorporating Coulomb correction improves photoionization rate across various intensities and provides valuable insights into ionization mechanism, particularly for argon atoms at 410 and 800 nm wavelengths. This has significant implications for attosecond physics and ultrafast laser technology.

Today, mobile robots have a wide range of real-world applications where they can replace or assist humans in many tasks, such as search and rescue, surveillance, patrolling, inspection, environmental monitoring, etc. These tasks usually require a robot to navigate through a dynamic environment with smooth, efficient, and safe motion. In this paper, we propose an online smooth-motion-planning method that generates a smooth, collision-free patrolling trajectory based on clothoid curves. Moreover, the proposed method combines global and local planning methods, which are suitable for changing large environments and enabling efficient path replanning with an arbitrary robot orientation. We propose a method for planning a smoothed path based on the golden ratio wherein a robot’s orientation is aligned with a new path that avoids unknown obstacles. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm reduces the patrolling execution time, path length, and deviation of the tracked trajectory from the patrolling route compared to the original patrolling method without smoothing. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is suitable for real-time operation due to its computational simplicity, and its performance was validated through the results of an experiment employing a differential-drive mobile robot.

The paper presents selection of diesel engines for diesel hydraulic locomotives of 600 horsepower (478 kW). DHL 600 are locomotives intended for manoeuvring, towing cargo of up to 1000 tones, they are suitable for railways with no electrical contact grid, and due to their characteristics, they are classified as locomotives of medium strength intended for manoeuvring within railway stations and industrial terminals, forming and dismantling freight trains, as well as for towing lighter freight trains for shorter distances from the station where they are positioned for operating. DHL are primarily appointed for service within the railway station and belonging industrial terminals, and for towing lighter trains for shorter distances from the appointed station. The paper describes the selection of diesel engine using AHP method, based on economic criteria which have great influence on cost-effectiveness and financial feasibility.

Multirotor Aerial Vehicles may be fault-tolerant by design when rotor-failure is possible to measure or identify, especially when a large number of rotors are used. For instance, an octocopter can be capable to complete some missions even when a double-rotor fault occurs during the execution. In this paper, we study how a rotor-failure reduces the vehicle control admissible set and its importance with respect to the selected mission, i.e. we perform mission-related fault-tolerant analysis. Furthermore, we propose a risk-sensitive motion-planning algorithm capable to take into account the risks during the planning stage by means of mission-related fault-tolerant analysis. We show that the proposed approach is much less conservative in terms of selected performance measures than a conservative risk planner that assumes that the considered fault will certainly occur during the mission execution. As expected, the proposed risk-sensitive motion planner is also readier for accepting failures during the mission execution than the risk-insensitive approach that assumes no failure will occur.

The paper presents a new approach to the treatment of uncertainty and subjectivity in the decision-making process based on the modification of Multi-Attributive Border Approximation area Comparison (MABAC) and an Objective–Subjective (OS) model by applying Linguistic Neutrosophic Numbers (LNN) instead of traditional numerical values. By integrating these models with LNN it was shown that it is possible to a significant extent to eliminate subjective qualitative assessments and assumptions by decision makers in complex decision-making conditions. On this basis, a new hybrid LNN–OS–MABAC model was formed. This model was tested and validated on a case-study in which the optimal unmanned aircraft were selected to combat forest fires. After defining the criteria and their attributes, they were prioritized using the LNN–OS model, in which the weights of the criteria and their attributes are a combination of the objective values obtained by the method of maximum deviation and the subjective values of the criteria obtained by expert examination using LNN. The ranking and selection of the optimal unmanned aircraft from those on offer with similar characteristics was carried out using the LNN–MABAC model. Testing of the model showed that the proposed model based on LNN provides an objective expert evaluation by eliminating subjective assessments when determining the numerical values of criteria. A sensitivity analysis of the LNN–OS–MABAC model, carried out through 54 scenarios of changes in the weight coefficients, showed a high degree of stability in the solutions obtained when the alternatives were ranked. The results were validated by comparison with LNN extensions of the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model. First published online 2 May 2022

The complete coverage path planning is a process of finding a path which ensures that a mobile robot completely covers the entire environment while following the planned path. In this paper, we propose a complete coverage path planning algorithm that generates smooth complete coverage paths based on clothoids that allow a nonholonomic mobile robot to move in optimal time while following the path. This algorithm greatly reduces coverage time, the path length, and overlap area, and increases the coverage rate compared to the state-of-the-art complete coverage algorithms, which is verified by simulation. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is suitable for real-time operation due to its computational simplicity and allows path replanning in case the robot encounters unknown obstacles. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is validated by experimental results on the Pioneer 3DX mobile robot.

Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) is a crucial refining process supplying majority of gasoline used worldwide as well as other key building blocks for chemical industry. Nickel, a contaminant in crude oil, deposits on FCC catalysts and induces unwanted dehydrogenation reactions, inhibiting the FCC unit from reaching optimal operation. We describe a new spectroscopic methodology to characterize the impact of boron interaction on nickel in FCC catalysts through a trend analysis of CO DRIFTS for FCC catalysts from boron-based technology. Results obtained by the new method provide direct spectroscopic evidence of boron effect on nickel passivation by decreasing reducibility of nickel.

The specific advantages of ion beams for application in tumor therapy are attributed to their different macroscopic and microscopic energy deposition pattern as compared to conventional photon radiation. On the macroscopic scale, the inverted dose profile with a Bragg peak and small lateral scattering allow a better conformation of the dose to the tumor. On the microscopic scale, the localized energy deposition around the trajectory of the particles leads to an enhanced biological effectiveness, typically expressed in terms of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). Experimental investigations reveal complex dependencies of RBE on many physical and biological parameters, as e.g., ion species, dose, position in the field and cell or tissue type. In order to complement the experimental work, different approaches are used for the characterization of the specific physical and biological properties of ion beams. In a set of two papers, which are linked by activities within a European HORIZON 2020 project about nuclear science and application (ENSAR2), we describe recent developments in two fields playing a key role in characterizing the increased biological effectiveness. These comprise the biophysical modeling of RBE and the microdosimetric measurements in complex radiation fields. This first paper gives a brief introduction into these fields and then focuses on aspects of biophysical modeling of RBE, specifically on semi-empirical approaches that are currently used in treatment planning for ion beam therapy. It summarizes the status and recent developments of the Local Effect Model (LEM) and its conceptual framework and shows examples of model validation using recent experimental data. The model is compared to other approaches, e.g., to the Microdosimetric-Kinetic Model (MKM), that builds the bridge to the experimental microdosimetric work.

CATANA (Centro di AdroTerapia ed Applicazioni Nucleari Avanzate) was the first Italian protontherapy facility dedicated to the treatment of ocular neoplastic pathologies. It is in operation at the LNS Laboratories of the Italian Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN-LNS) and to date, 500 patients have been successfully treated. Even though proton therapy has demonstrated success in clinical settings, there is still a need for more accurate models because they are crucial for the estimation of clinically relevant RBE values. Since RBE can vary depending on several physical and biological parameters, there is a clear need for more experimental data to generate predictions. Establishing a database of cell survival experiments is therefore useful to accurately predict the effects of irradiations on both cancerous and normal tissue. The main aim of this work was to compare RBE values obtained from in-vitro experimental data with predictions made by the LEM II (Local Effect Model), Monte Carlo approaches, and semi-empirical models based on LET experimental measurements. For this purpose, the 92.1 uveal melanoma and ARPE-19 cells derived from normal retinal pigmented epithelium were selected and irradiated in the middle of clinical SOBP of the CATANA proton therapy facility. The remarkable results show the potentiality of using microdosimetric spectrum, Monte Carlo simulations and LEM model to predict not only the RBE but also the survival curves.

ABSTRACT Ionizing radiation induces DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) that trigger phosphorylation of the histone protein H2AX (γH2AX). Immunofluorescent staining visualizes formation of γH2AX foci, allowing their quantification. This method, as opposed to Western blot assay and Flow cytometry, provides more accurate analysis, by showing exact position and intensity of fluorescent signal in each single cell. In practice there are problems in quantification of γH2AX. This paper is based on two issues: the determination of which technique should be applied concerning the radiation dose, and how to analyze fluorescent microscopy images obtained by different microscopes. HTB140 melanoma cells were exposed to γ-rays, in the dose range from 1 to 16 Gy. Radiation effects on the DNA level were analyzed at different time intervals after irradiation by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunochemically stained cells were visualized with two types of microscopes: AxioVision (Zeiss, Germany) microscope, comprising an ApoTome software, and AxioImagerA1 microscope (Zeiss, Germany). Obtained results show that the level of γH2AX is time and dose dependent. Immunofluorescence microscopy provided better detection of DSBs for lower irradiation doses, while Western blot analysis was more reliable for higher irradiation doses. AxioVision microscope containing ApoTome software was more suitable for the detection of γH2AX foci.

The article presents an analysis of the two aspects of an extreme situation – negative having the form of disorders, pain and a positive aspect as overcoming extreme situations based on the personality work of the individual and the transformation of one’s inner world. methodological principles and scientific logic conceptualization of two planes of extreme situation are stated. Extreme situation is specified in the following terms: the experience of being and non-being, work personality, semantic and behavioral work personality, positive and negative extreme, the meaning of life and the meaning of death, the nature of the construction of mental effects of trauma, the transformation of the individual.

Diabetes mellitus type 2 remains one of the most significant chronic diseases. More than 552 million individuals (one of every teninhabitants of the planet) are estimated to have diabetes mellitus to 2030. Early incapacitation and high mortality rates resulting fromlong-term diabetes complications constitute social significance of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Despite modern advances intreatment, most diabetic patients are not adequately compensated, requiring intensification of insulin therapy. Pre-mixed insulins areone of the most advanced options of treatment intensification.

We describe our ongoing project of formalization of algebraic methods for geometry theorem proving (Wu's method and the Groebner bases method), their implementation and integration in educational tools. The project includes formal verification of the algebraic methods within Isabelle/HOL proof assistant and development of a new, open-source Java implementation of the algebraic methods. The project should fill-in some gaps still existing in this area (e.g., the lack of formal links between algebraic methods and synthetic geometry and the lack of self-contained implementations of algebraic methods suitable for integration with dynamic geometry tools) and should enable new applications of theorem proving in education.

Aim. To study Actovegin efficacy in oxidative stress (OS) correction at diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2)and arterial hypertension (AH).Materials and Methods. 51 patients (24 women and 27 men) aged 53.4?0.7 with the average duration of DM2 5.6?0.2 years, DPN - 4.9?0.2years and AH - 6.0?0.2 years were examined. Daily albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate (GRF) were evaluated, standard methods for diagnosisof DPN were used. 26 patients took Actovegin therapy during 6-8 weeks, the rest 25 patients were in the control group. Parameters of the OS werestudied. Results. The increase of total oxidative capacity, the decrease of total antioxidant capacity and the rise of levels of antibodies to oxidated LDL wererevealed in patients with DM2, DPN and AH. Antioxidant and anti-hypoxic effects of 400 mg/day of Actovegin were established in this group of patients.Conclusions. Actovegin impacts oxidative stress parameters and improves the clinical manifestation of diabetic polyneuropathy.

During the last 30 years or even more many countries implemented certain programs in order to transform the public sector representing a consequence of generating economic- financial and fiscal pressures. In these countries various initiatives have successively been driven based on liberal principles of the market economy, mainly motivated by similar reasons with a cumulative effect to realize the development goals of the new global environment. A number of these initiatives are based on the same assumptions, so we can talk about the reforms of programs being more or less coherent in their content. One of such programs is the New Public Management (New Public Management, NPM), which was, in the conceptual sense, initiated in the UK and other countries of the Anglo-Saxon tradition in early 1980s. Although in practical terms a particular manifestation of this model was, as the nucleus, firstly widespread through New Zealand and Australia and later through the Scandinavian countries, those reflections were very extensive, and acquired the form of a paradigm for contemporary changes in the sphere of public sector governance in many continental countries where they experienced an empirical verification.