bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expression levels of miR-655-3p, miR127-5p, miR-369-3p, miR-544a in gastric cancer
Authors: Alsaadoni Hani , Çaykara Burcu , Pençe Sadrettin , Pençe Halime Hanım , Bademler Süleyman
Published: August 2019

Background

Gastric cancer, one of the most common cancers in the world, is a multifactorial disease in which environmental and genetic factors play a role. In our study, we aimed to determine the expression levels of four miRNAs (miR127-5p, miR-544a, miR-369-3p and miR-655-3p) on chromosome 14q32 in gastric cancer.

Materials and methods

Total RNA was isolated from blood samples taken from 66 gastric cancer and 66 healthy individuals. The gene expression levels determined by cDNA and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were analyzed according to the 2−∆∆Ct method. SPSS 22 were used for statistical analysis and p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results and discussion

miR-655-3p (fold change: 100, p = 0.026), miR-127-5p (fold change: 48, p < 0.001) and miR-369-3p (fold change: 1.6, p > 0.05) was less expressed in the gastric cancer group than control group. miR-544a was found 15.5-fold more expressed in the patient group than control group (fold change: 15.47, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

miR127-5p, miR-544a, and miR-655-3p may be evaluated as biomarkers in gastric cancer.
Effect of Degree of Hydrolysis of Polyvinyl Alcohol on Adhesive Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Wang Baomin , Xing Yunqing
Published: August 2019

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is widely used in the building industry to improve the fresh and hardened properties of cement composites. In this article, the effect of partially and fully hydrolyzed PVA on physical and adhesive properties of fresh and hardened cement mortar was investigated. Results showed that both partially and fully hydrolyzed PVA could significantly improve the adhesive properties of cement mortar. The mode of rupture changed from mostly interfacial rupture without PVA in cement mortar to mixed-mode interfacial-cohesive rupture with 1.5 wt.% PVA. Partially hydrolyzed PVA-modified cement mortars had smaller bulk density and higher fluidity compared with fully hydrolyzed PVA. X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate cement hydration and microstructure of PVA-modified cement composites. As a result, fully hydrolyzed PVA was more conducive to promote cement hydration and had smaller impact on crystal structure and content of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) compared with partially hydrolyzed PVA. Besides, the addition of both partially and fully hydrolyzed PVA affected the morphology and the oriented growth of Ca(OH)2 in cement composites. Furthermore, PVA-modified mortar had finer pore size distribution and higher porosity than unmodified mortar.
The Role of BTBD9 in Striatum and Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Lyu Shangru , Xing Hong , DeAndrade Mark P. , Liu Yuning , Perez Pablo D. , Yokoi Fumiaki , Febo Marcelo , Walters Arthur S. , Li Yuqing
Published: August 2019

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the extremities, generally at night, which is often relieved by movements. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified mutations inBTBD9conferring a higher risk of RLS. Knockout of theBTBD9homolog in mice (Btbd9) and fly results in motor restlessness and sleep disruption. Clinical studies have found RLS patients have structural and functional abnormalities in the striatum; however, whether and how striatal pathology contributes to the pathogenesis of RLS is not known. Here, we used fMRI to map regions of altered synaptic activity in basal ganglia of systematicBtbd9knock-out (KO) mice. We further dissected striatal circuits using patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings in brain slices. Two different mouse models were generated to test the effect of specific knockout ofBtbd9in either striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) or cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) using the electrophysiological recording, motor and sensory behavioral tests. We found thatBtbd9KO mice showed enhanced neural activity in the striatum, increased postsynaptic currents in the MSNs, and decreased excitability of the striatal ChIs. Knocking outBtbd9specifically in the striatal MSNs, but not the ChIs, led to rest-phase specific motor restlessness, sleep disturbance, and increased thermal sensation in mice, which are consistent with results obtained from theBtbd9KO mice. Our data establish the role ofBtbd9in regulating the activity of striatal neurons. Increased activity of the striatal MSNs, possibly through modulation by the striatal ChIs, contributes to the pathogenesis of RLS.
Physiological and antioxidant responses of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) seedlings to phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Roveda-Hoyos Gabriel , Moreno-Fonseca Liz
Published: August 2019

The main objective of present study was to understand the physiological effects of phosphorus (P) deficiency and the antioxidant response in cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) seedlings. Seedlings were grown in soil with five P levels: 0 (P0), 6 (P6), 12 (P12), 25 (P25) and 50 (P50) mg of P2O5 kg-1. The plant growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll content, membrane integrity and the antioxidant response in cape gooseberry were evaluated. In the P0, P6, P12 treatments, the seedlings showed a reduction in total biomass, the number of leaves, leaf area, root length density, shoot/root ratio, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content, as well as an increase in the electrolyte leakage, the proline content and the activity of catalase and peroxidase compared with the P50 treatment. The P25 treatment was not different compared to P50 in terms of photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and total biomass after 30 d of treatment, the number of leaves and root length density at 90 d of treatment, and in electrolyte leakage and peroxidase activity at 60 and 90 d of treatment. Doses below 25 mg of P2O5 kg-1 cause P deficiency in cape gooseberry seedlings, inducing antioxidant and protection response mechanisms to cope with stress.
PRACTICE - APPLICABLE ASPECTS OF PEDAGOGICAL TECHNOLOGY IN RESEARCH TRAINING
Authors: Neminska Rumyana
Published: August 2019

The article examines the issue of quality of education by transforming learning into research. Its main features are considered: self / reflexivity, interdisciplinarity, interactivity, multiplicity, subjectivity. As a major construct in the research training, the transformation of the pedagogical technology into research, as well as its practical and applied aspects in different educational disciplines is considered.
Europejski wymiar rosyjskiej debaty modernizacyjnej
Authors:   Uniwersytet Łódzki, Słowikowski Michał , Stępień-Kuczyńska Alicja ,   Uniwersytet Łódzki
Published: August 2019

Main aim of this article was an attempt to better understand internal Russian discourse concerning modernization of Russian statehood and its prospective consequences for strengthening relation with European Union. Debate on Russian– UE future relations takes on new importance on the background of Dmitri Medvedev’s declaration about need to establish pro-modernize network system with most developed countries of West Europe and European Union. Authors assume that unusual, unfavorable conditions from perspective of Russian economy and society development partly caused by global financial crisis, make new opening in relation with European Union more probably than ever before. High possibility of such scenario can be attributed also to the following facts: Russia has gained new president that is more liberal and western-oriented than his predecessor and current prime-minister Vladimir Putin, Russian intellectual elites are almost unanimously as far as thesis the need for external resources to make Russian modernization possible is concerned. On the other hand there are many arguments that support opposite scenario – there will be no significant improvement in Russia-EU relations, because there will be no western-style modernization (based on European values and standards), modernization will be restricted to scientific and technological fields, that means we should not expect in foreseeable future democratization Russian political system and changes in Russian foreign policy as well. Partially high probable relinquishment of western-style modernization in Russia can be attributed to the fact that Russian society is anxious about West, its values and even more its intentions toward Russia.
Polityka Zagraniczna Państwa Środka na przykładzie Poradzieckiej Azji Centralnej
Authors:   Szkoła Główna Handlowa, Kozłowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2019

The Chinese foreign Policy is dialectically intertwined with the state of Chinese economy. However, the economical aspirations of the Middle Kingdom are not the only fundamental motives of the Chinese diplomacy. State’s security still plays a very important role for Peoples’ Republic of China. Authorities in Beijing also emphasize the development of Middle Kingdom’s Soft Power as well as fostering the political links with the developing states. Complexity of PRC’s motives in international relations makes Western theoretical approaches in assessing tchem of little use. The basic problem in assessing the nature of Chinese international policy is the fact, that since 1989 China undergoes two dramatic processes: expansion (kuozhan) and reconstruction (chongjian). On one hand, expanding Chinese influence reaches further than ever in history. In this context, PRC’s development faces both traditional and unconventional threats. On the other, the process of reconstruction introduced a fundamental shift from a heavily ideologically inclined Mao approach to more nuanced strategies of nowadays. Analysis of Chinese politics is further complicated not only by Chinese actions but also by dynamics of the contemporary international change. PRC is the first Power of post Cold War era developed mostly on the basis of political, economic and social advantages of globalization. In consequence judging Chinese foreign politics on the basis of 20th century Western political categories misses the nature of the ongoing changes. Thus, it is more useful to analyze specific Chinese actions than assessing them through lenses of the theoretical models used in the West. In this respect a closer look at Chinese political actions regarding Post-Soviet Central Asia, its place in energy, security and Power politics, may prove to be surprisingly useful.
Symbole w przestrzeni politycznej Litwy
Authors:   Uniwersytet Gdański, Szczurowski Maciej
Published: August 2019

Lithuania’s and Lithuanians’ present-day identity is determined, to a large extent, by consciousness formed by symbolic domain. The ways that the symbols are interpreted, understood, formed and used in real life are of great importance to functioning pragmatism of the entire political systems. The symbolism present in the political space of Lithuania can be narrowed down to a portrayal of Lithuanian statehood and nation being a victim of political actions of its neighboring states’ throughout the history. This arrangement together with its achievements forms the basic element of national consciousness of Lithuania and is a significant symbol in its political space. Worth noting is that this symbolism in general is as important to Belarus, its society, culture and the language as it is to Lithuania. Belarus is as equally entitled to Lithuanian heritage and thus to the symbolism of The Great Duchy of Lithuania. Every society holds its own symbolic universe that is made up of all creations, principles and norms of a specific culture. The symbolic field of political culture of Lithuania will most of all be assessed by answering the question of whether and to what extend is the political and civil culture of the Lithuanians capable not only to create its own standards but to adapt the basic cultural principles of the European Union.
Learning Resource Allocation and Pricing for Cloud Profit Maximization
Authors: Du Bingqian , Wu Chuan , Huang Zhiyi
Published: August 2019

Cloud computing has been widely adopted to support various computation services. A fundamental problem faced by cloud providers is how to efficiently allocate resources upon user requests and price the resource usage, in order to maximize resource efficiency and hence provider profit. Existing studies establish detailed performance models of cloud resource usage, and propose offline or online algorithms to decide allocation and pricing. Differently, we adopt a blackbox approach, and leverage model-free Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to capture dynamics of cloud users and better characterize inherent connections between an optimal allocation/pricing policy and the states of the dynamic cloud system. The goal is to learn a policy that maximizes net profit of the cloud provider through trial and error, which is better than decisions made on explicit performance models. We combine long short-term memory (LSTM) units with fully-connected neural networks in our DRL to deal with online user arrivals, and adjust the output and update methods of basic DRL algorithms to address both resource allocation and pricing. Evaluation based on real-world datasets shows that our DRL approach outperforms basic DRL algorithms and state-of-theart white-box online cloud resource allocation/pricing algorithms significantly, in terms of both profit and the number of accepted users.
Red-Black Heuristics for Planning Tasks with Conditional Effects
Authors: Katz Michael
Published: August 2019

Red-black planning is a state-of-the-art approach to satisficing classical planning. Red-black planning heuristics are at the heart of the planner Mercury, the runner-up of a satisficing track in the International Planning Competition (IPC) 2014 and a major component of four additional planners in IPC 2018, including Saarplan, the runner-up in the agile track. Mercury’s exceptional performance is amplified by the fact that conditional effects were handled by the planner in a trivial way, simply by compiling them away. Conditional effects, however, are important for classical planning, and many domains require them for efficient modeling.Consequently, we investigate the possibility of handling conditional effects directly in the red-black planning heuristic function, extending the algorithm for computing red-black plans to the conditional effects setting. We show empirically that red-black planning heuristics that handle conditional effects natively outperform the variants that compile this feature away, improving coverage on tasks where black variables exist by 19%.
Temporal Planning with Temporal Metric Trajectory Constraints
Authors: Micheli Andrea , Scala Enrico
Published: August 2019

In several industrial applications of planning, complex temporal metric trajectory constraints are needed to adequately model the problem at hand. For example, in production plants, items must be processed following a “recipe” of steps subject to precise timing constraints. Modeling such domains is very challenging in existing action-based languages due to the lack of sufficiently expressive trajectory constraints.We propose a novel temporal planning formalism allowing quantified temporal constraints over execution timing of action instances. We build on top of instantaneous actions borrowed from classical planning and add expressive temporal constructs. The paper details the semantics of our new formalism and presents a solving technique grounded in classical, heuristic forward search planning. Our experiments prove the proposed framework superior to alternative state-of-theart planning approaches on industrial benchmarks, and competitive with similar solving methods on well known benchmarks took from the planning competition.
Deep Learning for Cost-Optimal Planning: Task-Dependent Planner Selection
Authors: Sievers Silvan , Katz Michael , Sohrabi Shirin , Samulowitz Horst , Ferber Patrick
Published: August 2019

As classical planning is known to be computationally hard, no single planner is expected to work well across many planning domains. One solution to this problem is to use online portfolio planners that select a planner for a given task. These portfolios perform a classification task, a well-known and wellresearched task in the field of machine learning. The classification is usually performed using a representation of planning tasks with a collection of hand-crafted statistical features. Recent techniques in machine learning that are based on automatic extraction of features have not been employed yet due to the lack of suitable representations of planning tasks.In this work, we alleviate this barrier. We suggest representing planning tasks by images, allowing to exploit arguably one of the most commonly used and best developed techniques in deep learning. We explore some of the questions that inevitably rise when applying such a technique, and present various ways of building practically useful online portfoliobased planners. An evidence of the usefulness of our proposed technique is a planner that won the cost-optimal track of the International Planning Competition 2018.
Online Multi-Agent Pathfinding
Authors: Švancara Jiří , Vlk Marek , Stern Roni , Atzmon Dor , Barták Roman
Published: August 2019

Multi-agent pathfinding (MAPF) is the problem of moving a group of agents to a set of target destinations while avoiding collisions. In this work, we study the online version of MAPF where new agents appear over time. Several variants of online MAPF are defined and analyzed theoretically, showing that it is not possible to create an optimal online MAPF solver. Nevertheless, we propose effective online MAPF algorithms that balance solution quality, runtime, and the number of plan changes an agent makes during execution.
Robustness Guarantees for Bayesian Inference with Gaussian Processes
Authors: Cardelli Luca , Kwiatkowska Marta , Laurenti Luca , Patane Andrea
Published: August 2019

Bayesian inference and Gaussian processes are widely used in applications ranging from robotics and control to biological systems. Many of these applications are safety-critical and require a characterization of the uncertainty associated with the learning model and formal guarantees on its predictions. In this paper we define a robustness measure for Bayesian inference against input perturbations, given by the probability that, for a test point and a compact set in the input space containing the test point, the prediction of the learning model will remain δ−close for all the points in the set, for δ > 0. Such measures can be used to provide formal probabilistic guarantees for the absence of adversarial examples. By employing the theory of Gaussian processes, we derive upper bounds on the resulting robustness by utilising the Borell-TIS inequality, and propose algorithms for their computation. We evaluate our techniques on two examples, a GP regression problem and a fully-connected deep neural network, where we rely on weak convergence to GPs to study adversarial examples on the MNIST dataset.
On the Hardness of Probabilistic Inference Relaxations
Authors: Chakraborty Supratik , Meel Kuldeep S. , Vardi Moshe Y.
Published: August 2019

A promising approach to probabilistic inference that has attracted recent attention exploits its reduction to a set of model counting queries. Since probabilistic inference and model counting are #P-hard, various relaxations are used in practice, with the hope that these relaxations allow efficient computation while also providing rigorous approximation guarantees.

In this paper, we show that contrary to common belief, several relaxations used for model counting and its applications (including probablistic inference) do not really lead to computational efficiency in a complexity theoretic sense. Our arguments proceed by showing the corresponding relaxed notions of counting to be computationally hard. We argue that approximate counting with multiplicative tolerance and probabilistic guarantees of correctness is the only class of relaxations that provably simplifies the problem, given access to an NP-oracle. Finally, we show that for applications that compare probability estimates with a threshold, a new notion of relaxation with gaps between low and high thresholds can be used. This new relaxation allows efficient decision making in practice, given access to an NP-oracle, while also bounding the approximation error.

Erratum: This research is supported in part by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its AI Singapore Programme (Award Number: [AISG-RP-2018-005])
Path-Specific Counterfactual Fairness
Authors: Chiappa Silvia
Published: August 2019

We consider the problem of learning fair decision systems from data in which a sensitive attribute might affect the decision along both fair and unfair pathways. We introduce a counterfactual approach to disregard effects along unfair pathways that does not incur in the same loss of individual-specific information as previous approaches. Our method corrects observations adversely affected by the sensitive attribute, and uses these to form a decision. We leverage recent developments in deep learning and approximate inference to develop a VAE-type method that is widely applicable to complex nonlinear models.
Fast Relational Probabilistic Inference and Learning: Approximate Counting via Hypergraphs
Authors: Das Mayukh , Dhami Devendra Singh , Kunapuli Gautam , Kersting Kristian , Natarajan Sriraam
Published: August 2019

Counting the number of true instances of a clause is arguably a major bottleneck in relational probabilistic inference and learning. We approximate counts in two steps: (1) transform the fully grounded relational model to a large hypergraph, and partially-instantiated clauses to hypergraph motifs; (2) since the expected counts of the motifs are provably the clause counts, approximate them using summary statistics (in/outdegrees, edge counts, etc). Our experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of these approximations, which can be applied to many complex statistical relational models, and can be significantly faster than state-of-the-art, both for inference and learning, without sacrificing effectiveness.
A Generative Model for Dynamic Networks with Applications
Authors: Gupta Shubham , Sharma Gaurav , Dukkipati Ambedkar
Published: August 2019

Networks observed in real world like social networks, collaboration networks etc., exhibit temporal dynamics, i.e. nodes and edges appear and/or disappear over time. In this paper, we propose a generative, latent space based, statistical model for such networks (called dynamic networks). We consider the case where the number of nodes is fixed, but the presence of edges can vary over time. Our model allows the number of communities in the network to be different at different time steps. We use a neural network based methodology to perform approximate inference in the proposed model and its simplified version. Experiments done on synthetic and real world networks for the task of community detection and link prediction demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of our model as compared to other similar existing approaches.
Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 in Breast Cancer: Technical Aspects, Prognostic Implications, and Predictive Value
Authors: Miglietta Federica , Griguolo Gaia , Guarneri Valentina , Dieci Maria Vittoria
Published: August 2019

In the light of recent advances in the immunotherapy field for breast cancer (BC) treatment, especially in the triple-negative subtype, the identification of reliable biomarkers capable of improving patient selection is paramount, because only a portion of patients seem to derive benefit from this appealing treatment strategy. In this context, the role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a potential prognostic and/or predictive biomarker has been intensively explored, with controversial results. The aim of the present review is to collect available evidence on the biological relevance and clinical utility of PD-L1 expression in BC, with particular emphasis on technical aspects, prognostic implications, and predictive value of this promising biomarker.

Implications for Practice

In the light of the promising results coming from trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, the potential predictive and/or prognostic role of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in breast cancer has gained increasing interest. This review provides clinicians with an overview of the available clinical evidence regarding PD-L1 as a biomarker in breast cancer, focusing on both data with a possible direct impact on clinic and methodological pitfalls that need to be addressed in order to optimize PD-L1 implementation as a clinically useful tool for breast cancer management.
Effects of fly ash and slag on the properties of magnesium oxysulfate cement
Authors: Zhang Na , Yu Hongfa , Tan Yongshan , Wang Nan , Bi Wanli , Gong Wei , Wu Chengyou
Published: August 2019

In this study, the effects of fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) on the setting time and mechanical properties of magnesium oxysulfate cement (MOSC) and composition and microstructure of hydration products were investigated. Various specimens were prepared with different proportions of FA or GGBS ranging from 10 to 50% of magnesium oxide (MgO) weight. The hydration products and microstructure were characterized by quantitative X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results indicated that the incorporation of FA or GGBS at low levels (10–30%) can significantly enhance the hydration reaction of MOSC through the dilution effect to shorten the setting time and increase the production of the 5·1·7 phase and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), thus reducing the amount of the amorphous phase. Meanwhile, FA and GGBS can effectively fill the large pores through the packing effect and nucleation effect of the fine particles, reducing the pore diameter of MOSC matrix. Therefore, the incorporation of FA or GGBS into MOSC at low content can significantly optimize the composition of hydration products and result in a compact microstructure, thus improving the mechanical properties. The contribution of GGBS to the early compressive strength of MOSC is higher than that of FA and that to the late compressive strength is lower than that of FA.
Performance of GCLs in high salinity impoundment applications
Authors: AbdelRazek A. Y. , Rowe R. K.
Published: August 2019

The interface transmissivity (θ) and hydraulic conductivity (k) are measured for two geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), one with polymer-enhanced bentonite, when hydrated and permeated with saline (brine) solutions at three different concentrations and Reverse Osmosis (RO) water. Two interface transmissivity values are reported, the 2-week (θ2-week) and the steady-state (θsteady-state) interface transmissivity. For saline solution (brine) permeation, the 2-week interface transmissivity (θ2-week) is one to two orders of magnitude higher than the steady-state values. In addition, the steady-state interface transmissivity (θsteady-state) with respect to brine is almost an order of magnitude higher than that for RO water permeation. Geomembrane (GMB) stiffness has a limited effect on interface transmissivity at 150 kPa, whereas at 10 kPa the interface transmissivity decreases as the GMB stiffness decreases. GMB texture has only a small effect on interface transmissivity at different stress levels. Water prehydration reduces the effect of brine permeation on interface transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity, especially at 150 kPa. Transmissivity tends to increase as the salt concentration increases but the effect was significant at all concentrations considered (440 to 4400 mmol/l). While the effect of bentonite enhancement on interface transmissivity is unclear, the hydraulic conductivity (k) is generally lower for enhanced bentonite.
Synergetic effect of MEA and SAP on the deformation and mechanical properties of concrete
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , Mo Liwu , Deng Min
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the synergetic effect of magnesium oxide expansion additive (MEA) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on the long-term drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage, internal humidity and mechanical strength of concrete. Concrete with varying dosages of MEA (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) and SAP dosage (0, 0·2, 0·4 and 0·8%) was studied to assess the synergetic effect of MEA and SAP on concrete. The results revealed that the long-term drying shrinkage of concrete could be effectively inhibited by a hybrid system based on SAP and MEA addition. SAP had a significant effect on maintaining the internal relative humidity of concrete. The hybrid system of 0·4% SAP and 6% MEA not only eliminated autogenous shrinkage but also controlled the deformation of expansion to a minimum. The addition of SAP and MEA generally resulted in a reduction in the cube strength of concrete. Scanning electron microscopy and stereomicroscopy results showed that larger voids were formed by desorbed SAP, which had a negative effect on the cube strength of concrete.
Storm-surge modelling for cyclone Mora in the northern Bay of Bengal
Authors: Tanim Ahad Hasan , Akter Aysha
Published: August 2019

Storm-surge modelling in the northern Bay of Bengal still remains a challenge due to the complex tidal nature and poor observational coverage. In this study, using satellite information, a coupled modelling system was developed which comprises Delft3D-Flow and simulated wave nearshore to simulate the storm surge associated with cyclone Mora 2017. In this study, followed by a hydrodynamic model development, a wind–pressure parametric Holland model was parameterised and validated using the Ascat MetOp B Level 2 wind speed. The significant wave height (SWH) was validated using CryoSat-2 and AltiKa-derived sea surface altimetry. The coupled model provides a realistic interpretation of storm surge. The tide–surge interaction in surge generation is largely dominated by shallow bathymetry and tide phase. The computed peak storm-surge height was 3–3·5 m along the landfall location – that is, Chittagong–Cox's Bazar coast and the maximum SWH of 4·2–5·3 m, formed surrounding the eye of the cyclone. The predicted surge height exhibits a reasonable match with the observed measurement and the obtained coefficient of determination is 0·87–0·91. Therefore, the developed storm-surge model with satellite-derived information is envisaged to support storm-surge modelling in data-scarce regions.
Influence of historic roof structures on the seismic behaviour of masonry structures
Authors: Keller Alexandra I. , Parisi Maria Adelaide , Tsakanika Eleftheria , Mosoarca Marius
Published: August 2019

Historic buildings are complex structures in which all the composing elements work together. Studies of heritage structures after seismic events have shown that timber roof structures strongly influence the seismic response of masonry structures, being able to reduce or enhance the out-of-plane displacement of the structure. Starting from these observations, three different types of roof structures, from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries, were introduced in the finite-element simulation software SCIA Engineer. The roof structures were subsequently placed on the same eighteenth-century masonry building with a ground floor and two upper floors, respecting its geometric features. Simulations were performed considering successively rigid, hinged or sliding connections between the roof and the masonry structure. At the same time, the traditionally crafted joints of the roof structures were consecutively modelled as hinged, rigid and semi-rigid (determined using three different methods). Ultimately, the top horizontal displacement, inter-storey drift and damage level of the masonry structure were compared. The main aims of this study were to observe if roof structures have an influence on the seismic behaviour of masonry buildings and to determine if selected parameters suffer any changes depending on the roof structure type, the roof–wall connections and joints’ axial stiffness.
Discrete-element analysis of floor influence on seismic response of masonry structures
Authors: Gubana Alessandra , Melotto Massimo
Published: August 2019

Traditional masonry buildings are highly vulnerable to earthquake loading and their dynamic response is strongly influenced by the in-plane deformability of the timber floors and the quality of the wall-to-floor connections. Understanding the behaviour of timber floors and roofs and their interaction with masonry walls is therefore fundamental for the protection of historical buildings. In a previous research project, different timber-based dry-connected strengthening solutions for timber floors were tested under in-plane loading. The experimental results showed a significant increase in shear strength and stiffness. In the current study, the discrete-element method (DEM) was used to model a simple masonry structure and evaluate the effectiveness of strengthening solutions to avoid triggering first-mode mechanisms, namely out-of-plane collapse of masonry walls. The structure was stressed by seismic ground accelerations. The unreinforced and reinforced floors were modelled with non-linear springs that reproduced their experimental hysteretic response. Parametric analyses were performed, changing the geometry of the structure and the masonry wall thickness. The comparison highlighted the effectiveness of the proposed wood-based strengthening solutions for reducing out-of-plane displacements of masonry walls, potentially matching the performance of rigid floors.
Glomerular Immunodeposits of Patients with IgA Nephropathy Are Enriched for IgG Autoantibodies Specific for Galactose-Deficient IgA1
Authors: Rizk Dana V. , Saha Manish K. , Hall Stacy , Novak Lea , Brown Rhubell , Huang Zhi-Qiang , Fatima Huma , Julian Bruce A. , Novak Jan
Published: August 2019

Significance Statement

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the leading primary GN worldwide. The disease is thought to result from glomerular deposition of circulating immune complexes of IgG bound to galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). However, routine immunofluorescence microscopy fails to detect IgG in many kidney biopsies from patients with IgAN and the specificity of IgG in immunodeposits has not been tested. The authors show that IgG specific for Gd-IgA1 was extracted from remnant IgAN kidney-biopsy specimens, even when IgG was not detected by routine immunofluorescence. Using confocal microscopy, the authors confirmed that glomerular IgA and IgG colocalize in biopsies, including those negative for IgG by routine immunofluorescence microscopy, suggesting the two form a complex. The results highlight the pivotal role of IgG autoantibodies in IgAN, and bolster the hypothesis that Gd-IgA1–specific IgG autoantibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the leading primary GN worldwide. The disease is thought to result from glomerular deposition of circulating immune complexes of IgG bound to galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). However, routine immunofluorescence microscopy fails to detect IgG in many kidney biopsies from patients with IgAN and the specificity of IgG in immunodeposits has not been tested.

Methods

We used remnant frozen kidney-biopsy specimens from 34 patients with IgAN; 14 were IgG-positive and 20 were IgG-negative by routine immunofluorescence microscopy. Six patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN) and eight with lupus nephritis (LN) served as controls. IgG in the kidney tissue was extracted and its amount determined by ELISA. IgG molecular integrity was assessed by SDS-PAGE immunoblotting. Antigenic specificity of extracted IgG was determined by ELISA using phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) or Gd-IgA1 as antigen. In addition, ten other IgAN cases, six IgG-positive and four IgG-negative by routine immunofluorescence, were used for colocalization studies by confocal microscopy.

Results

IgG extracted from MN but not IgAN immunodeposits reacted with PLA2R. Conversely, IgG extracted from IgAN but not MN or LN immunodeposits reacted with Gd-IgA1. Even IgAN kidney-biopsy specimens without IgG by routine immunofluorescence microscopy had IgG specific for Gd-IgA1. Confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of IgG in the IgAN biopsies with colocalization of glomerular IgA and IgG.

Conclusions

These results reveal for the first time that IgAN kidney biopsies, with or without IgG by routine immunofluorescence, contain Gd-IgA1–specific IgG autoantibodies. These findings support the importance of these autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of IgAN.
La innovación en las entidades de acción social de la provincia de Córdoba (España)
Authors: Ariza Montes Antonio , Carbonero Ruz Mariano , López Martín Mª Carmen , Tirado Valencia Pilar
Published: August 2019

Introducción: La innovación constituye en la actualidad un factor clave para la competitividad y aunque el grado de interés que despierta en el tercer sector es todavía incipiente cada vez es más frecuente encontrar casos de éxito de entidades no lucrativas (ENL) que han desarrollado experiencias novedosas en el ámbito de lo social. Metodología: se ha realizado un estudio en  instituciones de acción social en la provincia de Córdoba que consta de una primera fase de carácter cuantitativo, orientada a establecer un diagnóstico y valoración general del sector a través de los datos obtenidos de un cuestionario de autodiagnóstico de la innovación social respondido por entidades que aglutinan a más del 80% del sector de acción social de la provincia. Resultados: Los resultados del estudio nos llevan a concluir que existe aún un gran desconocimiento sobre el concepto de innovación social. Conclusiones: queda camino por recorrer en las ENL en cuanto a la innovación en sus procesos y en el uso de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, en el trabajo colaborativo y en el intercambio de experiencias.
Geração de resíduos sólidos urbanos no semiárido brasileiro: análise de sustentabilidade a partir da aplicação da pegada ecológica
Authors: Cartaxo Paulo Henrique de Almeida , Luna Igor Revelles Gomes , Do Nascimento Izaias Romário Soares , Da Silva Maciel Rocha , Da Silva Kardelan Arteiro , Santos João Paulo de Oliveira
Published: August 2019

A grande urbanização e o crescimento significativo da população mundial têm levado a um aumento considerável na geração de resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU). A destinação final desses materiais é motivo de preocupação por parte da comunidade internacional, principalmente por seu potencial de degradação ambiental. Nesse sentido, visto a carência de estudos quanto à geração de RSU e aplicação de indicadores de sustentabilidade na geração desses materiais em pequenos municípios brasileiros, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a aplicação da Pegada Ecológica (PE) para os RSU gerados no município de Poço das Trincheiras, Alagoas. Os dados relativos à geração e gravimetria foram obtidos através do Plano Estadual de Resíduos Sólidos do Estado de Alagoas. Foram quantificados a PE per capita e total, bem como a biocapacidade e saldo ecológico da área de estudo. Observou-se uma taxa de geração de RSU per capita em Poço das Trincheiras da ordem de 0,57 quilogramas/dia, totalizando uma produção anual de 496,4 toneladas, com predominância de material orgânico. A PE per capita dos RSU ficou em 0,1159 gha, já a PE total foi de 276,84 gha. A biocapacidade local foi estimada em 26208 gha, permitindo a obtenção de um superávit ecológico de 25931,16 gha. A Pegada Ecológica mostrou-se uma ferramenta importante para se compreender o grau de impacto da geração de RSU.
Estudo de caso: emprego da matriz de leopold para a avaliação de impactos associados à produção de tabaco em uma propriedade no vale do rio pardo
Authors: Falk Douglas Gabriel , Rubert Aline , Voese Luana Schlesener , De Souza Maiara Priscilla , Schneider Rosana De Cassia de Souza
Published: August 2019

A indústria de tabaco vem ganhando destaque com o passar dos anos, no entanto, suas consequências para a saúde continuam sendo uma preocupação constante. Considerando o destaque dessas indústrias, os sistemas de gestão são imprescindíveis para minimizar impactos neste e em outros setores, considerando os aspectos relacionados a sustentabilidade de um processo. Devido às consequências que podem trazer ao meio ambiente, este trabalho visa efetuar um estudo de caso de uma propriedade produtora de tabaco a fim de determinar impactos ambientais usando uma matriz de interação. A Matriz de Leopold foi o modelo utilizado para avaliar os efeitos bióticos e antrópicos em comparação aos aspectos ambientas. Os resultados encontrados demostraram os pontos mais críticos, importantes, frequentes e significativos de cada etapa do processo de produção agrícola de tabaco e que são de extrema importância ambiental, pois causam impactos negativos no ar, solo e água. Com a avaliação realizada identificou-se que os impactos positivos (43,8%) estão relacionados as atividades antrópicas e os negativos (56,3%) estão relacionados principalmente ao meio físico.
High nitrogen steels
Authors: Rashev Ts. V. , Eliseev A. V. , Zhekova L. Ts. , Bogev P. V.
Published: August 2019

The article provides a brief overview of the properties and production technology of high-nitrogen steels (HNS), which have several advantages over traditional ones. The main advantages are: up to four times higher yield strength with unique preservation of the remaining characteristics; reduction in consumption or a 100  % elimination of the use of some expensive alloying elements, such as Ni, Mo, Co, W, and others; effective alloying with unconventional elements (Ca, Zn, Pb, etc.). The basics of HNS technology, dependence of the properties on nitrogen content in steels, producing technologies for ferritic-pearlitic, martensitic and austenitic steel, their properties and applicability are discussed. Alloying with nitrogen for ferritic-pearlitic steel requires more precise adherence to the chemical composition in order to prevent the formation of insoluble nitrides during heat treatment (due to its greater solubility compared to carbon). Features of martensitic steels are associated with the possibility of formation of nitrides and carbonitrides during tempering. The possible effect of nitrogen in these steels may be as a decrease in the size of nitride particles as compared with carbide ones. Increased stability temperature of nitrides and carbonitrides provides increased mechanical and physical properties. In austenitic steels, nitrogen, due to the strong γ-forming equivalence to nickel, replaces it in a ratio of 1  kg of nitrogen  ≈  6  –  39  kg  Ni. In austenitic-martensitic steels, the main role is played by thermal martensite. Stable austenite is obtained in the process of its aging at operating temperatures. Examples of effective use of HNS in important details are described.
Dioxins and furans in zinc-containing metallurgical dust: behavior and formation processes
Authors: Simonyan L. M. , Demidova N. V.
Published: August 2019

The use of galvanized scrap as a charge material for electric steel-smelting production leads to the formation of metallurgical dust suitable for the extraction of non-ferrous metals. The issues related to the behavior of chlorine and its compounds in zinc and lead containing EAF-dust is not sufficiently studied. Current research exhibits the danger of chlorine and its compounds in charge and, consequently, in emissions of EAF. Chlorine and its compounds are considered to be the main components associated with the formation of highly toxic organic substances – dioxins and furans (D&F). D&F enter the environment not only in gaseous form, but also in the form of compounds adsorbed on the surface of dust particles. According to various data, D&F concentration is 5-500 ng / kg of dust and depends on the technological parameters of melting. Analysis of the formation processes of D&F in EAF and their behavior in the captured dust is given. It was found that at the studied chlorine content of 1.3% in EAF-dust from the charge materials, 99.9% of chlorine form relatively safe compounds, mainly chlorides, and a small amount goes to the formation of D&F. The amount of D&F adsorbed on the surface of captured dust particles was 474 ng / kg of dust. As strong toxicants, D&F increase the hazard category of dust from the 4th to the 3rd and above that must be considered at dust usage. In addition, the transport of D&F in the environment is due to solid particles that absorb poisons on their surface. Therefore, EAF dust, with D&F adsorbed on its surface, can provoke their entry into organisms. The ways of reducing D&F emission in the production of EAF-steel and the resource-saving and environmentally safe technologies of dust processing are considered. In particular, the possibility of using lime milk for the off-gases irrigation in the EAF gas flue was analyzed and it was shown that it allows to reduce the D&F content to acceptable limits. The efficiency of the proposed activities was evaluated.
Non-pharmaceutical treatment of dyslipidemia: review of current methods of diet and nutraceuticals
Authors: Polenova N. V. , Kosura S. D. , Varaeva Yu. R. , Livancova E. N. , Starodubova A. V.
Published: August 2019

The role of nutrition in the development and progression of atherosclerosis is well known. The correction of diet in patients with dyslipidemia is important as an independent intervention (in the group of patients with low and, partially, moderate cardiovascular risk), and as an addition to drug therapy in patients with at higher risk of cardiovascular events. The current review describes the effect of modern methods of diet therapy, as well as the use of a number of nutraceutical agents in terms of evidence-based medicine.
Study of immunization status of under: five children in relation to various demographic variables of their mothers
Authors: Agarwal Khushboo , Karnawat Bhag Singh , Singh Monika , Garg Pukhraj , Jain Anil Kumar , Singh Kanwar
Published: August 2019

Background: Immunization remains an important public health intervention. On one side morbidity and mortality caused by vaccine-preventable diseases are still high in developing countries, on the other side immunization coverage is still low. Present study aims to assess immunization status of under-five children in relation to various demographic variables of their mothers.Methods: A total of 530 mothers with children under 5 years attending OPD, immunization clinic or admitted in paediatric ward were included in the study. Maternal demographic variables like age, religion, education, socio economic status, residence, parity and occupation were compared with immunization status of their children.Results: Most of mothers were housewives (73.77%), primary educated (33.58%), belonged to Hindu religion (47.54%), were of 21-30 years age group (52.64%), residing in urban areas (62.07%) and belonged to middle socio economic status (45.84%). Out of total 530 children 161 (30.37%) were completely immunized as compared to 21.32% who were unimmunized. Boys were marginally more unimmunized (37.32%) than girls (23.04%). Mothers’ education, occupation, parity, religion, residence and socio-economic status significantly influenced immunization status of their children (p<0.05).Conclusions: Therefore, it is recommended that any strategy formulated to improve vaccination coverage in children of our country should focus to strengthen above mentioned weak links.