bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synchrotron Radiation Application for Lattice Strain Measurements
Authors: Gadalińska Elżbieta , Baczmański Andrzej , Sołoducha Kamil
Published: July 2015

The methods most commonly used for the determination of the elastic lattice deformation and distortion are diffraction methods, which enable to perform measurements of stresses and elastic properties of polycrystalline materials. The main advantages of diffraction methods are associated with their non-destructive character and the possibility to be used for macrostress and microstress analysis of multiphase and anisotropic materials. Diffraction methods enable taking measurements selectively only for a chosen alloy phase. This is very convenient when several phases are present in the sample since measurements of separate diffraction peaks allow the behaviour of each phase to be investigated independently.

In this work, a method for analysis of diffraction with synchrotron radiation is described. The methodology is based on the measurements of lattice strains during “in situ” tensile testing for several hkl reflections and for different orientations of the sample with respect to the scattering vector. Some initial results are presented.
The Relationship Between Intensity Indicators in Small-Sided Soccer Games
Authors: Casamichana David , Castellano Julen
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between different kinds of intensity indicators in small-sided soccer games. This descriptive correlational study included 14 semi-professional male soccer players (21.3 ± 2.3 years, 174 ± 4.0 cm, 73.4 ± 5.1 kg) from the same team. The players were monitored by means of heart rate monitors and GPS devices during 27 small-sided games of nine different formats, yielding a total of 217 recordings. After each game the Borg scale was used to give a rate of perceived exertion (RPE). The internal load indicators were the mean heart rate relative to the individual maximum (%HRmean) and the RPE, while those for the external load were the player load, total distance covered, distance covered in two intensity ranges (>18 km·h-1 and >21 km·h-1), and frequency of effort (in the same two intensity ranges). There was a significant moderate correlation (r=0.506) between the two internal load measurements (%HRmean and RPE). Although there were significant correlations of different degrees between various external load measurements, only the player load was significantly correlated with the internal load indicators (r=0.331 with %HRmean and r=0.218 with RPE). During training programes of this kind, it is necessary to consider a range of intensity indicators so as to obtain complementary information. This will enable coaches to more accurately assess the load imposed on players and therefore optimize the training process.
Estimation and Inference in an Ecological Inference Model
Authors: Fan Yanqin , Sherman Robert , Shum Matthew
Published: July 2015

We interpret an ecological inference model as a treatment effects model in which the outcomes of interest and the conditional covariates come from separate datasets. In this setting, the counterfactual distributions and policy parameters of interest are only partially identified under a selection on observables assumption. In this paper, we provide estimation and inference procedures for structural prediction and counterfactual analysis in such models. We also illustrate the procedures with an application to US presidential elections.
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia: think of hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia (HI/HA) syndrome caused by mutations in the GLUD1 gene
Authors: Tran Christel , Konstantopoulou Vassiliky , Mecjia Michelle , Perlman Kusiel , Mercimek-Mahmutoglu Saadet , Kronick Jonathan B.
Published: July 2015

Hyperinsulinism-hyperammonemia syndrome (HI/HA) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder presenting with hypoglycemia and hyperammonemia. It is caused by activating mutations in the

Three patients from two different centers, a 14-month-old female, a 28-year-old female (mother of the first patient) from Toronto and an unrelated 2.5-year-old male from Vienna, presented with multiple episodes of seizures associated with hypoglycemia.

All patients had mild to moderate hypoglycemia, inappropriate insulin levels and mild hyperammonemia, thus suggesting a disorder of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). Molecular genetic testing of the

We present three new patients with GDH caused by heterozygous mutation in the
Adaptive Control and Synchronization of Sprott J System With Estimation Of Fully Unknown Parameters
Authors: Islam Mitul , Islam Nurul , Nikolov Svetoslav
Published: July 2015

This communication develops an adaptive scheme for control and synchronization of Sprott J system with fully unknown parameters. The scheme provides an elegant strategy of designing estimators for identification of the unknown parameters of the underlying dynamical system. Adaptive control and update laws are proposed to globally stabilize the chaotic Sprott J system. A pair of identical Sprott J systems with un- known parameters are globally synchronized with the help of adaptive control and parameter update laws. The results are established using LaSalle invariance principle, which lays down weaker restrictions on the derivatives of the Lyapunov function, and producing more general results. All the results obtained in the paper are global in nature. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed adaptive control and synchronization scheme in the context of the Sprott J system. The parameter identification capability of the scheme is also explored.
An Experiment in the Ability of Raters to Evaluate Lexis in Writing
Authors: Ruegg Rachael
Published: July 2015

For many years, people have considered lexis and grammar separately in the context of teaching and learning English. In the assessment of second language writing, lexis and grammar continue to be considered separately. However, recent corpus studies have questioned this approach and argued that lexis and grammar are fundamentally inseparable. While the assessment of lexis and grammar as two distinct qualities lends face validity to assessment criteria, the corpus literature suggests that raters may not be able to accurately distinguish the two. The current study examines the ability of raters to separate lexis and grammar when using an analytic rating scale to assess timed essays. In this experiment, the lexical content of 27 essays was manipulated before rating in order to determine the effect of lexical accuracy, lexical variation and lexical richness on lexis and grammar scores. From the results, it seems that raters are sensitive to lexical accuracy, but not lexical variation nor lexical richness. In addition, the manipulation of lexical qualities had a significant effect on grammar scores but not on lexis scores, supporting the idea that raters find it challenging to distinguish lexis from grammar
TAM marking on nominals in Chorote (Mataguayo, Argentine, and Paraguayan Chaco)
Authors: Carol Javier Jerónimo
Published: July 2015

This paper analyzes TAM marking in the nominal domain in Chorote (Mataguayo or Matacoan; Argentina and Paraguay). In this language, some of the verbal TAM markers also occur in the nominal domain, and at least three of them can have scope over only the nominal but not over the predicate of the clause: the distant past
A Few (Skeptical) Notes on the Theoretical Ramifications of Genres in the Contemporary Public Space
Authors: Cap Piotr
Published: July 2015

This paper is a tentative attempt to identify some basic-level conceptual and theoretical problems underlying the mainstream genre theory, which adversely affect the analysis of rapidly evolving, complex and hybrid genres in the modern communicative space. Having discussed these problems, I go on to I argue that the space of contemporary public communication should be viewed as not only an “analytic problem”, but also/rather a domain whose explorations could potentially revise the existing principles of genre theory. In particular, I suggest such explorations should focus on the conception of (public communication) genres as (i) abstractions, (ii) activators and realizers of context, (iii) flexible macrostructures, (iv) social field entities, (v) assigners of interpersonal roles. Notwithstanding a possible advancement of genre theory resulting from this approach, I conclude that it is only a first and admittedly uncertain step in trying to establish a sound theoretical framework for communicative genres in the modern discourse space.
“Je suis Muslim”: The Image of Muslims in a Bulgarian and a British Newspaper
Authors: Cheshmedzhieva-Stoycheva Desislava
Published: July 2015

The paper analyses the way two broadsheets, i.e. the Bulgarian Dnevnik and the British The Independent present Muslim identity within the span of two months and over the influence of international events such as the attack on Charlie Hebdo’s offices. The focus is on the development of the positive image of Muslims through the refutal of the existing negative stereotypes. The study is done on a comparative basis using both quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis.
Transformation mechanism of magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Khan Umar Saeed , Amanullah  , Manan Abdul , Khan Nasrullah , Mahmood Amir , Rahim Abdur
Published: July 2015

A simple oxidation synthesis route was developed for producing magnetite nanoparticles with controlled size and morphology. Investigation of oxidation process of the produced magnetite nanoparticles (NP) was performed after synthesis under different temperatures. The phase transformation of synthetic magnetite nanoparticles into maghemite and, henceforth, to hematite nanoparticles at different temperatures under dry oxidation has been studied. The natural magnetite particles were directly transformed to hematite particles at comparatively lower temperature, thus, maghemite phase was bypassed. The phase structures, morphologies and particle sizes of the produced magnetic nanoparticles have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) and BET surface area analysis.
Recognition of Thermal Images of Direct Current Motor with Application of Area Perimeter Vector and Bayes Classifier
Authors: Glowacz Adam , Glowacz Andrzej , Glowacz Zygfryd
Published: July 2015

Infrared thermography can measure the temperature of a surface remotely. In this article authors present a diagnostic method of incipient fault detection. The proposed approach is based on pattern recognition. It uses monochrome thermal images of the rotor with the application of an area perimeter vector and a Bayes classifier. The investigations have been carried out for direct current motor without faults and motor with shorted rotor coils. The measurements were performed in the laboratory. The efficiency of recognition using the area perimeter vector and the Bayes classifier was 100 %. The investigations show that the method based on recognition of thermal images can be profitable for engineers. The proposed method can be applied in mining, metallurgy, fuel industry and in factories where electrical motors are used.
Discussion: Imagining the languaged worker’s language
Authors: Urciuoli Bonnie
Published: July 2015

What people perceive as “a language” – a named entity – is abstracted from practices and notions about those practices. People take for granted that language is somehow a “thing,” an objectively distinct and bounded entity. How languages come to be thus imagined indexes the conditions under which they are imagined. The articles in this issue illustrate various relations of language-imagining to the ongoing production of neoliberal subjectivity under conditions inflected by the pride-profit polarities, especially profit (Duchêne and Heller 2012). The themes that link these articles show the relation of the language under discussion to its languaged workers, how the language indexes the conditions of its deployment, and how the language is imagined. Entrepreneurialized language is fundamentally promotional, whether on a loose entrepreneur-network basis or following scripted policy or as a manifestation of cultural property. Thus imagined, language and language difference are subject to the same metasemiotic regime as are corporate-friendly interpretations of the national, ethnic, and racial differences represented by language difference. In other words, all forms of difference are “supposed” to be understood in terms of desirable contemporary business-friendly outcomes.
Black Sea Baric Depression
Authors: Isaia Ion
Published: July 2015

This work is meant to demonstrate that, in the special synoptic conditions, on the surface of the Black Sea, a baric depression is being formed. This depression is formed when the Black Sea's water temperature is higher than the surrounding continental ground's temperature. There are situations when the baric depression of the Black Sea occurs because of the consequences of the movement of another baric depression from the east of the Mediterranean Sea to its north-east side. Due to the high atmospheric pressure of the continental zone that's surrounding the Black Sea, the baric depression will get a retrograde movement, towards the north or northwest. Eventually, this depression occludes in the eastern continental zone of Europe or even near the Baltic Sea. During a retrograde movement of a baric depression, the atmospheric precipitations will fall in big quantities, in many situations, causing floods.
The effect of two packaging systems on the post-thaw characteristics of canine sperm
Authors: Strzeżek R. , Polakiewicz P. , Kordan W.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different packaging systems on some parameters of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa. The experimental material consisted of the sperm-rich fractions of ejaculates collected from four Beagle dogs. Semen samples for cryopreservation were stored in 0.25 ml plastic straws and two aluminum tubes with a total volume of 5.0 ml. Semen was frozen in static nitrogen vapor for 10 minutes (0.25 ml straws) or 15 and 20 minutes (aluminum tubes). Post-thaw assessments involved the determination of sperm motility parameters using a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA), sperm plasma membrane integrity (SPMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and acrosome integrity (normal apical ridge, NAR). Regardless of the packaging system applied, no significant differences in total sperm motility (TMOT) or selected kinematic parameters were observed after freezing-thawing. However, spermatozoa frozen in 0.25 mL straws were characterized by improved functionality, in particular mitochondrial function, after thawing. The results indicate that large quantities of canine semen can be frozen in aluminum tubes. Further studies are required, however, to evaluate different freezing and thawing rates of aluminum tubes.
Epidemiological and morphological analysis of feline injection site sarcomas
Authors: Kliczkowska K. , Jankowska U. , Jagielski D. , Czopowicz M. , Sapierzyński R.
Published: July 2015

Feline injection site sarcomas (FISS) are malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin which arise in sites of injections in cats. The prevalence is estimated between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10 000 vaccinations in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of FISS in Poland and to analyse clinical aspects and histological and cytological features of injection site sarcomas. In our study the prevalence of FISS was 0.16% (16 FISS on 10.000 of cats) in feline patients in one of a veterinary surgery which conducts the general practice and 85 on 10.000 cats in a practice focused on veterinary oncology. The most typical microscopic features of FISS found in the present analysis were: the presence of perilesional scarring and inflammation, aggregates of lymphocytes at the tumour periphery, moderate but usually marked cellular pleomorphism and intralesional necrosis. The most typical cytologic features of FISS found in present study were: the presence of neutrophils, marked cellular pleomorphism, the presence of lymphocytes and macrophages, the presence of extremely large nuclei in the neoplastic cells, and high sample cellularity.
Clustering of Staphylococcus aureus bovine mastitis strains from regions of Central-Eastern Poland based on their biochemical and genetic characteristics
Authors: Puacz E. , Ilczyszyn W.M. , Kosecka M. , Buda A. , Dudziak W. , Polakowska K. , Panz T. , Białecka A. , Kasprowicz A. , Lisowski A. , Krukowski H. , Cuteri V. , Międzobrodzki J.
Published: July 2015

Staphylococcus aureusstrains were isolated from mastitic milk of cows with infected mammary glands. The animals were living in 12 different farms near Lublin, in Central-Eastern Poland. A biochemical identification method based on enzymatic assay was performed, followed by haemolytic and proteolytic tests. PCR-RFLP targeted on thegapgene allowed the genetic identification of strains at the species level and verified phenotypic identification results. A molecular typing method using triplex PCR was performed to recognize the genetic similarity of the analyzed strains. DNA microarray hybridization (StaphyType, Alere Technologies) was used for detection of antibiotic resistance and virulence associated markers. The results obtained indicate high genetic similarity in strains isolated from the same sites. High genetic similarities were also detected between strains isolated from cows from different farms of the same region. A slightly lower similarity was noted however, in strains from various regions indicating that the strains are herd specific and that the cow’s infections caused byS. aureuswere of a clonal character. In 21 representative isolates selected for DNA-microarray testing, only fosfomycin (fosB) and penicillin resistance markers (blaZ, blaI, blaR) were detected. The presence of genes coding for haemolysins (lukF, lukS, hlgA, hla, hld, hlb), proteases (aur, sspA, sspB, sspP), enterotoxins (entA, entD, entG, entI, entJ, entM, entN, entO, entR, entU, egc-cluster), adhesins (icaA, icaC, icaD, bbp, clfA, clfB, fib, fnbA, map, vwb) or immune evasion proteins (scn, chp, sak) was common and, with exceptions, matched triplex PCR-defined clusters.
Laser therapy modulates systemic inflammatory processes and muscle atrophy in an experimental model of sepsis in rats
Authors: Assis Livia , Muniz Renno Ana Claudia , Bublitz Caroline , Hirai Aya , Harada Gabriela , Kido Hueliton , de Freitas Anibal Fernanda , Yamauchi Liria Yuri
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the modulation of the systemic inflammatory processes and skeletal muscle morphology in an experimental sepsis model (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP).

Seventy-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CG); sepsis group (SG) where rats were submitted to CLP but without LLLT treatment, and the sepsis laser-treated group (SLG). Laser irradiation (GaAlAs laser, continuous wave, 808 nm, 30 mW, 48 s, 30 J/cm

The results showed that the laser-treated animals presented a lower IL-6 activity and decreased atrogin and MuRF-1 immunoexpression. However, no difference was observed in muscle cross-sectional area between the experimental groups.

These results suggest that LLLT was able to decrease the systemic inflammation and muscle atrophy markers, preventing muscle protein degradation.
Levels of 137Cs and 40K in marine superficial sediments near the Angra Nuclear Power Plant (Angra dos Reis, SE Brazil)
Authors: Ferreira Paulo Alves de Lima , Amorim Laís Farina , Tura Pedro Marone , Zacheo Valter André Medeiros , Figueira Rubens Cesar Lopes
Published: July 2015

This study evaluated the spatial distribution of two environmentally relevant radionuclides, 137Cs and 40K, in
marine superficial sediments around the Angra Nuclear Power Plant, the only Brazilian nuclear power plant complex, thus establishing
a baseline for bottom sediments, given the international importance of environmental monitoring around nuclear facilities. It was
observed that these radionuclides are mostly present in the muddy sediments as a result of their stronger association with its
fine-grained fraction, and that their lowest levels are located around the liquid effluent discharge of the plant, as a consequence of
the prevented deposition of fine sediments due to the strong discharge water flux. The comparison of the 137Cs activities
in the region with other locations in the world showed that the presence of this artificial nuclide is due to the atmospheric fallout
from past nuclear tests made during the Cold War, not to the nuclear power plant activities.
Changes in Received Pronunciation: Diachronic Case Studies
Authors: Hinton Martin
Published: July 2015

This paper sets out to investigate changes and individual irregularities in the Received Pronunciation of a number of individuals over time and to compare them with the changes noted in contemporary RP in the literature. The aim of the study is to ascertain whether accent change affects individuals during their lifetimes or is only brought about by new generations of speakers accepting different pronunciations as the norm and effectively speaking with a different accent to older generations within their social circle. The variations/changes looked for were: CLOTH transfer, CURE lowering, GOAT allophony, R-sandhi, and T-voicing. The procedure of the study was to identify the presence or absence of these features in the speech of certain individuals in recordings made over a period of at least 35 years. The individuals studied were: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Baroness Thatcher, Sir David Attenborough and David Dimbleby. The results of these comparisons suggest that individual speakers are not greatly affected by changes in pronunciation taking place around them and generally stay with the preferred pronunciation of their youth. There are, however, cases where a general uncertainty amongst speakers of the accent, here found in CURE lowering, does influence the speech of individuals over time.
Monitoring English Sandhi Linking – A Study of Polish Listeners’ L2 Perception
Authors: Schwartz Geoffrey , Rojczyk Arkadiusz , Balas Anna
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a set of word monitoring experiments with Polish learners of English. Listeners heard short recordings of native English speech, and were instructed to respond when they recognized an English target word that had been presented on a computer screen. Owing to phonological considerations, we compared reaction times to two types of vowel-initial words, which had been produced either with glottalization, or had been joined via sandhi linking processes to the preceding word. Results showed that the effects of the glottalization as a boundary cue were less robust than expected. Implications of these findings for models of L2 speech are discussed. It is suggested that the prevalence of glottalization in L1 production makes listeners less sensitive to its effects as a boundary cue in L2.
Fruit peel waste as a novel low-cost bio adsorbent
Authors: Pathak Pranav D. , Mandavgane Sachin A. , Kulkarni Bhaskar D.
Published: July 2015

Fruit peel waste (FPW) is abundantly available from the agricultural and food processing industry and has been studied in recent past as an adsorbent. This paper critically reviews the reported work and investigates various FPW-pollutant systems. The study includes statistics of FPW generation, modification, characterization, adsorption ability, recovery/regeneration, and modeling (isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics) of batch adsorption. It is found that orange and banana peels are the most extensively studied adsorbents, whereas Pb
Exact likelihood-free Markov chain Monte Carlo for elliptically contoured distributions
Authors: Muchmore Patrick , Marjoram Paul
Published: July 2015

Recent results in Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) show that a chain based on an unbiased estimator of the likelihood can have a stationary distribution identical to that of a chain based on exact likelihood calculations. In this paper we develop such an estimator for elliptically contoured distributions, a large family of distributions that includes and generalizes the multivariate normal. We then show how this estimator, combined with pseudorandom realizations of an elliptically contoured distribution, can be used to run MCMC in a way that replicates the stationary distribution of a likelihood based chain, but does not require explicit likelihood calculations. Because many elliptically contoured distributions do not have closed form densities, our simulation based approach enables exact MCMC based inference in a range of cases where previously it was impossible.
Plastic flow rule for sands with friction, dilation, density and stress state coupling
Authors: Wojciechowski Marek
Published: July 2015

In this paper we propose a flow rule and failure criterion for sands in plane strain conditions based on Drucker-Prager formulation and enhanced with empirical Houlsby formula, which couples friction, dilation, density and stress state in the material. The resulting elasto-plastic, non-associated, shear hardening material model is implemented as a numerical procedure in the frame of finite element method and a simple compression example is presented. Because of the empirical nature of Houlsby formula, it is believed that results of numerical simulations will be more realistic both in deformation and shear strength estimation of sands.
Determinants Of Savings Behavior In Pakistan: Long Run - Short Run Association And Causality
Authors: Ahmad Fawad
Published: July 2015

The existing studies on private savings have mostly investigated the long run and short association of different variables with private savings, whereas no known study has investigated both long run and short run causality of variables against private savings by using data of Pakistan. The current study used time series data of Pakistan over the period of 1972 to 2012 and employed long run cointegration test, first normalized equation for long run association, vector error correction model for short run association, Toda Yamamoto technique for long run causality and Granger causality test for short run causality. The results suggest that GDP per capita, inflation rate, financial development, dependency ratio and fiscal development have impact on the private savings rate in Pakistan. The findings of the current study can be used to increase the private savings’ rate. In the long run government can increase the private savings by controlling fiscal deficit and promoting the investment by private investors. Whereas, in the short run, government can increase the deposit rate to increase the private savings. The current study is unique in its nature as it simultaneously provides the long run and short run causality and association and can contribute significantly in improving savings rate in developing economies like Pakistan.
Optimization of a Turboprop UAV for Maximum Loiter and Specific Power Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Dinc Ali
Published: July 2015

In this study, a genuine code was developed for optimization of selected parameters of a turboprop engine for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by employing elitist genetic algorithm. First, preliminary sizing of a UAV and its turboprop engine was done, by the code in a given mission profile. Secondly, single and multi-objective optimization were done for selected engine parameters to maximize loiter duration of UAV or specific power of engine or both. In single objective optimization, as first case, UAV loiter time was improved with an increase of 17.5% from baseline in given boundaries or constraints of compressor pressure ratio and burner exit temperature. In second case, specific power was enhanced by 12.3% from baseline. In multi-objective optimization case, where previous two objectives are considered together, loiter time and specific power were increased by 14.2% and 9.7% from baseline respectively, for the same constraints.
Crystal structure and photoluminescence of a new two-dimensional Cd(II) coordination polymer based on 3-(carboxymethoxy)-2-naphthoic acid
Authors: Kong Zhi-Guo , Guo Sheng-Nan , Miao Jia-Qi , An Miao
Published: July 2015

A new Cd(II) coordination polymer, [Cd(CNA)]
n
(1) (H2CNA = 3-(carboxymethoxy)-2-naphthoic acid), was hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/c with a = 16.9698(18), b = 7.8314(8), c = 8.9553(10) Å, β = 100.657(2)°, V = 1169.6(2) Å3, Z = 4, D
calcd. = 2.03 g cm−3, μ(MoK

α
) = 1.9 mm−1, F(000) = 696 e, R = 0.0305, wR = 0.0784 for 172 refined parameters and 2285 data. Each CNA anion bridges three Cd(II) cations to give rise to a two-dimensional network structure. Topologically, if each CNA anion is regarded as a linker, and each Cd(II) atom considered as a 4-conencted node, the structure is simplified as a 4-connected (4,4) network. The solid state photoluminescent properties of the compound were also studied at room temperature.
Challenging High-Level ab initio Rovibrational Spectroscopy: The Nitrous Oxide Molecule
Authors: Schröder Benjamin , Sebald Peter , Stein Christopher , Weser Oskar , Botschwina Peter
Published: July 2015

The equilibrium structure and rovibrational energies of nitrous oxide
(N2O) in its electronic ground state (X
1
Σ
+) are
derived from a high-level ab initio potential energy function
(PEF). This PEF is based on a composite approach with the basic
contribution given by explicitly correlated coupled-cluster (CC)
calculations. Smaller contributions include corrections due to
inner-shell correlation, scalar-relativistic effects and higher-order
correlation up to iterative pentuple excitations (CCSDTQP in CC
nomenclature). The high importance of higher-order correlation in
order to reach the desired accuracy led to the use of an extrapolation
scheme to approximately account for the effect of hextuple and some
pentuple excitations. A reasoning for the soundness of the method is
given in this work. The results of the rovibrational calculations are
compared to those of two multi-reference (MR) based composite PEFs,
where the basic contribution is given by MR configuration interaction
and MR average coupled-pair functional calculations. A highly accurate
electric dipole moment function is also computed by the three
composite methods in excellent agreement with the experimental values
available. Subtle irregularities in the intensity pattern are
reproduced in great detail and several kinds of resonances are
analyzed without the need to empirically adjust our best ab
initio PEF. The equilibrium bond lengths were determined by a mixed
experimental/theoretical approach yielding
R
e(NN) = 1.12695(10) Å and
R
e(NO) = 1.18539(5) Å.
Severe hypercalcemia and hypernatremia in a patient treated with canagliflozin
Authors: Kaur Arshpreet , Winters Stephen J
Published: July 2015

Drugs that inhibit the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) are an exciting novel, insulin-independent treatment for diabetes that block glucose reabsorption from the proximal tubules of the kidney, leading to increased glucose excretion and lower blood glucose levels. Inhibition of SGLT2 activity also reduces sodium reabsorption, which together with glycosuria produces a mild diuretic effect with the potential for dehydration and hyperkalemia. We report on a 60-year-old man with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes treated with insulin, glimepiride, metformin and canagliflozin, who was admitted with altered mental status after a syncopal episode. He had a 1-week history of ingestion of Tums for heartburn followed by poor appetite and lethargy. Laboratory work-up showed acute kidney injury, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and parathyroid hormone-independent severe hypercalcemia of 17.4 mg/dl. DKA resolved with insulin treatment, and saline hydration led to improvement in hypercalcemia and renal function over 48 h, but was accompanied by a rapid increase in the serum sodium concentration from 129 to 162 mmol/l despite changing fluids to 0.45% saline. Urine studies were consistent with osmotic diuresis. Hypernatremia was slowly corrected with hypotonic fluids, with improvement in his mental status over the next 2 days. This is the first report of hypercalcemia associated with the use of a SLGT2 inhibitor. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, canagliflozin may predispose to hypercalcemia in patients ingesting excessive calcium because of dehydration from osmotic diuresis, with reduced calcium excretion and possible increased intestinal calcium absorption. Saline therapy and osmotic diuresis may lead to hypernatremia from electrolyte-free water loss.

Learning points

Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, may cause hypercalcemia in susceptible patients.

Although the exact mechanisms are unknown, dehydration from osmotic diuresis and increased intestinal calcium absorption play a role.

Close monitoring of serum calcium levels is recommended in patients treated with SGLT2 inhibitors who are elderly, have established hypercalcemia, or take oral calcium supplements.

Saline therapy and osmotic diuresis may lead to hypernatremia from electrolyte-free water loss in susceptible patients.
Recognizing Differences in Hospital Quality Performance for Pediatric Inpatient Care
Authors: Berry Jay G. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Toomey Sara L. , Chien Alyna T. , Jang Jisun , Bryant Maria C. , Klein David J. , Kaplan William J. , Schuster Mark A.
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND:

Hospital quality-of-care measures are publicly reported to inform consumer choice and stimulate quality improvement. The number of hospitals and states with enough pediatric hospital discharges to detect worse-than-average inpatient care remains unknown.

METHODS:

This study was a retrospective analysis of hospital discharges for children aged 0 to 17 years from 3974 hospitals in 44 states in the 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database. For 11 measures of all-condition or condition-specific quality, we assessed the number of hospitals and states that met a “power standard” of 80% power for a 5% level significance test to detect when care is 20% worse than average over a 3-year period. For this assessment, we approximated volume as 3 times actual 2009 admission volumes.

RESULTS:

For all-condition quality, 1380 hospitals (87% of all pediatric discharges) and all states met the power standard for the family experience-of-care measure; 1958 hospitals (95% of discharges) and all states met the standard for adverse drug events. For condition-specific quality measures of asthma, birth, and mental health, 203 to 482 hospitals (52%–90% of condition-specific discharges) met the power standard and 40 to 44 states met the standard. One hospital and 16 states met the standard for sickle cell disease. No hospital and ≤27 states met the standard for the remaining measures studied (appendectomy, cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery, gastroenteritis, heart surgery, and seizure).

CONCLUSIONS:

Most children are admitted to hospitals in which all-condition measures of quality have adequate power to show modest differences in performance from average, but most condition-specific measures do not. Policies regarding incentives for pediatric inpatient quality should take these findings into account.
Device-Based Approaches to Modulate the Autonomic Nervous System and Cardiac Electrophysiology
Authors: Hucker William J , Singh Jagmeet P , Parks Kimberly , Armoundas Antonis A
Published: July 2015

Alterations in resting autonomic tone can be pathogenic in many cardiovascular disease states, such as heart failure and hypertension. Indeed, autonomic modulation by way of beta-blockade is a standard treatment of these conditions. There is a significant interest in developing non-pharmacological methods of autonomic modulation as well. For instance, clinical trials of vagal stimulation and spinal cord stimulation in the treatment of heart failure are currently underway, and renal denervation has been studied recently in the treatment of resistant hypertension. Notably, autonomic stimulation is also a potent modulator of cardiac electrophysiology. Manipulating the autonomic nervous system in studies designed to treat heart failure and hypertension have revealed that autonomic modulation may have a role in the treatment of common atrial and ventricular arrhythmias as well. Experimental data on vagal nerve and spinal cord stimulation suggest that each technique may reduce ventricular arrhythmias. Similarly, renal denervation may play a role in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, as well as in controlling refractory ventricular arrhythmias. In this review, we present the current experimental and clinical data on the effect of these therapeutic modalities on cardiac electrophysiology and their potential role in arrhythmia management.
Review of Data and Discussion – Who Should Undergo Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in 2014?
Authors: Bhan Amit , Clapp Brian ,   Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK,   Department of Cardiology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK. E: brian.clapp@gstt.nhs.uk
Published: July 2015

A patent foramen ovale is a relatively common finding in the general population and is associated with a number of conditions, including cryptogenic stroke. In 2014, percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a frequently performed procedure; the bulk of these procedures being carried out for secondary prevention of cryptogenic stroke, along with other indications, such as prevention of decompression illness, platypnoea-orthodeoxia syndrome and migraine. Of these conditions the largest body of evidence available is for cryptogenic stroke and there is ongoing debate of the benefit of PFO closure over medical therapy. This article will review the available evidence of PFO closure in each of these contexts, with a particular focus on randomised controlled trials, and endeavour to outline in whom the evidence suggests closure should be considered.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion – A Stitch in Time?
Authors: Gafoor Sameer ,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany; University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota, US,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany,   CardioVascular Center, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65, 60389 Frankfurt, Germany. E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de
Published: July 2015

Many patients have now been able to receive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) therapy for severe aortic stenosis. These patients have atrial fibrillation and are placed on warfarin for stroke prophylaxis. The opportunity for treatment with left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in place of warfarin for this population exists, especially for those with increased bleeding risk. This paper discusses the prevalence and aetiology of stroke in patients presenting for TAVR (with a focus on the risk from chronic and acute atrial fibrillation) and also the benefit of LAAO closure in this population.
Current Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Pesarini Gabriele , Ariotti Sara ,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Italy, University of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani 1, 37126, Verona, Italy. E: gabriele.pesarini@ospedaleuniverona.it,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Italy,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Italy
Published: July 2015

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent a life-threatening complication of the systemic atherosclerotic process, affecting the coronary circulation. Thrombosis, defined as an uncontrolled activation of the endogenous thrombogenetic reparative process, often follows atherosclerotic plaque damage and is mainly engaged by two main pathways: platelet aggregation and coagulation. Therefore, antithrombotic therapy to modulate either pathway plays an important role for the reduction of ischaemic adverse events in ACS patients. Since the advent of aspirin and warfarin, numerous antiaggregant and anticoagulant molecules have been developed to achieve this goal, but their anti-ischaemic efficacy is often obtained at the price of augmented bleedings, which are known to be strong predictors of adverse outcome. This article briefly reviews the physiopathological mechanisms of thrombosis and presents an overview of the available literature supporting the use of these major drugs, as well as the European Society of Cardiology recommendations for their utilisation in the setting of non-ST and ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing invasive treatment.
The Impact of Media on Students’ Perception of the Security Risks Associated With Internet Social Networking - A Case Study / Utjecaj medija na percepciju sigurnosnih rizika povezanih s društvenim umrežavanjem putem interneta – studija slučaja
Authors: Putnik Nenad , Boskovic Milica
Published: July 2015

AbstractFrom the viewpoint of cybercrime, young people represent a particularly vulnerable category of Internet users: children, adolescents and students. Young people are, undoubtedly, the most common and the most gullible users of social networks. Due to lack of education related to dangers they are exposed to on social networks, inexperienced users recklessly post information and multimedia contents on their profiles which can be misused by differently motivated Internet users. Apart from being exposed to the risk from the violation of personal privacy and misuse of personal data, young people are exposed to the risk from political or ideological manipulation. Various studies on social networks and secondary school students have been conducted in the Republic of Serbia. However, no study in this field which would look at university students has yet been conducted. The purpose of this study was to discover the extent to which students use social networking sites, but also the sources and ways students perceive online security risks associated with social networking. Study results show that the media has a dominant role in educating young people on the risks associated with social networking and that the impact of the media is greater than the impact of other educational factors such as family, school or university. Key words:  media; security impact; social networks.---SažetakS gledišta kibernetičkoga kriminaliteta mladi ljudi (djeca, adolescenti i studenti) predstavljaju osobito ranjivu skupinu korisnika interneta. Mladi su ljudi, bez sumnje, najčešći i najlakovjerniji korisnici društvenih mreža. Zbog nedostatka edukacije o opasnostima kojima su izloženi na društvenim mrežama, neiskusni korisnici na svojim profilima nesmotreno objavljuju informacije i multimedijske sadržaje koje mogu upotrijebiti korisnici interneta koji imaju drugačije motive. Osim što su izloženi riziku kršenja osobne privatnosti i zlouporabe osobnih podataka, mladi se ljudi izlažu mogućoj političkoj i ideološkoj manipulaciji. U Republici Srbiji provedene su razne studije o društvenim mrežama i srednjoškolcima, no ni jedna od tih studija nije za ciljnu skupinu imala studente. Svrha ovoga istraživanja bila je ustanoviti do koje se mjere studenti koriste društvenim mrežama na internetu i utvrditi izvore putem kojih se informiraju o sigurnosnim rizicima vezanim uz društveno umrežavanje. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da mediji imaju dominantnu ulogu u upoznavanju mladih ljudi s rizicima vezanim uz društveno umrežavanje. Utjecaj medija veći je od utjecaja ostalih odgojno-obrazovnih čimbenika kao što su obitelj, škola ili fakultet. Ključne riječi:  društvene mreže; mediji; sigurnosni utjecaj.
Un híbrido espontáneo entre Aristolochia gorgona y A. grandiflora (Aristolochiaceae)
Authors: Blanco Mario
Published: July 2015

Un híbrido espontáneo entre Aristolochia gorgona y A. grandiflora apareció en el Jardín Botánico Lankester, Costa Rica, donde plantas de ambas especies fueron cultivadas próximas unas a otras. Esto indica que el aislamiento geográfico mantiene la integridad genética de estas dos especies cercanamente emparen- tadas. La morfología floral de A. grandiflora es dominante en los híbridos F1. Se enumeran los pocos casos conocidos de hibridación en el género.
Una nueva combinación en el género Allotoonia (Apocynaceae, Apocynoideae, Echiteae)
Authors: Morales Francisco , Williams Justin
Published: July 2015

La nueva combinación Allotoonia woodsoniana (Monac.) J.F. Morales & J.K. Williams reemplaza al nombre ilegítimo A. parviflora (Sessé & Moc.) J.F. Morales & J.K. Williams.
Estudios en las Apocynaceae neotropicales XIV: Nuevas lectotipificaciones en los géneros Hylaea J.F. Morales y Pentalinon Voigt (Apocynoideae, Echiteae)
Authors: Morales Francisco
Published: July 2015

Se designan lectotipos para los taxa Hylaea leptoloba (Monach.) J.F. Morales y Pentalinon andrieuxii (Müll. Arg.) B.F. Hansen & Wunderlin (Apocynaceae, Apocynoideae, Echiteae).
Molecular systematics of Telipogon (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) and its allies: nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data
Authors: Williams Norris , Whitten Mark , Dressler Robert
Published: July 2015

Se evaluaron las relaciones filogenéticas de Telipogon, Ornithocephalus y géneros afines (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) mediante análisis de parsimonia de datos de espaciadores de ADN ribosomal nuclear (nrITS) y de tres regiones de ADN de plastidios (matK, trnL-F y la región espaciadora intergénica atpB-rbcL). Además de un análisis de 81 OTU con ITS, se usó una matriz de 30 taxa para realizar análisis combinados de ADN nuclear y de plastidios. Stellilabium aparece anidado dentro de Telipogon. Éste presenta dos clados sudamericanos y uno centroamericano. Un clado de Stellilabium es hermano del clado centroamericano de Telipogon; el segundo clado de Stellilabium es hermano de todas las especies centroamericanas de Telipogon y Stellilabium. Hofmeisterella es un miembro del grupo de Telipogon. El género Dipterostele como tal no se justifica, según este estudio. Se realizan cambios nomenclatoriales para transferir las especies de Stellilabium a Telipogon.
Nuevos taxa de helechos arborescentes (Filicales: Cyatheaceae) en Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas Alvarado Alexander Francisco
Published: July 2015

Cnemidaria chiricana (Maxon) A. Rojas se considera una especie diferente a C. mutica (H. Christ) R.M. Tryon; C. mutica var. contigua (Maxon) Stolze se trata como una variedad de C. chiricana. Cyathea povedae A. Rojas se describe como especie nueva y se compara con C. fulva (M. Martens & Galeotti) Fée. Además, aquí se describe el híbrido entre Cyathea stolzei A.R. Sm. ex Lellinger y C. ursina (Maxon) Lellinger, mencionado por Smith & Grayum (1988).
The orchid conservation challenge
Authors: Dixon Kingsley , Phillips Ryan
Published: July 2015

In the six years since the first International Orchid Conservation Congress in 2001 has the conservation of orchids progressed? Certainly orchid science has grown from less than 100 published works in the 20 year period from 1900-1920 to over 3200 for 2000- 2005. With knowledge of orchids spanning an aston- ishing array of disciplines it is therefore surprising that there remains a significant gap between orchid science and orchid conservation practice.