bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting multi-rule quality control procedures based on patient risk
Authors: Bayat Hassan
Published: February 2017

Background:

Traditionally, statistical quality control (SQC) planning is aimed at preventing the error rate from exceeding a pre-defined acceptable rate (Westgard JO. Basic QC Practices, 4th ed. Westgard QC, 2016). A pivotal characteristic for planning a QC procedure with the traditional approach is the probability of rejecting an analytical run that contains critical size errors (P

Methods:

We used a statistical model to investigate the relationship between P

Results:

There is a close relationship between P

Conclusions:

Multi-rule SQC procedures can be used for controlling intermediate and low sigma capability method to attain a low Max E(N
Coping strategies in individuals at risk and not at risk of mobile phone addiction
Authors: Dziurzyńska Ewa , Pawłowska Beata , Potembska Emilia
Published: February 2017

The aim of the present study was to provide an answer to the question of whether, and what, differences in stress coping strategies could be found between university students at risk and those not at risk of mobile phone addiction. The study included 408 students aged 19 to 28 years. The following instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mobile Phone Addiction Assessment Questionnaire (in Polish, Kwestionariusz do Badania Uzależnienia od Telefonu Komórkowego, KBUTK) by Pawłowska and Potembska, and the Coping with Stress Questionnaire (SVF) by Janke, Erdmann, and Boucsein, translated into Polish by Januszewska. The results of the study showed that individuals at risk of mobile phone addiction were more likely to cope with stress by seeking substitute gratification, reacting with resignation, passivity, dejection and hopelessness, blaming themselves, pitying themselves and looking for support. They also tended to ruminate over their suffering, withdraw from social interactions, react with aggression and/or take to drinking.
Omega-3 fatty acids in schizophrenia Part II: Clinical applications
Authors: Róg Joanna , Stelmach Ewa , Śpila Bożena , Gajewski Jacek , Juchnowicz Dariusz , Korzeniowska Aleksandra , Tomaka Joanna , Karakuła-Juchnowicz Hanna
Published: February 2017

Ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids are compounds belonging to the group of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The history of the discovery of EFAs dates back to the 1930s of the twentieth century, however, growing interest in ω-3 EFAs in the context of mental health has been observed since the year 2000. In view of their multidirectional action, these compounds are a promising form of adjunctive therapy of many illnesses, including psychiatric disorders. The present article aims to review the literature on the clinical applicability of ω-3 EFAs in treating schizophrenia. We present the results of preclinical studies in this area and the mechanisms of ω-3 EFAs action discussed by the authors. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the possibility of using ω-3 EFAs in schizophrenia are characterized in detail. The results of the tests are not clear, which may result from the methodological diversity of interventions made. Ω-3 EFAs seem to be a promising form of adjunctive therapy of schizophrenia. Further research is needed, which will allow for defining groups of patients in which intervention will bring the expected results.
Cognitive decline affects diabetic women
Authors: Perzyński Adam , Chmiel-Perzyńska Iwona
Published: February 2017

Introduction: DM provokes peripheral complications and changes in central nervous system. Central changes in the course of diabetes mellitus (DM) include changes in brain tissue structure, electrophysiological abnormalities but also disturbances in neurotransmission leading to cognitive decline.

Aim of the study: The aim of our study was to asses cognitive functioning of patients suffering from DM1 for at least 5 years but without any diagnosed complications.

Materials and methods: Cognitive functions were assessed in 59 patients (35 men) with Trail Making Test A (TMT A) and B (TMT B), Maze Test (MT), Stroop Test (SCWT) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Mental disorders were excluded with Beck’s Depression Inventory (BT), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and psychiatric examination.

Results: We stated that women, compared with men, presented worsening of executive functions, speed and motor control. Cognitive decline depended on number of episodes of at least moderate hypoglycemia and duration of disease. HbA1c below 8% resulted in better memory, speed and motor control. Cognitive decline was more escalated in the patients with atherogenic lipid profile.

Conclusions: It seems that even apparent lack of complications is not unambiguous with lack of cognitive decline and women seem to be more susceptible. DM1 affects young individuals, whose cognitive functions are in the course of the development, so it is important to find the underlying mechanisms and the areas of disturbed cognitive functioning and further investigations are needed.
Dental anxiety – causes, characteristics and occurrence in the Polish population
Authors: Rosiak Joanna , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: February 2017

The present paper discusses the problem of dental anxiety. Based on the scientific review of Polish literature of the past 10 years, there are discussed causes of dental anxiety in different age groups and the methods of assessing the level of anxiety – physiological, behavioral, projection and psychological. Dental anxiety affects the patients’ attitude towards their own health, confidence in dentist, the frequency of reporting to the dental prophylaxis and treatment, which translates into oral health. It is also a major impediment to everyday clinical practice of a dentist.
Delirium in the course of dependence upon gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) - a case report
Authors: Łobejko Łukasz , Machała Piotr , Makarewicz Agata , Karakuła Juchnowicz Hanna
Published: February 2017

Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is an organic chemical compound of the lactones group, undergoing biotransformation into gamma-hydroxybutyrate after the intake (GHB). Because of the easy access, low price and fast psychotropic effect, GBL is becoming increasingly popular substance having intoxicating effect. Taking of GBL causes dose-dependent euphoric, sedative, hypnotic effects. Its use can quickly lead to physical dependence with severe course of withdrawal syndromes. Withdrawal symptoms resemble those occurring in the course of addiction to alcohol or benzodiazepines. In some patients, delirium develops during substance withdrawal. There are described severe, life-threatening complications in the course of delirium in GBL-dependent patients. The management of withdrawal syndromes and delirium mainly involves administration of benzodiazepines. In this paper, we present a case of delirium in 24-year-old man addicted to GBL hospitalized in a psychiatric ward. Delirium in this patient went without complications and was successfully managed with diazepam and lorazepam.
Can factitious disorder reach delusional level? A case study
Authors: Dubiel Rafał , Perzyński Adam , Kłębukowska Ida , Perzyńska-Starkiewicz Aneta , Chmiel-Perzyńska Iwona , Olajossy Marcin
Published: February 2017

The paper describes a patient, who has been consulted and hospitalized multiple times, due to dermatological lesions on his face. We will present his medical history and describe circumstances leading to the final diagnosis of factitious disorder. In the theoretical part we will try to answer the question, whether the extreme severity of the factitious disorders can, at some point, reach the level of delusions.
Addendum to “Singular equivariant
asymptotics and Weyl’s law”
Authors: Ramacher Pablo
Published: February 2017

Let M be a closed Riemannian manifold carrying an effective and isometric action of a compact connected
Lie group G. We derive a refined remainder estimate in the stationary phase approximation of certain
oscillatory integrals on

T
∗

⁢
M

×
G

T^{\ast}M\times G

with singular critical sets that were examined in
[7] in order to determine the asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues of an invariant
elliptic operator on M. As an immediate consequence, we deduce from this an asymptotic multiplicity
formula for families of irreducible representations in

L
2

⁢

(
M
)

\mathrm{L}^{2}(M)

. The improved remainder is used in [4] to prove an equivariant semiclassical Weyl
law and a corresponding equivariant quantum ergodicity theorem.
The North East Adriatic Region: Territorial Cooperation and the Role of Planning Systems and Cultures
Authors: Marcks Jakob , Knieling Jörg , Vladova Galya
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to map the spatial variations in the size of the shadow economy within Brussels. Reporting data provided by the National Bank of Belgium on the deposit of high denomination banknotes across bank branches in the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region, the finding is that the shadow economy is concentrated in wealthier populations and not in deprived or immigrant communities. The outcome is a call to transcend the association of the shadow economy with marginalized groups and the wider adoption of this indirect method when measuring spatial variations in the shadow economy.
Structure of Demographic Types of Small Towns in Poland. Spatial and Temporal Approach
Authors: Kamińska Wioletta , Mularczyk Mirosław
Published: February 2017

The aim of this paper is to determine changes in the structure of demographic types of small towns in Poland between 2004 and 2013. It is assumed in the paper, following the Central Statistical Office of Poland, that small towns are urban settlements having less than 20,000 inhabitants. The time period covered in this study is the time of Poland’s accession to the EU, which brought reduction of many barriers on the labour market and in migration movement. Demographic types of small towns were determined using Webb’s typology. Natural increase and migration indicators constitute its base. It was found that the share of towns of progressive character decreased and the share of those of regressive character increased in the analyzed period. A negative migration balance had the greatest effect on the number of inhabitants of the analyzed settlement units. The described demographic changes in small towns in Poland were connected with the second stage of demographic transition.
Jews Working in Agriculture in Poland in the First Years after the Second World War
Authors: Rykała Andrzej
Published: February 2017

The article presents the political and geographical considerations and the development of Jews in agriculture in Poland in the first years after the Second World War. The analysis was made in the context of the implementation of the policy so-called productivisation, which was based on increasing employment among the Jews (and other groups) in the industry, the cooperative sector and the rural economy. The areas of the largest concentration of Jewish farms were Lower Silesia and north-western Poland, especially two counties: Stargard and Choszczno. Despite the financial and material support (among others the Society for the Propagation of Professional Knowledge ORT), many farmers did not succeed at ensuring the profitability of their farms. However, the launch of farms quite quickly improved the dire material situation of Jews. The most resigned, fearful and hurt among them, who saw handing over their fate to appropriate institutions as their only chance for a change in living conditions, found employment in agriculture.
The Economic Dimension of Social Trust
Authors: Mularska-Kucharek Monika , Brzeziński Kamil
Published: February 2017

Social trust is increasingly seen as a non-economic determinant of economic development. Its positive impact on the economic sphere of social life, proven by numerous studies, is an incentive for new research initiatives examining the social trust level, since the results may be vital for the local policy-making. The main aim of the article is to study the relationships between social trust and the economic development. To accomplish this goal, a social trust indicator and an economic ranking list for the researched units were created.The statistical analyses performed demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the examined phenomena and proved that the highest developmental level is a characteristic feature of the districts with a high level of social trust. This conforms the claims of Polish and international scholars who see trust as a non-economic determinant of economic development.
The Quality of Life of Residents of a Satellite Degraded City District as Part of Urban Development Policy
Authors: Szafranek Edyta
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this article is to assess the quality of life of the residents of a degraded satellite area of a city. It is considered in the context of urban development policy – as the result of decisions and as a challenge for long-term development. The research was based on a case study, which is the district of Opole referred to as Metalchem. It is characterized by an isolated location in the city structure as well as economic transformations. The study was based primarily on an analysis of source materials and results of a survey. The results show that the assessment of the quality of life is inconsistent. The living conditions are good, but satisfactory fulfilment of social needs is lacking. The residents of the studied area feel that their quality of life is lower than that of other residents of the city. This situation is the result of three main factors: insufficient access to public services, an ingrained negative image of the quarter, and a lack of coherence and continuity of the policy regarding this area. Research shows that the quality of life of the residents of degraded and satellite districts depends on the management and investments in the area, on the area’s perceived status within the city, but primarily on a consistent implementation of spatial and economic policies. Ensuring cohesion and integration between the satellite districts and the city center as well as other districts is also important.
Homography in ℝℙ
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: February 2017

The real projective plane has been formalized in Isabelle/HOL by Timothy Makarios [13] and in Coq by Nicolas Magaud, Julien Narboux and Pascal Schreck [12].

Some definitions on the real projective spaces were introduced early in the Mizar Mathematical Library by Wojciech Leonczuk [9], Krzysztof Prazmowski [10] and by Wojciech Skaba [18].

In this article, we check with the Mizar system [4], some properties on the determinants and the Grassmann-Plücker relation in rank 3 [2], [1], [7], [16], [17].

Then we show that the projective space induced (in the sense defined in [9]) by ℝ3 is a projective plane (in the sense defined in [10]).

Finally, in the real projective plane, we define the homography induced by a 3-by-3 invertible matrix and we show that the images of 3 collinear points are themselves collinear.
The Basic Existence Theorem of Riemann-Stieltjes Integral
Authors: Nakasho Kazuhisa , Narita Keiko , Shidama Yasunari
Published: February 2017

In this article, the basic existence theorem of Riemann-Stieltjes integral is formalized. This theorem states that if f is a continuous function and ρ is a function of bounded variation in a closed interval of real line, f is Riemann-Stieltjes integrable with respect to ρ. In the first section, basic properties of real finite sequences are formalized as preliminaries. In the second section, we formalized the existence theorem of the Riemann-Stieltjes integral. These formalizations are based on [15], [12], [10], and [11].
On Subnomials
Authors: Ziobro Rafał
Published: February 2017

While discussing the sum of consecutive powers as a result of division of two binomials W.W. Sawyer [12] observes

“It is a curious fact that most algebra textbooks give our ast result twice. It appears in two different chapters and usually there is no mention in either of these that it also occurs in the other. The first chapter, of course, is that on factors. The second is that on geometrical progressions. Geometrical progressions are involved in nearly all financial questions involving compound interest – mortgages, annuities, etc.”

It’s worth noticing that the first issue involves a simple arithmetical division of 99...9 by 9. While the above notion seems not have changed over the last 50 years, it reflects only a special case of a broader class of problems involving two variables. It seems strange, that while binomial formula is discussed and studied widely [7], [8], little research is done on its counterpart with all coefficients equal to one, which we will call here the subnomial. The study focuses on its basic properties and applies it to some simple problems usually proven by induction [6].
Algebraic Numbers
Authors: Watase Yasushige
Published: February 2017

This article provides definitions and examples upon an integral element of unital commutative rings. An algebraic number is also treated as consequence of a concept of “integral”. Definitions for an integral closure, an algebraic integer and a transcendental numbers [14], [1], [10] and [7] are included as well. As an application of an algebraic number, this article includes a formal proof of a ring extension of rational number field ℚ induced by substitution of an algebraic number to the polynomial ring of ℚ[x] turns to be a field.
Niven’s Theorem
Authors: Korniłowicz Artur , Naumowicz Adam
Published: February 2017

This article formalizes the proof of Niven’s theorem [12] which states that if x/π and sin(x) are both rational, then the sine takes values 0, ±1/2, and ±1. The main part of the formalization follows the informal proof presented at Pr∞fWiki (https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Niven’s_Theorem#Source_of_Name). For this proof, we have also formalized the rational and integral root theorems setting constraints on solutions of polynomial equations with integer coefficients [8, 9].
Pliocene –Pleistocene geomorphological evolution of the Adriatic side of Central Italy
Authors: Gentili Bernardino , Pambianchi Gilberto , Aringoli Domenico , Materazzi Marco , Giacopetti Marco
Published: February 2017

This work is a significant contribution to knowledge of the Quaternary and pre-Quaternary morphogenesis of a wide sector of central Italy, from the Apennine chain to the Adriatic Sea. The goal is achieved through a careful analysis and interpretation of stratigraphic and tectonic data relating to marine and continental sediments and, mostly, through the study of relict limbs of ancient landscapes (erosional surfaces shaped by prevailing planation processes). The most important scientific datum is the definition of the time span in which the modelling of the oldest morphological element (the “summit relict surface”) occurred: it started during Messinian in the westernmost portion and after a significant phase during middle-late Pliocene, ended in the early Pleistocene. During the middle and late Pleistocene, the rapid tectonic uplift of the area and the climate fluctuations favoured the deepening of the hydrographic network and the genesis of three orders of fluvial terraces, thus completing the fundamental features of the landscape. The subsequent Holocene evolution reshaped the minor elements, but not the basic ones.
Long-term geomorphological evolution in the Abruzzo area, Central Italy: twenty years of research
Authors: Miccadei Enrico , Piacentini Tommaso , Buccolini Marcello
Published: February 2017

The most recent research studies into the long-term landscape evolution of the Abruzzo area, carried out over the last twenty years at the “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, are based on an integrated approach incorporating structural geology and geomorphology and, in particular, the geomorphometry of topographic and hydrographic aspects, geological and structural-geomorphological surveys and mapping supported by morpho-stratigraphic and chronological constraints. The geomorphological analyses have allowed us to outline the main stages of geomorphological evolution and to identify the factors that have contributed to the landscape shaping of the Apennine Chain, the Adriatic Piedmont and the fluvial plains and coastal sectors, up to the Tremiti islands. In the Apennine Chain, landscape evolution — in a ridge, valley and basin system — is connected to the regional uplift, local tectonic subsidence and local base level variations, which have led to changes in the drainage systems, from exoreic to endorheic (in the intermontane basins) and then to exoreic again. In the Adriatic Piedmont, landscape shaping is connected to uplifting and eustatic sea-level fluctuations, which have induced the formation of a structure-controlled drainage system and the shaping of systems of entrenched alluvial fans and large consequent river valleys, with flights of river terraces. In the coastal Adriatic area — composed of a coastal plain-coastal slope system (northern and southern coast) and of a cliffed rocky coast (central coast, Tremiti) interrupted by river valleys — landscape shaping is the result of selective erosion due to the interaction between marine geomorphic processes and slope processes connected to Late Quaternary eustatic fluctuations.
Long-term landscape evolution of the Molise sector of the central-southern Apennines, Italy
Authors: Amato Vincenzo , Aucelli Pietro P.C. , Bracone Vito , Cesarano Massimo , Rosskopf Carmen Maria
Published: February 2017

This paper concerns the reconstruction of the main stages of the long-term landscape evolution of the Molise portion of the central-southern Apennines along a transect divided into three sectors (SW, Central and NE). Analysis mainly focused on geomorphological, stratigraphical and structural data supported by chronological constraints, coming from an overall review of past literature and several studies carried out by the authors of the paper during the last 20 years. The results obtained allowed the elaboration of a conceptual model of the long-term evolution of the Molise sector of the central-southern Apennines. Starting from the Pliocene, the emersion of the Molise area occurred gradually from SW to NE, allowing a polycyclic landscape to evolve under the major controls first of compression then transtensional to extensional tectonics as well as climatic variations. Principal markers of the Quaternary geomorphological evolution of the Molise area are represented by the infill successions of the intermontane tectonic depressions located in its internal, SW sector and by four orders of palaeosurfaces that developed between the Early Pleistocene and the beginning of the Late Pleistocene across the region. These markers testify to the alternation of phases of substantial tectonic stability and uplift whose spatial-temporal distribution could be assessed along the investigated transect. Results highlight that the most important stages of landscape evolution occurred during the Early and Middle Pleistocene. At the beginning of the Late Pleistocene, the Molise sector of the Apennine chain had already reached its present setting and further landscape evolution occurred under the major control of climate and land-use.
Quaternary evolution of the Southern Apennines coastal plains: a review
Authors: Santangelo Nicoletta , Romano Paola , Ascione Alessandra , Russo Ermolli Elda
Published: February 2017

The Quaternary evolution of the main coastal basins located along the southwestern margin of the Southern Apennines has been reconstructed by integrating the huge amount of existing stratigraphical and geomorphological data. The information produced in the last twenty years has shed new light on the recent (late Middle Pleistocene to Present) history of the Campanian and Sele plains or basins. During the early Quaternary, the analysed coastal basins originated as half-grabens in response to opening processes active since the late Tortonian in the southern Tyrrhenian back-arc basin. In some of these basins (e.g. the Campanian Plain), volcanism has also played an important role. In the inner sectors of the coastal basins, the complex interplay between block faulting, sedimentary inputs and glacioeustatic fluctuations gave rise to relative sea-level change and related coastline migrations, leading to the formation of the present-day coastal plains. In the Sele Plain basin, the construction of the present-day landscape mainly resulted from the substantial ceasing of subsidence in the final part of the Middle Pleistocene. Conversely, a strong contribution to the recent evolution of the Campanian Plain has been provided by abundant volcaniclastic aggradation, able to hinder the effect of the vertical motions that occurred in the last 100 ka.
Long-term geomorphological evolution of the axial zone of the Campania-Lucania Apennine, southern Italy: a review
Authors: Schiattarella Marcello , Giano Salvatore Ivo , Gioia Dario
Published: February 2017

Uplift and erosion rates have been calculated for a large sector of the Campania-Lucania Apennine and Calabrian arc, Italy, using both geomorphological observations (elevations, ages and arrangement of depositional and erosional land surfaces and other morphotectonic markers) and stratigraphical and structural data (sea-level related facies, base levels, fault kinematics, and fault offset estimations). The values of the Quaternary uplift rates of the southern Apennines vary from 0.2 mm/yr to about 1.2–1.3 mm/yr. The erosion rates from key-areas of the southern Apennines, obtained from both quantitative geomorphic analysis and missing volumes calculations, has been estimated at 0.2 mm/yr since the Middle Pleistocene. Since the Late Pleistocene erosion and uplift rates match well, the axial-zone landscape could have reached a flux steady state during that time, although it is more probable that the entire study area may be a transient landscape. Tectonic denudation phenomena — leading to the exhumation of the Mesozoic core of the chain — followed by an impressive regional planation started in the Late Pliocene have to be taken into account for a coherent explanation of the morphological evolution of southern Italy.
Law & Economics in the Italian Constitutional Jurisprudence: The Case of the Windfall Profit Tax on Energy Companies
Authors: Amorello Luca , Ronco Stefano Maria
Published: February 2017

In the judgment issued on 2 February 2015 the Italian Constitutional Court decided upon the constitutional legitimacy of the windfall profit tax imposed by the Italian government in 2008 on profitable energy companies. In his decision the Court disentangles the very economic foundations of such a tax and seeks to explain under its legal reasoning the market outcomes for the energy industry. The aim of this article is to assess the path-breaking law and economics methodology used, for the first time, by the Italian Court to scrutinize the very nature of the tax reform. In doing this, the authors discuss how the Court envisages both a micro and a macro-economic perspective in its analysis which, in turn, shall take into account the primary principles embedded in the Italian Constitution. The newly adopted methodology may entail a change of paradigm in the way the Constitutional Court carries out its own review of constitutionality with respect to domestic provisions with far-reaching economic and budgetary consequences.
On one two-point BVP for the fourth order linear ordinary differential equation
Authors: Mukhigulashvili Sulkhan , Manjikashvili Mariam
Published: February 2017

In this article we consider the two-point boundary value problem

{

u

(
4
)

⁢

(
t
)

=

p
⁢

(
t
)

⁢
u
⁢

(
t
)

+

h
⁢

(
t
)

 

for
⁢
a

≤
t
≤
b

,

u

(
i
)

(
a
)

=

c

1
⁢
i

,

u

(
i
)

(
b
)

=

c

2
⁢
i

 

(
i
=
0
,
1
)

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} &\displaystyle u^{(4)}(t)=p(t)u(t)+h(t)\quad\text{for }%
a\leq t\leq b,\\
&\displaystyle u^{(i)}(a)=c_{1i},\quad u^{(i)}(b)=c_{2i}\quad(i=0,1),\end{%
aligned}\right.

where

c

1
⁢
i

,

c

2
⁢
i

∈
R

{c_{1i},c_{2i}\in R}

,

h
,
p

∈

L
⁢

(

[
a
,
b
]

;
R
)

{h,p\in L([a,b];R)}

.
Here we study the question of dimension of the space of nonzero solutions and oscillatory behaviors of nonzero solutions on the interval

[
a
,
b
]

{[a,b]}

for the corresponding homogeneous problem, and establish efficient sufficient conditions of solvability for the nonhomogeneous problem.
Fluoro-Ruby as a reliable marker for regenerating fiber tracts
Authors: Radtke Christine , Kocsis Jeffery D. , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Vogt Peter M.
Published: February 2017

Axon visualization techniques are important in assessing the efficacy of interventional approaches to stimulate neural regeneration. Whereas the labeling of descending tracts in the spinal cord has been well established using the intracortical injection of biotin dextran amine (BDA), the labeling of ascending sensory fibers of the dorsal funiculus is more problematic. Fluoro-Ruby (FR; dextran tetramethylrhodamine; MW 10,000) is a bidirectional permanent tracer, but the retrograde tracing of fibers is particularly prominent, and FR is a highly sensitive tracer that can be applied in discrete injection sites. In the present report, we used FR to efficiently label ascending fibers in the dorsal columns of the rat spinal cord. After transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells into the transected dorsal funiculus, the application of FR was able to detect regenerating ascending fibers in the spinal cord. Regenerated fibers crossing the injury site were labeled and easily identified. It is likely that the tracer was taken up by damaged fibers. As additional advantages, the labeling is resistant to photobleaching and no additional tissue processing is necessary for visualization. It can be used forin vivoas well asin vitroinjections. The findings indicate that FR can be used as a reliable fluorescent marker to study ascending regenerated fibers in the spinal cord axonal regeneration.
Risk factors for perioperative complications in inguinal hernia repair – a systematic review
Authors: Weyhe Dirk , Tabriz Navid , Sahlmann Bianca , Uslar Verena-Nicole
Published: February 2017

The current literature suggests that perioperative complications occur in 8%–10% of all inguinal hernia repairs. However, the clinical relevance of these complications is currently unknown. In our review, based on 571,445 hernia repairs reported in 39 publications, we identified the following potential risk factors: patient age, ASA score, diabetes, smoking, mode of admission (emergency vs. elective surgery), surgery in low resource settings, type of anesthesia, and (in men) bilateral and sliding hernias. The most commonly reported complications are bleeding (0.9%), wound infection (0.5%), and pulmonary and cardiovascular complications (0.2%). In 3.9% of the included publications, a reliable grading of the reported complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification was possible. Using this classification retrospectively, we could show that, in patients with complications, these are clinically relevant for about 22% of these patients (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa). About 78% of all patients suffered from complications needing only minor (meaning mostly medical) intervention (Clavien-Dindo grade <III). Especially with regard to the low incidence of complications in inguinal hernia repair, future studies should use the Clavien-Dindo classification to achieve better comparability between studies, thus enabling better correlation with potential risk factors.
Swarm Intelligence Algorithm Based on Competitive Predators with Dynamic Virtual Teams
Authors: Yang Shiqin , Sato Yuji
Published: February 2017

In our previous work, Fitness Predator Optimizer (FPO) is proposed to avoid premature convergence for multimodal problems. In FPO, all of the particles are seen as predators. Only the competitive, powerful predator that are selected as an elite could achieve the limited opportunity to update. The elite generation with roulette wheel selection could increase individual independence and reduce rapid social collaboration. Experimental results show that FPO is able to provide excellent performance of global exploration and local minima avoidance simultaneously. However, to the higher dimensionality of multimodal problem, the slow convergence speed becomes the bottleneck of FPO. A dynamic team model is utilized in FPO, named DFPO to accelerate the early convergence rate. In this paper, DFPO is more precisely described and its variant, DFPO-r is proposed to improve the performance of DFPO. A method of team size selection is proposed in DFPO-r to increase population diversity. The population diversity is one of the most important factors that determines the performance of the optimization algorithm. A higher degree of population diversity is able to help DFPO-r alleviate a premature convergence. The strategy of selection is to choose team size according to the higher degree of population diversity. Ten well-known multimodal benchmark functions are used to evaluate the solution capability of DFPO and DFPO-r. Six benchmark functions are extensively set to 100 dimensions to investigate the performance of DFPO and DFPO-r compared with LBest PSO, Dolphin Partner Optimization and FPO. Experimental results show that both DFPO and DFPO-r could demonstrate the desirable performance. Furthermore, DFPO-r shows better robustness performance compared with DFPO in experimental study.
Modelling Uncertainties in Multi-Criteria Decision Making using Distance Measure and TOPSIS for Hesitant Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Beg Ismat , Rashid Tabasam
Published: February 2017

A notion for distance between hesitant fuzzy data is given. Using this new distance notion, we propose the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution for hesitant fuzzy sets and a new approach in modelling uncertainties. An illustrative example is constructed to show the feasibility and practicality of the new method.
Rule Based Networks: An Efficient and Interpretable Representation of Computational Models
Authors: Liu Han , Gegov Alexander , Cocea Mihaela
Published: February 2017

Due to the vast and rapid increase in the size of data, data mining has been an increasingly important tool for the purpose of knowledge discovery to prevent the presence of rich data but poor knowledge. In this context, machine learning can be seen as a powerful approach to achieve intelligent data mining. In practice, machine learning is also an intelligent approach for predictive modelling. Rule learning methods, a special type of machine learning methods, can be used to build a rule based system as a special type of expert systems for both knowledge discovery and predictive modelling. A rule based system may be represented through different structures. The techniques for representing rules are known as rule representation, which is significant for knowledge discovery in relation to the interpretability of the model, as well as for predictive modelling with regard to efficiency in predicting unseen instances. This paper justifies the significance of rule representation and presents several existing representation techniques. Two types of novel networked topologies for rule representation are developed against existing techniques. This paper also includes complexity analysis of the networked topologies in order to show their advantages comparing with the existing techniques in terms of model interpretability and computational efficiency.
A Novel Deep Neural Network that Uses Space-Time Features for Tracking and Recognizing a Moving Object
Authors: Chang Oscar , Constante Patricia , Gordon Andrés , Singaña Marco
Published: February 2017

This work proposes a deep neural net (DNN) that accomplishes the reliable visual recognition of a chosen object captured with a webcam and moving in a 3D space. Autoencoding and substitutional reality are used to train a shallow net until it achieves zero tracking error in a discrete ambient. This trained individual is set to work in a real world closed loop system where images coming from a webcam produce displacement information for a moving region of interest (ROI) inside the own image. This loop gives rise to an emergent tracking behavior which creates a self-maintain flow of compressed space-time data. Next, short term memory elements are set to play a key role by creating new representations in terms of a space-time matrix. The obtained representations are delivery as input to a second shallow network which acts as “recognizer”. A noise balanced learning method is used to fast train the recognizer with real-world images, giving rise to a simple and yet powerful robotic eye, with a slender neural processor that vigorously tracks and recognizes the chosen object. The system has been tested with real images in real time.
Design of Fuzzy Rule-based Classifiers through Granulation and Consolidation
Authors: Riid Andri , Preden Jürgo-Sören
Published: February 2017

This paper addresses the issue how to strike a good balance between accuracy and compactness in classification systems - still an important question in machine learning and data mining. The fuzzy rule-based classification approach proposed in current paper exploits the method of rule granulation for error reduction and the method of rule consolidation for complexity reduction. The cooperative nature of those methods - the rules are split in a way that makes efficient rule consolidation feasible and rule consolidation itself is capable of further error reduction - is demonstrated in a number of experiments with nine benchmark classification problems. Further complexity reduction, if necessary, is provided by rule compression.
Excitation Kinetics of Oxygen O(1D) State in Low-Pressure Oxygen Plasma and the Effect of Electron Energy Distribution Function
Authors: Konno Junya , Nezu Atsushi , Matsuura Haruaki , Akatsuka Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

We develop numerical model to discuss the number density and excitation kinetics of O(
Assessment of health-related quality of life in Egyptian adolescents with type 1 diabetes: DEMPU survey
Authors: Hassan Mona , Musa Noha , Abdel Hai Rehab , Fathy Ashgan , Ibrahim Amany
Published: February 2017

Background:

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious chronic illness that imposes significant morbidity and mortality with a major impact on the quality of life (QoL) that became a core issue in diabetes care. Understanding the effect of diabetes on QoL is important for day-to-day clinical management and also for public health policy initiatives aiming at improving health outcomes for those with diabetes. The objective of the study was to assess the QoL in adolescents with T1D and assess the applicability of the use of the “Quality of Life for Youth” questionnaire at the Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Pediatric Unit (DEMPU) clinic.

Methods:

One hundred and fifty adolescents (82 males and 68 females) (10–18 years), with T1D of at least 1 years’ duration, completed the questionnaire that evaluated symptoms related to diabetes, treatment, activities, parent issues, worries about diabetes and health perception. Higher scores indicated a more negative impact of diabetes and poorer QoL.

Results:

Males showed a significantly better mean QoL score than females (p=0.004). Different age groups showed different QoL scores (p=0.047). Urban adolescents had a better QoL than rural counterparts (p=0.02). Adolescents with poor QoL had generally lower educational level (p=0.02). Better metabolic control was associated with a better QoL (p=0.01). However, duration of diabetes and body mass index (BMI) had no statistically significant effect on QoL.

Conclusions:

QoL had a variable significant association with certain socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetics (sex, residence, educational level as well as metabolic control).
Increased prevalence of bicuspid aortic valve in Turner syndrome links with karyotype: the crucial importance of detailed cardiovascular screening
Authors: Klásková Eva , Zapletalová Jiřina , Kaprálová Sabina , Šnajderová Marta , Lebl Jan , Tüdös Zbyněk , Pavlíček Jan , Černá Jana , Mihál Vladimír , Stará Veronika , Procházka Martin
Published: February 2017

Background:

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) represents one of the strongest risk factors for aortic dissection in Turner syndrome (TS). An exact relation between the occurrence of BAV and a particular karyotype has not been established yet. The aim of this study was to determine the association between karyotype and prevalence of BAV.

Methods:

Sixty-seven TS patients aged between 6.6 and 32.5 years underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study. They were divided into four cytogenetic subgroups−45,X karyotype (n=27); 45,X/46,XX mosaicism (n=17); structural abnormalities of the X chromosome (n=10); and 45,X/structural abnormality of the X chromosome mosaicism (n=13). Prevalence of BAV and odds ratio (OR) compared with the general population in the whole study group, and statistical comparison of prevalences of BAV among the individual subgroups were determined.

Results:

Prevalence of BAV in the whole study group was established as 28.4% [OR 208.3 (95% CI – 103.8–418.0); p-value<0.0001]. Individuals with 45,X karyotype had the highest prevalence of BAV – 40.7%, p-value<0.0001. Presence of any 45,X cell line in karyotype significantly predisposed to BAV (p-value=0.05).

Conclusions:

The 45,X karyotype is associated with the highest prevalence of BAV. Also, the presence of the 45,X cell line in any mosaic karyotype increases the probability of BAV.
Growth attainment in German children born preterm, and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescence. Analysis of the population representative KiGGS data
Authors: Bergmann Renate L. , Bergmann Karl E. , Richter Rolf , Schlaud Martin , Henrich Wolfgang , Weichert Alexander
Published: February 2017

Aim:

To compare the growth attainment of preterm children and their cardiovascular risk factors at adolescence with the values measured in term children in Germany.

Methods:

About 17,641 children aged 0 to <18 years were studied between 2003 and 2006 in the population representative German KiGGS survey (“German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents”) using questionnaires, physical examinations, standardized anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and blood sample analyses. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was employed for the analyses of anthropometric parameters.

Results:

About 11.8% of the 16,737 children with complete and valid data had been born preterm. After adjustment for covariates the estimated z-scores over the total age range were larger in term compared to preterm children for length/height (P<0.001; estimated difference B=0.277, 95% CI 0.191–0.362), head circumference (P<0.001; B=0.238, 95% CI 0.144–0.333), BMI (P=0.001; B=0.160, 95% CI 0.069–0.252), and skinfold thickness (P=0.220; B=0.058, 95% CI −0.035 to 0.151). The onset of pubertal development was slightly (but not significantly) earlier in term compared to preterm children. At 14 to <18 years, anthropometric and biochemical indicators of cardiovascular diseases were not worse in preterm compared to term children.

Conclusions:

Preterm-born German adolescents remained significantly shorter, lighter, and had a smaller head circumference than term-born adolescents, but the risk indicators for cardiovascular diseases were not higher.
Causes of intrauterine fetal death are changing in recent years
Authors: Takita Hiroko , Hasegawa Junichi , Nakamura Masamitsu , Arakaki Tatsuya , Oba Tomohiro , Matsuoka Ryu , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To investigate, how causes of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) have changed in recent years with the advancement of prenatal diagnosis at a single perinatal center in Japan.

Methods:

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all cases of IUFDs that occurred between 2001 and 2014. The most commonly associated causes of fetal deaths were compared between 2001–2007 and 2008–2014.

Results:

The number of IUFD after 20 weeks’ gestation/all deliveries in our center was 38/6878 cases (0.53%) in 2001–2007 and 35/7326 (0.48%) in 2008–2014. The leading cause of IUFD in 2001–2007 was fetal abnormalities (43.2%), the prevalence of which was only 8.6% in 2008–2014 (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the prevalence of umbilical cord abnormalities was relatively increased from 30.0% in 2001–2007 to 54.5% in 2008–2014 (P=0.06). In 2001–2007, chromosomal abnormalities were frequently observed (56% of IUFDs due to fetal abnormalities). Hyper-coiled cord (HCC) and umbilical ring constrictions were the most frequent cause of IUFD in both periods. The relatively decreased prevalence of IUFD due to velamentous cord insertion and umbilical cord entanglement, HCC and umbilical cord constriction was increased.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of IUFD due to fetal abnormalities was reduced, but IUFD associated with umbilical cord abnormalities tended to increase relatively.
Accuracy of a combined insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1/interleukin-6 test (Premaquick) in predicting delivery in women with threatened preterm labor
Authors: Eleje George Uchenna , Ezugwu Euzebus Chinonye , Eke Ahizechukwu Chigoziem , Eleje Lydia Ijeoma , Ikechebelu Joseph Ifeanyichukwu , Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu Uzoma , Obiora Chukwudi Celestine , Nwosu Betrand Obi , Ezeama Chukwuemeka Okwudili , Udigwe Gerald Okanandu , Okafor Charles Ikechukwu , Ezugwu Frank Okechukwu
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To determine values of combinations of interleukin-6 (IL-6)/cervical native insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1)/total IGFBP-1 (Premaquick©) in predicting spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries in women with threatened preterm labor.

Methods:

Women with singleton pregnancies between gestation age (GA) of 24 weeks and 36 weeks and 6 days with preterm labor were recruited during a prospective multicenter study. Premaquick© was positive when at least two of three biomarkers were positive. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were estimated for both prediction of spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries.

Results:

Ninety-seven (99.0%) out of 98 women enrolled were analyzed. Based on delivery status 7/14 days post-enrollment of general study population, Premaquick© had a sensitivity of 87.1/85.7%, a specificity of 92.4/96.8%, a PPV of 84.4/93.8% and a NPV of 93.9/92.3% for prediction of spontaneous delivery. Predictive accuracy of Premaquick© test in relation to days of enrollment were: 90.7% (≤7 days) and 92.8% (≤14 days). For women enrolled at GA <35 weeks, Premaquick© had a sensitivity of 100.0/87.5%, a specificity of 94.1/96.9%, a PPV of 70.5/87.5%, a NPV of 100.0/96.9% and an accuracy of 95.0/95.0% for prediction of preterm delivery within 7/14 days of enrollment, respectively. PPV was most significantly different in both groups when outcomes were compared between 2 days and 14 days post-enrollment (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

This novel triple biomarker model of native and total IGFBP-1 and IL-6 appears to be an accurate test in predicting spontaneous deliveries and spontaneous exclusive preterm deliveries in threatened preterm labor in singleton pregnancies.
Characterization of Ni-P coating prepared via electroless deposition on AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Buchtík M. , Kosár P. , Wasserbauer J. , Doležal P.
Published: February 2017

This work deals with the characterization of Ni–P coating prepared via electroless deposition on wrought AZ31magnesium alloy. For the application of electroless deposition was proposed and optimized a suitable pretreatment process of magnesium alloy surface followed by Ni–P coating in the nickel bath. The chemical composition of Ni–P based coating was characterized using the scanning electron microscope with chemical composition analysis. Next, physico-chemical properties and mechanical characteristics of Ni–P coating were evaluated. The mechanism of corrosion degradation of the coating and the substrate was also studied in this work.