bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic polymorphisms near IL-21 gene associated with Th17 cytokines confer risk for systemic lupus erythematosus in Chinese Han population
Authors: Meng Yanming , Xu Heng , Zhang Shouyue , Zhang Junlong , Wang Lu , Tang Honghu , Wu Yongkang
Published: February 2019

Objective

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) contributes to expansion, differentiation, and modulation of various immunocompetent cells. Deregulated production of IL-21 plays a role of cardinal significance in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) near the IL-21 gene have significant association with SLE susceptibility and the T helper-related inflammatory cytokine profile of SLE patients.

Methods

We enrolled 460 SLE patients and 460 healthy controls. Whole genome analysis was used to investigate different genes including IL-21. Loci rs11725913, rs11937669, rs7676539, rs111438679, rs115935829, rs373549, rs4487356, and rs79923870 were further genotyped using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction technique. Susceptibility, levels of Th-related inflammatory cytokines, and some clinical indexes of SLE patients were analyzed.

Results

rs11725913 and rs11937669 were identified for association with SLE in Chinese Han Population. The allelic frequency of rs11725913 approached significance (odds ratio (OR) (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) = 1.431 (1.122–1.825), P = 0.004). GT genotype at rs11725913 and GA genotype at rs11937669 were associated with SLE susceptibility (OR (95% CI) = 1.448 (1.074–1.952), P = 0.015; OR (95%CI) = 1.356 (1.013–1.815), P = 0.040, respectively). Dominant model analysis provided us with further validation (rs11725913: OR (95%CI) = 1.502 (1.126–2.004), P = 0.006; rs11937669: OR (95%CI) = 1.356 (1.025–1.793), P = 0.033). Cases with rs11937669 risk GA-genotype had higher serum IL-6 concentration than others ( P = 0.022). Dominant model analysis showed that patients with the wild type (AA-genotype) at rs11937669 had significantly lower soluble CD40 ligand ( P = 0.029) but higher IL-17A ( P = 0.040) compared with others. Cases carrying rs11725913 T allele had higher gamma glutamyl transpeptidase level ( P = 0.045) than those without.

Conclusions

We identified two new loci, rs11725913 and rs11937669, associated with SLE risk in Chinese Han population. This research provided a new insight into the significant relationship between polymorphisms upstream IL-21 and Th17 inflammatory response, which suggest that the sequence upstream of the IL-21 gene is an important region involved in the Th17-related pathway.
IgG4-Related Appendiceal Disease: A First Case Report Fulfilling All Pathological Diagnostic Criteria and With Concomitant S100-Positive Dendritic/Schwann Cell Hyperplasia
Authors: Kwon Dong Hyang , Kallakury Bhaskar , DeBrito Pedro , Azumi Norio
Published: February 2019

IgG4-related disease is a recent entity that has been described in a wide variety of organ systems. A 46-year-old female presented with acute appendicitis accompanied by a mass-forming lesion, raising a concern for neoplasm, and therefore, hemicolectomy was performed. The lesion revealed a dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate accompanied by storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis. The IgG4/IgG plasma cell ratio was >50%, and the number of IgG4-positive plasma cells was >100/high-power field. In order to assess the IgG4/IgG plasma cell ratio, MUM1 was employed instead of IgG to successfully estimate the plasma cell concentration. There was also a concomitant hyperplasia of S100-positive cell, which could represent dendritic or Schwannian origin and possibly play a pathophysiologic role. The hyperplasia was significant by itself that it may mimic a mass-forming lesion. This newly described entity of the past decade deserves increased recognition due to clinical implication and surgical morbidity. This is the first case of IgG4-related disease in the appendix to our knowledge that fully satisfied all the pathological diagnostic criteria. We would like to also highlight our innovative approach of evaluating the IgG4/IgG plasma cell.
Utility of optical coherence tomography angiography in detecting vascular retinal damage caused by arterial hypertension
Authors: Pascual-Prieto Javier , Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Ávila Sánchez-Torija Mario , Fernández-Vigo Jose Ignacio , Arriola-Villalobos Pedro , Barbero Pedraz Maria Aranzazu , García-Feijoo Julian , Martínez-de-la-Casa Jose M
Published: February 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the potential utility of perfusion density measurements to discriminate patients with arterial hypertension by cardiovascular risk category.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, one eye per subject was evaluated (N = 73). The study cohort was divided into three groups according to the clinical criteria established by the European Guidelines for Arterial Hypertension: 26 controls, 24 patients with low cardiovascular risk, and 23 patients with very high cardiovascular risk. All patients were examined using RS-3000 Advance optical coherence tomography angiography to analyze macular and peripapillary perfusion density.

Results:

There were no differences among the three risk groups by sex or age. Decreased macular perfusion density was found at the level of the superficial and deep plexuses (p ⩽ 0.047). No differences were observed in peripapillary perfusion density (p = 0.18).

Conclusion:

Optical coherence tomography angiography can detect changes in macular perfusion density in patients with hypertension and high cardiovascular risk and might represent a supportive imaging method in the evaluation of the cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.
Gender and racial/ethnic differences in adolescent intentions and willingness to smoke cigarettes: Evaluation of a structural equation model
Authors: Epperson Anna E , Wallander Jan L , Song Anna V , Depaoli Sarah , Peskin Melissa F , Elliott Marc N , Schuster Mark A
Published: February 2019

Dual-process theories may be effective at predicting adolescent smoking; however, little is known about the effectiveness of these models across race/ethnicity and gender. Adolescents ( N = 4035) completed biopsychosocial and tobacco-related perception measures in Grade 7 and reported on smoking initiation in Grade 10. Using structural equation modeling and comparing models by gender and race/ethnicity showed differences, where both intentions and willingness predicted smoking initiation for only Black and male adolescents, compared to their Latino and White and female counterparts. Intentions and willingness appear to play a role in whether an adolescent will initiate smoking in the future, but this does not apply universally across gender and race/ethnicity.
Party group coordinators and rapporteurs: Discretion and agency loss along the European Parliament’s chains of delegation
Authors: Obholzer Lukas , Hurka Steffen , Kaeding Michael
Published: February 2019

The European Parliament organizes its legislative activities along two chains of delegation to the rapporteurs – one institutional, one partisan. We analyze discretion and agency loss along these chains of delegation from the perspective of party group coordinators who select the rapporteur on behalf of the party group. Do coordinators minimize agency loss towards their national party, their European party group, the committee median or the plenary median when allocating reports? Data from the 2009–2014 legislative term demonstrate that coordinators tend to select rapporteurs who are close to their own national party’s ideal point on the integration dimension. This has important implications for intra-parliamentary and intra-party delegation, party group cohesion and broader policy-making in the European Union.
Ligation kinetics as a probe for gas-phase ligand field effects: Ligation of atomic transition metal cations with ammonia at room temperature
Authors: Blagojevic Voislav , Lavrov Vitali V , Koyanagi Gregory K , Bohme Diethard K
Published: February 2019

The kinetics of ammonia ligation to atomic first and second row transition metal cations were measured in an attempt to assess the role of ligand field effects in gas-phase ion-molecule reaction kinetics. Measurements were performed at 295 ± 2 K in helium bath gas at 0.35 Torr using an inductively coupled plasma/selected-ion flow tube tandem mass spectrometer. The atomic cations were produced at ca. 5500 K in an inductively coupled plasma source and were allowed to decay radiatively and to thermalize by collisions with argon and helium atoms prior to reaction. A strong correlation was observed across the periodic table between the measured rate coefficients for ammonia ligation and measured/calculated bond dissociation energies. A similar strong correlation is seen with the ligand field stabilization energy. So ligand field stabilization energies should provide a useful predictor of relative rates of ligation of atomic metal ions.
Analysis of monodisperse, sequence-defined, and POSS-functionalized polyester copolymers by MALDI tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Mao Jialin , Zhang Wei , Cheng Stephen ZD , Wesdemiotis Chrys
Published: February 2019

Monodisperse, sequence-defined polymers can be potentially used for digital data storage. This study reports the sequence analysis and differentiation of monodisperse polyester copolymers carrying side chains functionalized in a specific order by polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles. Steglich esterification and succinic anhydride ring-opening chemistries were utilized iteratively to synthesize the intended sequences, which were characterized by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS2). Isomeric oligomers were readily distinguished based on their different fragmentation patterns. The sequences embedded in the oligomers were decrypted by their specific backbone dissociation pathways. The robustness of using MALDI-MS2 as a sequencing method for monodisperse synthetic macromolecules was assessed and validated by the characterization of longer oligomers.
Classification of Thyroid Nodules in Ultrasound Images Using Direction-Independent Features Extracted by Two-Threshold Binary Decomposition
Authors: Prochazka Antonin , Gulati Sumeet , Holinka Stepan , Smutek Daniel
Published: February 2019

In recent years, several computer-aided diagnosis systems emerged for the diagnosis of thyroid gland disorders using ultrasound imaging. These systems based on machine learning algorithms may offer a second opinion to radiologists by evaluating a malignancy risk of thyroid tissue, thus increasing the overall diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound imaging. Although current computer-aided diagnosis systems exhibit promising results, their use in clinical practice is limited. One of the main limitations is that the majority of them use direction-dependent features. Our intention has been to design a computer-aided diagnosis system, which will use only direction-independent features, that is, it will not be dependent on the orientation and the inclination angle of the ultrasound probe when acquiring the image. We have, therefore, applied histogram analysis and segmentation-based fractal texture analysis algorithm, which calculates direction-independent features only. In our study, 40 thyroid nodules (20 malignant and 20 benign) were used to extract several features, such as histogram parameters, fractal dimension, and mean brightness value in different grayscale bands (obtained by 2-threshold binary decomposition). The features were then used in support vector machine and random forests classifiers to differentiate nodules into malignant and benign classes. Using leave-one-out cross-validation method, the overall accuracy was 92.42% for random forests and 94.64% for support vector machine. Results show that both methods are useful in practice; however, support vector machine provides better results for this application. Proposed computer-aided diagnosis system can provide support to radiologists in their current diagnosis of thyroid nodules, whereby it can optimize the overall accuracy of ultrasound imaging.
Finding the minimal cut sequences of dynamic, repairable, and reconfigurable systems from Generalized Boolean logic Driven Markov Process models
Authors: Piriou Pierre-Yves , Faure Jean-Marc , Lesage Jean-Jacques
Published: February 2019

Minimal cut sequences computation is the main objective of qualitative safety analysis of dynamic systems. This article shows first that the existing definitions of minimal cut sequences are not suitable when these systems are both repairable and reconfigurable. A new definition for this class of systems as well as an algorithm to compute these sequences from a safety analysis model, in the form of a Generalized Boolean logic Driven Markov Processes model, are then proposed. These contributions are illustrated on a case study from power industry. Comparison of the obtained minimal cut sequences to those which are yielded by algorithms based on the previous definitions permits to highlight the relevance of the approach.
Airway transcriptomic profiling after bronchial thermoplasty
Authors: Liao Shu-Yi , Linderholm Angela L. , Yoneda Ken Y. , Kenyon Nicholas J. , Harper Richart W.
Published: February 2019

Background

Bronchial thermoplasty is a nonpharmacological, device-based treatment option for a specific population of severe asthmatic subjects, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to identify potential altered pathways by bronchial thermoplasty using a transcriptomic approach.

Methods

Patients undergoing bronchial thermoplasty were recruited to the study, and a bronchial brushing sample was obtained before each bronchial thermoplasty session and sent for RNA sequencing. A variance component score test was performed to identify those genes whose expression varied after bronchial thermoplasty sessions. Differential gene expression meta-analysis of severe asthmatic subjectsversuscontrols was performed using public repositories. Overlapping genes were included for downstream pathway and network analyses.

Results

12 patients were enrolled in our study. A total of 133 severe asthma cases and 107 healthy controls from the public repositories were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of differentially expressed genes from our study patients with the public repositories identified eight overlapping genes:AMIGO2,CBX7,NR3C2,SETBP1,SHANK2,SNTB1,STXBP1andZNF853. Network analysis of these overlapping genes identified pathways associated with neurophysiological processes.

Conclusion

We have shown that bronchial thermoplasty treatment alters several gene networks that are important in asthma pathogenesis. These results potentially elucidate the disease-modifying mechanisms of bronchial thermoplasty and provide several targets for further investigation.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: The effect of foreign direct investment based on wireless network technology on China’s regional economic growth
Authors: Zeng Haiyan
Published: February 2019

Foreign direct investment could not only provide funds to host countries, but also promote their economic growth. In view of this, research on the effect of foreign direct investment on the regional economic growth of China based on wireless network technology is studied. Firstly, the research on the sequence database was introduced. Secondly, the abnormal mining model based on incomplete data and the filling algorithm of mixed missing was introduced, with the filling effect analyzed. Finally, the algorithm was used, the results are analyzed, and the abnormal mining algorithm was improved. Through the example analysis, the data mining algorithm was used to predict the trend of China’s regional economic development in the future.
Recent advances in understanding the regulation of metalloproteinases
Authors: Young David A. , Barter Matt J. , Wilkinson David J.
Published: February 2019

Metalloproteinases remain important players in arthritic disease, in part because members of this large enzymatic family, namely matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-13, are responsible for the irreversible degradation of articular cartilage collagen. Although direct inhibition of MMPs fell out of vogue with the initial clinical disappointment of the first generation of compounds, interest in other mechanisms that control these important enzymes has always been maintained. Since these enzymes are critically important for tissue homeostasis, their expression and activity are tightly regulated at many levels, not just by direct inhibition by their endogenous inhibitors the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Focussing on MMP-13, we discuss recent work that highlights new discoveries in the transcriptional regulation of this enzyme, from defined promoter functional analysis to how more global technologies can provide insight into the enzyme’s regulation, especially by epigenetic mechanisms, including non-coding RNAs. In terms of protein regulation, we highlight recent findings into enzymatic cascades involved in MMP-13 regulation and activation. Importantly, we highlight a series of recent studies that describe how MMP-13 activity, and in fact that of other metalloproteinases, is in part controlled by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Together, these new discoveries provide a plethora of novel regulatory mechanisms, besides direct inhibition, which with renewed vigour could provide further therapeutic opportunities for regulating the activity of this class of important enzymes.
Viral and antiretroviral dynamics in HIV mother-to-child transmission fluids (VADICT) – Protocol and data analysis plan for a cohort study
Authors: Olagunju Adeniyi , Anweh Damien , Okafor Ogechi , Dickinson Laura , Richman Douglas , Owen Andrew , Adejuyigbe Ebunoluwa
Published: February 2019

Background: Pregnancy and polymorphisms in drug disposition genes alter the clearance of key antiretrovirals used as part of regimens for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT). The clinical significance of these in women initiating therapy late in pregnancy has not been investigated. The primary objective of the Viral and Antiretroviral Dynamics in HIV Mother-To-Child Transmission Fluids (VADICT) study is to investigate viral and antiretroviral dynamics in matrices associated with mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) (plasma, genital fluid and breastmilk) in women (stratified by CYP2B6 genotypes) who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) before or early in pregnancy versus late in pregnancy or early postpartum.

Methods: A cohort of HIV-1 infected women who initiated ART containing 600 mg efavirenz before or early in pregnancy (n = 120), during the third trimester (n = 60), or early postpartum (n = 60) will be studied.  Eligible patients will be recruited from four hospitals in Benue State, North Central Nigeria and followed until the end of breastfeeding. Procedures at follow up visits will include sample collection for drug quantification and HIV-1 RNA and DNA in plasma, genital fluid and breastmilk; adherence monitoring; and newborn and infant assessment. Using newborn exposure to maternal efavirenz at birth for validation, prenatal pharmacogenetics of efavirenz will be explored using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling. Three integrated methods will be used to monitor patterns and correlates of adherence across pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. A population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model will be developed to describe the observed data and simulate what to expect in women initiating ART containing 400 mg efavirenz (recently approved for non-pregnant adults) late in pregnancy or early postpartum.

Discussion: This study will help in understanding residual MTCT in women receiving ART and reasons for the rise in MTCT risk during the breastfeeding period.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03284645 (15/09/2017)
A PRÁTICA DOS ENVELOPES FREINETIANOS COM OS ESTUDANTES DA PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Sirino Marcio Bernardino
Published: February 2019

Este artigo visa socializar uma prática educativa desenvolvida com os estudantes da Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Castelo Branco (UCB). Denominada “Envelopes Freinetianos”, esta experiência se fundamenta nos pressupostos de Célestin Freinet e buscou oportunizar um espaço de democratização bem como de produção de sentido(s). Para esta finalidade, utiliza-se, da escrita narrativa – pela compreensão da necessidade de se evidenciar “outras formas de expressão” (OLIVEIRA, 2010) no processo de construção de conhecimentos e, ainda, de valorizar os múltiplos saberes desenvolvidos no chão da sala de aula. Como um achado significativo desse processo, pode-se afirmar a busca pela promoção de uma formação mais completa ao oportunizar espaços de livre expressão, discussão e reflexão.
A CRIANÇA NAS I/MA(R)GENS DE INFÂNCIA: DA (IN)VISIBILIDADE AO PROTAGONISMO SOCIAL
Authors: Cabral Fernanda Mendes , Dias Adelaide Alves
Published: February 2019

Este artigo discute as concepções de negação e (in)visibilidade que marcaram a imagem da criança pré-sociológica, bem como, destaca a concepção sociológica de infância que aponta para concepção de criança como ator social e protagonista. Em vista disso, foi constatado que as narrativas fotoetnográficas desvelam e legitimam um protagonismo criativo e subversivo nas relações de alteridade constituídas durante a infância, desse modo, as crianças têm desenvolvido formas de participação e  enfrentamento das circunstâncias culturais e sociais das quais participa, o que consiste numa nova imagem sociológica - a da criança protagonista, um criança que subverte os limites e imposições das culturas visuais e de forma criativa reinventa modos de ser e de viver na contemporaneidade.
Avaliação Neoliberal e Avaliação Contra-Hegemônica
Authors: Romão José Eustáquio
Published: February 2019

Este texto trata da avaliação nas suas diversas modalidades (institucional, de desempenho e da aprendizagem), centrando-se, porém na avaliação da aprendizagem, contextualizando-a nos sistemas educacionais brasileiros, que tem desenvolvido uma “cultura da reprovação” na Educação Básica e uma “cultura da aprovação automática” na Educação Superior. Aborda ainda os processos avaliativos na perspectiva da inclusão/exclusão, ainda que rechace as tipologias dualistas.
How to … support residents who have hearing loss
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: February 2019

The older people get, the higher the chances that they will develop some form of hearing loss, which has a negative effect on their wellbeing. Adrian Ashurst tells how to recognise the signs and how to help residents who have reduced hearing.
Investigating the Visual Mathematics Literacy Self-Efficacy (VMLSE) Perceptions of Eighth Grade Students and Their Views on This Issue
Authors: Celik Halil Coskun
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the VMLSE perception levels of eighth grade students and differentiations based on variables of gender, state of success, final grade and ability to relate mathematical concepts to daily life and examine their views on this issue. The exploratory design of mixed method, which includes both quantitative and qualitative methods, was used in the study. The survey method was used in the quantitative dimension of the study. In qualitative dimension, phenomenological design which is one of the qualitative research designs is used. The data obtained from the quantitative dimension by VMLSE perception scale were analyzed by t-test and one-way analysis of variance. The data obtained from the semi-structured interview form were analyzed by using the content analysis method for the qualitative dimension of the research. As a consequently, there was a significant difference in VMLSE perceptions based on the variables of final grade, finding one’s self successful in the field of mathematics and ability to relate mathematical concepts; however, there was no significant difference based on gender. Additionally, it was found, the students had the idea that having VMLSE perception would affect mathematics success positively. 
The effects of human factor related issues on assessors during the recruitment process for general and vascular surgery in the UK
Authors: Scrimgeour DSG , Patel R , Patel N , Cleland J , Lee AJ , McKinley AJ , Smith FCT , Griffiths G , Brennan PA
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Healthcare professionals increasingly recognise how human factors (HF) can contribute to medical error. An understanding of HF is also important during other high stakes activities such as summative assessments or examinations. National organisations hosting such events need to be aware of potential fatigue, boredom and stress that can occur in interviewers during these often repetitive activities.

Methods

A previously validated questionnaire based around the well known HF analysis and classification system (HFACS) was used to evaluate four factors (care and support, asking questions about the role as an interviewer, working within the rules and boundaries, and stress and pressure) at the 2018 UK general and vascular surgery trainee national selection process.

Results

A total of 92 questionnaires were completed and analysed (48% response rate). After recoding for negative phrased questions, no significant differences were found between years of experience in the selection process and mean scores obtained for all four factor items. Interviewers had a positive experience during national selection with mean factor scores ranging from 3.84 to 3.98 (out of a maximum satisfaction score of 5).

Conclusions

Organisations need to plan carefully and recognise the human element to ensure that their interviewers are cared for during any high stakes assessment such as national selection. Our work suggests that a positive assessor experience will further help contribute to a reliable and fair recruitment process.
La Prospective Territoriale au service du patrimoine oasien: Cas des oasis de Tafilalet
Authors: Ouhajou Dr. Lakbir , Lmariouh Ali
Published: February 2019

L’article propose une démarche de prospective comme outil novateur pour accompagner la sauvegarde de ce patrimoine vulnérable que représentent les oasis. Ce cheminement méthodologique d’innovation sociale, outil de l’ingénierie territoriale, ambitionne de concevoir une vision de développement territorial pour les oasis de Tafilalet. Il s’agit de proposer une série de futurs souhaitables, qui vont dans le sens de renforcer la résilience de ces territoires aux changements climatiques, et de rompre par la même avec les tendances territoriales actuelles.
Ksar Aït Ben Haddou: patrimonialisation, mise en tourisme et enjeux de sauvegarde
Authors: Bouaouinate Dr. Asmae , Bentaleb Dr. Aziz , Dekkari Dr. Abderrahman , Sadik Dr. Abdennour
Published: February 2019

Au confluent de plusieurs civilisations et de diverses cultures berbère (amazighe), méditerranéenne, orientale et saharienne, le Maroc est un pays au patrimoine culturel riche. Cette richesse culturelle se reflète par le nombre de sites classés patrimoine mondial par l’UNESCO, dont ksar Aït Ben Haddou.Le ksar, au Maroc, signifie un village fortifié construit en pisé, regroupant plusieurs maisons et pouvant abriter en son sein des kasbahs, désignant desmaisons caïdales ou appartenant aux anciennes familles notables du douar concerné. Il constitue un exemple parfait d’adaptation au climat rigoureux de la région oasienne et aux conditions de vie des populations qui y vivent sans oublier le recours aux matériaux fournis par l’environnement local. Or, ce moded’habitat est en crise à l’image de la société qui y réside et dans ce sens on se demande si la patrimonialisation qui entraîne la mise en tourisme du ksar està même de le sauvegarder et le redynamiser. Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, situé à 30 km au nord-ouest de Ouarzazate et classé par l’UNESCO en 1987, est l’unique patrimoine architectural oasien figurant sur la liste de l’UNESCO du Maroc. Ce label de l’UNESCO a permis au ksar d’Aït Ben Haddou de bénéficier de plusieurs actions internationales de sauvegarde concrétisées par des opérations de réhabilitation, de restauration et d’aménagement. De telles actions ont fait prospérer les activités touristiques, notamment les bazars. Dans l’état actuel des choses, l’activité économique la plus dominante au ksar Aït Ben Haddou est étroitement liée au tourisme et à l’industrie cinématographique. Malgré cela, le ksar peine à assurer sa fonction initiale qui est l’habitat. Depuis l’indépendance, la population locale a quitté ce ksar au profit d’un nouveau village installé de l’autre côté de l’oued Maleh et le long de la route. La fonction de logement s’est graduellement perdue avec le déplacement des populations dans le nouveau village. Ksar Aït Ben Haddou illustre donc clairement les contraintes auxquelles sont confrontées les architectures de terre : éclatement, abandon, muséification touristique, effondrement, etc. Il s’agit de montrer, à travers cette communication, que ksar Aït Ben Haddou est un site certes patrimonialisé mais avec une population permanente très réduite et une grande pression touristique et cinématographique. Un plan de gestion du ksar est mis en oeuvre avec l’implication des populations et des acteurs locaux en 2007, soit 20 ans après son classement comme patrimoine mondial, mais il peine à sauvegarder le site.
Impact de la dynamique agricole sur la durabilité des périmètres agricoles traditionnels: cas des oasis des monts du Ksour - Algérie
Authors: Mohammed Habi , Boutkhil Morsli , Mohamed Hamel
Published: February 2019

La zone présaharienne des monts du Ksour, faisant partie de l’Atlas saharien, particulièrement fragile, est appelée à subir de profondes et importantesmutations. Dans cette zone agro-pastorale où l’agriculture est pratiquée depuis des millénaires dans les périmètres du Ksour (oasis), l’activité agropastorale,vocation économique principale, est menacée dans son existence par les pratiques inadéquates. Le périmètre traditionnel d’Ain Sefra (oasis du Sud-Ouest algérien) qui dispose d’une tradition ancestrale et d’un savoir-faire diversifié aussi bien dans la pratique de l’agriculture et la gestion du sol des milieux arides que dans la gestion de la ressource en eau qui menace sa durabilité. Cette étude qui s’est intéressée essentiellement aux aspects agro pédologiques et aux aspects socio-économiques, liés à l’exploitation des ressources en eau et en sol a permis de montrer que les ressources en eau et en sol ont tendance à se dégrader et à s’épuiser. Le problème du contrôle et de la gestion de ces ressources se pose avec acuité dans les nouveaux périmètres de mise en valeur agricole. Les impacts commencent déjà à se faire sentir sur l’ancien oasis mettant en danger sa durabilité.
Quelle mobilisation du patrimoine dans le développ ement des terr itoires ? Cas l’espace oasien
Authors: Jennan Dr. Lahsen
Published: February 2019

Valoriser ou remettre en valeur des patrimoines, c’est permettre à des territoires de trouver ou de retrouver leur cohérence à travers des références identitaires communes ou l’entretien de liens sociaux à l’occasion d’exercice d’activités communes, notamment symboliques. Pour construire l’identité d’un territoire, le patrimoine devient porteur de sens et de signification pour la société qui l’a produit, notamment à travers: L’identification d’un patrimoine commun à l’ensemble du territoire, justifiant d’une identité. La conservation et la restauration d’éléments marqueurs de l’histoire du territoire, permettant de le spécifier par rapport aux autres territoires. La nouvelle conception du développement local s’appuie sur le fait que tous les espaces ont potentiellement des ressources à condition de s’organiser pour les faire émerger et les valoriser au mieux. Il est ainsi admis que les systèmes territoriaux se caractérisent par la manière dont ils organisent la création et la gestion de leurs ressources. Enfin, la meilleure façon de conserver le patrimoine, c’est de le valoriser, de lui trouver des usages qui ne portent pas, bien entendu, atteinte à son authenticité. Cette valorisation peut se concevoir dans le cadre d’un projet de territoire dit « pole d’économie du patrimoine » (PEP). Cette communication se propose d’appliquer la démarche PEP à l’espace oasien en raison du grand potentiel patrimonial que cette aire recèle à l’échelle de la région Draa-Tafilalet.
Consommation du patrimoine hydraulique par le activités touristiques: Cas de La Haute Vallee du DRAA
Authors: Abderrahmane Dr. Oujamaa
Published: February 2019

D’une capacité d’hébergement touristique faible au niveau national durant les années soixante et parmi les cinq premières zones d’aménagement touristique choisis par l’Etat (Plan 1965-1967), la Province d’Ouarzazate est devenue parmi les destinations touristiques du Maroc plus programmées dans les flux touristiques internationales. En effet, dans le cadre d’un développement socio-économique harmonieux, l’Etat a accordé une grande importance aux régions des zones sud-atlasiques. Le Grand-Sud, englobant les deux Provinces Ouarzazate et Errachidia, a bénéficié d’un schéma d’aménagement touristique depuis 1978 qui a permis de tracer les grandes lignes du développement de cette zone. Nous essayons à travers cet article de montrer l’importance de la consommation du patrimoine hydraulique par le secteur touristique dans la zone aride, et comment peut-on encourager un secteur consommable de l’eau avec le développement et le bien-être de la population sans pour autant impacter négativement le milieu naturel et le patrimoine culturel?
Cerebral Palsy : Review of 49 Patients
Authors: Deda Gulhis , Karagol Ugur , Gurer Yavuz
Published: February 2019

Fourty nine cerebral palsied patients admitted between 1989-1990 are reviewed according to type of paresis and the incidence of epilepsy and mental retardation. Eighteen (36,7%) of these patients were epileptic and 22 (44.89%) were mentally retarded. Out of 6 right-sided hemiparetic patients 3 (50%) had clinical seizures being all generalized tonicclonic epilepsy. In the left-sided hemiparetic group only 1 patient (16,66%) had clinical seizures being left-sided focal epilepsy.
Image Guided Ablations for Thyroid Tumours
Authors: Nicosia Luca , Ferrari Federica , Mauri Giovanni , Orsi Franco
Published: February 2019

Image guided ablations might be regarded as a promising effective and safe alternative for treatment of recurrent thyroid cancer in particular in patients with high surgical risk or refusing surgery. Furthermore, image guided ablations seems to represent a promising alternative to surgery or observation for micropapillary thyroid carcinoma, with the aim of providing an effective treatment with minimal invasiveness. Further studies are necessary to confirm the role in this setting
ON CONNECTING WEYL-ORBIT FUNCTIONS TO JACOBI POLYNOMIALS AND MULTIVARIATE (ANTI)SYMMETRIC TRIGONOMETRIC FUNCTIONS
Authors: Hrivnak Jiri , Motlochova Lenka
Published: February 2019

The aim of this paper is to make an explicit link between the Weyl-orbit functions and the corresponding polynomials, on the one hand, and to several other families of special functions and orthogonal polynomials on the other. The cornerstone is the connection that is made between the one-variable orbit functions of A1 and the four kinds of Chebyshev polynomials. It is shown that there exists a similar connection for the two-variable orbit functions of A2 and a specific version of two variable Jacobi polynomials. The connection with recently studied G2-polynomials is established. Formulas for connection between the four types of orbit functions of Bn or Cn and the (anti)symmetric multivariate cosine and sine functions are explicitly derived.
Eksplorasi benih Jati Putih (Gmelina arborea Roxb) dari berbagai variasi habitat untuk populasi pemuliaan
Authors: Setiadi Dedi , Adinugraha Hamdan Adma
Published: February 2019

White teak (Gmelina arborea Roxb) is one of the types developed for the development of plantations, this species is an exotic tree that grows quickly, the planting technique is not difficult and has a good economic value. The wood is used for various purposes, especially for the manufacture of construction materials, carpentry, plywood, matches, containers and other wood craft materials. One aspect that determines the success of plantation development is the availability of seeds, especially quality seeds that are superior genetically, physically and physiologically, available in sufficient quantities, on time and have the ability to adapt to the environment in which they grow. The development of this plant needs to be accompanied by a breeding program, one of the forest plant breeding activities is exploration. Exploration activities of a type of plant in its natural habitat are important to support research and development activities of an institution and to meet market needs for these seeds. The purpose of seed exploration is to get white Teak seeds that represent a variety of habitats to support breeding activities. Exploration of white teak seeds is carried out in Kalianda (South Lampung), Bondowoso (East Java), Bantul (Yogyakarta), Parung Panjang (West Java) and Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara). The results of the exploration obtained 108 mother trees from Kalianda 25 mother trees with seed size (18.32 mm; 10.25 mm), Bondowoso 30 mother trees (17.78 mm; 9.64 mm), Bantul 21 mother trees (19, 24 mm; 11.40 mm), Parung length 15 mother trees (19.41 mm; 9.42 mm) and Lombok 17 mother trees (18.58 mm; 10, 31 mm).
Community structure of algae epiphytic in different leaf litter of mangroves
Authors: Hariyati Riche , Suedy Sri Widodo Agung , Rahadian Rully
Published: February 2019

Mangrove is a plant that has the morphological and physiological adaptations to habitats which influenced by a tide. This plant can grow and develop in an environment of high salinity and its soil conditions are less stable and aerobic. Litter mangrove is the main source for the availability of detritus and is the largest component constituent of a food web in a mangrove ecosystem environment. Algae epiphytic microalgae is a group that lives attached to the plant, including the mangrove litter. The study aims to assess the abundance and diversity of epiphytic algae on different types of mangrove leaf litter. The observed mangroves leaf litter were Avicennia alba, Sonneratia sp. and Rhizophora sp. Epiphytic algae were brushed on mangrove leaf litter covering an area of 6.25 cm2 and diluted with distilled water. Samples were observed under a microscope with a magnification of 400 x. Water quality parameters were measured in situ and the organic ingredients, total N and P were analyzed. The results showed that epiphytic algae on each type of mangrove leaf litter were not different. Rhizophora sp is the most abundant and the richest species compared with other types of litter that are equal to 622 individuals / cm2 and 26 species of epiphytic algae. While the abundance of Avicennia alba and Sonneratia sp were 459 ind/cm2 and 321 ind /cm2, in the coastal mangrove areas of Morodemak was found 28 species of epiphytic algae. The common epiphytic algae species found in all types of mangrove litter were Cymbella sp., Coscinodiscus sp., and Synedra ulna. In general, the group of Bacillariophyta (diatoms) is the dominant species in some mangrove leaf.
Effect of Nimodipine on Histological Alterations in Basilar Artery Following the Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Ligation (Preliminary Study)
Authors: Özkan Ümit , Aydin Mehmet Dumlu , Kemaloglu Mustafa Serdar , Yilmaz Fahri , Aydin Ismail Hakkı
Published: February 2019

Background: The blood supply to tissues is reduced as a result of arterial occlusions. Angiogenesis, collateral circulation and reverse flow mechanisms go into operation to restore a continued adequate supply of blood. Ca++channels undertake the major part of this function. As a result of the increasing tension on the arterial walls, vascular autonomy is affected, and ischemia and even necrosis are observed. Method: Adult 100 male hybrid rabbits were used in this study. The bilateral carotid arteries were ligated at the carotid bifurcation. The rabbits were divided into 2 main groups: treatment and control, and then both groups were further divided into 5 subgroups consisting of 10 rabbits each. The rabbits were sacrificed between the first day and the end of 8 weeks for histopathological examination of the basilar artery in two groups. Results: In control groups, after 24 hours of the occlusion partial swelling and minor endothelial damage were observed in histopathological sections of the basilar artery. Luminal flattening started to decrease, and expanding of the diameter continued. The increase in the diameters of the basilar artery was higher in animals treated by nimodipine, and that difference was statistically significant (P=0,000). Conclusion: This study revealed that the intimal and medial alterations arising from the increased blood flow rate in the basilar artery might be lessened and even partially prevented by the use of nimodipine.
Anticholinergic Drugs – Functional Antidotes for the Treatment of Tabun Intoxication
Authors: Krejčová Gabriela , Kassa Jiří
Published: February 2019

1. To study the influence of antidotes on tabun-induced neurotoxicity, the rats were injected intramuscularly with organophosphate tabun (LD50). The efficacy of choice antidotal treatment consisting of acetylcholinesterase reactivator obidoxime and one of four anticholinergic drugs (atropine, benactyzine, biperiden, scopolamine) was compared. 2. Testing of tabun-induced neurotoxicity progress was carried out using the method Functional observational battery. The experimental animals as well as controls were observed at 24 hours and 7 days following tabun or saline administration. 3. The results were compared to the condition of animals without anticholinergic drug (oxime alone) and control rats that received physiological solution instead of tabun and treatment. Antidotal treatment involving centrally acting anticholinergic drugs (benactyzine, biperiden, scopolamine) showed significantly higher neuroprotective efficacy compared to antidotal treatment containing atropine.
Morphofunctional Modification in Elderly Individuals Practicing Competitive Endurance Sport
Authors: Sullo Alessio , Brizzi Guglielmo , Cardinale Pasquale , Fabbri Bruno , Maffulli Nicola
Published: February 2019

To investigate the modification of body composition and level of aerobic capacity in older athletes practicing competitive sport for two years consecutively, 20 elderly male endurance athletes (A) were compared with twenty elderly male subjects who practiced moderate exercise (C). Body composition analysis, physical activity and maximal aerobic power (VO2max) were measured at the beginning of the study, after twelve months and after twenty-four months in both groups. We observed significant differences in group A: body fat was significantly lower in the subjects at the first and second year than at the beginning of the study; fat-free mass (FFM) was significantly higher in the subjects at the first and second year; VO2max in every measurements was significantly higher in the subjects at the at the first and second year than at beginning of the study. Our data suggest that it is possible, even in the elderly, to reach a good level of physical fitness with appropriate training protocols for competitive sport.
An Atypic Herpes Encephalitis with Wallenberg’s Lateral Medullary Syndrome and CD Receptors Deficiency
Authors: Tunca Ayşe , Bavbek Nüket
Published: February 2019

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare complication of Herpes virus infections. Innate immune mechanisms are the first line of defence encountered by invading infectious agents. A 41-year-old man was admitted to the neurology department with the complaints of fever, headache, vertigo, tinnitus and ataxia. His first brain Magnetic Resonance Imagine showed nodular lesions in the medulla oblongata and the second showed a new left occipital lobe lesion in addition. In sera, Herpes Simplex Virus IgG and M values were positive and liver enzymes were found to be elevated. His diagnosis was Herpes encephalitis with liver involvement. CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD35 receptors were found to be diminished. In this case we want to address that one of the causes of Wallenberg’s lateral medullary syndrome can be Herpes simplex virus-1 and probable immune system deficiency can be researched.
Mechanizmy działania strefy euro a uwarunkowania wybuchu kryzysu finansowego w strefie
Authors: Janicka Małgorzata
Published: February 2019

Wzrost gospodarczy w strefie euro pozostaje na poziomie niższym od oczekiwanego, pomimo działań podejmowanych przez instytucje Unii Europejskiej i przez rządy państw członkowskich. Przyczyn obecnej sytuacji gospodarczej strefy euro należy poszukiwać jednak nie tylko wśród czynników ekonomicznych, ale także politycznych i społecznych. Przed rokiem 2008 strefa euro postrzegana była jako sukces europejskiej integracji, głosy krytyczne były nieliczne i słabo słyszalne. Sytuacja uległa zasadniczej zmianie po wybuchu kryzysu gospodarczego i finansowego. Kryzys w strefie euro nie tylko dowiódł, że mechanizmy działania strefy są wadliwe, ale również, że kraje tworzące strefę mają poważny problem z identyfikacją swojego miejsca i roli w jednoczącej się Europie. Celem artykułu jest charakterystyka i analiza mecha­nizmów działania strefy euro, które przyczyniły się do wybuchu kryzysu w strefie. Szczególna uwaga zostanie poświęcona kwestii swobody przepływu kapitału w kontekście prowadzonej przez EBC jednolitej polityki pieniężnej i braku wspólnej polityki fiskalnej.
Skuteczność reform UGiW w kontekście zagrożeń stabilności strefy
Authors: Żukrowska Katarzyna
Published: February 2019

W artykule omawia się przeprowadzone w Unii Gospodarczo-Walutowej (UGiW) reformy, ich zakres oraz dyskusję, jaką problem ten wywołał. UGiW jest przede wszystkim realizowana bez dokończenia procesu w integracji na etapie rynku wewnętrznego. Można to było przyjąć jako punkt wyjściowy dla nowego, wyższego etapu integracji w 1992 r. Trudno jednak uznać za dobry start do pogłębiania UGiW, ponad ćwierć wieku później. Wprowadzone reformy mogą być uznane za rozwiązanie cementujące państwa uczestniczące w UGiW jednak wprowadza podziały między nimi, jak i między państwami uczestniczącymi w UGiW oraz w niej nieuczestniczącymi. Z pewnością wprowadzone rozwiązania zwiększają bezpieczeństwo rynku kapitałowego i bankowego przez zastosowanie nowych wymogów, jednak nie eliminują możliwości podnoszenia deficytu budżetowego czy radykalnego ograniczenia długu publicznego w krajach, w których od powstania UGiW przekracza on dopuszczalne przez kryteria konwergencji - wskaźniki. Mimo pewnych pozytywnych symptomów wynikających z reform UGiW, ekonomiści oceniają wprowadzone zmiany z ograniczonym entuzjazmem. Ogólnie reformy miały za cel bliżej zintegrować państwa europejskie przez pogłębienie konwergencji ich makro-parametrów. Widziano w UGiW także sposób na zmianę kursu dolara oraz zmianę jego pozycji międzynarodowej. Tylko część z tych celów udało się osiągnąć.
The EU perspective not for Sarajevo? Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration with the European Union: opportunities, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Szynol Monika
Published: February 2019

W 2018 roku Unia Europejska (UE) przypomniała, że przyszłość Bałkanów Zachodnich znajduje się w UE. Perspektywa „europejskiej (unijnej) przyszłości” została zaprezentowana państwom bałkańskim już piętnaście lat wcześniej, w 2003 roku, kiedy to zostały one uznane za państwa potencjalnie kandydujące do członkostwa w UE. W 2016 roku Sarajewo zawnioskowało o akcesję do Unii Europejskiej. Głównym celem niniejszego artykułu jest zatem analiza możliwości przystąpienia Bośni i Hercegowiny do UE. Niezbędne jest zidentyfikowanie - chociażby wybranych - szans i wyzwań, perspektyw i barier na drodze do dalszej integracji tego państwa z Brukselą. Tłem dla rozważań musi stać się poli­tyka Unii Europejskiej wobec regionu Bałkanów Zachodnich, która straciła na dynamice wraz z początkiem drugiej dekady XXI wieku, by w jej końcu próbować ją (z różnych względów) odzyskać. Czy na intensyfikacji polityki rozszerzenia UE może skorzystać Bośnia i Hercego­wina?