bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stellar Mass Distribution and Star Formation History of the Galactic Disk Revealed by Mono-age Stellar Populations from LAMOST
Authors: Xiang Maosheng , Shi Jianrong , Liu Xiaowei , Yuan Haibo , Chen Bingqiu , Huang Yang , Wang Chun , Wu Yaqian , Tian Zhijia , Huo Zhiying , Zhang Huawei , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2018

We present a detailed determination and analysis of 3D stellar mass distribution of the Galactic disk for mono-age populations using a sample of 0.93 million main-sequence turnoff and subgiant stars from the LAMOST Galactic Surveys. Our results show the following. (1) All stellar populations younger than 10 Gyr exhibit strong disk flaring, which is accompanied by a dumpy vertical density profile that is best described by a sech
n
function with index depending on both radius and age. (2) Asymmetries and wave-like oscillations are presented in both the radial and vertical direction, with strength varying with stellar populations. (3) As a contribution by the Local spiral arm, the midplane stellar mass density at solar radius but 400–800 pc (3°–6°) away from the Sun in the azimuthal direction has a value of 0.0594 ± 0.0008 M
⊙ pc−3, which is 0.0164 M
⊙ pc−3 higher than previous estimates at the solar neighborhood. The result raises doubts on the current estimate of local dark matter density. (4) The radial distribution of surface mass density yields a disk scale length evolving from ∼4 kpc for the young populations to ∼2 kpc for the old populations. The overall population exhibits a disk scale length of 2.48 ± 0.05 kpc and a total stellar mass of (3.6 ± 0.1) × 1010
M
⊙ assuming R
⊙ = 8.0 kpc, and the value becomes (4.1 ± 0.1) × 1010
M
⊙ if R
⊙ = 8.3 kpc. (5) The disk has a peak star formation rate (SFR) changing from 6–8 Gyr ago at the inner part to 4–6 Gyr ago at the outer part, indicating an inside-out assemblage history. The 0–1 Gyr population yields a recent disk total SFR of 1.96 ± 0.12 M
⊙ yr−1.
SOPHISM: An End-to-end Software Instrument Simulator
Authors: Blanco Rodríguez J. , del Toro Iniesta J. C. , Orozco Suárez D. , Martínez Pillet V. , Bonet J. A. , Feller A. , Hirzberger J. , Lagg A. , Piqueras J. , Gasent Blesa J. L.
Published: August 2018

We present a software simulator for the modeling of astronomical instrumentation, which includes platform effects and software processing. It is an end-to-end simulator, from the entrance of the telescope to the data acquisition at the detector, along with software blocks dealing, e.g., with demodulation, inversion, and compression. Developed following the Solar Orbiter/Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager (SO/PHI) instrument, it comprises elements such as a filtergraph, polarimetric modulator, detector, vibrations, and accumulations. Through these, the simulator performs most of the analyses that can be done with light in astronomy, such as differential photometry, spectroscopy, and polarimetry. The simulator is coded with high flexibility and ease of implementation of new effects and subsystems. Thus, it allows for the user to adapt it to a wide variety of instruments, even not exclusively solar ones, as illustrated with an example of application to a night-time observation. The simulator can provide support in the phase of instrument design and help assess tolerances and test solutions to underperformances arising during the instrument operations. All this makes SOPHISM a very valuable tool for all the stages of astronomical instrument definition, design, operation, and lifetime tracking evaluation.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING ON CAMPUS
Authors: Ryan Robert L.
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION

College campuses pride themselves in being leaders in promoting innovation in both technical and theoretical aspects of all fields of study, including sustainability. The drive for sustainability in higher education has become institutionalized in many college campuses in the form of offices of sustainability, as well as membership in the American Association for Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). In parallel, but not always in concert, are more grass-roots efforts by students to promote sustainability through recycling programs, urban agriculture, and similar initiatives. Students are often frustrated between the classroom lessons they learn about sustainability and the slow adoption of sustainable practices in the “real-world,” including on campus. In order to address this issue, faculty have begun to engage students in the sustainability challenges facing their own campuses. The Journal of Green Building showcases these projects in the New Directions in Teaching and Research section of the journal. As part of this series, this article will highlight a course at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst in which students engage in green infrastructure planning projects for the campus.
A COMPARISON OF SEALED AND VENTILATED ATTIC SPACES: A CASE STUDY OF RESIDENTIAL ATTIC DESIGN
Authors: Grant Aneurin , Mayo Glenda , Heitman Andy
Published: August 2018

Two attics were constructed as part of a building renovation project at the University of West Florida. The first attic is described as a traditional ventilated attic, with openings in the soffits and a small dormer vent on the roof. The second attic is described as a sealed attic (with no ventilation), and open-cell spray foam insulation installed on the underside of the roof deck. The study was undertaken to demonstrate hypothesized performance differences between attic types. Thermal and relative humidity sensors were installed to measure the condition of the air in the two attics spaces, and measurements were taken at 15 minute intervals. Measurements of relative humidity were later calculated as dew point and specific humidity. Similar studies are often conducted by comparison of attics in separate buildings under different use conditions. This project offers a unique opportunity to explore data collected from a single structure, and provides support for existing research on attic design in southern regions. The resultant data show significant differences in attic temperatures, with the sealed attic exhibiting a much more thermally stable pattern. There were also significant differences in attic dew points and specific humidity, although these differences appear to be much less pronounced. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests to establish significant differences between means. Overall, the sealed attic performed better than the ventilated attic, although dew point and specific humidity remain concerns.
School libraries as catalyst for the development of reading culture among students
Authors: Tralagba Chris E. , Baro Emmanuel E.
Published: August 2018

The absence of reading culture in the primary and secondary school system has become a source of concern to all stakeholders in the education system. This study therefore used interview method to collect data from undergraduate students of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State on reading culture. The study revealed that those students that have visited and used school libraries before have built reading culture that has become part of them. Strategies such as: establishment of school libraries, time management by students, frequent use of libraries, adding library-hours to school timetable and conducive reading corner in homes were proffered as ways to improve reading culture among students.Keywords: reading culture, school library, students, use of library, library hours
Influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with the information resources in government-owned university libraries in the South-South Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Okpokwasili Nonyelum P. , Ndor Monday B. , Kalu Dolly C.
Published: August 2018

The study was carried out to determine the influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in South-South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research method was employed for this study. The study population comprised of 83 library staff and 7426 lecturers in the 11 university libraries in the zone during the 2016/2017 academic session. A sample of 36 library staff and 4627 lecturers from 6 of the universities in the zone was used. The researchers’ made questionnaire titled “Currency and Users’ Satisfaction with Information Resources (CUSIRQ)” was used to collect data. Means and standard deviations were used in answering the research question while the hypothesis was tested using t-Test in IBM SPSS for Window version 23 at p = 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that there was significant influence of currency on users’ satisfaction with information resources in university libraries in the South-South zone of Nigeria. There is a strong indication that from the study users were not satisfied with currency/recency of the information resources acquired in the governmentowned university libraries in the South-South zone, Nigeria. It is therefore suggested that librarians should take cognizance of currency of the information resources when acquiring information resources for the libraries.Keywords: Currency; Users’ Satisfaction; Information Resources; Government-owned University Libraries
Construcción de comunidad entre niños y adultos: Una experiencia de participación promovida por ONGs chilenas
Authors: Figueroa Grenett Claudio E.
Published: August 2018

La participación de niños, niñas y adolescentes es -o debería ser- una preocupación de los Estados que ratificaron la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos del Niño (CDN). Este artículo tiene por objetivo comprender la construcción de comunidad entre niños y adultos y las tensiones que surgen cuando intentan asociarse. Se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad y observación participante para producir información sobre la experiencia de participación en una iniciativa de asociación entre niños y adultos promovida por una red de ONGs en Chile. Entre los hallazgos se encontraron dificultades relacionadas con la distribución de responsabilidades y las exigencias de la política institucional. También se destacan los elementos que componen la construcción de comunidad en el caso estudiado y se establece una discusión que contrasta los modelos de participación para la programación comunitaria.
Impact of VOCs on the formation of ozone in a central China city during severe pollution periods
Authors: Li Bowei , Ho Steven Sai Hang , Gong Sunling , Ni Jingwei , Li Huairui , Han Liyan , Yang Yi , Qi Yijin , Zhao Dongxu
Published: August 2018

Abstract. In this work, a five-month sampling campaign was conducted for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the first time in Zhengzhou City, Henan province, China, where ozone (O3) pollution has shown an increasing trend in recent years. Fifty-seven VOCs defined by the Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) were sampled using canister method. Meanwhile, other O3 precursor gases were monitored online at four different sites between the time period of May–September, 2017. The results indicated that the average mixing ratio of ΣPAMS (31.57 ± 23.35 ppbv) in Zhengzhou was lower than the other megacities in China, while alkyne was in a significantly higher proportion. The abundances, compositions and ratios of PAMS showed strong spatial and temporal variations. Alkenes were the largest contributors to the ozone formation potential (OFP). On clear days, higher O3 levels were often accompanied with high ΣPAMS/NOx ratio at each site, demonstrating that the VOCs were more sensitive during the O3 formation period in Zhengzhou. Furthermore, source apportionmemt was conducted with Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, and it was found that the use of compressed natural gas (CNG), the evaporation of gasoline and the exhaust from vehicles were the important sources for ambient VOCs at all four sites. Besides, the meterological conditions and long-range transport from other surrounding provinces also had an impact on the air quality determined using the cluster analysis. It is worth mentioning that the reduction in VOCs' emissions is necessary to suppress the O3 pollution.
Biogenic emissions and land-atmosphere interactions as drivers of the diurnal evolution of secondary organic aerosol in the southeastern US
Authors: Nagori Juhi , Jannsen Ruud H. H. , Fry Juliane L. , Krol Maarten , Jimenez Jose L. , Hu Weiwei , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano Jordi
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The interactions between biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), like isoprene and monoterpenes, and anthropogenic emissions of nitrogen and sulfur oxides lead to high concentrations of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the southeastern United States. To improve our understanding of SOA formation, we study the diurnal evolution of SOA in a land-atmosphere coupling context, based on comprehensive surface and upper air observations from a characteristic day during the 2013 Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) campaign. We use a mixed layer model (MXLCH-SOA) that is updated with new chemical pathways and an interactive land surface scheme that describes both biogeochemical and biogeophysical couplings between the land surface and the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). MXLCH-SOA reproduces observed BVOC and surface heat fluxes, gas-phase chemistry and ABL dynamics well, with the exception of isoprene and monoterpene mixing ratios measured close to the land surface. This is likely due to the fact that these species do not have uniform profiles throughout the atmospheric surface layer, due to their fast reaction with OH and incomplete mixing near the surface. SOA formation from isoprene through the intermediate species IEPOX and ISOPOOH is in good agreement with the observations, with a mean isoprene SOA yield of 1.8 %, and mean monoterpene yield of 10.7 %. However, SOA from monoterpenes, oxidized by OH and O3, dominates the locally produced SOA (69 %). Isoprene SOA is produced primarily through OH oxidation via ISOPOOH and IEPOX (31 %). A sensitivity analysis of the coupled land surface-boundary layer-SOA formation system to changing temperatures reveals that SOA concentrations are buffered under increasing temperatures: a rise in BVOCs emissions is offset by decreases in OH concentrations and the efficiency with which SVOCs partition into the aerosol phase.
Evaluation of version 3.0B of the BEHR OMI NO2 product
Authors: Laughner Joshua L. , Zhu Qindan , Cohen Ronald
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Version 3.0B of the Berkeley High Resolution (BEHR) OMI NO2 product is designed to accurately retrieve daily variation in the high spatial resolution mapping of tropospheric column NO2. To assess the product, we compare against in situ aircraft profiles and Pandora vertical column densities (VCDs). We also compare the WRF-Chem simulation used to generate the a priori NO2 profiles against observations. We find that using daily NO2 profiles improves the VCDs retrieved in urban areas relative to low resolution or monthly a priori by amounts that are large compared to current uncertainties in NOx emissions and chemistry (of order 10 % to 30 %). Based on this analysis, we offer suggestions to consider when designing retrieval algorithms and validation procedures for upcoming geostationary satellites.
Western Mediterranean hydro-climatic consequences of Holocene iceberg advances (Bond events)
Authors: Zielhofer Christoph , Köhler Anne , Mischke Steffen , Benkaddour Abdelfattah , Mikdad Abdeslam , Fletcher William J.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Gerald C. Bond established a Holocene series of North Atlantic ice rafted debris events based on quartz and hematite stained grains recovered from subpolar North Atlantic marine cores. These so-called ‘Bond events’ document nine large-scale and multi-centennial North-Atlantic cooling phases that might be linked to a reduced thermohaline circulation. Regardless of the high prominence of the Holocene North Atlantic ice rafted debris record, there are critical scientific comments on the study: the Holocene Bond curve has not yet been replicated in other marine archives of the North Atlantic and there exist only very few palaeo-climatic studies that indicate all individual Bond events in their own record. Therefore, evidence for consistent hydro-climatic teleconnections between the subpolar North Atlantic and distant regions is not clear. In this context, the Western Mediterranean region reveals key hydro-climatic sites for the reconstruction of a teleconnection with the subpolar North Atlantic. In particular, variability of Western Mediterranean winter precipitation might be the result of atmosphere-ocean coupled processes in the outer-tropical North Atlantic realm. Based on an improved Holocene δ18O record from Lake Sidi Ali (Middle Atlas, Morocco) we correlate Western Mediterranean precipitation anomalies with North Atlantic Bond events to identify a probable teleconnection between Western Mediterranean winter rains and subpolar North Atlantic cooling phases. Our data show a noticeable positive correlation between Western Mediterranean winter rain minima and Bond events during the Early Holocene and an opposite pattern during the Late Holocene. There is evidence for an enduring hydro-climatic change in the overall Atlantic atmosphere-ocean system and the response to external forcing during the Mid-Holocene. Regarding a potential climatic anomaly around 4.2 ka (Bond event 3) in the Western Mediterranean, a centennial-scale winter rain maximum is generally in phase with the overall pattern of alternating ‘wet and cool’ and ‘dry and warm’ intervals during the last 5,000 years.
Understanding epistemic uncertainty in large-scale coastal flood risk assessment for present and future climates
Authors: Vousdoukas Michalis I. , Bouziotas Dimitrios , Giardino Alessio , Bouwer Laurens M. , Mentaschi Lorenzo , Voukouvalas Evangelos , Feyen Luc
Published: August 2018

Abstract. An upscaling of flood risk assessment frameworks beyond regional and national
scales has taken place during recent years, with a number of large-scale
models emerging as tools for hotspot identification, support for
international policymaking, and harmonization of climate change adaptation
strategies. There is, however, limited insight into the scaling effects and
structural limitations of flood risk models and, therefore, the underlying
uncertainty. In light of this, we examine key sources of epistemic
uncertainty in the coastal flood risk (CFR) modelling chain: (i) the
inclusion and interaction of different hydraulic components leading to
extreme sea level (ESL), (ii) the underlying uncertainty in the digital
elevation model (DEM), (iii) flood defence information, (iv) the assumptions
behind the use of depth–damage functions that express vulnerability, and
(v) different climate change projections. The impact of these uncertainties
on estimated expected annual damage (EAD) for present and future climates is
evaluated in a dual case study in Faro, Portugal, and on the Iberian
Peninsula. The ranking of the uncertainty factors varies among the different
case studies, baseline CFR estimates, and their absolute and relative
changes. We find that uncertainty from ESL contributions, and in particular
the way waves are treated, can be higher than the uncertainty of the two
greenhouse gas emission projections and six climate models that are used. Of
comparable importance is the quality of information on coastal protection
levels and DEM information. In the absence of large datasets with
sufficient resolution and accuracy, the latter two factors are the main
bottlenecks in terms of large-scale CFR assessment quality.
Development and application of a tsunami fragility curve of the 2015 tsunami in Coquimbo, Chile
Authors: Aránguiz Rafael , Urra Luisa , Okuwaki Ryo , Yagi Yuji
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The last earthquake that affected the city of Coquimbo took
place in September 2015 and had a magnitude of Mw=8.3, resulting in localized
damage in low-lying areas of the city. In addition, another seismic gap north
of the 2015 earthquake rupture area has been identified; therefore, a
significant earthquake (Mw=8.2 to 8.5) and tsunami could occur in the near
future. The present paper develops a tsunami fragility curve for the city
of Coquimbo based on field survey data and tsunami numerical simulations. The
inundation depth of the 2015 Chile tsunami in Coquimbo was estimated by means
of numerical simulation with the Non-hydrostatic Evolution of Ocean WAVEs (NEOWAVE) model and five nested grids with a
maximum grid resolution of 10 m. The fragility curve exhibited behavior
similar to that of other curves in flat areas in Japan, where little damage
was observed at relatively high inundation depths. In addition, it was
observed that Coquimbo experienced less damage than Dichato (Chile); in fact,
at an inundation depth of 2 m, Dichato had a ∼75 %
probability of damage, while Coquimbo proved to have only a 20 %
probability. The new fragility curve was used to estimate the damage by
possible future tsunamis in the area. The damage assessment showed that
∼50 % of the structures in the low-lying area of Coquimbo
have a high probability of damage in the case of a tsunami generated off the
coast of the study area if the city is rebuilt with the same types of structures.
Relationship between Alcohol Use Disorder and Cognitive Reappraisal Among Youth Seeking Help in Rehabilitation Centers in Kiambu County, Kenya
Authors: Stephen Katembu , Luke Odiemo Okunya
Published: August 2018

Alcohol is a widely used and abused substance globally. Deficits in cognitive reappraisal ability are assumed to mark the onset, maintenance, and relapse to alcohol use disorder. Alcohol may therefore be a means to escape from and self-medicate painful inner emotional states. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between and alcohol use disorder and cognitive reappraisal among youth seeking help in rehabilitation centers in Kiambu county. To establish any such relationships, this study utilised the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Data was collected from 33 (23Males/10Females) youths between 15-35 years seeking help in three rehabilitation centers for alcohol abuse. These youths were compared to a similar group of 33 (20 Females/13Males) youths who had never used alcohol, or any other substance of abuse, and 12 (8 Females/4 Males) others who had stayed alcohol free for at least three years after rehabilitation or quitting alcohol. Correlation research design was found appropriate for this study. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a negative and significant correlation between AUD and reappraisal, showing that inability to utilise reappraisal is related to AUD. Integrating adaptive emotion regulation skills training, and especially the use of cognitive reappraisal in healthcare and rehabilitation settings, it seems, may lead to higher success rates in rehabilitation.
The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment on Industrial Sector Growth: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Samantha NPG , Liu Haiyun
Published: August 2018

The development of the industrial sector stimulates economic growth and development by reducing poverty and regional disparity, increasing export income, generating quality employment, as well as developing technological capabilities and productive capacities. It has been more than four decades since removing trade-related barriers, and tax incentives liberalized the Sri Lankan economy offered to foreign investors to attract FDI and promote the industrial sector. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between inward FDI and industrial sector performance of Sri Lanka at the aggregate level for the period 1980-2016. We use the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to identify the long-run relationship and short-run dynamics of the selected variables. ARDL bounds test verifies the existence of co-integration among the selected variables. The study fails to find a significant relationship between FDI and industrial sector growth of Sri Lanka in the long run as well as in the short run. The attraction of vertically integrated FDI that consists with advanced technology and value-added production is one of the solutions for overcoming the issue of low technology and knowledge of Sri Lankan industrial sector. Sri Lankan FDI strategy associated with industrial sector should consider the pull and push factors related to recipient and source country respectively. To promote the industrial sector via FDI, the government policy should focus on attracting more FDI that could be channeled into those sectors that would contribute to national competitiveness.
Comprehensive Review of the Elbow Physical Examination
Authors: Smith Matthew V. , Lamplot Joseph D. , Wright Rick W. , Brophy Robert H.
Published: August 2018

Physical examination of the elbow is a critical component in formulating an accurate diagnosis. Various special physical examinations have been described to improve the clinician's ability to establish an accurate diagnosis. A comprehensive approach to the physical examination of the elbow, including special tests, may facilitate improved diagnosis of elbow pathology.
Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in the Young Patient
Authors: Saltzman Bryan M. , Leroux Timothy S. , Verma Nikhil N. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: August 2018

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the young patient (aged <60 years) is a difficult condition, given both age and functional demands. Primary osteoarthritis is the most common etiology in this patient demographic, but secondary causes include osteonecrosis, previous trauma (eg, fracture-dislocation), previous infection (eg, septic arthritis), previous capsulorrhaphy, previous arthroscopic surgery (eg, chondrolysis), and glenoid dysplasia. Nonsurgical modalities, including activity modification, pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections, are the mainstay of management; however, in young patients who have exhausted nonsurgical management, surgical options include arthroscopic débridement, humeral head replacement with or without glenoid treatment (ie, biologic glenoid resurfacing, glenoid reaming), and total or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Unfortunately, failure rates after surgical management are considerably higher in young patients compared with those observed in older, more sedentary patients. Here, we focus on the etiology, evaluation, and management of young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis, with a focus on clinical outcomes.
Relationship Between Accessibility to Polling Places and Electoral Abstention
Authors: Escobar Diego Alexander , Cardona Santiago , Moncada Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2018

One of the great factors to define the consolidation of democracy in the countries is to measure the percentage of electoral participation. For this reason, reducing abstention in electoral processes by increasing participation is one of the great challenges for the different countries that seek to move to full democracy. In this sense, Colombia has had a historical abstention of over 50% (period 1978 - 2018), which can be explained by various reasons such as the presence of the armed conflict or the remote location of some polling places. For this reason, this research seeks to analyze the location of the polling places in the urban area of Manizales and Villamaría, in order to quantify their accessibility through the pedestrian network and look at the population coverage, using the integral accessibility and the ordinary Kriging method as a predictive statistical geo method for the construction of the isochronous travel time curves.
The Icon and the Hatchet. The Motif of Aggression Against Icons in Russian Literature before the Revolution
Authors: Walczak Dorota
Published: August 2018

The present work focuses on the motif of aggression against icons introduced in the works by many Russian writers before the Revolution. Analysed material includes the works of Nikolai Gogol, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Nikolai Leskov, Lev Tolstoy, Dmitri Merezhkovsky and Vsevolod Krestovsky. The main aim of the article is to define how the authors imagined an act of imagebreaking and to determine who played the role of an iconoclast and what the presented motivation of such actions were. It attempts to answer the question of why so many authors felt the need to incorporate the motif of aggression against icons in their works, what literary and propagandistic aims this motif served, what feelings it was meant to evoke in the readers and what image of the world it strove to create.
Apple polyphenols in the prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta , Cyuńczyk Monika , Zujko Kinga
Published: August 2018

Currently, cardiovascular disease is a major cause of disability and premature death throughout the world, with pathogenesis in which multiple fixed (age, gender, genotype, menopausal status) and modifiable factors (diet, exercise, stress, smoking and ethanol consumption) are involved. Among the modifiable lifestyle-related factors the main role is played by the diet. Epidemiological studies indicate that high dietary intake of plant foods, mainly fruits and vegetables, has a significant impact on the reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases developing. Apples are the most frequently consumed fruits and a rich source of polyphenols and fiber. In this paper we discussed the content and composition of apple polyphenol, and also their absorption and bioavailability in the body. We presented in vitro and in vivo studies which show a significant relationship between frequent consumption of apples and a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases by modifying lipid metabolism, modulation of enterohepatic cycling, regulation of the composition and activity of intestinal microflora, impact on vascular function and blood pressure and inflammatory processes in the body.
Virulence factors genes and drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains derived from different forms of community and healthcare associated infections
Authors: Pobiega Monika , Chmielarczyk Agnieszka , Kozioł Joanna , Pomorska-Wesolowska Monika , Ziolkowski Grzegorz , Romaniszyn Dorota , Bulanda Malgorzata , Wojkowska-Mach Jadwiga
Published: August 2018

Background: The pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection is multifactorial and depends mainly on two types of virulence determinants: virulence factors involved in acute infections and membrane bound factors, and virulence factors involved in chronic infections. The aim of this laboratory-based study was to analyse the resistance and virulence of PA strains isolated from different types of infections in hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients in Southern Poland.
Material/Methods: Non-repetitive samples from urinary tract infections (UTI), bloodstream infections (BSI) and pneumonia (PNU) were collected. Isolates were screened for the presence of virulence factors by PCR method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disc diffusion method. Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) were detected using an imipenem-EDTA double-disc synergy test.
Results: There were 232 specimens collected: UTI-152, PNU-69, BSI-11. Fifty-one (22%) strains were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), 23 (10%) as extensively-drug resistant (XDR). MDR/XDR strains were more frequently isolated from pneumonia (OR = 2.28). The prevalence values for the genes of effector proteins were 82.8% for exoS, 89% for exoY, and 24% for exoU. The simultaneous detection of four effector proteins was confirmed in 10.4% of the strains. pilB was more prevalent in isolates from the elderly (p=0.013). lasB occurred more frequently in PNU (p=0.048). Three of the genes were more prevalent in isolates from patients hospitalised
in ICU (lasB (p=0.017), aprA (p=0.022), phzS (p=0.039)).
Conclusions: Understanding the contribution of selected virulence genes to the outcome of an infection
may be important for the therapeutic management of patients infected with PA. Simultaneous
detection of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance might be particularly useful
because both are clinically important during an infection.
The role of the I/D polymorphism in the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in selected cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Kamińska Justyna , Leszczyńska Aneta , Bujak Kamil , Szyguła-Jurkiewicz Bożena
Published: August 2018

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) plays an essential role in the functioning of two important systems in the human body by catalysing the synthesis of angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and by degrading bradykinin in the kinin-kallikrein involved in the development of many cardiovascular conditions. It has been shown that ACE
activity is largely genetically determined. More than nine hundred various polymorphisms,
mostly single nucleotide polymorphisms, have been detected in the ACE gene; however, the
most researched one is still the insertion/deletion polymorphism located in intron 16, which
determines fifty per cent of variability of ACE activity. It is stated that DD homozygotes have
the highest ACE serum activity, which can indicate a higher risk of developing certain cardiovascular
diseases in patients with this genotype. Therefore, the I/D polymorphism has been
analysed in thousands of studies, mainly in the context of cardiovascular conditions risk. The
correlation between ACE I/D polymorphism and the risk of particular diseases, its cooperation
with other risk factors or its influence on therapy among patients with conditions such as
coronary artery disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation and heart failure have been searched.
Unfortunately, the results of those studies have often turned out ambiguous or even contrary.
We herein present a summary of the most essential analyses and current knowledge about
the role of the I/D polymorphism in the evaluation of risk and treatment efficacy of most
common cardiovascular conditions.
Weaving of Aspects in Business Process Management
Authors: Jalali Amin
Published: August 2018

Separation of cross-cutting concerns is an important issue in business process management, where Aspect-Oriented Business Process Modeling (AO-BPM) aims to support this separation through a new form of encapsulation technique. Although different researchers have investigated how these models can be designed to support separation of non-retroactive cross-cutting concerns, there is no study that defines the separation of retroactive ones. The lack of a unified definition of the syntax and the operational semantics for these models hinders their enactment in practice as well. As a result, the perceived usefulness and usability of these approaches have not yet been investigated so far. Thus, this article fills this gap by formalizing an AO-BPM language and the semantics that can support enactment of such models. The semantics is validated through the state-space analysis technique, and the feasibility of the implementation is also demonstrated. The perceived usefulness and easy to use of the AO-BPM is evaluated by applying the Technology Acceptance Model during a workshop session. The result shows that participants perceived the approach usable and easy to use.
Decomposition and Conceptualization to Support System Dynamics Behavior Modeling
Authors: Tulinayo Fiona , Van der Weide Theo , Van Bommel Patrick
Published: August 2018

With the increasing need for data-based decision making, social systems and the ecosystems; practitioners and decision makers need guidance in their decision making, as is offered by data-based models and a systematic generation of simulation tools. Overtly, relations between data and practice have been under-conceptualized. Data modelers and decision makers tend to lack a mutual understanding of each other’s knowledge systems which has led to huge knowledge gaps. Assimilation of modeling methods therefore is vital. Modeling methods use a specific way of thinking, rules and directions on how to model different aspects of systems. These rules and directions are what we refer to as constructs. Conceptualizing model relations and formulations requires significant domain knowledge and understanding of the constructs. In this article, we use the decomposition mechanism to better conceptualize and understand the System Dynamics (SD) model behavior, and show how using a natural language based domain modeling method (Object-Role Modeling, ORM) helps in dealing with complex SD models. Through applying the decomposition mechanism, we are able to better understand the underlying concepts of the stock and flow diagram and update behaviors of ORM objects. To achieve this, we use examples and an SD model derived from a case “Intrapartum process in Ugandan hospitals” to study the object behaviors. The main results of this article include: a theoretical founding of integrating ORM with SD; quantitative analysis at the level of ORM reasoning; and transformation rules from ORM into SD.
Reaching the limit
Authors: Bolognesi Benedetta , Lehner Ben
Published: August 2018

How many copies of a protein can be made before it becomes toxic to the cell?
The palate and choanae structure of theSusisuchusanatoceps(Crocodyliformes, Eusuchia): phylogenetic implications
Authors: Leite Karla J. , Fortier Daniel C.
Published: August 2018

Crocodyliformes is a group with a broad fossil record, in which several morphological changes have been documented. Among known transformations the most iconic is perhaps the series of changes seen in the structural evolution of the choanae. The change in the position of the choanae was important during the evolutionary history of the Crocodyliformes. This structure is relevant in the phylogenetic position of many crocodyliforms. The new skull ofSusisuchus anatocepsfrom the Crato Formation of the Santana Group (Lower Cretaceous) is described and the preservation in the ventral view allows character encoding not yet observed for the species. The new specimen shows a typical eusuchian palate forSusisuchus anatoceps, in which the choana is fully enclosed by the pterygoid. The Susisuchidae clade has been placed in different phylogenetic positions: as a sister group of Eusuchia, advanced Neosuchia and in Eusuchia. InIsisfordiathere are reports that the choana of this taxon is or is not fully enclosed by the pterygoid. The encoding of the ventral characters ofS.anatocepsplaces Susisuchidae in Eusuchia. However, this position must be further studied, since the matrices showed fragility in the reconstitution of the Neosuchia–Eusuchia transition.
ПРИРОДА НЕСИНГУЛЯРНОСТИ ВНУТРЕННИХ ПОВЕРХНОСТЕЙ РАЗДЕЛА В КЕРАМИКЕ ГИДРОКСИАПАТИТА, "Неорганические материалы"
Authors: Иевлев В.М. , Костюченко А.В.
Published: August 2018

Методом просвечивающей электронной микроскопии исследована морфология внутренних поверхностей раздела в фосфат-кальциевой керамике на основе гидроксиапатита. Установлен вицинальный характер границ зерен, природа которого связана с механизмом процесса собирательной рекристаллизации: слоевой рост зерен последовательным движением элементарных ступеней в плоскостях, соответствующих призматическим граням типа {11-00}ГА, прирастающих переходом атомов смежных зерен, контактирующих плоскостями с большими индексами. В процессе рекристаллизации возможно “столкновение” вицинальных поверхностей роста зерен, разориентированных на относительно большие углы, и формирование границ, нанофасетированных призматическими плоскостями смежных зерен. Продолжение процесса рекристаллизации в этом случае следует ожидать для зерна, несингулярность фронта которого меньше. На границе зерен возможны сопряжение плоскостей разных индексов ndh1k1l1 mdh2k2l2 и образование зернограничных дислокаций Памфри (Pumphrey), компенсирующих размерное несоответствие межплоскостных расстояний и (или) отклонение от их взаимной параллельности. Наблюдаемые характерные варианты сопряжения зерен свойственны как керамике, создаваемой спеканием нанопорошков ГА, так и пленкам ГА, полученным в процессе ионного распыления.
АКТИВНОСТЬ АДЕНИЛАТЦИКЛАЗ И ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИИ ЦАМФ В КЛЕТКАХ КОРНЯ ПРОРОСТКОВ ГОРОХА ПРИ ИНФИЦИРОВАНИИ МУТУАЛИСТАМИ И ФИТОПАТОГЕНАМИ, "Физиология растений"
Authors: Ломоватская Л.А. , Кузакова О.В. , Романенко А.С. , Гончарова А.М.
Published: August 2018

Изучали интенсивность сорбции азотфиксирующего симбионта, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. vicea (Rlv), а также специфического, Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi (Psp), и неспецифического, Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. sepedonicus (Cms), фитопатогенов, в различных зонах корня проростка гороха. Ранее установлено, что эти зоны (I - меристема 2 мм; II зона без корневых волосков - 27 мм; III зона, содержащая зачатки корневых волосков 712 мм; IV зона молодых корневых волосков - 1217 мм; V зона закончивших рост корневых волосков -1722 мм от кончика корня) отличались по чувствительности к Rlv. При этом исследовали реакцию отдельных компонентов аденилатциклазной сигнальной системы (АСС): изменение концентрации циклического аденозинмонофосфата (цАМФ), активности трансмембранной аденилатциклазы (тАЦ) и растворимой аденилатциклазы (рАЦ) в тех же зонах корня гороха через различные промежутки времени инфицирования (5, 15, 120 и 360 мин). Показано, что степень активации отдельных компонентов АСС клеток различных зон корня проростков гороха не зависела от интенсивности сорбции бактерий разной специализации. Под воздействием Rlv характер изменения активности тАЦ и рАЦ практически совпадал в различных зонах корня гороха и был близок к динамике изменения уровня цАМФ в тех же условиях. При контакте с Psp изменение уровня цАМФ было схоже с аналогичным показателем при инфицировании Rlv, а динамика тАЦ и рАЦ в большинстве случаев имела противоположную направленность. При контакте с Cms, несмотря на отсутствие сорбции, происходило повышение уровня цАМФ и наблюдалась активация тАЦ и рАЦ. Предполагается, что изменение активности упомянутых компонентов АСС связано с экзометаболитами Rlv, Psp и Cms, которые активируют PAMP-индуцированный иммунитет клеток проростков гороха. Одинаковая динамика цАМФ в различных зонах корня проростков гороха под воздействием Rlv и Psp отражает специфическую реакцию и имеет, вероятно, различную функцию: при контакте с Rlv - регуляторную, с Psp - защитную. При кратковременном воздействии Cms динамика изменения цАМФ в тех же зонах корня носит неспецифический характер, и, возможно, связана с интенсивностью поглощения экзополисахаридов (ЭПС) корневыми волосками. Системная реакция АСС наблюдалась также в гипокотиле проростков под воздействием всех трех микроорганизмов.
ГЕОХИМИЯ ИЗОТОПОВ C, О, S, SR И ХЕМОСТРАТИГРАФИЯ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ ОРДОВИКА В РАЗРЕЗЕ Р. МОЙЕРО, СЕВЕР СИБИРСКОЙ ПЛАТФОРМЫ, "Литология и полезные ископаемые"
Authors: Покровский Б.Г. , Зайцев А.В. , Дронов А.В. , Буякайте М.И. , Тимохин А. В. , Петров О. Л.
Published: August 2018

Отношения 87Sr/86Sr в гипсах и известняках ордовикского разреза р. Мойеро уменьшаются снизу вверх по разрезу от 0.7091-0.7095 в ирбуклинской свите (няйский горизонт~тремадокский ярус нижнего ордовика) до 0.7080 в верхней части джеромской свиты (долборский горизонт~катийский ярус верхнего ордовика), что находится в хорошем соответствии с биостратиграфическим расчленением разреза и существующим представлением об эволюции изотопного состава стронция в Мировом океане. Наиболее характерной особенностью изотопно-углеродной кривой является уменьшение значений 13С в карбонатах от слабо положительных (0.5…1.1‰) в ирбуклинской свите (няйском горизонте) до резко отрицательных (-5.4…-5.8‰) в средней части кочаканской свиты (кровля кимайского горизонта~кровля дапинского - основание дарривильского яруса). Увеличение в этом интервале разреза значений 18О от 20-22‰ до 26-28‰ и отрицательная корреляция между 13С и  18О, а также уменьшение значений 34S в гипсах от 30-32‰ до 22-24‰, показывающее, что обеднение карбонатов 13С не связано с сульфат-редукцией и окислением органического вещества в диагенезе, позволяют считать отрицательный экскурс 13С первичным; наличие на близком стратиграфическом уровне отрицательных аномалий 13С в ордовикских разрезах Южной и Северной Америки [Buggish et al., 2003; Edwards, Saltzman, 2014; McLaughlin et al., 2016] указывает на глобальное или субглобальное распространение этого события, возможно, связанного с появлением древнейшей наземной растительности. На фоне общего падения величин 13С в нижней части разреза выделяются 3 положительных экскурса малой амплитуды (1-2‰), положение которых в целом подтверждает существующую схему корреляции разреза р. Мойеро с международной шкалой. Верхняя часть разреза характеризуется чередованием интервалов с пониженными значениями 13С (до -2…-3‰) и короткими положительными экскурсами с амплитудой 0.5-1.3‰. Положительный экскурс 13С, которым заканчивается ордовикский разрез р. Мойеро, сопоставляется с экскурсом 13С в середине катийского яруса, а экскурс 13С в нижней части баксанского горизонта - с экскурсом, маркирующим границу катийского и сандбийского ярусов.
ОБСТАНОВКИ НАКОПЛЕНИЯ ВЕРХНЕЮРСКИХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ БАЙДАРСКОЙ КОТЛОВИНЫ И ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ КРЫМСКОЙ КАРБОНАТНОЙ ПЛАТФОРМЫ, "Литология и полезные ископаемые"
Authors: Рудько С.В.
Published: August 2018

В статье приводятся результаты литологического изучения верхнеюрских известняков, флишоидов и известняковых брекчий в южном борту Байдарской котловины Горного Крыма. На основании изу­чения микрофаций установлено, что известняки представлены отложениями лагун, отмелей края платформы, рифов и предрифовых шлейфов склона карбонатной платформы. Флишоиды включают отложения дистрибутивных турбидитовых каналов, а также гемипелагические осадки глубоковод­ной части бассейна. Известняковые брекчии формировались в подножии и на склоне карбонатной платформы, в результате схода гравитационных потоков. Присутствие гравитационных отложений в составе верхнеюрских карбонатных комплексов Горного Крыма может свидетельствовать о первоначальном клиноформном строении этой осадочной толщи. В результате сопоставления полученных седиментологических данных реконструирована фациальная модель Крымской карбонатной платформы и рассмотрены главные эпизоды ее формирования. Развитие карбонатного шельфа было связано с двумя трансгрессивно-регрессивными циклами. На инициальной стадии, в оксфордское время, на удалении от берега сформировались куполовидные рифы. Становление карбонатной платформы произошло в раннем кимеридже, на стадии низкого стояния уровня моря, когда появились отложения внутренней части платформы, примыкавшей к суше. В позднем кимеридже и раннем титоне конфигурация профиля карбонатной платформы была близка к ступенчатому рампу, на фоне трансгрессии происходила активная ее проградация и расширение площади шельфа. В позднем титоне-раннем берриасе, в результате регрессии, рамп был преобразован в платформу с выровненным мелководным шельфом. Вблизи границы юры и мела происходили тектонические деформации, что привело к образованию мегабрекчий на фронтальном склоне карбонатной платформы. На тектонически переработанную толщу отложений “отмершей” карбонатной платформы трансгрессивно налегают верхнеберриаские или нижневаланжинские относительно глубоководные отложения мелового платформенного чехла.
СОРБЦИЯ ФТАЛОЦИАНИНОВЫХ КРАСИТЕЛЕЙ ХИТОЗАН-СУЛЬФАТНЫМИ ЧАСТИЦАМИ, ИММОБИЛИЗОВАННЫМИ НА ВОЛОКНИСТОМ НОСИТЕЛЕ, "Физикохимия поверхности и защита материалов"
Authors: Липатова И.М. , Никифорова Т.Е. , Макарова Л.И.
Published: August 2018

Иммобилизацией хитозан-сульфатных частиц на волокнистом носителе получен новый, устойчивый в кислых средах сорбирующий материал для извлечения анионных красителей из воды. В качестве модельных сорбатов использованы фталоцианиновые красители, отличающиеся размером молекул, а также количеством и природой анионных групп. Установлено, что скорость сорбции и предельная сорбционная емкость уменьшаются с увеличением размера молекул красителя. Сделан вывод, что влияние рН раствора на показатели сорбции является суммарным следствием изменения степени протонирования аминогрупп хитозана и изменения ассоциативного состояния красителей в растворе. Экспериментальные изотермы сорбции красителей обработаны в рамках модели Ленгмюра с коэффициентом корреляции 0.98-0.99. Новый материал обеспечивает на порядок более высокую скорость сорбции и увеличение сорбционной емкости, близкое к двукратному по сравнению с исходным хитозаном в порошковой форме.