bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving life expectancy in people with serious mental illness: Should we place more emphasis on primary prevention?
Authors: Ilyas Athif , Chesney Edward , Patel Rashmi
Published: September 2017

People with serious mental illness have a reduced life expectancy that is partly attributable to increased cardiovascular disease. One approach to address this is regular physical health monitoring. However, physical health monitoring is poorly implemented in everyday clinical practice and there is little evidence to suggest that it improves physical health. We argue that greater emphasis should be placed on primary prevention strategies such as assertive smoking cessation, dietary and exercise interventions and more judicious psychotropic prescribing.
Role of the ECM in notochord formation, function and disease
Authors: Trapani Valeria , Bonaldo Paolo , Corallo Diana
Published: September 2017

The notochord is a midline structure common to all chordate animals; it provides mechanical and signaling cues for the developing embryo. In vertebrates, the notochord plays key functions during embryogenesis, being a source of developmental signals that pattern the surrounding tissues. It is composed of a core of vacuolated cells surrounded by an epithelial-like sheath of cells that secrete a thick peri-notochordal basement membrane made of different extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The correct deposition and organization of the ECM is essential for proper notochord morphogenesis and function. Work carried out in the past two decades has allowed researchers to dissect the contribution of different ECM components to this embryonic tissue. Here, we will provide an overview of these genetic and mechanistic studies. In particular, we highlight the specific functions of distinct matrix molecules in regulating notochord development and notochord-derived signals. Moreover, we also discuss the involvement of ECM synthesis and its remodeling in the pathogenesis of chordoma, a malignant bone cancer that originates from remnants of notochord remaining after embryogenesis.
Human microcephaly ASPM protein is a spindle pole-focusing factor that functions redundantly with CDK5RAP2
Authors: Tungadi Elsa A. , Ito Ami , Kiyomitsu Tomomi , Goshima Gohta
Published: September 2017

Nonsense mutations in the ASPM gene have been most frequently identified among familial microcephaly patients. Depletion of the Drosophila orthologue (asp) causes spindle pole unfocusing during mitosis in multiple cell types. However, it remains unknown whether human ASPM has a similar function. Here, by performing CRISPR-based gene knockout (KO) and RNA interference combined with auxin-inducible degron, we show that ASPM functions in spindle pole organisation during mitotic metaphase redundantly with another microcephaly protein, CDK5RAP2 (also called CEP215), in human tissue culture cells. Deletion of the ASPM gene alone did not affect spindle morphology or mitotic progression. However, when the pericentriolar material protein CDK5RAP2 was depleted in ASPM KO cells, spindle poles were unfocused during prometaphase, and anaphase onset was significantly delayed. The phenotypic analysis of CDK5RAP2-depleted cells suggested that the pole-focusing function of CDK5RAP2 is independent of its known function to localise the kinesin-14 motor HSET (also known as KIFC1) or activate the γ-tubulin complex. Finally, a hypomorphic mutation identified in ASPM microcephaly patients similarly caused spindle pole unfocusing in the absence of CDK5RAP2, suggesting a possible link between spindle pole disorganisation and microcephaly.
Modulation of muscle-tendon interaction in the human triceps surae during an energy dissipation task
Authors: Werkhausen Amelie , Albracht Kirsten , Cronin Neil J. , Meier Rahel , Bojsen-Møller Jens , Seynnes Olivier R.
Published: September 2017

The compliance of elastic elements allows muscles to dissipate energy safely during eccentric contractions. This buffering function is well documented in animal models but our understanding of its mechanism in humans is confined to non-specific tasks, requiring a subsequent acceleration of the body. The present study aimed to examine the behaviour of the human triceps surae muscle-tendon unit (MTU) during a pure energy dissipation task, under two loading conditions.

Thirty-nine subjects performed a single-leg landing task, with- and without added mass. Ultrasound measurements were combined with 3D kinematics and kinetics to determine instantaneous length changes of MTUs, muscle fascicles, Achilles tendon and combined elastic elements.

Gastrocnemius and soleus MTUs lengthened during landing. After a small concentric action, fascicles contracted eccentrically during most of the task, when the highest muscle activity occurred. Combined elastic elements lengthened until peak ankle moment and recoiled thereafter, whilst no recoil was observed for the Achilles tendon. Adding mass resulted in greater negative work and MTU lengthening, which were accompanied by a greater stretch of tendon and elastic elements and a greater recruitment of the soleus muscle, without any further fascicle strain.

Hence, the buffering action of elastic elements delimits the maximal strain and lengthening velocity of active muscle fascicles and is commensurate with loading constraints. In the present task, energy dissipation was modulated via greater MTU excursion and more forceful eccentric contractions. The distinct strain pattern of the Achilles tendon supports the notion that different elastic elements may not systematically fulfil the same function.
Rare health conditions 4: acromegaly, Usher syndrome, phenylketonuria (PKU)
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this series is to highlight a range of rare health conditions: those that affect no more and usually less than 1 person in every 2000. Many HCAs and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of these conditions. This fourth article will explore three more of these conditions.
Association between physical activity patterns and anthropometric characteristics of adults: an issue of public health?
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Martins Fernando Manuel Lourenço , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Mendes Rui Sousa
Published: September 2017

Study aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between objectively measured daily physical activity (PA) and body fat mass (BF) and body mass index (BMI). A further aim was to analyse the variance of PA between quartiles of BF and BMI.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of 126 university students (53 males aged 20.46 ± 2.04 years and 73 female aged 19.69 ± 1.32 years) was conducted.

Results: The female participants and PA characteristics explain 57.10% of BF variance and the model was statistically signifi­cant (F(6, 875) = 196.38; p = 0.001). BMI was also included in the model. Standard binary logistic regression was used to test the hypothesis that female sex and PA characteristics can influence overweight. The full model containing all variables was statistically significant (G2(6) = 58.598, p-value = 0.001). Analysis of variance between BF quartiles revealed statistically sig­nificant differences in male participants in light PA (p = 0.001; ES = 0.09), moderate PA (p = 0.001; ES = 0.042) and vigorous PA (p = 0.001; ES = 0.130).

Conclusions: The statistical model in the regression analysis suggests that low and vigorous levels of PA explain 57% of BF variance in female participants.
Analysis and classification of ECG-waves and rhythms using circular statistics and vector strength
Authors: Janßen Jan-Dirk , Schanze Thomas
Published: September 2017

The most common way to analyse heart rhythm is to calculate the RR-interval and the heart rate variability. For further evaluation, descriptive statistics are often used. Here we introduce a new and more natural heart rhythm analysis tool that is based on circular statistics and vector strength. Vector strength is a tool to measure the periodicity or lack of periodicity of a signal. We divide the signal into non-overlapping window segments and project the detected R-waves around the unit circle using the complex exponential function and the median RR-interval. In addition, we calculate the vector strength and apply circular statistics as wells as an angular histogram on the R-wave vectors. This approach enables an intuitive visualization and analysis of rhythmicity. Our results show that ECG-waves and rhythms can be easily visualized, analysed and classified by circular statistics and vector strength.
Enhancing the smoothness of joint motion induced by functional electrical stimulation using co-activation strategies
Authors: Ruppel Mirjana , Klauer Christian , Schauer Thomas
Published: September 2017

The motor precision of today’s neuroprosthetic devices that use artificial generation of limb motion using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is generally low. We investigate the adoption of natural co-activation strategies as present in antagonistic muscle pairs aiming to improve motor precision produced by FES. In a test in which artificial knee-joint movements were generated, we could improve the smoothness of FES-induced motion by 513% when applying co-activation during the phases in which torque production is switched between muscles – compared to no co-activation. We further demonstrated how the co-activation level influences the joint stiffness in a pendulum test.
Automatic anatomical calibration for IMU-based elbow angle measurement in disturbed magnetic fields
Authors: Laidig Daniel , Müller Philipp , Seel Thomas
Published: September 2017

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are increasingly used for human motion analysis. However, two major challenges remain: First, one must know precisely in which orientation the sensor is attached to the respective body segment. This is commonly achieved by accurate manual placement of the sensors or by letting the subject perform tedious calibration movements. Second, standard methods for inertial motion analysis rely on a homogeneous magnetic field, which is rarely found in indoor environments. To address both challenges, we introduce an automatic calibration method for joints with two degrees of freedom such as the combined radioulnar and elbow joint. While the user performs arbitrary movements, the method automatically identifies the sensor-to-segment orientations by exploiting the kinematic constraints of the joint. Simultaneously, the method identifies and compensates the influence of magnetic disturbances on the sensor orientation quaternions and the joint angles. In experimental trials, we obtain angles that agree well with reference values from optical motion capture. We conclude that the proposed method overcomes mounting and calibration restrictions and improves measurement accuracy in indoor environments. It therefore improves the practical usability of IMUs for many medical applications.
Home monitoring of nocturnal cough in COPD patients
Authors: Fischer Patrick , Sohrabi Keywan , Ashraf Osman , Schneider Henning , Weissflog Andreas , Gross Volker
Published: September 2017

Telemedicine approaches in the treatment of COPD can be useful for the detection of upcoming exacerbations. Specifically productive cough can serve as an effective monitoring parameter. By using modern technologies, we developed a smartphone application to record and analyze nocturnal cough in an outpatient environment. All results will be displayed through a web interface by patients, physicians and relatives. Monitoring cough could lead to an individual therapy and an increased quality of life.
Analysis of the foetal heart rate in cardiotocographic recordings through a progressive characterization of decelerations
Authors: Fuentealba Patricio , Illanes Alfredo , Ortmeier Frank
Published: September 2017

The main purpose of this work is to propose a new method for characterization and visualization of FHR deceleration episodes in terms of their depth, length and location. This is performed through the estimation of a progressive baseline computed using a median filter allowing to identify and track the evolution of decelerations in cardiotocographic CTG recordings. The proposed method has been analysed using three representative cases of normal and pathological CTG recordings extracted from the CTU-UHB database freely available on the PhysioNet Website. Results show that both the progressive baseline and the parameterized deceleration episodes can describe different time-variant behaviour, whose characteristics and progression can help the observer to discriminate between normal and pathological FHR signal patterns. This opens perspectives for classification of non-reassuring CTG recordings as a sign of foetal acidemia.
Performance behavior of prediction filters for respiratory motion compensation in radiotherapy
Authors: Jöhl Alexander , Berdou Yannick , Guckenberger Matthias , Klöck Stephan , Meboldt Mirko , Zeilinger Melanie , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Daners Marianne Schmid
Published: September 2017

Introduction: In radiotherapy, tumors may move due to the patient’s respiration, which decreases treatment accuracy. Some motion mitigation methods require measuring the tumor position during treatment. Current available sensors often suffer from time delays, which degrade the motion mitigation performance. However, the tumor motion is often periodic and continuous, which allows predicting the motion ahead. Method and Materials: A couch tracking system was simulated in MATLAB and five prediction filters selected from literature were implemented and tested on 51 respiration signals (median length: 103 s). The five filters were the linear filter (LF), the local regression (LOESS), the neural network (NN), the support vector regression (SVR), and the wavelet least mean squares (wLMS). The time delay to compensate was 320 ms. The normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) was calculated for all prediction filters and respiration signals. The correlation coefficients between the nRMSE of the prediction filters were computed. Results: The prediction filters were grouped into a low and a high nRMSE group. The low nRMSE group consisted of the LF, the NN, and the wLMS with a median nRMSE of 0.14, 0.15, and 0.14, respectively. The high nRMSE group consisted of the LOESS and the SVR with both a median nRMSE of 0.34. The correlations between the low nRMSE filters were above 0.87 and between the high nRMSE filters it was 0.64. Conclusion: The low nRMSE prediction filters not only have similar median nRMSEs but also similar nRMSEs for the same respiration signals as the high correlation shows. Therefore, good prediction filters perform similarly for identical respiration patterns, which might indicate a minimally achievable nRMSE for a given respiration pattern.
Handling images of patient postures in arms up and arms down position using a biomechanical skeleton model
Authors: Teske Hendrik , Bartelheimer Kathrin , Bendl Rolf , Stoiber Eva M. , Giske Kristina
Published: September 2017

Deformable image registration is gradually becoming the tool of choice for motion extraction during adaptive radiotherapy. Achieving a motion vector field that accurately represents the anatomical changes requires a tissue specific transformation model. Therefore, widely used spline based models most likely fail in appropriately reproducing large anatomical changes such as the arms of the patient being positioned up and down. We present the application of a tissue specific biomechanical model with the goal to mimic patient motion even in presence of large motion. Based on the planning CT, delineated bones are used to represent the rigid anatomy of the patient. We implement ball-and-socket joints between corresponding bones in order to achieve mobility of the skeleton. An inverse kinematics approach enables the propagation of motion between individual bones across their joints, leading to an articulated skeleton that can be controlled by feature points on one or more bones. The transformation of each bone initializes a chainmail based soft tissue model to also propagate the motion into the surrounding heterogeneous soft tissue. Representation of different postures like arms up and down can be achieved within less than 1 s for the skeleton and ∼10 s for the soft tissue. Especially for large anatomical changes, the kinematics approach benefits from the direct articulation at specific joints, considerably lowering the degrees of freedom for motion description. Being the input for the chainmail based soft tissue model, the transformed bones guarantee for its meaningful initialization. The proposed biomechanical skeleton model is promising to facilitate the registration of patients’ anatomy, being positioned with arms up and arms down. The results encourage further refinement of the joints and the soft tissue model.
Evaluation of low contrast resolution and radiation dose in abdominal CT protocols by a difference detail curve (DDC) method
Authors: Sommer Christian , Icken Niels , Özden Ismail , Lutters Gerd , Scheidegger Stephan
Published: September 2017

The use of optimised CT protocols regarding radiation exposure is a legal requirement. Since low contrast visibility is intrinsically varying within the CT slice, there is no adequate method for optimisation of dose and image quality. We developed a method to access image quality in a way that represents the situation closer to a real patient. This method is based on a novel difference detail curve (DDC) phantom with low contrast objects representing native tissue contrast and contrast media with different densities and diameters. The position of the contrast objects have been evaluated by a noise level analysis of CT slices of different manufactures. The dose – length – product can be measured within the phantom simultaneously. For all tested manu-factures and CT protocols, the noise analysis revealed a similar spatial variation of the signal -to-noise ratio (SNR). For the DDC method, contrast steps of 6 (4-8) Hounsfield Units (HU) are adequate. For the different CT units, comparable low contrast detectability is associated with remarkably varying dose levels (CTDI range from 8 to 18 mGy for native contrast and 9-16 mGy for contrast media). The novel DDC phantom is sensitive to protocol optimisations and therefore suitable for rating subtle effects caused by protocol optimisation.
A robust algorithm for optic disc segmentation and fovea detection in retinal fundus images
Authors: Rust Caterina , Häger Stephanie , Traulsen Nadine , Modersitzki Jan
Published: September 2017

Accurate optic disc (OD) segmentation and fovea detection in retinal fundus images are crucial for diagnosis in ophthalmology. We propose a robust and broadly applicable algorithm for automated, robust, reliable and consistent fovea detection based on OD segmentation. The OD segmentation is performed with morphological operations and Fuzzy C Means Clustering combined with iterative thresholding on a foreground segmentation. The fovea detection is based on a vessel segmentation via morphological operations and uses the resulting OD segmentation to determine multiple regions of interest. The fovea is determined from the largest, vessel-free candidate region. We have tested the novel method on a total of 190 images from three publicly available databases DRIONS, Drive and HRF. Compared to results of two human experts for DRIONS database, our OD segmentation yielded a dice coefficient of 0.83. Note that missing ground truth and expert variability is an issue. The new scheme achieved an overall success rate of 99.44% for OD detection and an overall success rate of 96.25% for fovea detection, which is superior to state-of-the-art approaches.
Mechanical anisotropy of titanium scaffolds
Authors: Rüegg Jasmine , Schumacher Ralf , Weber Franz E , de Wild Michael
Published: September 2017

The clinical performance of an implant, e.g. for the treatment of large bone defects, depends on the implant material, anchorage, surface topography and chemistry, but also on the mechanical properties, like the stiffness. The latter can be adapted by the porosity. Whereas foams show isotropic mechanical properties, digitally modelled scaffolds can be designed with anisotropic behaviour. In this study, we designed and produced 3D scaffolds based on an orthogonal architecture and studied its angle-dependent stiffness. The aim was to produce scaffolds with different orientations of the microarchitecture by selective laser melting and compare the angle-specific mechanical behaviour with an in-silico simulation. The anisotropic characteristics of open-porous implants and technical limitations of the production process were studied.
Promising biocompatible hydrogels of crosslinked polyelectrolytes for biomedical applications
Authors: Brietzke Andreas , von der Ehe Christian , Illner Sabine , Matschegewski Claudia , Grabow Niels , Kragl Udo
Published: September 2017

For the development of intelligent implant systems hydrogels (HG) from crosslinked ionic liquids feature a high potential to be utilised as a drug depot. Biocompatibility of the HGs is one key prerequisite for biomedical applications. HGs were polymerised from a variety of different ionic monomers based on methacrylate, methacrylamide, styrene or vinyl imidazolium derivatives in aqueous solution. N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide was used as crosslinker. CellQuanti-Blue™ Cell Viability Assay Kit was implemented to proof viability of L929 mouse fibroblasts. The predominant part of the HG eluates generated only a marginal reduction of less than 15% cell viability at 100% eluate concentration. This underlines the excellent suitability of these HGs for biomedical applications and revealed some promising candidates for the development of drug depots for implants.
Different encapsulation strategies for implanted electronics
Authors: Winkler Sebastian , Edelmann Jan , Welsch Christine , Ruff Roman
Published: September 2017

Recent advancements in implant technology include increasing application of electronic systems in the human body. Hermetic encapsulation of electronic components is necessary, specific implant functions and body environments must be considered. Additional functions such as wireless communication systems require specialized technical solutions for the encapsulation.

In this paper 3 different implant strategies based on the material groups silicone, ceramics and titanium alloys are evaluated. With the background of a specific application the requirements for the encapsulation are defined and include the implementation of electrical feedthroughs, wireless communication and wireless energy transfer as well as biomedical specifications such as hermetic sealing, mechanical stability and biocompatibility. The encapsulations are manufactured and qualified experimentally.
Development of a novel pediatric forearm fracture treatment: simulation, prototype and evaluation
Authors: El-Shaffey Hala , Klein Stephan , Hainer Franziska
Published: September 2017

A treatment gap exists for moderately displaced pediatric distal forearm fractures (DFF), which carry a potential risk of improper reduction when treated conservatively. Currently, no standard method for the correction of the initial reduction of pediatric DFF is available. A novel closed reduction method has been proposed to correct and maintain a successful reduction throughout the healing process. This study further develops this novel cast system and evaluates its mechanical behavior through the design, construction, and testing of a biomechanical CAD model and pediatric forearm phantom. Initial results support the novel system as an improved treatment for pediatric fractures. Both the CAD model and tissue phantom indicate the ability of the system to manipulate a 15° fracture, with 0-1° of residual angulation.
The impact of electronic health records on diagnosis
Authors: Graber Mark L. , Byrne Colene , Johnston Doug
Published: September 2017

Diagnostic error may be the largest unaddressed patient safety concern in the United States, responsible for an estimated 40,000–80,000 deaths annually. With the electronic health record (EHR) now in near universal use, the goal of this narrative review is to synthesize evidence and opinion regarding the impact of the EHR and health care information technology (health IT) on the diagnostic process and its outcomes. We consider the many ways in which the EHR and health IT facilitate diagnosis and improve the diagnostic process, and conversely the major ways in which it is problematic, including the unintended consequences that contribute to diagnostic error and sometimes patient deaths. We conclude with a summary of suggestions for improving the safety and safe use of these resources for diagnosis in the future.
Fast Methods for Power Quality Analysis
Authors: Upadhyaya S. , Mohanty S.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, the lifting based second generation Wavelet Transform (SGWT) is implemented along with the widely used discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for the detection and localization of ten different types of power quality (PQ) disturbance signals. The SGWT provides the time domain interpretation which is an opposition to the frequency domain analysis of DWT. Further, the selected features are extracted from the detail coefficient of the variants of WT and given as inputs to the classifiers in order to characterize the signals. Moreover, a comparative assessment of the PQ signal carried out with different classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF) have been presented along with aforementioned detection techniques. The RF is an ensemble decision tree and used for the classification of large number of data set. Hence, various single as well as combined power quality disturbance signals have been simulated in noisy and noise free environment in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed techniques. Moreover, in order to represent in realistic environment, these proposed techniques are tested with both the single phase and tree phase signals captured from different transmission panels. Further, to aid this PQ disturbance detection, different types of real time fault signals are characterized with these aforementioned approaches.
Electronic nose based on nanoweights, expectation and reality
Authors: Kuchmenko Tatyana Anatolievna
Published: September 2017

One of the topical approaches in analysis – outside the framework of traditional ones – is the formation of an integral “image” of the object. There are several approaches to solving the issue of obtaining as much information about the sample by a certain portion of its properties or its composition as possible. The first approach is forming a visual image (diagram) of several different properties of the analyzed sample, for example, the content of certain metals, acids, volatile components and some other indicators of wine quality. The consolidated image of a sample enables us to distinguish samples identical or similar in the selected properties from crucially different ones, even in case of an acceptable change of each indicator. Or else, using the consolidated image one can evaluate the direction of an image shift of a certain sample compared to the set of standard samples. The analysis of the geometry of the sample image by diverse indicators affords ground for assumption of the reasons for this deviation, as well as identification of falsification, or even solution of a more complicated task: detecting the area of growth of raw materials. The second approach is close to the first one in terms of methodology, but it digitizes properties using detectors and presents this as an image (“visual print” of response) of signals of these detectors on some components of the sample (presence, content). The feature of this approach is the use of a detector system that is non-selective and cross-sensitive to certain sample components. These sample images are produced using a system of “electronic nose”. “Visual prints” of array signals of different character sensors contain qualitative and quantitative information about the part of the analyzed sample which is sorbed by sensors. Despite the uncertainty of this information, “electronic noses” of piezoelectric type are widely used in the analysis of samples with complex varying composition.
Testing for a unit root against ESTAR stationarity
Authors: Harvey David I. , Leybourne Stephen J. , Whitehouse Emily J.
Published: September 2017

In this paper we examine the local power of unit root tests against globally stationary exponential smooth transition autoregressive [ESTAR] alternatives under two sources of uncertainty: the degree of nonlinearity in the ESTAR model, and the presence of a linear deterministic trend. First, we show that the KSS test (Kapetanios, G., Y. Shin, and A. Snell. 2003. “Testing for a Unit Root in the Nonlinear STAR Framework.” Journal of Econometrics 112: 359–379) for nonlinear stationarity has local asymptotic power gains over standard Dickey-Fuller [DF] tests for certain degrees of nonlinearity in the ESTAR model, but that for other degrees of nonlinearity, the linear DF test has superior power. Second, we derive limiting distributions of demeaned, and demeaned and detrended KSS and DF tests under a local ESTAR alternative when a local trend is present in the DGP. We show that the power of the demeaned tests outperforms that of the detrended tests when no trend is present in the DGP, but deteriorates as the magnitude of the trend increases. We propose a union of rejections testing procedure that combines all four individual tests and show that this captures most of the power available from the individual tests across different degrees of nonlinearity and trend magnitudes. We also show that incorporating a trend detection procedure into this union testing strategy can result in higher power when a large trend is present in the DGP.
Exploring the Standing Barbell Overhead Press
Authors: Kroell Jordan , Mike Jonathan
Published: September 2017

THE PURPOSE OF THIS COLUMN IS TO EXPLORE THE STANDING BARBELL OVERHEAD PRESS (SBOHP) IN TERMS OF ITS EXECUTION, MUSCULATURE INVOLVED, POTENTIAL BENEFITS, PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS, AND ITS EVOLUTION. THE SBOHP IS AMONG THE MOST ELEMENTARY TESTS OF UPPER BODY AND OVERHEAD STRENGTH. BECAUSE OF ITS REMOVAL AS A CONTESTED BARBELL LIFT, GENERAL EMPHASIS ON THE MOVEMENT HAS DECLINED SLIGHTLY, BUT IT IS STILL WIDELY IMPLEMENTED IN A PLETHORA OF SETTINGS FROM RECREATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTS PERFORMANCE TO UTILITY IN REHABILITATION.
Increasing the Serviceability of Products From Single-Phase Titanium Alloys by Thermochemical Treatment
Authors: Fedirko V. M. , Luk’yanenko A. G. , Pohrelyuk I. M. , Trush V. S.
Published: September 2017

In most cases, products from titanium alloys are subjected to final treatment in a vacuum or inert gas for removal of residual hydrogen and residual stress in the metal. During treatment in the reduced pressure or inert atmosphere, titanium alloys absorb impurities from the process gas environment. The uncontrolled saturation of subsurface layers of the metal leads to increased brittleness of the surface layers; thus, in practice, it is necessary to remove all or part of the hardened surface layers of the metal. In this regard, it is shown that the normalized hardening of the subsurface layers increases the resistance to fracture under cyclic and static long-term loading of the metal products up to 4 mm thick from α- and pseudo-α- titanium alloys. Hardening is caused by thermochemical surface treatment from a controlled gas environment that contains oxygen. It was experimentally shown that fatigue resistance of α- and pseudo-α- titanium alloys depends on the ratio of hardening and depth of the hardening zone. This dependence showed a peak when at the optimal level of solid solution hardening. Any additional concentration of elements in the layer (increased hardness) will lead to a drastic reduction of fatigue characteristics of titanium alloys. The effect of increasing longevity of α- and pseudo-α- titanium alloys and oxygen solid solution on the “optimal” level of subsurface layers under different loading conditions was confirmed experimentally. The loading of the specimens was performed to evaluate pure bending; rotating bending; cyclic stretch, and long-term static loading at 1000 h. The increase in fatigue strength of the titanium alloys samples, saturated not only with oxygen but also with other interstitial elements (N and C) at a specified ratio of surface hardening to depth of hardened zone, was determined.
Formation of Oxynitride Layers on Titanium Alloys
Authors: Tkachuk O. V. , Pohrelyuk I. M. , Yaskiv O. I.
Published: September 2017

The characteristics of oxynitride layers formation on titanium alloys in the process of controlled modification of titanium nitride by oxygen were determined. It was shown that by decreasing the oxygen partial pressure from 1 Pa to 0.0001 Pa, the content of oxynitride phase in the surface layer increases. It was determined that oxynitriding effect (ΔH) (the increase of surface microhardness of titanium alloys with regard to the corresponding nitriding) depends on the composition of titanium oxynitride and increases when its composition approaches equiatomic one.
An Automated Home-Cage System to Assess Learning and Performance of a Skilled Motor Task in a Mouse Model of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Woodard Cameron L. , Bolaños Federico , Boyd James D. , Silasi Gergely , Murphy Timothy H. , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: September 2017

Behavioral testing is a critical step in assessing the validity of rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, as well as evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological interventions. In models of Huntington’s disease (HD), a gradual progression of impairments is observed across ages, increasing the need for sensitive, high-throughput and longitudinal assessments. Recently, a number of automated systems have been developed to perform behavioral profiling of animals within their own home-cage, allowing for 24-h monitoring and minimizing experimenter interaction. However, as of yet, few of these have had functionality for the assessment of skilled motor learning, a relevant behavior for movement disorders such as HD. To address this, we assess a lever positioning task within the mouse home-cage. Animals first acquire a simple operant response, before moving to a second phase where they must learn to hold the lever for progressively longer in a rewarded position range. Testing with this paradigm has revealed the presence of distinct phenotypes in the YAC128 mouse model of HD at three early symptomatic time points. YAC128 mice at two months old, but not older, had a motor learning deficit when required to adapt their response to changes in task requirements. In contrast, six-month-old YAC128 mice had disruptions of normal circadian activity and displayed kinematic abnormalities during performance of the task, suggesting an impairment in motor control. This system holds promise for facilitating high throughput behavioral assessment of HD mouse models for preclinical therapeutic screening.
Here Be Dragons: Using Dragons as Models for Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Cruz Ronald Allan L.
Published: September 2017

Dragons are a staple of fantasy literature, and various aspects of the creatures (most notably their anatomy) have been explored scientifically across different forms of media. Their distinct anatomical characteristics and the variations therein among the recognized “species” of dragons make the taxa appropriate models for basic phylogenetic analysis in an undergraduate general biology or systematics class. The wyvern, an obviously more primitive, distant cousin of the “true” dragons, is also an appropriate outgroup for these estimations of shared evolutionary history. Separating metallic from chromatic dragons, the generated tree shows relationships among the species that are consistent with their separation in the Dungeons & Dragons games according to alignment, scale color, and religion, three characters that are not used in the analysis. Manual construction of a character matrix and cladogram of dragons followed by repetition of this process via conventional computer software allows the students to track their progress not only in terms of understanding such concepts as choice of character states and parsimony but also in terms of the applicability of said software.
Pokémon in the Midst: Collecting and Using Data from within the Pokémon GO Ecosystem to Facilitate Ecology and Wildlife Biology Education
Authors: Lupton Quent
Published: September 2017

Teaching the techniques to collect and analyze data on wild populations presents many obstacles. Capturing, identifying, and collecting data from wildlife has many safety-related and logistical challenges. Pokémon GO, a relatively new, smartphone-based augmented reality game, provides a new landscape for simulating wildlife ecology research. The world of Pokémon GO is overlaid onto the physical world and is populated with a variety of species, each having biologically relevant characteristics. Each individual Pokémon also has unique morphometric data. These features of the game provide a platform for data collection and analysis that mimics real-world practices, while eliminating many logistical and safety-related constraints. Additionally, little to no training is involved to begin data collection, allowing more time to plan and execute simulated wildlife ecology projects and activities. The availability of this new virtual wildlife community provides a widely accessible, freely obtained resource for data collection that has directly relevant applications for wildlife ecology education.
Autosomal Trisomy and Triploidy Are Corrected During Female Meiosis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Vargas Elizabeth , McNally Karen , Friedman Jacob A , Cortes Daniel B , Wang David Y , Korf Ian F , McNally Francis J
Published: September 2017

Trisomy and triploidy, defined as the presence of a third copy of one or all chromosomes, respectively, are deleterious in many species including humans. Previous studies have demonstrated that Caenorhabditis elegans with a third copy of the X chromosome are viable and fertile. However, the extra X chromosome was shown to preferentially segregate into the first polar body during oocyte meiosis to produce a higher frequency of euploid offspring than would be generated by random segregation. Here, we demonstrate that extra autosomes are preferentially eliminated by triploid C. elegans and trisomy IV C. elegans. Live imaging of anaphase-lagging chromosomes and analysis of REC-8 staining of metaphase II spindles revealed that, in triploids, some univalent chromosomes do not lose cohesion and preferentially segregate intact into the first polar body during anaphase I, whereas other autosomes segregate chromatids equationally at anaphase I and eliminate some of the resulting single chromatids during anaphase II. We also demonstrate asymmetry in the anaphase spindle, which may contribute to the asymmetric segregation. This study reveals a pathway that allows aneuploid parents to produce euploid offspring at higher than random frequency.
Die 9. GWB-Novelle und die Einführung einer transaktionswertbezogenen Aufgreifschwelle in der Zusammenschlusskontrolle
Authors: Siebert Tilman , Aulmann Helge
Published: September 2017

Im Zuge der 9. GWB-Novelle hat der Gesetzgeber im Bereich der Fusionskontrolle eine neue, transaktionswertbezogene Aufgreifschwelle eingeführt. Diese soll vorrangig Transaktionen erfassen, bei denen die Umsätze nicht dem wettbewerblichen Potential des Zielunternehmens entsprechen. Bislang waren solche Transaktionen häufig nicht fusionskontrollpflichtig, wenn sie aufgrund der geringen Umsätze des jeweiligen Zielunternehmens unterhalb der Schwellenwerte blieben. Dies zeigte sich sehr deutlich beim Erwerb des Textnachrichtendienstes WhatsApp durch Facebook zu einem Kaufpreis von ca. 19 Mrd. US-$, der in vielen Ländern, darunter Deutschland, nicht anmeldepflichtig war, da WhatsApp seine Dienstleistung kostenlos anbietet und dementsprechend nur sehr geringe Umsätze erzielte.

Der nachfolgende Beitrag erläutert zunächst die geplanten Neuregelungen, beschäftigt sich im Anschluss mit der Frage, ob die entsprechenden Regelungen ihrem Ziel gerecht werden, unterbreitet einige Vorschläge wie der Zweck der Neuregelungen besser erreicht werden könnte und vergleicht die Neuregelungen zum Abschluss mit ähnlichen Regelungen in den USA bzw. Vorschlägen auf Ebene der Europäischen Union.
Über die kartellrechtliche Heilung und den Wegfall einer marktbeherrschenden Stellung bei langfristigen Verträgen
Authors: Sonnberger Marcus W. A.
Published: September 2017

Langfristige Vertragsbeziehungen marktbeherrschender Unternehmen werfen oft diffizile Fragestellungen vor dem Hintergrund der europäischen Missbrauchskontrolle durch Art. 102 AEUV auf. Der Beitrag setzt sich mit den Auswirkungen eines Wegfalls der marktbeherrschenden Stellung nach Abschluss des Vertrages auseinander. Zu klären ist dabei die Frage nach einer möglichen „Heilung“ in solchen Fällen, welche bislang jedoch v. a. zu Art. 101 AEUV diskutiert wurde. Der Beitrag beteiligt sich an dieser Diskussion mit dem Ziel, generelle Grundsätze zu formulieren, die auch für die analoge Frage nach Art. 102 AEUV übernommen werden können. Darauf aufbauend folgt er der Differenzierung zwischen den anerkannten und für langfristige Vertragsbeziehungen relevanten Fallgruppen des europäischen Missbrauchsverbotes und kommt dementsprechend auch zu differenzierenden Ergebnissen, denen insbesondere für die daran anknüpfenden Fragen der Nichtigkeit bzw. Vertragsanpassung entscheidende Bedeutung zukommt.
Amžinojo sugrįžimo mitas, arba laukimas sekuliarioje visuomenėje
Authors: Vidauskytė Lina
Published: September 2017

Straipsnyje laukimo tema sekuliarioje visuomenėje nagrinėjama remiantis Walterio Benjamino išskirta santykio su laiku tipologine figūra, kurią jis įvardija kaip „laukiantįjį“. Šios figūros prototipas yra XIX amžiaus prancūzų socialistas ir revoliucionierius Louis Auguste’as Blanqui, savo kosmologiniame traktate iškėlęs „amžinojo sugrįžimo idėją“, kurią keleriais metais vėliau iškėlė ir Friedrichas Nietzsche. „Amžinąjį sugrįžimą“ Benjaminas traktuoja kaip modernų mitą. Moderni mitinė sąmonė straipsnyje nagrinėjama pasitelkiant Hanso Blumenbergo mito sampratą, pagal kurią mitas yra ne pažinimo forma, o būdas įveikti „tikrovės absoliutizmą“. Straipsnyje bandoma parodyti, kad Benjamino „laukiantįjį“ galima traktuoti kaip Nietzsche’s „antžmogį“ – modernaus pasaulio nihilistinę figūrą, koreliatyvią „amžinojo sugrįžimo“ pavidalą turinčiai tikrovei.
Autosuperación hermenéutica de la cultura en la interculturalidad. Hacia una lectura intercultural de la hermenéutica filosófica de Hans-Georg Gadamer
Authors: Gracia Calandín Javier
Published: September 2017

El objetivo es analizar la hermenéutica filosófica de Hans-Georg Gadamer con vistas a considerar la posibilidad de llevar a cabo una lectura intercultural a partir de sus planteamientos. Se cuestiona la lectura intercultural que de la hermenéutica de Gadamer lleva a cabo Ram Adhar Mall. Con Gadamer, pero más allá de él, se detectan las posibilidades y limitaciones de su concepto humanista de cultura (Bildung) y se ensaya un modo de autosuperación hermenéutica de la cultura en la interculturalidad.
"Otro" liberalismo. Individualismo y colectivismo en la obra de John Stuart Mill
Authors: Aguirre Félix
Published: September 2017

El artículo argumenta que, contrario a lo que sostiene el neoliberalismo contemporáneo, lo individual y lo colectivo no constituyen los extremos de una antítesis ante la que estemos obligados a elegir. Se examina el debate político de la segunda mitad del siglo victoriano sobre la pertinencia y los límites de la intervención estatal. Tomando como pretexto la obra de un pensador cuya posición sobre la libertad negativa marcará la historia del liberalismo positivo y del colectivismo, se concluye que la ideología que hereda y continúa la tradición del liberalismo político europeo no es el neoliberalismo, sino el socialismo.
Reflexiones sobre la filosofía práctica de Kant y su “no-conceptualismo”
Authors: Rojas Lizama David
Published: September 2017

Se examina la diferencia en el estatuto moral de los seres humanos y de los demás animales, en la filosofía práctica de Kant, así como las consecuencias de esta distinción para el debate en torno al conceptualismo, centrando la atención en dos líneas que parecen correr paralelas: una considera que los animales no humanos tienen el valor relativo de cosas, mientras que la otra sostiene que los animales no humanos o humanos no racionales pueden tener acceso no conceptual a contenidos representacionales de carácter objetivo. Se analizan las implicaciones prácticas de la imposibilidad del no conceptualismo, y se muestra cómo rechaza un no conceptualismo fuerte que les atribuye a estos seres un acceso a representaciones objetivas que justifiquen, por medios protorracionales, creencias prácticas o epistémicas.
INDEKS KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS IKAN DEMERSAL DI PERAIRAN TARAKAN
Authors: Suprapto Suprapto
Published: September 2017

Perairan Tarakan termasuk daerah penangkapan sumber daya ikan demersal dan udang cukup potensial di KalimantanUtara. Tingginya tingkat eksploitasi ikan demersal dengan menggunakan trawlmenyebabkan keragaman jenisnya rendah. Penelitian ikan demersal dilakukan di perairan Tarakan pada bulanMei,Agustus dan Nopember 2012. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk memperoleh indeks keanekaragaman jenis ikan demersal. Data spesies ikan demersal dikumpulkan dari hasil tangkapan jaring trawl yang dioperasikan oleh kapal motor 20GT dengan metode sapuan area. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa jumlah taksa ikan demersal sebanyak 86 spesies yang tergolong kedalam45 famili. Komposisi jenis hasil tangkapan trawl didominasi oleh famili Leiognathidae (ikan petek), Sciaenidae (ikan gulama), Harpadontidae (ikan nomei),Apogonidae (ikan serinding) danMullidae (ikan bijinangka). Status keanekaragaman jenis termasuk dalamkategori sedang dengan indeks “Shanon-Wiener” (H’)berkisar antara 1,7-2,5 sedangkan indeks kekayaan “Margalef” (R1 ) berkisar antara 7-8. Penyebaran spesies ikan demersal bersifat sedang dengan indeks kemerataan jenis (E) rata-rata sebesra 0,5.Kelimpahan ikan demersal tidak ada yang dominan, ditunjukkan oleh nilai indeks kemerataan jenis “Pielou” (E) rata-rata sebesar 0,4.Tarakan and adjacent waters is one of potentially fishing ground of demersal fish resources in north Kalimantan. High exploitation by trawler tend to decreased of biodiversity of demersal fish in this area. Research has been conducted in the waters of Tarakan duringMay, August and November 2012. The aim of this research is to get species diversity indices of demersal fish, which is expected to be useful as one of the data capacity for sustainable fisheries management policy. Data obtained by using trawl fishing gear with a sweept area method.The results showed that demersal fish species richness 86 species, belonging to 45 families. Dominant family are Leiognathidae, Sciaenidae, Harpadontidae, Apogonidae andMullidae. Result of analysis indicate that species diversity in Tarakan waters in the medium category. Status of biodiversity consist of: range value diversityindices “Shanon-Wiener” (H’) was 1.7 to 2.5; species richness indices of “Margalef” (R1 ) are between 7-8; evenness indices of “Pielou” (E 1) was 0,5 and dominant indices “Pielou” (E) an average of 0.4.