bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructure Control of Porous Carbon Materials through Changing Acidity with a Soft-template Method
Authors: Sonoda Yuki , Hayashi Akari , Minamida Yasuto , Matsuda Junko , Akiba Etsuo
Published: January 2015

Nanostructures of porous carbon materials were controlled by a soft-template method for expanding their applications. When 2,6-dihydropyridine hydrochloride, a nitrogen-containing compound, was used as a carbon precursor in addition to resorcinol, larger pores over 50 nm appeared besides mesopores. The condition of such large pores being formed was examined in detail, and acidity was found to be a key factor for large pores rather than the presence of nitrogen atoms.
Unique Surface Properties of Nanocomposite Thin Film Photocatalysts of TiO2 and Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)
Authors: Kamegawa Takashi , Irikawa Koichi , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: January 2015

Nanocomposite thin film photocatalysts of TiO2 and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) were prepared by applying a radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition technique. A superhydrophobic surface, with high transparency and photocatalytic self-cleaning property, was successfully realized by the deposition of TiO2–PTFE composite on spherical SiO2-modified quartz substrate. TiO2–PTFE composite suppressed the surface wettability changes to hydrophilic state and exhibited an adequate photocatalytic activity for the removal of oleic acid as a model contaminant of oily dirt under UV light irradiation.
Nickel Catalysts/N,N′-Bidentate Directing Groups: An Excellent Partnership in Directed C–H Activation Reactions
Authors: Castro Luis C Misal , Chatani Naoto
Published: January 2015

This review focuses on chelation-assisted regioselective C–H activation with C–C or/and C–N bond formation using nickel(0) or -(II) as the catalysts, where bidentate directing groups play a key role in the successful transformation. A 2-pyridinylmethylamine or an 8-aminoquinoline moiety are the more powerful auxiliaries among the directing groups examined.
The endothelial deprotection hypothesis for lupus pathogenesis: the dual role of C1q as a mediator of clearance and regulator of endothelial permeability
Authors: Prechl József , Czirják László
Published: January 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous multifactorial systemic autoimmune disease affecting several organs. SLE can start relatively early in life and results in impaired quality of life and shortened life expectancy because of a gradual disease progression leading to cardiovascular, renal and neoplastic disease. The basic mechanisms of the pathogenesis of the disease still remain to be clarified. It is clear that complement proteins play a key and complex role in the development of SLE. Complement component C1q has been known to be a fundamental component of lupus development, but most explanations focus on its role in apoptotic debris removal. Importantly, C1q was recently found to play a key role in the maintenance of vascular endothelial integrity.

We suggest that apoptotic products, endothelial cells and extracellular matrix components, which display negatively charged moieties, compete for binding to molecules of the innate humoral immune response, like C1q. Genetic or acquired factors leading to an increased load of apoptotic cell debris and decrease or absence of C1q therefore interfere with the regulation of endothelial permeability and integrity. Furthermore, we suggest that lupus is the net result of an imbalance between the two functions of immune clearance and vascular endothelial integrity maintenance, an imbalance triggered and sustained by autoimmunity, which skews C1q consumption by IgG-mediated complement classical pathway activation on autoantigens. In this triangle of innate clearance, autoimmunity and endothelial integrity, C1q plays a central role.

Hence, we interpret the pathogenesis of lupus by identifying three key components, namely innate immune clearance, autoimmunity and endothelial integrity and we establish a link between these components based on the protective role that innate clearance molecules play in endothelial renewal. By including the vasoprotective role of C1q in the interpretation of SLE development we attempt to provide novel explanations for the symptoms, organ damage, diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of the disease.
Parental Training for Teaching Foreign Language to Preschool and Junior School Children
Authors: Ромашина  , Romashina Svetlana , Майер  , Mayer Aleksey
Published: January 2015

Authors suggest the idea of parental training for the process of foreign-language education of preschool and junior school children. The article

reveals goals, contents and methods of work with parents who form readiness for participation in foreign-language education of their children.

Problems of continuity of foreign-language education of preschool and junior school children are discussed.
School Life Problems of a First Grader
Authors: Сафонова  , Safonova Irina
Published: January 2015

The article reveals historical and pedagogical assessment of speech development of preschool and junior school children, characterises sources

of formation of speech creativity training technique since the ideas of K.D. Ushinskiy and his followers. Special attention is paid to revival of

Rhetoric at elementary school.
Cognitive rehabilitation for people living with schizophrenia – the newest interventions
Authors: Linke Magdalena , Jarema Marek
Published: January 2015

Artykuł stanowi przegląd najnowszych interwencji w zakresie rehabilitacji poznawczej osób chorych na schizofrenię. Zaprezentowane zostały w nim doniesienia dotyczące rehabilitacji poznawczej osób chorych na schizofrenię jakie ukazały się w ciągu ostatnich trzech lat w bazie PubMed. Autorzy podzielili interwencje rehabilitacji poznawczej ze względu na funkcje poznawcze jakich dotyczą i wyodrębnili - treningi neuropoznawcze, społecznego poznania, percepcji emocji i treningi łączone – oraz zaprezentowali obecne trendy w ramach tych interwencji. Poprawa funkcji poznawczych po przebyciu rehabilitacji poznawczej dotyczy głównie ćwiczonych sfer poznawczych i nie ma wyraźnych różnic między poszczególnymi rodzajami treningów w sposobie w jaki wpływają one na inne niż ćwiczone funkcje poznawcze czy symptomy choroby. Istnieje potrzeba wzmocnienia transferu zdobytych/wzmocnionych umiejętności poznawczych na sposób funkcjonowania pacjenta. Dlatego badane są nowe metody rehabilitacji poznawczej. Przyszły kierunek rehabilitacji poznawczej związany jest z podniesieniem jej skuteczności poprzez łączenie różnych jej form i uwzględnianie indywidualnych potrzeb oraz trudności pacjenta w planowaniu i prowadzeniu interwencji poznawczych.
The quality of life, symptoms of depression and coping with stress among individuals with type 2 diabetes – preliminary study
Authors: Kalka Dorota
Published: January 2015

Cel

Celem badania było porównanie poczucia jakości życia, występowania objawów depresji i sposobów radzenia sobie ze stresem u osób z cukrzycą typu 2 i osób zdrowych w okresie średniej dorosłości, a także weryfikacja związku wyżej wymienionych zmiennych w badanych grupach.

Metoda

Przebadano 42 osoby z cukrzycą typu 2 oraz 45 osób zdrowych. Wykorzystano cztery kwestionariusze o uznanych właściwościach psychometrycznych.

Wyniki

Wykazano znaczące różnice w zakresie ogólnego poczucia jakości życia, zadowolenia ze zdrowia oraz domeny fizycznej, występowania objawów depresji, a także reaktywnego radzenia sobie ze stresem – skoncentrowanego na emocjach i unikaniu.

Wnioski

Osoby z cukrzycą posiadają niższe ogólne poczucie jakości życia oraz zadowolenia ze zdrowia i sfery fizycznej, a także większe nasilenie objawów depresji. W sytuacji doznawanego stresu obie grupy stosują tak samo często styl skoncentrowany na zadaniu. Osoby z cukrzycą częściej niż zdrowe stosują styl skoncentrowany na emocjach, osoby zdrowe natomiast na unikaniu. Obie grupy tak samo często stosują różne proaktywne strategie radzenia sobie.
New prospects for antipsychotic treatment - the role of the kynurenine pathway
Authors: Karakuła-Juchnowicz Hanna , Flis Marta , Szymona Kinga , Kuczyńska Maryla , Stelmach Ewa , Kowal-Popczak Agnieszka
Published: January 2015

Mechanizm działania leków przeciwpsychotycznych (LPP) wiązany jest głównie ze zmianami w układzie dopaminergicznym. Zastosowanie LPP prowadzi równocześnie do zmian stężenia metabolitów szlaku kynureninowego (m. in. kwasu kynureninowego – KYNA, 3-hydroksykynureniny – 3-OHKYN, kynureniny – KYN), szlaku związanego z transmisją glutaminianergiczną. Wzrost poziomu KYNA w określonych partiach ośrodkowego układu nerwowego skutkuje zahamowaniem neurotransmisji glutaminianergicznej. Farmakologiczne podnoszenie poziomu KYNA wywołuje efekt podobny do występującego po ketaminie lub fencyklidynie (niekompetycyjnym antagoniście receptora NMDA) dotyczący wzrostu aktywności neuronów dopaminergicznych szlaku mezolimbicznego, ale również redukcji uwalniania dopaminy w obszarze kory prefrontalnej. Najnowsze wyniki badań potwierdzają możliwość predykcji skuteczności leczenia przeciwpsychotycznego na podstawie zmian stężenia metabolitów szlaku kynureninowego. Stwierdzono istnienie istotnych związków: 1) w schizofrenii pomiędzy redukcją objawów psychopatologicznych i zmianami stężenia 3-hydroksykynureniny oraz zmianami w zakresie wskaźnika KYNA/3-OHKYN oraz KYN/KYNA, 2) w manii pomiędzy wartościami stężenia tryptofanu i redukcją objawów manii uzyskaną w wyniku zastosowanego leczenia przeciwpsychotycznego. W pracy przedstawiono także możliwości modyfikacji szlaku kynureninowego, które budzą ogromne nadzieje na ich kliniczne wykorzystanie w przyszłości jako punkty uchwytu dla działania nowych LPP.
Convergence insufficiency with unilateral exophoria at near in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - a preliminary study
Authors: Chrobak Adrian , Siuda Katarzyna , Biela Michał , Arciszewska Aleksandra , Siwek Marcin , Pilecki Maciej , Dudek Dominika
Published: January 2015

Cel

Poniższe badanie dotyczy nieprawidłowości konwergencji (Convergence Insufficiency, CI) objawiających się jednostronną egzoforią do bliży u pacjentów ze schizofrenią (SZ) i chorobą afektywną dwubiegunową (ChAD). Celem artykułu jest opis tego objawu i dyskusja jego potencjalnych przyczyn.

Metoda

Przebadano 29 pacjentów ze SZ, 14 pacjentów z ChAD i 20 zdrowych osób kontrolnych (GK). Badanie neurologiczne wykonano za pomocą skal International Co-operative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) i Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES).

Wyniki

CI zaobserwowano u 12 pacjentów z SZ oraz 1 pacjenta z ChAD. Jednostronna egzoforia do bliży pojawiła się statystycznie częściej u pacjentów SZ niż u ChAD i GK, u której nie pojawił się wcale. Pacjenci z SZ prezentujący objaw uzyskali gorsze wyniki na podskalach dyzartrii i okoruchowej ICARS. Wyniki na skalach neurologicznych nie różnicowały pacjentów z ChAD i SZ.

Wnioski

CI może mieć związek z zaburzeniami sieci korowo-mostowo-móżdżkowej oraz struktur śródmózgowia. Jako jedyny objaw neurologiczny różnicował grupy SZ i ChAD, więc może być pomocny w diagnozie różnicowej.
Modern requirements of electroshock therapy
Authors: Hese Robert , Zyss Tomasz , Gorczyca Piotr
Published: January 2015

Elektrowstrząsy (EW) są nadal ważną metodą terapii w współczesnej psychiatrii klinicznej. W USA , Kanadzie, Australii, Wielkiej Brytanii oraz Niemczech i wielu innych krajach europejskich opracowano współczesne standardy stosowania EW. W Polsce takie zalecenia opracowano w 1998 roku, a więc 16 lat temu. Istnieją więc wskazania do ich zaktualizowania. Standardy obejmują liczne warunki, które winny być spełnione w celu bezpiecznego i skutecznego przeprowadzenia terapii EW. Niezbędne są również programy szkolenia personelu zaangażowanego w wykonywanie EW. Wśród standardów wymienia się ponadto warunki, które pozwalają osobom uczestniczącym w terapii EW uzyskać certyfikat do prowadzenia tych zabiegów. Następnym etapem byłoby uzyskanie akredytacji ośrodka do wykonywania EW. Standardy opracowane w naszym kraju nigdy nie zajmowały się dotąd procedurą certyfikacji i akredytacji.
Z wymienionych standardów najpilniejsze jest opracowanie obowiązującego w kraju formularza świadomej, pisemnej zgody na leczenie EW (informed consent). Formularz powinien obejmować sposób informowania pacjenta o istocie terapii EW i jej skuteczności oraz związanej z nią niebezpieczeństwami i potencjalnymi objawami niepożądanymi. stosownie do aktualnego stanu wiedzy, aby uzyskanie pisemnej zgody chorego na zastosowanie tej formy leczenia było zgodne z zasadami "Dobrej Praktyki Klinicznej". Prace nad opracowaniem takiego formularza mogłaby zainicjować Sekcja Psychiatrii Biologicznej PTP.
Aggregation Bias in Sponsored Search Data: The Curse and the Cure
Authors: Abhishek Vibhanshu , Hosanagar Kartik , Fader Peter S.
Published: January 2015

Recently there has been significant interest in studying consumer behavior in sponsored search advertising (SSA). Researchers have typically used daily data from search engines containing measures such as average bid, average ad position, total impressions, clicks, and cost for each keyword in the advertiser’s campaign. A variety of random utility models have been estimated using such data and the results have helped researchers explore the factors that drive consumer click and conversion propensities. However, virtually every analysis of this kind has ignored the intraday variation in ad position. We show that estimating random utility models on aggregated (daily) data without accounting for this variation will lead to systematically biased estimates. Specifically, the impact of ad position on click-through rate (CTR) is attenuated and the predicted CTR is higher than the actual CTR. We analytically demonstrate the existence of the bias and show the effect of the bias on the equilibrium of the SSA auction. Using a large data set from a major search engine, we measure the magnitude of bias and quantify the losses suffered by the search engine and an advertiser using aggregate data. The search engine revenue loss can be as high as 11% due to aggregation bias. We also present a few data summarization techniques that can be used by search engines to reduce or eliminate the bias.
Supply Management in Multiproduct Firms with Fixed Proportions Technology
Authors: Boyabatlı Onur
Published: January 2015

This paper studies the supply management of a primary input, where this input gives rise to multiple products in fixed proportions. My objective is twofold. First, I study fixed proportions technology under demand uncertainty in comparison with the flexible and dedicated technologies. I show that fixed proportions technology has a cost-pooling value over dedicated technology, which is larger than the capacity-pooling value of flexible technology over dedicated technology. I identify the critical role that demand correlation plays with the fixed proportions technology: in contrast to the capacity-pooling value, which decreases in demand correlation, the cost-pooling value increases in demand correlation. Second, focusing on the fixed proportions technology, I study supply management in the presence of contract and spot markets. I investigate how the optimal supply management strategy should respond to changing market uncertainties, and the differences in this response based on the contract type. I find that when the exercise price of the contract is high, a higher contract market dependence is the best response to the increasing demand correlation or spot price variability. However, a lower contract market dependence is the best response to the same when the exercise price is low. Managerially, these results are important because they imply that the supply management strategy adopted as a response to a change in the business environment should differ depending on the contract type. My results have implications about the new product strategy and the procurement contract choice of the processors in the agricultural industries.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Reviews DVD/Blu-ray
Authors: Adams Johnathan , Ebbs Dylan
Published: January 2015

Radical Realism: The Criterion Blu-ray Release of On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront (1954) USA Director Elia Kazan Runtime 108 minutes

Blu-ray 2013, USA Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

The Big Lebowski (1998) USA Director Joel Coen Runtime 118 minutes

DVD USA, 2005 Produced and Distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment (region 1)
Full texts in the Czech geographical bibliography database
Authors: Novotná Eva
Published: January 2015

Open access to the documents is one of the basic requirements of databases users. Czech Geographical Bibliography On-line provides access to 185,000 bibliographical records of Bohemical geographic and cartographic documents and to more than 30,000 full texts and objects. The access is provided through a connection from the permanent storage, the Digital University Repository or a URL address of the bibliographical record. The works in public domain can directly become accessible or it is necessary to conclude licence agreement with authors, their heirs or with the editors of periodicals. Full texts of 14 titles of professional periodicals, university thesis, employees´ monographs or anthologies and on-line publications are available. Digitised maps have been connected to the database since 2012. 5,500 of them are accessible from the database since the beginning of 2014. The database is an important source both for professionals and general public interested in geography and cartography.
Barcode based localization system in indoor environment
Authors: Ilkovičová Ľubica , Erdélyi Ján , Kopáčik Alojz
Published: January 2015

Nowadays, in the era of intelligent buildings, there is a need to create indoornavigation systems, what is steadily a challenge. QR (Quick Response) codesprovide accurate localization also in indoor environment, where other navigationtechniques (e.g. GPS) are not available. The paper deals with the issues of posi-tioning using QR codes, solved at the Department of Surveying, Faculty of CivilEngineering SUT in Bratislava. Operating principle of QR codes, description ofthe application for positioning in indoor environment based on OS Android forsmartphones are described.
Gambled Price Discounts: A Remedy to the Negative Side Effects of Regular Price Discounts
Authors: Alavi Sascha , Bornemann Torsten , Wieseke Jan
Published: January 2015

In the context of price discounts, a special type of price promotion, in which savings depend on the outcome of a gamble and are thus uncertain, has recently achieved some popularity. The question arises as to whether such gambled price discounts (GPDs) incur the negative reference price effect—that is, a downward shift in customers’ internal reference price (IRP)—which is often associated with regular price discounts (RPDs). From several studies, including two longitudinal field experiments, the authors find that GPDs indeed alleviate the negative reference price effect: IRPs and actual repurchasing tend to be lower for RPDs than for GPDs and a no-discount control condition. Moreover, the authors explore the psychological underpinnings of these effects and show that the different consequences of GPDs versus RPDs on IRPs are more pronounced if information regarding product quality is limited. The authors demonstrate that findings are robust to variations of GPD discount levels and the probability of winning.
A Comprehensive Typology of Ethnic Identities: Implications for Marketing and Public Policy
Authors: D'Rozario Denver , Yang Guang
Published: January 2015

Ethnic identity (EI) refers to a sense of camaraderie felt by most people, especially recent immigrants, with others in their ethnic group or with people in other groups. Although research in marketing and public policy has identified EI across various ethnic groups, little consistency exists across studies regarding terminology or theoretical explanations of EI. People under the influence of EI interact with marketers and public policy makers in a triad. Furthermore, each member of this triad can cause (positive or negative) implications for the other two. Beginning from established theory, the authors show that there are at least 12 distinct EIs. Although prior studies have identified these EIs, the authors differentiate all 12 and, using current, accepted theory, show how and why each arises. Finally, using several real-world examples, they show not only how each EI affects people, marketers, and public policy makers but also, and perhaps more importantly, how people, marketers, and public policy makers interact with one another in a triad, under the common influence of EI.
Consumption Restriction in a Total Control Institution: Participatory Action Research in a Maximum Security Prison
Authors: Hill Ronald Paul , Rapp Justine M. , Capella Michael L.
Published: January 2015

The marketing and public policy field has a long history of examining consumer decision making under conditions of abundance, but less effort has been dedicated to learning about restrictions to choice, especially as imposed by institutional forces. To help fill this gap in the literature, the authors offer an ethnographic investigation of a maximum security prison conducted over an 18-month period using participatory action research. This environment is a total control institution where depersonalization and commoditization of the 4,000 men in its charge regularly occur. The findings reveal a complex relationship between these processes and various psychological reactions and resulting behaviors that are acted out within and outside the prison's licit and illicit marketplaces. The article closes with a discussion of theoretical implications of consumer constraint and a presentation of public policy implications.
The one-dimensional heat equation in the Alexiewicz norm
Authors: Talvila Erik
Published: January 2015

A distribution on the real line has a continuous primitive integral if it is the distributional derivative of a function that is continuous on the extended real line. The space of distributions integrable in this sense is a Banach space that includes all functions integrable in the Lebesgue and Henstock–Kurzweil senses. The one-dimensional heat equation is considered with initial data that is integrable in the sense of the continuous primitive integral. Let Θ
The Impact of Public Insurance on Private Insurance Demand
Authors: Okura Mahito
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether private insurance is a normal good by examining the effects of public insurance. Also, this study investigates how the amount of public insurance premium affects to the private insurance demand. The main results of this study are as follows. First, the private insurance has a tendency to be a normal good whether the public insurance benefit is fixed to household income. Second, the degree of loading of public insurance and average probability of accident taking place, which are the components of public insurance premium, relates to the private insurance demand, but whether this relation is positive or negative is indeterminate unless private insurance is actuarially fair.
A new robust statistical model for interpretation of differences in serial test results from an individual
Authors: Braga Federica , Ferraro Simona , Ieva Francesca , Paganoni Anna , Panteghini Mauro
Published: January 2015

Population-based reference intervals have very limited value for the interpretation of laboratory results when analytes display high biological individuality. In these cases, the longitudinal evaluation of individual results using the reference change value (RCV) is the recommended approach. However, the traditional model for RCV calculation requires a Gaussian frequency distribution of data and risks to overestimate the parameter if a correlation between within-subject serial measurements is present.

We propose and validate an alternative non-parametric statistical model for interpretation of differences in serial results from an individual, overcoming data distribution and correlation issues.

After describing the traditional and newly proposed statistical models, we compared them with each other using a simulation on three specific analytes displaying different concentration distributions in biological setting. We demonstrated that when analyte concentrations followed a Gaussian frequency distribution, as in the case of glycated hemoglobin, both methods can be used equally. On the contrary, if analyte concentrations present a bimodal (e.g., chromogranin A) or skewed (e.g., C-reactive protein) distribution, the information obtained by two statistical methods is different.

The proposed statistical approach may be more appropriate in assessing difference between serial measurements when individual data are not normally distributed.
Urinary miR-183 and miR-205 do not surpass PCA3 in urine as predictive markers for prostate biopsy outcome despite their highly dysregulated expression in prostate cancer tissue
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Jung Monika , Rabenhorst Silke , Kilic Ergin , Jung Klaus
Published: January 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have shown to be promising novel biomarkers in various cancers. We aimed to translate the results of an own previous tissue-based miRNA profile of prostate carcinoma (PCa) with upregulated miR-183 and downregulated miR-205 into a urine-based testing procedure for diagnosis of PCa.

Urine sediments were prepared from urine samples collected after a standardized digital-rectal examination (DRE) of patients undergoing prostate biopsy with PSA (prostate-specific antigen) values <20 μg/L in consecutive order. According to the sample-size calculation (α=0.05, power=0.95), 38 patients each with PCa and without PCa were randomly enrolled in this study. PCA3 (prostate cancer associated 3) in urine as Food and Drug Administration-approved assay was determined as reference standard for comparison. The miRNAs were measured by RT-qPCR using TaqMan assays and normalized using different approaches.

Both miRNAs were correlated to the mRNA PSA concentrations in the sediments indicating a relationship to the released prostate cells after DRE. However, they had no discriminating capacity between patients with and without PCa. In contrast, PCA3 clearly differentiated between these two patients groups. There was also no significant correlation between miRNAs and standard clinicopathologic variables like Gleason score and serum PSA.

The data of our study show that miR-183 and miR-205 failed to detect early and aggressive PCa despite their highly dysregulated expression in cancer tissue. Our results and the critical evaluation of the few data of other studies raise serious doubts concerning the capability of urinary miRNAs to replace or improve PCA3 as predictive marker for prostate biopsy outcome.
Electrochemical corrosion testing and characterization of potential assisted passive layer on HVOF Inconel 625 coating
Authors: Niaz Akbar , Bakare Mayowa Sunday
Published: January 2015

High velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) spraying process is commonly used to produce superalloy coatings. The coating of engineering components is required to increase the service life and to obtain a combination of properties that are not possible from wrought alloys. The major shortcoming of the HVOF spraying process is that it produces heterogeneities in the coating microstructure. These heterogeneities may cause initiation and progression of the corrosion, causing the malfunction of engineering components. In this study, corrosion testing of the HVOF-sprayed Inconel 625 coating was carried out by direct current polarization and alternating current impedance spectroscopy to see how microstructural heterogeneities contribute in changing electrochemical response. Furthermore, the air-formed and potentiostatically grown passive oxide layers were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study oxide growth as a function of applied potential. The bulk Inconel 625 was used as a reference alloy to compare the experimental results of HVOF coating. It is established from our results that the oxide layer formed on bulk alloy is uniform as compared with the one formed at HVOF-sprayed coating samples. The passive current density for the bulk alloy sample was 3.61±0.51 and 34.26± 8.34 μA cm-2 for the coated sample. The charge transfer resistance for bulk sample was 1.80×104 and 1.70×103 Ω cm-2 for the coated sample after passivation. The analysis of the passive layer by XPS also revealed that the oxide layer on bulk alloy is more consistent and protective than coating.
Minimality via second variation for microphase separation of diblock copolymer melts
Authors: Julin Vesa , Pisante Giovanni
Published: January 2015

We consider a non-local isoperimetric problem arising as the sharp interface limit of the Ohta–Kawasaki free energy introduced to model microphase separation of diblock copolymers. We perform a second order variational analysis that allows us to provide a quantitative second order minimality condition. We show that critical configurations with positive second variation are indeed strict local minimizers of the problem. Moreover, we provide, via a suitable quantitative inequality of isoperimetric type, an estimate of the deviation from minimality for configurations close to the minimum in theL1{L^{1}}-topology.
Optimal Beamforming and Performance Analysis of Wireless Relay Networks with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Ouyang Jian , Lin Min
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we investigate a wireless communication system employing a multi-antenna unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as the relay to improve the connectivity between the base station (BS) and the receive node (RN), where the BS–UAV link undergoes the correlated Rician fading while the UAV–RN link follows the correlated Rayleigh fading with large scale path loss. By assuming that the amplify-and-forward (AF) protocol is adopted at UAV, we first propose an optimal beamforming (BF) scheme to maximize the mutual information of the UAV-assisted dual-hop relay network, by calculating the BF weight vectors and the power allocation coefficient. Then, we derive the analytical expressions for the outage probability (OP) and the ergodic capacity (EC) of the relay network to evaluate the system performance conveniently. Finally, computer simulation results are provided to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed scheme as well as the performance analysis.
An Adaptive Cooperative Strategy for Underlay MIMO Cognitive Radio Networks: An Opportunistic and Low-Complexity Approach
Authors: Mazoochi M. , Pourmina M. A. , Bakhshi H.
Published: January 2015

The core aim of this work is the maximization of the achievable data rate of the secondary user pairs (SU pairs), while ensuring the QoS of primary users (PUs). All users are assumed to be equipped with multiple antennas. It is assumed that when PUs are present, the direct communications between SU pairs introduces intolerable interference to PUs and thereby SUs transmit signal using the cooperation of other SUs and avoid transmitting in the direct channel. In brief, an adaptive cooperative strategy for multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) cognitive radio networks is proposed. At the presence of PUs, the issue of joint relay selection and power allocation in Underlay MIMO Cooperative Cognitive Radio Networks (U-MIMO-CCRN) is addressed. The optimal approach for determining the power allocation and the cooperating SU is proposed. Besides, the outage probability of the proposed communication protocol is further derived. Due to high complexity of the optimal approach, a low-complexity approach is further proposed and its performance is evaluated using simulations. The simulation results reveal that the performance loss due to the low-complexity approach is only about 14%, while the complexity is greatly reduced.
Thiol switches in mitochondria: operation and physiological relevance
Authors: Riemer Jan , Schwarzländer Markus , Conrad Marcus , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: January 2015

Mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell, particularly of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. A number of dedicated enzymes regulate the conversion and consumption of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in the intermembrane space and the matrix of mitochondria. Nevertheless, hydrogen peroxide can also interact with many other mitochondrial enzymes, particularly those with reactive cysteine residues, modulating their reactivity in accordance with changes in redox conditions. In this review we will describe the general redox systems in mitochondria of animals, fungi and plants and discuss potential target proteins that were proposed to contain regulatory thiol switches.
An optimal regularization method for convolution equations on the sourcewise represented set
Authors: Zhang Ye , Lukyanenko Dmitry V. , Yagola Anatoly G.
Published: January 2015

In this article, we consider an inverse problem for the integral equation of the convolution type in a multidimensional case. This problem is severely ill-posed. To deal with this problem, using a priori information (sourcewise representation) based on optimal recovery theory we propose a new method. The regularization and optimization properties of this method are proved. An optimal minimal a priori error of the problem is found. Moreover, a so-called optimal regularized approximate solution and its corresponding error estimation are considered. Efficiency and applicability of this method are demonstrated in a numerical example of the image deblurring problem with noisy data.
Electrical properties of hydroxyapatite
Authors: Tofail Syed Ansar M. , Gandhi Abbasi A. , Gregor Maros , Bauer Joanna
Published: January 2015

Despite being one of the mostly studied biomaterials for orthopedic, dental, protein purification and stem cell applications, electrical properties of hydroxyapatite has received only limited attention. Since the prediction in 2005 of the possibility of piezo and pyroelectricity in hydroxyapatite several theoretical and experimental works in this field may lead to new understandings of electrical behaviors of calcified tissues in vertebrates. Also, the ability of creating discrete electrostatic domains on nanocrystalline films of hydroxyapatite will open the possibility of understanding how surface charge influences biological interactions. The outlook for future endeavours in this field will be discussed.
Preparation and characterization emulsion of PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite and its application as anticorrosive coating
Authors: Khademian Mohsen , Eisazadeh Hossein
Published: January 2015

Emulsion nanoparticles of polyaniline (PANI) were synthesized in the aqueous media by using hydroxylpropylcellulose (HPC) as a stabilizer and ammonium persulfate as an oxidant in the presence of TiO2 with nanometer size. New poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) coating over carbon steel was prepared by addition of emulsion nanoparticles in different concentrations (1%, 2% and 1.5%) in PVAc as the major matrix. The Tafel plot records were used for the definition of potential and corrosion current (Icorr). Nanoparticles were characterized and compared by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By adding TiO2, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite increased. A small size of colloidal particles prevented the precipitation of conducting polymer particles and led to better dispersion of nanocomposites in the matrix of the PVAc binder; therefore, the paint was homogeneous and anticorrosion properties of the coating increased. According to the results, 1.5% of PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite in PVAc has a much lower Icorr in NaCl aqueous solution and 2% of PANI-TiO2 nanocomposite in PVAc has the best corrosion protection in HCl.
Eine Heuristik zur effizienten Bayes'schen Optimierung einer multispektralen Kamera
Authors: Taphanel Miro , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: January 2015

Eine multispektrale Kamera ist charakterisiert durch die spektralen
Empfindlichkeiten der einzelnen Kamerakanäle. In diesem Artikel werden
diese spektralen Empfindlichkeiten für eine messtechnische
Aufgabenstellung optimiert. Die betrachtete multispektrale Kamera wird
zur Schätzung der Wellenlänge von annähernd monochromatischem Licht
eingesetzt. Ziel der Optimierung ist eine Reduzierung der
Messunsicherheit dieser Schätzung. Dazu wird die Bayes'sche
Optimierungsmethodik angewandt und eine Heuristik zur effizienten
numerischen Lösung für eines der beinhalteten nichtlinearen Integrale
vorgestellt.
Research and development—where people are exposed to nanomaterials
Authors: Imhof Chantal , Clark Katherine , Meyer Thierry , Schmid Kaspar , Riediker Michael
Published: January 2015

Research and development—where people are exposed to nanomaterials: Chantal IMHOF, et al. Institute for Work and Health, Universities of Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland

Objective

Many nanomaterials (materials with structures smaller than 100 nm) have chemical, physical and bioactive characteristics of interest for novel applications. Considerable research efforts have been launched in this field. This study aimed to study exposure scenarios commonly encountered in research settings.

Methods

We studied one of the leading Swiss universities and first identified all research units dealing with nanomaterials. After a preliminary evaluation of quantities and process types used, a detailed analysis was conducted in units where more than a few micrograms were used per week.

Results

In the investigated laboratories, background levels were usually low and in the range of a few thousand particles per cubic centimeter. Powder applications resulted in concentrations of 10,000 to 100,000 particles/cm3 when measured inside fume hoods, but there were no or mostly minimal increases in the breathing zone of researchers. Mostly low exposures were observed for activities involving liquid applications. However, centrifugation and lyophilization of nanoparticle‐containing solutions resulted in high particle number levels (up to 300,000 particles/cm3) in work spaces where researchers did not always wear respiratory protection. No significant increases were found for processes involving nanoparticles bound to surfaces, nor were they found in laboratories that were visualizing properties and structure of small amounts of nanomaterials.

Conclusions

Research activities in modern laboratories equipped with control techniques were associated with minimal releases of nanomaterials into the working space. However, the focus should not only be on processes involving nanopowders but should also be on processes involving nanoparticle‐containing liquids, especially if the work involves physical agitation, aerosolization or drying of the liquids.
Morphine or Ibuprofen for Post-Tonsillectomy Analgesia: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Kelly Lauren E. , Sommer Doron D. , Ramakrishna Jayant , Hoffbauer Stephanie , Arbab-tafti Sadaf , Reid Diane , Maclean Jonathan , Koren Gideon
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric sleep disordered breathing is often caused by hypertrophy of the tonsils and is commonly managed by tonsillectomy. There is controversy regarding which postsurgical analgesic agents are safe and efficacious.

METHODS:

This prospective randomized clinical trial recruited children who had sleep disordered breathing who were scheduled for tonsillectomy +/− adenoid removal. Parents were provided with a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation and apnea events the night before and the night after surgery. Children were randomized to receive acetaminophen with either 0.2–0.5 mg/kg oral morphine or 10 mg/kg of oral ibuprofen. The Objective Pain Scale and Faces Scale were used to assess effectiveness on postoperative day 1 and day 5. The primary endpoint was changes in respiratory parameters during sleep.

RESULTS:

A total of 91 children aged 1 to 10 years were randomized. On the first postoperative night, with respect to oxygen desaturations, 86% of children did not show improvement in the morphine group, whereas 68% of ibuprofen patients did show improvement (14% vs 68%; P < .01). The number of desaturation events increased substantially in the morphine group, with an average increase of 11.17 ± 15.02 desaturation events per hour (P < .01). There were no differences seen in analgesic effectiveness, tonsillar bleeding, or adverse drug reactions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ibuprofen in combination with acetaminophen provides safe and effective analgesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Post-tonsillectomy morphine use should be limited, as it may be unsafe in certain children.
Potential Effect of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent Labeling on Parent Fast Food Decisions
Authors: Viera Anthony J. , Antonelli Ray
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVES:

Menu labels displaying food energy in physical activity calorie equivalents (PACE) is a possible strategy to encourage ordering meals with fewer calories and promoting physical activity. Potential effects of such labeling for children have never been examined.

METHODS:

We conducted a national survey of 1000 parents randomized to 1 of 4 fast food menus: no labels, calories only, calories plus minutes, or calories plus miles needed to walk to burn the calories. Respondents were asked to imagine they were in a fast food restaurant and place an order for their child. At the survey’s conclusion, all respondents were shown a calorie-only label and both PACE labels and asked to rate the likelihood each label would influence them to encourage their child to exercise.

RESULTS:

We excluded respondents whose meals totaled 0 calories or >4000 calories, leaving 823 parents in the analysis. The mean age of the child for whom the meal was “ordered” was 9.5 years. Parents whose menus displayed no label ordered an average of 1294 calories, whereas those shown calories only, calories plus minutes, or calories plus miles ordered 1066, 1060, and 1099 calories, respectively (P = .0001). Only 20% of parents reported that calories-only labeling would be “very likely” to prompt them to encourage their children to exercise versus 38% for calories plus minutes (P < .0001) and 37% for calories plus miles (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

PACE labeling may influence parents’ decisions on what fast food items to order for their children and encourage them to get their children to exercise.
NEUROTROPIC PEPTID CALLED SELANK WITH ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY AGAINST HUMAN AND BIRD INFLUENZA AND HERPES VIRUS INFECTIONS
Authors: Mezentseva M. V. , Andreeva L. A. , Podcherniaeva R. Ya. , Isaeva E. I. , Shapoval I. M. , Scherbenko V. E. , Myasoedov N. F.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The antiviral action of Selank which is the neurotropic and psychotropic peptide has been studied. Antiviral characteristics of Selank were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo against influenza virus strain H3N2 and H5N1 and Herpes virus 1, 2 types. It was shown that Selank may have the prophylactic effect during influenza infection and therapeutic effect during herpes virus infection.
THE RUBELLA VIRUS AND ITS TERATOGENIC ACTION. PATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSTICS, PREVENTION OF CONGENITAL RUBELLA SYNDROME (CRS). Part 3. Diagnostics and prevention of CRS
Authors: Antipova A. J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In the third part of the review different methods of diagnostics of postnatal and congenital rubella as well as surveillance tactics and infection control are discussed.
THE DYNAMICS OF TITERS CHANGES OF SPECIFIC IMMUNOGLOBULINS TO HBsAg IN SERUM AND YOLK OF QUAIL EGGS IN CASE OF USING OF DIFFERENT PREPARATION FOR IMMUNIZATION
Authors: Sboychakov V. B. , Borisenko S. V. , Sokurova A. M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The special study to find a more cost-effective source of immunodiagnostic products was conducted. Determination of titers of specific immunoglobulins to HBsAg in serum and egg yolk of quail using different preparation for immunization showed that the most effective mode is immunization of quail by the HBsAg adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide and injected into reverse emulsion «water–oil».
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 1999–2009
Authors: Mukomolov S. L. , Levakova I. A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The information concerning incidence, prevalence and morbidity of chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) in the territories of the Russian Federation for the period 1999–2009 is presented in the analytical review. The special attention is paid to multiyear dynamics of CVH registration, to diseases distribution by the Federal areas and separate territories as well as to CVH incidence in different age groups.
HIV-INFECTION IN THE NORTH-WESTERN FEDERAL REGION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 2009
Authors: Smolskaya T. T. , Ogurtsova S. V.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In the current review the results of HIV surveillance in 11 administrative territories of the North-western federal region of the Russian Federation (NWFR) in 2009 are summarized. The analysis of epidemic process is based on the data of HIV cases detected in the administrative territories of the NWFR by serological screening and registered in the state reporting forms.
CYTOKINES AS MARKERS OF THE INFILTRATIVE PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Mezentseva M. V. , Stakhanov V. A. , Zakharova M. V. , Zotova I. F. , Tregubova M. I. , Shapoval I. M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Many parts of immune system are involved in interaction of M. tuberculosis and human organism. There are some publications concerning significance of interferon and other cytokines in lung tuberculosis. Our research group investigated condition of interferon and cytokines systems in patients with firstly detected infiltrative lung tuberculosis. The results of this study have shown direct links between clinical and immunological efficacy of the complex treatment of such patients. The active expression of IL-6 gene correlates with slow dynamics of lung infiltrate resolution and long saving of patient’s complaint for respiratory tract symptoms during the treatment. The expression of IL-12 gene linked to small volume of infiltrates in lung tissue before treatment whereas expression of IL-1β gene correlates with decrease of intoxication time and respiratory symptoms in patients during therapy. The knowledge about violation in cytokine regulation parts is absolutely necessary to determine dynamics of diseases development and treatment efficacy as well as to use immunotherapy.
SAPOSIN-LIKE PROTEINS IN ANTI-INFECTIOUS IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: Yeremeev V. V. , Apt A. S.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Besides the multiple hydrolytic enzymes, lysosomes are equipped with proteins apt to activate sphyngo-lipids — saposins (SAP). SAP belong to a broad and diverse family of moderate-size (~80 AA) saposin-like proteins (SAPLIP) containing specific domains with three disulfid e bonds bridging six cysteine residues. The diversity of SAPLIPS is likely explained by their involvement in distinct phases of engulfed bacteria digesting. Functionally similar SAPLIP were identified in a wide range of species — from amoeba to mammals, including humans. Saposins per se form a subfamily with six members: saposins A-D and the protein GM2 which possesses activatory functions. SAP do not have enzymatic activity, are heat-stable and protease resistant. The major in vivo function of SAP is released via participation in sphyngolipid catabolism and membrane digestion. In addition, complex association of SAP with membrane bi-layer and CD1 glycolipids is essential for loading lipid antigens onto antigen-presenting CD1 molecules for subsequent activation of lipid-specific T-cells. Of particular interest is participation of SAP in cross-presentation of bacterial antigens to CD8+ T-cells. A broad spectrum of SAP and SAPLIP involvement in the reactions of innate and adaptive immunity indicates their evolutionary conserved role in host defense.