bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The human iron exporter ferroportin. Insight into the transport mechanism by molecular modeling
Authors: Tortosa Valentina , di Patti Maria Carmela Bonaccorsi , Musci Giovanni , Polticelli Fabio
Published: December 2015

Ferroportin, a membrane protein belonging to the major facilitator superfamily of transporters, is the only vertebrate iron exporter known so far. Several ferroportin mutations lead to the so-called ferroportin disease or type 4 hemochromatosis, characterized by two distinct iron accumulation phenotypes depending on whether the mutation affects the activity of the protein or its degradation pathway. Through extensive molecular modeling analyses using the structure of all known major facilitator superfamily members as templates, multiple structural models of ferroportin in the three mechanistically relevant conformations (inward open, occluded, and outward open) have been obtained. The best models, selected on the ground of experimental data available on wild-type and mutant ferroportion, provide for the first time a prediction at the atomic level of the dynamics of the transporter. Based on these results, a possible mechanism for iron export is proposed.
Why Basic Income’s Emancipatory Value Exceeds Its Monetary Value
Authors: Standing Guy
Published: December 2015

This article argues that the emancipatory value of a basic income is greater than its monetary value, drawing on the results of a large-scale basic income scheme conducted in the Indian State of Madhya Pradesh between 2010 and 2013. The scheme was evaluated by comparing households in villages where everyone received a small cash payment each month with households in similar villages where no one did. The evaluation results showed much stronger than anticipated benefits of a very modest basic income, equivalent to about a third of subsistence. It is argued here that this arises because cash payments alleviate the contrived scarcity of money itself, a cause of chronic indebtedness and impoverishment. Using data and illustrative case studies on debt, savings and financial inclusion, the article demonstrates how a basic income improves economic security beyond its monetary value, which can be termed its emancipatory value. It further concludes that a basic income would have an emancipatory effect for the growing precariat around the world.
A multi-level method of support for management of product flow through supply chains
Authors: Magiera M.
Published: December 2015

The paper presents a three-level method used to support the management of product flow through supply chain links (e.g. production lines) and between these links: suppliers and recipients of products of various types.The supply chain includes both producers of components (suppliers) and recipients of these components, which are used for the production of complex goods. The method is dedicated to the development of schedules of product flows through particular production plants (links in supply chains) and between individual plants. Each module of the developed system refers to a separate production plant. The organization of product flow through production lines covers different types of production routes and different configurations of production systems. At the first level of the method, preliminary production schedules are developed for each plant within the supply chain. The second level of the method is dedicated to the development of delivery schedules of components and semi-finished products to these plants. The determined delivery times of components to the individual production plants constitute data for the third level of the method. At this lowest level, detailed schedules of product flow through production lines with the producers of complex goods are developed. Linear mathematical models have been built for each level of the method. In the developed method, optimization take place in the developed method in the scale of the entire supply chain (cost reduction), as well as in the scale of its links (production lines for which manufacturing schedules are built with various criteria taken into consideration). The computational experiments used for verification of the method have been included.
Influence of fracture-matrix interaction on thermal front movement in fractured reservoir
Authors: Siemek J. , Stopa J.
Published: December 2015

Commercial exploitation of geothermal resources requires the disposal of large volumes of cooled brine in an environmentally acceptable way. Reinjection of cooled (i.e. spent) geothermal water has become a standard reservoir management strategy. Since injected fluids are typically much colder than the reservoir rock, this strategy results in the cooling of the region around the injection wells. Injected cool water may not have sufficient residence time in the reservoir to receive enough heat from surrounding hotter rock, resulting in temperature decrease at producing wells. Usually, the energy transport in geothermal reservoirs is calculated by use of sophisticated numerical simulators. In this paper we present analytical solution of simplified model of mass and heat transfer in fractured porous medium in one dimension, assuming constant rock temperature and neglecting small-scale effect connected with dispersion and heat conduction. The solution presented in this paper is applicable if thermal capacity of rock is high but the specific area is not sufficient for instant thermal equilibrium. This approach allows for better understanding the relation between fluid movement along the fractures and heat transfer between the rock matrix and fluid. Simple numerical experiments reported in the paper have shown the importance of specific surface area of naturally fractured rock, which influences the rate of exchange of heat between the fractures and the rock matrix.
A robust predictive actuator fault-tolerant control scheme for Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems
Authors: Witczak P. , Witczak M. , Korbicz J. , Aubrun Ch.
Published: December 2015

The paper deals with the problem of robust predictive fault-tolerant control for nonlinear discrete-time systems described by the Takagi-Sugeno models. The proposed approach is based on a triple stage procedure, i.e. it starts from fault estimation while the fault is compensated with a robust controller. The robust controller is designed without taking into account the input constraints related with the actuator saturation that may change due to its faulty behaviour. Thus, to check the compensation feasibility, the robust invariant set is developed, which takes into account the input constraints. If the current state does not belong to the robust invariant set, then suitable predictive control actions are performed in order to enhance the invariant set. This appealing phenomenon makes it possible to enlarge the domain of attraction, which makes the proposed approach an efficient solution for the fault-tolerant control. The final part of the paper shows an illustrative example regarding the application of the proposed approach to the twin-rotor system.
Assessment of Steel Reinforcement Corrosion State by Parameters of Potentiodynamic Diagrams
Authors: Krajči Ľudovít , Jerga Ján
Published: December 2015

The environment of the steel reinforcement has a significant impact on the durability and service life of a concrete structure. It is not only the presence of aggressive substances from the environment, but also the own composition of concrete mixture. The use of new types of cements, additives and admixtures must be preceded by verification, if they themselves shall not initiate the corrosion. There is a need for closer physical expression of the parameters of the potentiodynamic diagrams allowing reliable assessment of the influence of the surrounding environment on electrochemical behaviour of reinforcement. The analysis of zero retardation limits of potentiodynamic curves is presented.
Deformation Parameters and Fatigue of the Recycled Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Šrámek Juraj
Published: December 2015

The deformational properties of asphalt mixtures measured by dynamic methods and fatigue allow a design the road to suit the expected traffic load. Quality of mixtures is also expressed by the resistance to permanent deformation. Complex modulus of stiffness and fatigue can reliably characterize the proposed mixture of asphalt pavement. The complex modulus (E*) measurement of asphalt mixtures are carried out in laboratory of Department of Construction Management at University of Žilina by two-point bending test method on trapezoid-shaped samples. Today, the fatigue is verified on trapezoid-shaped samples and is assessed by proportional strain at 1 million cycles (ε6). The test equipment and software is used to evaluate fatigue and deformation characteristics.
Stiffness of Carpentry Connections – Numerical Modelling vs. Experimental Test
Authors: Kekeliak Miloš , Gocál Jozef , Vičan Josef
Published: December 2015

In this paper, numerical modelling of the traditional carpentry connection with mortise and tenon is presented. Numerical modelling is focused on its stiffness and the results are compared to results of experimental tests carried out by (Feio, 2005) [6]. To consider soft behaviour of wood in carpentry connections, which are related to its surface roughness and geometrical accuracy of the contact surfaces, the characteristics of the normal contact stiffness, determined experimentally, are introduced in the numerical model. Parametric study by means of numerical modelling with regard to the sensitivity of connection stiffness to contact stiffness is presented. Based on the study results, in conclusion there are presented relevant differences between the results of numerical modelling and experimental tests (Feio, 2005) [6].
CPT Profiling and Laboratory Data Correlations for Deriving of Selected Geotechnical Parameter
Authors: Bulko Roman , Drusa Marián , Vlček Jozef , Mečár Martin
Published: December 2015

Currently, can be seen a new trend in engineering geological survey, where laboratory analysis are replaced by in situ testing methods, which are more efficient and cost effective, and time saving too. A regular engineering geological survey cannot be provided by simple core drillings, macroscopic description (sometimes very subjective), and then geotechnical parameters are established based on indicative standardized values or archive values from previous geotechnical standards. The engineering geological survey is trustworthy if is composed of laboratory and in-situ testing supplemented by indirect methods of testing, [1]. The prevalence of rotary core drilling for obtaining laboratory soil samples from various depths (every 1 to 3 m), cannot be a more enhanced as continues evaluation of strata and properties e.g. by CPT Piezocone (every 1 cm). Core drillings survey generally uses small amounts of soil samples, but this is resulting to a lower representation of the subsoil and underestimation of parameters. Higher amounts of soil samples make laboratory testing time-consuming and results from this testing can be influenced by the storage and processing of the soil samples. Preference for geotechnical surveys with in situ testing is therefore a more suitable option. In situ testing using static and dynamic penetration tests can be used as a supplement or as a replacement for the (traditional) methods of surveying.
Towards a Process Calculus for Rest: Current State of the Art
Authors: Dwornikowski Dariusz , Stroiński Andrzej , Brzeziński Jerzy
Published: December 2015

SOA is a popular paradigm for building distributed systems that has gained a great recognition over past years. There are two main approaches to implementing SOA: SOAP-based and RESTful Web services. In order to address problems of modeling and verification of Web services, several process calculi have been proposed for SOAP-based Web services but none for the RESTful Web services based systems. This article is a comparative survey on existing process calculi for SOA systems, also the existing attempts to formalize REST systems are discussed. The aim of the article is to see how process calculi for SOAP-based systems deal with different aspects of their modeling domain, and whether their approaches can be used to model RESTful and ROA systems. Finally, basing on the survey, requirements for a new process calculus specific for REST are defined.
The evaluation of the tourist capacity in the Roztoczański National Park
Authors: Janeczko Emilia , Gucma Magdalena
Published: December 2015

The article presents the methodological assumptions and the results of the assessment of the capacities of Roztoczański Park Narodowy (RPN). Evaluation was a result of the capacity of hiking trails and educational paths and capacity of the surface of recreational facilities located in the RPN. Measure of capacity assessment of recreational trails was their length, average speed of movement the user, the nature of tourism (individual tourists and groups) and living life paths. Results of the research can serve as a basis for identifying principles of tourism and recreational use of RPN.
Opportunities for New Catalysts in the Present Confusing Scene in Renewable Energy
Authors: Meurig Thomas John
Published: December 2015

After a brief review of the conflicting statements made recently concerning the time it will take for the energy and chemical industries to prosper using only renewable sources, an account is given of three distinct new ways in which the current super-abundance of available CO2 may be used as feedstock for important new reactions. In particular, attention is focused on the recent work (2015) of Sastre et al., Ozin et al. and Kanan et al.
Transient Velocity And Steady State Entropy Generation In A Microfluidic Couette Flow Containing Charged Nano Particles
Authors: Gorla R.S.R. , Gireesha B.J.
Published: December 2015

An analysis has been provided to determine the transient velocity and steady state entropy generation in a microfluidic Couette flow influenced by electro-kinetic effect of charged nanoparticles. The equation for calculating the Couette flow velocity profile is derived for transient flow. The solutions for momentum and energy equations are used to get the exact solution for the dimensionless velocity ratio and dimensionless entropy generation number. The effects of the dimensionless entropy generation number, Bejan number, irreversibility ratio, entropy generation due to fluid friction and due to heat transfer on dimensionless time, relative channel height, Brinkman number, dimensionless temperature ratio, nanoparticle volume fraction are analyzed.
The Effect Of Randomness On The Stability Of Capillary Gravity Waves In The Presence Of Air Flowing Over Water
Authors: Majumder D.P. , Dhar A.K.
Published: December 2015

A nonlinear spectral transport equation for the narrow band Gaussian random surface wave trains is derived from a fourth order nonlinear evolution equation, which is a good starting point for the study of nonlinear water waves. The effect of randomness on the stability of deep water capillary gravity waves in the presence of air flowing over water is investigated. The stability is then considered for an initial homogenous wave spectrum having a simple normal form to small oblique long wave length perturbations for a range of spectral widths. An expression for the growth rate of instability is obtained; in which a higher order contribution comes from the fourth order term in the evolution equation, which is responsible for wave induced mean flow. This higher order contribution produces a decrease in the growth rate. The growth rate of instability is found to decrease with the increase of spectral width and the instability disappears if the spectral width increases beyond a certain critical value, which is not influenced by the fourth order term in the evolution equation.
Conditions Of Stability Loss During The Test Of Hydraulic Forming Of Drawpieces
Authors: Śloderbach Z.
Published: December 2015

The paper contains two parts. In the first part, basic relationships were derived and some problems connected with stability loss during hydraulic forming of round metallic drawpieces with liquid pressure were discussed. The aim of the considerations is to test drawability of sheets by estimation of acceptable values of plastic strains and the corresponding heights of spherical shells. The analysis was based on some selected real conditions of stability loss. The influence of the coefficient of material hardening for the drawpiece, the coefficient of normal anisotropy and coefficients of plane anisotropy on acceptable values of plastic strains and heights of the formed drawpieces corresponding to the given condition of stability loss was also tested.
Toxicological studies of aqueous extract of Acacia nilotica root
Authors: Alli Lukman Adewale , Adesokan Abdulfatai Ayoade , Salawu Oluwakanyinsola Adeola , Akanji Musbau Adewunmi
Published: December 2015

Acacia nilotica is a widely used plant in traditional medical practice in Northern Nigeria and many African countries. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicological effects of a single dose (acute) and of repeated doses (sub-acute) administration of aqueous extract of A. nilotica root in rodents, following our earlier study on antiplasmodial activity. In the acute toxicity test, three groups of Swiss albino mice were orally administered aqueous extract of A. nilotica (50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight) and signs of toxicity were observed daily for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, four groups of 12 rats (6 male and 6 female) were used. Group 1 received 10 ml/kg b.w distilled water (control), while groups 2, 3 and 4 received 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w of the extract, respectively, for 28 consecutive days by oral gavage. Signs of toxicity/mortality, food and water intake and body weight changes were observed. Biochemical parameters were analysed in both plasma and liver homogenate. In the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, the extract did not cause mortality. A significant reduction in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase was observed at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w, while alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly higher than control values at 500 mg/kg b.w. The aqueous extract of A. nilotica was found to be safe in single dose administration in mice but repeated administration of doses higher than 250 mg/kg b.w of the extract for 28 days in rats may cause hepatotoxicity.
Probit analysis of comparative assays on toxicities of lead chloride and lead acetate to in vitro cultured human umbilical cord blood lymphocytes
Authors: Patnaik Rajashree , Padhy Rabindra N.
Published: December 2015

This work describes that cytotoxicity of lead chloride and lead acetate to in vitro cultured lymphocytes from human umbilical cord blood, using four monitoring methods namely, trypan blue staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl] 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and neutral red uptake assays; lead genotoxicity to lymphocytes was monitored by comet assay. The MIC value in each method was invariably 300 mg/L for PbCl2. Lethal concentration25 (LC25) values were almost in an agreeable range: 691.83 to 831.76 mg/L; LC50 values in each method were almost in the range: 1174.9 to 1348.9 mg/L; LC100 values were in the range: 3000 to 3300 mg/L, for lead chloride. Similarly, The MIC value in each method were invariably 150 mg/L; LC25 values were almost in the range: 295.12 to 371.53 mg/L; LC50 values were in the range: 501.18 to 588.84 mg/L; LC100 value was 1500 mg/L in all assays, for lead acetate. The comet assay also indicated that the LC100 values were 3300 mg/L lead chloride and 1500 mg/L lead acetate. Thus, both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were recorded at 3300 mg/L lead chloride and 1500 mg/L lead acetate with lymphocytes.
Effects Of Ferulic Acid On Exploratory Behavior And Locomotor Activity In Rats
Authors: Valcheva-Kuzmanova Stefka , Georgieva Antoaneta B. , Belcheva Stiliana P. , Tashev Roman E.
Published: December 2015

Ferulic acid (FA), called also hydroxycinnamic acid, is a polyphenol compound found in many foods such as coffee, apples, rice, oats and wheat. It acts as an antioxidant but its other activities in vivo have not been well studied as a whole. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of FA on exploratory behavior and locomotor activity in male Wistar rats. FA was administrated orally (20 mg/kg) to different groups of rats for 7, 14, 21 and 30 days. These groups were compared respectively with saline-treated controls. At the end of each experimental period, the changes in exploratory behavior and locomotor activity were recorded in an Opto Varimex apparatus (Columbus Instruments, USA). The number of horizontal and vertical movements recorded every minute for the first 5 min served as a measure of exploratory activity and habituation to the new environment. The total number of movements during the first 5 min and during the whole 10-min period of observation was used as a measure of locomotor activity. It was found that FA at all doses for all treatment periods did not significantly affect exploratory behavior and locomotor activity of rats, when compared with the saline-treated controls. At all testing periods, FA did not disturb habituation. As habituation is considered an elementary form of learning, the present study suggested that FA did not disturb the memory and learning processes in rats.
Risk Sexual Behaviour In Students Aged 12-18
Authors: Tzvetanova Nevena V. , Simeonova Joana I. , Tzvetanova Yanka I.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to identify risk sexual behavior in students aged 12-18 in Veliko Turnovo region. A cross-sectional study was carried-out in 2014. Three hundred and ten students attending seven schools filled in a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included 48 questions, sixteen of which collected information about sexual behaviour, regarding contraception, casual sex with different partners, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), hygiene after sex, etc. The data were processed with SPSS.v.19. Parametric and non-parametric statistical methods were applied. Over 50% of the students reported being sexually active, most of them since they turned 16. Almost half of the respondents had had casual sexual partners and 46 percent had had sex within a week after initiation of a new relationship. Less than one third of the students reported safe sex behaviour. Seven percent of the students had a history of STDs, and one in six did not practice proper hygiene after sex. Identification of all aspects of risk sexual behavior in students aged 12-18 provides an opportunity to study the problem systematically and comprehensively. Planning and implementation of effective health education programs in schools require the application of an integrated approach with the participation of students, teachers, parents, health professionals and policy makers.
The effect of seizures on functional status of people with spastic forms of cerebral palsy
Authors: Michalska Agata , Wendorff Janusz
Published: December 2015

Background.Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor impairment. Epilepsy affects approximately one third of patients with CP. It is characterized by earlier disclosure, it is more severe and shows greater resistance than that of the general epilepsy treatment, associated with necessity for polytherapy. Its presence can result in gradual loss of function, loss of posture in non-ambulant individuals with severe disabilities and cognitive impairment risk, behavioural disorders and reducing probability of walking.

Aim.The aim of the study was to evaluate the functioning of people with CP with and without epilepsy.

Material and Methods.The study included 210 patients with a diagnosis of CP, aged 0–18 years. The study was conducted among the patients using the physiotherapy services in centres in southern Poland. The study used the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the classification systems: GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS.

Results.There were significant differences with regards to social functioning (53.7/67.4; W = 179, p = 0.006) and support in the social functioning (65.4/89.9; W = 185.5, p = 0.007) in patients with diplegia. However, mobility (19.55/29.00; W = 392, p = 0.018) and the social functioning (36.95/44.1; W = 418.5, p = 0.042) were lower in epileptic patients with tetraplegia. In patients with hemiplegia, there were no significant differences, although each domain with epilepsy subgroup had a lower rating than the subgroup without epilepsy.

Conclusion.The presence of epilepsy is associated with lower levels of social function in patients with cerebral palsy; particularly, with regard to mobility and selfservice.

Assessment of epilepsy impact on the level of social functioning of people with CP (diplegia, tetraplegia, hemi-plegia) is difficult because ambiguous relationship with mental retardation. The assessment should be undertaken separately for each group of spastic CP.
Diagnosis of epilepsy – consequences for work and professional activities
Authors: Knieß Tobias , Stefan Hermann , Brodisch Peter
Published: December 2015

Introduction. The correct diagnosis of epileptic seizures and non-epileptic attacks has a decisive influence on treatment, counseling and duration of possible work limitations.

Diagnostic efforts should aim towards classifying the seizure as precisely as possible. For risk assessments, e.g. at the workplace, a close cooperation and networking of all professionals involved in the epilepsy treatment, care and consultation processes is required.

Aim. To present guidelines for assessment of occupational capacity of persons with epilepsy and to discuss their value in clinical practice.

Method and Material. The German employer’s liability insurance association has recently published the new revised BGI 585 Risk Assessment Guidelines (DGUV information 250-001) framework and assistance in epilepsy in view of protection against unfair dismissal. These guidelines provide information on safety and health in the workplace.

Throughout all the German federal states, 24 Network teams were established. During the period January 2010 and December 2013, 374 employees with epilepsy were consulted by an expert member of Network Epilepsy and Work (NEA) Team, of which 80 were prospectively included in a study and scientifically evaluated.

Guidelines and discussion. While conducting the risk assessment, a special medical fact check in accordance with the guidelines was used. In addition to medical aspects, the individual vocational and occupational situation was considered. Based on this assessment an individual recommendation was made relating to continuation of employment. The project NEA established regional teams of physicians, therapists, consultants from social services, employment offices and rehabilitation authorities across Germany in order to link by networks the complex medical and social aspects of reducing the risk of people with epilepsy losing their job.

Results. It was shown that support and consultation through the NEA team led to an endangered position of employment being maintained in 70% of cases.

Conclusion. In many cases, loss of employment can be prevented by consequent application of DGUV information 250-001 (recently revised from BGI 585) for risk assessment of epilepsy in employment, together with improved networking between medical professionals, occupational health professionals and social services.
The role of cannabinoids and endocannabinoid system in the treatment of epilepsy
Authors: Pędracka Monika , Gawłowicz Jacek
Published: December 2015

Introduction. The treatment of epilepsy is still a major challenge. Despite the introduction of many new antiepileptic drugs, approximately 30% of patients still remain drug resistant. In the absence of a satisfactory therapy outcome, which is sometimes associated with numerous side effects, there is a need for new and effective drugs with low toxicity. Cannabinoids have been shown in preliminary animal model studies and in studies of patients with epilepsy to have antiepileptic activity.

Aim. The aim of this paper is to review current reports on the role of the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy.

Methods. Articles from PubMed and Scopus published up to 2015 concerning the role of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of epilepsy are reviewed.

Review and Discussion. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of various diseases. They contain cannabinoids, which act on the endocannabinoid system which regulates many biochemical and physiological processes. By affecting glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission cannabinoids have the ability to affect seizure threshold. The best known cannabinoid is cannabidiol, which inhibits the occurrence of seizures without causing significant side effects in humans and animals. However, only a small number of double blind, randomized and placebo controlled studies have been published to date.

Conclusions. The role of cannabinoids in the treatment of epilepsy is not well defined because these substances have shown pro-convulsive actions in some animal studies and also there are not many randomized trials performed to date. The existing human data do not support the conclusion that cannabinoids are effective and safe in the treatment of epilepsy, but do encourage further studies on a larger group of patients.
Bridging Volunteer Services and Mobile Teaching in the Tablet Reading Community
Authors: ChanLin Lih-Juan , Chou Te-Lien , Hung Wei-Hsiang
Published: December 2015

Equal access has serious implications for the growing chasm in learning in remote areas and in economically disadvantaged communities. To help bridge the digital divide for children in remote areas, engaging communities to provide the needed resources in remote schools is essential. With an aim to promoting teachers’ adaptation of tablet reading and teaching among remote schools, a platform for sharing experiences and exchanging ideas among teachers was developed. College students also volunteered for follow-up mobile reading promotion in order to provide needed human resources for tablet reading integration among disadvantaged communities. Collaborative efforts by the university and teachers in remote schools provided a case for study. The main issues explored in this study were: (1) how teachers in remote areas adapted tablet reading in the classroom, and (2) what university students experienced from promoting tablet reading. This paper presents a qualitative analysis of integrating volunteer services and civic engagement in promoting tablet reading, and highlights the mutual benefits, challenges, and recommendations for future implementation. Various data resources were integrated into the inductive analysis, and different resources were used for triangulating the reported phenomena. The study concludes that the teachers obtained experience of tablet reading, and the college students experienced innovative volunteer-service opportunities. The collaboration among the society, the university, and learning sites were all essential for promoting tablet reading among children in remote areas.
A review of bristly ground squirrels Xerini and a generic revision in the African genus Xerus
Authors: Kryštufek Boris , Mahmoudi Ahmad , Tesakov Alexey S. , Matějů Jan , Hutterer Rainer
Published: December 2015

Bristly ground squirrels Xerini are a small rodent tribe of six extant species. Despite a dense fossil record the group was never diverse. Our phylogenetic reconstruction, based on the analysis of cytochrome
Enhanced luminescence of rare-earth Tb (III) obtained by mixing of Gd (III) in a fumarate complex and intra-molecular energy transfer
Authors: Shah M.D. , Want B.
Published: December 2015

Trivalent lanthanide ions display fascinating optical properties. Therefore, the rare-earth complexes of terbium fumarate heptahydrate and GdTb fumarate heptahydrate were grown by using a single gel diffusion technique. The crystals were characterized by different physicochemical techniques of characterization. UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectrophotometric experiments were carried out to study the optical properties of the grown crystals. Under various excitations (339 nm, 350 nm or 368 nm) the terbium fumarate complex emitted characteristic (4f-4f) green emission of Tb3+ (5D4-7FJ, J = 6, 5, 4 and 3, respectively). Luminescence spectra showed that Gd3+ ions in the mixed complex have not affected the luminescence emission peak positions, but remarkably increased the luminescent intensities of the terbium complex. The energy-transfer mechanism between the ligand and the central Tb3+ ions and from the Gd3+ to the Tb3+ was discussed.
Ab initio calculations of structural, elastic, electronic and thermodynamic properties of the cerium filled skutterudite CeRu4P12 under the effect of pressure
Authors: Berrahal Mokhtar , Ameri Mohammed , Al-Douri Y. , Hashim U. , Varshney Dinesh , Ameri Ibrahim , Boubchir Mohamed , Abderrahim Bennadji
Published: December 2015

The paper presents an investigation on crystalline, elastic and electronic structure in addition to the thermodynamic properties for a CeRu4P12 filled skutterudite device by using the full-potential linear muffin-tin orbital (FP-LMTO) method within the generalized gradient approximations (GGA) in the frame of density functional theory (DFT). For this purpose, the structural properties, such as the equilibrium lattice parameter, bulk modulus and pressure derivatives of the bulk modulus, were computed. By using the total energy variation as a function of strain we have determined the independent elastic constants and their pressure dependence. Additionally, the effect of pressure P and temperature T on the lattice parameters, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, Debye temperature and the heat capacity for CeRu4P12 compound were investigated taking into consideration the quasi-harmonic Debye model.
Whose Cosmopolitanism Is It Anyway? Musings from the Global Academy
Authors: Horta Paulo Lemos , Roth Nadine
Published: December 2015

New York University Abu Dhabi was inaugurated in 2010 with the express aim of producing global citizens, adept at crossing ethnic, national, and religious borders and exemplifying a certain kind of cosmopolitan ethic. This mission was tightly bound with the brand of cosmopolitanism articulated by Anthony Appiah and reflected most clearly in a core curriculum that emphasized cross-cultural and global inquiry. The desire to escape national paradigms was equally apparent in the distinctive curriculum of the history program, which was organized according to ocean systems and global patterns of transnational connection. Studied within this historical context, cities offer particular cognitive gains for students and researchers. As nodes of both imperial power and cosmopolitan ideals, cities complicate simple narratives of cross-cultural empathy and translatability. Despite its global connections, the contemporary city is confronted in its materiality as a sequence of boundaries and barriers. Within NYUAD as an institution, however, resistance to the core curriculum has emerged from other disciplines. The desire of the natural and social sciences for a “global” that is “universal” fits uneasily with the dream of a cosmopolitanism that leads to self-reflexivity in regard to one’s own values. And students themselves wonder, who is the cosmopolitan here?
Application of response surface methodology to optimize uranium biological leaching at high pulp density
Authors: Fatemi Faezeh , Arabieh Masoud , Jahani Samaneh
Published: December 2015

The aim of the present study was to carry out uranium bioleaching via optimization of the leaching process using response surface
methodology. For this purpose, the native Acidithiobacillus sp. was adapted to different pulp densities following optimization
process carried out at a high pulp density. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the uranium
bioleaching. The effects of six key parameters on the bioleaching efficiency were investigated. The process was modeled with
mathematical equation, including not only first and second order terms, but also with probable interaction effects between each pair of
factors.The results showed that the extraction efficiency of uranium dropped from 100% at pulp densities of 2.5, 5, 7.5
and 10% to 68% at 12.5% of pulp density. Using RSM, the optimum conditions for uranium bioleaching
(12.5% (w/v)) were identified as pH = 1.96, temperature = 30.90 ℃, stirring speed = 158 rpm,
15.7% inoculum, FeSO4 · 7H2O concentration at 13.83 g/L and (NH4)2SO4 concentration
at 3.22 g/L which achieved 83% of uranium extraction efficiency. The results of uranium bioleaching experiment
using optimized parameter showed 81% uranium extraction during 15 d. The obtained results reveal that using RSM is
reliable and appropriate for optimization of parameters involved in the uranium bioleaching process.
Review on synthesis, properties, characterization, and applications of responsive microgels fabricated with gold nanostructures
Authors: Farooqi Zahoor H. , Khan Shanza Rauf , Begum Robina , Ijaz Aysha
Published: December 2015

In this article, the classification, synthesis, properties, and applications of responsive microgels fabricated with gold (Au) nanostructures have been systematically reviewed. Microspheres, core-shell, core-shell-shell, hollow rings, and yolk-shell are different types of hybrid microgels containing Au nanostructures that have been reported in the literature. Hybrid microgels have tunable properties of both Au nanomaterial and smart polymeric material. Due to this unique combination, hybrid microgels containing Au nanomaterial are potential candidates for applications in drug delivery, photothermal therapy, glucose sensing, insulin delivery, catalysis, photonics, and ultrasensitive analyte analysis. Recent research progress in the design, characterization, and applications of Au nanomaterial containing smart polymer microgels has been described here. Many gaps in the literature and future perspectives of Au nanomaterial-based hybrid microgels have been highlighted in this review, which will be helpful for the people working in this area to plan their future work.
Microstrip line-fed monopole antenna on an epoxy-resin-reinforced woven-glass material for super wideband applications
Authors: Islam Md. Moinul , Aldhaheri Rabah Wasel , Sheikh Muntasir Mohammad , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Samsuzzaman Md. , Iqbal Faruque Mohammad Rashed , Misran Norbahiah
Published: December 2015

A microstrip line-fed monopole antenna is proposed for super wideband (SWB) applications printed on an epoxy-resin-reinforced woven-glass material. The reported SWB antenna has been made of a rectangular partial ground plane with an L-type slit and a heart-shaped radiating patch. This antenna is connected precisely by a tapered feed line that provides SWB greater than ultra-wideband. The heart-shaped radiating patch and the partial ground plane containing a gap and an L-type slit on ground plane also play paramount roles to procure wide impedance bandwidth. It is determined from measurements that this antenna contains SWB characteristic [voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) ≤2] spanning from 1.30 to 40 GHz (187.41%), with a bandwidth dimension ratio (BDR) of 5544.66 and a ratio bandwidth of 30.77:1. Simple construction, sharp surface current flow, much impedance bandwidth, nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns, stable peak gain (2.20–6.06 dBi), time domain performance, and considerable BDR (5544.66) make it a promising candidate for SWB applications.
Malignant Acanthosis Nigricans, Florid Cutaneous Papillomatosis and Tripe Palms Syndrome Associated with Gastric Adenocarcinoma - a Case Report
Authors: Paravina Mirjana , Ljubisavljević Dragana
Published: December 2015

Malignant acanthosis nigricans is a rare obligate paraneoplastic dermatosis which accounts for 20% of all acanthosis nigricans cases. The clinical features of the disease are the same as in the benign forms: symmetrical, hyperpigmented, velvety papillomatous lesions mostly involving the axillae, neck, groins, periumbilical cubital and popliteal areas, mammary areolae and less often mucous membranes. However, unlike other forms, it is characterized by sudden onset and rapid spread, commonly (80%) after the age of 40, which may be a marker of malignancy and a key to early diagnosis, indicating the need for a detailed examination. It is a disorder that has no gender differences. Most cases are detected at the moment of cancer diagnosis (61.3%), in fewer cases (about 20%) prior to cancer diagnosis, and in 21% at a later stage of malignant disease. Acanthosis nigricans is usually associated with one of the three or all three forms of paraneoplastic lesions: florid cutaneous papillomatosis, acanthosis palmaris (tripe palms, pachydermatoglyphia) involving the palms and soles, as well as multiple seborrheic keratosis (sign of Leser-Trélat).

We report on a female patient with clinically established three paraneoplastic syndromes: malignant acanthosis nigricans, florid cutaneous papillomatosis, and acanthosis palmaris, which appeared before the diagnosis of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, leading to fatal outcome.
Heterocycles [h]-fused to 4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. Part XI: Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 4-fluoro-6-oxoimidazo[4,5-h]quinoline-7-carboxylic acids
Authors: Zahra Jalal A. , Al-Qawasmeh Raed A. , El-Abadelah Mustafa M. , Abadleh Mohammed M. , Zani Franca , Incerti Matteo , Vicini Paola , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

A series of 2-hetaryl-4-fluoro-9-cyclopropyl-6-oxo-1H-imidazo[4,5-h]quinoline-7-carboxylic esters (3a–f) and their corresponding acids4a–fhave been preparedviamicrowave-assisted cyclocondensation reaction with some hetarene carboxaldehydes. The structures for these new esters and acids are based on spectral (IR, MS, and NMR) data. Thein vitroantimicrobial assay of4a–fhetaryl derivatives, their aryl analogues1d–g, and the imidazo-unsubstituted acid1ashowed that all of these tricyclic heterocycles possess a good level of antibacterial activity. Among them, compound1aexhibited the highest effect against both, Gram-positive (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] 0.15–3.0 μg mL–1) and Gram-negative bacteria (MICs 0.7–3.0 μg mL–1). An excellent activity was recorded also for the halo-phenyl derivatives1f,gand for the furan derivatives4e,f, especially toward Gram-positive strains andBacillus subtilisandHaemophilus influenzae, respectively.
Glutamyl-glutamate – a tailor-made chelating ligand for the [Be4O]6+ core in basic beryllium complexes and implications on investigations on the origins of chronic beryllium disease
Authors: Berger Raphael J.F. , Mera-Adasme Raúl
Published: December 2015

Density functional theory calculations suggest that l-glutamyl-l-glutamate [H-Glu-Glu-H]2– can act as an efficient chelating ligand in basic beryllium carboxylates of type Be4O(RCO2)6. An exergonic energy balance of –10.6 kcal mol–1 for the substitution of two [AcO]– anions by one [H-Glu-Glu-OH]2– dianion in Be4O(AcO2)6 has been calculated; for a second and third substitutions, the computed energy release amounts to –9.3, and –11.3 kcal mol–1. The coordination geometry of the complexes shows a trend toward less deviation from local octahedral symmetry with increasing number of [H-Glu-Glu-OH]2– ligands. The implications of these findings for the yet unknown molecular origins of chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are discussed, and a Be4O moiety is suggested as the beryllium species engaged in CBD.
Direct Piezoelectric Tensor of 3D Periodic Systems through a Coupled Perturbed Hartree–Fock/Kohn–Sham Method
Authors: Baima Jacopo , Erba Alessandro , Maschio Lorenzo , Zicovich-Wilson Claudio M. , Dovesi Roberto , Kirtman Bernard
Published: December 2015

A quasi-analytical theoretical method is devised, and implemented in
the Crystal program, for calculation of the direct “proper”
piezoelectric tensor of periodic systems including both the
clamped-nuclei electronic and nuclear relaxation contributions. It is
based on using the analytical
Coupled-Perturbed-Hartree–Fock/Kohn–Sham (CPHF/KS) procedure to
obtain dipole derivatives with respect to lattice deformations as well
as internal coordinates. The sole numerical step required involves
building the Hessian matrix through differentiation of analytical
energy gradients. Two prototypical piezoelectric, non-ferroelectric,
crystals, namely ZnO and α-quartz, are used to
demonstrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of our new
scheme, which significantly improves upon the commonly used numerical
Berry phase approach.
Diarrea en el paciente con diabetes mellitus
Authors: Méndez Flórez Jainer , García Muñoz Laura
Published: December 2015

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad de gran prevalencia a nivel mundial que conlleva a muchas complicaciones, de las cuales las gastrointestinales son las mayormente olvidadas por el personal médico. Hasta el 22% de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus pueden tener diarrea y la causa de ello es multifactorial, pues incluye la neuropatía, efectos adversos de la terapia antidiabética, el aumento de la miocrobiota intestinal, entre otras. 

El tratamiento más efectivo es el control estricto de la glucemia; sin embargo, algunos medicamentos han sido utilizados con algún tipo de beneficio en estos pacientes.
Efectos de la exposición a la altura sobre los indicadores de la eritropoyesis y el metabolismo del hierro
Authors: Trompetero González Andrea Catalina , Cristancho Mejía Edgar , Benavides Pinzón William Fernando , Mancera Soto Erica Mabel , Ramos Caballero Diana Marcela
Published: December 2015

Antecedentes. La investigación sobre los efectos de la exposición a la altura sobre la eritropoyesis y el metabolismo de hierro ha permitido conocer el comportamiento y las adaptaciones que se presentan en poblaciones residentes o expuestas a diversas alturas sobre el nivel del mar.

Objetivo. El presente artículo de revisión tiene como objetivo analizar la información científica disponible y actualizar al lector respecto al efecto de la altura sobre los indicadores de la eritropoyesis y el metabolismo del hierro.

Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de artículos de diferentes bases de datos como PubMed, MEDLINE, Scielo, EBSCO y OVID, la cual se hizo con base en los títulos médicos MeSH (Medical Subjects Headings) y DeCS Bireme (descriptores de la salud).

Resultados. A nivel de la eritropoyesis se puede observar un incremento de la eritropoyetina y de los reticulocitos con el incremento en la altura. En el metabolismo del hierro se puede apreciar un descenso de las reservas del hierro (ferritina) y un incremento de la transferrina y del receptor soluble de transferrina con ascenso en la altitud. 

Conclusión. La magnitud de estos incrementos depende del tiempo de exposición a la hipoxia, el género y la población, ya que se han encontrado diferencias entre etnias que viven a la misma altura pero presentan diferencias en las adaptaciones. Las investigaciones existentes están referidas a grandes alturas, pero en alturas intermedias por debajo de los 2600 m s. n. m. todavía existen grandes interrogantes.