bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Memories. On the fly.
Authors: Felsenberg Johannes , Owald David
Published: July 2018

Stimulus directed behavior is regulated by communication between neurons within neural circuits throughout an animal’s brain. Experience can change the dynamics of neural circuits by modifying specific synaptic connections. However, pinpointing the sites of behavioral-relevant plasticity has proven challenging. Technical advances in controlling and monitoring neural activity in behaving animals have allowed for marked progress in understanding the logic underlying learning and memory in the model systemDrosophila melanogaster. The fruit fly has a numerically simple brain and probing identified network components has become feasible. Here, we discuss cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying associative learning. We also provide insights into the computational operations encoding associative memories in the fly. Beyond their roles in learning and memory retrieval, these circuit components are recruited for the reevaluation of memories during memory extinction and reconsolidation.
Die Rolle von Histonmethylierungen in der Entwicklung des zentralen Nervensystems und bei Neuralrohrdefekten
Authors: Villarreal Alejandro , Franz Henriette , Vogel Tanja
Published: July 2018

Es ist essenziell, die Vorgänge, die während der Entwicklung des zentralen Nervensystems (ZNS) ablaufen, zu verstehen, um Krankheitsbilder wie Mikrozephalie oder Neuralrohrdefekte, welche aus fehlerhaften Prozessen während der Entwicklung des ZNS resultieren, zu entschlüsseln.
Preparation of nanocomposite polypyrrole/cellulose nanocrystals for conductive paper
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Ahmed A. , Wanrosli W.D. , Abdulrazak Lway Faisal , Husham M.
Published: July 2018

The preparation of conductive polypyrrole (PPy) nanocomposite with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was carried out by situ polymerization method. The new water dispersible sample (PPy-CNC) was deposited as a thin film on the paper sheet substrate as a conductive paper. The images of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) clearly shw the morphological modulation and the uniformity of the PPy-CNC sample. The electrical properties of conductive paper were studied with various acid doping values. The results show increase in the electrical properties along with the decrease of pH value. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) test was used to examine the stability of redox properties of the neat sample before the doping process. The mechanical properties such as tensile index and elongation at break shows slight decline with decreasing pH. However, elongation at break results for 0.65 pH sample shows different respond to pH value.
Effect of blank pre-conditioning humidity on the dimensional accuracy and rigidity of paperboard trays
Authors: Ovaska Sami-Seppo , Tanninen Panu , Saukkonen Esa , Backfolk Kaj
Published: July 2018

Optimization of storage conditions is essential for successful converting of paperboard. This paper investigates the effect of blank moisture content on the dimensional accuracy and rigidity of press-formed paperboard trays. The trays were manufactured from uncoated, pigment-coated and extrusion-coated paperboards and multi-layer materials using fixed process parameters. Because of the different layer structures and coatings, the paperboards showed different hygroscopic behavior. Prior to converting trials, the bursting strength of paperboards under different moisture conditions was assessed. It was found that the moisture content has only a minor influence on bursting strength, but moisture affects blank curling tendency and dimensional accuracy of the tray. A high blank moisture content led to a loss of the dimensional stability and load-bearing capacity of trays, although based on earlier knowledge it is evident that the moisture content should be high for successful press-forming. As expected, a low blank moisture content increased the prevalence of ruptures in forming but the resulting trays were stiffer and their dimensional accuracy was better. It was suggested that the increased stiffness is related to a more efficient moisture removal during the press-forming, so that the fiber network is more effectively consolidated due to e. g. the formation of hydrogen bonds.
Effect of machine speed on formation and strength efficiency in twin-wire roll forming of never-dried unbleached softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Nordström Bengt , Hermansson Lennart
Published: July 2018

There is a constant drive to increase machine speed in the production of kraftliner and most other major paper grades, but the separate effect of the machine speed on the paper properties has been unclear. The effect of machine speed in twin-wire roll forming of never-dried unbleached softwood kraft pulp was evaluated here in a pilot machine investigation by examining three machine speed levels (500, 750, and 1000 m/min) over a series of jet-to-wire speed differences. Similar headbox consistency and draw from wire section to winding were employed at the different machine speed levels. An increase in the machine speed had a favorable effect on formation and Z-strength efficiency over a wide range of jet-to-wire speed differences, whereas the machine speed had an insignificant effect on tensile strength efficiency and tensile stiffness efficiency. For all properties, the overall shape of the jet-to-wire speed difference curve remained similar when changing the machine speed.
Characterizations of radicals formed in radical polymerizations and transfer reactions by electron spin resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Kajiwara Atsushi
Published: July 2018

Electron spin resonance (ESR, aka electron paramagnetic resonance, EPR) investigations have been conducted on radicals formed during radical polymerizations and provide a detailed characterization of the active radical species. Active propagating radicals can be observed during actual radical polymerizations by ESR/EPR. The chain lengths of the observed radicals were estimated by a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ESR/EPR. The structures of the chain end radicals were determined by analysis of the ESR/EPR spectra. An increase in the dihedral angles between terminal p-orbital of radical and Cβ–H bonds was observed with increasing chain lengths of methacrylate polymers. Radical transfer reactions were observed during radical polymerization of acrylates. A combination of ATRP and ESR/EPR clarified a 1,5-hydrogen shift mechanism of the radical transfer reactions using model adamantyl acrylate radicals. Penultimate unit effects were also observed. Time-resolved ESR/EPR (TR ESR) spectroscopy clarified the initiation processes of an alternating copolymerization of styrene with maleic anhydride and the copolymerization of styrene with 1,3-butadiene. Several unsolved problems in conventional radical polymerization processes have been clarified using combinations of ATRP with ESR/EPR and TR ESR. Characterization of the radicals in radical polymerizations using various ESR techniques would definitely provide interesting and useful information on conventional radical polymerizations.
Greener chemistry opportunities in consumer products rinse added fabric softener
Authors: Sliva Philip G.
Published: July 2018

Opportunities for greener chemistry seem endless. Consumer products, which represent very large users of chemical materials, are no exception. Even products such as fabric softeners that have existed for decades need continual enhancement. Many improvements have been implemented in the chemistry used in these products; however, more is warranted. Key challenges include formula stability, raw material sourcing based on animal fats, and inability to produce concentrated, lower dose products.
Handelspolitische Strategien für die EU in der Ära Trump
Authors: Klodt Henning
Published: July 2018

Die Abkehr der amerikanischen Regierung vom Leitbild des internationalen Freihandels und die Hinwendung zu einer merkantilistisch geprägten Handelspolitik sind unübersehbar. Das wird die Wohlstandsgewinne aus internationalem Handel beeinträchtigen, und zwar sowohl in den Vereinigten Staaten als auch in vielen anderen Ländern. Die avisierten Strafzölle werden keine Industriearbeitsplätze nach Amerika zurückbringen, sondern gut ausgebaute und empfindliche internationale Wertschöpfungsnetzwerke zerstören. Die Verlierer werden auch und gerade jene Industriearbeiter sein, als deren Anwalt sich Donald Trump geriert. Die EU sollte darauf verzichten, handelspolitische Vergeltungsmaßnahmen zu ergreifen. Vielmehr sollte sie ihre eigene Protektionspolitik in Frage stellen und in Verhandlungen mit den Vereinigten Staaten einen gegenseitigen Abbau von Handelsbarrieren anstreben. Darüber hinaus gilt es sich von der Illusion zu verabschieden, die WTO könne auch ohne die Unterstützung der Vereinigten Staaten wiederbelebt werden.
Sequential analysis of uranium and plutonium in environmental matrices by extractive liquid scintillation spectrometry
Authors: Reddy Priyanka J. , Pulhani Vandana , Dhole Sanjay D. , Dahiwale Shailesh S. , Bhade Sonali P. D. , Rao Devendra D.
Published: July 2018

A methodology for sequential separation of uranium (U) and plutonium (Pu) followed by their estimation, using extractive liquid scintillation spectrometry was standardized for matrices like soil, fish and sediment. Various parameters for selective and efficient extraction and separation of Pu and U in the presence of interfering matrix elements with HDEHP bis(2-ethylhexy1) phosphoric acid as an extracting agent were investigated. Quenching effect of the various extracting reagents on resolution of α spectrum of analytes and reduction in these interferences is discussed in the current study. Standardized procedure gave about 91% of extraction of spiked Pu into the organic phase. Performance of the method was tested by separating and estimating U and Pu in International Atomic Agency (IAEA) certified reference materials like soil/sediment/fish.
Comparison of lightweight Japanese tissues for overall stabilization of documents damaged by iron gall ink corrosion and an alternative to silk screen frames
Authors: Pataki-Hundt Andrea , Walter Cosima
Published: July 2018

Paper documents with severe iron gall ink corrosion are difficult to handle. While a defined treatment for the chemical stabilisation exists already, methods to improve the mechanical stabilisation have yet to be developed. The degradation of the selected objects was so advanced that the documents needed special attention concerning handling and mechanical re-enforcement. After a calciumphytate-calciumhydrogen treatment, documents were lined with light weight Japanese paper and gelatine. A workflow for treating severely degraded iron gall ink documents was developed. Since the removal of objects from the silk screen frames after the wet treatment proved to be too difficult, a PE-board was introduced as an alternative washing support. Most synthetic fleeces such as Hollytex or Paraprint adhere to its granulated surface by mechanical means. This makes PE-board a practical support during any wet treatment of paper-based objects.
Empirical Bayesian approach to testing multiple hypotheses with separate priors for left and right alternatives
Authors: Bansal Naveen K. , Maadooliat Mehdi , Schrodi Steven J.
Published: July 2018

We consider a multiple hypotheses problem with directional alternatives in a decision theoretic framework. We obtain an empirical Bayes rule subject to a constraint on mixed directional false discovery rate (mdFDR≤α) under the semiparametric setting where the distribution of the test statistic is parametric, but the prior distribution is nonparametric. We proposed separate priors for the left tail and right tail alternatives as it may be required for many applications. The proposed Bayes rule is compared through simulation against rules proposed by Benjamini and Yekutieli and Efron. We illustrate the proposed methodology for two sets of data from biological experiments: HIV-transfected cell-line mRNA expression data, and a quantitative trait genome-wide SNP data set. We have developed a user-friendly web-based shiny App for the proposed method which is available through URLhttps://npseb.shinyapps.io/npseb/. The HIV and SNP data can be directly accessed, and the results presented in this paper can be executed.
Letexte/discoursentre lieu d’observation et objet d’analyse : Eclairages sémantiques par le processus d’écriture
Authors: Cislaru Georgeta
Published: July 2018

Cet article envisage la problématique des frontières du point de vue de la dynamique du processus d’écriture et de la manière dont s’y configure sémantiquement letexte/discours, pris en tant que construction dotée d’une unité globale non compositionnelle. Cette démarche introduit une perspective temporelle sur la production langagière écrite et questionne les principes d’unité et de stabilité du « produit ». Le corpus de travail est constitué de rapports de la protection de l’enfance et de leurs versions de rédaction, ainsi que des enregistrements en temps réel du processus de rédaction. L’analyse porte sur des segments de révision des rapports d’une part et sur les jets textuels, séquences langagières produites entre deux pauses lors de la rédaction en temps réel. Nous montrons que, dans cette optique, letexte/discours(en train de se configurer) est à la fois un lieu d’observation et un objet d’analyse. Les frontières entre unités langagières et unité textuelle s’estompent, l’observation des unes impliquant la compréhension de l’autre.
A nonlinear model of asset returns with multiple shocks
Authors: Kahra Hannu , Martin Vance L. , Sarkar Saikat
Published: July 2018

A nonlinear model of asset returns allowing for multiple shocks is specified. The nonlinear features of the model are demonstrated graphically using a 3-dimensional diagram referred to as the mean impact surface. A new class of nonlinearity tests is also developed which is compared with existing testing methodologies. Applying the framework using excess returns on US and world equities the empirical results provide strong statistical evidence that domestic and foreign shocks have nonlinear effects on expected returns in the US with the effects being determined by the sign and the size of shocks. In contrast, the effects on world expected returns from shocks in the US and the world are found to react more smoothly. The empirical nonlinearities identified are also shown to be robust to alternative choices of risk factors and distributional assumptions.
Nanoscale Structuring in Confined Geometries using Atomic Layer Deposition: Conformal Coating and Nanocavity Formation
Authors: Ruff Philip , Carrillo-Solano Mercedes , Ulrich Nils , Hadley Andrea , Kluth Patrick , Toimil-Molares Maria Eugenia , Trautmann Christina , Hess Christian
Published: July 2018

Nanoscale structuring in confined geometries using atomic layer deposition (ALD) is demonstrated for surfaces of nanochannels in track-etched polymer membranes and in mesoporous silica (SBA-15). Suitable process conditions for conformal ALD coating of polymer membranes and SBA-15 with inorganic oxides (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3) were developed. On the basis of the oxide-coated layers, nanochannels were further structured by a molecular-templated ALD approach, where calixarene macromolecules are covalently attached to the surface and then embedded into an Al2O3 layer. The removal of calixarene by ozone treatment results in 1–2 nm wide surface nanocavities. Surfaces exposed to different process steps are analyzed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as well as by X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopy. The proposed nanostructuring process increases the overall surface area, allows controlling the hydrophilicity of the channel surface, and is of interest for studying water and ion transport in confinement.
Was Soviet Music Middlebrow? Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, Socialist Realism, and the Mass Listener in the 1930s
Authors: Fairclough Pauline
Published: July 2018

Symphonic music composed under Stalin presents both ethical and aesthetic problems. Often assumed to have been composed in a compromised style by composers who were either coerced into abandoning their “real” modernist inclinations or who were in any case second-rate, these works have been labelled variously socialist realist, conformist, conservative, or even dissident, depending on the taste and opinion of those passing judgement. This article argues that picking and choosing which symphony is socialist realist and which is not cannot be justified either logically or historically, and that we should no longer attempt to define any non-texted or non-programmatic music in this way. The Anglophone term “middlebrow” holds out the possibility of describing this repertoire without implying ethical or artistic compromise on the composers’ part, acknowledging that, in the absence of any elite or “highbrow” musical culture, composers shared the aim of reaching a mass audience.
Új felismerések a pitvarfibrilláció genezisében és fenntartásában: az egyénre szabott kezelés lehetőségei
Authors: Kugler Szilvia , Duray Gábor , Préda István
Published: July 2018

Abstract:

Atrial fibrillation affects approximately three percent of the adults. Ablation strategies targeting the isolation of the pulmonary veins are the up-to-date cornerstones for atrial fibrillation ablations. However, a one-year success rate of repeated interventions is not more than 70%. Long-term efficacy of catheter ablation is presumably limited by electrical and structural remodeling of the atria, which results in a progressive increase in the duration of atrial fibrillation to become sustained. The potential pathophysiological importance of the epicardial adipose tissue, atrial fibrosis, autonomic nervous system and arrhythmogenic foci are documented by several studies. Increased volume, inflammation induced transformation to fibrosis and myocardial infiltration of atrial subepicardial fat in obese patients result in higher risk of atrial fibrillation development. Changes in atrial autonomic innervation under some conditions including regular physical exercise strongly promote arrhythmogenesis via the mechanism of enhanced triggered activity or abbreviated atrial refractoriness. Individualized management of possible trigger and substrate mechanisms are proposed to provide a novel basis for the effective treatment of atrial fibrillation. Pro-fibrotic signalling pathways can be inhibited by the suppression of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Neuromodulation strategies include renal sympathetic denervation and ganglionic plexi ablation. Anticoagulation therapy has also been shown to reduce the burden of abnormal atrial remodeling. Possible novel catheter ablation techniques are used for right or left atrial linear lesions, scar homogenization and catheter ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms, rotors or ectopic foci. Beside these new management strategies, clinical consideration of factors of particular risks as obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoe are also essential. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(28): 1135–1145.
A relação entre o nível de Empreendedorismo (TEG) e os aspectos sociodemográficos dos Taxistas cooperados da cidade de Santo André/São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Silva SERGIO Roberto , Anunciação Luís Flávio Chaves , Rosini Alessandro Marco , Guberovic Silvia Regina , Silva Sandro Braz da , Silva Marcia Welita da
Published: July 2018

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar o nível de empreendedorismo em 147 taxistas de Santo André/SP, bem como averiguá-lo em associação aos aspectos sociodemográficos. Utilizou-se a metodologia quantitativa e para avaliar o grau de empreendedorismo elegeu-se o instrumento TEG (Tendência Empreendedora Geral) de Caird (1991). Os resultados indicaram uma população majoritariamente masculina (89%), casada (58,5%) e com o ensino médio (colegial) concluído (57,8%). Quanto ao grau de empreendedorismo, em nenhum dos constructos analisados os taxistas obtiveram a média para serem classificados empreendedores. Revelou-se que a escolaridade possui efeito significativo à TEG (F (3,147) = 3,747, p <.05): quanto mais anos de estudo, tanto maior é o nível da TEG. Em outra direção, o tempo de empresa (F (30, 147) = 30,274, p<.05).
Os desafios cotidianos para a construção da identidade do sujeito através do trabalho – uma resenha sobre o filme “Nise: o coração da loucura”
Authors: Hashimoto Felipe Maia Braga , Felippe Bianca Caroline , Moreira Tauanna Ferreira
Published: July 2018

REsumo
PROJEÇÃO DE DEMANDA EM EMPRESAS DE SERVIÇOS: UM ESTUDO EM UM ESTABELECIMENTO DE EMISSÃO DE CERTIFICADOS DIGITAIS
Authors: Faoro Roberta Rodrigues , Monteiro Rafaela , Faoro de Abreu Marcelo , De Avila e Silva Scheila
Published: July 2018

Previsões de demanda são importantes na gestão dos recursos das empresas, porém pouco exploradas em empresas prestadoras de serviços, devido às peculiaridades desse segmento. O presente artigo tem como objetivo utilizar técnicas de previsão de demanda como ferramenta auxiliar na gestão de empresas prestadoras de serviços de tecnologia da informação. Para isso, foi feito um estudo de caso em uma empresa de emissão de certificados digitais. Nessa empresa, ocorreu a análise quantitativa de previsão de demanda a fim de auxiliar na melhoria da produtividade e qualidade de serviço prestado. Os resultados indicam que as técnicas de projeção de demanda contribuem na gestão de empresas prestadoras de serviços. Em especial, no estudo de caso realizado, contribui para a gestão de estoque e diminuição do tempo de atendimento dos clientes.
COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF EFFICACY OF STATINS PRESCRIBED AT MOST BY CLINICIANS
Authors: Sivkov A. S. , Shih E. V. , Osadchuk M. A. , Sivkova S. K. , Kireeva N. V. , Chernus N. P.
Published: July 2018

Aim. To evaluate a complex clinical efficacy, tolerability and safety of statin drugs — simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin in patients with hyperlipidemia (HL).

Material and methods. The assessment of clinical efficacy was done in 90 patients with HL and arterial hypertension of the grades 1 and 2, age 40-75 y.o.; some of them had coronary heart disease.

Results. In 90 patients with cardiac pathology and HL, selected to 3 groups by 30 persons, the clinical efficacy of the listed statins was assessed. A significant hypolipidemic effect was noted as a decline of atherogenicity of the blood, with slight more prominent effect of rosuvastatin.

Conclusion. The data makes it to conclude the simvastatin, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are equally effective hypolipidemic drugs in HL type IIA and IIB patients. The time frame, type and grade of positive changes in lipid profile are almost the same, and in rosuvastatin just slightly more prominent.
SPECIFICS OF ANTIHYPERTENSION THERAPY IN HYPERTENSIVES OF VARIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK (BY THE REGISTRY OF CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN TYUMENSKAYA OBLAST)
Authors: Efanov A. Yu. , Vyalkina Yu. A. , Petrova Yu. A. , Safiullina Z. M. , Abaturova O. V. , Shalaev S. V
Published: July 2018

Aim. To assess the specifics of antihypertension therapy (AHT) in hypertensives of various cardiovascular risk, in the registry of chronic non-communicable diseases in Tyumenskaya oblast.

Material and methods. A random sample studied, of 1704 patients with hypertension, inhabitants of Tyumenskaya oblast (region), ascribed to dispensary follow-up. Mean age 62±7,5 y.o. Of those 31,5% (n=537) males. The prevalence and efficacy of AHT assessed according to cardiovascular risk level. The significance was evaluated with the criteria χ2.

Results. AHT was characterized by the growth of the frequency of treatment approaches with cardiovascular risk consideration. Regular treatment took 33,9% patients of low and moderate risk vs 41,3% of high and very high (p<0,01). In the male group such tendency also took place. Gender specifics of AHT was characterized by that in the groups of high and very high risk females took medications significantly more commonly than males — 46,6% vs 29,1% in high risk group (p<0,01) and 47,5% vs 30% in very high risk group (p<0,01). With the increase of the risk level, there was decline of treatment efficacy — from 95% in low risk group to 32,5% in very high risk group; 53,1% of the participants were taking monotherapy, 32,9% — two drugs, 14,0% — ≥3 drugs. With the increase of risk grade there is tendency to increase of combinational AHT, however with no significant increase of efficacy. Treatment efficacy in high and very high risk patients comparing to patients with low and moderate risk was significantly lower — 33,1% vs 69,7% (p<0,01), respectively. Statins intake among the high and very high risk patients was 10,6-11,0% males and 7,8% females (p<0,05).

Conclusion. AHT in hypertensives in Tymenskaya oblast, under dispensary follow-up, is characterized by insufficient usage of combinational drugs. With the raise of cardiovascular risk there is tendency to higher rate of combinational AHT. However there is no significant increase in efficacy of treatment with the increase of medications number. A very low rate of statins intake is noted. The obtained specifics witness for the necessity to optimize AHT among the high and very high risk patients — inhabitants of Tyumenskya oblast.
MONTHLY ALL-CAUSE AND CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY AS AN INDICATOR OF THE PROCESS OF HEALTHCARE IN RURAL SETTLEMENTS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF TATARSTAN REPUBLIC
Authors: Kamalova F. M. , Nigmatullina N. A.
Published: July 2018

Aim. To reveal the specifics of monthly dynamics of the all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, depending on gender and on the administrative district settlement (ADS).

Material and methods. The lethal cases assessed, by the state registries, in three ADS, different by social and economical levels, abilities of medical institutions and life style of the rural inhabitants in the years 2000-2002 and 2009-2011. The methods that were applied: statistical, sociological, analytic, comparative.

Results. Within a 10-year period, mean annual mortality from all causes in ADS1 decreased 21,0%, in ADS2 increased 0,2%, in ADS3 increased 5,4%. It is important to note the statistical significance (p<0,05) of the differences in mean annual mortality from all causes in men and women in ADS2 during the first, and in ADS3 during both periods of the study. With the similarity of monthly all-cause mortality in rural settlements, there is differentiation by sex and ADS. Excessive mortality increased the mortality to 4,0 promille. Economical disadvantage from premature mortality was minimal in ADS1 at the background of comparably maximal mean person gross territory product and most healthy rural inhabitants.

Conclusion. Significant differences in mortality of rural inhabitants are proved by gender and administrative district type of settlements; economical disadvantages are associated with social and economic level of the territory development, life style of the rural inhabitants, and in dynamics there is similarity and difference in monthly parameters of rural inhabitants mortality makes it plausible to regard them as in indicator of the healthcare processes in rural settlements.
THE RELATION OF SMOKING AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND ITS RISK FACTORS (ESSE-RF IN KEMEROVSKAYA REGION)
Authors: Maximov S. A. , Tsygankova D. P. , Artamonova G. V.
Published: July 2018

Aim. Analysis of the relation of smoking and alcohol consumption with coronary heart disease (CHD) and its main risk factors (RF).

Material and methods. The data analyzed, from the multicenter epidemiological study ESSE-RF (Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in Russia) in Kemerovaskaya region, on the random sample of male and female inhabitants of 25-64 y.o. (n=1628). With the interview method, data gathered on alcohol consumption and smoking status of the participants, as on their social level, anamnesis, presence of angina pectoris. During medical investigation the values of lipid profile were obtained, weight and height, blood pressure and electrocardiography. The assessment of relation of smoking and alcohol with CHD and its RF was done with the logistic regression.

Results. After correction for the modifying RF, most adverse associations were found in the heaviest drinkers regardless smoking: high significant risks of triglyceridemia — odds ratio (OR) is 2,46-4,59, and CHD — OR 3,023,89, as the tendency for statistical significance of hypercholestrolemia. In smokers and heavy alcohol consumers there is tendency to hypertension and diabetes risk. In smokers nonand moderate drinkers there are tendencies for higher hypertension risk, as of higher triglycerides and CHD risk. The category smokers/non-drinkers is characterized by the highest among others significant risk of CHD (OR 9,05). Among all studied groups, the best position hold non-smokers/moderate drinkers, who present with the risks of CHD and RF similar to reference, or lower (non-significant).

Conclusion. Results of the study witness on the relation of CHD and its RF with the combination of smoking and alcohol consumption.
MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN CARDIOVASCULAR PATIENTS WITH COMORBIDITIES: REVIEW OF THE TRIALS ON CONTINUING THERAPY WITH PHOSPHODIESTERASE-5 MEDICATIONS
Authors: Sharvadze G. G. , Dalari R. R. , Mardanov B. U. , Mamedov M. N.
Published: July 2018

The review is focused on the issues of erectile dysfunction (ED) management by long term courses of continuous intake of the phosphodiesteraze-5 type (PDE5) inhibitors. ED is an actual problem of modern healthcare, prevalent and influencing negatively life quality and interpersonal relations. At early stages the management of ED by the PDE5 inhibitor drugs was regarded as symptomatic. However recently there are more and more publications that confirm continuous long term intake of PDE5 inhibitors. This can be explained by the mechanism of this drugs class action that includes the causation of the disorder, particularly, endothelial dysfunction. It is well konwn that in erectile dysfunction there is malfunction of nitric oxide synthesis by endothelium, and long term usage of PDE5 facilitates the increase of biochemical reactions that can be started by nitric oxide. Based on the review data, a proposition made that PDE5 inhibitors are not harmful for cardiovascular system, but may present with positive effects on cardiovascular system in general. The trials towards this direction continue. There is also a suggestion that intake of PDE5 inhibitors helps to restore normal endothelial function that may lead to better condition of cardiovascular system and decrease complications rate.
NOVEL COMBINATION OF THE ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR PERINDOPRIL AND HIGHLY SELECTIVE β-ADRENOBLOCKER BISOPROLOL: PRIME AMONG THE EQUAL
Authors: Ostroumova O. D. , Kochetkov A. I. , Starodubova A. V. , Guseva Т. F.
Published: July 2018

The article is focused on a broad evidence of antihypertension efficacy of perindopril and bisoprolol. The issues considered, of the drugs usage in patients with arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure according to the international and local clinical guidelines. Special attention is paid for the influence of perindopril and bisoprolol on prognosis — the risk of cardiovascular complications from the evidence based medicine perspective. The data provided on a novel unique combination of these medications, and the benefits are accounted, as the mechanism of complimentary interaction; the results of randomized trials, clinical trials provided, that point on the high potential of this sort of combinational treatment.
Efficient Solution Algorithms for Factored MDPs
Authors: Guestrin C. , Koller D. , Parr R. , Venkataraman S.
Published: July 2018

This paper addresses the problem of planning under uncertainty in large Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). Factored MDPs represent a complex state space using state variables and the transition model using a dynamic Bayesian network. This representation often allows an exponential reduction in the representation size of structured MDPs, but the complexity of exact solution algorithms for such MDPs can grow exponentially in the representation size. In this paper, we present two approximate solution algorithms that exploit structure in factored MDPs. Both use an approximate value function represented as a linear combination of basis functions, where each basis function involves only a small subset of the domain variables. A key contribution of this paper is that it shows how the basic operations of both algorithms can be performed efficiently in closed form, by exploiting both additive and context-specific structure in a factored MDP. A central element of our algorithms is a novel linear program decomposition technique, analogous to variable elimination in Bayesian networks, which reduces an exponentially large LP to a provably equivalent, polynomial-sized one. One algorithm uses approximate linear programming, and the second approximate dynamic programming. Our dynamic programming algorithm is novel in that it uses an approximation based on max-norm, a technique that more directly minimizes the terms that appear in error bounds for approximate MDP algorithms. We provide experimental results on problems with over 10^40 states, demonstrating a promising indication of the scalability of our approach, and compare our algorithm to an existing state-of-the-art approach, showing, in some problems, exponential gains in computation time.
Specific-to-General Learning for Temporal Events with Application to Learning Event Definitions from Video
Authors: Fern A. , Givan R. , Siskind J. M.
Published: July 2018

We develop, analyze, and evaluate a novel, supervised, specific-to-general learner for a simple temporal logic and use the resulting algorithm to learn visual event definitions from video sequences. First, we introduce a simple, propositional, temporal, event-description language called AMA that is sufficiently expressive to represent many events yet sufficiently restrictive to support learning. We then give algorithms, along with lower and upper complexity bounds, for the subsumption and generalization problems for AMA formulas. We present a positive-examples--only specific-to-general learning method based on these algorithms. We also present a polynomial-time--computable ``syntactic'' subsumption test that implies semantic subsumption without being equivalent to it. A generalization algorithm based on syntactic subsumption can be used in place of semantic generalization to improve the asymptotic complexity of the resulting learning algorithm. Finally, we apply this algorithm to the task of learning relational event definitions from video and show that it yields definitions that are competitive with hand-coded ones.
Searching for Bayesian Network Structures in the Space of Restricted Acyclic Partially Directed Graphs
Authors: Acid S. , De Campos L. M.
Published: July 2018

Although many algorithms have been designed to construct Bayesian network structures using different approaches and principles, they all employ only two methods: those based on independence criteria, and those based on a scoring function and a search procedure (although some methods combine the two). Within the score+search paradigm, the dominant approach uses local search methods in the space of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs), where the usual choices for defining the elementary modifications (local changes) that can be applied are arc addition, arc deletion, and arc reversal. In this paper, we propose a new local search method that uses a different search space, and which takes account of the concept of equivalence between network structures: restricted acyclic partially directed graphs (RPDAGs). In this way, the number of different configurations of the search space is reduced, thus improving efficiency. Moreover, although the final result must necessarily be a local optimum given the nature of the search method, the topology of the new search space, which avoids making early decisions about the directions of the arcs, may help to find better local optima than those obtained by searching in the DAG space. Detailed results of the evaluation of the proposed search method on several test problems, including the well-known Alarm Monitoring System, are also presented.
An Analysis of Phase Transition in NK Landscapes
Authors: Gao Y. , Culberson J.
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we analyze the decision version of the NK landscape model from the perspective of threshold phenomena and phase transitions under two random distributions, the uniform probability model and the fixed ratio model. For the uniform probability model, we prove that the phase transition is easy in the sense that there is a polynomial algorithm that can solve a random instance of the problem with the probability asymptotic to 1 as the problem size tends to infinity. For the fixed ratio model, we establish several upper bounds for the solubility threshold, and prove that random instances with parameters above these upper bounds can be solved polynomially. This, together with our empirical study for random instances generated below and in the phase transition region, suggests that the phase transition of the fixed ratio model is also easy.
An Architectural Approach to Ensuring Consistency in Hierarchical Execution
Authors: Wray R. E. , Laird J. E.
Published: July 2018

Hierarchical task decomposition is a method used in many agent systems to organize agent knowledge. This work shows how the combination of a hierarchy and persistent assertions of knowledge can lead to difficulty in maintaining logical consistency in asserted knowledge. We explore the problematic consequences of persistent assumptions in the reasoning process and introduce novel potential solutions. Having implemented one of the possible solutions, Dynamic Hierarchical Justification, its effectiveness is demonstrated with an empirical analysis.
The Metric-FF Planning System: Translating ``Ignoring Delete Lists'' to Numeric State Variables
Authors: Hoffmann J.
Published: July 2018

Planning with numeric state variables has been a challenge for many years, and was a part of the 3rd International Planning Competition (IPC-3). Currently one of the most popular and successful algorithmic techniques in STRIPS planning is to guide search by a heuristic function, where the heuristic is based on relaxing the planning task by ignoring the delete lists of the available actions. We present a natural extension of ``ignoring delete lists'' to numeric state variables, preserving the relevant theoretical properties of the STRIPS relaxation under the condition that the numeric task at hand is ``monotonic''. We then identify a subset of the numeric IPC-3 competition language, ``linear tasks'', where monotonicity can be achieved by pre-processing. Based on that, we extend the algorithms used in the heuristic planning system FF to linear tasks. The resulting system Metric-FF is, according to the IPC-3 results which we discuss, one of the two currently most efficient numeric planners.
A New General Method to Generate Random Modal Formulae for Testing Decision Procedures
Authors: Patel-Schneider P. F. , Sebastiani R.
Published: July 2018

The recent emergence of heavily-optimized modal decision procedures has highlighted the key role of empirical testing in this domain. Unfortunately, the introduction of extensive empirical tests for modal logics is recent, and so far none of the proposed test generators is very satisfactory. To cope with this fact, we present a new random generation method that provides benefits over previous methods for generating empirical tests. It fixes and much generalizes one of the best-known methods, the random CNF_[]m test, allowing for generating a much wider variety of problems, covering in principle the whole input space. Our new method produces much more suitable test sets for the current generation of modal decision procedures. We analyze the features of the new method by means of an extensive collection of empirical tests.
AltAltp: Online Parallelization of Plans with Heuristic State Search
Authors: Sanchez R. , Kambhampati S.
Published: July 2018

Despite their near dominance, heuristic state search planners still lag behind disjunctive planners in the generation of parallel plans in classical planning. The reason is that directly searching for parallel solutions in state space planners would require the planners to branch on all possible subsets of parallel actions, thus increasing the branching factor exponentially. We present a variant of our heuristic state search planner AltAlt, called AltAltp which generates parallel plans by using greedy online parallelization of partial plans. The greedy approach is significantly informed by the use of novel distance heuristics that AltAltp derives from a graphplan-style planning graph for the problem. While this approach is not guaranteed to provide optimal parallel plans, empirical results show that AltAltp is capable of generating good quality parallel plans at a fraction of the cost incurred by the disjunctive planners.
Planning Through Stochastic Local Search and Temporal Action Graphs in LPG
Authors: Gerevini A. , Saetti A. , Serina I.
Published: July 2018

We present some techniques for planning in domains specified with the recent standard language PDDL2.1, supporting 'durative actions' and numerical quantities. These techniques are implemented in LPG, a domain-independent planner that took part in the 3rd International Planning Competition (IPC). LPG is an incremental, any time system producing multi-criteria quality plans. The core of the system is based on a stochastic local search method and on a graph-based representation called 'Temporal Action Graphs' (TA-graphs). This paper focuses on temporal planning, introducing TA-graphs and proposing some techniques to guide the search in LPG using this representation. The experimental results of the 3rd IPC, as well as further results presented in this paper, show that our techniques can be very effective. Often LPG outperforms all other fully-automated planners of the 3rd IPC in terms of speed to derive a solution, or quality of the solutions that can be produced.
Temporal Decision Trees: Model-based Diagnosis of Dynamic Systems On-Board
Authors: Console L. , Picardi C. , Theseider Duprè D.
Published: July 2018

The automatic generation of decision trees based on off-line reasoning on models of a domain is a reasonable compromise between the advantages of using a model-based approach in technical domains and the constraints imposed by embedded applications. In this paper we extend the approach to deal with temporal information. We introduce a notion of temporal decision tree, which is designed to make use of relevant information as long as it is acquired, and we present an algorithm for compiling such trees from a model-based reasoning system.
Decentralized Supply Chain Formation: A Market Protocol and Competitive Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Walsh W. E. , Wellman M. P.
Published: July 2018

Supply chain formation is the process of determining the structure and terms of exchange relationships to enable a multilevel, multiagent production activity. We present a simple model of supply chains, highlighting two characteristic features: hierarchical subtask decomposition, and resource contention. To decentralize the formation process, we introduce a market price system over the resources produced along the chain. In a competitive equilibrium for this system, agents choose locally optimal allocations with respect to prices, and outcomes are optimal overall. To determine prices, we define a market protocol based on distributed, progressive auctions, and myopic, non-strategic agent bidding policies. In the presence of resource contention, this protocol produces better solutions than the greedy protocols common in the artificial intelligence and multiagent systems literature. The protocol often converges to high-value supply chains, and when competitive equilibria exist, typically to approximate competitive equilibria. However, complementarities in agent production technologies can cause the protocol to wastefully allocate inputs to agents that do not produce their outputs. A subsequent decommitment phase recovers a significant fraction of the lost surplus.
A Comprehensive Trainable Error Model for Sung Music Queries
Authors: Meek C. J. , Birmingham W. P.
Published: July 2018

We propose a model for errors in sung queries, a variant of the hidden Markov model (HMM). This is a solution to the problem of identifying the degree of similarity between a (typically error-laden) sung query and a potential target in a database of musical works, an important problem in the field of music information retrieval. Similarity metrics are a critical component of `query-by-humming' (QBH) applications which search audio and multimedia databases for strong matches to oral queries. Our model comprehensively expresses the types of {m error} or variation between target and query: cumulative and non-cumulative local errors, transposition, tempo and tempo changes, insertions, deletions and modulation. The model is not only expressive, but automatically trainable, or able to learn and generalize from query examples. We present results of simulations, designed to assess the discriminatory potential of the model, and tests with real sung queries, to demonstrate relevance to real-world applications.
Use of Markov Chains to Design an Agent Bidding Strategy for Continuous Double Auctions
Authors: Park S. , Durfee E. H. , Birmingham W. P.
Published: July 2018

As computational agents are developed for increasingly complicated e-commerce applications, the complexity of the decisions they face demands advances in artificial intelligence techniques. For example, an agent representing a seller in an auction should try to maximize the seller?s profit by reasoning about a variety of possibly uncertain pieces of information, such as the maximum prices various buyers might be willing to pay, the possible prices being offered by competing sellers, the rules by which the auction operates, the dynamic arrival and matching of offers to buy and sell, and so on. A naive application of multiagent reasoning techniques would require the seller?s agent to explicitly model all of the other agents through an extended time horizon, rendering the problem intractable for many realistically-sized problems. We have instead devised a new strategy that an agent can use to determine its bid price based on a more tractable Markov chain model of the auction process. We have experimentally identified the conditions under which our new strategy works well, as well as how well it works in comparison to the optimal performance the agent could have achieved had it known the future. Our results show that our new strategy in general performs well, outperforming other tractable heuristic strategies in a majority of experiments, and is particularly effective in a 'seller?s market', where many buy offers are available.
Ordered Landmarks in Planning
Authors: Hoffmann J. , Porteous J. , Sebastia L.
Published: July 2018

Many known planning tasks have inherent constraints concerning the best order in which to achieve the goals. A number of research efforts have been made to detect such constraints and to use them for guiding search, in the hope of speeding up the planning process. We go beyond the previous approaches by considering ordering constraints not only over the (top-level) goals, but also over the sub-goals that will necessarily arise during planning. Landmarks are facts that must be true at some point in every valid solution plan. We extend Koehler and Hoffmann's definition of reasonable orders between top level goals to the more general case of landmarks. We show how landmarks can be found, how their reasonable orders can be approximated, and how this information can be used to decompose a given planning task into several smaller sub-tasks. Our methodology is completely domain- and planner-independent. The implementation demonstrates that the approach can yield significant runtime performance improvements when used as a control loop around state-of-the-art sub-optimal planning systems, as exemplified by FF and LPG.