bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONCEPT AND PECULIARITIES OF THE US OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY LEGISLATION
Authors: Хабибуллина Анна , Khabibullina Anna
Published: October 2015

This article reviews topical issues of the US occupational safety legislation. The author highlights the following development stages for the legislative rules on occupation safety in the USA: 1) creation of the US occupational safety legislation in XIX century; 2) the US occupational safety legislation in XX century; 3) the US legislative rules on occupational safety adopted in XXI century. Special attention is paid to international standards on occupational safety and health, constitutional frameworks, federal and regional legislation on occupational safety. The US Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 is analyzed in depth: the adoption purpose, its scope, rights and obligations of employees and employers in the occupational safety sphere, responsibility for the violation of the occupational safety standards. The author groups all US states with regard to the legislative regulation on occupational safety relations as follows: 1) states where regional laws apply to the employees of private and state organizations; 2) states where regional acts are adopted only in public sector, while the US Act of 1970 is in effect in private sector; 3) states, where there are no special regional legislative acts and the US Act of 1970 is in force. The methodological framework of the research includes comparative and legislative analysis of the occupation safety legislation, which is one of the most important methods of the juridical science that allows identifying common pattern of legal development of the state for the purpose of theoretical understanding of various legal phenomena, as well as the necessity to resolve practical tasks facing not only national systems, but also the international community. Scientific novelty of the research involves highlighting the system of the US occupational safety legislation, which, being part of a labor legislation, represents a set of legislative acts that regulate the relations on ensuring the employees’ lives and health in the process of engaging in labor activity. At the same time considering the issues on occupational safety legislation of two federal states — the Russian Federation and the United States of America, with reference to each other and in comparison, can allow taking into account and summarizing the experience of the two leading countries in the development and adoption of new regulatory acts that deal with occupational safety both inside the state — on the federal and regional levels, and on various levels of international legal regulation of labor.
Extremal graphs for the sum of the two largest signless Laplacian eigenvalues
Authors: Oliveira Carla , Lima Leonado , Rama Paula , Carvalho Paula
Published: October 2015

Let G be a simple graph on n vertices and e(G) edges. Consider the signless Laplacian, Q(G) = D + A, where A is the adjacency matrix and D is the diagonal matrix of the vertices degree of G. Let q_1(G) and q_2(G) be the first and the second largest eigenvalues of Q(G), respectively, and denote by S_n^+ the star graph with an additional edge. It is proved that inequality q_1(G)+q_2(G) \leq e(G)+3 is tighter for the graph S_n^+ among all firefly graphs and also tighter to S_n^+ than to the graphs K_k \vee K_{nâk} recently presented by Ashraf, Omidi and Tayfeh-Rezaie. Also, it is conjectured that S_n^+ minimizes f(G) = e(G) â q_1(G) â q_2(G) among all graphs G on n vertices.
On Wilkinson's problem for matrix pencils
Authors: Ahmad Sk. , Alam Rafikul
Published: October 2015

Suppose that an n-by-n regular matrix pencil A -\lambda B has n distinct eigenvalues. Then determining a defective pencil Eâ\lambda F which is nearest to Aâ\lambda B is widely known as Wilkinsonâs problem. It is shown that the pencil E â\lambda F can be constructed from eigenvalues and eigenvectors of A â\lambda B when A â \lambda B is unitarily equivalent to a diagonal pencil. Further, in such a case, it is proved that the distance from A â\lambda B to E â \lambdaF is the minimum âgapâ between the eigenvalues of A â \lambdaB. As a consequence, lower and upper bounds for the âWilkinson distanceâ d(L) from a regular pencil L(\lambda) with distinct eigenvalues to the nearest non-diagonalizable pencil are derived.Furthermore, it is shown that d(L) is almost inversely proportional to the condition number of the most ill-conditioned eigenvalue of L(\lambda).
Towards an interactive sociological rational choice approach to theorising class dimensions of school choice
Authors: Bridge Gary , Wilson Deborah
Published: October 2015

Understanding how different groups of users make choices is central to explaining the outcomes of choice-based mechanisms such as those observed in education systems across different national contexts. We discuss two established perspectives employed to explain decision-making in relation to class and education, and develop an argument for the superior explanatory potential of an elaborated, interactive, sociological rational choice perspective. We illustrate how this framework may be operationalised to inform policy aimed at reducing class differentials in school choice and subsequent educational outcomes in the context of New Public Management ideas.
Have Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Quality of Health Care Relationships Changed for Children With Developmental Disabilities and ASD?
Authors: Magaña Sandra , Parish Susan L. , Son Esther
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to determine if racial and ethnic disparities in the quality of provider interaction have changed between 2006 and 2010 for children with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data from the 2005/2006 and 2009/2010 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs were analyzed. Results show that racial and ethnic disparities in the quality of provider interactions were substantial in both 2005/2006 and 2009/2010. Black and Latino parents were significantly less likely than White parents to report that their provider spent enough time with their child and was sensitive to the family's values. Racial and ethnic disparities in health care quality were found to be unchanged over time. Research and policy implications are discussed.
Testing Math or Testing Language? The Construct Validity of the KeyMath-Revised for Children With Intellectual Disability and Language Difficulties
Authors: Rhodes Katherine T. , Branum-Martin Lee , Morris Robin D. , Romski MaryAnn , Sevcik Rose A.
Published: October 2015

Although it is often assumed that mathematics ability alone predicts mathematics test performance, linguistic demands may also predict achievement. This study examined the role of language in mathematics assessment performance for children with intellectual disability (ID) at less severe levels, on the KeyMath-Revised Inventory (KM-R) with a sample of 264 children, in grades 2–5. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the hypothesis that the KM-R would demonstrate discriminant validity with measures of language abilities in a two-factor model was compared to two plausible alternative models. Results indicated that KM-R did not have discriminant validity with measures of children's language abilities and was a multidimensional test of both mathematics and language abilities for this population of test users. Implications are considered for test development, interpretation, and intervention.
Long Noncoding RNAs in Urine Are Detectable and May Enable Early Detection of Acute T Cell–Mediated Rejection of Renal Allografts
Authors: Lorenzen Johan M , Schauerte Celina , Kölling Malte , Hübner Anika , Knapp Monika , Haller Hermann , Thum Thomas
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are novel intracellular noncoding ribonucleotides regulating the genome and proteome. They are detectable in the blood of patients with acute kidney injury. We tested whether lncRNAs are present in urine and may serve as new predictors of outcome in renal transplant patients with acute rejection.

METHODS

A global lncRNA expression analysis was performed with RNA from urine of patients with acute T cell–mediated renal allograft rejection and control transplant patients. Deregulated lncRNAs were confirmed in kidney biopsies and urine in a validation cohort of 62 patients with acute rejection, 10 of them after successful antirejection therapy, and 31 control transplant patients.

RESULTS

A global screen revealed several lncRNAs to be deregulated in urine of patients with acute rejection. Three intergenic lncRNAs, LNC-MYH13-3:1, RP11-395P13.3-001, and RP11-354P17.15-001, were most strongly altered. These were validated in the whole cohort of patients. RP11-395P13.3-001 and RP11-354P17.15-001 were upregulated in patients with acute rejection compared with controls. Only levels of RP11-354P17.15-001 normalized in patients with acute rejection after successful antirejection therapy. RP11-354P17.15-001 was associated with higher decline in glomerular filtration rate 1 year after transplantation. In vitro, in tubular epithelial cells, all lncRNAs were enriched by interleukin-6 treatment, but only RP11-395P13.3-001 and RP11-354P17.15-001 increased in cell culture supernatant, indicating that these lncRNAs might be secreted under inflammatory conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNAs are strongly altered in urine of patients with acute rejection. Urinary RP11-354P17.15-001 may serve as a novel biomarker of acute kidney rejection, identifying patients with acute rejection and predicting loss of kidney function.
Reference Values and Release Kinetics of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Signal Peptide in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liebetrau Christoph , Gaede Luise , Dörr Oliver , Blumenstein Johannes , Rosenburg Stefanie , Hoffmann Jedrzej , Troidl Christian , Hamm Christian W , Nef Holger M , Möllmann Helge , Richards A Mark , Pemberton Chris J
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The signal peptide for human B-type natriuretic peptide preprohormone (BNPsp), which is released from cardiomyocytes, is increased in plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, its exact release kinetics have not been defined.

METHODS

We measured BNPsp and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in a reference group of individuals without structural heart disease (n = 285) and determined the release kinetics of these biomarkers in patients (n = 29) with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy (TASH), a procedure allowing exact timing of onset of iatrogenic AMI. Blood samples were collected before TASH and at numerous preselected time points after TASH.

RESULTS

The reference median BNPsp concentration was 53.4 pmol/L [interquartile range (IQR) 47.0–61.0; 95th percentile 85.9 pmol/L; 99th percentile 116.3 pmol/L]. Baseline concentrations in patients undergoing TASH were higher than in the reference group [91.9 pmol/L (IQR 62.9–116.4); P < 0.0001]. BNPsp increased significantly, peaking at 15 min after induction of AMI [149.6 pmol/L (109.5–204.9) vs baseline; P = 0.004] and declining slowly thereafter, falling below the preprocedural value after 8 h (P = 0.014). hs-cTnT increased significantly 15 min after induction of AMI [26 ng/L (19–39) vs 18 ng/L (11–29); P = 0.001] and remained high at all later time points.

CONCLUSIONS

BNPsp concentrations increased immediately after AMI induction, providing early evidence of myocardial injury. The release kinetics of BNPsp differed from those of hs-cTnT. These findings provide information that should help in establishing the diagnostic value of BNPsp in the setting of early AMI.
STARD 2015: An Updated List of Essential Items for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
Authors: Bossuyt Patrick M , Reitsma Johannes B , Bruns David E , Gatsonis Constantine A , Glasziou Paul P , Irwig Les , Lijmer Jeroen G , Moher David , Rennie Drummond , de Vet Henrica C W , Kressel Herbert Y , Rifai Nader , Golub Robert M , Altman Douglas G , Hooft Lotty , Korevaar Daniël A , Cohen Jérémie F
Published: October 2015

Incomplete reporting has been identified as a major source of avoidable waste in biomedical research. Essential information is often not provided in study reports, impeding the identification, critical appraisal, and replication of studies. To improve the quality of reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies, the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) statement was developed. Here we present STARD 2015, an updated list of 30 essential items that should be included in every report of a diagnostic accuracy study. This update incorporates recent evidence about sources of bias and variability in diagnostic accuracy and is intended to facilitate the use of STARD. As such, STARD 2015 may help to improve completeness and transparency in reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies.
Arquivo da Quinta das Lágrimas: Instrumentos de descrição e de gestão
Authors: Júdice Maria da Assunção Alarcão
Published: October 2015

O Arquivo da Quinta das Lágrimas é formado por diversos Fundos/Arquivos Familiares que chegaram até nós organizados em redor das três grandes Casas que estão na base da família Homem de Figueiredo / Osório Cabral de Castro, que se radicou em Coimbra. A organização da documentação, numa lógica de conservação utilitarista, está patente nos seus instrumentos de descrição e gestão que analisamos neste artigo.
The New Formula For Cool
Authors: Kohlenberger Judith
Published: October 2015

»Our society has undergone a paradigm shift. In the information age, you and I are the alpha males,« Dr Leonard Hofstadter, experimental physicist and protagonist of the hit sitcom »The Big Bang Theory«, assures himself and his fellow scientists. The success of this and similar formats in American popular culture proves his point: Science has finally discovered the formula for cool. This interdisciplinary study examines how »cool«, a key aesthetic and affective category in the American imagination, informs contemporary representations of technoscience. Analyzing selected audiovisual productions, Judith Kohlenberger sheds light on current processes of interaction between science and popular culture, two pivotal sources for change in post-industrial America.
Publikumsmagnet Sonderausstellung - Stiefkind Dauerausstellung?
Authors: Wegner Nora
Published: October 2015

Während Sonderausstellungen Publikumsmagnete für Museen sind, drohen ihre existenziellen Dauerausstellungen an Bedeutung zu verlieren. Was aber macht Sonderausstellungen so attraktiv? Und was unterscheidet das Publikum der Sonder- von dem der Dauerausstellungen? Nora Wegner beantwortet diese Fragen mittels einer umfassenden Vergleichsstudie an verschiedenen Museen. Sie entwickelt eine Typologie von Ausstellungsbesucher_innen, ermittelt Erfolgsfaktoren von Sonderausstellungen und leitet zudem praktische Empfehlungen für eine zielgruppenorientierte Museumsarbeit ab, die dem Spannungsfeld zwischen den Ausstellungen gerecht wird und Publikum auch für Dauerausstellungen gewinnt.
When Do Consumers Avoid Imperfections? Superficial Packaging Damage as a Contamination Cue
Authors: White Katherine , Lin Lily , Dahl Darren W. , Ritchie Robin J. B.
Published: October 2015

Across six experiments, the authors demonstrate that superficial imperfections in the form of packaging damage can engender negative consumer reactions that shape subsequent attitudes and behaviors in ways that are not always objectively justified. Their findings show that these reactions function in a relatively automatic fashion, even emerging under conditions in which the packaging damage does not convey information about a health and safety threat from the product. The authors extend work on contagion to show that superficial packaging damage can act as a contamination cue, automatically activating thoughts of contamination and health and safety concerns. This tendency to avoid superficial packaging damage can be eliminated by counteracting these thoughts of contamination. This can be done with positive brand associations (i.e., by branding the product as organic) or by creating a physical buffer between the packaging damage and the product itself. The authors close with a discussion of implications for marketers, consumers, and public policy makers.
Analysis Of Dynamic Replacement Column Construction Process On Neighbouring Engineering Structures
Authors: Łupieżowiec M. , Kanty P.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the analysis of the influence of works related to the dynamic replacement column formation on the bridge pillar and the highway embankment located nearby. Thanks to DR columns, it is possible to strengthen the soil under road embankment in a very efficient way. However, the construction of such support carries risk to buildings and engineering structures located in the neighbourhood. Therefore modelling and monitoring of the influence of the conducted works should be an indispensable element of each investment in which dynamic replacement method is applied. The presented issue is illustrated by the example of soil strengthening with DR columns constructed under road embankment of DTŚ highway located in Gliwice. During the inspection, the influence of vibrations on the nearby bridge pillar and road embankment was examined. The acceleration values obtained during these tests were used to verify the elaborated numerical model.
Estimation Of Task Completion Times With The Use Of The PERT Method On The Example Of A Real Construction Project
Authors: Plebankiewicz E. , Juszczyk M. , Malara J.
Published: October 2015

The article presents briefly several methods of working time estimation. However, three methods of task duration assessment have been selected to investigate working time in a real construction project using the data collected from observing workers laying terrazzo flooring in staircases. The first estimation has been done by calculating a normal and a triangular function. The next method, which is the focus of greatest attention here, is PERT. The article presents a way to standardize the results and the procedure algorithm allowing determination of the characteristic values for the method. Times to perform every singular component sub-task as well as the whole task have been defined for the collected data with the reliability level of 85%. The completion time of the same works has also been calculated with the use of the KNR. The obtained result is much higher than the actual time needed for execution of the task calculated with the use of the previous method. The authors argue that PERT is the best method of all three, because it takes into account the randomness of the entire task duration and it can be based on the actual execution time known from research.
Enterprise’s Risk Assessment Of Complex Construction Projects
Authors: Konior J.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this article is to present the preparation of Project Risk Assessment Methodology and its mitigation in complex construction projects. The main text provides a summary of the approach, the method used and the findings. The conclusions have been drawn that the proper tools for quantifying risks have to be based on the criteria specific for mathematical statistic and probability or at least fuzziness. Function, which makes possible to categorize any risks into one of the five categories, is a combination of probability and the impact on one of the items: people and their safety or budget, cost, schedule and planning or quality and performance. An attempt was made to express numerically the relationship between risks impacts and their level of likelihood. Also, a method of associating the influence of projects risks impacts on the extent of the likelihood of project risk occurrence which makes possible to determine the direction and the strength of this relationship was presented.
Random And Fuzzy Measure Of Unpredictable Construction Works
Authors: Konior J.
Published: October 2015

Supplementing well recognised practical models of project and construction management, based on probabilistic and fuzzy events may make possible to transfer the weight of the change and extra orders assessment from the qualitative form to a quantitative one. This assessment, however, is naturally burdened with an immeasurable, subjective aspect. Elaboration of probability of occurrence in a construction project unforeseen building works requires application (in addition to the non-measureable, qualitative criteria) of measurable (quantitative) criteria which still appear during construction project implementation. In reimbursable engineering contracts, a random event described as an extra, supplementary building work has a random character and occurs with a specific likelihood. In lump sum contracts, on the other hand, such a random event has a fuzzy character and its occurrence is defined in a linear manner by the function of affiliation to the set of fuzzy events being identical with unforeseen events. The strive for quantitative presentation of criteria regarded by nature as qualitative and the intention to determine relations between them led to the application of the fuzzy sets theory to this issue. Their properties enable description of the unforeseen works of construction projects in an unambiguous, quantitative way.
Isolation and recrystallization of epicuticular
waxes from Sorbus and Cotoneaster leaves
Authors: Ganeva Tsveta , Stefanova Miroslava , Koleva Dimitrina , Ruiz Segundo Ríos
Published: October 2015

Wax morphology and chemical composition
are widely accepted to be important for the protective
properties of the leaf’s surface and also valuable
characteristics in plant systematics. The leaves of Sorbus
domestica L. and Cotoneaster granatensis Boiss., species
of two large genera with intricate taxonomy referred
to subtribe Pyrinae, Rosaceae (formerly subfamily
Maloideae), were studied by scanning electron microscope
(SEM) and performing different methods of wax isolation.
The aim of the study was to acquire a suitable, cost and
time effective method for wax removal. Chloroform and
methanol extractions and freeze-embedding method
for direct isolation of the wax crystals were applied.
Immersing the leaves for 3 minutes in chloroform was
sufficient to extract the waxes whereas the efficiency of
the methanol solvent was lower. Wax layers with wellpreserved
structures of the crystals from both upper and
lower epidermis were successfully transferred to artificial
surfaces. The recrystallization experiment demonstrated
that waxes from chloroform extracts could recrystallize
in in vitro conditions on artificial surfaces. The crystals
showed same micromorphology as on the intact leaves.
Results of this study could be applied in further analytical
researches of the waxes of S. domestica and C. granatensis
or other species of the subtribe Pyrinae.
Application of PCR – RFLP markers for identification of genetically delimited groups of the Calypogeia fissa complex (Jungermanniopsida, Calypogeiaceae)
Authors: Buczkowska Katarzyna
Published: October 2015

Currently, two subspecies are formally recognized within Calypogeia fissa: C. fissa subsp. fissa occurring in Europe and C. fissa subsp. neogea known from North America. Genetic studies have revealed a complex structure of this species. Within the European part of distribution, three genetically distinct groups PS, PB and G are distinguished. The combination of the SCAR marker Cal04 and PCR-RFLP markers with three restriction enzymes (SmaI, TaqI and TspGWI) allowed the recognition of all groups within the C. fissa complex. The TaqI enzyme recognizing the restriction sites in the PCR product of SCAR marker Ca104 turned out to be the best marker
Screening of presumptive urinary tract infections by the automated urine sediment analyser sediMAX
Authors: Tessari Andrea , Osti Nicoletta , Scarin Marino
Published: October 2015

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common bacterial infections and urine samples represent a large proportion of the specimens processed in clinical microbiology laboratories, up to 80% of which, however, yield negative results. Automated microscopy is widely used for urine sediment analysis and has recently been evaluated in a few studies for bacteriological screening of urine samples, achieving high levels of performance.

We present a study in which urine samples from both inpatients and outpatients, with either clean-catch or indwelling catheter urine samples, were screened for UTI by urine culture, as the reference method, and the automated urine analyser sediMAX, for the detection of bacteria, leukocytes and yeasts.

In total, 3443 urine samples were evaluated. When a single algorithm was adopted for sediMAX to screen the total patient population, 96.4% sensitivity, 75.4% specificity, 57.8% positive predictive value, and 98.4% negative predictive value were found. However, for male outpatients and all patients with indwelling catheter other algorithms were necessary to improve performances. Altogether, with sediMAX false negative rate was 2.4% and false positive rate was 27.6%. In addition, 54% of the investigated samples could have avoided urine culture.

After the identification of specific algorithms for different patient subgroups, the automated urine analyser sediMAX can be reliably employed in the screening of UTI.
Soil-atmosphere relationships: The Hungarianperspective
Authors: Ács Ferenc , Rajkai Kálmán , Breuer Hajnalka , Mona Tamás , Horváth Ákos
Published: October 2015

This study discusses scientific contributions analyzingsoil-atmosphere relationships. These studies dealwith both the biogeophysical and biogeochemical aspectsof this relationship, with biogeophysical aspects beingin the majority. All of the studies refer either directly orindirectly to the fundamental importance of soil moisturecontent. Moisture has a basic influence on the spatiotemporalpattern of evapotranspiration, and so 1) oncloud formation and precipitation events by regulatingthe intensity of convection, and 2) on the trace-gas exchangesin the near-surface atmosphere. Hungarian modelingefforts have highlighted that soils in the PannonianBasin have region-specific features. Consequently, shallowand deep convection processes are also, to some extent,region-specific, at least in terms of the diurnal changeof the planetary boundary layer height and the spatial distributionof convective precipitation. The soil-dependentregion-distinctiveness of these two phenomena has beenrecognized; at the same time the strength of the relationshipshas not yet been quantified.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) during moisture desorption processes
Authors: Zhan Tianyi , Jiang Jiali , Peng Hui , Lu Jianxiong
Published: October 2015

The viscoelasticity of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata[Lamb.] Hook.) during moisture desorption processes were examined at 30°C and two relative humidity (RH) modes: RHramp-downmode from 85 to 0% RH, and RHisohumemode at 0, 30, and 60% RH, respectively. Dynamic viscoelastic properties were determined in a multi-frequency range of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 Hz. In both RH modes, desorption of water resulted in increasing stiffness and decreasing damping. The reduction in moisture content caused an unstable state in the cell wall due to the formation of free volumes in cell wall and rearrangement of hydrogen bonds within the polymer networks. Higher ramping rates resulted in greater destabilization, and the unstable state was more pronounced at a lower frequency. The ratio of storage modulus at 1 and 20 Hz remained unchanged during both RH modes. The ratios of loss modulus and loss factor at 1 and 20 Hz increased during the RHramp-downand decreased during the RHisohumeperiod. The changes of loss modulus or loss factor ratios at two frequencies were suitable for evaluation of the unstable state. The instability was aggravated with reducing RH and slightly recovered at constant RH.
Generalized co-annihilator of BL-algebras
Authors: Meng Biao Long , Xin Xiao Long
Published: October 2015

In BL-algebras we introduce the concept of generalized co-annihilators as a generalization of coannihilator
and the set of the form x-1F where F is a filter, and study basic properties of generalized co-annihilators.
We also introduce the notion of involutory filters relative to a filter F and prove that the set of all involutory
filters relative to a filter with respect to the suit operations is a complete Boolean lattice and BL-algebra. We use
the technology of generalized co-annihilators to give characterizations of prime filters and minimal prime filters,
respectively. In particular, we give a representation of co-annihilators in the quotient algebra of a BL-algebra L via
a filter F by means of generalized co-annihilators relative to F in L:
Inequality for power series with nonnegative
coefficients and applications
Authors: Dragomir Silvestru Sever
Published: October 2015

We establish in this paper some Jensen’s type inequalities for functions defined by power series with
nonnegative coefficients. Applications for functions of selfadjoint operators on complex Hilbert spaces are provided
as well.
Conceptual Framework for the Definition and Regulation of Virtual Currencies: International and Russian practices / Konceptualni okvir za definicijo in regulacijo virtualnih valut: mednarodne in ruske prakse
Authors: Belomyttseva Olga S.
Published: October 2015

This paper analyzes possible definitions of virtual currencies in legislation and economics. Views of the European Central Bank, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and Financial Action Task Force regarding virtual currencies are studied. The analysis also covers the draft legislation to ban money surrogates in the Russian Federation. The author suggests two reasonable approaches to defining virtual currencies in law and economics. The Austrian School representatives’ arguments on the existence of private money are reviewed. The author proposes the introduction of some changes in the legislation of the Russian Federation in order to give legal status to virtual currencies.
Environmental pollutions associated to conflicts in Iraq and related health problems
Authors: Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed
Published: October 2015

Several wars and a 13-year embargo as well as several years of civil war with the recent war on terrorism have cumulatively damaged Iraq’s land, air, water, and health infrastructure. The sand particles in Iraq contain toxic substances, which dates back to the pollution caused by military actions that disassemble the desert sands and turn it into light dust. This dust reaches cities as dust storms that effect most Iraqi cities. The presence of depleted uranium (DU) in the Iraqi food chain is documented by measuring the uranium in animals organs in different Iraqi cities with the highest concentration in the south of Iraq. One of the major sites of pollution in Iraq is the Al-twaitha nuclear research site. The nuclear research reactors were destroyed in the 1991 Gulf War. Barrels containing radioactive materials and sources were stolen from the site in the 2003 war. This resulted in considerable radioactive pollution at the site and in its surrounding areas. Soil sample have been found to be contaminated by Cs-137and Co-60. Cancer and birth defects are most associated with the environmental pollution caused by the conflicts. All studies related to this by Iraqi researchers are discussed in this review. From studying the Iraqi scientific publications, we can conclude that Basrah, Baghdad, Faluja, Mosul and Thi-Qar are the most effected cities in Iraq. This review concludes that the presence of a heavily contaminated environment with war related pollutants in most of the Iraqi cities needs much attention and huge effort to reduce the related health problems.
The meaning creation process, information, emotion, knowledge, two objects, and significance-effects: Some Peircean remarks
Authors: Sørensen Bent , Thellefsen Torkild , Thellefsen Martin
Published: October 2015

What is the relation between emotion, information, and knowledge? The aim of the paper is to focus on the meaning creation process, which involves emotion, information, and knowledge. The paper shows how the meaning creation process is an intricate relation between information and knowledge, how information is the catalyst for knowledge, and how knowledge can effect information, while emotion is the flavor of information and knowledge, respectively. The paper also presents a concept of information based on Peirce’s semeiotic.
Simultane Bestimmung von Temperatur- und Geschwindigkeitsfeldern in Gasströmungen
Authors: Doll Ulrich , Burow Eike , Stockhausen Guido , Willert Christian , Czarske Jürgen
Published: October 2015

Die Messung von Temperatur- und Geschwindigkeitsfeldern spielt eine
wichtige Rolle sowohl in der Luftfahrt als auch in der Energie- und
Verfahrenstechnik. Mit laseroptischen Verfahren können hochaufgelöste
Messungen von Strömungen vorgenommen werden, aber üblicherweise sind
Partikel für die Lichtstreuung einzubringen. In diesem Beitrag wird
eine neuartige Methode vorgestellt, die keinerlei Streupartikel
benötigt und eine gleichzeitige flächige Messung von Temperatur und
Geschwindigkeit erlaubt. Die Methode basiert auf der spektralen
Auswertung von gefilterter Rayleigh-Streuung. Durch die Verwendung
einer kalibrierten analytischen Modellfunktion kann die
Messunsicherheit des Systems reduziert werden.
N-Acetylaspartate Synthase Deficiency Corrects the Myelin Phenotype in a Canavan Disease Mouse Model But Does Not Affect Survival Time
Authors: Maier Helena , Wang-Eckhardt Lihua , Hartmann Dieter , Gieselmann Volkmar , Eckhardt Matthias
Published: October 2015

Canavan disease (CD) is a severe, lethal leukodystrophy caused by deficiency in aspartoacylase (ASPA), which hydrolyzesN-acetylaspartate (NAA). In the brains of CD patients, NAA accumulates to high millimolar concentrations. The pathology of the disease is characterized by loss of oligodendrocytes and spongy myelin degeneration in the CNS. Whether accumulating NAA, absence of NAA-derived acetate, or absence of any unknown functions of the ASPA enzyme is responsible for the pathology of the disease is not fully understood. We generated ASPA-deficient (Aspanur7/nur7) mice that are also deficient for NAA synthase Nat8L (Nat8L−/−/Aspanur7/nur7). These mice have no detectable NAA. Nevertheless, they exhibited normal myelin content, myelin sphingolipid composition, and full reversal of spongy myelin and axonal degeneration. Surprisingly, although pathology was fully reversed, the survival time of the mice was not prolonged. In contrast, Aspanur7/nur7mice with only one intact Nat8L allele accumulated less NAA, developed a less severe pathology, phenotypic improvements, and, importantly, an almost normal survival time. Therefore, inhibition of NAA synthase is a promising therapeutic option for CD. The reduced survival rate of Nat8L−/−/Aspanur7/nur7mice, however, indicates that complete inhibition of NAA synthase may bear unforeseeable risks for the patient. Furthermore, we demonstrate that acetate derived from NAA is not essential for myelin lipid synthesis and that loss of NAA-derived acetate does not cause the myelin phenotype of Aspanur7/nur7mice. Our data clearly support the hypothesis that NAA accumulation is the major factor in the development of CD.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCanavan disease (CD) is a severe, lethal leukodystrophy caused by aspartoacylase deficiency leading to accumulation of its substrate,N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and spongy myelin degeneration. In our study, we found that deletion of the NAA synthase gene Nat8L in a CD mouse model prevents myelin degeneration. This shows that accumulation of NAA to toxic levels causes the spongy myelin degeneration and excludes that a deficiency of NAA degradation products is responsible for the disease. This conclusion also suggests that inhibition of NAA synthase may be a therapeutic option for CD. The observed sudden premature death of Nat8L-deficient mice, however, also indicates that complete inhibition of NAA synthase may bear unforeseeable risks for patients.
Radial Glial Cell–Neuron Interaction Directs Axon Formation at the Opposite Side of the Neuron from the Contact Site
Authors: Xu Chundi , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Watanabe Takashi , Takano Tetsuya , Nakamuta Shinichi , Namba Takashi , Kaibuchi Kozo
Published: October 2015

How extracellular cues direct axon–dendrite polarization in mouse developing neurons is not fully understood. Here, we report that the radial glial cell (RGC)–cortical neuron interaction directs axon formation at the opposite side of the neuron from the contact site. N-cadherin accumulates at the contact site between the RGC and cortical neuron. Inhibition of the N-cadherin-mediated adhesion decreases this oriented axon formationin vitro, and disrupts the axon–dendrite polarizationin vivo. Furthermore, the RGC–neuron interaction induces the polarized distribution of active RhoA at the contacting neurite and active Rac1 at the opposite neurite. Inhibition of Rho–Rho-kinase signaling in a neuron impairs the oriented axon formationin vitro, and prevents axon–dendrite polarizationin vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that the N-cadherin-mediated radial glia–neuron interaction determines the contacting neurite as the leading process for radial glia-guided neuronal migration and directs axon formation to the opposite side acting through the Rho family GTPases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeurons are highly polarized cell lines typically with a single axon and multiple dendrites, which underlies the ability of integrating and transmitting the information in the brain. How is the axon–dendrite polarity of neurons established in the developing neocortex? Here we show that the N-cadherin-mediated radial glial cell–neuron interaction directs axon–dendrite polarization, the radial glial cell–neuron interaction induces polarized distribution of active RhoA and active Rac1 in neurons, and Rho–Rho-kinase signaling is required for axon–dendrite polarization. Our work advances the overall understanding of how extracellular cues direct axon–dendrite polarization in mouse developing neurons.
Increasing Spontaneous Retinal Activity before Eye Opening Accelerates the Development of Geniculate Receptive Fields
Authors: Davis Zachary W. , Chapman Barbara , Cheng Hwai-Jong
Published: October 2015

Visually evoked activity is necessary for the normal development of the visual system. However, little is known about the capacity for patterned spontaneous activity to drive the maturation of receptive fields before visual experience. Retinal waves provide instructive retinotopic information for the anatomical organization of the visual thalamus. To determine whether retinal waves also drive the maturation of functional responses, we increased the frequency of retinal waves pharmacologically in the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) during a period of retinogeniculate development before eye opening. The development of geniculate receptive fields after receiving these increased neural activities was measured using single-unit electrophysiology. We found that increased retinal waves accelerate the developmental reduction of geniculate receptive field sizes. This reduction is due to a decrease in receptive field center size rather than an increase in inhibitory surround strength. This work reveals an instructive role for patterned spontaneous activity in guiding the functional development of neural circuits.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPatterned spontaneous neural activity that occurs during development is known to be necessary for the proper formation of neural circuits. However, it is unknown whether the spontaneous activity alone is sufficient to drive the maturation of the functional properties of neurons. Our work demonstrates for the first time an acceleration in the maturation of neural function as a consequence of driving patterned spontaneous activity during development. This work has implications for our understanding of how neural circuits can be modified actively to improve function prematurely or to recover from injury with guided interventions of patterned neural activity.
Asymmetric Interhemispheric Transfer in the Auditory Network: Evidence from TMS, Resting-State fMRI, and Diffusion Imaging
Authors: Andoh Jamila , Matsushita Reiko , Zatorre Robert J.
Published: October 2015

Hemispheric asymmetries in human auditory cortical function and structure are still highly debated. Brain stimulation approaches can complement correlational techniques by uncovering causal influences. Previous studies have shown asymmetrical effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on task performance, but it is unclear whether these effects are task-specific or reflect intrinsic network properties. To test how modulation of auditory cortex (AC) influences functional networks and whether this influence is asymmetrical, the present study measured resting-state fMRI connectivity networks in 17 healthy volunteers before and immediately after TMS (continuous theta burst stimulation) to the left or right AC, and the vertex as a control. We also examined the relationship between TMS-induced interhemispheric signal propagation and anatomical properties of callosal auditory fibers as measured with diffusion-weighted MRI. We found that TMS to the right AC, but not the left, resulted in widespread connectivity decreases in auditory- and motor-related networks in the resting state. Individual differences in the degree of change in functional connectivity between auditory cortices after TMS applied over the right AC were negatively related to the volume of callosal auditory fibers. The findings show that TMS-induced network modulation occurs, even in the absence of an explicit task, and that the magnitude of the effect differs across individuals as a function of callosal structure, supporting a role for the corpus callosum in mediating functional asymmetry. The findings support theoretical models emphasizing hemispheric differences in network organization and are of practical significance in showing that brain stimulation studies need to take network-level effects into account.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe investigated the lateralized functional networks involved in auditory processing and how modulation of the auditory cortex (AC) influences these networks. We demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the AC resulted in changes in connectivity in auditory and motor-related networks in the resting state. Such changes were strongly asymmetric, with stimulation of the right AC resulting in more widespread decreases in connectivity compared with stimulation of the left AC. Finally, we showed that individual differences in the degree of modulation of functional connectivity in AC were related to structural measures of the callosal auditory pathway. The findings support theoretical models emphasizing hemispheric differences in network organization; they also show that TMS studies need to consider network-level effects of stimulation.
Science on the Small Screen
Authors: Ward Jacob
Published: October 2015

A personal essay on the author’s transition from editor of Popular Science magazine to science reporter for Al Jazeera America, the television channel. He finds that the new role—and good science reporting generally—provides a lens through which to see most major news stories dominating the headlines in a clear, thoughtful, and unbiased way.
Is Carotid Artery Stenting an Alternative to Simultaneous Carotid Endarterectomy Performed for Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Bypass Surgery?
Authors: Şaşkın Hüseyin , Duzyol Cagri , Ozcan Kazım Serhan , Aksoy Rezan , Idiz Mustafa
Published: October 2015

Background: Treatment method in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary bypass surgery with accompanying carotid artery disease is still a hot topic among clinicians. This study is designed to investigate if there is an effect on myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events and mortality during postoperative period of simultaneous carotid endarterectomy with coronary bypass surgery compared to staged carotid artery stenting before coronary bypass surgery.
Methods: 102 patients (79 male, 23 female) who underwent simultaneous carotid endarterectomy with coronary bypass surgery or staged carotid artery stenting with coronary bypass surgery in the same center with the same surgical team were divided into 2 groups and retrospectively reviewed. Group 1 (n = 71) had coronary artery bypass surgery under general anesthesia with carotid endarterectomy followed by cardiopulmonary bypass with heart team decision. Again with heart team decision, Group 2 (n=31), patients at high-risk for carotid endarterectomy (serious cardiac disease, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, superiorly located lesions), received carotid artery stents in the interventional radiology department and a month later, coronary bypass surgery was performed with cardiopulmonary bypass under elective conditions.
Results: Median of patient age was 67.5 (45-83) years. Twenty-two patients (31%) in Group 1 and 19 patients (56.3%) in Group 2 had neurological symptoms, which was statistically significant (P = .004). During the early postoperative term, three patients (4.2%) in Group 1 and two patients (6.5%) in Group 2 died (P = .64). Five patients (7.0%) in Group 1 and two patients (6.5%) in Group 2 developed neurological symptoms during the early postoperative term
(P > .05). Likewise, two patients (2.8%) in Group 1 and five patients (16.1%) in Group 2 developed myocardial infarction following carotid intervention (P = .03).
Conclusions: In patients with significant carotid artery stenosis undergoing coronary bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, in comparison to simultaneous carotid endarterectomy with coronary bypass technique and carotid artery stenting followed with coronary bypass technique showed no difference in combined endpoint (postoperative myocardial infarction, neurological events, and mortality). With proper tools and according to the decisions made by heart teams, both management strategies can be safely performed.
René Leriche and the development of 20th century surgery
Authors: Ioncioaia Bogdan , Bud Ioan Teodor , Muresan Mircea
Published: October 2015

René Leriche (1879-1955) was a 20th century French surgeon generally known in medicine for the syndrome that carries his name, namely the Leriche syndrome in the aorto-iliac occlusive disease.This paper is published to mark the commemoration of 60 year since Leriche’s death.Although Dr. Leriche's legacy resides in the domain of vascular medicine, his research enclosed bone pathology and surgical management of pain.Having his surgical training done under professors Mathieu Jaboulay and Antonin Poncet, his friendship and association with Alexis Carrel and William Halsted have contributed to René Leriche's development as a surgeon, researcher and thinker. Following the footsteps of his mentors, he produced outstanding clinical and academic work which had earned him a good reputation among his students and colleagues. Surgeons such as Jean Kunlin, Jao Cid dos Santos, Michael DeBakey, René Fontaine and others came to study and learn from him. These future generations of surgeons would themselves bring much contribution to the understanding and treatment of vascular diseases and medicine in general.René Leriche pioneered medicine with his research and ideas. His assiduous work of teaching, research and clinical practice made his influence last to our present.
Checklist of bat flies (Diptera: Nycteribiidae and Streblidae) and their associated bat hosts in Malaysia
Authors: Azhar Isham , Anwarali Khan Faisal Ali , Ismail Norwahidah , Abdullah M. T.
Published: October 2015

The number of publications on bat flies of Malaysia suggests that this group of parasitic dipterans is understudied. From April 2011 to September 2013, we surveyed 10 localities from seven states in Malaysia with the main objective to compile a checklist of bat flies. As a result, a total of 15 species of bat flies were recorded from 24 species of hosts. Our surveys indicated that there is a correlation between the number of bat species and the number of bat flies species recorded due to the host specific nature of bat flies.