bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased acetylation of microtubules rescues human tau-induced microtubule defects and neuromuscular junction abnormalities in Drosophila
Authors: Mao Chuan-Xi , Wen Xue , Jin Shan , Zhang Yong Q.
Published: August 2017

Tau normally associates with and stabilizes microtubules (MTs), but is hyperphosphorylated and aggregated into neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases, which are collectively known as tauopathies. MTs are regulated by different forms of post-translational modification including acetylation; acetylated MTs represent a more stable microtubule population. In our previous study, we show that inhibition of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), which deacetylates tubulin at lysine 40, rescues defects in MTs and in neuromuscular junction growth caused by tau overexpression. However, HDAC6 also acts on other proteins that involve in distinct biological processes unrelated to tubulins. In order to directly examine the role of increased tubulin acetylation against tau toxicity, we generated site-directed α-tubulinK40Q mutation by the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to mimic the acetylated MTs and found that acetylation-mimicking α-tubulin rescued tau-induced MT defects and neuromuscular junction developmental abnormalities. We also showed that late administration of ACY-1215 and tubastatin A, two potent and selective inhibitors of HDAC6, rescued the tau-induced MT defects after the abnormalities had already become apparent. Our results together indicate that increased MT acetylation by either genetic manipulations or drugs might be used as potential strategies for intervening tauopathies.
Temperature effects on the cardiorespiratory control of American bullfrog tadpoles based on a non-invasive methodology
Authors: Longhini Leonardo S. , Zena Lucas A. , da Silva Glauber S. F. , Bícego Kênia C. , Gargaglioni Luciane H.
Published: August 2017

Temperature effects on cardiac autonomic tonus in amphibian larval stages have never been investigated. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of different temperatures (15°C, 25°C, and 30°C) on the cardiorespiratory rates and cardiac autonomic tonus of premetamorphic bullfrog tadpoles, Lithobates catesbeianus. To this end, a non-invasive method was developed to permit measurements of electrocardiogram (ECG) and buccal movements (fB; surface electromyography of the buccal floor). For evaluation of autonomic regulation, intraperitoneal injections of Ringer's solution (control), atropine (cholinergic muscarinic antagonist), and sotalol (β-adrenergic antagonist) were performed. Ringer's injections did not affect heart rate (fH) and fBacross temperatures. Cardiorespiratory parameters were significantly augmented by temperature [fH (beats.min−1): 15°C: 24.5±1.0; 25°C: 54.5±2.0; 30°C: 75.8±2.8 and fB (movements.min−1): 15°C: 30.3±1.1; 25°C: 73.1±4.0; 30°C: 100.6±3.7]. A predominant vagal tone was observed at 15°C (32.0±3.2%) and 25°C (27.2±6.7%) relative to the adrenergic tone. At 30°C, the adrenergic tone increased relative to the lower temperature. In conclusion, the cholinergic and adrenergic tones seem to be independent of temperature for colder thermal intervals (15-25°C), while exposure to a hotter ambient temperature (30°C) seems to be followed by a significant increase in adrenergic tone and may reflect cardiovascular adjustments made to match oxygen delivery to demand. Furthermore, while excluding the use of implantable electrodes or cannulae, this study provides a suitable non-invasive method for investigating cardiorespiratory function (cardiac and respiratory rates) in water-breathing animals, like the tadpole.
The effects of 8 weeks voluntary wheel running on the contractile performance of isolated locomotory (soleus) and respiratory (diaphragm) skeletal muscle during early ageing
Authors: Tallis Jason , Higgins Matthew F. , Seebacher Frank , Cox Val M. , Duncan Michael J. , James Rob S.
Published: August 2017

Decreased skeletal muscle performance with increasing age is strongly associated with reduced mobility and quality of life. Increased physical activity is a widely prescribed method of reducing the detrimental effects of ageing on skeletal muscle contractility. The present study uses isometric and work loop testing protocols to uniquely investigate the effects of 8 weeks of voluntary wheel running on the contractile performance of isolated dynapenic soleus and diaphragm muscles of 38 week old CD1 mice. When compared to untrained controls, voluntary wheel running induced significant improvements in maximal isometric stress and work loop power, a reduced resistance to fatigue, but greater cumulative work during fatiguing work loop contractions in isolated muscle. These differences occurred without appreciable changes in LDH, CS, SERCA or MHC expression synonymous with this form of training in younger rodent models. Despite the given improvement in contractile performance, the average running distance significantly declined over the course of the training period, indicating that this form of training may not be sufficient to fully counteract the longer term ageing induced decline in skeletal muscle contractile performance. Although these results indicate that regular low intensity physical activity may be beneficial in offsetting the age-related decline in skeletal muscle contractility, the present findings infer that future work focusing on the maintenance of a healthy body mass with increasing age and its effects on myosin-actin cross bridge kinetics and Ca2+ handling, is needed to clarify the mechanisms causing the improved contractile performance in trained dynapenic skeletal muscle.
Medical support during an Ironman 70.3 triathlon race
Authors: Yang Hae-Rang , Jeong Jinwoo , Kim Injoo , Kim Ji Eun
Published: August 2017

Background: The Ironman 70.3 race is also called a half Ironman, and consists of 1.9 km of swimming, 90.1 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running. The authors provide practical insights that may be useful for medical support in future events by summarizing the process and results of on-scene medical care.

Methods: The medical post was established at the transition area between the cycling and running courses, which was close to the finish line, and staffed with the headquarters team comprised of an emergency physician, an EMT, two nurses, and an ambulance with a driver. The other five ambulances were located throughout the course. The medical staff identified participants according to their numbers when providing medical support, and described complaints, treatment provided, and disposition. When treating non-participants, gender and age were recorded instead of numbers. The treatment records were analyzed after the race.

Results: The medical team treated a total of 187 participants. One suffered cramps in the calf muscles during the swimming part of the course. Nineteen were treated for injuries suffered during the cycling race. A total of 159 were treated for injuries on the running course. Five casualties, all of which occurred during the cycling race, required transport to hospital.

Conclusions: Medical directors preparing medical support during a triathlon event should expect severe injuries in the cycling course. In hot climates, staff may also suffer from heat injuries as well as runners, and proper attention should be paid to these risks.
Oral rehydration of malnourished children with diarrhoea and dehydration: A systematic review
Authors: Houston Kirsty A. , Gibb Jack G. , Maitland Kathryn
Published: August 2017

Background: Diarrhoea complicates over half of admissions to hospital with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the management of dehydration recommend the use of oral rehydration with ReSoMal (an oral rehydration solution (ORS) for SAM), which has lower sodium (45mmols/l) and higher potassium (20mmols/l) content than standard ORS. The composition of ReSoMal was designed specifically to address theoretical risks of sodium overload and potential under-treatment of severe hypokalaemia with rehydration using standard ORS. In African children, severe hyponatraemia at admission is a major risk factor for poor outcome in children with SAM complicated by diarrhoea. We therefore reviewed the evidence for oral rehydration therapy in children with SAM.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on 18th July 2017 comparing different oral rehydration solutions in severely malnourished children with diarrhoea and dehydration, using standard search terms. The author assessed papers for inclusion. The primary endpoint was frequency of hyponatraemia during rehydration.

Results: Six RCTs were identified, all published in English and conducted in low resource settings in Asia. A range of ORS were evaluated in these studies, including standard ORS, hypo-osmolar ORS and ReSoMal. Hyponatraemia was observed in two trials evaluating ReSoMal, three children developed severe hyponatraemia with one experiencing convulsions. Hypo-osmolar ORS was found to have benefits in time to rehydration, reduction of stool output and duration of diarrhoea. No trials reported over-hydration or fatalities.

Conclusions: Current WHO guidelines strongly recommend the use of ReSoMal based on low quality of evidence. Studies indicate a significant risk of hyponatraemia on ReSoMal in Asian children, none have been conducted in Africa, where SAM mortality remains high. Further research should be conducted in Africa to evaluate optimal ORS for children with SAM and to generate evidence based, practical guidelines.
Successful use of percussion pacing in a pre-hospital p-wave asystole and ventricular standstill
Authors: Betzer Martin , Allon Jan
Published: August 2017

Background:

The use of percussion pacing (PP) using a clenched fist as an external cardiac pacemaker is not scientifically supported. However, European Guidelines for resuscitation 2015 recommend PP as an initial intervention for haemodynamically unstable patients with bradyarrhythmias or p-wave asystole. We describe a case where paramedics witnessed a patient developing p-wave asystole with ventricular standstill, and treated the patient successfully with PP until transcutaneous pacing was established.

Case presentation:

An 87-year-old man with a previous history of bifascicular heart block collapsed in his private residence in Denmark. Initially conscious and clinically unstable when assessed by Emergency Medical Services (EMS), his condition quickly deteriorated and lost consciousness. PP was initiated resulting in electric capture in shape of broad QRS complexes on the ECG tracing corresponding with palpable carotid pulses and rise in consciousness. The successful intervention lasted for 20 seconds until transcutaneous pacing was commenced and further treatment was established. The patient survived to hospital admission.

Conclusions:

Although current research has not been able to establish a scientific base for the use of PP in extreme bradycardia and p-wave asystole, several case reports have been published. We contribute to these with our description of an 87-year-old man who benefited from this easy to use and probably life-saving intervention. To our best knowledge, this is the first case report of Danish paramedics intervening with PP.
The homeless community: breaking down the barriers to primary care
Authors: Riley Chris
Published: August 2017

The number of homeless adults on our streets is increasing which, due to their associated health problems, is causing increasing demand and inefficiencies on the National Health Service (NHS). Currently the homeless are experiencing inequalities of healthcare due to a lack of access to primary care. As a consequence, there has been an increasing use of secondary care, which has become the preferred provider of healthcare for the homeless community. Homeless health is often complex involving tri morbidity and although legislation already exists to embrace these needs within current models of primary care, they are not being met. Innovative and specific healthcare models are needed in order to access this disengaged community. This project is focussed on delivering an accessible primary care clinic specifically for the homeless community. The project will deliver improved efficiencies and reduced costs for the NHS, including ambulance services, which will benefit the wider community and reduce the inequalities of health currently being experienced. It is hypothesised that this increased provision of primary care to the homeless demographic will result in reduced morbidity and mortality, improved health and a more efficient NHS which is vital in the current climate of austerity and uncertainty.
Human Hepatocyte Metabolism of Novel Synthetic Cannabinoids MN-18 and Its 5-Fluoro Analog 5F-MN-18
Authors: Diao Xingxing , Carlier Jeremy , Zhu Mingshe , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

In 2014, 2 novel synthetic cannabinoids, MN-18 and its 5-fluoro analog, 5F-MN-18, were first identified in an ongoing survey of novel psychoactive substances in Japan. In vitro pharmacological assays revealed that MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 displayed high binding affinities to human CB1 and CB2 receptors, with Ki being 1.65–3.86 nmol/L. MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 were scheduled in Japan and some other countries in 2014. Despite increasing prevalence, no human metabolism data are currently available, making it challenging for forensic laboratories to confirm intake of MN-18 or 5F-MN-18.

METHODS

We incubated 10 μmol/L of MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 in human hepatocytes for 3 h and analyzed the samples on a TripleTOF 5600+ high-resolution mass spectrometer to identify appropriate marker metabolites. Data were acquired via full scan and information-dependent acquisition-triggered product ion scans with mass defect filter.

RESULTS

In total, 13 MN-18 metabolites were detected, with the top 3 abundant metabolites being 1-pentyl-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid, pentyl-carbonylated MN-18, and naphthalene-hydroxylated MN-18. For 5F-MN-18, 20 metabolites were observed, with the top 3 abundant metabolites being 5′-OH-MN-18, MN-18 pentanoic acid, and 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

We have characterized MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 metabolism with human hepatocytes and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and we recommend characteristic major metabolites for clinical and forensic laboratories to identify MN-18 and 5F-MN-18 intake and link observed adverse events to these novel synthetic cannabinoids.
The growth of love
Authors: White Keith J.
Published: August 2017

This article explores how and why child care theory and practice has been separated from the idea and concept of love since Dr John Bowlby used the word in his book, Child Care and the Growth of Love (1953). The author attempted to reconnect child care theory and love in his book, The Growth of Love (2008) the title of which was deliberately chosen to reflect the debt owed to John Bowlby, and his son, Sir Richard Bowlby contributed the Foreword. Some of the challenges and implications of this approach are described, before reference to the writings and work of others that he discovered in the process. Three mentioned are Janusz Korczak, Paulo Friere and Friedrich Froebel. Recent research on cognitive development creates space for thinking about love, for example Sue Gerhardt, Why Love Matters (2004). The article concludes with reference to children in hospital and love in religious traditions, with a final mention of how Johannes Brahms saw love as the key to all of his music.
Children’s quest for love and professional child protection work: the case of Norway.
Authors: Neumann Cecilie Basberg
Published: August 2017

Central actors in the child protection field in Norway argue that children in public care should not only receive care and support, but also love. It is hard to disagree that children need love. However, there is reason to question the situation that may arise if children’s need for love is translated into requirements that must be safeguarded and handled by child protection workers in the child protection services. In this article, I analyse this ‘requirement of love’ both with regard to the increased focus on children’s rights in discussions on children’s life conditions and to the history of the professionalisation of social work; having the gendered features of social work and its partial professionalisation in mind. Due to the challenges this requirement represents, there may be good reasons to revisit the debates on care and care work among feminists who have theorised care as work within professional contexts. I try to show how the field of social work and child protection may utilise the critical potential in care feminist thinking by connecting it to their own emphasis on emotional awareness and knowledge of self as a prerequisite for professional child protection work.
Head phantoms for electroencephalography and transcranial electric stimulation: a skull material study
Authors: Hunold Alexander , Strohmeier Daniel , Fiedler Patrique , Haueisen Jens
Published: August 2017

Physical head phantoms allow the assessment of source reconstruction procedures in electroencephalography and electrical stimulation profiles during transcranial electric stimulation. Volume conduction in the head is strongly influenced by the skull, which represents the main conductivity barrier. Realistic modeling of its characteristics is thus important for phantom development. In the present study, we proposed plastic clay as a material for modeling the skull in phantoms. We analyzed five clay types varying in granularity and fractions of fire clay, each with firing temperatures from 550°C to 950°C. We investigated the conductivity of standardized clay samples when immersed in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with time-resolved four-point impedance measurements. To test the reusability of the clay model, these measurements were repeated after cleaning the samples by rinsing in deionized water for 5 h. We found time-dependent impedance changes for approximately 5 min after immersion in the solution. Thereafter, the conductivities stabilized between 0.0716 S/m and 0.0224 S/m depending on clay type and firing temperatures. The reproducibility of the measurement results proved the effectiveness of the rinsing procedure. Clay provides formability, is permeable to ions, can be adjusted in conductivity value and is thus suitable for the skull modeling in phantoms.
Using Bayes’ rule in diagnostic testing: a graphical explanation
Authors: Johnson Kevin M.
Published: August 2017

In the context of diagnostic testing, concepts such as sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and more are all interconnected, but precisely how can be confusing to the nonstatistician. This paper presents a graphical explanation. Bayes’ rule, or theorem, ties several of these concepts together and should have a role in careful diagnostic thinking. It too can be understood in terms of the “two-by-two diagram” presented here.
Peer assistance among mixed-age pairs in mixed-age EFL secondary school classrooms in Germany
Authors: Kos Tomas
Published: August 2017

Drawing from a sociocultural framework, this paper reports a study which investigated peer assistance among 10 mixed-age pairs (n=20) in mixed-age English as a foreign language (EFL) secondary school classrooms in Germany which are simultaneously mixed-ability classrooms. Mixed-age is increasingly used (Kallery and Loupidou 2016; Kuhl et al. 2013; Thurn 2011), but is under-researched in language classrooms. Although some research has been conducted in L2 mixed-proficiency settings, there has been no study conducted on peer-interactions within mixed-age groups/pairs in L2 contexts. This study aims to lay the foundations for future research of peer interactions among M-A second language learners. Results show that mixed-age pairs assisted one another in ways similar to those found in teacher-learner interactions, while some in ways which resemble to what Donato (1988, 1994) called collective scaffolding. However, the extent that this assistance benefited learning varied across learners. The findings also suggest that rather than age, the relationship between learners seems to be one of the major factors mediating the extent and quality of assistance.
On Joking Contexts: An Example of Stand-Up Comedy
Authors: Filani Ibukun
Published: August 2017

Studies on stand-up comedy and jokes have noted that context plays a major role in the generation and interpretation of jokes and humorous routines. However, these studies do not formalize the concept and what constitute it in joke exchanges. Focusing on Nigerian stand-up comedy, this study is aimed at conceptualizing and describing the contexts that could be found in joking exchanges. The study proposes two types: context-of-the-joke and context-in-the-joke. The context-of-the-joke is grounded in shared beliefs that exist between the participants-of-the-joke. The context-in-the-joke is characterized by features such as joke utterance, participants-in-the-joke (most especially the target) and activity-in-the-joke among others. These features make up the contextualization cues that the participants-of-the-joke (both the joke teller and recipient) use in joke generation and interpretation.
Knowledge of hepatitis B virus infection and its control practices among dental students in an Indian city
Authors: Khandelwal Vishal , khandelwal Sushma , Gupta Neetu , Nayak Ullal Anand , Kulshreshtha Namrata , Baliga Sudhindra
Published: August 2017

Background

Hepatitis B virus infection is a general cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma worldwide. It is highly contagious. It is an important reason for morbidity and mortality in the Indian population. Oral health professionals are at the highest risk. Vaccination for hepatitis B can prevent this deadly disease.

Methods

The present study was designed to evaluate the degree of awareness, knowledge of hepatitis B infection and status of hepatitis B vaccination among dental students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 students of 3rd year, 4th year and interns of a professional dental course. A pre-tested questionnaire was given to the students of each year. All the data management and analysis were carried out using SPSS software version 16.

Results

Eighty-six percent of the students had knowledge about hepatitis B infection. The majority of the students had correct knowledge regarding mode of transmission, however, 21% failed to recognize saliva as the mode of hepatitis B transmission. Forty-five percent of the students were vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Conclusion

The present study concludes that there is reasonable awareness of hepatitis B infection hazards, its transmission and vaccination, among the dental students who will be entering into the profession. However, half of the students were not vaccinated for hepatitis B in our study group, which keeps them at risk to the disease. The Indian Health Ministry should make hepatitis B vaccination mandatory for all health care professionals. A strategy should be executed for health education and compulsory vaccination of all students joining the health care professional colleges. Antibody titers should be routinely checked among those who are vaccinated.
Characteristics, reasons, behavior and knowledge towards waterpipe smoking in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Venkatesh Elluru , Al Jemal Mohammad Yousef , Al Samani Abdullah Saleh
Published: August 2017

Background

The present scenario shows that waterpipe smoking, one of tobacco smoking methods, the practice off which dates back at least 400 year is appealing to the youth. Waterpipe tobacco smoking is frequently linked with nations of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) comprising Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon and Syria. The present study shows the socio-demographic characteristics, behavior and knowledge of youth towards waterpipe smoking. Recognizing these features may help emphasize intervention methods.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data about waterpipe smoking comprising sociodemographic, behavior, reasons and knowledge from 230 university students.

Results

230 questionnaires were distributed from which only 199 were included in the study as 31 were excluded because of incompleteness of the survey. The mean age for starting smoking was 19.49 ± 3.75 years with 32.5% of family members and the majority of their friends engaged with waterpipe smoking. Pleasure and happiness (76%), helps me to deal with pressure (78%) and acceptance by society (91%), were the major reasons cited for waterpipe smoking. It being less harmful and less addictive (55%) compared to cigarettes and no objection from the parents (58%) were the other cited reasons. Furthermore, less than 50% of the participants had correct knowledge of its harmful effects.

Conclusion

It is clearly evident from our findings that there is a meagre amount of knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking. It is essential that programs to impart knowledge regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking and dependence should be of the utmost importance.
The use of siRNA as a pharmacological tool to assess a role for the transcription factor NF-IL6 in the brain under in vitro and in vivo conditions during LPS-induced inflammatory stimulation
Authors: Damm Jelena , Roth Joachim , Gerstberger Rüdiger , Rummel Christoph
Published: August 2017

Background:

Studies with NF-IL6-deficient mice indicate that this transcription factor plays a dual role during systemic inflammation with pro- and anti-inflammatory capacities. Here, we aimed to characterize the role of NF-IL6 specifically within the brain.

Methods:

In this study, we tested the capacity of short interfering (si) RNA to silence the inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-interleukin 6 (NF-IL6) in brain cells under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Results:

In cells of a mixed neuronal and glial primary culture from the rat area postrema (AP), short interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against NF-IL6 strongly reduced basal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nuclear immunoreactivity of this transcription factor, with the strongest effect on astrocytes. The siRNA did not exert inflammatory effects in the primary culture as confirmed by unaltered levels of IL-6 in supernatants. In vivo, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of fluorochrome labelled siRNA caused its appearance in relevant brain structures for fever induction pathways such as the vascular organ of lamina terminalis, the subfornical organ, the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) and the AP in several cell types, including microglial cells. However, i.c.v. injections of siRNA per se caused signs of fever, anorexia and reduced locomotor activity, i.e. sickness behavior.

Conclusions:

This approach was, thus, not suitable to characterize the role NF-IL6 in the brain in vivo, namely during experimentally induced systemic inflammation.
A Bi-objective Genetic Algorithm Optimization of Chaos-DNA Based Hybrid Approach
Authors: Suri Shelza , Vijay Ritu
Published: August 2017

The paper implements and optimizes the performance of a currently proposed chaos-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based hybrid approach to encrypt images using a bi-objective genetic algorithm (GA) optimization. Image encryption is a multi-objective problem. Optimizing the same using one fitness function may not be a good choice, as it can result in different outcomes concerning other fitness functions. The proposed work initially encrypts the given image using chaotic function and DNA masks. Further, GA uses two fitness functions – entropy with correlation coefficient (CC), entropy with unified average changing intensity (UACI), and entropy with number of pixel change rate (NPCR) – simultaneously to optimize the encrypted data in the second stage. The bi-objective optimization using entropy with CC shows significant performance gain over the single-objective GA optimization for image encryption.
Strain field determination in III–V heteroepitaxy coupling finite elements with experimental and theoretical techniques at the nanoscale
Authors: Florini Nikoletta , Dimitrakopulos George P. , Kioseoglou Joseph , Pelekanos Nikos T. , Kehagias Thomas
Published: August 2017

We are briefly reviewing the current status of elastic strain field determination in III–V heteroepitaxial nanostructures, linking finite elements (FE) calculations with quantitative nanoscale imaging and atomistic calculation techniques. III–V semiconductor nanostructure systems of various dimensions are evaluated in terms of their importance in photonic and microelectronic devices. As elastic strain distribution inside nano-heterostructures has a significant impact on the alloy composition, and thus their electronic properties, it is important to accurately map its components both at the interface plane and along the growth direction. Therefore, we focus on the determination of the stress-strain fields in III–V heteroepitaxial nanostructures by experimental and theoretical methods with emphasis on the numerical FE method by means of anisotropic continuum elasticity (CE) approximation. Subsequently, we present our contribution to the field by coupling FE simulations on InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown on (211)B GaAs substrate, either uncapped or buried, and GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires (NWs) grown on (111) Si, with quantitative high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) methods and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. Full determination of the elastic strain distribution can be exploited for band gap tailoring of the heterostructures by controlling the content of the active elements, and thus influence the emitted radiation.
Long QT syndrome diagnosed in two sisters with propionic acidemia: a case report
Authors: Duras Ensar , İrdem Ahmet , Özkaya Ozan
Published: August 2017

Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase (PCC). This disorder mostly progresses with episodes of metabolic acidosis. Cardiomyopathy is among the cardiac complications known to occur during metabolic decompensation episodes. However, several recent papers emphasized the association of PA and long QT syndrome (LQTS) which may lead to extremely serious and fatal consequences. In this report, we describe two sisters with PA who have prolonged QT duration that were incidentally detected in an outpatient setting. LQTS was verified by electrocardiogram, stress test and 24 h rhythm holter monitoring. By this report, we want to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of LQTS in asymptomatic patients with PA to prevent fatal complications.
A Dynamic Model of Procurement Risk Element Transmission in Construction Projects
Authors: Li Cunbin , Liu Yunqi , Li Shuke
Published: August 2017

The cost of materials is the largest proportion of a construction project’s total budget. If the materials cannot be delivered to the construction site on time, completely and with acceptable quality, the project’s duration and cost will be greatly affected. Based on the generalized project risk element transmission theory and system dynamics, a system dynamics model was developed to capture dynamics of procurement risk elements transmission during construction projects and how various procurement risk elements affect the project’s duration and cost by simulation. In this paper, procurement risk element is considered as the uncertain factors in procurement. Based on these results, it is concluded that the developed model can provide important information for risk managers and project managers addressing procurement risk.
Composite Stackelberg Strategy for Singularly Perturbed Bilinear Quadratic Systems
Authors: Bin Ning , Zhang Chengke , Zhu Huainian , Mo Zan
Published: August 2017

Based on singularly perturbed bilinear quadratic problems, this paper proposes to decompose the full-order system into two subsystems of a slow-time and fast-time scale. Utilizing the fixed point iterative algorithm to solve cross-coupled algebraic Riccati equations, equilibrium strategies of the two subsystems can be obtained, and further the composite strategy of the original full-order system. It was proved that such a composite strategy formed ano(ε) (near) Stackelberg equilibrium, and a numerical result of the algorithm was presented in the end.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using Orthogonal Matching Pursuit with Pulse Atoms Based on Vibration Model
Authors: Zhu Huijie , Wang Xinqing , Li Yanfeng , Liu Mengxi , Liu Tianshuai
Published: August 2017

In this paper, a new approach to rolling bearing diagnosis is proposed, which applied orthogonal matching pursuit with pulse atoms. Solving orthogonal matching pursuit with pulse atoms (OMP_PA) is an NP-hard problem. With the help of multi-population genetic algorithm, better solution is obtained, and the shortcoming of sensitiveness to parameters setting in genetic algorithm is improved. According to the comparisons with other algorithms, OMP_PA could precisely extract the pulse components, and the interferential components are almost filtered. The experiments show that, OMP_PA could determine the fault location of bearings, and clearly displayed the vibration model. In conclusion, it provides a new way to the diagnosis for bearings.
The GM(1,1) Model Optimized by Using Translation Transformation Method and Its Application of Rural Residents’ Consumption in China
Authors: Liu Chong , Yang Cui
Published: August 2017

Conventional GM(1,1) model shows some limitations which affect directly to the model applicability as well as prediction accuracy. In order to improve the disadvantages existing in the original grey model, the authors analyze the translation transformation approach to optimize the raw sequence for grey modeling. This paper mainly carries on the proof of the existence of translation transformation from the perspective of smooth ratio and gives the method to solve the best step size of translation transformation. Then, the authors applied the grey models optimized by translation transformation to analyze the problem of the consumption of rural residents in China. As a result, the authors find GM(1,1) model optimized by translation transformation has characteristics of higher accuracy and simple calculation process and an important practical application in residents consumption.
The Estimate of Capital Services by Sector in China
Authors: Xi Wei , Xu Jun
Published: August 2017

Measuring the contribution of capital to productivity is always an important issue in economics. With the concept of capital service introduced in SNA2008, there are some changes in capital accounting itself. Particularly, R&D expenditure has been recognized as part of capital formation for the first time in SNA2008. This part new capital formation changes the size of GDP. It has a profound impact on capital accounting. In this paper, the hyperbolic age-efficiency profile model is applied to measure the capital input of 86 sectors in China from 2002 to 2012. Endogenous rate of return and exogenous rate of return are used respectively to measure six fixed assets capital service index including R&D assets. Meanwhile, the implement of the sensitivity analysis for different assets and rates of return is used to identify the key factors that can affect the measurement of capital services. Moreover, this paper can also provide data and literature reference for researches on quantifying the capital’s contribution to economic growth.
An Empirical Study of Employees’ Tacit Knowledge Sharing Behavior
Authors: Wang Juanru , Yang Jin
Published: August 2017

This paper is to investigate how employees’ tacit knowledge sharing behavior is influenced by various antecedents. We propose that tacit knowledge sharing consists of three specific behaviors (i.e., socialization, externalization, and internalization) and they are influenced by four antecedents (trust, self-efficacy, knowledge tacitness, and IT support). A survey was conducted to collect data from 258 knowledge workers who worked on complex product development projects. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results demonstrate that trust, self-efficacy, knowledge tacitness, and IT support significantly affect the externalization and internalization behaviors, and trust and IT support significantly affect the socialization behavior. This study is helpful to organizations where it is critical for employees to share tacit knowledge. It suggests that tacit knowledge is difficult to share and organizations should nurture mutual trust between employees, enhance their self-efficacy, and provide sufficient IT support so that they are more likely to engage in tacit knowledge sharing.
On the Sparseness and Generalization Capability of Least Squares Support Vector Machines
Authors: Yan Aijun , Huang Xiaoqian , Shao Hongshan
Published: August 2017

Compared with standard support vector machines (SVM), sparseness is lost in the modeling process of least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM), causing limited generalization capability. An improved method using quadratic renyi-entropy pruning is presented to deal with the above problems. First, a kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is used to denoise the training data. Next, the authors use the genetic algorithm to estimate and optimize the kernel function parameter and penalty factor. Then, pick the subset that has the largest quadratic entropy to train and prune, and repeat this process until the cumulative error rate reaches the condition requirement. Finally, comparing experiments on the data classification and regression indicates that the proposed method is effective and may improve the sparseness and the generalization capability of LS-SVM model.
Multilateral Development Banks and Sustainable Development: On Emulation, Fragmentation and a Common Law of Sustainable Development
Authors: Mbengue Makane Moïse , de Moerloose Stéphanie
Published: August 2017

Multilateral Development Banks (hereinafter MDBs) have evolved from avoiding non-economic considerations, as required in most of their charters, to officially supporting sustainable development. This transformation is due not only to international law, civil society pressure or internal adjustments, but in part to the emulation phenomenon between the international effort for sustainable development made by international conferences and commissions and the sustainable development effort by MDBs. The paper first examines this emulation phenomenon and its strong impact on MDB creation of substantive instruments – the environmental and social safeguards – and of procedural instruments – the accountability mechanisms – for the integration of sustainable development. Following this discussion, the second part points out that MDBs’ environmental and social safeguards still differ substantially, revealing a fragmentation in MDBs’ normative understanding of sustainable development. After presenting the arguments supporting this fragmentation, the last part of the paper argues in favor of the harmonization of MDBs’ environmental and social safeguards, resulting in the creation of a common law of sustainable development, the promotion of international law and the facilitation of investments.
Synthesis of organophosphorus compounds using ionic liquids
Authors: Macarie Lavinia , Plesu Nicoleta , Iliescu Smaranda , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: August 2017

Organophosphorus chemistry was developed in the last decade by promoting the synthesis reactions using ionic liquids either as solvent or catalyst. Ionic liquids (ILs), the so-called “green solvents”, have gained interest in the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds as alternatives to flammable and toxic organic solvents and catalysts. ILs have beneficial properties because they provide high solubility for many organic and inorganic compounds or metal complexes, have no vapor pressure, and are reusable. Also, in some cases, they can enhance the reactivity of chemical reagents. In this review, we aimed at showing the synthesis of different organophosphorus compounds under green and mild conditions using ILs as reaction media or catalysts, according to a trend developed in the last years. A novel trend is to perform these syntheses under microwave irradiation conditions together with ILs as solvents and catalysts.
La sémiotique des formes de vie, un nouveau tournant ?
Authors: Marion Colas-Blaise
Published: August 2017

Ce compte rendu de Formes de vie de Jacques Fontanille (Liège, Presses universitaires de Liège, coll. « Sigilla », 2015a, 274 p.) cherche à montrer que l’ouvrage s’inscrit dans une certaine continuité, notamment par rapport à Pratiques sémiotiques (2008), mais qu’il constitue aussi un nouveau tournant, qui fait évoluer la sémiotique et la positionne dans le champ des sciences humaines et sociales. D’abord, nous discutons le fait que, selon Jacques Fontanille, les formes de vie font « vaciller » la frontière entre la nature et la culture. Nous soulignons le fait que Jacques Fontanille développe après Descola, Latour et Lotman les notions de régimes de croyance d’identification, de mode d’existence social et de sémiosphère. Ensuite, l’accent est mis sur le « vivre-avec » comme macro-expérience. Il s’agit de mesurer les conséquences d’un double choix qui permet de dépasser le stade de l’auto-organisation : d’une part, le rapport au monde est médié par l’actant-corps ; d’autre part, l’activité sémiotique consciente d’elle-même est une activité méta-sémiotique. Enfin, il importe d’évaluer la part du culturel dans la constitution des formes de vie. Nous nous interrogeons sur l’« instanciation » des formes de vie dans un lieu et dans un temps déterminés.
The semiotic abstraction
Authors: Daylight Russell
Published: August 2017

When we press the “A” key on our computer keyboard, an “a” appears on our screen almost simultaneously. In between those two points there are a number of layers of computer program which communicate with each other: the keyboard controller sends a message to the operating system which is interpreted by a word processor, which then returns a message to the operating system, which communicates with the video controller and the video board sends a message that it needs an “a” and this is mapped as a group of pixels which light up on the screen. Except that none of this actually happens. At the level of physical reality, all that happens is the shifting of magnetic fields and the passing of electrons. The electrons orbiting atoms slide from one atom to the next along wires, among silicon and metal. Entities like computer programs and operating systems are
Que peut la théorie greimassienne pour une sémiotique de la perception? Enquête et perspectives
Authors: Moutat Audrey
Published: August 2017

Partant de la considération inaugurale de Sémantique structurale selon laquelle « la perception [constitue] le lieu non linguistique où se situe l’appréhension de la signification », cet article propose de revenir sur les propositions greimassiennes à l’égard du « niveau du vécu et du senti ». Il s’agira de reconsidérer la définition du monde naturel, et notamment la question de son être dissimulé par son paraître à l’origine de son imperfection, avant de convoquer l’héritage greimassien à l’aune d’une sémiotique tournée vers de nouveaux objets sensibles. Notre objectif consiste ainsi à observer les remaniements et réorientations théoriques post-greimassiens à l’égard des problématiques de la perception et d’un monde sensible contemporain.
A new recognition algorithm for “head-and-shoulders” price patterns
Authors: Chong Terence Tai-Leung , Poon Ka-Ho
Published: August 2017

Savin et al. [Savin, G., P. Weller, and J. Zvingelis. 2007. “The Predictive Power of “Head-and-Shoulders” Price Patterns in the US Stock Market.” Journal of Financial Econometrics 5: 243–265.] and Lo et al. [Lo, A. W., H. Mamaysky, and J. Wang. 2000. “Foundations of Technical Analysis: Computational Algorithms, Statistical Inference, and Empirical Implementation.” Journal of Finance 55: 1705–1765.] analysed the predictive power of head-and-shoulders (HS) patterns in the U.S. stock market. The algorithms in both studies ignored the relative position of the HS pattern in a price trend. In this paper, a filter that removes invalid HS patterns is proposed. It is found that the risk-adjusted excess returns for the HST pattern generally improve through the use of our filter.
Markov-switching quantile autoregression: a Gibbs sampling approach
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Luger Richard
Published: August 2017

We extend the class of linear quantile autoregression models by allowing for the possibility of Markov-switching regimes in the conditional distribution of the response variable. We also develop a Gibbs sampling approach for posterior inference by using data augmentation and a location-scale mixture representation of the asymmetric Laplace distribution. Bayesian calculations are easily implemented, because all complete conditional densities used in the Gibbs sampler have closed-form expressions. The proposed Gibbs sampler provides the basis for a stepwise re-estimation procedure that ensures non-crossing quantiles. Monte Carlo experiments and an empirical application to the U.S. real interest rate show that both inference and forecasting are improved when the quantile monotonicity restriction is taken into account.
The Jew of Celsus and adversus Judaeos literature
Authors: Paget James N. Carleton
Published: August 2017

The appearance in Celsus’ work,
Emotion in Lactantius: Vulnerability in Virtue and Worship
Authors: Cartwright Sophie
Published: August 2017

This article explores emotion in Lactantius’s
Schrift und Charisma: Zur Rolle von Lehrbüchern in der pfingstlich-charismatischen Mission in Subsahara-Afrika
Authors: Spies Eva
Published: August 2017

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den Schriften von Dag Heward-Mills, dem Gründer der pfingstlich-charismatischen Lighthouse Chapel International aus Ghana. Ich argumentiere, dass er mit der Verbreitung seiner Schriften versucht, eine transnationale Textgemeinschaft zu begründen, die sich über eine gemeinsame Lesart pfingstlicher Inhalte konstituiert und die sich in spezifischen Organisationsformen materialisieren soll. Während sozialwissenschaftliche Pfingstkirchenforschung heute eher sinnlich-emotionale Formen der Vergemeinschaftung und neue Medien untersucht, betont der Aufsatz die Bedeutung von Text und standardisierter Lehre für die Gemeinschaftsbildung. In seinen Schriften präsentiert sich Heward-Mills als ‚gesalbter‘ Autor, der Wissen mit Charisma verbindet und daraus organisatorische Strukturen ableitet. Die Schriften zielen also nicht nur auf die Institutionalisierung einer Pfingstkirche, sondern sind vielmehr auch ein Versuch der Charismatisierung des Institutionellen durch den Kirchengründer selbst.
DBU-catalyzed synthesis of novel 2-amino-3-nitrile-4H-chromenes
Authors: Koz Gamze , Koz Ömer
Published: August 2017

A simple method via the base-catalyzed Michael addition of nitroalkanes to 2-iminochromenes was developed, which leads to the production of highly functionalized 2-amino-3-nitrile-4H-chromenes in good yields.
Marginalia in Russell's Copy of Gerhardt's Edition of Leibniz's Philosophische Schriften
Authors: Arthur Richard T.W. , Galaugher Jolen , Griffin Nicholas
Published: August 2017

Russell’s most important source for his book on Leibniz was C. I. Gerhardt’s seven-volume Die philosophischen Schriften von Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Russell heavily annotated his copy of this important edition of Leibniz’s works. The present paper records all Russell’s marginalia, with the exception of passages marked merely by vertical lines in the margin, and provides explanatory commentary.
Bibliographical Index to The Philosophy of Leibniz
Authors: Blackwell Kenneth
Published: August 2017

Although Russell included, in The Philosophy of Leibniz, a citation index to passages in the appendix, his general index excluded most of the references to Leibniz’s titled works and none to other works, and often their authors. This index completes the record of his sources, excluding only the frequently untitled fragments referred to by location in Gerhardt’s two editions.