bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional interaction approach to the definition of meso regions: The case of the Czech Republic
Authors: Erlebach Martin , Tomáš Martin , Tonev Petr
Published: July 2016

The definition of functional meso regions for the territory of the Czech Republic is articulated in this article. Functional regions reflect horizontal interactions in space and are presented as a useful tool for various types of geographical analyses, and also for spatial planning, economic policy designs, etc. This paper attempts to add to the discussion on the need to delineate areal units at different hierarchical levels, and to understand the functional flows and spatial behaviours of the population in a given space. Three agglomerative methods are applied in the paper (the CURDS regionalisation algorithm, Intramax, and cluster analysis), and they have not been used previously in Czech geography for the delineation of functional meso regions. Existing functional regions at the micro-level, based on daily travel-to-work flows from the 2001 census, have served as the building blocks. The analyses have produced five regional systems at the meso level, based on daily labour commuting movements of the population. Basic statistics and a characterisation of these systems are provided in this paper.
Functional regions in gravity models and accessibility measures
Authors: Olsson Michael
Published: July 2016

Accessibility measures are useful for studies in Economic Geography. For example, accessibility to potential customers can be used in a study of firm behaviour. In such a study, it would be relevant to consider where potential customers live. This can be accomplished by splitting the accessibility measure into three parts: accessibility within the municipality, in other municipalities within the functional region, and in other regions. Many studies have proved this to be a very useful way to incorporate the spatial structure of the economy into economic studies. This paper deals with the issue of finding the distance-friction parameters needed to calculate such accessibility measures. There is a particular distance-friction parameter for interaction within the municipality, between municipalities within the functional region, and between regions. One way to find the distance-friction parameters is to solve a constrained gravity model, in which the functional regions are used as constraints. Both the models and the optimisation procedures in matrix form, and the Matlab programs used in the research are presented. The spatial constraints are gradually introduced into the models, which empowers the researcher to make such adjustments on their own. The data set used is available for downloading, and the reader can then try the models before creating a data set of their own.
An Assessment of RFID Applications in Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Gładysz Bartłomiej
Published: July 2016

The meaning of Cyber Physical Systems and an Internet of Things with indication of RFID position in those concepts was outlined. Research program related to assessment of RFID technology was presented. Author deducted on problems related to RFID implementations and RFID essentially for logistics of manufacturing companies. Research goals and problems were formulated. Tools, techniques, models and methods that could be utilized were proposed and discussed. Research was focused on design of a new method to support early decision making phases for RFID application in logistics of manufacturing companies. Author stated that literature and practice lacks of complex method to answer if RFID is strategically important for the company, which processes should be RFID-supported, how RFID-supported processes should be designed and if RFID-support is rational. Framework for assessment of RFID technology with illustrative example was discussed.
Laser Nanosoldering of Golden and Magnetite Particles and its Possible Application in 3D Printing Devices and Four-Valued Non-Volatile Memories
Authors: Jaworski Jacek , Gawłowski Grzegorz
Published: July 2016

In recent years the 3D printing methods have been developing rapidly. This article presents researches about a new composite consisted of golden and magnetite nanoparticles which could be used for this technique. Preparation of golden nanoparticles by laser ablation and their soldering by laser green light irradiation proceeded in water environment. Magnetite was obtained on chemical way. During experiments it was tested a change of a size of nanoparticles during laser irradiation, surface plasmon resonance, zeta potential. The obtained golden - magnetite composite material was magnetic after laser irradiation. On the end there was considered the application it for 3D printing devices, water filters and four-valued non-volatile memories.
Application of Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Karbowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2016

This paper describes some manufacturing aspects and an example of application of the Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) technology which was used for production of the craniofacial prosthesis. The brief description of prosthesis designing was presented as well. The main topic of the paper is comparison of milling and ISF technologies for preparing the tools for prosthesis thermoforming.
Using Computer Simulation Method to Improve Throughput of Production Systems by Buffers and Workers Allocation
Authors: Kłos Sławomir , Trebuna Peter
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes the application of computer simulation methods to support decision making regarding intermediate buffer allocations in a series-parallel production line. The simulation model of the production system is based on a real example of a manufacturing company working in the automotive industry. Simulation experiments were conducted for different allocations of buffer capacities and different numbers of employees. The production system consists of three technological operations with intermediate buffers between each operation. The technological operations are carried out using machines and every machine can be operated by one worker. Multi-work in the production system is available (one operator operates several machines). On the basis of the simulation experiments, the relationship between system throughput, buffer allocation and the number of employees is analyzed. Increasing the buffer capacity results in an increase in the average product lifespan. Therefore, in the article a new index is proposed that includes the throughput of the manufacturing system and product life span. Simulation experiments were performed for different configurations of technological operations.
The Impact of Knowledge Management Practices on Supply Chain Quality Management and Competitive Advantages
Authors: Azizi Reihaneh , Maleki Meysam , Moradi-Moghadam Mohsen , Cruz-Machado Virgilio
Published: July 2016

Achieving competitive advantage enables an organization to create a defensible position against its competitors. It also allows organizations to differentiate themselves from competitors. This study aims to investigate impact of knowledge management practices on supply chain quality management and competitive advantage in Alyaf Company, Iran. This research is functional in purpose and data gathering and data analysis is descriptive-correlation. The statistical population is consists of 25 company executives and experts in the supply chain of Alyaf Company; opinions of 68 of its members were used as a selective sample identified by simple random sampling method. Primary data was collected through questionnaire and structural equation modeling was used to assess relationships between variables. The results of structural equation modeling show a positive and significant causal relationship between knowledge management practices and supply chain quality management. Direct relationship between knowledge management and competitive advantage was not confirmed but the relationship between these two variables was confirmed indirectly.
Estimating the Cost of Product Recycling with the Use of Ecodesign Support System
Authors: Karwasz Anna , Dostatni Ewa , Diakun Jacek , Grajewski Damian , Wichniarek Radosław , Stachura Marek
Published: July 2016

The paper focuses on issues associated with the ecodesign of household appliances. The authors describe the estimation of recycling cost of end-of-life products using their original system supporting ecodesign. The cost estimate was conducted during product design stage using the information stored in CAD 3D system. A sample estimate was made for a washing machine, fridge, kettle, and a hairdryer.
Prioritizing Interdependent Production Processes using Leontief Input-Output Model
Authors: Masbad Jesah Grace , Noel Vianca Mae , Omega Rauvel Shay , Ocampo Lanndon , Abatayo Arjeany Fretzhie , Liggayu Alaine , Vergara Van Gaitano
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes a methodology in identifying key production processes in an interdependent production system. Previous approaches on this domain have drawbacks that may potentially affect the reliability of decision-making. The proposed approach adopts the Leontief input-output model (L-IOM) which was proven successful in analyzing interdependent economic systems. The motivation behind such adoption lies in the strength of L-IOM in providing a rigorous quantitative framework in identifying key components of interdependent systems. In this proposed approach, the consumption and production flows of each process are represented respectively by the material inventory produced by the prior process and the material inventory produced by the current process, both in monetary values. A case study in a furniture production system located in central Philippines was carried out to elucidate the proposed approach. Results of the case were reported in this work
Implementation of Logic Flow in Planning and Production Control
Authors: Ulewicz Robert , Jelonek Dorota , Mazur Magdalena
Published: July 2016

The article presents the results of analysis, the use of continuous flow of logic at the stage of production planning and control of the company producing furniture. The concept of continuous flow tends to regulate the flow of materials in a manner that provides the shortest flow path without unnecessary activities (Muda is a Japanese word meaning waste), a constant takt and defined throughput at constant resource requirements for the so-called transfer of material through the whole process. In the study Glenday’d sieve method was used to identify the correct area, which requires the value stream mapping, and areas called excessive complexity, which do not provide added value. The use of Glenday’s sieve method made it possible to identify areas in which it must be improve production capacity.
The M-Regular Graph of a Commutative Ring
Authors: Nikmehr M. J. , Heydari F.
Published: July 2016

Let R be a commutative ring and M be an R-module, and let Z(M) be the set of all zero-divisors on M. In 2008, D. F. Anderson and A. Badawi introduced the regular graph of R. In this paper, we generalize the regular graph of R to the M-regular graph of R, denoted by M-Reg(Γ(R)). It is the undirected graph with all M-regular elements of R as vertices, and two distinct vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if x+y ∈ Z(M). The basic properties and possible structures of M-Reg(Γ(R)) are studied. We determine the girth of the M-regular graph of R. Also, we provide some lower bounds for the independence number and the clique number of M- Reg(Γ(R)). Among other results, we prove that for every Noetherian ring R and every finitely generated module M over R, if 2 ∉ Z(M) and the independence number of M-Reg(Γ(R)) is finite, then R is finite.
Further Properties of the Lattice of Torsion Classes of Abelian Cyclically Ordered Groups
Authors: Lihová Judita , Jakubík Ján
Published: July 2016

The notion of torsion class of abelian cyclically ordered groups has been introduced and fundamental properties of the collection T of all such classes, ordered by the class-theoretical inclusion, have been proved by the second author in 2011. The present paper can be considered as a continuation of the above mentioned one. We describe all atoms of T , show that T does not have any dual atom and prove complete distributivity of T .
On the Convergence of a Mapped by a Function
Authors: Eliaš Peter
Published: July 2016

We provide a characterization of two families of real functions, namely, of those functions f such that the series ∑f(xn) diverges whenever the series ∑xn diverges, or, respectively, whenever the series ∑xn non-absolutely converges. This solves two open problems of J. Borsík. We also reformulate known results on families of functions preserving or changing the type of convergence of series, and add some results about divergent series of terms converging to zero.
Approximate Higher Ring Derivations in Non-Archimedean Banach Algebras
Authors: Chang Ick-Soon , Alizadeh Badrkhan , Gordji M. Eshaghi , Kim Hark-Mahn
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we prove the stability of higher ring derivations associated with a general Cauchy-Jensen functional inequality in the class of mappings from non-Archimedean normed algebras to non-Archimedean Banach algebras.
Characterizations of Banach Spaces which are not Isomorphic to any of their Proper Subspaces
Authors: Zeng Qingping , Zhong Huaijie
Published: July 2016

In this note we obtain some characterizations of Banach spaces which are not isomorphic to any of their proper subspaces. In particular, we show that a Banach space X is not isomorphic to any of its proper subspaces if and only the equality σRD(LT) = σLD(T) holds for every bounded linear operator T on X if and only if int(σ(T)) ⊆ σLD(T) holds for every bounded linear operator T on X, where LT denotes the left multiplication operator by T.
Operator Inequalities Related to Q-Class Functions
Authors: Kian Mohsen , Moslehian Mohammad Sal
Published: July 2016

We study the operator Q-class functions, present some Hermite- Hadamard inequalities for operator Q-class functions and give some Kantorovich and Jensen type operator inequalities involving Q-class functions
A Generalization of Jakubec's Formula
Authors: Hirabayashi Mikihito
Published: July 2016

In 2009 Jakubec gave two determinantal formulas for the relative class number of the pth cyclotomic field, p an odd prime. We generalize one of the formulas to an arbitrary cyclotomic field and also determine the sign of the formula, which he had not given.
Torsion Radicals and Torsion Classes of Cyclically Ordered Groups
Authors: Jákubík Jan , Lihoyá Judita
Published: July 2016

The notion of torsion radical of cyclically ordered groups is defined analogously as in the case of lattice ordered groups. We denote by T the collection of all torsion radicals of cyclically ordered groups. For τ1, τ2 ∈ T, we put τ1 ∈ τ2 if τ1(G) □ τ2(G) for each cyclically ordered group G. We show that T is a proper class; nevertheless, we apply for T the usual terminology of the theory of partially ordered sets. We prove that T is a complete completely distributive lattice. The analogous result fails to be valid for torsion radicals of lattice ordered groups. Further, we deal with products of torsion classes of cyclically ordered groups.
Existence Results for Impulsive Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations With Nonlocal Boundary Conditions
Authors: Liu Zhenhai , Lv Jingyun
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions of fractional impulsive differential equations with nonlocal boundary conditions by applying the contraction mapping principle.
A Hake-Type Theorem for Integrals with Respect to Abstract Derivation Bases in the Riesz Space Setting
Authors: Boccuto A. , Skvortsov V. A. , Tulone F.
Published: July 2016

A Kurzweil-Henstock type integral with respect to an abstract derivation basis in a topological measure space, for Riesz space-valued functions, is studied. A Hake-type theorem is proved for this integral, by using technical properties of Riesz spaces.
Some Norm one Functions of the Volterra Operator
Authors: Khadkhuu L. , Tsedenbayar D.
Published: July 2016

Let B be an accretive operator on a complex Hilbert space and let V be the classical Volterra operator on L2(0, 1). We study a contraction property for (I −mB)(I +B)−1, m ∈ ℝ. In particular, we show that ‖(I −mV)(I+V)−1‖ = 1 only for m ∈ [−1, 1].
Coatings manufactured using magnetron sputtering technology to protect against infrared radiation for use in firefighter helmets
Authors: Fejdyś Marzena , Olszewska Karolina , Kaczmarczyk Sylwia , Owczarek Grzegorz
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of magnetron sputtering technology to produce coatings on selected elements of a firefighter’s helmet to protect against infrared radiation (PN-EN 171 standard). The scope of research includes testing the deposition produced via magnetron sputtering of metallic and ceramic coatings on plastics, which are used to manufacture the components comprising the personal protection equipment used by firefighters. The UV-VIS, NIR used to research the permeation coefficients and reflections for light and infrared light and the emission spectrometry with ICP-AES used for the quantitative analysis of elements in metallic and ceramic coatings. Microstructural and micro-analytical testing of the coatings were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurements of the chemical compositions were conducted using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The hardnesss of the coatings were tested using a indentation method, and the coating thicknesses were tested using a ellipsometry method.
Characterization of Fe(III)-saturated montmorillonite and evaluation its sorption behavior for U(VI)
Authors: Lu Songhua , Tan Xiaoli , Yu Shujun , Ren Xuemei , Chen Changlun
Published: July 2016

Radioactive waste is usually sealed in steel canisters surrounded by a layer of compacted clay back-fill, and permanent buried in
a deep geological repository. Unavoidably, the radionuclide contaminants can be released from repository and then sorbed onto the waste
container corrosion products or the Fe-rich minerals. Herein, we characterized the Fe(III)-saturated montmorillonite (Fe(III)-MMT) by
using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and found the changes of the surface incorporating Fe(III) and surface micropores. The sorption of U(VI)
on Fe(III)-MMT and Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was investigated by batch experiments. The larger surface area and cation exchange
capacity, and the existence of Fe(III) (hydr)oxide phases in Fe(III)-MMT contributed greatly to its sorption capacity. In the whole pH
range, the sorption of U(VI) on Fe(III)-MMT was higher than on Na-MMT, and the sorption was strongly depended on pH and ionic
strength. The sorption isotherms were simulated well by the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH,
ΔS and ΔG) calculated from the temperature dependent sorption isotherms indicated that the sorption of U(VI) on
Fe(III)-MMT was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The observations suggest that the interactions between U(VI) and Fe(III)-MMT
are important in controlling U(VI) retention. The phenomena need to be considered in risk assessment and reactive transport modeling.
A Comprehensive Model of Municipal Housing Stock Management
Authors: Muczyński Andrzej
Published: July 2016

In many European countries there are still substantial housing needs which social landlords have to fulfill. Especially in countries with a shortage of affordable housing for underprivileged households, the effective and efficient management of the existing social housing stock, which includes technical, social, financial and tenure management activities on the strategic, tactical and operational level, is very important. The paper presents a comprehensive model of municipal housing stock management in the context of Polish conditions. This model was built by adapting the multidimensional concept of real estate management originally developed for commercial real estate portfolio management. It shows an integrative view of municipal housing stock management in Poland and contributes to the better organization and coordination of management activities and tasks in this area. The prepared model may be of interest to other countries where the functions of social landlords are mostly carried out directly by municipalities and their organizational units.
Assessing the Possibility of Implementing Tools of Technical Analysys for Real Estate Market Analysis
Authors: Brzezicka Justyna
Published: July 2016

Technical analysis (TA) and its different aspects are widely used to study the capital market. In the traditional approach, this analysis is used to determine the probability of changes in current rates on the basis of their past changes, accounting for factors which had, have or may have an influence on shaping the supply and demand of a given asset. In the practical sense, TA is a set of techniques used for assessing the value of an asset based on the analysis of the asset's trajectories as well as statistical tools.

The work assumes three research objectives: 1) a review of tools applied in technical analysis, 2) an attempt at implementing selected tools of technical analysis for analyzing the real estate market (REM), 3) an assessment of the possibilities of implementing selected tools for assessing the real estate market on the example of the Olsztyn residential real estate market. The research hypothesis is a presumption regarding the possibility of implementing tools used in traditional technical analysis for the analysis of the real estate market accounting for the natural limitations and specifics of the market.

The work extends scientific achievements in the part regarding the methods and tools of analyzing the real estate market as well as the connections between the real estate market and the capital market.
Syntactic Sources of Adjectives in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Liu Feng-hsi
Published: July 2016

Cinque (2010, 2014) shows that in English and Italian, adjectives have two
syntactic sources, each with different interpretive properties; one source
corresponding to predicative adjectives; the other to non-predicative adjectives.
This study examines adjectives in Mandarin Chinese with the goal of finding out
whether Chinese displays the same pattern. The data shows that Chinese behaves
similarly to English and Italian; adjectives that are derived from relative clauses
are semantically different from those that directly modify nouns. In addition,
Chinese displays the correspondence that predicative adjectives are derived from
reduced RC, while nonpredicative adjectives participate in direct modification.
However, this parallelism is only possible if we modify the line drawn between
“predicative” and “nonpredicative” assumed by Chinese grammarians.

提要

Cinque (2010, 2014) 認為作定語的形容詞有兩個句法來源，並為英語和義大利語提
供證據指出不同來源之形容詞帶有不同的語義，句法來源的不同最終歸究於形容詞
是否用作謂語。本文探討漢語形容詞的句法來源，證據顯示漢語形容詞同樣有兩個
來源：直接修飾以及關係小句，前者與後者顯現不同語義。形容詞是否用作謂語在
漢語也發揮同樣作用，對形容詞的句法來源有決定性因素。但漢語和英語，義大利
語的相似之處只有在以下情況才能呈現出來：漢語“謂語性形容詞”與“非謂語性
形容詞”的區分必須重新規劃，所有不加“的”的形名詞組中的形容詞皆應納入非
謂語性形容詞中。
The translation of food in literature: A culinary journey through time and genres
Authors: Wiedenmayer Anthi
Published: July 2016

Studying the translation of cultural elements has been one of the most interesting subjects in Translation Studies since the mid-1980s, as it often marks the limits of translatability and reveals not only specific translational strategies but also the attitude of the different agents, i. e., the translator, the editor, and the reader, and of society in general, towards the other or the foreign. Among all cultural elements, the translation of food holds a special position, as it has always been one of the most common extralinguistic elements in literature, which constitutes an important marker of everyday life in the source culture often not having a proper equivalent in the target language. The data gathered in this article show several trends in the translation of food lexicon into different languages since the eighteenth century, including various genres – from the ancient classics up to children’s or criminal literature. We will point out how, examining the translation techniques, it is possible to identify the dominant theoretical approaches according to the function of the texts as well as to their historical and sociopolitical context.
The culinary and social-semiotic meaning of food: Spicy meals and their significance in Mexico, Italy, and Texas
Authors: Jurado Alfredo Tenoch Cid
Published: July 2016

The objective of this study is to provide insight into culinary systems. Each culture expresses its own identity through the way in which it transforms food into an elaborated cuisine. The phases of a cooking process start with the choice of ingredients, their preparation, their processing, how they are served, and how they are eaten. Each of these phases makes it possible to understand the semiotic and social behavior of a human group in the moment they choose to prepare and eat a particular food. Therefore, this article contains a contrastive analysis of how Mexican, Texan, and Italian cuisines show how spicy and hot food is interpreted depending on the values that ​​are given to it in regards to being considered a dish, a spice or a vegetable. It bases its analysis on the mechanisms built around the meaning of chile (“chilli”) in order to express cultural characteristics and differences. The recipes and their narrative processes, in addition to the use of color, allow the identification of parameters to describe the various cuisines through recipes books.
Are nutrients also good to think?
Authors: Contreras Hernández Jesús , Ribas Serra Joan
Published: July 2016

Since Lévi-Strauss’ declaration “good to think, good to eat,” the social sciences have supported the idea that foods first have to be edible for our minds and only subsequently physically digested by our organism. If so, then it is culture that creates the categories that we use to classify foods. But, with the process of nutrionalization, food is understood as a collection of biochemical nutrients that are necessary in order to achieve the balance needed to live a long and healthy life. The categories scientists use to classify our foods have changed considerably. This fact implies an important qualitative change in our perception of food and our diet in its totality. With food technology, nutrition and genetics food identification (identity?) escapes the reach of today’s citizens as members of each respective culture. In any case, even if our primary preoccupation seems to be exclusively nutrit ional, and today it is very easy to “modify” the foods we eat and create new combinations to “improve” our diet, we must not forget that those food habits that are damaging our health are also determined by sociocultural factors because when we “modify” the original composition of a food, it seems that we are acknowledging the importance of such sociocultural factors.
Assessment of the Ecological Stability of the Village of Bielovce as a Result of to Changes in Land Use
Authors: Ivan Peter , Chebeňová Tatiana
Published: July 2016

Globally, the human population is growing, which causes increasing demands on landscapes. Human activity significantly influences the ecological balance, especially in the negative. Ecological stability is the basis for assessments of all environmental conditions and for assessments according to new land uses. The area of interest is evaluated according to both positive and negative factors. There are many methodologies for calculating ecological stability, e.g., Muchová et al. (2009); Řeháčková - Pauditšová (2007); Kupková (2002); Streďanský et al. (1995) and Löw et al. (1984).

The aim of this paper is to compare the works of the mentioned authors concerning the ecological stability of the district of Levice (Slovakia), specifically in the municipal cadastre region of Bielovce. The land uses of this territory have changed during some periods. We compared the state of the land uses in the years 1950, 2012 and 2014. During this period, the proportion of arable land increased, and the proportion of forest decreased. In the area of interest, the ecological stability increased, but not as significantly as we expected. The processed data were prepared in GIS.
Valorisation of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in the Manufacture of Lime-Stabilized Blocks
Authors: James Jijo , Pandian Pitchai Kasinatha
Published: July 2016

The study investigated the potential of lime in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks and the valorisation of a solid waste, Bagasse Ash (BA), in its manufacture. A locally available soil was collected from a field and characterized in the soil laboratory as a clay of intermediate plasticity. This soil was stabilized using lime, the quantity of which was determined from the Eades and Grim pH test. The soil was stabilized using this lime content, amended with various BA contents during mixing, and moulded into blocks of 19 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm. The blocks were then moist cured for a period of 28 days, following which they were subjected to compressive strength, water absorption and efflorescence tests. The results of the tests revealed that the addition of BA resulted in enhanced compressive strength of the blocks, increased the water absorption marginally, and resulted in no efflorescence in any of the combinations, although the limited combinations in the study could not produce enough strength to meet the specifications of the Bureau of Indian Standards. The study revealed that BA can be effectively valorised in the manufacture of stabilized soil blocks.
Soil-Water Storage Predictions for Cultivated Crops on the Záhorská Lowlands
Authors: Jarabicová Miroslava , Minarič Peter
Published: July 2016

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of climate change on the soil-water regime of the Záhorská lowlands. The consequences of climate change on soil-water storage were analyzed for two crops: spring barley and maize. We analyzed the consequences of climate change on soil-water storage for two crops: spring barley and maize. The soil-water storage was simulated with the GLOBAL mathematical model. The data entered into the model as upper boundary conditions were established by the SRES A2 and SRES B1 climate scenarios and the KNMI regional climate model for the years from 2071 to 2100 (in the text called the time horizon 2085 which is in the middle this period). For the reference period the data from the years 1961-1990 was used. The results of this paper predict soil-water storage until the end of this century for the crops evaluated, as well as a comparison of the soil-water storage predictions with the course of the soil-water storage during the reference period.
Über das leibliche Erleben von Spiritualität im Pflegekontext
Authors: Wolf Barbara
Published: July 2016

Spiritualität kann eine wirkungsvolle Perspektive bieten, um kritische Lebensereignisse wie Alter, Krankheit oder Sterben zu bewältigen. Dieser Beitrag soll klären, wie Klienten oder Patienten spirituelle Erfahrungen erleben und welche Funktion diese als leibliche Erfahrung im Heilungsprozess haben können. Dazu wird zunächst erläutert, was in der Neuen Phänomenologie nach Hermann Schmitz (*1928 Leipzig) unter „leiblicher Kommunikation“ zu verstehen ist. Anschließend werden einige wesentliche Begriffe dieses Konzeptes eingeführt, um damit Beispiele für die leibliche Erfahrung des Alt- oder Krankseins näher beschreiben zu können. Schließlich folgt der Versuch, sich dem Phänomen der spirituellen Erfahrung aus leibphänomenologischer Sichtweise anzunähern. Dabei wird verdeutlicht, dass Spiritualität keinen rein geistigen Vorgang, sondern einen leiblich spürbaren Prozess darstellt, der den Betroffenen durch die Autorität unbedingten Ernstes ergreift. Exemplarisch wird abschließend gezeigt, wie die Kenntnis solcher phänomenologischen Zusammenhänge die Pflegekräfte in der Auseinandersetzung mit solchen Transzendenzerfahrungen von Klienten / Patienten unterstützt.
Grüne Damen und Herren als Spiritual Caregivers: Mitmenschlichkeit leben im Krankenhaus- und Altenheimalltag
Authors: Riegger Manfred , Sommermann Theresa
Published: July 2016

„Grüne Damen und Herren“ sind Ehrenamtliche, die in deutschen Krankenhäusern und Altenheimen arbeiten und ein Korrelat zu den „Pink Ladies“ oder „Candy Stripers“ sind, die in den USA erstmals Funktionen für Kranke und Alte übernommen haben. Sie spielen eine Rolle in Spiritual Care. Die Bezeichnung bezieht sich auf die grünen Kittel, welche die Freiwilligen tragen. Ihr allgemeines Ziel ist es, den Aufenthalt von Patienten angenehmer zu gestalten. Die Sorge liegt nicht im Bereich medizinischer Aufgaben. Vielmehr bieten sie persönliche Hilfen an, um Menschen Gutes zu tun und so Menschlichkeit in den Krankenhaus- und Altenheimalltag zu bringen.
Reactivity of alkynylsilanes towards B-halogeno-1,3,2-diselenaborolanes with an annelated dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) unit
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Klimkina Elena V.
Published: July 2016

The C≡C bond of alkynylsilanes undergoes 1,2-haloboration with 2-halogeno-1,3,2-diselenaborolano-4,5-[1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)], in competition with reversible insertion into one of the B–Se bonds (selenoboration) to afford a seven-membered ring and finally, by elimination of Me3Si–X (X = Cl, Br, I), the corresponding B-alkynyl derivatives. The reactions were monitored by NMR spectroscopy (11B, 13C, 29Si and 77Se NMR). The proposed solution-state structures are also supported by DFT calculations of single molecule geometries and NMR parameters [B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level of theory].
Treatment with high doses of pegvisomant in 56 patients with acromegaly: experience from ACROSTUDY
Authors: van der Lely Aart Jan , Jönsson Peter , Wilton Patrick , Åkerblad Ann-Charlotte , Cara José , Ghigo Ezio
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate the characteristics of patients who need more or less pegvisomant (PEGV) to normalize serum IGF-I.

Design

ACROSTUDY is a global noninterventional safety surveillance study of long-term treatment outcomes in patients treated with PEGV. As of June, 2014, ACROSTUDY included data on 2016 patients. All patients treated for at least 6weeks at a dose above 30mg/day and who had two consecutive normal serum IGF-I values were included in the ‘high’-dose group (H; n=56; mean daily dose 44±12.5; median dose 40, 35–60 (10–90%)). Patients with two consecutive normal IGF-I values and who never received a PEGV dose above 10mg/day were included in the ‘low’-dose group (L; n=368; mean daily dose 7.5±2.5; median dose 8.6, 4.3–10 (10–90%)).

Results

Patients in the H group were significantly younger (median 47 vs 52years) and had a significantly higher BMI (median 31.8 vs 26.5kg/m2). They had more diabetes (55% vs 21%), sleep apnea (25% vs 14 %) and more hypertension (61% vs 43%). The incidence of (serious) adverse events was low and was not different between the groups.

Conclusions

Patients who need more PEGV to normalize IGF-I have more aggressive disease, as they are younger, have higher baseline IGF-I levels, more hypertension, more sleep apnea and diabetes and are more overweight. A better understanding of this dose-efficacy relationship of PEGV might avoid inappropriate dosing and prevent serum IGF-I levels from remaining unnecessarily uncontrolled.
The relation between changes in thyroid function and anthropometric indices during long-term follow-up of euthyroid subjects: the Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS)
Authors: Motamed Behrang , Eftekharzadeh Anita , Hosseinpanah Farhad , Tohidi Maryam , Hasheminia Mitra , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: July 2016

Objective

Uncertainties exist regarding the causal relationship between thyroid function tests (TFT) within the euthyroid range and anthropometric measures. This longitudinal cohort is aimed to examine the relationship between the two conditions.

Subjects and methods

Euthyroid participants of Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS) attending phase I (1999–2001) were included in this study and were followed up to phase IV (2008–2011). TSH and free T4(fT4) levels as well as weight (Wt), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were measured at both phases.

Results

971 women and 784 men were included in the analysis. During 9.7years of follow-up, increases in TSH levels, Wt and WHR as well as a decrease in fT4level were observed. Multivariable regression analysis showed a significant relationship between TSH changes and alterations in WC in women (β=0.69,P=0.021) and men (β=0.61,P=0.038). Moreover, a significant negative association of ΔfT4with changes in weight was documented (β=−0.49,P=0.001 in women and β=−0.56,P<0.001 in men). Additionally, we found a negative relationship between ΔfT4and ΔHC in men (β=−0.36,P=0.001).

Conclusion

In both genders, there was a positive relationship between changes in TSH and waist circumference and conversely a negative association of changes of fT4levels with weight over time.
RET mutation and increased angiogenesis in medullary thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Verrienti Antonella , Tallini Giovanni , Colato Chiara , Boichard Amélie , Checquolo Saula , Pecce Valeria , Sponziello Marialuisa , Rosignolo Francesca , de Biase Dario , Rhoden Kerry , Casadei Gian Piero , Russo Diego , Visani Michela , Acquaviva Giorgia , Ferdeghini Marco , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo
Published: July 2016

Advanced medullary thyroid cancers (MTCs) are now being treated with drugs that inhibit receptor tyrosine kinases, many of which involved in angiogenesis. Response rates vary widely, and toxic effects are common, so treatment should be reserved for MTCs likely to be responsive to these drugs.RETmutations are common in MTCs, but it is unclear how they influence the microvascularization of these tumors. We examined 45 MTCs with germ-line or somaticRETmutations (RETmut group) and 34 with wild-typeRET(RETwt). Taqman Low-Density Arrays were used to assess proangiogenic gene expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess intratumoral, peritumoral and nontumoral expression levels of VEGFR1, R2, R3, PDGFRa, PDGFB and NOTCH3. We also assessed microvessel density (MVD) and lymphatic vessel density (LVD) based on CD31-positive and podoplanin-positive vessel counts, respectively, and vascular pericyte density based on staining for a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA), a pericyte marker. Compared withRETwt tumors,RETmut tumors exhibited upregulated expression of proangiogenic genes (mRNA and protein), especially VEGFR1, PDGFB and NOTCH3. MVDs and LVDs were similar in the two groups. However, microvessels inRETmut tumors were more likely to be a-SMA positive, indicating enhanced coverage by pericytes, which play key roles in vessel sprouting, maturation and stabilization. These data suggest that angiogenesis inRETmut MTCs may be more intense and complete than that found inRETwt tumors, a feature that might increase their susceptibility to antiangiogenic therapy. Given their increased vascular pericyte density,RETmut MTCs might also benefit from combined or preliminary treatment with PDGF inhibitors.
Hormonal regulation of aquaporin 3: opposing actions of prolactin and cortisol in tilapia gill
Authors: Breves Jason P , Inokuchi Mayu , Yamaguchi Yoko , Seale Andre P , Hunt Bethany L , Watanabe Soichi , Lerner Darren T , Kaneko Toyoji , Grau E Gordon
Published: July 2016

Aquaporins (Aqps) are expressed within key osmoregulatory tissues where they mediate the movement of water and selected solutes across cell membranes. We leveraged the functional plasticity of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) gill epithelium to examine how Aqp3, an aquaglyceroporin, is regulated in response to osmoregulatory demands. Particular attention was paid to the actions of critical osmoregulatory hormones, namely, prolactin (Prl), growth hormone and cortisol. Branchialaqp3mRNA levels were modulated following changes in environmental salinity, with enhancedaqp3mRNA expression upon transfer from seawater to freshwater (FW). Accordingly, extensive Aqp3 immunoreactivity was localized to cell membranes of branchial epithelium in FW-acclimated animals. Upon transferring hypophysectomized tilapia to FW, we identified that a pituitary factor(s) is required for Aqp3 expression in FW. Replacement with ovine Prl (oPrl) was sufficient to stimulate Aqp3 expression in hypophysectomized animals held in FW, an effect blocked by coinjection with cortisol. Both oPrl and native tilapia Prls (tPrl177and tPrl188) stimulatedaqp3in incubated gill filaments in a concentration-related manner. Consistent within vivoresponses, coincubation with cortisol blocked oPrl-stimulatedaqp3expressionin vitro. Our data indicate that Prl and cortisol act directly upon branchial epithelium to regulate Aqp3 in tilapia. Thus, within the context of the diverse actions of Prl on hydromineral balance in vertebrates, we define a new role for Prl as a regulator of Aqp expression.
l-Carnitine affects preimplantation embryo development toward infertility in mice
Authors: Kyvelidou Christiana , Sotiriou Dimitris , Antonopoulou Tania , Tsagkaraki Margarita , Tserevelakis George J , Filippidis George , Athanassakis Irene
Published: July 2016

l-Carnitine (l-Cn), despite the beneficial role as energy-generating substance delivering long-chain fatty acids to the β-oxidation pathway in mitochondria, has been accused to cause an endometriosis-like state to BALB/c mice manifested by increased inflammatory cytokines in serum and peritoneal fluid, accumulation of immune cells in the peritoneal cavity and uterine walls and most importantly, correlating to infertility. Exploring this type of infertility, the effect ofl-Cn on preimplantation embryo development, ovarian integrity and systemic maternal immunity was studied. Using nonlinear microscopy analysis, which was shown to be a powerful tool for determining embryo quality by quantitatively estimating the lipid body (LB) content of the cells, it was shown thatin vitroandin vivoadministration ofl-Cn significantly decreased LB mean area in zygotes. Daily intraperitoneal administration of 2.5mgl-Cn for 3, 4 and 7days to mice significantly decreased the percent of normal zygotes. However, only the 7-day treatment persisted by affecting 2- and 8-cell stage embryos, while almost abolishing blastocyst development. Such effects were accompanied by abnormal ovarian histology, showing increased numbers of corpora luteus and elevated progesterone concentration in the serum. In addition, it was shown that the 7-dayl-Cn treatment pushed maternal systemic immunity toward inflammation and immunosuppression by increasing CD11b-, CD25- and CD11bGr1-positive cells in spleen, which opposed the necessity for immunostimulation at these early stages of pregnancy. In conclusion, the results presented here demonstrated that elevated doses ofl-Cn affect early stages of embryo development, leading to infertility.
RecBCD Enzyme “Chi Recognition” Mutants Recognize Chi Recombination Hotspots in the Right DNA Context
Authors: Amundsen Susan K , Sharp Jake W , Smith Gerald R
Published: July 2016

RecBCD enzyme is a complex, three-subunit protein machine essential for the major pathway of DNA double-strand break repair and homologous recombination in Escherichia coli. Upon encountering a Chi recombination-hotspot during DNA unwinding, RecBCD nicks DNA to produce a single-stranded DNA end onto which it loads RecA protein. Conformational changes that regulate RecBCD’s helicase and nuclease activities are induced upon its interaction with Chi, defined historically as 5′ GCTGGTGG 3′. Chi is thought to be recognized as single-stranded DNA passing through a tunnel in RecC. To define the Chi recognition-domain in RecC and thus the mechanism of the RecBCD-Chi interaction, we altered by random mutagenesis eight RecC amino acids lining the tunnel. We screened for loss of Chi activity with Chi at one site in bacteriophage λ. The 25 recC mutants analyzed thoroughly had undetectable or strongly reduced Chi-hotspot activity with previously reported Chi sites. Remarkably, most of these mutants had readily detectable, and some nearly wild-type, activity with Chi at newly generated Chi sites. Like wild-type RecBCD, these mutants had Chi activity that responded dramatically (up to fivefold, equivalent to Chi’s hotspot activity) to nucleotide changes flanking 5′ GCTGGTGG 3′. Thus, these and previously published RecC mutants thought to be Chi-recognition mutants are actually Chi context-dependence mutants. Our results fundamentally alter the view that Chi is a simple 8-bp sequence recognized by the RecC tunnel. We propose that Chi hotspots have dual nucleotide sequence interactions, with both the RecC tunnel and the RecB nuclease domain.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Breastfeeding
Authors: McKinney Chelsea O. , Hahn-Holbrook Jennifer , Chase-Lansdale P. Lindsay , Ramey Sharon L. , Krohn Julie , Reed-Vance Maxine , Raju Tonse N.K. , Shalowitz Madeleine U. ,   on behalf of the Community Child Health Research Network
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES:

Breastfeeding rates differ among racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Our aim was to test whether racial/ethnic disparities in demographic characteristics, hospital use of infant formula, and family history of breastfeeding mediated racial/ethnic gaps in breastfeeding outcomes.

METHODS:

We analyzed data from the Community and Child Health Network study (N = 1636). Breastfeeding initiation, postnatal intent to breastfeed, and breastfeeding duration were assessed postpartum. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to estimate relative odds of breastfeeding initiation, postnatal intent, and duration among racial/ethnic groups and to test the candidate mediators of maternal age, income, household composition, employment, marital status, postpartum depression, preterm birth, smoking, belief that “breast is best,” family history of breastfeeding, in-hospital formula introduction, and WIC participation.

RESULTS:

Spanish-speaking Hispanic mothers were most likely to initiate (91%), intend (92%), and maintain (mean duration, 17.1 weeks) breastfeeding, followed by English-speaking Hispanic mothers (initiation 90%, intent 88%; mean duration, 10.4 weeks) and white mothers (initiation 78%, intent 77%; mean duration, 16.5 weeks); black mothers were least likely to initiate (61%), intend (57%), and maintain breastfeeding (mean duration, 6.4 weeks). Demographic variables fully mediated disparities between black and white mothers in intent and initiation, whereas demographic characteristics and in-hospital formula feeding fully mediated breastfeeding duration. Family breastfeeding history and demographic characteristics helped explain the higher breastfeeding rates of Hispanic mothers relative to white and black mothers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospitals and policy makers should limit in-hospital formula feeding and consider family history of breastfeeding and demographic characteristics to reduce racial/ethnic breastfeeding disparities.