bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards precision medicine: The application of omics technologies in asthma management
Authors: Scelfo Chiara , Galeone Carla , Bertolini Francesca , Caminati Marco , Ruggiero Patrizia , Facciolongo Nicola , Menzella Francesco
Published: April 2018

Asthma is a chronic obstructive respiratory disease characterised by bronchial inflammation. Its biological and clinical features have been widely explored and a number of pharmacological treatments are currently available. Currently several aspects of asthma pathophysiological background remain unclear, and this is crucial for the traditional asthma phenotype approach as well as for new endotype definition. In this scenario, the identification of new molecular and clinical biomarkers may be helpful in order to better understand the disease, define specific diagnostic tools and highlight relevant novel targets for pharmacology treatments. Omics technologies offer an innovative research tool for addressing the above mentioned goals. However, there is still a lot to do both in the fields of basic research and in the clinical application of these new technologies. Recently, genome-wide association studies, microRNAs and proteomics are contributing to enrich the available data for the identification of new asthma biomarkers. A precise approach to the patient with asthma, particularly with severe uncontrolled asthma, requires new and specific therapeutic targets, but also proper tools able to drive the clinician in tailoring the treatment. On the other hand, treatment response predictors are needed, particularly in the field of biological drugs, whose sustainability implies a correct and precise patient selection. Translating acquired knowledge about omics in clinical practice may address the unmet needs described above, but large-scale studies are required in order to confirm omics relevance and effectiveness in daily practice. Thus in our opinion the application of omics is still lagging in the real-life setting.
The Linnaean names in Scabiosa (Caprifoliaceae: Dipsacoideae)
Authors: Guacchio Emanuele Del , Paola Cennamo , Caputo Paolo
Published: April 2018

The authors have considered all the Linnaean names in Scabiosa, proposing 13 new typifications (10 lectotypes, 2 neotypes, and noting 1 automatic typification). The designation of S. columbaria as the type of Scabiosa is recognized as attributable to Rafinesque. A previous synonymization (Scabiosa pterocephala L.) is discussed. Several elements believed to belong to the original material employed by Linnaeus were actually added to his herbarium after publication of the relevant protologues.
О НЕОБХОДИМОСТИ СОЗДАНИЯ КОНЦЕПЦИИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОЙ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТИ БУДУЩИХ УЧИТЕЛЕЙ НАЧАЛЬНЫХ КЛАССОВ
Authors: Alekseeva Elena Evgenevna
Published: April 2018

Сегодняшняя ситуация в обществе характеризуется изменением требований к выпускнику высшей школы, что влечет трансформацию целей и задач самой высшей школы. Профессиональный стандарт педагога компетентностно - ориентированный, согласно которому, выпускник педагогического вуза должен обладать целостными, сформированными определенными профессиональными компетенциями, которые позволят ему быть успешным в своей педагогической детальности.Цель. Статья посвящена, актуальной в условиях современной образовательной парадигмы теме, обоснования необходимости создания целостной системной концепцииформирования математической компетентности будущего учителя начальный классов.Метод или методология проведения работы. В основу исследования системы формирования математической компетентности будущих учителей начальных классов заложены фундаментальные положения отечественной системы высшего профессионального образования, труды С.И. Архангельского, П.Л. Гальперина, О.С. Гребенюка, В.В. Давыдова, А.Н. Леонтьева, В.А. Сластенина, М.Ю. Рожкова др. Теории системного подхода в образовании (В.Г. Буданов, В.В. Гузеев, Э.Н. Гусинский, Ф.Ф. Королев, Г.П. Щедровицкий и др. Теория деятельности (А.Л. Алексеев, А.Г. Асмолов, Л.С. Выготский, А.Н. Леонтьев, А.В. Петровский, С.Л. Рубинштейн, Д.Б. Эльконин И.С. Якиманская и др.) Основываясь на теории компетентностного подхода в профессиональной подготовке (И.А.Зимняя, Н.В Кузьмина, Г.М. Коджаспирова, И.А. Колесникова, Дж. Равен, Н. Хомский, В. Хутмахер, А.В. Хуторской и др.), нами разработан обоснованный многоэтапный путь образовательной деятельности студентов в освоении ими знаний умении и навыков математической компетентности,Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что автор обосновывает необходимость создания концепции формирования математической компетентности студентов педагогических вузов, будущих учителей начальных классов.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в образовательном процессе педагогических вузов.
Técnica processual e (de)limitação dos poderes do juiz: contributos de uma leitura hermenêutica do processo civil
Authors: Raatz Igor , Dietrich William Galle
Published: April 2018

O presente ensaio, partindo do “método” fenomenológico-hermenêutico, revolverá a tradição do “princípio dispositivo”, com o intuito de desvelar que este foi originalmente concebido para limitar o arbítrio judicial, e não para admitir a atuação oficiosa do órgão julgador. A partir disso, e estando assentada a premissa de que há um espaço no âmbito da chamada “técnica processual” em que se admite a atuação de ofício do juiz, buscar-se-á mostrar que as visões limitadas às análises apofânticas-dogmáticas do fenômeno da (de)limitação dos poderes do juiz acabam por sustentar um excessivo e antidemocrático espaço de liberdade para o órgão julgador.
Precedentes Obrigatórios, Desenvolvimento e Segurança Jurídica
Authors: Barbosa Claudia Maria , Bastos Elson Pereira de Oliveira
Published: April 2018

A pesquisa pretende avaliar se os precedentes e súmulas obrigatórios consubstanciam uma proposta institucional para o desenvolvimento nacional e o respeito ao Direito, com a concretização dos valores e objetivos da nossa Constituição. Para tanto, procura-se demonstrar que a segurança jurídica é um valor de um sistema jurídico orientado ao desenvolvimento e também um princípio normativo que estabelece como fim a observância, na aplicação do Direito, de padrões jurídicos formalmente consistentes e substancialmente adequados, construídos intersubjetivamente. Fazendo uso do método dedutivo e da pesquisa bibliográfica, procura-se estudar a relação existente entre a vinculação aos precedentes e súmulas, de um lado, e o desenvolvimento e a valorização do Direito, de outro. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que a reforma processual que introduziu o sistema de precedentes obrigatórios no Brasil, sem bem operacionalizado, representa uma conquista importante para o aumento da segurança jurídica na aplicação do Direito e, por conseguinte, para a promoção do desenvolvimento e a realização das liberdades substantivas. Tudo isso é relevante para chamar a atenção da comunidade jurídica em relação ao cuidado e à crítica que deve ser constantemente endereçado ao sistema de precedentes brasileiro, a fim de que possa efetivamente cumprir a finalidade para o qual foi concebido, sintonizada com as premissas do nosso Estado Democrático de Direito.
Retomando a polêmica em torno da ação: apontamentos compreensivos a uma disputa terminológica
Authors: Buril de Macêdo Lucas , Schibuola Maurício
Published: April 2018

A proposta deste texto é, a partir de uma perspectiva compreensiva, demonstrar que há alguma razão nas várias propostas conceituais em torno da ação. Basicamente, o intuito é provar que cada um dos célebres empregos do vocábulo “ação” tentou descrever um fenômeno jurídico diferente, pelo que, ao contrário de serem conceitos incompatíveis e excludentes, eles devem conviver e se complementar para uma percepção total da problemática jurídica. Todavia, certamente convém, por precisão terminológica e para evitar ambiguidades, a seleção de termos distintos para designar cada um dos objetos conceituais.
Practical guidance for aesthetic nurses considering taking a prescribing course
Authors: Newson Christina
Published: April 2018

Many aesthetic nurses have opted to undertake additional training to become independent prescribers. This article aims to inform aesthetic nurses considering completing this qualification of the course's format and assessment methods, and aims to give them practical advice for preparing to study. It sets out key information for selecting an appropriate course and recommends areas of study to focus on before getting started. The article is intended to provide applicants with insight into key areas of the curriculum and highlight what may be required from them in this area of study.
Roboter in Bibliotheken und die flexible Ordnung von Sammlungen
Authors: Früh Roland
Published: April 2018

Ein Teil der traditionellen Arbeit wird in naher Zukunft von Maschinen, oder ‚Applikationen‘ übernommen und es wird diskutiert, ob die Menschheit von der gewonnenen Zeit profitiert oder sich überflüssig macht. Digitale Applikationen und Roboter werden auch in Bibliotheken Aufgaben übernehmen, aber wie werden wir Roboter tatsächlich antreffen? Der Text fasst die Ergebnisse aus Studien des Forums LIKE am Max Planck Institut Luxemburg und Diskussionen mit Fachspezialisten für RFID-Technologie zusammen und stellt mögliche Geräte für Bibliotheken vor. Welche Vorteile eine Automatisierung für die Benutzung hat, zeigt zuletzt das Fallbeispiel der Dynamischen Ordnung in der Kunstbibliothek Sitterwerk in St. Gallen.
Haben Ausstellungen in Archiven und vergleichbaren Kultureinrichtungen eine Zukunft?
Authors: Patt Dr. Gregor
Published: April 2018

Der Aufsatz geht der Frage nach, inwiefern der ‚digital turn‘ in den kommenden Jahren dazu führen wird, dass analoge Ausstellungen in Archiven und vergleichbaren Kultureinrichtungen durch virtuelle Angebote ersetzt werden. Ausgehend von einer kurzen Darstellung des großen Veränderungspotentials werden denkbare Entwicklungen aufgezeigt und auf ihre Plausibilität hin untersucht. Es wird die These vertreten, dass digitale Angebote weniger als Alternative denn als Ergänzung zu ‚klassischen‘ Ausstellungen gesehen werden müssen.
Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of paternally inherited disorders from maternal plasma: detection of NF1 and CFTR mutations using droplet digital PCR
Authors: Gruber Aurélia , Pacault Mathilde , El Khattabi Laila Allach , Vaucouleur Nicolas , Orhant Lucie , Bienvenu Thierry , Girodon Emmanuelle , Vidaud Dominique , Leturcq France , Costa Catherine , Letourneur Franck , Anselem Olivia , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Goffinet François , Viot Géraldine , Vidaud Michel , Nectoux Juliette
Published: April 2018

Background:

To limit risks of miscarriages associated with invasive procedures of current prenatal diagnosis practice, we aim to develop a personalized medicine-based protocol for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of monogenic disorders relying on the detection of paternally inherited mutations in maternal blood using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Methods:

This study included four couples at risk of transmitting paternal neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) mutations and four couples at risk of transmitting compound heterozygous CFTR mutations. NIPD was performed between 8 and 15 weeks of gestation, in parallel to conventional invasive diagnosis. We designed specific hydrolysis probes to detect the paternal mutation and to assess the presence of cell-free fetal DNA by ddPCR. Analytical performances of each assay were determined from paternal sample, an then fetal genotype was inferred from maternal plasma sample.

Results:

Presence or absence of the paternal mutant allele was correctly determined in all the studied plasma DNA samples.

Conclusions:

We report an NIPD protocol suitable for implementation in an experienced laboratory of molecular genetics. Our proof-of-principle results point out a high accuracy for early detection of paternal NF1 and CFTR mutations in cell-free DNA, and open new perspectives for extending the technology to NIPD of many other monogenic diseases.
Human Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Surface Water Due to Leachate from the Municipal Dumpsite by Pollution Index: A Case Study from Ndawuse River, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Enitan Ibironke Titilayo , Enitan Abimbola Motunrayo , Odiyo John Ogony , Alhassan Muhammad Mamman
Published: April 2018

The study assessed the level of heavy metals in surface water across Ndawuse River near the dumpsite at Phase 1 District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicated that oxygen demand, turbidity and heavy metals were above the standard limits set for drinking water. Multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed natural and anthropogenic activities as sources of heavy metal contamination. The estimated non-carcinogenic effects using hazard quotient toxicity potential, cumulative hazard index and daily human exposure dose of surface water through ingestion pathway were less than a unity. The estimated carcinogenic risks (CRing) exceeded the suggested potential risk limits, with lead (Pb) having the highest CRing value for all age groups. However, children were found to be more susceptible to heavy metals over a period of time according to the estimated values. The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated river could pose an adverse health risk to several communities that rely on this receiving water bodies for domestic purposes. Therefore, there is need for strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect aquatic ecosystem and to avoid long term cumulative exposure risk that heavy metals may pose on human health.
Becoming a teacher of clinical reasoning
Authors: Trowbridge Robert L. , Olson Andrew P.J.
Published: April 2018

Diagnostic reasoning is one of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of clinical practice. As a result, facility in teaching diagnostic reasoning is a core necessity for all medical educators. Clinician educators’ limited understanding of the diagnostic process and how expertise is developed may result in lost opportunities in nurturing the diagnostic abilities of themselves and their learners. In this perspective, the authors describe their journeys as clinician educators searching for a coherent means of teaching diagnostic reasoning. They discuss the initial appeal and immediate applicability of dual process theory and cognitive biases to their own clinical experiences and those of their trainees, followed by the eventual and somewhat belated recognition of the importance of context specificity. They conclude that there are no quick fixes in guiding learners to expertise of diagnostic reasoning, but rather the development of these abilities is best viewed as a long, somewhat frustrating, but always interesting journey. The role of the teacher of clinical reasoning is to guide the learners on this journey, recognizing true mastery may not be attained, but should remain a goal for teacher and learner alike.
Evolving inextensible and elastic curves with clamped ends under the second-order evolution equation in ℝ2
Authors: Lin Chun-Chi , Lue Yang-Kai
Published: April 2018

For any given C2-smooth initial open curves with fixed position and fixed tangent at the boundary points, we obtain the long-time existence of smooth solutions under the second-order evolution of plane curves. Moreover, the asymptotic limit of a convergent subsequence is an inextensible elastica.
Convex relaxation and variational approximation of the Steiner problem: theory and numerics
Authors: Bonafini M.
Published: April 2018

We survey some recent results on convex relaxations and a variational approximation for the classical Euclidean Steiner tree problem and we see how these new perspectives can lead to effective numerical schemes for the identification of Steiner minimal trees.
Design, synthesis and anticancer activity evaluation of aziridine-1,2,3-triazole hybrid derivatives
Authors: Dong Hong-Ru , Wu Jian-Guo
Published: April 2018

New 1-aryl-4-[(aziridine-1-yl)diarylmethyl]-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole derivatives 7a–i were synthesized by a one-pot reaction of diaryl-(1-aryl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanols 6a–i derived from 1-aryl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acids 4a–c. Structures of compounds 7a–i were confirmed by analysis of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) and infrared (IR) data. The structure of compound 7f was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The anticancer activities of compounds 7a–i against human leukemia HL-60 cells and human hepatoma G2 cells were evaluated. Some of the compounds are highly active.
The miRNA-kallikrein interaction: a mosaic of epigenetic regulation in cancer
Authors: Di Meo Ashley , Wang Cong , Cheng Yufeng , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Yousef George M.
Published: April 2018

The kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) constitute a family of 15 highly conserved serine proteases with trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like activities. Dysregulated expression and/or aberrant activation of KLKs has been linked to various pathophysiological processes, including cancer. Many KLKs have been identified as potential cancer biomarkers. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by pairing to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of complimentary mRNA targets. miRNAs are dysregulated in many cancers, including prostate, kidney and ovarian cancers. Several studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of KLKs. However, recent evidence suggests that miRNAs can also act as downstream effectors of KLKs. In this review, we provide an update on the epigenetic regulation of KLKs by miRNAs. We also present recent experimental evidence that supports the regulatory role of KLKs on miRNA networks. The potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of miRNA-kallikrein interactions are also discussed.
Kallikrein-related peptidases in lung diseases
Authors: Lenga Ma Bonda Woodys , Iochmann Sophie , Magnen Mélia , Courty Yves , Reverdiau Pascale
Published: April 2018

Human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) are 15 members of the serine protease family and are present in various healthy human tissues including airway tissues. Multiple studies have revealed their crucial role in the pathophysiology of a number of chronic, infectious and tumour lung diseases. KLK1, 3 and 14 are involved in asthma pathogenesis, and KLK1 could be also associated with the exacerbation of this inflammatory disease caused by rhinovirus. KLK5 was demonstrated as an influenza virus activating protease in humans, and KLK1 and 12 could also be involved in the activation and spread of these viruses. KLKs are associated with lung cancer, with up- or downregulation of expression depending on the KLK, cancer subtype, stage of tumour and also the microenvironment. Functional studies showed that KLK12 is a potent pro-angiogenic factor. Moreover, KLK6 promotes malignant-cell proliferation and KLK13 invasiveness. In contrast, KLK8 and KLK10 reduce proliferation and invasion of malignant cells. Considering the involvement of KLKs in various physiological and pathological processes, KLKs appear to be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung diseases.
Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 orchestrates astrocyte form and function through proteinase activated receptor-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Radulovic Maja , Scarisbrick Isobel A.
Published: April 2018

Kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (Klk6) is the most abundant serine proteinase in the adult central nervous system (CNS), yet we know little regarding its physiological roles or mechanisms of action. Levels of Klk6 in the extracellular environment are dynamically regulated in CNS injury and disease positioning this secreted enzyme to affect cell behavior by potential receptor dependent and independent mechanisms. Here we show that recombinant Klk6 evokes increases in intracellular Ca2+ in primary astrocyte monolayer cultures through activation of proteinase activated receptor 1 (PAR1). In addition, Klk6 promoted a condensation of astrocyte cortical actin leading to an elongated stellate shape and multicellular aggregation in a manner that was dependent on the presence of either PAR1 or PAR2. Klk6-evoked changes in astrocyte shape were accompanied by translocation of β-catenin from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm. These data are exciting because they demonstrate that Klk6 can influence astrocyte plasticity through receptor-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, this study expands our understanding of the mechanisms by which kallikreins can contribute to neural homeostasis and remodeling and point to both PAR1 and PAR2 as new therapeutic targets to modulate astrocyte form and function.
From molecules to patients: exploring the therapeutic role of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators
Authors: Sandner Peter
Published: April 2018

Nitric oxide (NO) signaling represents one of the major regulatory pathways for cardiovascular function. After the discovery of NO, awarded with the Nobel Prize in 1998, this signaling cascade was stepwise clarified. We now have a good understanding of NO production and NO downstream targets such as the soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGCs) which catalyze cGMP production. Based on the important role of NO-signaling in the cardiovascular system, intense research and development efforts are currently ongoing to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of cGMP increase. Recently, NO-independent stimulators of sGC (sGC stimulators) were discovered and characterized. This new compound class has a unique mode of action, directly binding to sGC and triggering cGMP production. The first sGC stimulator made available to patients is riociguat, which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of different forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Besides riociguat, other sGC stimulators are in clinical development, with vericiguat in phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF). Based on the broad impact of NO/cGMP signaling, sGC stimulators could have an even broader therapeutic potential beyond PH and HF. Within this review, the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG/PDE-signaling cascade and the major pharmacological intervention sites are described. In addition, the discovery and mode of action of sGC stimulators and the clinical development in PH and HF is covered. Finally, the preclinical and clinical evidence and treatment approaches for sGC stimulators beyond these indications and the cardiovascular disease space, like in fibrotic diseases as in systemic sclerosis (SSc), are reviewed.
Scanning electron microscope fine tuning using four-bar piezoelectric actuated mechanism
Authors: Hatamleh Khaled S. , Khasawneh Qais A. , Al-Ghasem Adnan , Jaradat Mohammad A. , Sawaqed Laith , Al-Shabi Mohammad
Published: April 2018

Scanning Electron Microscopes are extensively used for accurate micro/nano images exploring. Several strategies have been proposed to fine tune those microscopes in the past few years. This work presents a new fine tuning strategy of a scanning electron microscope sample table using four bar piezoelectric actuated mechanisms. The introduced paper presents an algorithm to find all possible inverse kinematics solutions of the proposed mechanism. In addition, another algorithm is presented to search for the optimal inverse kinematic solution. Both algorithms are used simultaneously by means of a simulation study to fine tune a scanning electron microscope sample table through a pre-specified circular or linear path of motion. Results of the study shows that, proposed algorithms were able to minimize the power required to drive the piezoelectric actuated mechanism by a ratio of 97.5% for all simulated paths of motion when compared to general non-optimized solution.
Dual-mode quasi-logarithmic quantizer with embedded G.711 codec
Authors: Denić Bojan , Perić Zoran , Despotović Vladimir , Vučić Nikola , Petrović Predrag
Published: April 2018

The G.711 codec has been accepted as a standard for high quality coding in many applications. A dual-mode quantizer, which combines the nonlinear logarithmic quantizer for restricted input signals and G.711 quantizer for unrestricted input signals is proposed in this paper. The parameters of the proposed quantizer are optimized, where the minimal distortion is used as the criterion. It is shown that the optimized version of the proposed quantizer provides 5.4 dB higher SQNR (Signal to Quantization Noise Ratio) compared to G.711 quantizer, or equivalently it performs savings in the bit rate of approximately 0.9 bit/sample for the same signal quality. Although the complexity is slightly increased, we believe that due to the superior performance it can be successfully implemented for high-quality quantization.
Electric measurements of PV heterojunction structures a-SiC/c-Si
Authors: Perný Milan , Šály Vladimír , Janíček František , Mikolášek Miroslav , Váry Michal , Huran Jozef
Published: April 2018

Due to the particular advantages of amorphous silicon or its alloys with carbon in comparison to conventional crystalline materials makes such a material still interesting for study. The amorphous silicon carbide may be used in a number of micro-mechanical and micro-electronics applications and also for photovoltaic energy conversion devices. Boron doped thin layers of amorphous silicon carbide, presented in this paper, were prepared due to the optimization process for preparation of heterojunction solar cell structure. DC and AC measurement and subsequent evaluation were carried out in order to comprehensively assess the electrical transport processes in the prepared a-SiC/c-Si structures. We have investigated the influence of methane content in deposition gas mixture and different electrode configuration.
On-line determination of transient stability status using multilayer perceptron neural network
Authors: Frimpong Emmanuel Asuming , Okyere Philip Yaw , Asumadu Johnson
Published: April 2018

A scheme to predict transient stability status following a disturbance is presented. The scheme is activated upon the tripping of a line or bus and operates as follows: Two samples of frequency deviation values at all generator buses are obtained. At each generator bus, the maximum frequency deviation within the two samples is extracted. A vector is then constructed from the extracted maximum frequency deviations. The Euclidean norm of the constructed vector is calculated and then fed as input to a trained multilayer perceptron neural network which predicts the stability status of the system. The scheme was tested using data generated from the New England test system. The scheme successfully predicted the stability status of all two hundred and five disturbance test cases.
A fast and simple bonding method for low cost microfluidic chip fabrication
Authors: Yin Zhifu , Zou Helin
Published: April 2018

With the development of the microstructure fabrication technique, microfluidic chips are widely used in biological and medical researchers. Future advances in their commercial applications depend on the mass bonding of microfluidic chip. In this study we are presenting a simple, low cost and fast way of bonding microfluidic chips at room temperature. The influence of the bonding pressure on the deformation of the microchannel and adhesive tape was analyzed by numerical simulation. By this method, the microfluidic chip can be fully sealed at low temperature and pressure without using any equipment. The dye water and gas leakage test indicated that the microfluidic chip can be bonded without leakage or block and its bonding strength can up to 0.84 MPa.
Modeling linguistic evolution: a look under the hood
Authors: Cathcart Chundra Aroor
Published: April 2018

This paper takes a detailed look at some popular models of evolution used in contemporary diachronic linguistic research, focusing on the continuous-time Markov model, a particularly popular choice. I provide an exposition of the math underlying the CTM model, seldom discussed in linguistic papers. I show that in some work, a lack of explicit reference to the underlying computation creates some difficulty in interpreting results, particularly in the domain of ancestral state reconstruction. I conclude by adumbrating some ways in which linguists may be able to exploit these models to investigate a suite of factors which may influence diachronic linguistic change.
On nonlinear evolution equation of second order in Banach spaces
Authors: Soltanov Kamal N.
Published: April 2018

Here we study the existence of a solution and also the behavior of the existing solution of the abstract nonlinear differential equation of second order that, in particular, is the nonlinear hyperbolic equation with nonlinear main parts, and in the special case, is the equation of the type of equation of traffic flow.
Restriction conditions on PL(7, 2) codes (3 ≤ |𝓖
i
| ≤ 7)
Authors: Cruz Catarina N. , ďAzevedo Breda Ana M.
Published: April 2018

The Golomb-Welch conjecture states that there is no perfect r-error correcting Lee code of word length n over ℤ for n ≥ 3 and r ≥ 2. This problem has received great attention due to its importance in applications in several areas beyond mathematics and computer sciences. Many results on this subject have been achieved, however the conjecture is only solved for some particular values of n and r, namely: 3 ≤ n ≤ 5 and r ≥ 2; n = 6 and r = 2. Here we give an important contribution for the case n = 7 and r = 2, establishing cardinality restrictions on codeword sets.
On the family of functions with closure of graphs in the Mendez ideals
Authors: Nowik Andrzej
Published: April 2018

We prove some results about additive classes of functions with Lebesgue null or meager closures. We consider also families with closures in the Mendez ideals.
The predicate completion of a partial information system
Authors: French Zack , Hart James B.
Published: April 2018

Originally,partial information systemswere introduced as a means of providing a representation of the Smyth powerdomain in terms of order convex substructures of an information-based structure. For every partial information system 𝕊, there is a new partial information system that is natrually induced by the principal lowersets of the consistency predicate for 𝕊. In this paper, we show that this new system serves as acompletionof the parent system 𝕊 in two ways. First, we demonstrate that the induced system relates to the parent system 𝕊 in much the same way as the ideal completion of the consistency predicate for 𝕊 relates to the consistency predicate itself. Second, we explore the relationship between this induced system and the notion ofD-completions for posets. In particular, we show that this induced system has a “semi-universal” property in the category of partial information systems coupled with the preorder analog of Scott-continuous maps that is induced by the universal property of theD-completion of the principal lowersets of the consistency predicate for the parent system 𝕊.
Matrix mappings and general bounded linear operators on the space bv
Authors: Djolović Ivana , Petković Katarina , Malkowsky Eberhard
Published: April 2018

If X and Y are FK spaces, then every infinite matrix A ∈ (X, Y) defines a bounded linear operator LA
∈ B(X, Y) where LA
(x) = Ax for each x ∈ X. But the converse is not always true. Indeed, if L is a general bounded linear operator from X to Y, that is, L ∈ B(X, Y), we are interested in the representation of such an operator using some infinite matrices. In this paper we establish the representations of the general bounded linear operators from the space bv into the spaces ℓ

∞
, c and c
0. We also prove some estimates for their Hausdorff measures of noncompactness. In this way we show the difference between general bounded linear operators between some sequence spaces and the matrix operators associated with matrix transformations.
Intermittent quasistatic dynamical systems: weak convergence of fluctuations
Authors: Leppänen Juho
Published: April 2018

This paper is about statistical properties of quasistatic dynamical systems. These are a class of non-stationary systems that model situations where the dynamics change very slowly over time due to external influences. We focus on the case where the time-evolution is described by intermittent interval maps (Pomeau-Manneville maps) with time-dependent parameters. In a suitable range of parameters, we obtain a description of the statistical properties as a stochastic diffusion, by solving a well-posed martingale problem. The results extend those of a related recent study due to Dobbs and Stenlund, which concerned the case of quasistatic (uniformly) expanding systems.
Smart Solutions for Recreational Noise Pollution in Turkey
Authors: Çoban Nilgün Akbulut , Dalkılıç Cengiz , Kaya Sezer , Türkmenoğlu Mevlüt , Çoban Mustafa
Published: April 2018

Environmental noise has become an important issue in urban life quality. Policy makers, local authorities and researchers have been trying to solve this issue in a smart way. In this study, it was examined the recreational noise pollution and management strategies already applied in two cities of Antalya and Konya respectively located in Mediterrnaean and Middle Anatolian Region in Turkey. For Antalya City, the strategic noise map, noise complaint data and noise assessment reports for entertainment places were evaluated. For Konya City, it was assessed the strategic noise map and the environmental noise monitoring system which can be considered as one of the first applicable system in Turkey in terms of noise management. Under the light of the applications in two cities, it is recommended that improving and installing the environmental noise monitoring system as a communicative tool in noise policy applications may be beneficial especially for the recrational noise pollution control in order to achieve effective noise complaint management and to provide dynamic noise maps.Moreover, designing quiet areas as buffering zone by using the soundscape approach may also be an innovative way in mitigating the noise annoyance due to recreational noise pollution in residential areas.
Algebraic aspects of evolution partial differential equation arising in the study of constant elasticity of variance model from financial mathematics
Authors: Motsepa Tanki , Aziz Taha , Fatima Aeeman , Khalique Chaudry Masood
Published: April 2018

The optimal investment-consumption problem under the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model is investigated from the perspective of Lie group analysis. The Lie symmetry group of the evolution partial differential equation describing the CEV model is derived. The Lie point symmetries are then used to obtain an exact solution of the governing model satisfying a standard terminal condition. Finally, we construct conservation laws of the underlying equation using the general theorem on conservation laws.
Hypoxia, cytokines and stromal recruitment: parallels between pathophysiology of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis, endometriosis and peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Wilson Robert Beaumont
Published: April 2018

Peritoneal response to various kinds of injury involves loss of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMC), danger signalling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT). Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), endometriosis (EM) and peritoneal metastasis (PM) are all characterized by hypoxia and formation of a vascularized connective tissue stroma mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is constitutively expressed by the PMC and plays a major role in the maintenance of a transformed, inflammatory micro-environment in PM, but also in EPS and EM. Persistently high levels of TGF-β1 or stimulation by inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6)) induce peritoneal MMT, adhesion formation and fibrosis. TGF-β1 enhances hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression, which drives cell growth, extracellular matrix production and cell migration. Disruption of the peritoneal glycocalyx and exposure of the basement membrane release low molecular weight hyaluronan, which initiates a cascade of pro-inflammatory mediators, including peritoneal cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, prostaglandins), growth factors (TGF-α, TGF-β, platelet-derived growth factor, VEGF, epidermal growth factor) and the fibrin/coagulation cascade (thrombin, Tissue factor, plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI]-1/2). Chronic inflammation and cellular transformation are mediated by damage-associated molecular patterns, pattern recognition receptors, AGE-RAGE, extracellular lactate, pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, increased glycolysis, metabolomic reprogramming and cancer-associated fibroblasts. The pathogenesis of EPS, EM and PM shows similarities to the cellular transformation and stromal recruitment of wound healing.
6-minute walking test in patients after cabg - assessment of exercise capacity
Authors: Wojtkowska Joanna , Wojtkowska Izabela , Wolszakiewicz Jadwiga
Published: April 2018

Introduction: The 6-minute walk test is a well established diagnostic tool in clinical cardiology to determine exercise tolerance, prognostic measure, control and modify the implemented treatment.

Aim: Assess exercise tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease after surgical coronary artery bypass grafting using 6-minute walk test in correlation with selected concomitant risk factors for coronary artery disease.

Material and methods: Analysis of medical records of 100 randomly selected patients, diagnosed by coronary angiography and coronary heart disease, scheduled for CABG. Patients were evaluated using exercise tolerance as measured by 6MWT before and 12 months after CABG. The results were correlated with the selected risk factors.

Results: The study group showed improvement in 6MWT distance of 43.17 m (± 104.41) at 12-months after CABG. In order to analyze which risk factors influenced the observed changes of the 6MWT distance, the obtained results were correlated with factors such as the age of patients, sex, hypertension and smoking. There was no effect of these parameters on shortening or lengthening the distance.

Conclusions: 1. From selected coronary artery disease risk factors only hypertension adversely affected the 6MWT distance before CABG.

3. The CABG operation caused significant improvement of exercise tolerance in patients with worse baseline exercise tolerance.
Functional assessment of patients after total knee replacement
Authors: Matla Joanna , Ogrodzka Katarzyna , Bac Aneta , Gądek Artur , Sorysz Tomasz
Published: April 2018

Introduction: In the society of the 21st century, osteoarthritis is considered one of the primary causes of the occurrence of pain and disability. Arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for advanced degenerative changes. The aim of the study was to carry out a functional assessment of patients at early stages of rehabilitation after total knee replacement.

Material and methods: The research material included 35 individuals qualified for the total knee replacement. The group consisted of 26 females with an average age of 68.6 ± 7.0 and 9 males with an average age of 70.8 ± 9.1. To assess their functional status, the following tools were used: 100-point Lysholm-Gillquist scale, the VAS scale, the Timed Up and Go test, the Lovett scale and the range of motion measurement made with a goniometer. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: The research revealed statistically significant differences in the measurements of active and passive ranges of flexion and active extension in the knee joint, knee flexors and extensors muscle strength, the VAS scale and the 100-point Lysholm-Gillquist scale.

Conclusions: 1 After applying the treatment in the form of a total knee replacement, the functional state of the patients improved at early stages of rehabilitation. 2 The study proved the effectiveness of treating advanced degenerative changes through total knee replacement and the patients’ functional improvement at early stages of rehabilitation.
How different priming stimulations affect the corticospinal excitability induced by noninvasive brain stimulation techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hassanzahraee Maryam , Zoghi Maryam , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: April 2018

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques could induce changes in corticospinal excitability (CSE) and neuroplasticity. These changes could be affected by different factors, including having a session of stimulation called the ‘priming’ protocol before the main stimulation session called the ‘test’ protocol. Literature indicates that a priming protocol could affect the activity of postsynaptic neurons, form a neuronal history, and then modify the expected effects of the test protocol on CSE indicated by the amplitude of transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced motor-evoked potentials. This prior history affects a threshold to activate the necessary mechanism stabilizing the neuronal activity within a useful dynamic range. For studying the effects of this history and related metaplasticity mechanisms in the human primary motor cortex (M1), priming-test protocols are successfully employed. Thirty-two studies were included in this review to investigate how different priming protocols could affect the induced effects of a test protocol on CSE in healthy individuals. The results showed that if the history of synaptic activity were high or low enough to displace the threshold, the expected effects of the test protocol would be the reverse. This effect reversal is regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. On the contrary, the effects of the test protocol would not be the reverse, and at most we experience a prolongation of the lasting effects if the aforementioned history is not enough to displace the threshold. This effect prolongation is mediated by nonhomeostatic mechanisms. Therefore, based on the characteristics of priming-test protocols and the interval between them, the expected results of priming-test protocols would be different. Moreover, these findings could shed light on the different mechanisms of metaplasticity involved in NIBS. It helps us understand how we can improve the expected outcomes of these techniques in clinical approaches.
Relative and absolute test-retest reliabilities of pressure pain threshold in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Srimurugan Pratheep Neeraja , Madeleine Pascal , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: April 2018

Background and aims:

Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and PPT maps are commonly used to quantify and visualize mechanical pain sensitivity. Although PPT’s have frequently been reported from patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the absolute and relative reliability of PPT assessments remain to be determined. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest relative and absolute reliability of PPT in KOA. For that purpose, intra- and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) as well as the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) values within eight anatomical locations covering the most painful knee of KOA patients was measured.

Methods:

Twenty KOA patients participated in two sessions with a period of 2 weeks±3 days apart. PPT’s were assessed over eight anatomical locations covering the knee and two remote locations over tibialis anterior and brachioradialis. The patients rated their maximum pain intensity during the past 24 h and prior to the recordings on a visual analog scale (VAS), and completed The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and PainDetect surveys. The ICC, SEM and MDC between the sessions were assessed. The ICC for the individual variability was expressed with coefficient of variance (CV). Bland-Altman plots were used to assess potential bias in the dataset.

Results:

The ICC ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 for all the anatomical locations which is considered “almost perfect”. CV was lowest in session 1 and ranged from 44.2 to 57.6%. SEM for comparison ranged between 34 and 71 kPa and MDC ranged between 93 and 197 kPa with a mean PPT ranged from 273.5 to 367.7 kPa in session 1 and 268.1–331.3 kPa in session 2. The analysis of Bland-Altman plot showed no systematic bias. PPT maps showed that the patients had lower thresholds in session 2, but no significant difference was observed for the comparison between the sessions for PPT or VAS. No correlations were seen between PainDetect and PPT and PainDetect and WOMAC.

Conclusions:

Almost perfect relative and absolute reliabilities were found for the assessment of PPT’s for KOA patients.

Implications:

The present investigation implicates that PPT’s is reliable for assessing pain sensitivity and sensitization in KOA patients.
Studies on the treatment of surface water using rajma seeds
Authors: Merlin S. Babitha , Abirami M. , Kumar R. Suresh
Published: April 2018

Indiscriminate disposal of wastewater with suspended solids have led to higher amount of pollution to the natural water bodies. Turbidity removal becomes an essential part in the water treatment when surface water is used for drinking purpose, this can be achieved by means of coagulation process. Coagulation process is the dosing of a coagulant in water, resulting in the destabilization of negatively charged particles. Commercial coagulants which were widely used can synthesize by-products in turn may pollute the environment and deteriorate the ecosystem at a slow rate. So, now-a-days natural coagulants are used as a potential substitute because it’s biodegradable, ecofriendly and non-toxic. In this study, the turbid surface water samples were treated using powdered seeds of Rajma (natural coagulant) followed by variations in dosage, settling time and pH were also studied. From the results obtained, it was found that the Rajma seeds powder achieved 48.80% efficiency for 0.5 g/l of optimum dose at pH 6 for 20 min settling time respectively.
Effects of corn cob ash on lime stabilized lateritic soil
Authors: Nnochiri Emeka Segun
Published: April 2018

This study assesses the effects of Corn Cob Ash (CCA) on lime-stabilized lateritic soil. Preliminary tests were carried out on the natural soil sample for purpose of identification and classification. Lime being the main stabilizing material was thoroughly mixed with the soil sample to determine the optimum lime requirement of the sample as a basis for evaluating the effects of the CCA. The optimum lime requirement was 10%. The CCA was thereafter added to the lime stabilized soil in varying proportions of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%. Unsoaked CBR increased from 83% at 0% CCA to highest value of 94% at 4% CCA. Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) values increased from 1123kN/m2 at 0% CCA to highest value of 1180kN/m2 at 4% CCA. It was therefore concluded that CCA can serve as a good complement for lime stabilization in lateritic soil.
Numerical simulation of mechanical properties tests of tungsten mud waste geopolymer
Authors: Paszek Natalia , Krystek Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

Geopolymers are believed to become in the future an environmental friendly alternative for the concrete. The low CO2 emission during the production process and the possibility of ecological management of the industrial wastes are mentioned as main advantages of geopolymers. The main drawback, causing problems with application of geopolymers as a building material is the lack of the theoretical material model. Indicated problem is being solved now by the group of scientists from the Silesian University of Technology. The series of laboratory tests are carried out within the European research project REMINE. The paper introduces the numerical analyses of tungsten mud waste geopolymer samples which have been performed in the Atena software on the basis of the laboratory tests. Numerical models of bended and compressed samples of different shapes are presented in the paper. The results obtained in Atena software were compared with results obtained in Abaqus and Mafem3D software.