bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA motif search with data-driven element ordering
Authors: Rampášek Ladislav , Jimenez Randi M. , Lupták Andrej , Vinař Tomáš , Brejová Broňa
Published: May 2016

Background

In this paper, we study the problem of RNA motif search in long genomic sequences. This approach uses a combination of sequence and structure constraints to uncover new distant homologs of known functional RNAs. The problem is NP-hard and is traditionally solved by backtracking algorithms.

Results

We have designed a new algorithm for RNA motif search and implemented a new motif search tool RNArobo. The tool enhances the RNAbob descriptor language, allowing insertions in helices, which enables better characterization of ribozymes and aptamers. A typical RNA motif consists of multiple elements and the running time of the algorithm is highly dependent on their ordering. By approaching the element ordering problem in a principled way, we demonstrate more than 100-fold speedup of the search for complex motifs compared to previously published tools.

Conclusions

We have developed a new method for RNA motif search that allows for a significant speedup of the search of complex motifs that include pseudoknots. Such speed improvements are crucial at a time when the rate of DNA sequencing outpaces growth in computing. RNArobo is available at http://compbio.fmph.uniba.sk/rnarobo.
Synchronous activity lowers the energetic cost of nest escape for sea turtle hatchlings
Authors: Rusli Mohd Uzair , Booth David T. , Joseph Juanita
Published: May 2016

A potential advantage of group movement in animals is increased locomotion efficiency. This implies a reduced energetic cost for individuals that occur in larger groups such as herds, flocks and schools. When chelonian hatchlings hatch in the underground nest with finite energy for their post-hatching dispersal phase, they face the challenge of minimizing energetic expenditure while escaping the nest. The term ‘social facilitation’ has been used to describe the combined digging effort of sea turtle hatchlings during nest escape. Given that in a normal clutch, a substantial part of the energy reserve within the residual yolk is used by hatchlings in the digging out process, a decreased cohort size may reduce the energy reserve available to cross the beach and sustain the initial swimming frenzy. This hypothesis was experimentally tested by varying cohort size in hatchling green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and measuring energy expenditure during the nest escape process using open-flow respirometry. The energetic cost of escaping through 40 cm of sand was calculated to vary between 4.4 and 28.3 kJ per individual, the cost decreasing as the number of individuals in the cohort increased. This represents 11–68% of the energy contained in a hatchling's residual yolk at hatching. The reduced energetic cost associated with large cohorts resulted from both a lower metabolic rate per individual and a shortened nest escape time. We conclude that synchronous digging activity of many hatchlings during nest escape evolved not only to facilitate rapid nest emergence but also to reduce the energetic cost to individuals.
When Friends Become Competitors: The Design of Resource Exchange Alliances
Authors: Chun So Yeon , Kleywegt Anton J. , Shapiro Alexander
Published: May 2016

Many carriers, such as airlines and ocean carriers, collaborate through the formation of alliances. The rules of alliances are important for both the stability of the alliance and the profitability of the alliance members. In this paper, we address the design of resource exchange alliances, a type of alliance agreement widely used in practice, especially in the ocean cargo industry. Resource exchange alliances often increase competition among alliance members since the members can sell substitutable products after the exchange. We propose a resource exchange model that takes into account the resulting competition and alliance profit allocation among alliance members. The problem of determining the optimal amounts of resources to exchange is formulated as a stochastic mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPECs). Although MPEC problems are, in general, very difficult to solve, we successfully demonstrate an efficient solution approach and provide valuable insights for the resource exchange design problem. In particular, we show that the resource exchange alliance we propose can induce greater profit for the alliance members (both total and individual profits) even though it leads to greater competition.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Working together for better results
Authors: Sandy  , Green Jake
Published: May 2016

In the sixth of a series of extracts, we examine the importance of movement skills for young children and ways of introducing them to some appropriate sporting activities.
Life once microchipping is compulsory for dogs in the UK
Authors: Walsom Celia
Published: May 2016

As of 6 April 2016, all dog owners in England, Wales and Scotland have to ensure their dogs have been microchipped and registered with a government-compliant microchip database.
Bare below the elbows — is there any evidence?
Authors: Mann Alison
Published: May 2016

A new policy was placed on healthcare workers in 2008 that they should all be ‘bare below the elbows’ when dealing with patients. This rule was introduced to try and tackle the problem of hospital acquired infections despite concerns from leaders in the field that it was made hastily as a response to all the media surrounding hospital infections at the time.

This rule is now becoming commonplace in veterinary hospitals and practices despite there still being a lack of evidence. This article looks at whether there is any evidence supporting the ‘bare below the elbows’ policy and whether it is a good idea for veterinary establishments to once again follow on from human counterparts.
A randomised controlled trial comparing skin closure in total knee arthroplasty in the same knee: nylon suturesversusskin staples
Authors: Yuenyongviwat V. , Iamthanaporn K. , Hongnaparak T. , Tangtrakulwanich B.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Nylon sutures and skin staples are used commonly in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical wound closure. However, there is no study that compares the wound healing efficacy and patient satisfaction scores of both techniques in the same knee.

Methods

We randomised 70 patients who underwent primary TKA into two groups. In one group of 34 patients, the skin at the upper half of the wound was closed with skin staples and the lower half of the wound was closed with simple interrupted nylon sutures. In the other group of 36 patients, the skin at the upper half of the wound was closed with nylon stitches and the lower half of the wound was closed with skin staples. We recorded the wound closure time, pain score at the time of stitch removal, wound complication rate, patient satisfaction score, and the Hollander wound evaluation score at the post-operative periods of five days, 14 days, six weeks, three months, and six months. Each half wound was analysed separately.

Results

The mean patient body mass index was 26.8 kg/m2(standard deviation 6.3). A total of 70 nylon stitched wounds and 70 skin stapled wounds were analysed. There were no significant differences in wound complication rates, patient satisfaction score, and the Hollander wound evaluation score between both types of wounds (p > 0.05). The wound closure time for skin stapled wounds was significantly lower than the nylon stitched wounds (p < 0.001). However, the skin stapled wounds had a significantly higher pain score at the time of stitch removal (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Skin staples and nylon stitches had comparable results with respect to wound healing and patient satisfaction in TKA wound closure in non-obese patients. The benefit of skin staples over nylon stitches was a decrease in operative time, but was more painful upon removal. Cite this article: V. Yuenyongviwat. A randomised controlled trial comparing skin closure in total knee arthroplasty in the same knee: nylon sutures versus skin staples. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:185–190. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.2000629.
A GOVERNANÇA DA JUSTIÇA E DA SEGURANÇA NA SOCIEDADE DE RISCO CONTEMPORÂNEA
Authors: De Souza Delgado Joedson
Published: May 2016

A promoção da segurança há muito tempo deixou de ser um monopólio estatal. Encontram-se dispersos e realizam-se através de diversos atores sociais lado a lado ‘com o governo’. Mas o que sabemos sobre as maneiras em que a segurança é pensada e promovida neste campo pluralizado? O texto possui como tema a compreensão das regras de governança da justiça criminal e da segurança pública contemporânea. A partir da análise do discurso de Johnston e Shearing, inclusive que esses autores fazem de Beccaria, oferecem uma interlocução entre aqueles que argumentam que a transformação democrática assenta no desenvolvimento de instituições estatais fortes e os que propõem o renascimento da indústria de segurança privada, para tanto, situam-se as análises teóricas para suportar em exemplos empíricos.
A JUDICIALIZAÇÃO DA POLÍTICA E A EFETIVIDADE DOS DIREITOS SOCIAIS
Authors: Nistler Regiane
Published: May 2016

Judicializar a política, em síntese, é quando o Judiciário trata de questões e efetiva direitos que não lhe competem na condição de poder subsidiário, pois se tratam de tarefas a serem exercidas e efetivadas por políticas públicas do Poder Executivo e abordadas pelo Congresso Nacional, como por exemplo, o acesso a medicamentos pela população e até mesmo a conquista de uma vaga em escola da rede pública de ensino. Ainda, o fenômeno é amplamente discutido e muito criticado, dada a separação dos três poderes e a clara distribuição de competências. Todavia, sem perder a crítica em relação ao tema que é relevante e importante nesse tempo, é preciso abordar a problemática de estar a judicialização da política servindo de grande instrumento de efetivação de inúmeros direitos sociais, pois supõe-se que ela pode estar servindo de caminho para o cumprimento das promessas do Estado Democrático de Direito na Carta Magna de 1988, no que tange aos direitos de natureza social.
IGUALDADE RACIAL E MOVIMENTO NEGRO: DIREITO E POLÍTICA EM PERSPECTIVA HISTÓRICA
Authors: Stelzer Joana , Das Neves Gonçalves Everton
Published: May 2016

A Constituição brasileira de 1988 foi inovadora ao dar tratamento mais rigoroso aos entraves que impediam a igualdade racial. Em 2010 emergiu uma norma consistente e que se revelou marco divisor: a Lei nº 12.288/2010, que instituiu o Estatuto da Igualdade Racial. Assim, o Estatuto estabeleceu a mais sólida conquista normativa na sociedade brasileira. Contudo, talvez a mais interessante contribuição do Estatuto tenha sido a previsão que ao Estado cabe mais do que combater a discriminação: é dever do Poder Público, nas três esferas de governo, assumir papel positivo, proativo e visando promover a igualdade. O objetivo geral da presente pesquisa consistiu em descrever a importância das políticas públicas para a igualdade racial negra, descrevendo a trajetória normativa brasileira e as ações afirmativas decorrentes. Quanto à metodologia, a abordagem do problema de pesquisa foi feita de forma qualitativa. Quanto aos fins trata-se de investigação descritiva, e em relação aos procedimentos técnicos, a investigação percorreu referências bibliográficas e documentais, com foco na análise normativa. Trata-se de pesquisa epistemológica, com levantamento dos dados feito segundo o método de abordagem indutivo.
JUSTIÇA RESTAURATIVA: UMA PROPOSTA DE RELEITURA DO SENTIDO E DA EFETIVIDADE DA RESPOSTA ESTATAL À DELINQUÊNCIA JUVENIL
Authors: Barreto Teixeira Júnior Vilmo
Published: May 2016

O presente trabalho analisa a atual conjuntura do tratamento jurídico dispensado ao adolescente em conflito com a lei, dando um enfoque crítico nas consequências negativas da resposta à delinquência juvenil segundo o paradigma retributivo. Com marco teórico na Teoria da Justiça Restaurativa de Howard Zehr e fazendo uso do método dedutivo, o estudo tem por objetivo apresentar a justiça restaurativa como via alternativa de solução de conflitos, adaptando seus princípios de construção do reconhecimento da alteridade para a responsabilização construtiva à estrutura legal vigente. A conclusão é a de que a adoção do novo paradigma permite a construção de um sentimento efetivo de reparação no ofendido, ao mesmo tempo um de responsabilidade no adolescente, em afirmação à dignidade que os identifica na abertura do diálogo. Desse modo, a resposta estatal ao delito juvenil estaria mais próxima de alcançar sua finalidade, que é a transformação do delinquente em cidadão.
Flying in North America
Authors: Procházka Jaromír
Published: May 2016

Flying all over the world is very challenging and demanding. Although ICAO is covering every specific detail by rules, there are some personal experiences which cannot be substituted. Some of them are point out in the article.
Transition Towards Performance Based Oversight - Stimuli and effects
Authors: Duša Tomáš , Mikan Albert
Published: May 2016

This paper talks about a new trend in supervising aviation organisations by aviation authorities. It wants to explain the need of transition from compliance based oversight towards performance based oversight.
Aviation regulations define the set of strict rules, which must be followed very closely, no exemptions are accepted. This is a very useful tool, that significantly improves safety especially in last decades. However, aviation evolves into very complex and extensive field that is hard to control as a whole. This fact has brought some difficulties, that finally act as stimuli for introduction novel oversight principles. There must be established some flexibility and introduced some objectives, instead of strict directives. Each subject shall reach them by its own way. Setting up the margins and focussing towards the safety objectives are the essential parts of, so called “Performance Based attitude”. Performance Based gives a new form of flexibility in managing safety, which is undeniably needed to handle a complex aviation system.
Each transition is accompanied by many changes, transition towards PBO is not an exception either. Even the small impulse could lead towards many changes within the complexity of networked aviation safety elements. This paper wants to attract the view towards these effects as well.
Costs of Delay and Default Flight Level
Authors: Michlová Aneta , Hospodka Jakub
Published: May 2016

This article deals with study of costs which every single aircraft operator has to pay for its delay against schedule or for non-flying in default flight level. These costs are defined, analysed afterwards and calculated accordingly.
Analysis and Design of Implementation of Class F Airspace in the Czech Republic
Authors: Červený Filip , Kraus Jakub
Published: May 2016

This article analyses the airspace of the Czech Republic and suggests the implementation of class F airspace in the Czech Republic for IFR flights at uncontrolled aerodromes. It also suggests procedures and technologies for increasing of safety when performing IFR flights at these aerodromes in class F airspace.
Electric taxiing – Taxibot system
Authors: Hospodka Jakub
Published: May 2016

This article focuses on system for ground manoeuvring of aircrafts called Taxibot. Article focuses on principles, advantages and disadvantages of Taxibot system with basic estimations about economical benefits of the system.
Safety KPIs - Monitoring of safety performance
Authors: Lališ Andrej , Vittek Peter
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to provide brief overview of aviation safety development focusing on modern trends represented by implementation of Safety Key Performance Indicators. Even though aviation is perceived as safe means of transport, it is still struggling with its complexity given by long-term growth and robustness which it has reached today. Thus nowadays safety issues are much more complex and harder to handle than ever before. We are more and more concerned about organizational factors and control mechanisms which have potential to further increase level of aviation safety. Within this paper we will not only introduce the concept of Key Performance Indicators in area of aviation safety as an efficient control mechanism, but also analyse available legislation and documentation. Finally we will propose complex set of indicators which could be applied to Czech Air Navigation Service Provider.
Enhancing Safety at Airline Operations Control Centre
Authors: Řasa Lukáš , Plos Vladimír
Published: May 2016

In recent years a new term of Safety Management System (SMS) has been introduced into aviation legislation. This system is being adopted by airline operators. One of the groundbased actors of everyday operations is Operations Control Centre (OCC). The goal of this article has been to identify and assess risks and dangers which occur at OCC and create a template for OCC implementation into SMS.
Quality in Air transport process of LOT Polish Airlines
Authors: Rozenberg Róbert , Heralová Daniela
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the air transport process on scheduled long-haul flights of LOT Polish Airlines. Main focus is taken on price development of these routes. The introduction consists of a brief profile characterized LOT Polish Airlines. Next chapter summarizes the air transport process on scheduled longhaul flights. The frame of article is formed by price development statistics for scheduled long-haul flights to / from Beijing of LOT Polish Airlines and two other competing companies. Conclusion contains results of analysis and puts forward proposals to streamline of the air transport process on reviewed routes.
Metodology for Risk-based Indicators Impementation
Authors: Plos Vladimír
Published: May 2016

The article describes the principle of creating a riskbased indicators in companies operating in an air transport. The first part deals with the description of safety indicators and introduce the concept of risk-based indicators. The next section describes the procedure for creating the base of risk-based indicators and describes specific examples of developed indicators.
Rescue and Fire Fighting on RWY 06R/24L
Authors: Vaňková Kristýna , Capoušek Ladislav
Published: May 2016

Rescue and firefighting service is an important and essential part at the Václav Havel Airport Prague and it has to follow the requirements stated in Commission regulations (EU), regulations and laws of Czech Republic. Construction of parallel runway 06R/24L influences runway and taxiway system significantly. Consequences of these construction changes are changes of access routes and new places of potential interventions originates. Safety risks of inaccessible areas at the airport and inability to follow response time come with operations of the new runway. These risks are assessed and mitigated if necessary.
The effect of diversity management on teachers' organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Kurtulmuş Mehmet
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of diversity management on teachers' organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. The study was conducted following a survey model. The sampling consists of 464 amongst 1088 teachers who were working in Anatolian High Schools in the city center of Diyarbakır, Turkey in the academic year of 2013-2014. The sample for the study consisted of 464 teachers who were chosen using a stratified sampling method. The data were collected via "Diversity Management", "Organizational Commitment" and "Organizational Citizenship Behaviors" scales and analyzed statistically using regression analysis. The results of this study reveals that diversity management can be a significant predictor of organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. Among the suggestions proposed based on the findings, the importance of composing policies which enable teachers to accept and internalize the aims and values of the school and setting contexts in which teachers can show voluntary behaviors is emphasized. According to these results, it is possible to indicate that respecting diversities and showing tolerance to them in order to provide higher level organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behaviors of teachers are important.
Sewage sludge as barrier material for heavy metals in waste landfill
Authors: Zhang Huyuan , Yang Bo , Zhang Guangwei , Zhang Xuechao
Published: May 2016

Heavy metal pollutants in the leachate of waste landfill are a potential threat to the environment. In this study, the feasibility of using municipal sewage sludge as barrier material for the containment of heavy metal pollutants from solid waste landfills was evaluated by compaction test and hydraulic conductivity test concerning compaction property, impermeability and heavy metal retardation. Results of the compaction test showed that the maximum dry density of 0.79 g·cm−3 was achieved at the optimum water content of about 60%. The hydraulic conductivities of compacted sewage sludge permeated with synthetic heavy metal solutions were in the range of 1.3×10−8 – 6.2×10−9 cm·s−1, less than 1.0 ×10−7cm·s−1 recommended by regulations for barrier materials. Chemical analyses on the effluent from the hydraulic conductivity tests indicated that the two target heavy metals, Zn and Cd in the permeants were all retarded by compacted sewage sludge, which might be attributed to the precipitation and adsorption of heavy metal ions. The results of this study suggest that specially prepared material from sewage sludge could be used as a barrier for waste landfills for its low permeability and strong retardation to heavy metal pollutants.
Identification and characterisation of oil sludge degrading bacteria isolated from compost
Authors: Ubani Onyedikachi , Atagana Harrison Ifeanyichukwu , Thantsha Mapitsi Silvester , Rasheed Adeleke
Published: May 2016

Compounds present in oil sludge such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be cytotoxic, mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic. Microorganisms including bacteria and fungi have been reported to degrade oil sludge components to innocuous compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and salts. In the present study, we isolated different bacteria with PAH-degrading capabilities from compost prepared from oil sludge and animal manures. These bacteria were isolated on a mineral base medium and mineral salt agar plates. A total of 31 morphologically distinct isolates were carefully selected from 5 different compost treatments for identification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the 16S rRNA gene with specific primers (universal forward 16S-P1 PCR and reverse 16S-P2 PCR). The amplicons were sequenced and sequences were compared with the known nucleotides from the GenBank. The phylogenetic analyses of the isolates showed that they belong to 3 different clades; Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. These bacteria identified were closely related to the generaBacillus, Arthrobacter, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, Variovorax, Paenibacillus, Ralstonia and Geobacillus.The results showed thatBacillus species were predominant in all composts. Based on the results of the degradation of the PAHs in the composts and results of previous studies on bacterial degradation of hydrocarbons in oil, the characteristics of these bacterial isolates suggests that they may be responsible for the breakdown of PAHs of different molecular weights in the composts. Thus, they may be potentially useful for bioremediation of oil sludge during compost bioremediation.
Dynamic Control for Gas Pipeline Systems
Authors: Osiadacz Andrzej J. , Chaczykowski Maciej
Published: May 2016

An algorithm for optimal control of a gas network with any configuration based upon hierarchical control and decomposition of the network is described. Local problems are solved using a gradient technique. The subsystems are coordinated using „good coordination” method to find the overall optimum. Discrete state equation for the case in which output pressures are treated as elements of the control vector has been formulated. Results of investigations are included.
The Calculation of Methane Concentration Emitted from the Coal Face
Authors: Zapletal Pavel , Prokop Pavel , Štemberka Martin , Gibesová Beáta , Vavříková Eva , Trčková Helena
Published: May 2016

The Paskov Mine belongs to the company OKD, a.s. with the production of hard coking coal from 1970. The applied mining method is the slabbing method in controlled caving, excavating the coal pillar by means of coal plough equipment loading mine run on rake conveyers and securing the excavation area with individual hydraulic or mechanical supports. The coal face is planned as one of the coal faces in continuous extraction of the seam by a shearer.

Using the shearer at mines in the Paskov Mine is not a novelty. Shearer mining represents some problems. Besides the hazard of methane-air ignition, there is a mixture of coal dust - methane - air, which is more dangerous even in the case of lower concentrations of dust and methane than their individual lower limits of explosiveness. A decision was made then that shearers would gradually be replaced with coal ploughs in all coal faces.

The article contains the calculation of the volume of methane emitted as a result of excavation, determining methane concentration during excavation, lowering the hazard of methane layers being formed, and finally evaluating the suitability of the proposed system of the coal face ventilation.
Estimation of the Parameters Affecting the Water Pipelines on the Mining Terrains with A Use of An Adaptive Fuzzy System
Authors: Malinowska Agnieszka , Hejmanowski Ryszard , Rusek Janusz
Published: May 2016

The research presented in this paper is basically focused on two objectives. Firstly, the selection of parameters affecting the water supply network damage. The causes of failures were selected from a population of tens of breakdown cases and then classified in view of their importance. Secondly, attention was paid to the selection of the most suitable linguistic model which could be commonly used for selecting factors which generate failures. Finally a Mamdani-based model could be worked out as a system possessing best generalization qualities. This model can create bases for an adaptative decision system which can show the type of water supply-sewage network, depending on continuous surface strains due to the mining activity.
Seasonal mortality patterns and regional contrasts in Portugal
Authors: Almendra Ricardo , Santana Paula , Freire Elisabete , Vasconcelos João
Published: May 2016

The main aim of this study is to identify the geographical seasonal mortality patterns in Portugal and, for the first time, to assess the relationship between seasonal and overall mortality. Monthly data from the Portuguese mortality database (2000-2009) by major cause of death were analysed and standardized to 30 days with adjustments for leap years. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test was used to compare the observed monthly deaths with deaths that could be expected if mortality were randomly distributed throughout the year. The seasonal burden was measured using the excess winter deaths (EWD) rate and the seasonal impact of winter on mortality was assessed through the EWD Index. The regions were clustered according to the overall mortality rate and the seasonal impact: 1-low seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 2-high seasonality and high values of overall mortality; 3-low values of seasonality and low overall mortality; 4-high seasonality and low overall mortality. Significant seasonal mortality increases were found in all causes of death. There were 86,000 EWDs, mostly through circulatory and respiratory diseases. 73% of the population lives in regions with high winter vulnerability to respiratory mortality and 60% in regions with high winter vulnerability to circulatory mortality. This study reinforces the idea that vulnerability to cold weather may play an important role in the public health in Portugal. This knowledge may be used to construct a set of regulations or policies designed to implement better health planning procedures and more effective warning systems.
Anne Sexton’s Confessional Tradition and Individual Talent
Authors: Gad Barsoom Fikry Barsoom
Published: May 2016

In his influential essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” T. S. Eliot emphasizes the significance of tradition as well as the inevitability of the present talent of the artist. He argues that every artist has his own original and individual themes and techniques that separate him from and link him with his predecessors at the same time. Anne Sexton, the Confessional American woman poet, is a good example that proves this everlasting notion of the allusion to “the dead poets” of the past together with the inevitable existence of the innovative original talent of the poet. Chiefly, Sexton is labeled “Confessional” and is compared with the most remarkable Confessional poets. However, the Confessional mode is not a new movement; it has its roots in the British tradition of the Metaphysical lyrics. It is also manifest in the American tradition of Puritan Poetry. Moreover, Confessional themes and techniques can be seen in the poetry of some Modernists. Meanwhile, Anne Sexton’s exceptional Confessional “individual talent” makes her a unique Confessional poet: the uncommon imperfect raw confessions, the unconventional bold sexual imagery, the fearful and astonishing religious symbols and the excessive degrees of “impersonality” are all characteristic examples of Sexton’s creative Confessional art.
Construction of Scalar and Vector Finite Element Families on Polygonal and Polyhedral Meshes
Authors: Gillette Andrew , Rand Alexander , Bajaj Chandrajit
Published: May 2016

We combine theoretical results from polytope domain meshing, generalized barycentric coordinates, and finite element exterior calculus to construct scalar- and vector-valued basis functions for conforming finite element methods on generic convex polytope meshes in dimensions 2 and 3.
Our construction recovers well-known bases for the lowest order Nédélec, Raviart–Thomas, and Brezzi–Douglas–Marini elements on simplicial meshes and generalizes the notion of Whitney forms to non-simplicial convex polygons and polyhedra.
We show that our basis functions lie in the correct function space with regards to global continuity and that they reproduce the requisite polynomial differential forms described by finite element exterior calculus.
We present a method to count the number of basis functions required to ensure these two key
properties.
Associated forms and hypersurface singularities: The binary case
Authors: Alper Jarod , Isaev Alexander
Published: May 2016

In the recent articles [5, 1], it was conjectured that all rational

GL
n

{\mathrm{GL}_{n}}

-invariant functions of forms of degree

d
≥
3

{d\geq 3}

on

ℂ
n

{\mathbb{C}^{n}}

can be extracted, in a canonical way, from those of forms of degree

n
⁢

(

d
-
2

)

{n(d-2)}

by means of assigning to every form with nonvanishing discriminant the so-called associated form. The conjecture was confirmed in [5] for binary forms of degree

d
≤
6

{d\leq 6}

as well as for ternary cubics. Furthermore, a weaker version of it was settled in [1] for arbitrary n and d. In the present paper, we focus on the case

n
=
2

{n=2}

and establish the conjecture, in a rather explicit way, for binary forms of an arbitrary degree.
Block-preconditioners for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations discretized by a finite volume method
Authors: He Xin , Vuik Cornelis , Klaij Christiaan
Published: May 2016

The modified augmented Lagrangian preconditioner has attracted much attention in solving nondimensional Navier–Stokes equations discretized by the finite element method. In industrial applications the governing equations are often in dimensional form and discretized using the finite volume method. This paper assesses the capability of this preconditioner for dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in the context of the finite volume method. Two main contributions are made. First, this paper introduces a new dimensionless parameter that is involved in the modified augmented Lagrangian preconditioner. Second, with a number of academic test problems this paper reveals that the convergence of both nonlinear and linear iterations depend on this dimensionless parameter. A way to choose the optimal value of the dimensionless parameter is suggested and it is found that the optimal value is dependent of the Reynolds number, instead of the fluid’s properties, e.g.,
density and dynamic viscosity. The outcomes of this paper yield a potential rule to choose the optimal dimensionless parameter in practice, namely, correspondingly increasing with enlarging the Reynolds number.
The Running Performance Profile of Elite Gaelic Football Match-Play
Authors: Malone Shane , Solan Barry , Collins Kieran
Published: May 2016

Malone, S, Solan, B, and Collins, K. Title: The running performance profile of elite Gaelic football match-play. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 30–36, 2017—The current study examined (a) the match running performance of Gaelic football and (b) the decrement in match running performance with respect to position. Global positioning satellite system technologies (4-Hz; VX Sport) were used with 3 elite intercounty teams across 3 full seasons with 250 full game data sets collected. Game movements were classified according to game actions and distance covered across speed zone thresholds (total distance [TD], high-speed running distance [HSRD; ≥17 km·h−1], sprint distance [SD; ≥22 km·h−1]; accelerations [n]; peak speed [km·h−1]). The influence of running performance in each quarter on the subsequent quarter was analyzed across all positional roles. The mean (±SD) TD and HSRD covered during the game were 8,889 ± 1,448 m and 1,596 ± 594 m, respectively. Results show a temporal profile for TD with reductions in the second (−4.1%), third (−5.9%) and fourth (−3.8%) quarters, respectively. There was a significant reduction in HSRD in the second (−8.8%), third (−15.9%), and fourth (−19.8%) quarters when compared to the first quarter (p < 0.001). Positional differences were observed for distance-based measures with the middle 3 positions (half-back, midfield, and half-forward) completing the highest running performances. These positions also showed increased decrements in TD and HSRD and SD across quarters. The current data indicate a reduction in exercise intensity over the duration of elite Gaelic football match-play. It is unclear if this reduction is because of fatigue, pacing, contextual factors, or nutritional strategies employed by players.
Adaptation of Perceptual Responses to Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training
Authors: Martín-Hernández Juan , Ruiz-Aguado Jorge , Herrero Azael J. , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Aagaard Per , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Menéndez Héctor , Marín Pedro J.
Published: May 2016

Martín-Hernández, J, Ruiz-Aguado, J, Herrero, AJ, Loenneke, JP, Aagaard, P, Cristi-Montero, C, Menéndez, H, and Marín, PJ. Adaptation of perceptual responses to low-load blood flow restriction training. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 765–772, 2017—The purpose of this study was to determine the adaptive response of ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and pain over 6 consecutive training sessions. Thirty subjects were assigned to either a blood flow restriction training (BFRT) group or a high-intensity resistance training (HIT) group. Blood flow–restricted training group performed 4 sets (30 + 15 + 15 + 15, respectively) of unilateral leg extension at an intensity of 20% one repetition maximum (1RM) while a restrictive cuff was applied to the most proximal part of the leg. The HIT group performed 3 sets of 8 repetitions with 85% 1RM. Ratings of perceived exertion and pain were assessed immediately after each exercise set along the 6 training sessions and were then averaged to obtain the overall RPE and pain per session. Statistical analyses showed significant main effects for group (p ≤ 0.05) and time (p < 0.001). Ratings of perceived exertion values dropped from session 1 to session 6 in both BFRT (8.12 ± 1.3 to 5.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and HIT (8.5 ± 1.2 to 6.40 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Similar results were observed regarding pain ratings (BFRT: 8.12 ± 1.3 to 5.90 ± 1.55, p < 0.001; HIT: 6.22 ± 1.7 to 5.14 ± 1.42, p < 0.01). Our results indicate that RPE was higher after HIT, whereas differences did not reach significance regarding pain. These perceptual responses were attenuated over time, and the time course of this adaptive response was similar between BFRT and HIT. In summary, BFRT induces a marked perceptual response to training, comparable with that observed with HIT. However, this response becomes attenuated with continuous practice, leading to moderate values of RPE and pain. Perceptual responses may not limit the application of BFRT to highly motivated individuals.
Urokinase links plasminogen activation and cell adhesion by cleavage of the RGD motif in vitronectin
Authors: De Lorenzi Valentina , Sarra Ferraris Gian Maria , Madsen Jeppe B , Lupia Michela , Andreasen Peter A , Sidenius Nicolai
Published: May 2016

Components of the plasminogen activation system including urokinase (uPA), its inhibitor (PAI‐1) and its cell surface receptor (uPAR) have been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes related to tissue homoeostasis. Firstly, the binding of uPA to uPAR favours extracellular proteolysis by enhancing cell surface plasminogen activation. Secondly, it promotes cell adhesion and signalling through binding of the provisional matrix protein vitronectin. We now report that uPA and plasmin induces a potent negative feedback on cell adhesion through specific cleavage of the RGD motif in vitronectin. Cleavage of vitronectin by uPA displays a remarkable receptor dependence and requires concomitant binding of both uPA and vitronectin to uPAR. Moreover, we show that PAI‐1 counteracts the negative feedback and behaves as a proteolysis‐triggered stabilizer of uPAR‐mediated cell adhesion to vitronectin. These findings identify a novel and highly specific function for the plasminogen activation system in the regulation of cell adhesion to vitronectin. The cleavage of vitronectin by uPA and plasmin results in the release of N‐terminal vitronectin fragments that can be detected in vivo, underscoring the potential physiological relevance of the process.
A thymic neuroendocrine tumour in a young female: a rare cause of relapsing and remitting Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Trott M J , Farah G , Stokes V J , Wang L M , Grossman A B
Published: May 2016

We present a case of a young female patient with a rare cause of relapsing and remitting Cushing’s syndrome due to ectopic ACTH secretion from a thymic neuroendocrine tumour. A 34-year-old female presented with a constellation of symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, including facial swelling, muscle weakness and cognitive impairment. We use the terms ‘relapsing and remitting’ in this case report, given the unpredictable time course of symptoms, which led to a delay of 2 years before the correct diagnosis of hypercortisolaemia. Diagnostic workup confirmed ectopic ACTH secretion, and a thymic mass was seen on mediastinal imaging. The patient subsequently underwent thymectomy with complete resolution of her symptoms. Several case series have documented the association of Cushing’s syndrome with thymic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), although to our knowledge there are a few published cases of patients with relapsing and remitting symptoms. This case is also notable for the absence of features of the MEN-1 syndrome, along with the female gender of our patient and her history of non-smoking.

Learning points

Ectopic corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion should always be considered in the diagnostic workup of young patients with Cushing’s syndrome

There is a small but growing body of literature describing the correlation between ectopic ACTH secretion and thymic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs)

The possibility of a MEN-1 syndrome should be considered in all patients with thymic NETs, and we note the observational association with male gender and cigarette smoking in this cohort

An exception to these associations is the finding of relatively high incidence of thymic NETs among female non-smoking MEN-1 patients in the Japanese compared with Western populations

The relapsing and remitting course of our patient’s symptoms is noteworthy, given the paucity of this finding among other published cases
Gonadal macrophage infiltration in congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Fukuzawa Ryuji , Sato Takeshi , Muroya Koji , Adachi Masanori , Ihara Kenji , Igaki Junko , Hasegawa Yukihiro , Sato Seiji , Mitsui Toshikatsu , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: May 2016

Objective

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) results in impairment of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis caused by STAR mutations. Our previous study revealed upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory or immune response and macrophage infiltration in the adrenal cortex of Star-knockout mice. This study aimed at investigating macrophage infiltration in the gonads from human patients with lipoid CAH.

Design

This study includes seven patients with lipoid CAH who underwent gonadectomy: two XX women (age, 22 and 40 years) and five XY boys (1 year). Two women with ovarian cysts (32 and 40 years) and six boys with autopsy or tumor (1 year) were examined as controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of their gonads was performed to determine steroidogenic cells by NR5A1 or CYP17A1 and macrophages by IBA1 or CD68.

Results

An increased number of macrophages infiltrated into the ovaries of lipoid CAH and consisted of two subpopulations: one scattered within and around a layer of theca cells of maturing follicles and the other massively aggregated in the stroma. Abundant cytoplasmic lipid droplets were observed not only in the theca cells but also in the stromal macrophages. There was no significant difference in the number of macrophages in the testicular interstitium between lipoid CAH (95% confidence interval (95% CI: 19.3–47.7 per 0.2mm2) and controls (95% CI: 13.3–25.8 per 0.2mm2) (P=0.10).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that macrophages infiltrate the ovaries of lipoid CAH, where the theca cells and the stromal macrophages have abundant cytoplasmic lipid droplets.
Higher diurnal salivary cortisol levels are related to smaller prefrontal cortex surface area in elderly men and women
Authors: Stomby Andreas , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Lundquist Anders , Nordin Annelie , Nilsson Lars-Göran , Adolfsson Rolf , Nyberg Lars , Olsson Tommy
Published: May 2016

Objective

Elevated cortisol levels with aging have been associated with atrophy of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as with impaired cognitive functions in men. However, coexisting diseases have confounded many studies examining these relationships. Studies in women are lacking. Our objective was to test whether salivary cortisol levels were related to morphology of the hippocampus and the PFC, and to cognitive performance.

Design

A cross-sectional study including 200 elderly (55–80 years old) men and women.

Method

We used magnetic resonance imaging, tests of episodic-, semantic-, and working memory, visuospatial ability, and cortisol levels in four saliva samples collected during 1 day.

Results

Area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol levels was negatively related to cortical surface area of the left anterior cingulate gyrus (caudal P<0.001; rostral P=0.006), right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (P=0.004), and right rostral middle frontal gyrus (P=0.003). In women, there was also a negative relationship with cortical surface area in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus (P=0.006). No relationship was found between cortisol levels and hippocampal volume.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the structure of the medial PFC is related to cortisol levels in both elderly women and men.
The Impact of ROA, BOPO, and FDR to Indonesian Islamic Bank's Mudharabah Deposit Profit Sharing
Authors: Harfiah Laila Mugi , Purwati Atiek Sri , Ulfah Permata
Published: May 2016

This study aims to determine the effect of profitability ratio (ROA) the cost-revenue ratio (BOPO) and financing to deposit ratio (FDR) toward profit sharing of time deposit mudharaba in Islamic banking in Indonesia. This research is a quantitative study using heading the entire population of Islamic banks in Indonesia and the sample was selected using purposive sampling method. Samples were obtained at 7 Islamic banks and research data in the form of quarterly reports Islamic Banks 2011-2014 period. The analysis namely with the used is a multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the data analysis showed that ROA, BOPO and FDR significant positive effect on the level of profit sharing of time deposit mudharaba. Is divided in changes in the rise and fall rate for the time deposits mudharaba can be explained 47.9 percent by ROA, BOPO and FDR, while 52.1 percent can be explained by other variables not examinedDOI: 10.15408/etk.v15i1.3109
The Impact of Literacy to Shariah Financial Service Preferences
Authors: Sardiana Anna
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Islamic financial literacy and the indicator as the knowledge, ability or skills and the confidence have a significant effect together and partially to the preferences of using the Islamic financial services. This type of research is descriptive research, while the method of analysis used in this study is the method of binary logistic regression analysis. The data used is primary data by the method of distributing questionnaires to users and non-users of Islamic financial services in Jakarta spread to the period April to May 2014. The results of this study indicate that Islamic financial literacy significant influence preference use Islamic financial services. In further testing, the knowledge indicator is partially significant toward the preferences of the use of Islamic financial services, as for indicators of ability and confidence does not affect the preferences of the use of Islamic financial servicesDOI: 10.15408/etk.v15i1.3115
Problem Solving Ability & Locality as The Influential Factors of Academic Achievement Among High School Students
Authors:   Professor, Department of Education, M. D. University, rohtak, Haryana, India, Gupta Madhu , . Kavita ,   Professor, Department of Education, M. D. University, Rohtak, Haryana, India, Pasrija Pooja ,   Assistant Professor, Vaish College of Education, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Published: May 2016

Academic achievement of the pupil is the prime concern of educational process. The problem solving ability has been playing a significant role in determining student’s academic achievement. Keeping this in view, the present study was designed to examine empirically the effect of problem solving ability on the academic achievement of rural and urban school students. The research was conducted on 250 school students (118 rural & 132 urban) studying in 10th class CBSE affiliated private schools that were randomly selected from Rohtak district of Haryana State. Descriptive survey method was used to elicit opinion of rural & urban school students about their problem solving ability and their academic achievement at school. The problem solving ability of sample was assessed by using Dubey’s Problem Solving Ability Test (2006) & for academic achievement of students, the school records i.e. marks obtained by the students in previous (IXth) class was considered. The data was analyzed statistically by using ANOVA supplemented by t-test. The findings of the study revealed that problem solving ability had significant effect on the academic achievement of the students whereas significant difference was observed in the academic achievement of students studied in urban and rural schools. However, the significant interaction effects of locality and problem solving ability on the academic achievement of the students had been found.