bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Digital Elevation Models by Visibility Analysis in Landscape
Authors: Sedláček Jozef , Šesták Ondřej , Sliacka Miroslava
Published: December 2016

The paper investigates suitability of digital surface model for visibility analysis in GIS. In experiment there were analysed viewsheds from 14 observer points calculated on digital surface model, digital terrain model and its comparison to field survey. Data sources for the investigated models were LiDAR digital terrain model and LiDAR digital surface model with vegetation distributed by the Czech Administration for Land Surveying and Cadastre. The overlay method was used for comparing accuracy of models and the reference model was LiDAR digital surface model. Average equalities in comparison with LiDAR digital terrain model, ZABAGED model and field survey were 15.5 %, 17.3% and 20.9%, respectively.
Durability of 28 Ground-Covering Woody Species and Cultivars in Road-Side Planting in Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Swoczyna Tatiana , Latocha Piotr
Published: December 2016

Shrub species selection for road-side planting should consider their ability to cope with stress factors imposed by road trafic. In our examination we evaluated durability of 28 ground-covering woody species and cultivars in road-side environment in Warsaw. A dendrological inventory of planting beds located along Niepodległości Avenue was carried out 11 years after planting. The survival rate of each planted group of shrubs (a patch) was determined. Electrical conductivity of soil in planting beds was measured in order to determine soil salinity. Planting beds were divided into 3 groups: (1) wide beds at street corners, (2) narrow beds between pavements and interior roads, (3) road-side beds between interior roads and main roads. The results showed that the greatest number of shrubs was lost in the road-side planting beds, but in the wide beds and the narrow beds there were also some plant losses. The most resistant species to road-side environment were Spiraea × cinerea ‘Grefsheim’, certain cultivars of Spiraea japonica, Rosa rugosa and Ribes alpinum ‘Schmidt’.
Changes of Physical Soil Properties During the Growing Season 2014 – Influence of Applied Fertilizer in Crop Corn
Authors: Šimečková Jana , Jandák Jiří
Published: December 2016

Physical properties of soils are affected by many factors. These include the type of fertilizer used. An offer of fertilizers is currently extensive and new types are added, an example may be digestate, which is ranked among organic fertilizers according to Czech legislation. Changes in physical soil properties were monitored on a field trial, which were established on the place of Research grassland station Vatín (region Vysočina, the Czech Republic) in autumn 2013. The field trial comprised different variants of fertilization. Their effects were observed at different vegetation covers. In this paper, we focus on vegetation cover corn, fertilization variants: manure, mineral fertilizer (saltpetre ammonium with limestone) and digestate. The effect of fertilization was observed 3 times during the growing season 2014. It was in June, August and October. The results were obtained by the basic analysis of Kopecky rollers and it was from the depths of 0.05 m and 0.15 m (middle roller). The monitored soil properties were: bulk density, porosity, water retention capacity, maximum capillary water capacity and minimum air capacity. At all investigated physical soil properties there was a positive development during the growing season, with the exception of water retention capacity. The difference was found in the range of changes in various physical properties depending on the applied fertilizer.
Herd Behavior in Emerging Equity Markets: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Vo Xuan Vinh , Phan Dang Bao Anh
Published: December 2016

This study examines the herd behavior in Vietnam stock market using a sample of firms listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange covering the time period 2005–2015. We find evidence of herding in both rising and falling market employing the common least squares estimation. Further analysis by applying quantile regression method also confirms the evidence of herding during the whole period. The results are robust when we split the data into two sub-periods.
Eliciting Multi-Dimensional Care through Liability and Regulation
Authors: Che Yeon-Koo
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the incentive performance of liability and regulation when a potential injurer can take two types of preventative care, one of which is observed and one of which is not. The problem is studied in a general asymmetric information model, where settlement behavior is endogenous and which incorporates an uncertain legal standard. Contrary to existing literature, we find (1) a shift to a negligence rule may have a perverse effect on unobserved care; (2) uncertainty in legal standards may be socially beneficial as it provides a relatively good incentive for unobserved care; (3) a regulation may not be effective if preventative care efforts are substitutes but is effective if they are complements; (4) an increase in settlement rate may or may not increase the level of care, depending on the cause of the increase; (5) a “decoupling” arrangement with a feature that the defendant pays more than the plaintiff recovers, reduces legal costs and is therefore socially beneficial.
Numerical Solution of Time Fractional Schrödinger Equation by Using Quadratic B-Spline Finite Elements
Authors: Esen Alaattin , Tasbozan Orkun
Published: December 2016

In this article, quadratic B-spline Galerkin method has been employed to solve the time fractional order Schrödinger equation. Numerical solutions and error norms L2 and L∞ are presented in tables.
On Stability of the Cauchy Functional Equation in Groupoids
Authors: Toborg Imke , Volkmann Peter
Published: December 2016

We give some stability results for the functional equation a(xy) = a(x) + a(y), where a: G → E, G being a groupoid and E a Banach space.
Weighted Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg type inequalities related to Grushin type operators
Authors: Song Manli , Li Wenjuan
Published: December 2016

We consider the Grushin type operator onℝxd×ℝyk{\mathbb{R}^{d}_{x}\times\mathbb{R}^{k}_{y}}of the form

Gμ=∑i=1d∂xi2+(∑i=1dxi2)2⁢μ⁢∑j=1k∂yj2G_{\mu}=\sum_{i=1}^{d}\partial_{x_{i}}^{2}+\Bigl{(}\sum_{i=1}^{d}x_{i}^{2}% \Bigr{)}^{2\mu}\sum_{j=1}^{k}\partial_{y_{j}}^{2}

and derive weighted Hardy–Sobolev type inequalities and weighted Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg type inequalities related toGμ{G_{\mu}}.
Study on Nonlinear Model of Dynamics of a System ‘Extruder Elastic Auger Working Body’
Authors: Lyashuk Oleg , Sokil Mariya , Klendiy Volodymyr , Skyba Olena , Dmytrenko Victor
Published: December 2016

The model of dynamics of a system ‘extruder elastic auger working body’ is developed. The design of an extruder elastic screw working body is worked out. The article provides the proposition of calculation technique for determining of the theoretical dependences that would analyse the laws of amplitude changing and oscillation phase of a system ‘elastic auger working body’ in the non-resonant case. It also provides analytical dependences determining the characteristic features of different geometrical parameters of an extruder working body.
Evaluation of the Impact of Weed Control Methods on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Moldavian Balm; A Medicinal Plant
Authors: Janmohammadi Mohsen , Sabaghnia Naser , Bashiri Adel
Published: December 2016

Moldavian balm is an annual herbaceous plant and its lemon-scented leaves contain essential oil. However, weeds adversely affect its growth by release of allelochemicals, and/or direct competition for nutrient, moisture, light and space. Current experiment was conducted to evaluate the different weed control methods including preventive approach (soil pasteurization), mechanical methods (one hand weeding, two hand weeding, and successive hand weeding for weed free condition), and chemical control by synthetic herbicides (haloxyfop-R-methyl and trifluralin). Results revealed that stem diameter, quantity of secondary branches, flower-bearing branches and leaves were significantly affected by weed control treatments; the highest lateral growth was obtained by successive mechanical weed control and two hand weeding method, respectively. This trend was also observed in canopy spread and chlorophyll content. Pre-emergence control by trifluralin considerably accelerated the initiation of flowering in Moldavian balm. However, observation of qualitative traits showed that the highest essential oil content and oil yield was obtained when the plants grew in weed free soil which was pasteurized. Considering the recognized essential oils, the most responsive composition was including Geranial, Geranyl acetate, Neral and Geraniol. The lowest amount of Neral was recorded in postemergence control performed by means of haloxyfop-R-methyl herbicide.
A best-fit probability distribution for the estimation of rainfall in northern regions of Pakistan
Authors: Amin M. T. , Rizwan M. , Alazba A. A.
Published: December 2016

This study was designed to find the best-fit probability distribution of annual maximum rainfall based on a twenty-four-hour sample in the northern regions of Pakistan using four probability distributions: normal, log-normal, log-Pearson type-III and Gumbel max. Based on the scores of goodness of fit tests, the normal distribution was found to be the best-fit probability distribution at the Mardan rainfall gauging station. The log-Pearson type-III distribution was found to be the best-fit probability distribution at the rest of the rainfall gauging stations. The maximum values of expected rainfall were calculated using the best-fit probability distributions and can be used by design engineers in future research.
Effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Dilong on Airway Remodeling in Rats with OVA-induced-Asthma
Authors: Chen Yujuan , Gao Yanlu , Ashraf Muhammad Aqeel , Gao Wei
Published: December 2016

The present study focuses on the effects and suggests possible mechanisms of the traditional Chinese medicine Dilong as compared to dexamethasone on lower respiratory tract remodeling in rats with asthma. The number of leukocytes and eosinophils in blood from the inferior vena cava and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted. Lung tissues underwent hematoxylin and eosin staining. The thickness of the basement membrane and smooth muscle or the airways, and the ratio of inner to outer diameter of the airway wall were measured. Levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metallopeptidase 9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and c-Myc(mRNA) were evaluated. Results indicate that treatment with Dilong decreased the number of eosinophils in blood and BALF, decreased levels of TGF-β1, MMP-9/TIMP-1, uPA, PAI-1 and c-Myc, and ameliorated the thickening of airway walls, airway basement membrane and airway smooth muscle. Co-treatment with dexamethasone was found to intensity these effects. The cellularity of eosinophils and thickness of the airway basement membrane and smooth muscle were positively correlated with levels of TGF- 1, uPA, and c-Myc. Treatment with Dilong, either alone or in combination with dexamethasone, could inhibit and partly reverse airway remodeling in rats with asthma at an early stage.
The effect of sewage sludge application on the growth and absorption rates of Pb and As in water spinach
Authors: Rong Wang , Shiyu Liu , Linhao Cai , Jiangkai Lei
Published: December 2016

This paper investigated the effect of the application of sewage sludge on the growth rates and absorption rates of Pb and As in potted water spinach. Our results indicated that application of sewage sludge promoted vegetable growth, and the dry weight of water spinach reached a maximal value (4.38 ± 0.82 g) upon 8% sludge application. We also found that the dry weights of water spinach after treatment were all greater than those of the control systems (CK). Treatment with sludge promoted the absorption of Pb and As in water spinach, with a significant (p < 0.05) increase of absorbed Pb following treatment concentrations above 10%, and a peak absorption of As at 8%. Finally, we found that concentrations of Pb and As were higher in rhizosphere-attached soil than in free pot.
Shortfall of Strategic Governance and Strategic Management in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ochrana František , Plaček Michal , Půček Milan Jan
Published: December 2016

The article analyses the problems of strategic governance and strategic management of the Czechoslovak Government, as well as the Government of the Czech Republic in the years 1989-2016. It seeks the causes and factors that have caused the low levels of strategic governance and strategic management at the level of the ministries of the Czech Republic. It examines the problem from genetic and historical perspective, and from the organizational and human capacity to exercise strategic governance. The study is based on two pieces of empirical research within the ministries of the Czech Republic. It identifies the main cause of failure of strategic governance and strategic management at the level of the central government of the Czech Republic. These include, in particular, the persistent distrust of the ideas of strategic governance and strategic management held by the right-wing governments and the generally low capacity of governments of the Czech Republic to engage in strategic governance. The organizational structure of the central state administration lacks the strategic units that generate ideas for supporting strategic governance. The empirical research of the ministries of the Czech Republic also revealed that policy workers in Czech ministries dedicate a large proportion of their work time to operational and administrative activities at the expense of analytical and strategic activities. The changes require implementation of reforms within the public administration, which (among other things) will eliminate the existing causes and inhibiting factors regarding the lack of strategic governance in the Czech Republic.
Integration Processes In The Global Economy: Current State And Prospects. The Cases Of The European Union, ASEAN Economic Community, And NAFTA
Authors: Witkowska Janina
Published: December 2016

The aim of the paper is to determine the current state of the integration processes in the global economy and prognosticate on the foreseeable changes in this phenomenon in the upcoming. Will they be divergence from or continuity with the past trends in the global economy in this field? The article examines three regional integration groupings, i.e. the European Union, ASEAN Economic Community, and NAFTA. The analysis makes it possible to conclude that all of these groupings/organizations are encountering some problems. In the case of the EU, these are mainly: the two – speed integration process as far as a monetary union is concerned; serious negative consequences of the global financial crisis for the socio-economic cohesion of the EU-28; as well as a worsening position in the world trade in goods and services and in the total global gross capital inflows. The problems of the ASEAN Economic Community seem to be connected with some discrepancies between the political will in favour of deepening integration among member states and the real economic difficulties involved in attaining higher stages of integration among a group of countries extremely differentiated in their economic development. NAFTA’s problems also lie in the asymmetrical development between member states, as well as in the lessening importance of the integration within the organization for the member states, which results from the putting into effect numerous other FTAs. The growing openness of all the analyzed integration groupings, being in line with the globalization process, seems to be a future characteristic of integration processes in the global economy.
The Relationship Between Corporate Social Responsibility And Corporate Financial Performance – Evidence From Empirical Studies
Authors: Mikołajek-Gocejna Magdalena
Published: December 2016

Socially responsible investment (SRI) has experienced strong growth in recent years. In 2012, $1 out of every $9 US assets under professional management was invested in some form of sustainable investment. Global sustainable investment assets have expanded dramatically, rising from $13.3 trillion at the outset of 2012 to reach a total of $21.4 trillion at the start of 2014. Most of the SRI assets are in Europe (63.7 percent), but the relative contribution of the United States has increased from 28.2 percent in 2012 to 30.8 percent in 2014, and over this two-year period, the fastest growing region has been the United States, followed by Canada and Europe. These three regions are also the largest regions in terms of assets, accounting for 99 percent of global SRI.With this growth one most important issues is whether it pays for organizations to concern themselves with social responsibility, and whether there are any tradeoffs to sustainable investing. Much of the present research on this question is based on the views of Friedman and Freeman. But changes in economic development, national and local security, and the growing expectations of stakeholders influence how social performance is defined, and thus corporate performance as well.The aim of this article is to examine correlations between CSR and financial corporate performance, based on empirical studies conducted by other authors in different countries. In total, the analysis comprises 53 studies and the results obtained for 16,119 companies.
Inherent Agency Conflict Built Into The Auditor Remuneration Model
Authors: Morawska Sylwia , Staszkiewicz Piotr
Published: December 2016

This paper provides a model for audit market interventions. The study asks whether interventions in the audit market result in excessive premiums at the cost of quality and independence. The model was tested based on a historical data sample of 1,927 companies’ fiscal year financial statements, observed for the period 2010–2013. The testing strategy combined statistical analysis of the market concentration and regression of abnormal results. The findings do not support, for the Polish market, the conclusion that the audit market is used as a leverage for consulting services. This paper discusses possibilities of systematic risk for policymakers as a result of the negative interaction between regulated and non-regulated markets.
An English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) Perspective in Asian English Language Teaching
Authors: Mairi Salam
Published: December 2016

The global spread of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) has implications for practice in English Language Teaching (ELT) classrooms. This paper presents a study on attitudes toward ELF which is crucial to its incorporation because attitudes influence the learning output in ELT. It uses a mixed method approach through a questionnaire survey on attitudes toward ELF, which contains a modified Verbal Guise Technique (VGT), complemented with semi-structured interviews. Seventy university students and 4 lecturers from three English departments in Japan (Waseda University and Sophia University) and Indonesia (Universitas Negeri Jakarta) were involved in filling out the questionnaire and semi structured interview sessions. The results highlight positive attitudes towards ELF and its incorporation into ELT (Japan: 3.71, and Indonesia: 3.51). In addition, factors which influence these attitudes (aspects related to language learning experience) were proven significant. The interview sessions also suggest ways to incorporate an ELF perspective into the ELT classrooms. Further, it addresses the issue of the gap between theory and practice in research on Global Englishes in Language Teaching (GELT) where a “conceptual gap” is often found. The study is of value to those interested in ELT curriculum evaluation and design to meet the needs of both ELT and ELF community in countries like Japan and Indonesia.
Chinese EFL Learners’ Public Speaking Skills: An Investigation of Impromptu Speeches at the “FLTRP Cup” English Speaking Contest in the Light of Communication Models
Authors: Lei Fan , Weiwei Fan , Di Huang
Published: December 2016

The current study applied classic communication models to investigating 34 laureate impromptu speeches at the 2010 and 2011 “FLTRP (Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press) Cup” English Speaking Contest, one of the most influential of its kind in China, to identify the features of public speaking skills of Advanced Chinese EFL learners. The speech scripts and video excerpts from the subsequent manuscript collection with the CD-Rom published by FLTRP were studied. Lucas’ framework of speech communication process was borrowed to bridge elements of the communication models and speech delivery process. Three key aspects of the speakers’ encoding endeavors were under close examination: the verbal preferences, the non-verbal preferences, and the topic selection for exemplification. It was found that successful speakers demonstrated a clear and strong audience orientation. They chose more first person pronouns, fewer abstract words, a controlled number of dependent clauses, clear transition words, and limited figures of speech. They used very few verbal fillers, slips of tongue, a moderate speech rate and varied tone inflections. The speakers also showed distinctive features in gestures, eye contact and facial expressions. They employed anecdotes which shared a common field of experience. Pedagogical implications on the teaching of public speaking were discussed.
Word Class Influence upon L1 and L2 English Word Association
Authors: Xiaosa Li , Wenyu Wang
Published: December 2016

This study explores word class influence upon L1 and L2 word association. The participants included 26 L1 English speakers and 28 advanced EFL learners who finished an English word association test that involved three types of stimuli: nouns, verbs and adjectives. Response words to the stimuli were classified into paradigmatic, syntagmatic, encyclopedic and form-based categories. Results show that: 1) L2 mental lexicon largely resembled that of L1 English speakers in that both were dominated by paradigmatic association, but L2 syntagmatic association was obviously weaker than that of L1 across the three word classes; 2) Verbs and adjectives demonstrated a greater potential to elicit syntagmatic responses than nouns in both L1 and L2 association; 3) Compared with verbs and adjectives, nouns were more paradigmatically challenging to L2 learners.
Culture in Sustainability – Defining Cultural Sustainability in Education
Authors: Laine Marja
Published: December 2016

The definition of cultural sustainability in education is explored in this article by looking into conceptions of cultural sustainability collected through expert queries and focus group engagement. These conceptions are compared with the scientific and especially pedagogical discourse on the matter as well as Soini and Birkeland’s theory of story lines of cultural sustainability and Barth’s theory of micro-, median- and macro-levels of culture. The analysis shows that the viewpoint of education brings a new dimension to the discussion on cultural sustainability. It specifically broadens the “culture in” definition from the perspectives of supporting children’s and youth’s identity process and micro-level encounters. From a theoretical point of view, the study therefore adds depth to the examination of cultural sustainability.
A Corpus of Young Learners’ English in the Baltic Region – Texts for Studies on Sustainable Development
Authors: Sundh Stellan
Published: December 2016

In order to reach far in the work for sustainable development, communication in foreign languages prior to strategic decisions is required from international partners. In this communication English has become the lingua franca. Even though the use of EFL (English as a foreign language) is widely spread, it is clear that in some geographical regions English has quite recently taken the role as the language of international communication. It is therefore relevant carry out studies in order to identify possible causes for misunderstandings when communicating in EFL. With the aim of providing material for research on EFL by 12-year-olds, the creation of a language corpus on the use of English in the Baltic region is in process. The first part of the data collection was completed in August 2016 and the data comprises some 2,200 texts written in 2015–2016 by Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian and Swedish learners. The aim of the present study is to investigate young learners’ written communication on issues related to sustainable development.

A qualitative method was used on a limited sample of to identify key words in the production by young learners of five different nationalities. Abstract nouns related to topics which can be regarded to refer to sustainable development were collected and analyzed.

The results show that 12-year-olds are able to communicate in English for discussions on issues related to sustainable development. This indicates that successful international communication in English on these matters is within reach with a continued process of English language learning at schools in the Baltic region.
Conjugate Heat Transfer Study of Combined Radiation and Forced Convection Turbulent Separated Flow
Authors: Nia M. Foruzan , Nassab S. A. Gandjalikhan
Published: December 2016

In the current study, a numerical investigation of two-dimensional combined convection-radiation heat transfer of turbulent gas flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) in a horizontal rectangular duct is presented. The computational domain contains two different parts including gas flow and solid element that makes the problem as a conjugate one. The gas phase is considered to be a radiating media that can absorb, emit and scatter thermal radiation, where in solid phase, heat transfer takes place by conduction. The set of governing equations for gas flow is solved numerically using the CFD technique and the

k
−
ε

$$k - \varepsilon $$

model is employed for computation of turbulence fluctuations. To evaluate the radiative term in the gas energy equation, the radiative transfer equation (RTE) is solved by the discrete ordinates method (DOM). Inside the solid phase, the conduction equation is solved to obtain the temperature distribution. The effects of conduction ratio, optical thickness, radiation-conduction parameter and albedo coefficient on heat transfer behavior of the system are carried out.
Transdermal testosterone gel for induction and continuation of puberty in adolescent boys with hepatic dysfunction
Authors: Contreras Maria F. , Raisingani Manish , Prasad Kris , Franklin Bonita , Shah Bina
Published: December 2016

Treatment to induce puberty in boys is indicated in those who do not undergo spontaneous development at a normal age. Stimulating development of the secondary sex characteristics is possible using gradually increasing doses of testosterone esters (TEs) via intramuscular (IM) administration, which is the most widely used method of testosterone (T) supplementation. When TEs are administered as monthly injection, serum T levels exhibit large fluctuations with supraphysiologic levels seen immediately after the injection followed by a decrease into the low range. Transdermal T (TT) has also been used for replacement therapy in adult males with hypogonadism and this provides steadier serum T levels. We report three adolescent boys with delayed puberty who were treated with TT gel for pubertal induction/continuation. This route was chosen as an alternative therapy due to their hepatic dysfunction, as is known that TT avoids the hepatic first-pass metabolism.
Vitamin D status in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes and the role of vitamin D replacement in glycemic control
Authors: Hafez Mona , Hassan Mona , Musa Noha , Abdel Atty Sahar , Azim Sally Abdel
Published: December 2016

Background:

The association of low serum 25 hydroxy cholecalciferol (25OHD) levels with high glucose level and diminished insulin sensitivity suggests that vitamin D (VD) may modulate insulin metabolism. The aim of the study was to screen for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and study the effect of VD supplementation on their glycemic control and insulin requirements.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study including 50 patients with T1D. VD level was assessed initially and after 3 months of VD supplementation (in those with VDD). HbA

Results:

Fifty patients with T1D were included with mean diabetes duration of 4.11±2.34 years. VD level ranged from 0.2 to 33 ng/mL. VD status correlated significantly with daily insulin dose (p=0.030, r=0.306) and HbA

Conclusions:

VD was highly prevalent in Egyptian T1D patients. VD supplementation improved glycemic control at 3 months after therapy with no reduction in insulin requirements.
Optical spectroscopic analysis of annealed Cd1−xZnxSe thin films deposited by close space sublimation technique
Authors: Ali Ijaz , Iqbal Amjid , Mahmood Arshad , Shah A. , Zakria M. , Ali Asad
Published: December 2016

Cd1−xZnxSe (x = 0, 0.40 and 1) thin films were deposited on a glass substrate at room temperature by closed space sublimation method. Optical investigation has been performed using spectrophotometry and ellipsometry. It has been found that for as deposited films the optical band gap increased and the optical constants decreased with increasing Zn content. To improve the optical properties of Cd1−xZnxSe thin films annealing effect at 400 °C was taken into consideration for various Zn contents. It was observed that the optical transmittance and band gap decreased while optical constants increased with increasing Zn content after annealing. The effects of composition and annealing on the optical dispersion parameters Eo and Ed were investigated using a single effective oscillator model. The calculated value of the average excitation energy Eo obeys the empirical relation (Eo = Eg/2) obtained from the single oscillator model.
First-principle calculations of effective mass of silicon crystal with vacancy defects
Authors: Zhong Shuying , Wu Musheng , Lei Xueling
Published: December 2016

The energy band structures and electron (hole) effective masses of perfect crystalline silicon and silicon with various vacancy defects are investigated by using the plane-wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory. Our results show that the effect of monovacancy and divacancy on the energy band structure of crystalline silicon is primarily reflected in producing the gap states and the local states in valence band maximum. It also causes breaking the symmetry of energy bands resulting from the Jahn-Teller effect, while only producing the gap states for the crystalline silicon with hexavacancy ring. However, vacancy point defects could not essentially affect the effective masses that are derived from the native energy bands of crystalline silicon, except for the production of defect states. Simultaneously, the Jahn-Teller distortions only affect the gap states and the local states in valence band maximum, but do not change the symmetry of conduction band minimum and the nonlocal states in valence band maximum, thus the symmetry of the effective masses. In addition, we study the electron (hole) effective masses for the gap states and the local states in valence band maximum.
Separation of americium (III) and strontium (II) using TEHDGA and 18-crown-6
Authors: Sinharoy Prithwish , Khan Pasupati Nath , Nair Deepika , Jagasia Poonam , Anitha M. , Dhami P.S. , Sharma J.N. , Kaushik C.P. , Banerjee Kalyan
Published: December 2016

This work describes extraction of Am(III) and Sr(II) together with tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (TEHDGA) and selective back-extraction of strontium with a strontium complexant, 18-crown-6, leading to their separation from each other. 0.3 M TEHDGA+5% isodecyl alcohol/n-dodecane was used to extract Am(III) and Sr(II) from 4 M nitric acid into organic phase with very high D (D
Am=1000, D
Sr=22) and 0.1 M 18-crown-6 dissolved in 4 M nitric acid is used for selective stripping of Sr(II) from loaded extract phase. Am(III) left in the extract phase was then stripped with 0.01 M nitric acid. Stripping of Sr(II) was found to increase with increase in 18-crown-6 concentration, at 0.1 M 18-crown-6 dissolved in 4 M nitric acid, 83% of the loaded strontium (D
Sr=0.20) was back-extracted in a single contact while loss of Am(III) was 0.8% (D
Am=122.45). Stoichiometry limit of 1:1 was observed between strontium and 18-crown-6. Strontium was precipitated and separated from the complexant by Na2SO4 or Na2CO3. This process was tested with simulated solution of high level waste and found suitable for quantitative recovery of strontium with high purity.
Radioiodinated famotidine as a new highly selective radiotracer for peptic ulcer disorder detection, diagnostic nuclear imaging and biodistribution
Authors: Sanad M. H. , Salama Dina H. , Marzook F. A.
Published: December 2016

Famotidine was labeled with iodine-125 to obtain 125I-famotidine (125I-fam) as an agent for ulcer imaging. The radiochemical yield of 125I-famotidine reached approximately 98.5 ± 0.23% at optimum conditions of pH, oxidizing agent, reaction time and the amount of substrate. 125I-fam was stable for 48 h. Different chromatographic techniques were used to determine the radiochemical yield and purity. Intravenous biodistribution studies of 125I-fam revealed high concentration in the stomach ulcer, reaching about 65.9 ± 0.28% of the total injected dose at 30 min post injection. This concentration of 125I-fam in stomach ulcer makes this agent promising for stomach ulcer imaging.
Himmelsdisko: Anmerkungen zum Dante von Kurt Flasch
Authors: Regn Gerhard
Published: December 2016

Kurt Flash is a renowned historian of medieval philosophy with a profound knowledge of poetry. In 2011, he presented an ambitious, new prose translation of Dante’s Commedia into modern German, which he concluded with a voluminous and, at the same time, provocative »invitation to read Dante «. Though in a somewhat simplified manner, Flasch understands his own interpretation of the Commedia as taking part in the tradition of Erich Auerbach’s famous »Dante as poet of the secular world«. Dante’s epic of the afterlife is read, contrary to the current understanding of themMiddle ages, as product of a culture in the process of secularization: Flasch sees the Commedia as philosophical poetry aiming at the implementation of political ethics. Flasch views Dante as promoting the self-empowerment of man - the major point of reference is an Aristotelian philosophy that skips over the Christian scholasticism of Thomas Aquinas for the sake of thinkers like Averroes, who disconnect philosophical knowledge and religious transcendence. As critic of Dante, Flasch stands in contrast to current trends in Dante scholarship, which - for good reason - focus more on the complex interplay of theological truth and fiction than on a political message.
Poesie und Mechanik als Weltmodell
Authors: Kühlmann Wilhelm
Published: December 2016

The article deals with Nicodemus Frischlin’s didactic poem on Strasbourg’s astronomical clock and its epistemic implications. It focuses on the interrelations between patriotic and anthropological dimensions as well as the underlying theoretical approaches towards (artistic) creation. Additionally, it discusses the specific textual representation of knowledge, distinguishing between factual, orientational, and ethical knowledge: The mechanism of the clock and its transformation into poetry refers to a comprehensive world model, rather than to a mere tool for telling the time.
Trinität, Gnadenstuhl und Henne
Authors: Steiger Johann Anselm
Published: December 2016

This article explores a painting (circa 1562) by the Antwerp artist, Frans Floris (1519/1520-1570). Special attention is given to Floris’s work with both the iconographic traditions and the theological impulses of the Reformation and how Floris takes the transconfessional imagery of the hen and her brood (Mt. 23:27) and gives it a genuine Lutheran interpretation. One finds compelling evidence for this Lutheran interpretation in the many biblical citations included in the painting. The intermediality of word and image is highly relevant in view of the early modern era’s visual theology, within which the image-filled word and the speaking images work together in fruitful cooperation.
Prospects for the EU-US Trade Relations in the Light of the TTIP
Authors: Ružeková Viera
Published: December 2016

To success on international markets, individual economies are trying to take measures to increase their efficiency, flexibility and competitiveness. There is a liberalization of tariff and non-tariff barriers mainly due to trade based on regional integration. Among such agreements belong also the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the USA, which represent the largest economies in the world. The paper analyses developed scientific studies that assess the economic impact, advantages and disadvantages of closer economic cooperation. However, it reflects not only the economic but also foreign policy importance of this partnership. In the case of signing the TTIP, it would become the most important bilateral trade agreement ever, both in terms of international trade as well as in terms of the impact on international trade as a whole.
Effects of Synergist vs. NonSynergist Split Resistance Training Routines on Acute Neuromuscular Performance in Resistance-Trained Men
Authors: Castanheira Rafael P. M. , Ferreira-Junior João B. , Celes Rodrigo S. , Rocha-Junior Valdinar A. , Cadore Eduardo L. , Izquierdo Mikel , Bottaro Martim
Published: December 2016

Castanheira, RPM, Ferreira-Junior, JB, Celes, RS, Rocha-Junior, VA, Cadore, EL, Izquierdo, M, and Bottaro, M. Effects of synergist vs. nonsynergist split resistance training routines on acute neuromuscular performance in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3482–3488, 2017—The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of synergist (SN) vs. nonsynergist (NS) split resistance training routines on the acute neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors in resistance-trained men. Fifteen resistance-trained men (age: 23.2 ± 4.0 years, height: 173.0 ± 0.08 cm, and body mass: 78.38 ± 9.31 kg) randomly performed 3 training routines separated by an interval of 7 days: (a) pull-pull exercises (SN), which included 6 sets of 10 repetition maximum (RM) of a seated row exercise followed by 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise; (b) push-pull exercises (NS), which included 6 sets of 10RM of the bench press exercise followed by 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise; and (c) Control, which included 4 sets of 10RM of the preacher biceps curl exercise. Elbow flexors peak torque, total work, and the amplitude of electromyography signal (EMG root mean square) were measured during the elbow flexor isokinetic exercise. Peak torque was 10.2 and 3.9% higher during Control condition when compared with the SN and NS conditions, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Peak torque was also 6.0% greater in the NS condition than the SN condition (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, total work was 5.1% greater in the NS condition than the SN condition. Additionally, EMG findings did not differ among conditions (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a push and pull NS split routine is recommended to maximize elbow flexor training performance (i.e., lower acute loading effect) in trained subjects.
Spontaneous Neural Oscillations Bias Perception by Modulating Baseline Excitability
Authors: Iemi Luca , Chaumon Maximilien , Crouzet Sébastien M. , Busch Niko A.
Published: December 2016

The brain exhibits organized fluctuations of neural activity, even in the absence of tasks or sensory input. A prominent type of such spontaneous activity is the alpha rhythm, which influences perception and interacts with other ongoing neural activity. It is currently hypothesized that states of decreased prestimulus α oscillations indicate enhanced neural excitability, resulting in improved perceptual acuity. Nevertheless, it remains debated how changes in excitability manifest at the behavioral level in perceptual tasks. We addressed this issue by comparing two alternative models describing the effect of spontaneous α power on signal detection. The first model assumes that decreased α power increases baseline excitability, amplifying the response to both signal and noise, predicting a liberal detection criterion with no effect on sensitivity. The second model predicts that decreased α power increases the trial-by-trial precision of the sensory response, resulting in improved sensitivity. We tested these models in two EEG experiments in humans where we analyzed the effects of prestimulus α power on visual detection and discrimination using a signal detection framework. Both experiments provide strong evidence that decreased α power reflects a more liberal detection criterion, rather than improved sensitivity, consistent with the baseline model. In other words, when the task requires detecting stimulus presence versus absence, reduced α oscillations make observers more likely to report the stimulus regardless of actual stimulus presence. Contrary to previous interpretations, these results suggest that states of decreased α oscillations increase the global baseline excitability of sensory systems without affecting perceptual acuity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSpontaneous fluctuations of brain activity explain why a faint sensory stimulus is sometimes perceived and sometimes not. The prevailing view is that heightened neural excitability, indexed by decreased α oscillations, promotes better perceptual performance. Here, we provide evidence that heightened neural excitability instead reflects a state of biased perception, during which a person is more likely to see a stimulus, whether or not it is actually present. Therefore, we propose that changes in neural excitability leave the precision of sensory processing unaffected. These results establish the link between spontaneous brain activity and the variability in human perception.
Race, Gender, and Genre in Spec Ops: The Line
Authors: Murray Soraya
Published: December 2016

Spec Ops: The Line (Yager Development, 2012) is widely regarded by game critics as an antiwar statement, an Apocalypse Now (Francis Ford Coppola, 1979) of video games; or, at the very least, one critical of its genre conventions. While most military shooter games are seen as inuring young people to violence and functioning as military simulations, or as recruitment and training tools, The Line presents ethical quandaries, unwinnable scenarios, collateral damage, and the psychological cost of war. This article considers the racialized world-making of an Arab mega-city in ruins as a new heart of darkness, a mythic American construction of militarized masculinity that becomes profoundly troubled under the duress of inglorious conflict, as well as the mobilization of women and children as symbols of victimhood to rationalize a military response. Through its analysis of gameplay, story, and the game's convincing sense of place, this article considers the significance of the physical rubble and moral ruin visualized in Spec Ops: The Line within the context of the gaming industry.
Handel's Recomposed Return Arias and Romantic Attraction in Alexander Balus
Authors: Hurley David Ross
Published: December 2016

Among the various formal structures employed in the arias of Handel's oratorios is a ternary form in which the last section is newly written, rather than being a verbatim repeat of the first section, as in the ubiquitous da capo aria. This form, for which I propose the term “recomposed return aria,” is rarely mentioned by scholars, and has never been the subject of a comprehensive study, despite its considerable aesthetic interest. In this article I focus on Handel's use of the recomposed return aria, exploring in particular the array of recapitulatory designs that it encompasses, and the reasons why Handel may sometimes have chosen this form instead of the regular da capo. I then turn to the oratorio Alexander Balus, as a case study through which to show how the compositional freedom intrinsic to the recomposed return aria allows for the portrayal of various aspects of erotic attraction experienced by the protagonists.
miRNA profiling of human naive CD4 T cells links miR‐34c‐5p to cell activation and HIV replication
Authors: Amaral Andreia J , Andrade Jorge , Foxall Russell B , Matoso Paula , Matos Ana M , Soares Rui S , Rocha Cheila , Ramos Christian G , Tendeiro Rita , Serra‐Caetano Ana , Guerra‐Assunção José A , Santa‐Marta Mariana , Gonçalves João , Gama‐Carvalho Margarida , Sousa Ana E
Published: December 2016

Cell activation is a vital step for T‐cell memory/effector differentiation as well as for productive HIV infection. To identify novel regulators of this process, we used next‐generation sequencing to profile changes in microRNA expression occurring in purified human naive CD4 T cells in response to TCR stimulation and/or HIV infection. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the transcriptional up‐regulation of miR‐34c‐5p in response to TCR stimulation in naive CD4 T cells. The induction of this miR was further consistently found to be reduced by both HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 infections. Overexpression of miR‐34c‐5p led to changes in the expression of several genes involved in TCR signaling and cell activation, confirming its role as a novel regulator of naive CD4 T‐cell activation. We additionally show that miR‐34c‐5p promotes HIV‐1 replication, suggesting that its down‐regulation during HIV infection may be part of an anti‐viral host response.
Cell cycle‐regulated ubiquitination of tankyrase 1 by RNF8 and ABRO1/BRCC36 controls the timing of sister telomere resolution
Authors: Tripathi Ekta , Smith Susan
Published: December 2016

Timely resolution of sister chromatid cohesion in G2/M is essential for genome integrity. Resolution at telomeres requires the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase tankyrase 1, but the mechanism that times its action is unknown. Here, we show that tankyrase 1 activity at telomeres is controlled by a ubiquitination/deubiquitination cycle depending on opposing ubiquitin ligase and deubiquitinase activities. In late S/G2 phase, the DNA damage‐responsive E3 ligase RNF8 conjugates K63‐linked ubiquitin chains to tankyrase 1, while in G1 phase such ubiquitin chains are removed by BRISC, an ABRO1/BRCC36‐containing deubiquitinase complex. We show that K63‐linked ubiquitin chains accumulate on tankyrase 1 in late S/G2 to promote its stabilization, association with telomeres, and resolution of cohesion. Timing of this posttranslational modification coincides with the ATM‐mediated DNA damage response that occurs on functional telomeres following replication in G2. Removal of ubiquitin chains is controlled by ABRO1/BRCC36 and occurs as cells exit mitosis and enter G1, ensuring that telomere cohesion is not resolved prematurely in S phase. Our studies suggest that a cell cycle‐regulated posttranslational mechanism couples resolution of telomere cohesion with completion of telomere replication to ensure genome integrity.