bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing Landscapes and Declining Populations of Resident Waterbirds: A 12-Year Study in Bung Boraphet Wetland, Thailand
Authors: Haq Rehan Ul , Eiam-Ampai Krairat , Ngoprasert Dusit , Sasaki Nophea , Shrestha Rajendra P
Published: January 2018

Changes in wetland environments can alter the dynamics of waterbird populations. We investigated the effects of hydrological and landscape variables on the abundance of resident waterbirds (ducks, fish-eaters, large waders, small waders, and vegetation gleaners) from 2003 to 2014 in Bung Boraphet, Thailand's largest freshwater wetland. Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine the effects of environmental variables on waterbird numbers, and generalized additive mixed models were used to identify the threshold for each effect. The results revealed that the population of all waterbirds declined by 27% from 2003 to 2014 with highest decline of 56% in ducks. Increasing water depth was negatively correlated with the abundance of small waders and vegetation gleaners. Higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the water increased the abundance of fish-eaters, while marshy areas were positively associated with the abundance of ducks, large waders, and vegetation gleaners. The abundance of fish-eaters, large waders, and small waders were negatively associated with the spatial area of waterbodies. Expanding human settlements decreased the abundance of vegetation gleaners, while vegetation infested by Mimosa pigra decreased the abundance of large waders. The study concludes that the maintenance of an optimal water depth and quality, preservation of critical marsh habitats, eradication of invasive species, and restrictions on new human settlements adjacent to wetlands are all necessary to conserve resident waterbird populations. Validating these findings in additional research sites is recommended before applying it to a broader landscape level.
Reduction of Flicker in Four-Stroke Motion of Color Images
Authors: Kawabe Takahiro , Nishida Shin’ya
Published: January 2018

When two sequential video frames extracted from a single video clip are followed by the negative of the two frames, a viewer often experiences a visual illusion whereby a scene in the frames continuously moves in a single direction (four-stroke apparent motion). To create a four-stroke apparent motion display, the image intensities of the whole of the second pair of images are reversed. However, this intensity reversal creates a strong impression of flicker that can be undesirable for comfortable viewing. This study reports that four-stroke apparent motion can be induced by only reversing the luminance intensities in those spatial areas which contain motion signals in high-pass filtered images. This use of only a partial reversal of image intensities greatly reduces the apparent flicker in the display while retaining motion perception.
Resource utilization at the time of prostacyclin initiation in children in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a multicenter analysis
Authors: Hart Stephen A. , Arora Gaurav , Feingold Brian
Published: January 2018

There are limited data investigating the epidemiology and resource utilization associated with parenteral prostacyclin use in children. We sought to examine national trends in treatment practices and resource utilization during prostacyclin initiation for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at children’s hospitals in the United States. Patients with PAH initiated on parenteral epoprostenol and treprostinil (2004–2014) were identified using a nationwide administrative database. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and resource utilization were compared between epoprostenol and treprostinil groups. Costs were indexed in 2014 US dollars. Among 1448 children admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of PAH, 280 (19%) were initiated on parenteral prostacyclins (epoprostenol n = 195 and treprostinil n = 85). Epoprostenol predominated early (97% of initiations in 2005); however, treprostinil predominated recently (52–67% of initiations/year). Children initiated on treprostinil had shorter ICU stays (1 [IQR = 0–4] vs. 4 [0–10] days, P < 0.001), shorter total lengths of stay (4 [2–9] vs. 8 [4–18] days, P = 0.001), and lower in‐hospital mortality (1 vs. 12%, P = 0.001) with no difference in 30‐day (13 vs. 19%, P = 0.19) or one‐year readmission rates (56 vs. 61%, P = 0.41). Inpatient costs were lower for treprostinil initiation ($23,779 [11,830–39,535] vs. $32,976 [11,904–94,082], P = 0.03), with a greater difference in the recent era (2009–2013). Though significant variation exists regarding prostacyclin use for PAH across US centers, prostacyclins are common among children with PAH. Treprostinil initiation has been increasing and is associated with less resource utilization and lower cost compared to epoprostenol initiation. Post‐discharge outcome data are needed to fully inform decision‐making about the relative benefits of parental prostacyclin drug choice.
Coexistent Ipsilateral Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion and Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Hepatitis C
Authors: Seegobin Karan , Khousakhoun Somphanh , Crooks Ryan , Maharaj Satish , Baldeo Cherisse
Published: January 2018

A 58-year-old male, known to have hepatitis C virus (HCV), presented with intermittent headaches and left-sided sensorimotor symptoms. There were no focal neurological deficits on examination. Electrocardiogram was unremarkable. Computed tomography angiography head and neck displayed extracranial right internal carotid artery occlusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed right cortical vein thrombosis, with hemorrhagic infarction. Echocardiography with bubble study was unremarkable. Hypercoagulable workup was significant for protein S deficiency. He was treated with warfarin for 6 months. Repeat protein S levels remained low 9 months later. The coexistence of arterial and venous thrombotic events gives rise to a limited differential. In this case, it may be related to chronic HCV infection. The underlying pathogenesis is not clear; however, it is possible the patient had chronic high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis, which occluded leading to his presenting symptoms. The cortical vein thrombosis is likely an incidental finding here. The extent by which HCV contributed to the cerebral thrombosis and carotid artery occlusion in our case is not clear; however, the hypercoagulable and atherosclerotic properties of the virus cannot be disregarded. The virus can promote carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral venous thrombosis as well as other venous and arterial thromboembolic events. Furthermore, HCV is associated with impaired venous flow and procoagulant properties, which can fuel a hypercoagulable state. Also of note cirrhosis is associated with protein S deficiency. We recommend considering an underlying hypercoagulable state including both arterial and venous thrombosis in HCV infection.
National roll-out of latent tuberculosis testing and treatment for new migrants in England: a retrospective evaluation in a high-incidence area
Authors: Loutet Miranda G. , Burman Matthew , Jayasekera Nivenka , Trathen Duncan , Dart Susan , Kunst Heinke , Zenner Dominik
Published: January 2018

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening is an important intervention for tuberculosis (TB) elimination in low-incidence countries and is, therefore, a key component of England's TB control strategy. This study describes outcomes from a LTBI screening programme in a high-incidence area to inform national LTBI screening in England and other low-incidence countries.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of LTBI screening among eligible migrants (from high-incidence countries and entered the UK within the last 5 years), who were identified at primary-care clinics in Newham, London between August 2014 and August 2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with LTBI testing uptake, interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) positivity and treatment uptake.

40% of individuals offered LTBI screening received an IGRA test. The majority of individuals tested were 16–35 years old, male and born in India, Bangladesh or Pakistan. Country of birth, smoking status and co-morbidities were associated with LTBI testing uptake. IGRA positivity was 32% among those tested and was significantly associated with country of birth, age, sex and co-morbidities.

This study identifies factors associated with screening uptake, IGRA positivity and treatment uptake, and improves understanding of groups that should be supported to increase acceptability of LTBI testing and treatment in the community.
Clinical and inflammatory phenotyping by breathomics in chronic airway diseases irrespective of the diagnostic label
Authors: de Vries Rianne , Dagelet Yennece W.F. , Spoor Pien , Snoey Erik , Jak Patrick M.C. , Brinkman Paul , Dijkers Erica , Bootsma Simon K. , Elskamp Fred , de Jongh Frans H.C. , Haarman Eric G. , in ‘t Veen Johannes C.C.M , Maitland-van der Zee Anke-Hilse , Sterk Peter J.
Published: January 2018

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are complex and overlapping diseases that include inflammatory phenotypes. Novel anti-eosinophilic/anti-neutrophilic strategies demand rapid inflammatory phenotyping, which might be accessible from exhaled breath.

Our objective was to capture clinical/inflammatory phenotypes in patients with chronic airway disease using an electronic nose (eNose) in a training and validation set.

This was a multicentre cross-sectional study in which exhaled breath from asthma and COPD patients (n=435; training n=321 and validation n=114) was analysed using eNose technology. Data analysis involved signal processing and statistics based on principal component analysis followed by unsupervised cluster analysis and supervised linear regression.

Clustering based on eNose resulted in five significant combined asthma and COPD clusters that differed regarding ethnicity (p=0.01), systemic eosinophilia (p=0.02) and neutrophilia (p=0.03), body mass index (p=0.04), exhaled nitric oxide fraction (p<0.01), atopy (p<0.01) and exacerbation rate (p<0.01). Significant regression models were found for the prediction of eosinophilic (R2=0.581) and neutrophilic (R2=0.409) blood counts based on eNose. Similar clusters and regression results were obtained in the validation set.

Phenotyping a combined sample of asthma and COPD patients using eNose provides validated clusters that are not determined by diagnosis, but rather by clinical/inflammatory characteristics. eNose identified systemic neutrophilia and/or eosinophilia in a dose-dependent manner.
Long-term benefits of airway clearance in bronchiectasis: a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Muñoz Gerard , de Gracia Javier , Buxó Maria , Alvarez Antonio , Vendrell Montserrat
Published: January 2018

Keeping airways clear of mucus by airway clearance techniques seems essential in bronchiectasis treatment, although no placebo-controlled trials or any studies lasting longer than 3 months have been conducted. We evaluate the efficacy of the ELTGOL (slow expiration with the glottis opened in the lateral posture) technique over a 1-year period in bronchiectasis patients with chronic expectoration in a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Patients were randomised to perform the ELTGOL technique (n=22) or placebo exercises (n=22) twice-daily (ClinicalTrials.gov,NCT01578681). The primary outcome was sputum volume during the first intervention and 24 h later. Secondary outcomes included sputum volume during the intervention and 24 h later at month 12, exacerbations, quality of life, sputum analyses, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, systemic inflammation, treatment adherence, and side effects.

Sputum volume during intervention and 24 h later was higher in the ELTGOL group than in the placebo group both at the beginning and end of the study. Patients in the ELTGOL group had fewer exacerbations (p=0.042) and a clinically significant improvement in the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire score (p<0.001) and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire score compared with the placebo group (p<0.001).

Twice-daily ELTGOL technique over 1 year in bronchiectasis patients facilitated secretion removal and was associated with fewer exacerbations, improved quality of life, and reduced cough impact.
Endemic carbapenem-nonsusceptible Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex in intensive care units of the national referral hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Saharman Yulia Rosa , Karuniawati Anis , Sedono Rudyanto , Aditianingsih Dita , Sudarmono Pratiwi , Goessens Wil H. F. , Klaassen Corné H. W. , Verbrugh Henri A. , Severin Juliëtte A.
Published: January 2018

Background

Carbapenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex have emerged worldwide, but the epidemiology in Indonesian hospitals has not been studied.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed on the intensive care units (ICUs) of the national referral hospital in Jakarta-Indonesia, in 2013 and 2014. All consecutive adult patients admitted and hospitalized for >48 h in ICUs were included. Basic and clinical data at admission were recorded. Carbapenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex from clinical cultures and standardized screening were included. Environmental niches and healthcare workers (HCWs) were also screened. PCR was used to detect carbapenemase genes, and Raman spectroscopy as well as multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for typing.

Results

Of 412 included patients, 69 (16.7%) carried carbapenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex on admission, and 89 (25.9%) became positive during ICU stay. The acquisition rate was 43 per 1000 patient-days at risk. Six isolates were cultured from environment and one from a HCW. Acquisition of carbapenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex was associated with longer ICU stay (median interquartile range [IQR]: 11 days [5–18], adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.56 [99% confidence interval (CI):1.76–3.70]), but not with mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.59 [99%CI: 0.74–3.40] at the chosen level of significance). The blaOXA-23-like gene was detected in 292/318 (91.8%) isolates, including isolates from the environment and HCW. Typing revealed five major clusters. Sequence types (ST)195, ST208, ST218, ST642 as well as new STs were found. The dominant clone consisted of isolates from patients and environment throughout the study period.

Conclusions

Carbapenem-nonsusceptible A. baumannii-calcoaceticus complex are endemic in this setting. Prevention requires source control and limiting transmission of strains.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered at www.trialregister.nl (No:5541). Candidate number: 23,527, NTR number: NTR5541, Date registered NTR: 22nd December 2015.
Community treatment orders: Are they useful?
Authors: Rugkåsa Jorun , Burns Tom
Published: January 2018

In the wake of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, community treatment orders (CTOs) have been introduced in around 75 jurisdictions worldwide. They make it a legal requirement for patients to adhere to treatment plans outside of hospital. To date, about 60 CTO outcome studies have been conducted. All studies with a methodology strong enough to infer causality conclude that CTOs do not have the intended effect of preventing relapse and reducing hospital admissions. Despite this, CTOs are still debated, possibly reflecting different attitudes to the role of evidence-based practice in community psychiatry. There are clinical, ethical, legal, economic and professional reasons why the current use of CTOs should be reconsidered.

Learning Objectives

• Gain an overview of the development and use of CTOs in the UK and internationally

• Get up-to-date information about the evidence base for CTO effectiveness and the relative contributions of different levels of evidence

• Appreciate the nature of the current controversy around the use of CTOs and become familiar with the factors in the ongoing debate about their future
Empagliflozin Treatment Is Associated With Improved β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al Jobori Hussein , Daniele Giuseppe , Adams John , Cersosimo Eugenio , Solis-Herrera Carolina , Triplitt Curtis , DeFronzo Ralph A , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad
Published: January 2018

Objective

To examine whether lowering plasma glucose concentration with the sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitor empagliflozin improves β-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Patients with T2DM (N = 15) received empagliflozin (25 mg/d) for 2 weeks. β-Cell function was measured with a nine-step hyperglycemic clamp (each step, 40 mg/dL) before and at 48 hours and at 14 days after initiating empagliflozin.

Results

Glucosuria was recorded on days 1 and 14 [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM), 101 ± 10 g and 117 ± 11 g, respectively] after initiating empagliflozin, as were reductions in fasting plasma glucose levels (25 ± 6 mg/dL and 38 ± 8 mg/dL, respectively; both P < 0.05). After initiating empagliflozin and during the stepped hyperglycemic clamp, the incremental area under the plasma C-peptide concentration curve increased by 48% ± 12% at 48 hours and 61% ± 10% at 14 days (both P < 0.01); glucose infusion rate increased by 15% on day 3 and 16% on day 14, compared with baseline (both P < 0.05); and β-cell function, measured with the insulin secretion/insulin resistance index, increased by 73% ± 21% at 48 hours and 112% ± 20% at 14 days (both P < 0.01). β-cell glucose sensitivity during the hyperglycemic clamp was enhanced by 42% at 14 hours and 54% at 14 days after initiating empagliflozin (both P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Lowering the plasma glucose concentration with empagliflozin in patients with T2DM augmented β-cell glucose sensitivity and improved β-cell function.
Genetic Analyses in Small-for-Gestational-Age Newborns
Authors: Stalman Susanne E , Solanky Nita , Ishida Miho , Alemán-Charlet Cristina , Abu-Amero Sayeda , Alders Marielle , Alvizi Lucas , Baird William , Demetriou Charalambos , Henneman Peter , James Chela , Knegt Lia C , Leon Lydia J , Mannens Marcel M A M , Mul Adi N , Nibbering Nicole A , Peskett Emma , Rezwan Faisal I , Ris-Stalpers Carrie , van der Post Joris A M , Kamp Gerdine A , Plötz Frans B , Wit Jan M , Stanier Philip , Moore Gudrun E , Hennekam Raoul C
Published: January 2018

Context

Small for gestational age (SGA) can be the result of fetal growth restriction, which is associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms that control prenatal growth are poorly understood.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to gain more insight into prenatal growth failure and determine an effective diagnostic approach in SGA newborns. We hypothesized that one or more copy number variations (CNVs) and disturbed methylation and sequence variants may be present in genes associated with fetal growth.

Design

A prospective cohort study of subjects with a low birth weight for gestational age.

Setting

The study was conducted at an academic pediatric research institute.

Patients

A total of 21 SGA newborns with a mean birth weight below the first centile and a control cohort of 24 appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns were studied.

Interventions

Array comparative genomic hybridization, genome-wide methylation studies, and exome sequencing were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The numbers of CNVs, methylation disturbances, and sequence variants.

Results

The genetic analyses demonstrated three CNVs, one systematically disturbed methylation pattern, and one sequence variant explaining SGA. Additional methylation disturbances and sequence variants were present in 20 patients. In 19 patients, multiple abnormalities were found.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the influence of a large number of mechanisms explaining dysregulation of fetal growth. We concluded that CNVs, methylation disturbances, and sequence variants all contribute to prenatal growth failure. These genetic workups can be an effective diagnostic approach in SGA newborns.
Case Report: Polyarteritis nodosa or complicated Henoch-Schonlein purpura, a rare case
Authors: Hasanzadeh Sajad , Alavi Seyedeh Maryam , Masnavi Elahe , Rohani Maryam , Jokar Saeid
Published: January 2018

Background:Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a vasculitis that affects medium sized arteries. PAN is a rare disease and requires a high vilgilance for diagnosis. For instance, PAN and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) have narrowing differential diagnosis. Here, we report a case of PAN.

Case presentation:Our patient was a 65 year old woman that came to hospital due to abdominal pain and skin lesion on the right upper and right lower extremities. All rheumatologic tests were negative. A biopsy of the skin lesion was reported as mild hyperkeratosis, slight spongiosis with intact basal layer. The dermis showed moderate to severe perivascular PMN infiltration with vessel wall degeneration and extravasation of RBCs. A colonoscopy reported diffuse mucosal erythema and erosions were seen in the rectum until 6cm of anal verge. An electromyogram test and nerve conduction velocity study of the upper extremities reported bilateral mild carpal tunnel syndrome, and in the right lower extremities mononeuritis multiplex could not be ruled out. Abdominopelvic CT scan reported diffuse wall thickening of terminal ileum associated with mesenteric fat and narrow enhancement of inferior Mesenteric artery with patchy filling defect. After evaluation, the patient received corticosteroid pulses plus cyclophosphamide.

Conclusion:Diagnosis and treatment of PAN is important and PAN should be considered in a patient with skin lesions and neurological impairment.
Temporal order of RNase IIIb and loss-of-function mutations during development determines phenotype in pleuropulmonary blastoma / DICER1 syndrome: a unique variant of the two-hit tumor suppression model
Authors: Brenneman Mark , Field Amanda , Yang Jiandong , Williams Gretchen , Doros Leslie , Rossi Christopher , Schultz Kris Ann , Rosenberg Avi , Ivanovich Jennifer , Turner Joyce , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Stewart Douglas , Yu Weiying , Harris Anne , Schoettler Peter , Goodfellow Paul , Dehner Louis , Messinger Yoav , Hill D. Ashley
Published: January 2018

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most frequent pediatric lung tumor and often the first indication of a pleiotropic cancer predisposition, DICER1 syndrome, comprising a range of other individually rare, benign and malignant tumors of childhood and early adulthood. The genetics of DICER1-associated tumorigenesis are unusual in that tumors typically bear neomorphic missense mutations at one of five specific “hotspot” codons within the RNase IIIb domain of DICER 1, combined with complete loss of function (LOF) in the other allele. We analyzed a cohort of 124 PPB children for predisposing DICER1 mutations and sought correlations with clinical phenotypes. Over 70% have inherited or de novo germline LOF mutations, most of which truncate the DICER1 open reading frame. We identified a minority of patients who have no germline mutation, but are instead mosaic for predisposing DICER1 mutations. Mosaicism for RNase IIIb domain hotspot mutations defines a special category of DICER1 syndrome patients, clinically distinguished from those with germline or mosaic LOF mutations by earlier onsets and numerous discrete foci of neoplastic disease involving multiple syndromic organ sites. A final category of PBB patients lack predisposing germline or mosaic mutations and have sporadic (rather than syndromic) disease limited to a single PPB tumor bearing tumor-specific RNase IIIb and LOF mutations. We propose that acquisition of a neomorphic RNase IIIb domain mutation is the rate limiting event in DICER1-associated tumorigenesis, and that distinct clinical phenotypes associated with mutational categories reflect the temporal order in which LOF and RNase IIIb domain mutations are acquired during development.
High-Speed Tracer Analysis of Metabolism (HS-TrAM)
Authors: Smith Thomas Brendan , Patel Kamlesh , Munford Haydn , Peet Andrew , Tennant Daniel A. , Jeeves Mark , Ludwig Christian
Published: January 2018

Tracing the fate of stable isotopically-enriched nutrients is a sophisticated method of describing and quantifying the activity of metabolic pathways. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) offers high resolution data, yet is under-utilised due to length of time required to collect the data, quantification requiring multiple samples and complicated analysis. Here we present two techniques, quantitative spectral filters and enhancement of the splitting due to J-coupling in 1H,13C-HSQC NMR spectra, which allow the rapid collection of NMR data in a quantitative manner on a single sample. The reduced duration of HSQC spectra data acquisition opens up the possibility of real-time tracing of metabolism including the study of metabolic pathways in vivo. We show how these novel techniques can be used to trace the fate of labelled nutrients in a whole organ model of kidney preservation prior to transplantation using a porcine kidney as a model organ, and also show how the use of multiple nutrients, differentially labelled with 13C and 15N, can be used to provide additional information with which to profile metabolic pathways.
The Creation of High-Quality Microhabitats for Small Business in the City Agglomeration
Authors: Бородин В. , Borodin V. , Химочка В. , Himochka V.
Published: January 2018

For many years economic theorists are working on issues of development and functioning of business. This is the topic of many articles, it is made numerous findings and proposals concerning the issues of planning, efficiency management, distribution of profits, etc. Along with this, the influence of external environment on individual businesses is not sufficiently researched. The most sensitive to external microenvironment small business is concentrated mainly in the major cities, agglomeration systems. On the one hand, it creates the basis for agglomeration economies, on the other hand, it is entirely dependent on the administrative and managerial processes occurring in it. In this regard, the establishment of an effective management model agglomeration can improve the performance of the business. What models of agglomeration systems are there? Which one is the most effective? The article considers what problems have authorities in the organization of this process.
Genotype-based personalized correction of glycemic control in patients with MODY due to mutations in GCK, HNF1A AND HNF4A genes
Authors: Zubkova Natalia A. , Gioeva Olesya A. , Tikhonovich Yulia V. , Petrov Vasily M. , Vasiliev Evgeny V. , Tyulpakov Anatoliy N. , Dedov Ivan I.
Published: January 2018

Aims. To demonstrate the principles of personalized treatment of diabetes for example the most common MODY subtypes (1-3) identified by NGS
Methods. We study 312 patients aged from 3 months to 25 years (162 boy/150 girls) with suspected MODY. A targeted next-generation sequencing approach (IonTorrent platform) was used for sequencing of monogenic form of diabetes mellitus candidate 28genes (13 MODY genes-candidates and other genes, associated with diabetes mellitus). Clinical and biochemicalphenotypes of the patients were compared with the type of mutations. Previously undescribed nonsynonymous mutations were considered as «probably pathogenic» with the minor allele frequency of <0.1% and «pathogenic» assessment in ANNOVAR database.
Results. We selected group of patients with mutations in the most common genes-candidates (GCK; HNF1A; HNF4A):99GCK gene mutations detectedin the 129 probands (61,1%) and 77 relatives, in HNF1A – 20 mutations in the 19 probands(9,0%) and 14 relatives, in HNF4A – 8 mutations in 9the probands (4,3%) and 3 relatives. The current therapy wasmodificated account the genotype and have been evaluated its effectiveness.
Conclusion. Molecular genetic confirmation of the monogenic nature of metabolic carbohydratedisorders is the basis of personalized therapy of diabetes.
Audiences, Aesthetics and Affordances Analysing Practices of Visual Communication on Social Media
Authors: Schreiber Maria
Published: January 2018

This research investigates how the practices of sharing pictures with specific audiences on social media may be related to aesthetics and affordances. Based on fieldwork (interviews, picture analysis and digital ethnography) with a group of female teenagers in Vienna, Austria, how they visually curate their accounts is mapped and reconstructed. Regarding content and aesthetics, different kinds of pictures are shared using different apps. Snapchat, for example, (for this specific group at the time of the investigation) is the preferred medium for live communication with very close friends using fast, pixelated, “ugly” pictures, while Instagram serves to share polished, conventional, “beautiful” pictures with broader audiences. Based on this case study, three conceptual arguments can be made. First, visual communication is practised in relation to specific social settings or audiences. Social media is part of these practices, and users navigate differences between platforms to manage identities and relationships. Second, the analysis of practices embedded in specific software, therefore, has to be contextualised and related to the structures of these environments. Software co-constructs processes of editing, distribution, sharing and affirmation, and its affordances have to be related to the ways in which users exploit them. Third, as visual communication becomes an intrinsic part of online communication, the exploration of how distinctions between audiences and affordances play out stylistically appears to be of particular interest, which entails calibrated aesthetics; however, this visual layer is seldom investigated closely.
UOE Pipe Numerical Model: Manufacturing Process And Von Mises Residual Stresses Resulted After Each Technological Step
Authors: Delistoian Dmitri , Chirchor Mihael
Published: January 2018

Fluid transportation from production areas to final customer is effectuated by pipelines. For oil and gas industry, pipeline safety and reliability represents a priority. From this reason, pipe quality guarantee directly influence pipeline designed life, but first of all protects environment. A significant number of longitudinally welded pipes, for onshore/offshore pipelines, are manufactured by UOE method. This method is based on cold forming. In present study, using finite element method is modeled UOE pipe manufacturing process and is obtained von Mises stresses for each step. Numerical simulation is performed for L415 MB (X60) steel plate with 7,9 mm thickness, length 30 mm and width 1250mm, as result it is obtained a DN 400 pipe.
Variety of Displacement Dependent Devices Used for Bridges and Viaducts Certified by Icecon Cert SRL
Authors: Alexandru Carmen
Published: January 2018

The paper is specially addressed to the seismic device manufacturer, designers and end users of these products, to explicitness the provisions of EN 15129:2009 regarding the tests shall be performed for the displacement depended devices used for bridges and viaducts. Are presented some of examples of dynamic tests carried out under the supervision of the certification body ICECON CERT SRL for the assessment and verification of constancy of performance, based on the evaluation of conformity procedures indicated in the reference document and the regulation EU no (305)/2011
Pre-service Teachers and Self-Efficacy: A Study in Contrast
Authors: Colson Tori , Sparks Kelly , Berridge Gina , Frimming Renee , Willis Clarissa
Published: January 2018

With increased emphasis on student achievement in schools, teacher education programs are challenged to meet the demand for highly effective teachers. Ensuring that pre-service teachers feel confident in their ability to teach, prompted one Midwestern University to implement an extended student teaching placement. The idea behind this endeavor was two fold; first to provide future teachers a more robust and diverse classroom experience; and secondly to provide more opportunities for students to get experience in high-risk school settings. There is very limited research on the impact of year-long student teaching on a teacher’s sense of efficacy. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of teacher candidates placed in a year-long student teaching placement to teacher candidates placed in a traditional one semester (16 week) placement. All teacher candidates completed a 24 questionTeachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scaleas well as nine demographic questions. The survey developed at Ohio State University by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (2001), measures teacher attitudes towards working with students, student engagement, instructional practices, and classroom management. Specifically, the questions represent essential tasks in teaching such as assessment, differentiating lessons for individual students, dealing with students with learning challenges, repairing student understanding, and encouraging student engagement and interest. The results of the study indicated that pre-service teacher candidates in a year-long student teaching placement were more satisfied with their ability to engage students and manage classroom behavior than their counterparts in a traditional one semester placement.
A simple non-parametric goodness-of-fit test for elliptical copulas
Authors: Jaser Miriam , Haug Stephan , Min Aleksey
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we propose a simple non-parametric goodness-of-fit test for elliptical copulas of any dimension. It is based on the equality of Kendall’s tau and Blomqvist’s beta for all bivariate margins. Nominal level and power of the proposed test are investigated in a Monte Carlo study. An empirical application illustrates our goodness-of-fit test at work.
The choice of high gradient magnetic separation processes for removal of Fe2O3 carriers from quartz raw material
Authors: Sekulic Zivko , Bartulovic Zoran , Mihajlovic Slavica , Ignjatovic Miroslav , Savic Ljubinko , Jovanovic Vladimir , Nisic Dragana
Published: January 2018

This review article surveys the subject of choice of high gradient magnetic separation processes for removal of Fe2O3 carriers from quartz raw material by electromagnetic separator with magnetic field intensity of 1.4 T.
The Trade Impacts of a Food Scare: The Fonterra Contamination Incident
Authors: Stojkov Katarina , Noy Ilan , Sağlam Yiğit
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the impact of a food contamination scare in the dairy sector on dairy exports. We investigate this question in the context of the 2013 Whey Protein Concentrate contamination incident in New Zealand. We assess the impact of this incident on dairy exports using synthetic control methods. A synthetic counterfactual scenario where the incident did not occur is developed using weighted information from other countries unaffected by the scare. We find that there was an initial negative shock to the exports of products that were thought to have been contaminated, but that there were no significant sustained impacts on other dairy products. The affected products made up only a small proportion of New Zealand dairy exports, with the vast majority of dairy exports being unaffected. Infant formula exports appear to have recovered more than a year after the scare. However, whey product exports (the contaminated product) remain lower than they otherwise would have been.
Therapeutic Angiogenesis for Severely Ischemic Limbs — from Bench to Bedside in Acute Vascular Care
Authors: Benedek Theodora , Kovács István , Benedek Imre
Published: January 2018

Severe limb ischemia represents a critical condition, being associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) require urgent initiation of interventional or surgical treatment, as restoration of the blood flow is the only way to ensure limb salvage in these critical cases. At the same time, in acute limb ischemia, a dramatic form of sudden arterial occlusion of the lower limbs, the integrity of the limb is also seriously threatened in the absence of urgent revascularization. From patients with CLI, 40% are “no option CLI”, meaning patients in whom, due to anatomical considerations or to the severity of the lesions, there is no possibility to perform interventional or surgical treatment or they have failed. Therapeutic angiogenesis has been proposed to serve as an effective and promising alternative therapy for patients with severe limb ischemia who do not have any other option for revascularization. This review aims to present the current status in therapeutic angiogenesis and the role of different approaches (gene or cell therapy, intra-arterial vs. intramuscular injections, different sources of cells) in increasing the rates of limb salvage in patients with severe ischemia of the lower limbs.
Similarity of Changes in Average Prices of Residential Properties in Europe in 2010-2016
Authors: Dittmann Iwona
Published: January 2018

The aim of the article was to assess the similarities of average price changes in the residential market in 34 European countries in 2010-2016. The first part of the study concerned tendencies of changes in average prices in residential markets in the studied countries, while the second part analyzed co-occurrence of changes in these countries in time. The study covered the period after the first wave of the financial crisis in Europe and took into account the second wave of crisis in several euro area countries. Price indices, trend functions, price ranges, linear correlation coefficients and shape similarity measure were utilized for conducting this study.

European countries, in general, differed with respect to changes in prices in the residential market. 12 countries were characterized by a trend of increasing price indices. 18 countries were classified as correcting countries, as during the studied period they were distinguished by a clear change in trend. Four countries with a downward trend during the study period were also identified. Furthermore, a differentiation between the countries was found due to the values of price ranges during the studied period. Studies of co-occurrence in time were conducted with the use of linear correlation coefficients mainly for groups of rising countries and falling countries. The study was conducted using measures of shape similarity, which allowed for an identification of converging, leading and following markets for some countries.
Assembling a Cellular User Manual for the Brain
Authors: Sloan Steven A. , Barres Ben A.
Published: January 2018

For many years, efforts to decipher the various cellular components that comprise the CNS were stymied by a lack of technical strategies for isolating and profiling the brain's resident cell types. The advent of transcriptional profiling, combined with powerful new purification schemes, changed this reality and transformed our understanding of the macroglial populations within the brain. Here, we chronicle the historical context and scientific setting for our efforts to transcriptionally profile neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, and highlight some of the profound discoveries that were cultivated by these data.

Following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer, Ben Barres passed away during the writing of this Progression piece. Among Ben's innumerable contributions to the greater scientific community, his addition of publicly available transcriptome databases of CNS cell types will forever remain a relic of his generous spirit and boundless scientific curiosity. Although he had impressively committed a majority of these enormous gene lists to memory, Ben could oftentimes be spotted at meetings buried in his cell phone on the Barres RNAseq database. Perhaps the only thing he enjoyed more than exploring these data himself, was knowing how useful these contributions had been (and will hopefully continue to be) to his scientific peers.
Activity Analysis and Coordination in Continuous Responses to Music
Authors: Upham Finn , McAdams Stephen
Published: January 2018

Music affects us physically and emotionally. Determining when changes in these reactions tend to manifest themselves can help us understand how and why. Activity Analysis quantifies alignment of response events across listeners and listenings through continuous responses to musical works. Its coordination tests allow us to determine if there is enough inter-response coherence to merit linking their summary time series to the musical event structure and to identify moments of exceptional alignment in response events. In this paper, we apply Activity Analysis to continuous ratings from several music experiments, using this wealth of data to compare its performance with that of statistics used in previous studies. We compare the Coordination Scores and nonparametric measures of local activity coordination to other coherence measures, including those derived from correlations and Cronbach’s α. Activity Analysis reveals the variation in coordination of participants’ responses for different musical works, picks out moments of coordination in response to different interpretations of the same music, and demonstrates that responses along the two dimensions in continuous 2D rating tasks can be independent.
Sacred Townscapes in Late Antique Greece
Authors: Vionis Athanasios K.
Published: January 2018

The towns and surrounding rural areas of the Eastern Roman Empire experienced a remarkable boom during Late Antiquity (late fourth to seventh century ad), which involved both extraordinary diversity from region to region but also continuities and parallel transformations in town size and monumentality. Early investment in church and fortification building on behalf of an ecclesiastical and secular/urban elite gave way to a gradual, progressive ‘Christianisation’ of townscapes in the late fifth and sixth centuries ad. This was a ‘global’ phenomenon, in that it began in many parts of the eastern Mediterranean world at more or less the same time, and this paper focuses on the example of central and southern Greece to discuss how this process relates to issues of urban diversity during this period. The article draws from a data set of excavated remains at Athens in Attica and Corinth in the Peloponnese, and from recent survey work in Tanagra in Boeotia.
Wine Production and Exchange and the Value of Wine Consumption in Sixth-century BC Etruria
Authors: Riva Corinna
Published: January 2018

This paper attempts to bridge the gulf between two often separate research agendas in Archaic period Etruria, one concerned with the archaeology of wine and agricultural production and redistribution, the other with figured representations of drinking and the associated symbolic visual language. It does so by examining the relationship between changing processes of production, consumption and exchange and the symbolism of drinking in the visual and material culture of sixth-century bc Tyrrhenian Etruria. In this analysis, I maintain that changing modes of agricultural production and distribution had an impact on such symbolism in elite funerary and domestic contexts, with key evidence also coming from sanctuaries. In particular, it is argued that during the seventh century bc, the visual language related to wine drinking alludes to experiences of bodily otherness; this is indicated by the symbolic correlation between accessibility to wine, the dangers of maritime travel and death. From the sixth century bc, we can trace a shift towards a visual language that centred on cultural difference or otherness: this is noticeable in the introduction of Dionysiac imagery and new mythological narratives of cross-cultural encounters, as well as in a new emphasis on codified drinking and culturally differentiated drinking vessels. This shift is more or less contemporary with other changes, namely the production and distribution of agricultural surplus in the Tyrrhenian region and beyond, and shifting values of objects in that exchange.
Karakterisasi Isotop dan Geokimia Area Panas Bumi Danau Toba, Sumatera Utara
Authors: Prasetio Rasi , Laksminingpuri Neneng , Pratikno Bungkus
Published: January 2018

Danau Toba merupakan danau vulkanik terbesar di dunia dan memiliki aktifitas panasbumi. Terdapat dua wilayah di Danau Toba dengan manifestasi panasbumi berupa mata air panas, fumarol dan steaming ground, yaitu di daerah Simbolon dan Pusuk Buhit. Penelitian isotop dan geokima terhadap fluida manifestasi lapangan panas bumi telah dilakukan untuk mengetahui karakter sistem panas bumi tersebut. Pengambilan sampel mata air panas dilakukan untuk analisis kandungan kimia, isotop 18O dan 2H(deuterium) serta isotop 222Rn. Sampel gas diambil dari fumarol untuk analisis komposisi kimia gas. Interpretasi hasil analisis tersebut dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui karakteristik sistem panas bumi seperti asal-usul dan evolusi fluida, temperatur reservoir hingga model konseptual reservoirdanau Toba.Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa area panasbumi danau Toba memiliki estimasi potensi panasbumi dengan temperatur 265°C di Pusuk Buhit dan 235°C di Simbolon. Berdasarkan data isotop stabil (18O dan 2H) dan gas, fluida panas bumi Toba merupakan fluida meteorik dengan sedikit kontribusi sumber magmatik. Namun demikian, komposisi isotop 18O fluida panas bumi di Pusuk Buhit mengalami pergeseran akibat interaksi air-batuan yang lebih intens dibanding fluida daerah Simbolon. Kandungan 222Rn yang rendah dalam sampel air panas menunjukkan adanya pencampuran fluida reservoir dengan air permukaan yang tidak mengandung 222Rn atau air tanah lokal dengan kandungan 222Rn yang sangat rendah.
Evaluation on The Supplementation of Fermented Garlic Extract in Protecting Human Lymphocytes In Vitro From The Negative Impact of Gamma-Rays
Authors: Syaifudin Mukh , Adha Nila Dariska , Purnami Sofiati , Wulyoadi Sasmito , Marwanto Edy , Suyanto Suyanto , Marasabessy Ahmad , Herianto Gany , Tetriana Devita
Published: January 2018

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a wide range of phytocompounds that produce various responses in human body. However the knowledge on the potential of fermented form of garlic in protecting negative impacts of radiation is very limited. In this research in vitro efficacy of fermented garlic in protecting negative impact of gamma ray was studied using cytogenetic test. A set of culture of human lymphocytes was irradiated with 60Co gamma rays at dose of 2 Gy (dose rate of 2 Gy/min) and fermented garlic extract at four working concentrations of 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/mL were added to these cells and then were incubated at 37oC for 48 hrs. Colcemid was added at 3 hr before harvest to collect metaphase cells and it was done by standard methodology for cytogenetic analysis. The fermented garlic extract significantly (p<0.05) did not exhibited antigenotoxic effect of gamma rays and its effectiveness was same as in control (without extract treatment) group. In contrary all concentration of chemicals (125, 250 and 500 mg/mL) were seemingly tend to induce higher number of dicentric and fragment chromosomes than control under microscopic observation. Mitotic index of the cell that was determined with programmed metaphase finder also did not influenced by garlic addition. It was concluded that aqueous garlic extract did not possesses its efficacy in protecting impact of ionizing radiation.