bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency: an underlying principle of learning?
Authors: Commins Sean
Published: September 2017

Learning is essential. It allows animals to change circumstances, deal with new situations and adapt to environments. Here, we argue that learning, at behavioral and neural levels, involves efficiency, reflected in metabolic cost reductions. Behaviourally, although multiple solutions to a novel problem may be available, all solutions are not learnt – it is too costly. Furthermore, once a strategy has been selected, it is reinforced producing an efficiency that leads to a maximisation of performance and metabolic cost reductions. Learning can be represented in the brain through many mechanisms; however, if learning is truly efficient, then, all such mechanisms should also be accompanied by a reduction in measurable metabolic costs. By thinking about learning in terms of efficiency, not simply as a descriptive term but rather in terms of metabolic costs, it allows learning to be examined more carefully and provides predictions that can be easily tested (and indeed refuted).
Payment Instruments, Financial Privacy and Online Purchases
Authors: Balgobin Yann , Bounie David , Quinn Martin , Waelbroeck Patrick
Published: September 2017

The protection of financial personal data has become a major concern for Internet users in the digital economy. This paper investigates whether the consumers’ use of non-bank payment instruments that preserve financial privacy from banks and relatives may increase their online purchases. We analyze the purchasing decisions and the use of bank and non-bank payment instruments of a representative sample of French Internet consumers in 2015. Using two econometric methods, namely a two-step regression and a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo model to account for a potential endogeneity problem, we find evidence that the use of a non-bank payment instrument positively influences consumers’ online purchases.
Do acute ischemic stroke patients receive the right treatment in non-stroke units?
Authors: Adam D. , Burduşa Gina , Iftimie D.
Published: September 2017

Background: Modern treatment of acute ischemic stroke includes thrombolysis and thrombectomy performed for eligible patients in specialized stroke centers. However, a number of patients are admitted in Neurosurgical or Intensive Care Departments of emergency hospitals, units where routine treatment strategies are applied.

Objective: To evaluate the management of patients admitted in these departments that do not benefit from thrombolytic or endovascular treatment.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, including all patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the “St. Pantelimon” Clinical Emergency Hospital with the primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in the year 2016. The following data was retrospectively collected: patient age and sex, comorbidities, risk factors for ischemic stroke, level of consciousness at admission, neurological deficits, stroke location, blood glucose levels, interval from stroke onset to admission, treatment and discharge status.

Results: In 2016, 63 patients with primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke confirmed by head CT scan were admitted in our hospital. None presented indication for decompressive craniectomy. Over a half of them (57,14%) were comatose. The majority of patients admitted to the ICU (76,47%) received glucose 10% infusions in the first 24 hours from admission, despite increased blood glucose levels at admission. A number of 38 (60,32%) of these patients died.

Conclusions: Patients with acute ischemic stroke should be treated in stroke units with proper equipment and specialists. National public health institutions should take the necessary measures in order to ensure that patients get to the best facility in order to receive the right therapy in the right amount of time.
Surgical treatment of rare metastatic tumor in Meckel’s Cave: a case report
Authors: Radoi Mugurel , Stefanescu Florin , Vakilnejad Ram , Rodica Fugaciu
Published: September 2017

Objectives: Metastases in Meckel’s cave are a rare tumor entity, but they should be considered in patients with a known primary malignancy and who complain of trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: The case of a patient with a left trigeminal neuralgia caused by a metastatic tumor involving the Meckel’s cave and Gasserian ganglion is reported. Preoperative symptoms included headache, trigeminal hyperesthesia and facial pain.

Results: The patient underwent microsurgical resection of the tumor, obtaining a histological diagnosis and a resolution of the pain. Trigeminal motor function was preserved.

Conclusion: The best treatment for tumors of Meckel’s cave, including metastases, is complete microsurgical removal. Although good results have been reported with radiosurgery, this treatment should be reserved only for nonresectable and residual tumors.
Intracranial – extracranial meningioma: a case report of a rare entity
Authors: Aleksic Vuk , Spaic Milan , Mihajlovic Miljan , Samardzic Marko , Popovic Igor , Zivkovic Nenad , Cvijovic Aleksandra
Published: September 2017

Meningiomas are common benign intracranial tumors. However, intracranial meningiomas with extracranial extension are exceedingly rare lesions with only a few reported cases in the literature. We report a case of an 86 years old female patient presented with enlarging mass over left parietal region for last 3 years. Besides cosmetic, she had no complaints. Head CT scan with bone window showed a large tumor consisting of intracranial and extracranial part, suggestive for meningioma. Patient was operated, and both parts of tumor were removed. Taking into account surgery indication and patient’s age, bone flap was returned. The postoperative course was uneventful and patient fully recovered. In the case of epicranial tumor attached to the underlying bone, meningioma should be excluded.
Hemimegalencephaly without seizures: report of a case and review of literature
Authors: Atul Agrawal , Gautam Dutta , Daljit Singh , Deepashu Sachdeva , Robin Gupta
Published: September 2017

Hemimegalencephaly is a rare malformation of the brain characterized by enlargement of one cerebral hemisphere. The classic clinical triad consists of intractable epilepsy, severe psychomotor delay and hemiparesis. We report a case of a six months old girl, with the radiological features of hemimegalencephaly but with a comparatively benign clinical course. She had mild developmental delay but with no paresis or seizures. Literature revealed only two reported cases of hemimegalencephaly without the presence of seizures. We discuss the clinical and radiological findings of this third reported case.
Post traumatic vertebro basilar dissection: case report and review of literature
Authors: Karthikeyan Y.R. , Chopra Sanjeev , Sharma Somnath , Purohit Devendra
Published: September 2017

Posterior circulation territory stroke following mild head injury is a known entity although rarely seen. Numerous case reports appear in literature from time to time highlighting this complication. Blunt trauma to the head and neck possibly causes injury to the vertebrobasilar system in the form of angiorrhexis, subintimal, intramural and perivascular hemorrhage which causes secondary narrowing of the injured vessel. These processes can be complicated by progressive thrombosis & vascular occlusion. Here we are reporting a case of post traumatic vertebra-basilar dissection causing bilateral cerebellar and brainstem infarct.
Chondroblastoma of thoracic vertebra in young adult causing paraparesis
Authors: Giri Pramod J. , Chavan Vaibhav S.
Published: September 2017

Chondroblastoma of spine is very rare condition. To best of our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the world literature. Almost all of them involved both anterior & posterior component of vertebra. There are only few reports with isolated posterior element involvement. Clinical presentation of paraparesis because of vertebral chondroblastoma is very rare. This case report presents 17 yr old male with chondroblastoma involving posterior thoracic vertebra presenting with quadriparesis which improved after successful treatment. Early diagnosis and complete excision with periodic follow up is necessary for treatment of this disease.
Twist drill craniostomy vs Burr hole craniostomy in chronic subdural hematoma: a randomized study
Authors: Jaiswal Somil , Chaudhuri A.K. , Ghosh S.N. , Ghosh S. , Saha S.K. , Jaiswal Pooja
Published: September 2017

Aim: To compare two most common operative procedures used in patients with chronic subdural hematomas - Twist drill craniostomy and Burr Hole Craniostomy.

Material and Methods: The study was a prospective randomized controlled trial on patients with chronic subdural hematomas.

Results: Both procedures are comparable with respect to outcome but surgical duration is statistically higher in Burr Hole craniostomy than Twist Drill Craniostomy.

Conclusion: Twist Drill Craniostomy is procedure of choice in emergency surgical situation.
Posttraumatic hydrocephalus: Lessons learned from management and evaluation at a tertiary institute with review of literature
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kumar Pavan , Jaiswal Gaurav , Gupta Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2017

Background: Post traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is a commonest treatable complication of severe traumatic brain injury that’s leads to failure of improvement and worsening of the outcome. Incidence of posttraumatic hydrocephalus is 0.7%-29% reported in different literature. We have observed the development of PTH frequently seen in patients with severe head injury and after decompressive craniectomy (DC). Pathophysiology includes inflammatory changes and adhesion of arachnoid granulation, cerebral ischemia and alteration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics. We studied 35 cases of PTH diagnosed and treated at our institute from May 2008 to May 2017.

Material and methods: This is hospital based retrospective and prospective study conducted in tertiary center on the basis of neuro-radiological examination of the patient. Clinical biodata and radiological profile of the patients was studied at initial presentation with trauma, and when the patient worsened with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) in state of established PTH. These cases were treated by medium pressure ventriculoperitoneal shunt (V.P shunt) and outcome was evaluated.

Results: Incidence of PTH in our study is (2.3%). Out of 35 cases 24 (68.57%) were male and 11(31.4%) were female. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the most common mode of injury (82.85%), acute subdural hematoma (SDH) was the most common finding on C.T scan in 15 cases (42.8 %). Decompressive craniectomy was performed in 77% at time of initial trauma. PTH had favourable outcome with V.P. shunting in 91.42%.

Conclusion: Patients with traumatic brain injury present with many complications but PTH is most frequent sequeale that can present in form of various neurological symptoms after trauma and decompressive craniectomy. C.T. scan brain is the investigation of choice for diagnosis of PTH. Outcome was favourable after V.P. shunt in PTH.
Moyamoya Syndrome with contra lateral DACA aneurysm: First Case report with review of literature
Authors: Dwivedi Ashish Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Shrivastava Trilochan , Jain Shashi Kant
Published: September 2017

Moyamoya disease is a progressive steno-occlusive disease of bilateral internal carotid artery with the development of fine collateral vessels and is an angiographic diagnosis. Concurrent Moyamoya disease with intracranial aneurysm had been reported in literature by various authors. Moyamoya disease is reported with aneurysm at various locations including basilar tip, anterior choroidal artery, posterior choroidal artery, anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery. After reviewing literature thoroughly there is not a single case report on Moyamoya disease with isolated distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm with the best of our knowledge. Here we are reporting a case of Moyamoya disease of left petrous and cavernous part of internal carotid artery with contralateral distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm in a 36-year-old male.
Anterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping versus coiling: a comparative study of 50 cases
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Jain Shashi K. , Sinha Virendra D. , Srivastava Trilochan
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a devastating and often fatal form of stroke. The aneurysm is targeted for obliteration to prevent re-bleeding and to manage the possible complications from the event. Endovascular coiling has emerged as a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical clipping to treat aneurysms.

Patients and methods: This study was done in 50 cases of anterior communicating (Acommm) aneurysm presented in the department of neurosurgery, SMS medical college, Jaipur from November 2015 to August 2016 to evaluate the outcome of both modalities used in the treatment of ruptured Acommm aneurysm. 50 patients with Hunt and Hess (H&H) grade I, II or III were classified into two groups of microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling.

Results: Mortality rate was comparable in both groups that were 21. 21% in the clipping group and 23. 52% in the coiling group. Good Glasgow outcome score (GOS) were found in 60. 60% of clipping and 58. 58% of coiling group. All the complications found to be more in clipping group but that were not statistically significant except for hyponatremia which was significantly higher in clipping group(P=0. 007).

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in GOS at 6 month of follow up between the two groups. We recommend further interventional studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow up for better evaluation of the modalities.
Postraumatic pneumorrhachis: report of three cases and classification proposal
Authors: Padilla-Zambrano Huber S. , Amaya-Quintero Jessica , Yancarlos Ramos-Villegas , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Calderon-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Mo-Carrascal Joulen , Maraby Johanna , Agrawal Amit
Published: September 2017

The Pneumorrhachis is the presence of air at the level of the spinal canal. It can have several causes among which are: traumatic, iatrogenic among others. Clinical Cases: We present three cases of male patients handled by our neurosurgery service with traumatic pneumorrhachis patients, which were managed in a conservative manner, with control images. Conclusions: pneumorrhachis has traditionally been classified as internal if air is present in the subdural or subarachnoid space and external if the air is located at the epidural level. We propose a classification in degrees (Moscote-Agrawal-Padilla) which is more practical from the clinical and radiological point of view.
Surgical management of giant cell tumor of axis vertebra: review of fourteen cases in literature with a case illustration
Authors: Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Agrawal Amit
Published: September 2017

Primary spinal giant cell tumor (PSGCT) considered as rare primary neoplasm, with predilection for subarticular location and commonly located at knee joint region, sacrum or distal radius, however, spinal involvent is uncommon and comparatively much rarer in the cervical spine. Further occurrence of giant cell tumor in the Axis vertebra is extremely uncommon and easily misdiagnosed and, thus, treatment is still debated and various treatment modalities and different surgical approaches were utilized during evolution of surgical management. Authors could collect only 14 cases of primary giant cell tumor affecting Axis vertebra in a detailed Pubmed and Medline search, out of which 12 cases were primary and rest two case was recurrent. So authors reviewed in total thirteen cases primary giant cell tumor of Axis managed surgically, including our case. Out of 13 PSGCT, twelve cases were managed with surgical resection and the rest one case was managed with monoclonal antibody using Denosomab monotherapy without any surgical intervention. In the surgical group (n=12), nine cases had two staged surgical procedure, first being posterior fixation followed by anterior approach with resection of tumor while, the rest three had one stage surgical resection including current case. Authors reports a unique case of spinal giant cell tumor developing in a- 38 - year male with history of renal transplant, presented with neck pain and difficulty in walking, neuroimaging revealed a osteolytic mass lesion involving body of axis vertebra with extension into right sided lamina, underwent two stage complete surgical intervention. Authors describes management of such rare locally recurring primary bony pathology affecting axis vertebra as it is not only interesting and challenging and different management modalities, various, surgical approaches and issue of renal osteodystrophy along with pertinent literature is also reviewed briefly.
Current epidemiological trends of brain abscess: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Singh Neha , Singh Deepak Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Prajapati Hanuman
Published: September 2017

Aims: To determine the current epidemiological trends, clinical presentation and commonest organism of brain abscess in this part of the country.

Material and Methods: 104 cases admitted during August 2009 to July 2016 in the Department of neurosurgery of Dr RMLIMS Lucknow were included in the study. Detailed clinical history was taken and detailed neurological examination was done. Relevant laboratory investigations were done as needed along with CT scan and /or MRI brain. Patients were managed by aspiration or surgical excision and aspirated material sent for microbiological examination. Results were collected and analyzed.

Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) was the commonest cause of infection in 54.81% cases. Trauma was encountered in 10.58%% cases. Other causes were haematogenous spread of infection, dental caries and immunodeficiency. No source could be identified in 23 patients (22.11%).

Conclusion: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is still a major cause of brain abscess in developing country like India which is a benign curable disease and should not be neglected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment allows immediate decompression of mass reduces duration of antibiotic stay and minimizes treatment cost.
Crystal structure and thermal behavior of isostructural binary complexes [Rh(en)3][Fe(CN)6] and [Rh(en)3][Cо(CN)6]
Authors: Sophia Pechenyuk , Andrey Zolotarev , Julia Semushina , Alevtina Gosteva
Published: September 2017

Binary complex compounds (BCC) [Rh(en)3][Fe(CN)6]·2H2O (I) and [Rh(en)3][Co(CN)6]·2H2O (II) have been prepared and characterized by the X-ray diffraction, crystal optic, elemental and thermal analyses. The crystal structures I and II (space group P21/n) are described within the monoclinic crystal system, are insular and isostructural. The thermal behavior of BCC I and II is identical, with an exception of a higher temperature (~by 50°C) of II decomposition. In air atmosphere, the ligand removal is followed by the formation of, respectively, Rh+1/2Fe2O3 and Rh+Co that on further heating up to 1000°C convert into RhFeO3 and RhCoO1.5. The residues of annealing at 1000°C in argon atmosphere are Rh+1/2Fe2O3 and Rh+CoO, respectively.
Syntheses, crystal structures and photoluminescence properties of two rare-earth molybdates CsLn(MoO4)2 (Ln=Eu, Tb)
Authors: Zhao Dan , Ma Fa-Xue , Liu Bao-Zhong , Fan Yun-Chang , Han Xue-Feng , Zhang Lei , Nie Cong-Kui
Published: September 2017

Single crystals of two cesium rare-earth molybdates CsLn(MoO4)2 (Ln=Eu, Tb) have been prepared using the high temperature molten salt (flux) method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that they crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pccm (No. 49) and features a 2D layer structure that is composed of [Ln(MoO4)2]∞ and [Cs]∞ layers. Under near-UV light excitation, emission spectrum of CsEu(MoO4)2 consists of several sharp lines due to the characteristic electronic transitions of Eu3+ ions, whereas CsTb(MoO4)2 exhibits characteristic green emission of Tb3+ ions.
Substance and Evaluation in Personality Disorder Diagnoses
Authors: Leising Daniel , Scherbaum Stefan , Packmohr Pia , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: September 2017

Like person judgments in everyday life, diagnoses of personality disorders (PDs) reflect at least two influences: first, the actual characteristics of the target person (substance), and second, the more positive or negative view that the perceiver has of the target person (evaluation). In this article, we present a systematic account of substance and evaluation in PD diagnoses, using a modified version of Brunswik's (1956) lens model. An empirical study shows that the items of the alternative DSM-5 model for personality disorders (AMPD) are in fact saturated with evaluation, that this evaluation is largely the same as “social desirability,” and that the two mandatory components of the AMPD (criterion A and B) are not easily distinguishable from one another in that regard. We provide concrete recommendations as to how the conceptual clarity of PD diagnostics may be improved, by distinguishing people's personality dispositions from their (likely) long-term consequences.
DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: 18-Oxocortisol and 18-hydroxycortisol: is there clinical utility of these steroids?
Authors: Lenders Jacques W M , Williams Tracy Ann , Reincke Martin , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E
Published: September 2017

Since the early 1980s 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol have attracted attention when it was shown that the urinary excretion of these hybrid steroids was increased in primary aldosteronism. The development and more widespread use of specific assays has improved the understanding of their role in the (patho)physiology of adrenal disorders. The adrenal site of synthesis is not fully understood although it is clear that for the synthesis of 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol the action of both aldosterone synthase (zona glomerulosa) and 17α-hydroxylase (zona fasciculata) is required with cortisol as main substrate. The major physiological regulator is ACTH and the biological activity of both steroids is very low and therefore only very high concentrations might be effectivein vivo. In healthy subjects, the secretion of both steroids is low with 18-hydroxycortisol being substantially higher than that of 18-oxocortisol. The highest secretion of both steroids has been found in familial hyperaldosteronism type 1 (glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism) and in familial hyperaldosteronism type 3. Lower but yet substantially increased secretion is found in patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas in contrast to bilateral hyperplasia in whom the levels are similar to patients with hypertension. Several studies have attempted to show that these steroids, in particular, peripheral venous plasma 18-oxocortisol, might be a useful discriminatory biomarker for subtyping PA patients. The current available limited evidence precludes the use of these steroids for subtyping. We review the biosynthesis, regulation and function of 18-hydroxycortisol and 18-oxocortisol and their potential utility for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of patients with primary aldosteronism.
Caenorhabditis elegans HIF-1 Is Broadly Required for Survival in Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Topalidou Irini , Miller Dana L
Published: September 2017

Hydrogen sulfide is common in the environment, and is also endogenously produced by animal cells. Although hydrogen sulfide is often toxic, exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulfide improves outcomes in a variety of mammalian models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the initial transcriptional response to hydrogen sulfide depends on the hif-1 transcription factor, and hif-1 mutant animals die when exposed to hydrogen sulfide. In this study, we use rescue experiments to identify tissues in which hif-1 is required to survive exposure to hydrogen sulfide. We find that expression of hif-1 from the unc-14 promoter is sufficient to survive hydrogen sulfide. Although unc-14 is generally considered to be a pan-neuronal promoter, we show that it is active in many nonneuronal cells as well. Using other promoters, we show that pan-neuronal expression of hif-1 is not sufficient to survive exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Our data suggest that hif-1 is required in many different tissues to direct the essential response to hydrogen sulfide.
A New Diagnostic Resource forCeratitis capitataStrain Identification Based on QTL Mapping
Authors: Sim Sheina B , Ruiz-Arce Raul , Barr Norman B , Geib Scott M
Published: September 2017

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) is a destructive agricultural pest and the subject of exclusion efforts in many countries. Suppression and eradication of invasive populations to prevent its establishment is facilitated by the release of sterile males using the sterile insect technique (SIT). In SIT release areas, it is critical to accurately discriminate between released sterile males and wild individuals to detect extremely rare invasive individuals in areas inundated with millions of sterile male flies. Current methods for discrimination exist but are not always definitive, and a more reliable method is necessary. To address this, we developed a genotyping assay that can be used to discriminate between sterile males from the SIT strain and wild individuals. This was achieved by identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to the maintained traits that facilitate male-only releases, white pupae (wp) and temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl), via QTL mapping. This resulted in the identification of one SNP that was in near-perfect linkage disequilibrium between genotype at this locus and the pupal color phenotype. Medfly from many SIT colonies and wild individuals from across its geographic range were genotyped for this locus, and results show its consistency in identifying SIT flies. In addition, linkage and QTL mapping of wp and tsl have larger impacts as they can serve as foundational tools to identify the genetic basis of traits that facilitate the separation of males from female flies, which can be used to develop SIT programs in related species.
Serotonin Drives Predatory Feeding Behavior via Synchronous Feeding Rhythms in the Nematode Pristionchus pacificus
Authors: Okumura Misako , Wilecki Martin , Sommer Ralf J
Published: September 2017

Feeding behaviors in a wide range of animals are regulated by the neurotransmitter serotonin, although the exact neural circuits and associated mechanism are often unknown. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus can kill other nematodes by opening prey cuticles with movable teeth. Previous studies showed that exogenous serotonin treatment induces a predatory-like tooth movement and slower pharyngeal pumping in the absence of prey; however, physiological functions of serotonin during predation and other behaviors in P. pacificus remained completely unknown. Here, we investigate the roles of serotonin by generating mutations in Ppa-tph-1 and Ppa-bas-1, two key serotonin biosynthesis enzymes, and by genetic ablation of pharynx-associated serotonergic neurons. Mutations in Ppa-tph-1 reduced the pharyngeal pumping rate during bacterial feeding compared with wild-type. Moreover, the loss of serotonin or a subset of serotonergic neurons decreased the success of predation, but did not abolish the predatory feeding behavior completely. Detailed analysis using a high-speed camera revealed that the elimination of serotonin or the serotonergic neurons disrupted the timing and coordination of predatory tooth movement and pharyngeal pumping. This loss of synchrony significantly reduced the efficiency of successful predation events. These results suggest that serotonin has a conserved role in bacterial feeding and in addition drives the feeding rhythm of predatory behavior in Pristionchus.
Two groups of Pinus cembra forest communities in the Tatras
Authors: Kučera P.
Published: September 2017

A syntaxonomical statistical analysis of 110 phytocoenological relevés of the Western Carpathians Norway spruce-Arolla pine and Arolla pine phytocoenoses was performed. Resulting six relevé aggregates were evaluated at the rank of association. Two major groups of Arolla pine woodlands were distinguished following strong floristical differences and classified at the rank of alliances: non-carbonate group – Homogyno alpinae-Pinion cembrae (associations: Homogyno alpinae-Pinetum cembrae, Mylio taylorii-Pinetum cembrae, Prenantho purpureae-Pinetum cembrae, Cembro-Piceetum) and carbonate group – Calamagrostio variae-Pinion cembrae (associations: Seslerio tatrae-Pinetum cembrae, Cystopterido montanae-Pinetum cembrae).
A new lichenicolous species of Melaspilea (Melaspileaceae, Arthoniales) from India
Authors: Singh P. , Joshi Y. , Singh K. P.
Published: September 2017

A new lichenicolous fungus Melaspilea nitidochapsae colonising on the thallus of Nitidochapsa leprieurii (Mont.) Parnmen, Lücking et Lumbsch is described from India. The new species differs from other known species colonising lichen family Graphidaceae by having completely carbonised exciple, hyaline to pale brown transversely 1-septate ascospores and a different host.
Mother of her son: The literary scheme of the Adad-guppi Stele
Authors: Yun Sungduk
Published: September 2017

The inscription on the Adad-guppi Stele is an unusual literary work due to both its innovative structure and its contents describing Adad-guppi as the intercessor for Nabonidus. The literary structure of the inscription was the combination of the three-tier royal inscription (theological 1st person narrative) and a memorial text at her mother’s funeral (secular 3rd person narrative). It is a literary invention of Nabonidus’s scribes to meet the need of the occasion, and is surely a creative attempt. The mother’s role is described as an intercessor for her son: First, she gave birth to Nabonidus and provided an opportunity for him to have a court career. Secondly, the mother led her son to the sincere faith to Sîn and became the source of his blessings. Thirdly, she worked hard to build a bridge between Nabonidus and the ancient Mesopotamian political ideology, to achieve the legitimisation of her son’s ascension to the Babylonian throne. His line of propaganda seemed to work very well for 17 years, which is 8 more years after the death of the queen mother, but it lost its leverage at the appearance of Cyrus, king of Persia.
‘Ci sono troie in giro in Parlamento che farebbero di tutto’
Authors: Formato Federica
Published: September 2017

Italian female politicians are increasingly gaining access to the institutional public space, in some cases breaking the glass ceiling that has blocked them from reaching high positions. However, language used to attack them for their possible wrong doings or employed to represent themselves demonstrates that a rearrangement of a gendered xed order is constantly challenged by (those in) a culture and society that still sees women as mainly pertaining to the private sphere. In this article, I qualitatively investigate sexual terms, directly and indirectly sexist, used by a variety of actors (journalists, comedians, politicians) attempting to prove women’s unsuitability for political roles and, more broadly, for operating in the institutional public sphere. To examine these terms, I developed a framework which takes into consideration communicative functions (stereotypes, gossip and self-representation), aimed at providing a comprehensive and context-dependent investigation into how language is purposefully used to re-establish a known gendered structure (only men in the institutional sphere). Nexus analysis, borrowed from anthropologists Ron Scollon and Suzanne Scollon, is here performed in order to show how language is intrinsically linked to an ideologically gendered order which speakers seem to reproduce through linguistic practices. This article contributes to previous literature on Italy as a highly sexist culture as well as that on representation of female professionals operating in domains which have been historically inhabited by men. It also offers a methodological tool to investigate sexist terms employed in the media and in political spaces.
Female agency in action
Authors: Cresswell Catherine
Published: September 2017

This study examined the discursive and interactional processes by which adolescent female participants present and discuss their romantic relationships in a ‘Love and Relationships’ MXit forum, a mobile phone-based project created by the South African Non-Governmental Organisation, HIVSA. In doing so, it was possible to explore some of the norms and ‘taken-for-granted’ practices of romantic relationships that the participants describe, which offered insight into present research into adolescent experiences of gender and romantic relationships, as well as new subjects for consideration during intervention or analysis. In particular, it is suggested that because conceptions of love and having children appeared not to be foreclosed normative practices, these could prove fertile points of intervention with young women’s choices, agency, and ultimately, empowerment. This study thus recommends disseminating and increasing the scope of hi4LIFE and similar projects that provide platforms for the production of female agency.
Women are bitchy but men are sarcastic?
Authors: Taylor Charlotte
Published: September 2017

In this paper I investigate one aspect of the relationship between gender and mock politeness, focussing in particular on sarcastic behaviours. Previous research into sarcasm as an academic concept has suggested that it is more likely to be performed by males. In the data analysed here, there was no correlation between mock politeness and gender. However, there was a preference for labelling male mock polite behaviour as sarcastic, suggesting that the correlation is not between the academic concept of sarcasm and the male behaviour, but the way that mock polite behaviour is evaluated and labelled. The analysis draws on both corpus linguistics and survey data to further describe the relationship between the metapragmatic labels sarcastic and bitchy and gender of the performer.
Proportional-Integral-Derivative Gain-Scheduling Control of a Magnetic Levitation System
Authors: Bojan-Dragos Claudia-Adina , Precup Radu-Emil , Tomescu Marius L. , Preitl Stefan , Tanasoiu Oana-Maria , Hergane Stefania
Published: September 2017

The paper presents a gain-scheduling control design procedure for classical Proportional-Integral-Derivative controllers (PID-GS-C) for positioning system. The method is applied to a Magnetic Levitation System with Two Electromagnets (MLS2EM) laboratory equipment, which allows several experimental verifications of the proposed solution. The nonlinear model of MLS2EM is linearized at seven operating points. A state feedback control structure is first designed to stabilize the process. PID control and PID-GS-C structures are next designed to ensure zero steady-state control error and bumpless switching between PID controllers for the linearized models. Real-time experimental results are presented for validation.
Phasing of Periodic Tasks Distributed over Real-time Fieldbus
Authors: Lee Sang-Hun , Jin Hyun-Wook , Kim Kanghee , Lee Sangil
Published: September 2017

In designing a distributed hard real-time system, it is important to reduce the end-to-end delay of each real-time message in order to ensure quick responses to external inputs and a high degree of synchronization among cooperating actuators. In order to provide a real-time guarantee for each message, the related literature has focused on the analysis of end-to-end delays based on worst-case task phasing. However, such analyses are too pessimistic because they do not assume a global clock. With the assumption that task phases can be managed by using a global clock provided by emerging real-time fieldbuses, such as EtherCAT, we can try to calculate the optimal task phasing that yields the minimal worst-case end-to-end delay. In this study, we propose a heuristic to manage the phase offsets in the distributed tasks to reduce the theoretical end-to-end delay bound. The proposed heuristic reduces the search time for a solution by identifying time intervals where actual communication occurs among inter-dependent tasks. Furthermore, to analyze the distribution of endto- end delays in different phases, we implemented a simulation tool. The simulation results showed that the proposed heuristic can reduce worst-case end-to-end delay as well as jitter in end-to-end delays.
Benchmarking of Recommendation Trust Computation for Trust/Trustworthiness Estimation in HDNs
Authors: El-Sayed Hesham , Sankar Sharmi , Yu Heng , Thandavarayan Gokulnath
Published: September 2017

In the recent years, Heterogeneous Distributed Networks (HDNs) is a predominant technology implemented to enable various application in different fields like transportation, medicine, war zone, etc. Due to its arbitrary self-organizing nature and temporary topologies in the spatial-temporal region, distributed systems are vulnerable with a few security issues and demands high security countermeasures. Unlike other static networks, the unique characteristics of HDNs demands cutting edge security policies. Numerous cryptographic techniques have been proposed by different researchers to address the security issues in HDNs. These techniques utilize too many resources, resulting in higher network overheads. This being classified under light weight security scheme, the Trust Management System (TMS) tends to be one of the most promising technology, featured with more efficiency in terms of availability, scalability and simplicity. It advocates both the node level validation and data level verification enhancing trust between the attributes. Further, it thwarts a wide range of security attacks by incorporating various statistical techniques and integrated security services. In this paper, we present a literature survey on different TMS that highlights reliable techniques adapted across the entire HDNs. We then comprehensively study the existing distributed trust computations and benchmark them in accordance to their effectiveness. Further, performance analysis is applied on the existing computation techniques and the benchmarked outcome delivered by Recommendation Trust Computations (RTC) is discussed. A Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve illustrates better accuracy for Recommendation Trust Computations (RTC), in comparison with Direct Trust Computations (DTC) and Hybrid Trust Computations (HTC). Finally, we propose the future directions for research and highlight reliable techniques to build an efficient TMS in HDNs.
Gravitation Theory Based Model for Multi-Label Classification
Authors: Peng Liwen , Liu Yongguo
Published: September 2017

The past decade has witnessed the growing popularity in multi-label classification algorithms in the fields like text categorization, music information retrieval, and the classification of videos and medical proteins. In the meantime, the methods based on the principle of universal gravitation have been extensively used in the classification of machine learning owing to simplicity and high performance. In light of the above, this paper proposes a novel multi-label classification algorithm called the interaction and data gravitation-based model for multi-label classification (ITDGM). The algorithm replaces the interaction between two objects with the attraction between two particles. The author carries out a series of experiments on five multi-label datasets. The experimental results show that the ITDGM performs better than some well-known multi-label classification algorithms. The effect of the proposed model is assessed by the example-based F1-Measure and Label-based micro F1-measure.
A Hybrid Social Network-based Collaborative Filtering Method for Personalized Manufacturing Service Recommendation
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Yang Wenting , Xu Song , Zhang Wenyu
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, social network-based collaborative filtering (CF) methods are widely applied to recommend suitable products to consumers by combining trust relationships and similarities in the preference ratings among past users. However, these types of methods are rarely used for recommending manufacturing services. Hence, this study has developed a hybrid social network-based CF method for recommending personalized manufacturing services. The trustworthy enterprises and three types of similar enterprises with different features were considered as the four influential components for calculating predicted ratings of candidate services. The stochastic approach for link structure analysis (SALSA) was adopted to select top K trustworthy enterprises while also considering their reputation propagation on enterprise social network. The predicted ratings of candidate services were computed by using an extended user-based CF method where the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was leveraged to optimize the weights of the four components, thus making service recommendation more objective. Finally, an evaluation experiment illustrated that the proposed method is more accurate than the traditional user-based CF method.
Delay Tolerant Networks over Near Field Communications: The Automatic Multi-packet Communication
Authors: Schoeneich Radosław Olgierd , Sadło Piotr
Published: September 2017

The Near Field Communication is designed for sending small data, which size does not exceed the several dozen bytes, for distance not higher than two inches. The NFC can be used in store-carry-forward scenarios which are bases for Disruptive Tolerant Networks. The aim of this paper is proposal how to use NFC in transmission of large data in DTN. We propose an algorithm of fragmenting, sending and receiving data. We described software which was used in our prototype and discussed about implementation. Finally we showed results of tests performed on our model. Obtained results presents well characteristics of our solution.
Fast Motion Estimation Algorithm using Hybrid Search Patterns for Video Streaming Application
Authors: Rajamanickam Vani , Nageswaran Ushabhanu , Marikkannan Sangeetha
Published: September 2017

The objective of the paper is to develop new block matching Motion Estimation (ME) algorithm using hybrid search patterns along the direction of best match. The search efficiency for sequences with fast motions and high resolutions is improved by proposing New Cross Diagonal-Hexagon Search (NCDHS) algorithm which involves a novel multi half-hexagon grid global search pattern and a cross diagonal-hexagon local search pattern. The new search pattern enables the proposed algorithm to perform better search using 9.068 search points on an average, to obtain optimal motion vector with slight improvement in quality. This inturn reduces ME Time upto 50.11%, 47.12%, 32.99% and 43.28% on average when compared to the existing Diamond Search (DS), Hexagon Search (HS), New Cross Hexagon Search (NHEXS) and Enhanced Diamond Search (EDS) algorithms respectively. The novelty of the algorithm is further achieved by applying the algorithm proposed for live streaming application. The NCDHS algorithm is run on two MATLAB sessions on the same computer by establishing the connection using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) /Internet Protocol (IP) network. The ME Time obtained is 14.5986 seconds for a block size 16x16, is less when compared to existing algorithms and that makes the NCDHS algorithm suitable for real time streaming application.
Assessing Microvascular Function in Humans from a Chronic Disease Perspective
Authors: Houben Alfons J.H.M. , Martens Remy J.H. , Stehouwer Coen D.A.
Published: September 2017

Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is considered a crucial pathway in the development and progression of cardiometabolic and renal disease and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. MVD often coexists with or even precedes macrovascular disease, possibly due to shared mechanisms of vascular damage, such as inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. One of the first events in MVD is endothelial dysfunction. With the use of different physiologic or pharmacologic stimuli, endothelium-dependent (micro)vascular reactivity can be studied. This reactivity depends on the balance between various mediators, including nitric oxide, endothelin, and prostanoids, among others. The measurement of microvascular (endothelial) function is important to understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to MVD and the role of MVD in the development and progression of cardiometabolic/renal disease. Here, we review a selection of direct, noninvasive techniques for measuring human microcirculation, with a focus on methods, interpretation, and limitations from the perspective of chronic cardiometabolic and renal disease.
Depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Belialov F I
Published: September 2017

The analytical paper summarized the results of recent studies of an association of depression, anxiety, and stress with coronary heart disease (CHD). Mental disorders are shown to be associated with increased risk of CHD and to worsen the course of coronary disease. Antidepressants and psychotherapy improve the control of mental disorders, quality of life, and, in some cases, have a positive impact on the course of coronary disease.
Analysis of the clinical efficiency of eradication therapy in patients with coronary heart disease associated with gastroduodenal pathology
Authors: Simonova Zh G , Martusevich A K , Tarlovskaya E I
Published: September 2017

Aim. To comparatively analyze the clinical efficiency of eradiation therapy (ET) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) concurrent with gastroduodenal pathology (GDP). Subjects and methods. The study was conducted in three steps. In Step 1, 1588 patients with chronic CHD were examined. In Step 2, the characteristics of the course of CHD concurrent with Helicobacter pylori-associated GDP in 147 patients with these conditions compared to the same number of CHD patients without GDP. In Step 3, the impact of a GDP treatment option on the efficiency of treatment was investigated in the patients with CHD. Group 1 received ET + basic therapy (BT); Group 2 used antisecretory therapy + BT; Group 3 consisted of CHD patients without concomitant GDP who received BT only. The time course of changes in clinical and quality-of-life (QOL) indicators was assessed. Results. The patients with CHD concurrent with GDP have a more severe course of the disease as manifested by deterioration in clinical status and QOL. After ET, anginal attack rates were decreased by 62.6% in Group 1, by 30.7% in Group 2 (during antisecretory therapy), and by 29.5% in Group 3. The level of physical QOL increased by 23.7% in Group 1, which was not observed in Groups 2 and 3. Conclusion. Inclusion of ET in an algorithm for treating CHD patients with GDP promotes the angina stability and normalizes QOL in the patients.