bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making the most of RNA-seq: Pre-processing sequencing data with Opossum for reliable SNP variant detection
Authors: Oikkonen Laura , Lise Stefano
Published: March 2017

RNA-seq (transcriptome sequencing) is primarily considered a method of gene expression analysis but it can also be used to detect DNA variants in expressed regions of the genome. However, current variant callers do not generally behave well with RNA-seq data due to reads encompassing intronic regions. We have developed a software programme called Opossum to address this problem. Opossum pre-processes RNA-seq reads prior to variant calling, and although it has been designed to work specifically with Platypus, it can be used equally well with other variant callers such as GATK HaplotypeCaller. In this work, we show that using Opossum in conjunction with either Platypus or GATK HaplotypeCaller maintains precision and improves the sensitivity for SNP detection compared to the GATK Best Practices pipeline. In addition, using it in combination with Platypus offers a substantial reduction in run times compared to the GATK pipeline so it is ideal when there are only limited time or computational resources available.
FEATURES OF CLINICAL COURSE OF ASTHMA IN PREGNANT WOMEN DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF EXHALED NITROGEN OXIDE AND VITAMIN D IN THE ORGANISM
Authors: Лучникова Татьяна , Luchnikova Tatyana , Приходько Ольга , Prikhodko Olga
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the contents of exhaled nitrogen oxide and vitamin D level in the blood serum of patients with asthma in the dynamics of pregnancy and establish the extent of influence of their concentration on the clinical course of the disease and the state of health of posterity. 96 pregnant women with asthma were examined; among them there were 33 patients with controlled asthma, 39 with partially controlled one, and 24 with uncontrolled asthma. 47 patients had mild asthma, 43 patients had moderate asthma and 6 had severe asthma. The comparison group consisted of 26 pregnant women without bronchopulmonary pathology. Clinical and anamnestic data, results of lung function study were used; the level of exhaled nitrogen oxide and concentration of vitamin D in blood serum were determined in dynamics of pregnancy in patients depending on severity of the disease and level of monitoring. The state of health of newborns from pregnant women with asthma was assessed. It was found out that patients with severe asthma in comparison with mild and moderate ones had higher level of NOex during pregnancy: from 46.3±5.0 ppb in the 1st trimester till 59.0±3.2 ppb in the 3rd trimester (р<0.05). Average level of vitamin D in pregnant women with asthma was 23.26±1.5 ng/ml; in the control group it was 36.1±0.74, which indicates insufficient levels of vitamin D in patients with asthma during pregnancy. In pregnant patients with asthma NOex level and vitamin D contents correlated with the severity of the disease, the level of control of asthma and duration of gestation. At the stage of screening all pregnant women with vitamin D deficiency were registered to have intrauterine growth retardation, and while assessing the condition of the newborn by Apgar low rates were found in children from mothers with low vitamin D. The levels of NOex and vitamin D in pregnant woman can be used to determine the dynamics of the disease in the gestation period.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF RENAL BLOOD FLOW IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF MYELOMA NEPHROPATHY AND IN PRIMARY NEPHROLOGY PATHOLOGY
Authors: Макарова Наталья , Makarova Natalya
Published: March 2017

A comparative analysis of the indicators of renal hemodynamics in patients with chronic renal failure/chronic kidney disease (CRF/CKD) developed against myeloma nephropathy (group 1) and with primary kidney disease (group 2) was done. 20 patients were included in the first group, 14 patients were in the second one, and in most cases there was Stage 3 CRF/CKD. There were analyzed the following indicators of renal blood flow: peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, mean flow velocity throughout the entire cardiac cycle, resistive index and pulsation index. Circulation figures were recorded at the level of basic, segmental, interlobar, arc, interlobular renal arteries. It is concluded that violations of renal blood flow and vascular resistance in patients with multiple myeloma complicated by chronic renal failure are primarily due to CKD itself. The differences in the two groups of patients with CRF/CKD were only about the average level in the parenchymal blood flow velocity (interlobular, arcuate, interlobar arteries); at myeloma nephropathy it was significantly reduced in comparison with the control group and patients with CRF/CKD without hemoblastosis. The rest velocity parameters were significantly reduced and vascular resistance indices were increased in comparison with the control and did not differ in groups of patients with CRF/CKD. Thus, hemodynamic changes at the level of parenchyma are the most important for patients with multiple myeloma, which suggests more severe violations of kidneys in these patients with the complication of CRF.
THE STATE OF HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM IN TERM NEWBORNS FROM MOTHERS WHO SUFFERED INFLUENZA VIRUS A(H3N2) IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
Authors: Ишутина Наталия , Ishutina Nataliya , Гориков Игорь , Gorikov Igor , Андриевская Ирина , Andrievskaya Irina
Published: March 2017

The functional state of liver in 112 term newborns, who depending on their antenatal ontogenesis were divided into 4 groups, was studied. The first group (control) was made of 30 healthy newborns from mothers with physiological course of pregnancy; the second group consisted of 30 children whose mothers suffered influenza A(H3N2) (antibody titers were 1:4-1:16), the third group had 27 newborns with antenatal anamnesis complicated with influenza A(H3N2) (antibody titers were 1:8-1:32) and the fourth group had 25 children whose mothers suffered A(H3N2) (antibody titers were 1:32-1:128) at early stages of gestation. In newborns in the serum of the umbilical blood there were found the contents of total protein, albumins, total, indirect and direct bilirubin, activity of alanine aminotransferase, serum glutamate-oxaloacetate-transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactic dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase, concentration of total cholesterol, lipoproteins of low density and triglycerides. In babies from mothers who suffered influenza infection with antibody titers 1:32-1:128 there was the decrease of total protein till 55.1±1.27 g/l (in the control group it was 62.1±1.45 g/l; р<0.01) and albumins till 34.2±1.01 g/l (in the control it was 38.2±1.13 g/l; р<0.05) against the increase of total bilirubin till 35.5±1.29 mcmole/l (in the control it was 25.3±1.67 g/l; р<0.001), of indirect bilirubin till 33.2±1.28 mcmole/l (in the control it was 23.4±1.67 mcmole/l; р<0.001), of direct bilirubin till 2.33±0.10 mcmole/l (in the control it was 1.91±0.09; р<0.01) and the activity of alkaline phosphatase till 175.7±10.62 МЕ/l (in the control it was 141.6±6.39 МЕ/l; р<0.01). This showed the suppression of protein-synthesizing and pigment function of the liver as well as of the process of cholestasis. At the same time there was the decrease of total cholesterol till 1.83±0.06 mmole/l (in the control it was 2.08±0.07 mmole/l; р<0.01) and lipoproteins of high density till 1.02±0.06 mmole/l (in the control it was 1.27±0.06 mmole/l; р<0.01). Their concentration causes the stability of cellular membranes and hypothalamic-pituitarium-adrenal system in newborns to unfavourable factors in the early postnatal period of their development.
THE PROTECTIVE INFLUENCE OF A MIXTURE OF ADAPTOGENIC PRODUCTS FROM HYPERICUM PERFORATUM AND RHODIOLA ROSEA ON WARM-BLOODED ORGANISM UNDER COLD AND HEAT STRESS
Authors: Литовченко Екатерина , Litovchenko Ekaterina , Коршунова Наталья , Korshunova Natalya
Published: March 2017

In the experimental conditions the possibility of increasing the resistance of rats to physical influence in the conditions of the use of a mixture of adaptogenic products (Hypericum perforatum and Rhodiola rosea) under cold and heat stress was studied. The animals were divided into 9 groups, each of them had 10 rats: the 1st group had intact animals which were held in standard conditions of vivarium; the 2nd group was the control group in which rats were exposed to cold during three hours daily (-15ºC, 50% humidity); the 3rd was the control group in which rats were exposed to heat during 45 minutes daily (+40ºC, 50% humidity); the 4th, 6th, 8th groups were the experimental groups in which before cooling animals had a daily intake of powder mixture of Hypericum perforatum and Rhodiola rosea in a dose of 30 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, respectively; the 5th, 7th, 9th groups were the experimental groups in which rats before being put in the heat climatic chamber were given a daily intake of powder mixture of Hypericum perforatum and Rhodiola rosea in a dose of 30 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, respectively. It was found out that cold and heat exposure reduces the resistance of experimental animals (in different degrees) to swimming in all the days of the experiment. Thus the length of swimming of intact animals was 146±3.4 min; whereas in animals under cold exposure in the control group it was 108±5.6 min, and under the exposure to heat it was 105±3.4 min (p<0.01). The introduction of a mixture of Hypericum perforatum and Rhodiola rosea into the food of animals, exposed to temperature effects in a dose of 150-300 mg/kg increased swimming time under exposure to cold up to 178±4.7 min (р<0.05) and under exposure to heat up to 181±3.0 min (р<0.05). At the 14th day the average duration of swimming of rats which took the mixture at a dose of 150-300 mg/kg against exposure to cold and heat was 192±3.0 min and 188±5.9 min, respectively. A similar trend was observed till the 28th day of research. Thus, the use of a mixture of Hypericum perforatum and Rhodiola rosea in conditions of prolonged heat and cold stress on the organism of experimental animals leads to significant increase in the resistance of rats to fatigue.
THE FEATURES OF MUSCULAR AND PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF TENNIS PLAYERS DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OF THEIR SPORTS EFFICIENCY
Authors: Юрченко Ольга , Yurchenko Olga , Лейфа Андрей , Leyfa Andrey , Войтус Леонид , Voytus Leonid
Published: March 2017

The article deals with the features of psycho-emotional state of women tennis players of different sports qualification. The results of the study showed that sportswomen who have low sports efficiency are more communicative and they are more emotional and subject to other people’s influence. As a rule they have inflated self-esteem, limit-exceeding conservatism and a low level of imagination. Tennis players of this group have superfluous courage, they are very expressive and anxiety and tension in this qualification group exceed the norms.
THE CONCEPT OF RISK FACTORS FOR THE HEALTH OF THE POPULATION
Authors: Сабирова Ксения , Sabirova Kseniya , Шитер Наталья , Shiter Natalya , Жигаев Дмитрий , Zhigaev Dmitriy , Кику Павел , Kiku Pavel , Мезенцева Марина , Mezentseva Marina
Published: March 2017

А systematic view on the concept of risk types of human health is presented; the main directions of the analysis of the influence of social factors on individual and population health are described. A number of approaches to the classification of risk factors take into account the form of exposure, the risk from exposure to environmental factors and social risk factors and their influence on an individual. There are five areas of analysis of the influence of social factors on individual and population health: essential-oriented; structured; detail-oriented; empirically-oriented; specially-oriented. Groups of risk factors affecting health equally relevant to men and women were distinguished: the first group was made based on socio-economic factors (low level of education; uncomfortable household; poor nutrition depending on material welfare and social status of the population (67% of the population); the second group of factors was formed according to the lifestyle (smoking, alcohol consumption, low physical activity, lack of prevention of the basic diseases (91% of the population); the third group included medical-biological factors (people older than 50, chronic diseases being a background of deteriorating health and the reason for new diseases development (52% of the population). The methods of management of social risks to human health which are the methods of influence on the person as an individual and on society and public consciousness in general are presented. Identification of risk factors for human health determines the direction of operation of health institutions in taking treatment, rehabilitation, preventive and anti-epidemic measures.
Multilevel Organizational Adaptation: Scale Invariance in the Scottish Healthcare System
Authors: Dattée Brice , Barlow James
Published: March 2017

We use the case of a “whole-system” change program in a national healthcare system to empirically examine the multilevel dynamics underlying organizational adaptation. Our analysis demonstrates how the cognitive distance between agents’ causal representations affects opportunities to cooperate in hierarchical systems. Using complexity theory, we identify a scale-invariant causal pathway that can be applied recursively across many organizational levels. At each level, three coupled feedback loops determine how local agents modify their cognitive representations to include uncovered interdependencies and synchronize their adaptive search across organizational boundaries: a “boundary work” loop, a “small wins” loop, and a “parochialism” loop. Our results also point to the scale-dependency of the strength of dissipative processes across levels. These novel results further develop the theory of organizational change and have practical implications for large multilevel organizations, especially regarding the sustainability of improvements.
Impacts of the Allocation Assumption in Life-Cycle Assessments of Wood-Based Panels*
Authors: Taylor Adam M. , Bergman Richard D. , Puettmann Maureen E. , Alanya-Rosenbaum Sevda
Published: March 2017

Wood processing often involves an array of products and coproducts and a cascade of primary and secondary uses. Prior life-cycle assessment (LCA) reporting allocated environmental burdens to products and coproducts based on mass for multiproduct systems to develop environmental product declarations, which are developed from LCAs following the procedures detailed in product category rules (PCRs). A recent PCR for North American structural and architectural wood products requires allocation by economic value when the main products exceed the value of coproducts by greater than 10 percent. Using recent LCAs of wood-based panels, this article describes the differences in LCA results when using mass and economic allocation methods. For wood panel products that do not use wood residues from primary wood manufacturers (e.g., plywood), an increase in environmental impacts results from an economic allocation approach. For wood panel products made from wood residues (e.g., cellulosic fiberboard), there is a slight decrease in most environmental impact metrics with economic allocation. Sensitivity and variability in LCA results are discussed for the mass and economic allocation approaches.
Reviews Books
Authors: Cooper Jackson , Haslam Connor , Scaparo Chic , Okamoto Brianna , Anundson Abigail , Plantamura Lydia
Published: March 2017

Charles Walters: The Director Who Made Hollywood Dance, Brent Phillips, (2014)

Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 368 pp., ISBN: 978-0-8131-4721-5 (hbk) $40, ISBN: 978-0-8131-4722-2 (ebk) $40

Omnibus Films: Theorizing Transauthorial Cinema, David Scott Diffrient, (2014)

London: Edinburgh UP, 304pp., ISBN: 9780748695669 (pbk), $39.95, ISBN: 9780748695652 (hbk), $120.00

Spike Lee (Contemporary Film Directors), Todd McGowan, (2014)

Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press, 184pp., ISBN 978-0-252-07961-0 (pbk), $22.00

Across the Pond

World Film Locations: Liverpool, Jez Conolly and Caroline Whelan, eds., (2013)

Bristol: Intellect, 128pp., ISBN: 978-1-78320-026-9 (pbk), $25

World Film Locations: Rome, Gabriel Solomons, ed., (2014)

Chicago: Intellect, 128pp., ISBN: 978-1-78320-200-3 (pbk), $22.00

Screening the Undead: Vampires and Zombies in Film and Television, Leon Hunt, Sharon Lockyer, Milly Williamson, eds., (2013)

London: I.B. Tauris, 272pp., ISBN: 9781848859241 (pbk), $28.00
Reviews Film
Authors: Mahaseth Harsh
Published: March 2017

Udaan (2010) India Director Vikramaditya Motwane Runtime 134 minutes
Reviews DVD/Blu-ray
Authors: Radovic Mina , Warpole Kailyn N. , Alicia Lesley , Parkhurst Jordan , Scharaga Jordan , Wassil Rachel
Published: March 2017

The Merchant of Four Seasons (1971) Germany Director Rainer Werner Fassbinder Runtime 88 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

The Thin Blue Line (1988) USA Director Errol Morris Runtime 102 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Two Days, One Night (2014) Belgium Directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne Runtime 95 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Die Brücke (The Bridge, 1959) Germany Director Bernhard Wicki Runtime 103 minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Produced and Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Night and the City (1950) UK Director Jules Dassin Runtime 95 Minutes

Blu-ray USA, 2015 Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)

Charade (1963) USA Director Stanley Donen Runtime 113 minutes

DVD Canada, 2001 Distributed by Madacy Entertainment Group, Inc. (region 1)
Horrorism in the scene of torture: Reading Scarry with Cavarero
Authors: Huzar Timothy J.
Published: March 2017

In this article I read Elaine Scarry’s account of torture in her The Body in Pain (1985) alongside Adriana Cavarero’s account voice and its relationship to violence in her A più voci: Per una filosofia dell’espressione vocale (For More than One Voice) (2005) and Orrorismo: Ovvero della violenza sull’inerme (Horrorism) (2011). This serves a dual purpose: first, to demonstrate that Scarry’s account of torture is implicitly committed to an Aristotelian distinction between phone and logos which mirrors Cavarero’s account of ‘The Devocalization of Logos’ (2005: 33); and second, to probe the limits of Cavarero’s notion of ‘horrorism’ by reading it against Scarry’s account of torture and some of Cavarero’s own examples from For More than One Voice (2005). Unlike Cavarero, for whom torture is a form of horrorism because it effaces the uniqueness of the prisoner, I argue that Scarry’s account of torture demonstrates the gross reverence that the torturer pays to the prisoner’s uniqueness. In this way I argue that torture places the prisoner’s uniqueness into a suspended state of dissolution.
Space, shape and the Physio-Vocal instrument
Authors: Lewis Robert
Published: March 2017

This article discusses ways in which the Physio-Vocal element of the performer can be trained through Laban’s Shape Qualities and Effort Factors such as Weight, Space, Flow and Time using architecture as a major influence in both training and performance. How do we train performers in order for them to respond genuinely, and organically with (and to) the space around them? At times, a disconnection between voice and body (the Physio-Vocal) and space can be evident. The process should be instigated from the physical space using spatial and architectural language. Architecture and spatial relationships have long played an important role in actor training. Rudolf von Laban studied architecture, and developed an interest in the relationships between the body and the surrounding space. Elements such as Architecture, Spatial Relationships and Topography from Viewpoints also stem from this notion. Methods in which voice can integrate seamlessly with these Factors will be discussed, using it as a framework for voice, speech and text work. Voice and body are often practised separately; however, the language used in Laban Movement Analysis can be applied to voice work, and proves to be an effective way to consolidate the Physio-Vocal instrument. Persona Collective’s physically and vocally demanding production of Patricia Cornelius’s Savages, a dangerous, new Australian play examining the pack mentality of men, was performed at a car park as part of Tasmania’s Junction Arts Festival in 2014. For the actors to be both a part of and from the public space, a rigorous training method was developed. A combination of Laban Movement Analysis was used alongside the Space elements borrowed from Overlie’s Viewpoints in order to seamlessly merge bodies with space. A vocal texture was also developed using movement language. The result was a production that seamlessly merged architecture, body and voice.
Reviews
Authors: Bentivegna Francesco , Meizel Katherine , LaBelle Brandon , Lentjes Rebecca , Benkhaled Walid
Published: March 2017

THE ART OF VOICE SYNTHESIS SYMPOSIUM, AMSTERDAM, 11–13 MAY 2016 http://www.artificialvoice.nl/

THE LATE VOICE: TIME, AGE, AND EXPERIENCE IN POPULAR MUSIC, RICHARD ELLIOTT (2015) New York and London: Bloomsbury Publishing Inc., 289 pp., ISBN: 9781628921182, h/bk, $120; e-book, $107.99

BEYOND WORDS: SOBS, HUMS, STUTTERS AND OTHER VOCALIZATIONS, STEVEN CONNOR (2014) London: Reaktion Books, 240 pp., ISBN: 9781780232584, h/bk, £25.00

SENSING SOUND: SINGING AND LISTENING AS VIBRATIONAL PRACTICE, NINA SUN EIDSHEIM (2015) Durham: Duke University Press, 270 pp., ISBN: 9780822360469, h/bk, $89.95; ISBN: 9780822360612, p/bk, $24.95

VOICES IN THE MEDIA: PERFORMING FRENCH LINGUISTIC OTHERNESS, GAËLLE PLANCHENAULT (2015) London: Bloomsbury, 210 pp., ISBN: 9781472588029, £75.00
Exploring the association between body mass index and dental caries in 3–7-year-old children, living in Łódź, Poland
Authors: Bruzda-Zwiech Agnieszka , Borowska-Strugińska Beata , Filipińska Renata , Żądzińska Elżbieta , Lubowiedzka-Gontarek Beata , Szydłowska-Walendowska Beata , Wochna-Sobańska Magdalena
Published: March 2017

Dental caries and childhood obesity are major problems affecting the health of children and preventing these conditions in children have been recognized as public health priorities (Hong et al. 2008; Odgien et al. 2010). The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between age-specific body mass index (BMI-for age) and dental caries in 3- to 7-year-olds. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 729 children from randomly chosen kindergartens and elementary schools in the urban area of Lodz, Poland. Anthropometric measurements were taken and the BMI-for-age was calculated for each child. Dental examinations were performed according to the WHO criteria. The sum of decayed, missing, filled primary/ permanent teeth and surfaces - dmft/DMFT and dmft/DMFTS, and caries prevalence were computed. The percentage distribution of the BMI categories in the study group was: 72.7% normal weight, 8.92% underweight, 12.89% overweight and 5.49% obese. Caries prevalence in the primary dentition was significantly lower in underweight children than in those who were of normal weight (p=0.004) or were overweight (p=0.039). However, controlling for age and gender, no significant association was noted between BMI and caries prevalence in either dentition group. The Kruskal-Wallis test failed to reveal any significant differences in mean dmft across the four BMI groups in the whole population, nor within particular age groups, nor in DMFT in 5- to 7-year-olds. There was no association between BMI and dental caries either in the primary dentition or permanent teeth in the early period after eruption.
Use of upper arm anthropometry, upper arm muscle area-by-height (UAMAH) and midupper- arm-circumference (MUAC)-for-height as indicators of body composition and nutritional status among children
Authors: Debnath Sampriti , Mondal Nitish , Sen Jaydip
Published: March 2017

Upper arm anthropometry has a potential role to provide useful estimations of body composition and nutritional status. Aims of the present cross-sectional study were to assess body composition and nutritional status of rural school-going children using upper arm anthropometric measures such as upper arm muscle area-by-height (UAMAH) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) for-height. The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1281 children of West Bengal, India (boys 619, girls 662) aged 5-12 years and selected using a stratified random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements of height, weight, MUAC and triceps skinfold (TSF) were recorded. Body composition and nutritional status were assessed using upper arm muscle area (UMA), upper arm fat area (UFA), UAMAH and MUAC-forheight. Age-sex-specific overall adiposity in TSF, UFA, arm fat index and upper-arm fat area estimates were higher among girls than boys (p<0.01), but UMA and upper-arm muscle area estimates were observed to be higher among boys than girls (p<0.05). High prevalence of undernutrition was found among both boys (53.15%) and girls (41.69%) using UAMAH (p<0.01). The overall prevalence of low MUAC-forheight was higher among boys (28.59%) than girls (25.68%) (p>0.05). Upper arm anthropometric measures, UAMAH and MUAC-for-height are useful for assessment of body composition and nutritional status among children.
Theoretical Consideration of The Controllability Indicator of Machine-Tractor Unit Movement
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Adamchuk Valerii , Nadykto Volodymyr , Kyurchev Volodymyr , Nozdrovický Ladislav
Published: March 2017

The paper is focused on the issues of controllability of machine-tractor units based on wheel-type tractors during their non-straight driving on the soil surface, which is positioned at an angle to the horizon. There were obtained analytical expressions for the determination of the actual indicator of control λd, including both the power and the design parameters of the machine-tractor unit, which affect the abovementioned indicator in the longitudinal vertical plane. These expressions are obtained for the tractor driving on both road and also driving during field operation. In addition, the paper discusses the conditions under which there may occur the cross-slip of the tractor steering wheels in the transversal horizontal plane. As a result of this review, there were obtained the analytical expressions for determining the required indicator of the controllability λd of machine-tractor unit in the horizontal plane, excluding the possibility of lateral sliding of the unit by turning its steering wheels at a certain angle. These expressions are obtained for the two modes of the machine-tractor unit: for driving during transport on the road and during the operation in the field. The machine-tractor unit based on the wheel-type tractor with rear mounted 3-mouldboard plough was analytically investigated. By means of computer calculations, there was observed the fact that when moving in non-straight direction on the soil surface, inclined to the horizon at an angle of 12°, the machine-tractor unit is controllable only when the angles of the steering wheel of the given tractor do not exceed 9°. During the working movement (ploughing) of the given machine-tractor unit on an inclined field surface, its controllability will be preserved on condition that the angle of the tractor steering wheels does not exceed 11°. According to obtained results, it can be stated that the controllability of the machine-tractor unit is determined by the indicator of controllability, taking into account the value of the vertical load acting on the tractor steering wheels, the possibility of their turning in the horizontal plane, as well as the withdrawal of the machine-tractor unit from rectilinear motion and its movement on the field surface, inclined at an angle to the horizon.
Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Regionalbibliotheken in der Sektion 4 des dbv – Bericht für die Jahre 2015/2016
Authors: Riethmüller Marianne
Published: March 2017

Der Bericht informiert über die Tätigkeit der Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Regionalbibliotheken in der Sektion 4 des Deutschen Bibliotheksverbands (dbv) in den Jahren 2015 und 2016.
Haltung zeigen! Praktische Ethik als Teil der Medienbildung
Authors: Büsch Andreas
Published: March 2017

Digitalisierung ist der unumstrittene Megatrend, der mittlerweile alle gesellschaftlichen Bereiche – Verkehr, Kommunikation, Arbeit, Bildung usw. – ebenso beeinflusst wie die individuellen Sphären von Freizeit, Unterhaltung etc. Die Konsequenzen dieser vielfältigen Veränderungsprozesse sind noch nicht vollends absehbar und vor allem im Bereich Bildung wird noch unter mehreren Aspekten über die „richtigen“ Konzepte zur Vermittlung der notwendigen Kompetenzen gestritten. Dabei wird gerne übersehen, dass technische Kompetenzen in mehrfacher Hinsicht kaum ausreichen, um die mit der Digitalisierung einhergehenden Herausforderungen zu bewältigen.
Notizen zur Handschriftendigitalisierung an der Universitätsbibliothek Graz
Authors: Lenger Karl , Renhart Erich
Published: March 2017

Die Digitalisierung von Handschriften an der Universität Graz blickt auf eine 20jährige Geschichte zurück. Eine vom Bundesministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst geförderte Projektinitiative stellte den Anfang der Handschriftendigitalisierung dar. In den letzten Jahren hat die Bibliothek ein Kompetenzzentrum für Digitalisierung aufgebaut, das sich insbesondere der Handschriftendigitalisierung widmet. Der Artikel beschreibt den Aufbau und die Arbeitsorganisation des Digitalisierungszentrums und geht auf besondere Projekte ein.
Die Buchpublikationen der Nobelpreis-Ökonomen und die führenden Buchverlage der Disziplin. Eine bibliometrische Analyse
Authors: Tausch Arno
Published: March 2017

Rezente Beiträge in der wachsenden Disziplin der Szientometrie und Bibliometrie haben begonnen, nicht nur den „Impact“ der Veröffentlichungen in Fachzeitschriften, sondern auch von Büchern zu studieren. Diese Methode kann auf einzelne Autoren oder sogar auf den „Impact“ eines gesamten Verlags-Unternehmens angewendet werden. In unserem Aufsatz analysieren wir die Publikationsmuster der Nobelpreisträger für Wirtschaftswissenschaften, 1994–2014. Mehr als 50% der besten und zweithäufigsten global vertretenen Buchpublikationen dieser Autorinnen und Autoren geschahen bei nur 8 Verlagen, die alle durch ihre strenge Peer-Review bekannt sind.

Wir diskutieren dann die bisherigen Rankings der Verlage in der Literatur, und präsentieren dann unseren eigenen multivariaten Versuch, der folgende Dimensionen kombiniert:

– Die Veröffentlichung der Ergebnisse der Wissenschaft,

– Zitate und Ranking in der akademischen Gemeinschaft,

– Marktdurchdringung in zwei typischen westlichen Industrieländern,

– Die Beachtung der veröffentlichten Bücher durch internationale Entscheidungsträger,

– Marktdurchdringung in Entwicklungsländern,

– Beachtung in den internationalen Medien.

Die 6 Indikatoren für die 57 Unternehmen mit vollständigen Daten werden präsentiert und die Ergebnisse vorgestellt.
Morphological changes with depth in the calcareous brown alga Padina pavonica
Authors: Bürger Katharina , Clifford Elisabeth L. , Schagerl Michael
Published: March 2017

The calcareous brown alga
Variability in, variability out: best practice recommendations to standardize pre-analytical variables in the detection of circulating and tissue microRNAs
Authors: Khan Jenna , Lieberman Joshua A. , Lockwood Christina M.
Published: March 2017

microRNAs (miRNAs) hold promise as biomarkers for a variety of disease processes and for determining cell differentiation. These short RNA species are robust, survive harsh treatment and storage conditions and may be extracted from blood and tissue. Pre-analytical variables are critical confounders in the analysis of miRNAs: we elucidate these and identify best practices for minimizing sample variation in blood and tissue specimens. Pre-analytical variables addressed include patient-intrinsic variation, time and temperature from sample collection to storage or processing, processing methods, contamination by cells and blood components, RNA extraction method, normalization, and storage time/conditions. For circulating miRNAs, hemolysis and blood cell contamination significantly affect profiles; samples should be processed within 2 h of collection; ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) is preferred while heparin should be avoided; samples should be “double spun” or filtered; room temperature or 4 °C storage for up to 24 h is preferred; miRNAs are stable for at least 1 year at –20 °C or –80 °C. For tissue-based analysis, warm ischemic time should be <1 h; cold ischemic time (4 °C) <24 h; common fixative used for all specimens; formalin fix up to 72 h prior to processing; enrich for cells of interest; validate candidate biomarkers with in situ visualization. Most importantly, all specimen types should have standard and common workflows with careful documentation of relevant pre-analytical variables.
Reference ranges of thromboelastometry in healthy full-term and pre-term neonates
Authors: Sokou Rozeta , Foudoulaki-Paparizos Leontini , Lytras Theodore , Konstantinidi Aikaterini , Theodoraki Martha , Lambadaridis Ioannis , Gounaris Antonis , Valsami Serena , Politou Marianna , Gialeraki Argyri , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Iacovidou Nicoletta , Bonovas Stefanos , Tsantes Argirios E.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is an attractive method for rapid evaluation of hemostasis in neonates. Currently, no reference values exist for ROTEM assays in full-term and pre-term neonates. Our aim was to establish reference ranges for standard extrinsically activated ROTEM assay (EXTEM) in arterial blood samples of healthy full-term and pre-term neonates.

Methods:

In the present study, EXTEM assay was performed in 198 full-term (≥37 weeks’ gestation) and 84 pre-term infants (<37 weeks’ gestation) using peripheral arterial whole blood samples.

Results:

Median values and reference ranges (2.5th and 97.5th percentiles) for the following main parameters of EXTEM assay were determined in full-term infants: clotting time (seconds), 41 (range, 25.9–78); clot formation time (seconds), 70 (range, 40–165.2); maximum clot firmness (mm), 66 (range, 41–84.1); lysis index at 60 min (LI60, %), 97 (range, 85–100). The only parameter with a statistically significant difference between full-term and pre-term neonates was LI60 (p=0.006). Furthermore, it was inversely correlated with gestational age (p=0.002) and birth weight (p=0.016) in pre-term neonates.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, an enhanced fibrinolytic activity in pre-term neonates was noted. For most EXTEM assay parameters, reference ranges obtained from arterial newborn blood samples were comparable with the respective values from studies using cord blood. Modified reagents, small size samples, timing of sampling, and different kind of samples might account for any discrepancies among similar studies. Reference values hereby provided can be used in future studies.
Infrared analyzers for breast milk analysis: fat levels can influence the accuracy of protein measurements
Authors: Kwan Celia , Fusch Gerhard , Bahonjic Aldin , Rochow Niels , Fusch Christoph
Published: March 2017

Background:

Currently, there is a growing interest in lacto-engineering in the neonatal intensive care unit, using infrared milk analyzers to rapidly measure the macronutrient content in breast milk before processing and feeding it to preterm infants. However, there is an overlap in the spectral information of different macronutrients, so they can potentially impact the robustness of the measurement. In this study, we investigate whether the measurement of protein is dependent on the levels of fat present while using an infrared milk analyzer.

Methods:

Breast milk samples (n=25) were measured for fat and protein content before and after being completely defatted by centrifugation, using chemical reference methods and near-infrared milk analyzer (Unity SpectraStar) with two different calibration algorithms provided by the manufacturer (released 2009 and 2015).

Results:

While the protein content remained unchanged, as measured by elemental analysis, measurements by infrared milk analyzer show a difference in protein measurements dependent on fat content; high fat content can lead to falsely high protein content. This difference is less pronounced when measured using the more recent calibration algorithm.

Conclusions:

Milk analyzer users must be cautious of their devices’ measurements, especially if they are changing the matrix of breast milk using more advanced lacto-engineering.
Evaluation of thyroid test utilization through analysis of population-level data
Authors: Gill Jasmine , Barakauskas Vilte E. , Thomas Dylan , Rodriguez-Capote Karina , Higgins Trefor , Zhang Don , VanSpronsen Amanda , Babenko Oksana , Martindale Roberta , Estey Mathew P.
Published: March 2017

Background:

Inappropriate laboratory test utilization can result in unnecessary patient testing and increased healthcare costs. While several thyroid function tests are available, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is recommended as the first-line test for investigating and monitoring thyroid dysfunction. We evaluate thyroid test utilization in Northern Alberta in terms of testing patterns, frequencies, and reflex cutpoints.

Methods:

This retrospective study analyzed thyroid test requests from January to December 2014. Each request was designated as appropriate or potentially inappropriate as per clinical practice guidelines and Choosing Wisely recommendations, and the frequencies of each testing pattern were calculated. Sub-analysis was performed to categorize testing patterns based on physician specialty. The number of test requests per patient was determined to assess the appropriateness of testing frequency. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to define optimal TSH cutpoints for automatic reflex to FT4 testing.

Results:

Of 752,217 test requests, approximately 10% were potentially inappropriate in terms of testing patterns. Free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) requested with TSH accounted for 59% of all potentially inappropriate test requests, and 49% of requests from endocrinologists (ENDO) were potentially inappropriate, occurring most frequently among those with less experience. Excessive testing frequencies were observed in 869 patients, accounting for 9382 test requests. Adjustment of our TSH reflex cutpoint would significantly increase specificity for identifying a low FT4 without compromising sensitivity.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that questionable testing patterns, excessive testing frequencies, and suboptimal reflexive testing cutpoints contribute to inappropriate thyroid test utilization.
Efficient reporting of the estimated glomerular filtration rate without height in pediatric patients with cancer
Authors: Jeong Tae-Dong , Cho Eun-Jung , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Hong Ki-Sook , Min Won-Ki
Published: March 2017

Background:

The updated bedside Schwartz equation requires constant, serum creatinine concentration and height measurements to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in pediatric patients. Unlike the serum creatinine levels, obtaining height information from the laboratory information system (LIS) is not always possible in a clinical laboratory. Recently, the height-independent eGFR equation, the full age spectrum (FAS) equation, has been introduced. We evaluated the performance of height-independent eGFR equation in Korean children with cancer.

Methods:

A total of 250 children who underwent chromium-51-ethylenediamine tetra acetic-acid (

Results:

The FAS equation showed significantly lower bias (mL/min/1.73 m

Conclusions:

The height-independent eGFR-FAS equation was less biased and as accurate as the updated Schwartz equation in Korean children. The use of the height-independent eGFR equation will allow for efficient reporting of eGFR through the LIS in clinical laboratories.
Who are the officials in the central administration of the Czech Republic and what activities do they perform?
Authors: Ochrana František , Plaček Michal , Křápek Milan
Published: March 2017

The article examines the section of officials in the central administration who belong to the ministerial staff of the Czech Republic. It examines those persons engaged in the creation of analyses, strategies, and management activities. The study is based on original research conducted by the ministries of the Czech Republic in 2013 (N = 1351). The article seeks to discover what the make-up of this group is in terms of gender, age, and education levels at the chosen ministries, as well as to report on the types of experiences the group has had. The analysis shows that ministerial officials are in fact a gender-balanced group of employees, predominately university-educated. The overall median age of employees in all ministries is 42 years. On the other hand, there are certain inter-ministerial differences, as explained in detail in this paper. Based on results of the empirical research, conclusions have been drawn that may also serve as an inspiration for similar investigations in other countries of Central and Eastern Europe that address similar issues as found in the Czech Republic.
Effects of Lean Tools in Achieving Lean Warehousing
Authors: Anđelković Aleksandra , Radosavljević Marija , Stošić Danijela
Published: March 2017

The acceptance of lean philosophy in the company means not only respecting the lean principles in the manufacturing but in all the processes that are performed inside the company. All processes in the company that are a potential places for making losses and waste and thus require the application of lean principles. Among others, warehouse and warehouse operations, as a centre of costs and waste, must be supported through the implementation of lean philosophy in the company by respecting lean principles. The implementation of lean principles in the warehouse is a certain step of improvement warehouse process and performance, but also of the whole company. In that sense, the paper presents the analysis of the warehousing process and its performances before and after implementation of the lean tools in a selected Serbian company as a practical example. In addition, research shows which parts of warehousing need to be improved, in analysed company, as well as correlation between the individual parts of warehousing, according to employees' opinion from next sectors: purchasing, production and logistics.
A 210 GHz Power-Combined Frequency Multiplying Source with Output Power of 23.8 mW
Authors: Yao Changfei , Wei Xiang , Luo Yunsheng , Zhou Ming
Published: March 2017

This work presents the design and performance of a ×6×3 frequency multiplying chain which covers the frequency range from 207 to 220 GHz. The chain consists of an E-band sextupler, a four-way power-combined amplifier which delivers 300 mW output power and a 220 GHz balanced power-combined frequency tripler. Each way of the tripler circuit includes two anti-series mounted GaAs Schottky diode chips in which each diode has three anodes in series. The chain delivers maximum output power of 23.8 mW at 210 GHz with efficiency of 6.8 % and its output power is higher than 15 mW from 208.8 to 217.2 GHz. The chain has sufficient power to pump a 425 GHz heterodyne receiver and is possible to be used as a transmitting source for 220 GHz security detection systems.
Modelling of carrying capacity in National Park - Fruška Gora (Serbia) case study
Authors: Vujko Aleksandra , Plavša Jovan , Petrović Marko D. , Radovanović Milan , Gajić Tamara
Published: March 2017

Negative effects of tourism development in a destination are usually the consequence of the high concentration of tourists, accommodation facilities and the activities that are practiced in a relatively restricted area. One of the most important measures to protect the areas is to calculate the maximum number of tourists that can simultaneously reside in a region, i.e. the determination of the carrying capacity. This paper outlines a method for determining carrying capacity based on zoning of environmental resources and zoning within a region. The paper argues for a return to the idea of identifying maximum appropriate number of users. The main hypothesis of the paper is based on the statement that the development of tourism in Fruška Gora (Mountain) National Park in Northern Serbia must be in accordance with the basic principles of sustainability, including the determination of carrying capacity. The main research goal was to show the opinion of local residents about the uncontrolled development of tourism, and to determine the carrying capacity in four sports and recreational zones of the mountain. The carrying capacity of the area is calculated by Lavery and Stanev formulas.
Dynamic synthesis route of zeolite Y with kaolin to improve yield
Authors: Bai Yuting , Wu Wenyuan , Bian Xue
Published: March 2017

Zeolite NaY was successfully synthesized by a dynamic hydrothermal crystallization method with water glass and kaolin from Yunnan Provice of China. The products were modified to serve as hydrocracking catalysts. The influences of aging conditions of the structure-directing agent and crystallization methods were examined. The compositions and microstructures of zeolites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The catalytic performance for hydrocracking was briefly evaluated. The results showed that appropriate aging temperature and time of structure-directing agent were beneficial to nucleation. Combined with static crystallization, the yield of zeolite NaY prepared by the dynamic crystallization method was significantly improved, relative crystallinity increased from 46.91% to 74.18%, and conversion in hydrocracking accordingly increased from 39.58% to 55.93%.
Changes in Impact Signals and Muscle Activity in Response to Different Shoe and Landing Conditions
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Shen , Fu Weijie
Published: March 2017

Few rigorous scientific studies have investigated how the corresponding neuromuscular activity in the lower extremity occurs during different landing control movements in response to different impact signals. This study aimed to determine the potential shoe effects on impact signals, neuromuscular responses and their possible interactions in different human landing movements. Twelve male basketball players were required to wear high-cushioned basketball shoes (BS) and minimally cushioned control shoes (CC) to perform active drop jump landings (DJL) and passive landings (PL). Ground reaction forces and EMG amplitude (root mean square, EMGRMS) of the leg muscles within 50 ms before and after the landing movements were collected simultaneously. No shoe effect was found on the characteristics of impact signals and neuromuscular activity during the contact phase of DJL. By contrast, for PL, the values of maximal ground reaction force and the peak loading rate were evidently lower in the BS condition than in the CC condition (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the EMGRMS of all muscles demonstrated a significant decrease in the BS condition compared with the CC condition within 50 ms after contact (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that under the condition in which related muscles are activated improperly, a neuromuscular adaptation occurs in response to different impact signals.