bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Vitamin D Concentrations and Knee Pain in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Çakar Murat , Ayanoğlu Semih , Çabuk Haluk , Seyran Metin , Dedeoğlu Süleyman Semih , Gürbüz Hakan
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Osteoarthritis (OA) and vitamin D deficiency are common health conditions in older people. Whether vitamin D concentration is associated with knee OA is controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between serum concentrations of vitamin D and osteoarthritic knee pain.

Subjects and Methods:

Vitamin D concentrations were measured with the 25 hydroxyvitamin D test in patients presenting with clinical symptoms of primary knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was graded on the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale from anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Patients completed a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) for indicating pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Vitamin D concentration was defined as severely deficient (<10 ng/mL), insufficient (10 to 19 ng/mL), or normal (20 to 50ng/mL).

Results:

Of 149 patients (133 women) the mean age was 63.6 years. Mean vitamin D concentration was 11.53 ng/mL, and 90% patients were Vitamin D deficient. Mean WOMAC score was 57.2, and VAS pain score was 7.5. Kellgren-Lawrence grade was 2 for 10 patients grade 3 for 61, and grade 4 for 88. Mean BMI was 33.4. Mean values of VAS, WOMAC, and BMI did not differ by vitamin D status.

Conclusion:

Serum vitamin D concentration is not associated with knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis.
A different reason for subtalar joint pain
Authors: Selek Özgür , Müezzinoğlu Sefa
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

Interosseous cysts located in calcaneal sulcus are radiologically diagnosed as ganglion cysts. However there is not enough evidence in the literature about their treatment and how they occur. We think that these cysts may cause hind foot pain by causing peripheral bone edema of the calcaneus or mucoid fluid production which further increases subtalar intra articular pressure.

Methods:

We performed surgical treatment for calcaneal sulcus cyst to 6 patients in 2015. All patients were evaluated with AP and lateral ankle X-ray and MRI preoperatively.

Results:

We found that all cysts were arisen from insertion of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament in calcaneal sulcus by MRI ( figure 1 ). There were accompanying bone edema in 3 patients whose cysts were larger. We performed subtalar arthroscopy with drilling to 2 of the patients whose cysts were small. 3 patients were operated with curettage and grafting (autograft) by lateral approach. Last patient were treated with drilling by lateral approach. We detected the mucoid fluid stretching joint capsule when we reach subtalar joint during open surgery ( figure 2 ). Interosseous talocalcaneal ligament were intact in all patients treated even treated with open surgery or arthroscopy. Therefore cystic changes were not seen. In order to avoid ligament damage, cysts were curated and grafted with spongious bone through a small bone window. In a short follow-up period, complete pain relief without recurrence was observed. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text]

Conclusions:

During subtalar arthroscopy we saw that anterior of the posterior talar facet was impinged to talocalcaneal ligament insertion on the calcaneal sulcus. We suggest that cysts might occur as a result of recurrent oscillating trauma as Van der Vis et al. were postulated.
Injuries Requiring Surgery in Dancers Performing High-Demand Dances
Authors: Aksu Neslihan , Atansay Vefa , Koçulu Safiye , Karalök Işık
Published: March 2017

Aim:

Dancers are professional athletes. Dance injuries resemble sports injuries, however, they push the limits of anatomy and physiology for rightful expression of the esthetics. In this study, we examined a group of dancers and injuries which required surgery to understand the associated factors (age, gender, dexterity, dance style) and also the time to return to their full capacity.

Methods:

75 members of the Fire of Anatolia professional dance group (55 ethnic folk, 12 modern ballet, 8 Caucasian folk dancers) (mean age: 26.8±5.2; 17-38 years) performers were evaluated between the dates February 2009 and February 2016. The dancers suffered 14 orthopedic injuries requiring surgery during a six-year period. Nine of surgeries (64.2%) were the result of an acute trauma requiring meniscal repair in three due to meniscus tears, ACL reconstruction in two (one of them had to also undergo primary repair of the posterolateral corner of the knee) due to ACL tear, PCL reconstruction in one due to PCL tear, open medial patellofemoral ligament repair in one due to acute patellar dislocation, percutaneous fixation of the scaphoid in one due to scaphoid fracture and an extensor tendon repair of the hand in one due to extensor tendon cut. Five of the surgeries (35.7%) were due to chronic injuries consisting of deep infrapatellar bursitis treated by open bursectomy in one, arthroscopic fat pad resection due to Hoffa’s fat pad impingement in two, and arthroscopic resection of an symptomatic medial plica in two patients.

Findings:

Fourteen (12 male, 2 female; mean age: 30±5.45, range: 22 to 38) dancers out of 75 members (18.7%) of this high-demand dance group suffered injuries requiring surgery. Twelve (85.8%) of these injuries were at the knee joint and two (14.2%) were in the hand. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean ages of the dancers with and without injuries (p>0.05). Males suffered an injury 8.64 times more than females according to logistic regression analysis (p=0.003).

Results:

Male dancers are more susceptible to injuries that require surgery when compared to female dancers. All of the operated patients continue with their careers in dancing and arthroscopic surgery does not pose a threat to the career of the dancer. Level of Evidence: Level of evidence III. Retrospective cohort study
Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation and Version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) Scale to Turkish
Authors: Çelik Derya , Arıkan Funda , Gözbek Armad
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

It is important to objectively measure symptoms and functional limitations related to patellar tendinopathy using outcome measures that have been validated in the language of the target population. Cross-cultural adaptations are also useful to enhance the understanding of the measurement properties of an assessment tool, regardless of the target language. The aim of the study to translate and adapt the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patella (VISA-P) questionnaire to Turkish.

Methods:

The translation and cultural adaptation were performed according to international recommendations. In the first stage, 2 Turkish individuals with a good command of English were responsible for the literal and conceptual translation of the VISA-P. The informed translator was a physical therapist, and the uninformed translator was a teacher. Both translators were fluent in English and spoke Turkish as their mother tongue. The translations were completed independently. In the second stage, both translations were compared and reviewed by a bilingual individual who highlighted any conceptual errors or inconsistencies in the translations to establish the first Turkish translation. In the third stage, after the first Turkish translation was agreed upon, 2 native English speakers with a good command of Turkish separately translated the finalized Turkish translation back into English. In the fourth stage, the back-translated version of the VISA-P was compared to the initial English version of the VISA-P. The committee evaluated the 4 translations and compared the discrepancies. After discussing the discrepancies, the committee finalized and approved the Turkish version of the VISA-P. In the final stage, prelimi-nary testing was performed. with 22 patients and 40 healthy participants to determine comprehension of the Turkish version.

Results:

Preliminary testing was conducted on 22 patients (12 male, mean ± SD age, 27.5 ± 6.6 years) who fulfilled the eligibility criteria and 40 healthy participants (30 male, mean ± SD age, 25.7 ± 4.9 years) of the study to determine comprehension of the Turkish version. The patients and healthy participants did not report any difficulties of the understanding of the questions.

Conclusion:

The VISA-P was translated and adapted to the Turkish language and can be used in clinical evaluation on the patellar tendinopathy. Additional studies are underway with the objective of evaluating the reproducibility and validity of the Turkish translation.
The Effectiveness Of Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Authors: Argut Sezen Karabörklü , Türker Nilgün , Çelik Derya , Kılıçoğlu Önder İsmet
Published: March 2017

Objective:

The weakness of the quadriceps strength in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is very evident. Therefore, quadriceps strengthening exercises are very important part of the rehabilitation program. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is considered one of the methods for increasing quadriceps muscle strength. To evaluate the effectiveness of combined NMES and strengthening exercises to improve the recovery of quadriceps strength and function in patients with PFPS.

Methods:

This study was planned as a randomized controlled pilot study. A total of 27 patients (mean age=38.9±10.8 years, range=20-60 years; 16 females) with PFPS were assessed and randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group I received a standard program (quadriceps strengthening, hip strengthening and hamstring stretching) and NMES combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises simultaneously. Group II received the same standard program without NMES. Both groups were enrolled 3 times per week for 40 minutes per day in 6 weeks. Patients were assessed at the baseline, 3 rd, 6th, and 12th weeks of treatment. Quadriceps strength was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer. The range of motion at testing was set between 0 for extension to 90 for flexion. The test was performed at 60 degrees/sn and concentric maximum peak torque value was recorded. Kujala and Lysholm scores were used for functional assessments. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0. Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the distribution of data. The changes in dependent variables before treatment, 3 rd, 6th, and 12th weeks were analyzed using a 2 by 4 mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pairwise comparisons with paired t test were used to determine whether the Group I or Group II, has changed over time. An intention- to- treat analysis was performed to impute values for missing data. An alpha level of 0.05 was established.

Results:

The study was completed with 20 patients. Group I (n=10; mean age=39.4±8.5 years; 7 females) and group II (n=10; mean age=43.2±11.7 years; 5 females) had no differences in pre-operative measures (p>.05). There was significant improvements in within groups statistics of all parameters for both groups (p<.05). No differences in quadriceps strength, Kujala and Lysholm scores between groups were found at the different time points (F= 0.86; p = 0.12, F=0,001; p =0.97, F=0.12; p=0.73, respectively)

Conclusion:

NMES combined with quadriceps strengthening exercises has no additional effect on PFPS patients’ on muscle strength and function. When considering these results, we believe that there is no need to continue the study in progress. [Table: see text]
The effect of anterolateral ligament integrity on the tibia displacement and reaction forces of anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Aydın Adem , Uğur Levent , Atmaca Halil
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Recent studies focused on rotational instability and remained positive pivot test in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Clinical, radiological and biomechanical studies showed the importance of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) integrity. ALL is one of the stabilization structures against the internal rotation of the tibia under forces which was associated with Segond fracture previously. Even some authors claimed that ACL failure and risk of re-rupture increased if only ACL reconstruction performed in patients with simultaneous ALL injury. The aim of the study is to evaluate the importance of ALL on knee biomechanics during anterior drawer test and internal rotation forces with different flexion angles in terms of reaction forces on ACL and the amount of tibia displacement via finite element analysis.

Methods:

Three dimensional (3D) solid model of knee joint and ALL injured models were constructed based on DICOM formatted computed tomography (CT) images. 0°, 15°,30°,45°,60°,75° and 90° flexion angles were applied respectively to reference models. Then varied anterior drawer and internal rotational forces were used to investigate the effect of ALL. ANSYS ®Version 17 was used in analyses and same boundary conditions were used in all models.

Results:

In critical analyzing the all results; medial displacement and the amount of anterior drawer distance were increased in all ALL injured models when compared with references. Therewithal the rotational displacements were increased by increasing the knee flexion angle and rotational torque. But, it was not a significant change in the amount of displacement between the models with respect to anteroposterior displacement when the anterior drawer force was increased.

Conclusion:

ALL particular has an important role in the stability of the internal rotation occurs against the force and with increased contribution rate to the knee joint stability by increasing the knee flexion angle. But the reaction forces were not affected by ALL integrity. So this study do not support the previous studies which suggest simultaneously reconstruction of both ligaments to avoid re rupture of ACL in cases with ALL injured.
Historical Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Higher Education in Ethiopia
Authors: Bishaw Alemayehu , Melesse Solomon
Published: March 2017

There is a massive higher education expansion in Ethiopia. However, the efforts to expand higher education are characterized by great opportunities and significant challenges. The current higher education policy formulation and practice are the result of long history of traditional education in Ethiopia, the western countries’ influence and the current opportunities and challenges observed in the sector. Thus, to formulate and enact workable higher education policy in Ethiopia, one must understand the trends of higher education in Ethiopia with emphasis on purposes, challenges and achievements. The article, therefore, tries to pinpoint the history of Ethiopian higher education and concludes with recommendations for current efforts to improve higher education in the country.
Responsiveness of Higher Education to Changing Job Market Demand in Bangladesh
Authors: Dutta Bipasha , Islam Kazi Maruful
Published: March 2017

Bangladesh economy has been transforming towards a market-based economy from a state-dominated centrally planned economy since the early 1980s, the pace of transformation has been slow though. The aim of this article is to see how the higher education system responds to the changes in the structure of the economy. The article argues that the higher education system in general in a transitional economy is responsive to the changes in the structure of the economy. The article, however, also argues that the changes in higher education system, especially in curriculum, would not follow a linear unidirectional trajectory.

 This article is built on a small-scope empirical study on three selected social science disciplines of Dhaka University to see whether and how they responded to the demand of the growing labour market in terms of changes they introduced in curriculum in the last 20 years. Having analyzed skill and knowledge demand by the banking and telecommunication sectors—the two major sources of private sector employment for educated workforce in recent years—the article makes an effort to track what kind of changes the three selected disciplines under the Faculty of Social Science of Dhaka University have made in their respective curriculum in response to the demand of the major private sector employers. The article finds that Public Administration and Economics Departments of the Dhaka University show high and low responsiveness to business sector demand, respectively. While Sociology Department did not respond to business sector demand, rather it has responded to NGO sector demand. Among these three departments, Public Administration is found to have a low degree of compatibility to business sector needs. The article concludes that the Faculty of Social Science of Dhaka University has been slow and hesitant to respond to emerging needs of the dominant business sector employers; it is mainly because of the negative attitude towards private sector in the academia and lack of proper direction of private sector development.
Reframing India’s Palestine Policy
Authors: Kumaraswamy P.R.
Published: March 2017

The traditional framing of India’s approach to the Palestine question is inadequate to explain the bourgeoning relations with Israel. Anti-colonialism through which Indian leaders and elites viewed the problem was important, but there are other issues, especially the religious dimension as manifested by the Congress–Muslim League rivalry, which influenced the Indian thinking. The prolonged depiction of the Indian position vis-à-vis Palestine through a moral prism became untenable in the wake of the normalization of relations with Israel in 1992 and hence it is essential to view the Palestine policy of India through a realist prism.
Revision Strategies in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Garver Jennie , Mata-Fink Ana , Zhu David , Javier Frances , Gallacher Stacey , Blaine Theodore A
Published: March 2017

Background

While initially developed to improve function in patients with chronic rotator cuff deficiency, the success of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has led to expanding indications including fracture sequelae and revision of failed hemi- or total shoulder arthroplasty. While primary RTSA carries complication and revision rates of up to 75% and 2%–10%, respectively, these rates are higher in RTSA performed in a revision setting.

Methods

The current literature on RTSA and revision RTSA was reviewed to determine the most common complications and treatment strategies to address these complications.

Results

The most common complications leading to revision of RTSA are instability, infection, humeral implant loosening, and glenoid implant loosening. Each of these presents unique technical challenges for the surgeon. Retention or replacement of a reverse prosthesis affords high patient satisfaction and better functional outcomes than resection, but may require several additional surgeries. In cases in which reverse components cannot be implanted, salvage options, including resection arthroplasty and conversion to hemiarthroplasty, provide satisfactory pain relief but limited function.

Discussion

As the number of RTSA performed increase, so will the number of revisions. In this article, current treatment strategies for addressing the challenges of revision reverse shoulder arthroplasty are discussed.
Shumwayite, [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2]2·H2O, a new uranyl sulfate mineral from Red Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Plášil Jakub , Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Marty Joe , Čejka Jiří , Lapčák Ladislav
Published: March 2017

The new mineral shumwayite (IMA2015-058), [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2]2·H2O, was found in the Green Lizard and Giveaway-Simplot mines, White Canyon district, San Juan County, Utah, USA, where it occurs as a secondary alteration phase. At the Green Lizard mine, it is found in association with calcite, gypsum, plášilite, pyrite, rozenite and sulfur; at the Giveaway-Simplot mine, shumwayite is associated with rhomboclase and römerite. The mineral occurs as pale greenish-yellow monoclinic prisms, elongated on [100], up to ∼0.3 mm long and commonly in subparallel to random intergrowths. The mineral is transparent with a vitreous lustre and has a white streak. It fluoresces bright greenish white under both longwave and shortwave ultraviolet radiation. The Mohs hardness is ∼2. Crystals are brittle with perfect {011} cleavage and irregular fracture. The mineral is slightly deliquescent and is easily soluble in room temperature H2O. The calculated density is 3.844 g cm–3. Optically, shumwayite is biaxial (+/–), with α = 1.581(1), β= 1.588(1), γ = 1.595(1) (measured in white light). The measured 2Vxbased on extinction data collected on a spindle stage is 89.8(8)°; the calculated 2Vxis 89.6°. Dispersion is strong, but the sense is not defined because the optic sign is ambiguous. No pleochroism was observed. The optical orientation isX=b,Y=c,Z=a. Energy-dispersive spectrometer analyses (with H2O based on the crystal structure) yielded the empirical formula U2.01S1.99O12.00·5H2O.Shumwayite is monoclinic,P21/c,a= 6.74747(15),b= 12.5026(3),c= 16.9032(12) Å, β = 90.919(6)°,V= 1425.79(11) Å3andZ= 4. The crystal structure (R1= 1.88% for 2936F> 4σF) contains UO7pentagonal bipyramids and SO4tetrahedra that link by corner-sharing to form [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2] chains along [100]. The chains and isolated H2O groups between them are linked together only by hydrogen bonds. The mineral is named in honour of the Shumway family, whose members account for the discovery and mining of hundreds of uranium deposits on the Colorado Plateau, including the Green Lizard mine.
Survivin a radiogenetic promoter for glioblastoma viral gene therapy independently from CArG motifs
Authors: Naoum George E. , Zhu Zeng B. , Buchsbaum Donald J. , Curiel David T. , Arafat Waleed O.
Published: March 2017

Background

Radiogenetic therapy is a novel approach in the treatment of cancer, which employs genetic modification to alter the sensitivity of tumor cells to the effect of applied radiation.

Aim

To select a potent radiation inducible promoter in the context of brain tumors and to investigate if CArG radio responsive motifs or other elements in the promoter nucleotide sequences can correlate to its response to radiation.

Methods

To select initial candidates for promoter inducible elements, the levels of mRNA expression of six different promoters were assessed using Quantitative RTPCR in D54 MG cells before and after radiation exposure. Recombinant Ad/reporter genes driven by five different promoters; CMV, VEGF, FLT‐1, DR5 and survivin were constructed. Glioma cell lines were infected with different multiplicity of infection of the (promoter) Ad or CMV Ad. Cells were then exposed to a range of radiation (0–12 Gy) at single fraction. Fluorescent microscopy, Luc assay and X‐gal staining was used to detect the level of expression of related genes. Different glioma cell lines and normal astrocytes were infected with Ad survivin and exposed to radiation. The promoters were analyzed for presence of CArG radio‐responsive motifs and CCAAT box consensus using NCBI blast bioinformatics software.

Results

Radiotherapy increases the expression of gene expression by 1.25–2.5 fold in different promoters other than survivin after 2 h of radiation. RNA analysis was done and has shown an increase in copy number of tenfold for survivin. Most importantly cells treated with RT and Ad Luc driven by survivin promoter showed a fivefold increase in expression after 2 Gy of radiation in comparison to non‐irradiated cells. Presence or absence of CArG motifs did not correlate with promoter response to radiation. Survivin with the best response to radiation had the lowest number of CCAAT box.

Conclusion

Survivin is a selective potent radiation inducible promoter for glioblastoma viral gene therapy and this response to radiation could be independent of CArG motifs.
Psychedelics and the science of self-experience
Authors: Nour Matthew M. , Carhart-Harris Robin L.
Published: March 2017

Altered self-experiences arise in certain psychiatric conditions, and may be induced by psychoactive drugs and spiritual/religious practices. Recently, a neuroscience of self-experience has begun to crystallise, drawing upon findings from functional neuroimaging and altered states of consciousness occasioned by psychedelic drugs. This advance may be of great importance for psychiatry.
A Set-Based Approach to Support Decision-Making on the Restoration of Infrastructure Networks
Authors: Unal Mehmet , Warn Gordon P.
Published: March 2017

Infrastructure networks can be damaged during earthquakes. These damaged links can disrupt network operations resulting in significant economic and social losses. Depending on the distribution and extent of damage, and constraints on resources, decision-makers must decide how best to restore a network. Their aim is typically to minimize impacts to the community while negotiating competing objectives of multiple stakeholders, for example, minimizing costs, travel delays and environmental impacts. Thus, restoration decision-making is necessarily complex requiring input from multiple stakeholders throughout the decision-making process. Much of the literature has adopted point-based approaches to restoration whereby algorithms are used to identify solution(s) without broad exploration of the design space. In this paper, a set-based approach is developed following the “Design by Shopping” paradigm in which a full enumeration of restoration designs is generated and visualized allowing decision-makers to broadly “shop” the design space and eliminate the worst designs based on evolving preferences. The merits of set-based design are broad exploration of the design space, design freedom in the initial stages of decision–making, and applying constraints throughout the set-reduction process.
Response History Analysis for the Design of New Buildings in the NEHRP Provisions and ASCE/SEI 7 Standard: Part I - Overview and Specification of Ground Motions
Authors: Haselton Curt B. , Baker Jack W. , Stewart Jonathan P. , Whittaker Andrew S. , Luco Nicolas , Fry Andy , Hamburger Ronald O. , Zimmerman Reid B. , Hooper John D. , Charney Finley A. , Pekelnicky Robert G.
Published: March 2017

This manuscript, the first in a four-part series, describes the response history analysis approach developed for Chapter 16 of the ASCE/SEI 7 Standard and critical issues related to the specification of ground motions. Our approach provides new procedures for demonstrating adherence to collapse safety goals for new buildings (≤10% collapse probability at the MCER shaking level), creating nonlinear structural models, selecting and applying ground motions to the structural model, interpreting computed structural responses, and enforcing acceptance criteria to achieve the collapse safety goal. The ground motion provisions provide the option of using target spectra having more realistic spectral shapes than traditional uniform hazard spectra. Ground motions are developed using a two-stage procedure emphasizing spectral shape in their selection, followed by scaling or matching them to the target, with a modest penalty for matching. Horizontal component motions are applied to the structural model with random components to avoid bias associated with the maximum-component definition of the target spectrum.
Conditional Mean Spectra Given a Vector of Spectral Accelerations at Multiple Periods
Authors: Kishida Tadahiro
Published: March 2017

Conditional mean spectra (CMS) are generally defined as expected pseudo-spectral accelerations (PSA) conditioned on uniform hazard spectra (UHS) at a selected period. Many design practices prefer CMS because UHS conservatively envelop the large amplitudes of PSA within a single ground motion. However, in some situations, CMS are preferred given target spectra from UHS at multiple periods (CMSV) for satisfying design requirements. This study presents the mathematical formula of CMSV and describes the methodology to compute CMSV with application examples. The presented method for computing CMSV can provide the transitional design spectra between currently used CMS and UHS depending on the selected conditioning periods.
A novel mouse model of anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD): conditional deletion ofTsc1disrupts ciliary body and iris development
Authors: Hägglund Anna-Carin , Jones Iwan , Carlsson Leif
Published: March 2017

Development of the cornea, lens, ciliary body and iris within the anterior segment of the eye involves coordinated interaction between cells originating from the ciliary margin of the optic cup, the overlying periocular mesenchyme and the lens epithelium. Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) encompasses a spectrum of developmental syndromes that affect these anterior segment tissues. ASD conditions arise as a result of dominantly inherited genetic mutations and result in both ocular-specific and systemic forms of dysgenesis that are best exemplified by aniridia and Axenfeld–Rieger syndrome, respectively. Extensive clinical overlap in disease presentation amongst ASD syndromes creates challenges for correct diagnosis and classification. The use of animal models has therefore proved to be a robust approach for unravelling this complex genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. However, despite these successes, it is clear that additional genes that underlie several ASD syndromes remain unidentified. Here, we report the characterisation of a novel mouse model of ASD. Conditional deletion of Tsc1 during eye development leads to a premature upregulation of mTORC1 activity within the ciliary margin, periocular mesenchyme and lens epithelium. This aberrant mTORC1 signalling within the ciliary margin in particular leads to a reduction in the number of cells that express Pax6, Bmp4 and Msx1. Sustained mTORC1 signalling also induces a decrease in ciliary margin progenitor cell proliferation and a consequent failure of ciliary body and iris development in postnatal animals. Our study therefore identifies Tsc1 as a novel candidate ASD gene. Furthermore, the Tsc1-ablated mouse model also provides a valuable resource for future studies concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and acts as a platform for evaluating therapeutic approaches for the treatment of visual disorders.
Pre-copula acoustic behaviour of males in the malarial mosquitoes Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae s.s. does not contribute to reproductive isolation
Authors: Simões Patrício M. V. , Gibson Gabriella , Russell Ian J.
Published: March 2017

We reveal that males of two members of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. species complex, Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae s.s. (hereafter A. gambiae), which are both malaria vectors, perform a stereotypical acoustic behaviour in response to pure tones at frequencies that encompass the frequency range of the female's flight-tones. This behaviour resembles that described for Culex quinquefasciatus and consists of phonotactic flight initiated by a steep increase in wing-beat frequency (WBF) followed by rapid frequency modulation (RFM) of WBF when in close proximity to the sound source. RFM was elicited without acoustic feedback or the presence of a live female, but it appears to be a stereotypic behaviour in the immediate lead up to copula formation. RFM is an independent and different behavioural process from harmonic convergence interactions used by male–female pairs for mate recognition at earlier stages of mating. Acoustic threshold for RFM was used to plot behavioural audiograms from free-flying A. coluzzii and A. gambiae males. These audiograms were almost identical (minima ∼400 Hz) and encompassed the WBF ranges of A. coluzzii (378–601 Hz) and A. gambiae (373–590 Hz) females, indicating that males of the two species share similar frequency tuning and range. Furthermore, no differences were found between the two species in their WBFs, RFM behaviour or harmonic convergence ratios. These results indicate that assortative mating between A. coluzzii and A. gambiae is unlikely to be based on male-specific acoustic behaviours during RFM. The significance of these findings in relation to possible mechanisms for assortative mating is discussed.
SELECTION OF SOWN MILLET TO IMMUNITY OF MELANOSIS AT THE KAMA ZONE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Никифорова  , Nikiforova Irina , Кадырова  , Kadyrova Fanyusya
Published: March 2017

When sowing millet seeds in the third decade of May in the Kama area of the Republic of Tatarstan, it was established a connection between cores destruction by melanosis with a prolonged period of millet plant growth. The variation of planting dates showed, that the hydrothermal conditions of interphase period, beginning buttonhole + 20 days, influenced on the degree of nuclei damage by melanosis of different maturity groups. Form weevil is one of the factors of protection against melanosis.
Dependence of spring wheat on hydrothermal conditions of growing season of Kama area of middle Volga
Authors: Петров  , Petrov Sergey , Майоров  , Mayorov Ivan , Сержанов  , Serzhanov Igor , Шайхутдинов  , Shaykhutdinov Farit , Галиев  , Galiev Fail
Published: March 2017

The technology of cropping should vary depending on the climatic conditions of a particular region. In developing resource-saving technologies of spring wheat cultivation, we must remember that during the growing season in the Republic of Tatarstan every square centimeter of the soil surface gets a day 1 kcal of heat, the sum of positive temperatures above 10 C in the republic is 2100-2200º, annual rainfall is 450-460 mm of precipitation; an average yield of 2.5 tons of grain per 1 hectare per ton 180 mm of moisture is consumed. This misallocation of productive moisture mainly occurs due to violations of cultivation technology (soil preparation, planting dates, insufficient use of macro-and micronutrients, care for crops etc.). In this regard, during the spring wheat cultivation it is necessary to achieve a minimum of productive moisture evaporation from the soil, the source of precipitation , which would get pretty high yields even in the driest years .
Theoretical approaches to agriculture competitiveness notion
Authors: Субаева  , Subaeva Asiya
Published: March 2017

The classical definition treats competition as a rivalry of several persons (companies) to achieve the same goal. Adam Smith was the first, who proved that competition by equalizing the rate of profit leads to the optimal division of labor and capital, and defined the basic conditions for its functioning. The first - competitors must act independently and not in concert. The second - the number of competitors should be sufficient to exclude extraordinary approaches. In the scientific literature, there are three approaches to defining competition. The first notion defines competitiveness as a competition in the market. The second approach sees competition as an element of the market mechanism, which allows you to balance supply and demand. The third approach defines competition as a criterion for determining the type of industry market. Price is formed under the influence of supply and demand. The farmers focused on the current level of prices. However, in these conditions, agricultural producers, using the market conditions, can significantly increase the price, and then gradually reducing it to the level of conventional prices in the short term to achieve increase in their income. The Russia’s WTO accession advanced facilities to rise competitiveness on the global market of raw materials and finished products of Russian agriculture, with the benefits and problems of Russia’s WTO accession in agriculture sectors will be different for this complex. We will need to dramatically improve the competitiveness of the Russian agricultural products in the domestic and global markets. Thus, the competitiveness of agribusiness products can be defined as the totality of consumer properties of agricultural products, characterizing its difference from the products of competitors on consumer satisfaction, while maintaining the average market price.
Management accounting and costs control in the livestock industry
Authors: Фасхутдинова  , Faskhutdinova Milyausha
Published: March 2017

The article concerns the basics of management accounting and costs control in key sectors of the livestock. Management accounting is based on the intersection of science, by using different scientific methods, combining planning, organization and management of production, accounting and operational accounting, management analysis, valuation, a number of other economic sciences. In view of the integration of this new integrated industry knowledge, several of applied economic sciences, there are substantial breakthroughs to new knowledge and technologies. Accounting enables both managerial staff, so external users to have a fair presentation of the course of business, accounting is the link between economic activity and the management of the enterprise. The effectiveness of this communication provides by control. Control regulates economic relations, providing: the compliance of achieved economic operations in accordance with the statutory legal acts and regulations of the economic entity, the accuracy of accounting, accounting and financial reporting; the willingness of economic unit to external audits; the provision of services for the development and implementation of the entity’s accounting policies to develop and implement on-farm regulations; the maintenance of payments with the state, the owners (shareholders) on shares (shares) and partners for the obligations and agreements.
The Potential of Linen Duck Fabric for the Modern Design Industry
Authors: Свинцова Елена , Svintsova Elena
Published: March 2017

The article dwells upon the characteristics and behavior of linen, linen duck fabric, the rotation of technical textile consumption, and the application of linen duck fabric in the modern design industry.
Developing Production-Machine Software Specifications
Authors: Писаренко Ирина , Pisarenko Irina , Ермаков Александр , Ermakov Aleksandr
Published: March 2017

The article dwells on the garment-making-machine control, diagnostics and service software requirements as imposed by the peculiarities of the garment manufacturing technological processes. The authors consider the stages of software development and software quality indicators.
Methodological Approaches to the Process of Selection of Climate Control Equipment for Mini-Hotels
Authors: Соколова Елена , Sokolova Elena , Прокошев Лев , Prokoshev Lev
Published: March 2017

The article highlights the peculiar performance features of ventilation and air-conditioning system in the context of mini-hotels, and provides a multi-criteria analysis whose results determine the choice of a particular ventilation and air-conditioning system. Every accommodation facility has to regularly reequip the engineering systems, or replace them in case they are unreequipable, as it significantly adds to guest satisfaction and contributes to the facility’s development. Decisions in favour of a particular set of equipment are to be made on the basis of a clear set of requirements to be met and a general review of the volatile equipment market.
Chain processes in cognitive dynamics
Authors: Комиссаров  , Komissarov G. , Рубцова  , Rubtsova N.
Published: March 2017

The article discusses the construction of circuits only within random-access memory, additionally limited by attention. We propose a model explaining the features of the dynamics of solving problems on insight using N.N. Semenov’s theory of chain branching chemical reactions. When referring to long-term memory (and return from it with the result on the construction of a representation) the real average length of generalized mental chains can only increase, since it is known that the concepts and objects in it branched and associated with others. In circuit theory, the condition when values of average length chains go to infinity means nonstationary mode of reaction (chain explosion). Thus, in the present model this mode of sharp increase in the average length of the chains is the most favorable conditions for the building the representation – any circuit (with a length of no longer than d) we take to build from existing units operated with all its branches - it is taken in our attention and has no time to break off. These conditions are most favorable for the building and restructuring the representations, and there is the insight moment in our model. Well-known literature data on the experimental investigation of insight and creativity are in good agreement with the requirements of this model towards insight parameters.
National Identity and State Ideology
Authors: Нур-Ахмет  , Nur-Akhmet Dosmukhamed
Published: March 2017

In this essay it has been analyzed highlights of forming nation as the largest

communications.

From the viewpoint of communicativistics it has been comprehended the

basic criteria for the existence of national identity, has defined features and

differences of national states.

It has been also revealed the role of ideology as a powerful communication

informational systems in the lives of nations, it has studied the role of «nation

forming» teachings, as well as substantiates the necessity of its own

national ideological doctrine, especially for the newly independent state.
Humanistic Essence of the Text in the Russian Language Course from the Intercultural Communication Point of View
Authors: Дейкина  , Deykina Alevtina
Published: March 2017

This article describes the humanistic essence of the text, which express

communicative functions of a language. Text is a linguistic and didactic unit

that promotes knowledge of the language and the development of skills and

competences, including communicative and cultural. Appeal to the text in

the Russian language course is an appeal to the author’s identity, his position,

his cultural space. To achieve positive results we need selection and

search of modern Russian language teaching. Dialogue with the text is one

of the cognition methods of the language. We can speak about useful reflection

on the text (poetry, prose), based on the amount of knowledge and

skills of students in the language and broadly — in the culture. Systematic

work with the text will help the student to acquire intercultural competence,

to overcome the difficulties in cross-cultural communication, keeping the

priorities of their own culture and respecting the culture of the interlocutors.
Aspects on MICE-tourism and its management
Authors: Кузнецова Ольга , Kuznetsova Olga , Сильчева Людмила , Silcheva Lyudmila , Масленникова Елена , Maslennikova Elena , Макеева Дина , Makeeva Dina
Published: March 2017

The article highlights the issues of MICE-related business travel, such as business tourism, conference-, exhibition- and travel-study tourism. The authors consider the historical preconditions for business travel birth and development, as well as the peculiarities of incentive tourism and the types and purposes of incentive programmes. The article provides statistics concerning the current state of the MICE-industry, and a comprehensive aspect-by-aspect study of a sample offsite seminar management in the framework of business tourism.
Features internal audit accounting of production inventory and production cost calculation
Authors: Закирова  , Zakirova Alsu , Клычова  , Klychova Guzaliya , Гимадиев  , Gimadiev Ildus
Published: March 2017

The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the internal audit accounting of production inventory and cost calculation of the agricultural products. The article also provides recommendations for the development and rational organization of the audit production costs.
Assessment of the poplar plantation status in the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Ятманова  , Yatmanova Nadezhda , Кузнецов  , Kuznetsov Nikolay
Published: March 2017

In the middle of 60-ies of the last century the pilot-production cultures of different poplar clones were laid on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan to identify the most productive ones. It has been tested 110 species and clones of poplar on more than 90 hectares with various variants of landing, planting point placing and cultivation machinery. The article presents the results of investigations of some cultivated poplar clones at the age of 45-47 years. The growth potential of studied poplars is good, but so that to get the maximum efficiency and high quality wood, the cutting age generally should not exceed 30 years, except in older age there is an intensive mortality due to various reasons, mostly, due to disease.
Scientific substantiation to update black alder plantation regeneration regulatory framework in russian steppe zone
Authors: Турчина  , Turchina Tatyana , Родин  , Rodin Sergey
Published: March 2017

Generalization of the experience of practical implementation of the current regulatory framework reforestation suggests that their use in the current version will not contribute to the conservation of plants, increase their productivity and protective role. There are no ways to restore black alder plantations, no standards for planting material and requirements of young animals, the area of which shall be charged to the lands is covered with forest vegetation. We analyzed the impact of agricultural practices, methods of creation, composition and density on survival, growth, productivity of plantations in the experience forest cultures sampling area (13 areas). The results of research were a scientific basis for the development of a regional process flowsheet development of silvicultural areas. In order to clarify and supplement certain provisions of the framework regulations of thinning, we analyzed the results of experimental logging, tasks of which are differentiated. Their effectiveness is determined by the rate of silvicultural stock recovery. In pure stands the optimal conditions for the development of trees at a young age are formed in high density, so thinning is necessary to start from thinnings. Mixed stands are characterized by low redox potential (recovery of the stock occurs only with a decrease the proportion of willow and intensity of cutting up to 20%) and lower total productivity (to 10.3-45.7% with a decrease in the proportion of willow and 45.7% - in its increase). Mode of logging in them should ensure the formation of pure stands. The regional experience of afforestation and the test results of different modes of thinning are the scientific basis for improving the existing “Reforestation regulations” and “Rules of forest tending”, and for the creation of a regional reforestation program.
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE IN THE SOCIAL PROTECTION INSTITUTIONS AS A FACTOR OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGION
Authors: Кузнецов  , Kuznetsov Viktor , Судаева  , Sudaeva Zhanna
Published: March 2017

An analysis of customer focus was carried out when using the “single window” in relation to public sector institutions. The positive results from the organization of the reception and service were revealed during the application of “single window” principle.
The Development of a Concurrent Spare-Parts Optimization Model for Weapon Systems in the South Korean Military Forces
Authors: Moon Seongmin , Kim Ui Jun
Published: March 2017

The inventory level of concurrent spare parts (CSPs) has a significant effect on the availability of a weapon system. To improve the accuracy of CSP requirements, we developed a new version of a CSP optimization model that the South Korean military forces subsequently adopted. Our model has major improvements over its predecessor, including (1) combining failure rates from both user (i.e., the Korean military forces) field data and from predictions based on reliability handbooks; (2) modifying the shop-replaceable unit optimization logic; (3) adding an optimization process that uses genetic algorithms; (4) employing practical formulae to calculate operational availability; and (5) adding functions to increase the quality of the optimization results. Our simulation experiments identified that our model met the operational availability targets of the South Korean military forces and dramatically reduced the purchases costs of spare parts compared to the results generated by the previous version of the model.