bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epitope specificity and protein signaling interactions driving epidemic occurrences of Ebola disease
Authors: Achinko Daniel , Dormer Anton
Published: June 2015

Ebolavirus has as main hosts, humans and nonhuman primates where its pathogenic effects result to serious hemorrhagic fever with lethal effects. Despite the great advancement in deciphering the clinical course of the virus, specific mechanisms favoring Ebolavirus pathogenicity and transmission, and which genomic structures are most antigenic, are still to be clearly delineated. This study used functional protein phylogenetic analysis, pathway designs and antigenic epitope predictions to respectively; identify viral genomic regions closely related to host proteins, predict protein/genetic interactions favoring viral pathogenesis and identify frequency of MHC class I & II immune related host peptide variants whose transmission intensity value favors disease epidemicity. Viral glycoprotein (VGP) presented the highest genetic variation and though captured on the network with matrix protein (MXP), no direct interaction was observed. The majority of host interacting proteins presented with kinase functions, particularly a protein-signaling role observed in LCK, a Tyrosine-protein kinase with the most dominant interactions and viral related functions implicated in disease shock events. Four VGP and three MXP main antigenic epitopes identified, differentially showed high frequency to two MHC class I types. The same pattern was observed for VGP and MXP antigenic epitopes predicted to MHC class II allele variants, favoring high transmission intensity values within the host population, suggesting their involvement in Ebola epidemic upsurges. Related Ebola species with high transmission values were dominantly non-Zaire Ebolaviruses whose antigenic regions showed several repeats, implicating them in viral antigenic variations. Our analysis show that VGP and MXP are both critical for viral entry and pathogenicity in the host and with their species specific occurrence, their combined role in drug/vaccine design is critical. The identification of several antigenic epitopes in this study will be used in combination for drug/vaccine design and for better understanding related molecular targets in pathogenic pathways favoring Ebola disease burden.
Production and Inventory Control for a Make-to-Stock/Calibrate-to-Order System with Dedicated and Shared Resources
Authors: Demirel Süleyman , Duenyas Izak , Kapuscinski Roman
Published: June 2015

Consider a firm that produces multiple products on dedicated production lines (stage 1), which are further customized/calibrated on a shared resource (stage 2), common to all products. The dedicated production lines and the shared resource for calibration face capacity uncertainties. The firm holds inventory of products that are not yet calibrated and carries out calibration when an order is received. We analyze a multiperiod inventory model for two products and derive the optimal production policy at stage 1 as well as the optimal allocation of the shared resource to demands at stage 2. For the shared resource, because of its capacity uncertainty, not only the total planned production quantities matter, but also the sequence in which the products are processed. We characterize the optimal allocation of the shared resource and show that the optimal policy keeps the ending inventories of products as close to a so-called “target path” as possible. For the dedicated production lines, because of their capacity uncertainty, the optimal production policy depends on the initial inventories. We identify and characterize the structural properties of the optimal production policy. Through a numerical study, we explore how the presence of finite shared capacity influences the inventory targets. We find that the behavior may be counterintuitive: when multiple products share a finite capacity in stage 2, the inventory target for the product having a larger dedicated production capacity or less capacity variability in stage 1 can be higher than the other product. We finally provide sensitivity analysis for the optimal policy and test the performance of simple heuristic policies.
Evidence-based guidelines for pressure ulcer management at the end of life
Authors: Langemo Diane , Haesler Emily , Naylor Wayne , Tippett Aletha , Young Trudie
Published: June 2015

It is important to develop an individualised plan of care for people at the end of life to prevent pressure ulcers, and to treat them if they do occur. This article discusses patient and risk assessment, prevention and care for pressure ulcers for the palliative care patient and the recommendations given in the palliative care section of the Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guideline ( National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance, 2014 ).
Hospice to home: a patient-centric multi professional community approach
Authors: Spencer Lesley
Published: June 2015

As people live longer with multidimensional health and end-of-life care needs, palliative care provision is becoming increasingly complex. Demands on hospice services are increasing, therefore new models of care are needed that are accessible to a wider range of patients. Most people prefer to die at home ( Gomes et al, 2013a ); however, evidence reports that the most common place of death is hospital (53%) ( Marie Curie, 2013 ). This article describes how one hospice developed a model of care working in partnership with statutory services that provided patient-centred care, achieved preferences and prevented unnecessary admissions into hospital. It describes each element of the model and how they work seamlessly together. The evaluation of the model suggests that maximal impact can be gained by focusing service development on expanding and improving care at home. Preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, while simultaneously improving the quality of care, remains the fundamental driver for high-quality end-of-life care.
Assisting patients with motor neurone disease to make decisions about their care
Authors: Gale Caroline
Published: June 2015

Motor neurone disease (MND), is a progressive terminal illness affecting the central nervous system, causing paralysis of the muscles affecting limb movement, breathing and bulbar function, with an average life expectancy of 2–4 years. Patients are presented with repeated loss and the constant need to make adjustments to their lifestyle and expectations. Within palliative care there has been a move to formalise planning by undertaking advance care planning, giving the patient the opportunity to plan whether they would consider medical interventions and how they would like their care and death to be managed. There are now a multitude of forms and documents to complete if the patient is willing to do so. Advance care planning may not be something all patients wish to embrace, and this poses the question of whether there are cases where the repeated demand to think forward to a time when further losses are experienced is serving the agenda of the health professional at the expense of the patient. Nevertheless, health professionals might be concerned that a delay in decision making could impact on the patient's future care. There is potential for conflict between the wish of the patient—to remain focused on the positive—and the health professional's perception of the benefits of completing an advance care plan or discussing interventions which, if persued, might lead to a breakdown of the therapeutic relationship. A more flexible approach, focusing on the agenda set by the patient, underpinned by a therapeutic and trusting relationship, can avoid distress for the patient, while ensuring good care and the best outcome for the patient.
Politics and palliative care: Haiti
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: June 2015

Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing
Competency-Based Training and Worker Turnover in Community Supports for People With IDD: Results From a Group Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Bogenschutz Matthew , Nord Derek , Hewitt Amy
Published: June 2015

Turnover among direct support professionals (DSPs) in community support settings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has been regarded as a challenge since tracking of this workforce began in the 1980s. This study utilized a group randomized controlled design to test the effects of a competency-based training intervention for DSPs on site-level turnover rates over a one year period. Results suggested that, compared with the control group, sites receiving the training intervention experienced a significant decrease in annual turnover, when multiple factors were controlled. Implications, including the importance of considering quality training as a long term organizational investment and intervention to reduce turnover, are discussed.
Non- linear stability of triangular librations points in circular restricted three body under radiating and oblate primaries in presence of resonance
Authors: Narayan Ashutosh , Singh Nutan
Published: June 2015

The nonlinear stability of the triangular librations points is studied in the presence resonance considering both the primaries as radiating and oblate. The study is carried out for various values of radiation pressure and oblateness parameter in general and binary systems in particular. It is found that the normal forms of the Hamiltonian contains both the resonance cases; Ï‰1= 2Ï‰2 and Ï‰1= 3Ï‰2. The case Ï‰1= Ï‰2 corresponds to the boundary region of the stability for the system.It is investigated that for the motion is unstable for third order resonance but stable for fourth order resonance.
Acute Phase Proteins as Markers of Infectious Diseases in small Animals / Proteini Akutne Faze Kao Markeri Infektivnih Bolesti Malih Životinja
Authors: Schmidt Elizabeth Moreira dos Santos , Eckersall Peter David
Published: June 2015

During the acute phase response, there is an increased production and release of certain proteins known as acute phase proteins (APPs) which can be produced by hepatocytes and peripheral tissues such as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP). These proteins have been investigated as markers of various infectious diseases in small animals and the purpose of this review is to update the current knowledge about APPs in infectious diseases in dogs and cats.
Supplemental Selenium Reduces the Levels of Biomarkers of Oxidative and General Stress in Peripartum Dairy Cows / Dodati Selen Snižava Nivoe Biomarkera Oksidativnog I Opšteg Stresa Kod Mlečnih Krava U Peripartalnom Periodu
Authors: Jovanović B. Ivan , Veličković Miljan , Milanović Svetlana , Valčić Olivera , Gvozdić Dragan , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja
Published: June 2015

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of oxidative stress upon general stress in dairy cows on parturition and whether the indicators of stress can be reduced by selenium (Se) supplementation.

A total of 36 animals were divided into 3 groups 21 days prepartum and treated with a single-term intramuscular supplement of sodium selenite: Control group - 0 mg; group Se10 - 10 mg; group Se20 - 20 mg.

Se supplementation significantly raised blood Se content and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in groups Se10 and Se20, compared to Control, although there was no marked difference between supplemented groups. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol concentrations were significantly reduced in supplemented groups Se10 and Se20, compared to Control. A negative correlation was detected between blood GPx activity and plasma MDA, while a positive correlation was determined between plasma MDA and cortisol concentrations.

These results indicate that prepartum Se supplementation can be utilized for a partial relief of stress in cows during labor by augmenting the antioxidative action of GPx.
Investigation of Biofilm Formation and Phylogenetic Typing of Escherichia Coli Strains Isolated from Milk of Cows with Mastitis / Ispitivanje Formiranja Biofilma I Filogenetska Tipizacija Sojeva Escherichia Coli Izolovanih Iz Mleka Krava Sa Mastitisom
Authors: Milanov Dubravka , Prunić Bojana , Velhner Maja , Todorović Dalibor , Polaček Vladimir
Published: June 2015

Escherichia coli is an opportunistic pathogen affecting bovine mammary gland causing mainly transient infections; however, some recent reports indicated that some strains are able to adhere to and internalize into the epithelial cells, which can result in the persistence of the pathogen in the tissue and development of recurrent mastitis. The mechanism of adaptation of E. coli to the mammary gland relies on structures that are distinctive components of its extracellular matrix - curli fimbriae (proteinaceous component) and cellulose (polysaccharide). Expression of these components varies among the isolates. In this study, we investigated the capacity of expression of curli fimbriae and cellulose (via colony morphotype on Congo Red agar) and ability of biofilm formation (microtiter plate test) in 25 strains of E. coli isolated from milk of cows with clinical mastitis. Phylogenetic grouping of the isolates was performed using PCR method based on detection of chuA, yjaA and TspE4-C2 amplicons. Antimicrobial susceptibility was examined using standard disk diffusion test. Production of both extracellular matrix components was established in 56%, and expression of curli fimbriae in 64% E. coli isolates. All isolates that produced curli fimbriae, demonstrated this ability at a temperature of 37°C, indicating the potential role of these adhesive structures in the pathogenesis of mastitis. The results of phylogenetic typing confirmed that E. coli strains isolated from milk of cows with mastitis are typical commensals mainly belonging to phylogenetic groups A and B1. All curli and curli/cellulose producing isolates formed biofilm under in vitro conditions. The biofilm potentially plays an important role in the development of persistent infections as well as recurrent clinical symptoms after antibiotic therapy in spite of quite good in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of the agent.
Changes in the Concentrations of Acute Phase Proteins in Calves during the first Month of Life / Promene Koncentracije Proteina Akutne Faze Tokom Prvog Meseca Života Teladi
Authors: Tóthová Csilla , Nagy Oskar , Nagyová Veronika , Kováč Gabriel
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to describe the physiological changes in the concentrations of acute phase proteins (APPs) in calves during the first month of life, including pre-, postcolostral and milk feeding period. Seven clinically healthy calves were used in this study. Calves received colostrum and whole milk from their dams. The first blood sampling was performed before colostrum intake (day 0) and then at 1, 2, 7, 14 and 30 days of age. Blood serum was analyzed for the concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and albumin (Alb). The results showed significant changes in the serum concentrations of Hp, SAA and Cp (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.01). Their lowest concentrations were found after birth, and a gradual increase was observed after colostrum intake until day 7 of life. Another trend was observed in the concentrations of albumin with a more marked decrease of values 1 day after colostrum intake and subsequent significant increase of values until the end of the first month of age (P<0.001). Sampling time had no significant effect on the concentrations of AGP. The values observed at birth and on day 1 of life were relatively stable. The concentrations of AGP increased slightly from day 2 until the end of the first month of age. These results suggest that the concentrations of APPs in the neonatal period are influenced by colostrum intake and age. This should be taken into consideration for the precise interpretation of these analytes in young animals.
Assessing the Risk of Cerebral Palsy in Children Born after Assisted Conception – The Role of Multiple Pregnancy and Preterm Delivery / Procena rizika od cerebralne paralize kod dece začete vantelesnim oplođenjem – uloga višestruke trudnoće i prevremenog rođenja
Authors: Milićević Milena , Potić Srećko
Published: June 2015

For more than three decades, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have been used as effective treatments to overcome infertility. Since then, numerous studies have been focused on different aspects of long-term health and development of children born after assisted conception. The aim of this paper is to summarize new data on multiple pregnancy and preterm delivery as one of the risk factors which might increase the risk of developing cerebral palsy (CP) in children born after assisted conception.

A comprehensive search of eight databases retrieved 108 papers, 10 of which met inclusion criteria and were relevant for this review.

Despite the dissimilarities in methodological and analytic approaches in the selected studies, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are generally considered safe, still there is an ongoing discussion whether multiple pregnancy and preterm delivery increase or do not increase the risk of CP in children born after assisted conception.

All information about possible adverse maternal and/or infant outcomes should be made available to the couples seeking ART treatment
Bone Tissue Response to Endomethasone Implanted into the Rat Mandible / Reakcija koštanog tkiva na endometazon implantiran u mandibulu pacova
Authors: Nikolić Marija , Gašić Jovanka , Mitić Aleksandar , Popović Jelena , Radovanović Aleksandra , Barac Radomir
Published: June 2015

The aim of the paper was to investigate the tissue response to the implantation of "Endomethasone" (Septodont) in artificially prepared defect in the rat mandible.

Sixteen Wistar male rats were used for the experiment. After anesthesia, a defect between the midline and the mental foramen of the left mandible was made (diameter 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm depth) using sterile steel burs. In the defect of the experimental group (12 animals) “Endomethasone“ was implanted while the defect in the control group (4 animals) was left to heal spontaneously. One half of animals of both groups was sacrificed after fifteen days, and the second half after sixty days. The samples consisted of the defect and the surrounding bone. After routine decalcination and processing, the samples were embedded in paraffin, and microscopic preparations were made, on the basis of which a microscopic analysis was performed.

Fifteen-day-old specimens showed the early signs of bone resorption, as well as granulated connective tissue, hyperemic blood vessels, fibrin exudate to a lesser extent, with the difference that inflammatory infiltrates were less present in the experimental group. Sixty-day-old specimens demonstrated the degree of bone healing; tissue filling with newly formed bone was significantly more advanced in the control group. Experimental group showed a sign of delay with significant presence of callus tissue that more in the form of focus showed a deposition of the young bone tissue.

Endomethasone masks the inflammatory reaction which follows operational procedures. In the long run, according to the results of the present research, Endomethasone can interfere with bone healing by causing delayed inflammatory reaction
GNSS-Warp Software for Real-Time Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Tomasz Hadaś
Published: June 2015

On April 1, 2013 IGS launched the real-time service providing products for Precise Point Positioning (PPP). The availability of real-time makes PPP a very powerful technique to process GNSS signals in real-time and opens a new PPP applications opportunities. There are still, however, some limitations of PPP, especially in the kinematic mode. A significant change in satellite geometry is required to efficiently de-correlate troposphere delay, receiver clock offset, and receiver height. In order to challenge PPP limitations, the GNSS-WARP (Wroclaw Algorithms for Real-time Positioning) software has been developed from scratch at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science in Poland. This paper presents the GNSS-WARP software itself and some results of GNSS data analysis using PPP and PPP-RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) technique. The results of static and kinematic processing in GPS only and GPS + GLONASS mode with final and real-time products are presented. Software performance validation in postprocessing mode confirmed that the software can be considered as a state-ofthe- art software and used for further studies on PPP algorithm development. The real-time positioning test made it possible to assess the quality of real-time coordinates, which is a few millimeters for North, East, Up in static mode, a below decimeter in kinematic mode. The accuracy and precision of height estimates in kinematic mode were improved by constraining the solution with an external, near real-time troposphere model. The software also allows estimation of real-time ZTD, however, the obtained precision of 11.2 mm means that further improvements in the software, real-time products or processing strategy are required.
Invasive Lung Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Nodular Tuberculosis in a HIV Positive Patient (Case report)
Authors: Cambrea Simona Claudia , Resul Ghiulendan , Danteș Elena , Halichidis Stela , Chirilă S.
Published: June 2015

Even though there are many similarities in symptoms and radiological aspect between pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and lung neoplasia, there are many differences between them like different etiologies, different consequences, and altogether different management. We present a case of a 59 years old male, heterosexual, who was HIV diagnosed in the last 16 years. He had a good immunological and virusological evolution over the time. In the last 5 months of his life he was diagnosed with pulmonary TB and he received specific treatment. After 4 months of antituberculous treatment patient became asthenic, febrile, with productive cough, and weight loss. Imagistic evolution was unfavorable. The suspicion of pulmonary neoplasm raises in the last 3 weeks of his life. Macroscopic lung examination during autopsy was suggestive rather to a pulmonary TB than a lung neoplasm, with a nodular pattern very similar with nodular TB. Histopathological examination evidenced a lung adenocarcinoma.

In HIV patients a delayed or missed diagnosis of lung cancer, can lead to late treatment or wrong treatments, and finally death of patient.
Stability and Load Bearing Capacity of a Bars with Built up Cross Section and Elastic Supports / Badania Stateczności I Nosności Prętów Złożonych Z Podporami Sprężystymi
Authors: Krajewski Marcin
Published: June 2015

The present paper is devoted to the numerical analysis and experimental tests of compressed bars with built-up cross section which are commonly used as a top chord of the roof trusses. The significant impact on carrying capacity for that kind of elements in case of out-of-plane buckling is appropriate choice of battens which are used to provide interaction between separate members. Linear buckling analysis results and nonlinear static analysis results, with material and geometrical nonlinearity, are presented for the bar with built-up cross section which was used as the top chord of the truss made in reality. Diagonals and verticals which are supports for the top chord between marginal joints were replaced by the elastic supports. The threshold stiffness (minimum stiffness) for the intermediate elastic supports which ensures maximum buckling load was appointed for the beam and shell model of the structure. The magnitude of limit load depended on length of the battens was calculated for models with initial geometric imperfections. The experimental tests results for the axially compressed bars with builtup cross section and elastic support are presented.
Vibration Problems of an Example of Temporary Steel Grandstand under Human-Induced Excitation / Problemy Drgań Przykładowej Tymczasowej Trybuny Stalowej Poddanej Oddziaływaniom Dynamicznym Wywołanym Przez Ludzi
Authors: Lasowicz Natalia , Jankowski Robert
Published: June 2015

Lighter and slender structural members of a typical grandstand leads to a significant reduction in the frequencies, that is why such structures are more easily induced to vibrations. The aim of the present paper is to show the results of the experimental tests and the numerical analyses focused on the behaviour of a part of a typical temporary steel grandstand under dynamic loads. The peak values of accelerations of a steel scaffolding grandstand under human-induced excitation have been determined and compared with the limit values concerning the perception of vibrations by people. The results of the study indicate that the human-induced excitation may induce structural vibrations which substantially exceed the allowable limits.
Experimental Testing of Innovative Cold-Formed "GEB" Section / Badania Eksperymentalne Innowacyjnego Kształtownika Giętego Na Zimno Typu „Geb“
Authors: Łukowicz Agnieszka , Urbańska-Galewska Elżbieta , Gordziej-Zagórowska Małgorzata
Published: June 2015

One of the major advantages of light gauge steel structures made of cold-formed steel sections is their low weight so the production of typical single-storey steel structures of this kind of profiles is still rising. The well known profiles, e.o. Z-sections, C-sections and the so called hat-sections studied and described in the literature, are used mainly as purlins or truss components. A new profile GEB was patented for the use for primary load-bearing member in fabricated steel frames. According to the code [1] every novel cross section should be tested to assign the deformation shape and bearing capacity. The paper deals with the numerical and experimental research of bearing capacity of cold formed GEB profiles. The deformation shape and limit load was obtained from bending tests. The GEB cross section bearing capacity was also determined according to codes [1, 2].
The Problem of Form in Objects under Redevelopment (On the Basis of Bytom Market Square Redevelopment Design) / Problem Formy W Obiektach Przebudowywanych (Na Przykładzie Projektu Realizacyjnego Przebudowy Bytomskiego Rynku)
Authors: Maryńczuk Paweł
Published: June 2015

The author believes that if a designer has performed many design or research works entailing solutions to various problems, it is recommendable to consider and become aware of previously used methods whose application might have been unwitting or instinctive. The outcome of such reflection can be worth describing and recording in order to formulate a set of guidelines useful in the future. Such methods, being intuitive in nature, are often tied to the designer’s subconsciousness, thus are rarely expressed in a clear manner. By using own methods a designer can prove that space should be composed in a given way in order to address specific needs and defined objectives. All this is aimed at preventing accidental formation of space. An example of reasoning serving the aforementioned purpose can be found in a method referred to as CQC or Composition Quality Control, the application of which facilitates intentional shaping of an architectural piece of work.
Hygiene Condition of Water Use and Sanitation Facilities at Urban Slums: Analysis of Port City Chittagong, Bangladesh / Wyposażenie Sanitarne W Slamsach Miejskich - Analiza Na Podstawie Miasta Portowego Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Muhit I. B. , Chowdhury S. Tasneem , Nahid Nurangir , Zaman M. F.
Published: June 2015

Low income community development is the prerequisite for the overall development of a society. There are different kinds of parameters to widen community development, such as health, economic, social, a living pattern, etc. Sanitation condition is the crucial aspect that is directly or indirectly inter bond with all the parameters. To see the exact reasons behind brutal unhygienic sanitation conditions of water supply and latrine system in a low cost community, the Chittagong City Corporation area has been picked. Relevant data have been collected from field survey, consultancy with inhabitants, Chittagong City Corporation, Power Development Board, and WASA. To know the possible reasons behind the water supply and germ-infested sanitation, state of a low cost community, this paper attempts to shed some light on the tribulations behind the scarcity of safe drinking water, dirt free as well as sustainable latrine and drainage system and offensive water management.
Mapping the Shadow Economy: Spatial Variations in the use of High Denomination Bank Notes in Brussels
Authors: Dotti Nicola Francesco , Van Heur Bas , Williams Colin C.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to map the spatial variations in the size of the shadow economy within Brussels. Reporting data provided by the National Bank of Belgium on the deposit of high denomination banknotes across bank branches in the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region, the finding is that the shadow economy is concentrated in wealthier populations and not in deprived or immigrant communities. The outcome is a call to transcend the association of the shadow economy with marginalized groups and the wider adoption of this indirect method when measuring spatial variations in the shadow economy.
Anthropogenic Transformation and the Possibility of Renaturalising Small Rivers and Their Valleys in Cities – Łódź and Lviv Examples
Authors: Kobojek Elżbieta
Published: June 2015

Rivers used to serve important functions in the development of cities, and river valleys are a part of the urban space. Regardless of several centuries of anthropogenic influences large rivers and their valleys have remained the dominant elements of the cityscape. In the case of small rivers and valleys the situation has been different. The expansion of urban infrastructure often led to an elimination of rivers and their valleys from the developed area. In many cases rivers were directed down straightened concrete ditches and sometimes the locations of their channels were changed altogether. In the city centre, rivers were locked in underground channels, i.e. they vanished from the cityscape. Urban floods, so annoying for the inhabitants, usually occur within river sections which have been utilized intensively and covered with impermeable surface. Even though a river was hidden in underground interceptor pipes, a valley dip remains still accumulating rainfall. The aim of this article is to present the extent of transformation of small rivers and valleys within two large cities located on watersheds: Łódź and Lviv, and the contemporary utilization and the possibility of renaturalising them.
Distributive Pseudo Be-Algebras
Authors: Borzooei R. A. , Saeid A. Borumand , Rezaei A. , Radfar A. , Ameri R.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we introduce the notion of distributive pseudo BE-algebra and show that the related relation defined on this structure is transitive and prove that every pseudo upper set is a pseudo filter. Also, the pseudo filter generated by a set is define and show that the set of all pseudo filters is distributive complete lattice but it is not complemented. the notion of prime and irreducible subset and prove that every irreducible subset is prime.
Growth Estimates of Composite Entire Functions in the Light of Slowly Changing Functions Based Relative Order, Relative Type and Relative Weak Type
Authors: Datta S. K. , Biswas T. , Bhattacharyya S.
Published: June 2015

In the paper we prove some growth properties of maximum term and maximum modulus of composition of entire functions on the basis of relative L*-order, relative L*-type and relative L*-weak type.
Fixed Point Theorems for Kannan Type Mappings in 2-Menger Spaces
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Singh Balbir , Kumar Sanjay
Published: June 2015

In this paper we show that the results of Choudhary and Das [2] hold under more general situation
Effects of sub-acute methanol extract treatment of Calliandra portoricensis root bark on antioxidant defence capacity in an experimental rat model
Authors: Siemuri Ese O. , Akintunde Jacob K. , Salemcity Anuoluwapo J.
Published: June 2015

Background: The attendant side effects associated with some synthetic drugs used in the management of diseases have led to the search for safer alternative therapies that are relatively cheaper with minimal side effects.

Methods: The methanol extract of Calliandra
portoricensis root bark (CPRB) was orally administered at the doses of 5, 10, 20, and 25 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days of 5 rats in each group. The control rats were given distilled water.

Results: The 95% methanol extract of CPRB significantly (p<0.05) scavenged NO• and OH• radicals compared to vitamin C. The level of lipid peroxidative products (malondialdehyde, MDA) was significantly (p<0.05) attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. Antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) exercabated in both liver and kidney in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, serum AST, alanine aminotransaminase and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity depicted non-significant (p>0.05) increase in the treated animals. The histological examination showed mild vacuolar, portal congestion and cell infiltration by mononuclear of the hepatic tissues.

Conclusions: The study then concluded that a therapeutic dose of the methanol extract of CPRB triggered the antioxidant defence systems in male rats. It is, therefore, recommended that the doses should be carefully and clinically chosen because higher doses may cause some health risks.
Corporate tax in an international environment – Problems and possible remedies
Authors: Kari Seppo
Published: June 2015

The paper addresses the problems of corporate taxation in a globalized world. It first considers recent trends in international practices and then reviews the literature on the effects of corporate taxes in closed and open economies. The paper emphasizes the severity of the problems caused by current international tax rules. It compares various national and international policy alternatives and considers two recent Nordic tax reform proposals as examples of national-level solutions. The problems of current international corporate taxation are fundamental. Introducing increasingly tight antiavoidance measures could serve as a medium-term approach but does not provide any promising long-term solution. There should be more research concerning initiatives that would reform the fundamental principles of the international tax system.
Selected methods of electron-and ion-diagnostics in tokamak scrape-off-layer
Authors: Sadowski Marek J.
Published: June 2015

This invited paper considers reasons why exact measurements of fast electron and ion losses in tokamaks, and particularly i n a scrape-off-layer and near a divertor region, are necessary in order to master nuclear fusion energy production. Attention is also paid to direct measurements of escaping fusion products from D-D and D-T reactions, and in particular of fast alphas which might be used for plasma heating. The second part describes the generation of so-called runaway and ripple-born electrons which might induce high energy losses and cause severe damages of internal walls in fusion facilities. Advantages and disadvantages of different diagnostic methods applied for studies of such fast electrons are discussed. Particular attention is paid to development of a direct measuring technique based on the Cherenkov effect which might be induced by fast electrons in appropriate radiators. There are presented various versions of Cherenkov-type probes which have been developed by the NCBJ team and applied in different tokamak experiments. The third part is devoted to direct measurements of fast ions (including those produced by the nuclear fusion reactions) which can escape from a high-temperature plasma region. Investigation of fast fusion-produced protons from tokamak discharges is reported. New ion probes, which were developed by the NCBJ team, are also presented. For the first time there is given a detailed description of an ion pinhole camera, which enables irradiation of several nuclear track detectors during a single tokamak discharge, and a miniature Thomson-type mass-spectrometer, which can be used for ion measurements at plasma borders.
Shock dynamics induced by double-spot laser irradiation of layered targets
Authors: Aliverdiev Abutrab A. , Batani Dimitri , Amirova Anise A. , Benocci Roberto , Dezulian Riccardo , Krouský Eduard , Pfeifer Miroslav , Skala Jiři , Dudzak Roman , Jakubowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2015

We studied the interaction of a double-spot laser beam with targets using the Prague Asterix Laser System (PALS) iodine laser working at 0.44 μm wavelength and intensity of about 1015 W/cm2. Shock breakout signals were recorder using time-resolved self-emission from target rear side of irradiated targets. We compared the behavior of pure Al targets and of targets with a foam layer on the laser side. Results have been simulated using hydrodynamic numerical codes.
Numerical simulations of generation of high-energy ion beams driven by a petawatt femtosecond laser
Authors: Domański Jarosław , Badziak Jan , Jabłoński Sławomir
Published: June 2015

This contribution presents results of a Particle-in-Cell simulation of ion beam acceleration via the interaction of a petawatt 25 fs laser pulse of high intensity (up to ~1021 W/cm2) with thin hydrocarbon (CH) and erbium hydride (ErH3) targets of equal areal mass density (of 0.6 g/m2). A special attention is paid to the effect that the laser pulse polarization and the material composition of the target have on the maximum ion energies and the number of high energy (>10 MeV) protons. It is shown that both the mean and the maximum ion energies are higher for the linear polarization than for the circular one. A comparison of the maximum proton energies and the total number of protons generated from the CH and ErH3 targets using a linearly polarized beam is presented. For the ErH3 targets the maximum proton energies are higher and they reach 50 MeV for the laser pulse intensity of 1021 W/cm2. The number of protons with energies higher than 10 MeV is an order of magnitude higher for the ErH3 targets than that for the CH targets.
Hot electron refluxing in the short intense laser pulse interactions with solid targets and its influence on K-α radiation
Authors: Horný Vojtěch , Klimo Ondřej
Published: June 2015

Fast electrons created as a result of the laser beam interaction with a solid target penetrate into the target material and initialize processes leading to the generation of the characteristic X-ray K-α radiation. Due to the strong electric field induced at the rear side of a thin target the transmitted electrons are redirected back into the target. These refluxing electrons increase the K-α radiation yield, as well as the duration of the X-ray pulse and the size of the radiation emitting area. A model describing the electron refluxing was verified via particle-in-cell simulations for non-relativistic electron energies. Using this model it was confirmed that the effect of the electron refluxing on the generated X-ray radiation depends on the target thickness and the target material. A considarable increase of the number of the emitted K-α photons is observed especially for thin targets made of low-Z materials, and for higher hot electron temperatures.
Second order reflection from crystals used in soft X-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Książek Ireneusz
Published: June 2015

In this note the ratio of the second to the first order reflection is determined for the KAP and PbSt crystals, for wavelengths corresponding to the Al K-line emission. The source of the radiation was a low-voltage stabilized X-ray tube. The X-rays were detected with a Bragg spectrometer equipped with a proportional counter detector. The signal measured by the proportional counter was subsequently pulse height analyzed.
Overview of processing technologies for tungsten-steel composites and FGMs for fusion applications
Authors: Matějíček Jiří , Nevrlá Barbara , Vilémová Monika , Boldyryeva Hanna
Published: June 2015

Tungsten is a prime candidate material for the plasma-facing components in future fusion devices, e.g. ITER and DEMO. Because of the harsh and complex loading conditions and the differences in material properties, joining of the tungsten armor to the underlying construction and/or cooling parts is a complicated issue. To alleviate the thermal stresses at the joint, a sharp interface may be replaced by a gradual one with a smoothly varying composition. In this paper, several techniques for the formation of tungsten-steel composites and graded layers are reviewed. These include plasma spraying, laser cladding, hot pressing and spark plasma sintering. Structure, composition and selected thermal and mechanical properties of representative layers produced by each of these techniques are presented. A summary of advantages and disadvantages of the techniques and an assessment of their suitability for the production of plasma-facing components is provided.
First dedicated observations of runaway electrons in the COMPASS tokamak
Authors: Vlainić Miloš , Mlynář Jan , Weinzettl Vladímir , Papřok Richard , Imríšek Martin , Ficker Ondřej , Vondráček Petr , Havlíček Josef
Published: June 2015

Runaway electrons present an important part of the present efforts in nuclear fusion research with respect to the potential damage of the in-vessel components. The COMPASS tokamak a suitable tool for the studies of runaway electrons, due to its relatively low vacuum safety constraints, high experimental flexibility and the possibility of reaching the H-mode D-shaped plasmas. In this work, results from the first experimental COMPASS campaign dedicated to runaway electrons are presented and discussed in preliminary way. In particular, the first observation of synchrotron radiation and rather interesting raw magnetic data are shown.
R&D on divertor plasma facing components at the Institute for Plasma Research
Authors: Patil Yashashri , Khirwadkar S. , Belsare S. M. , Swamy Rajamannar , Khan M. S. , Tripathi S. , Bhope K.
Published: June 2015

This paper is focused on various aspects of the development and testing of water cooled divertor PFCs. Divertor PFCs are mainly designed to absorb the heat and particle fluxes outflowing from the core plasma of fusion devices like ITER. The Divertor and First Wall Technology Development Division at the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), India, is extensively working on development and testing of divertor plasma facing components (PFCs). Tungsten and graphite macro-brush type test mock-ups were produced using vacuum brazing furnace technique and tungsten monoblock type of test mock-ups were obtained by hot radial pressing (HRP) technique. Heat transfer performance of the developed test mock-ups was tested using high heat flux tests with different heat load conditions as well as the surface temperature monitoring using transient infrared thermography technique. Recently we have established the High Heat Flux Test Facility (HHFTF) at IPR with an electron gun EH300V (M/s Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbH, Germany) having maximum power 200 kW. Two tungsten monoblock type test mock-ups were probed using HHFTF. Both of the test mock-ups successfully sustained 316 thermal cycles during high heat flux (HHF) tests. The test mock-ups were non-destructively tested using infrared thermography before and after the HHF tests. In this note we describe the detailed procedure used for testing macro-brush and monoblock type test mock-ups using in-house transient infrared thermography set-up. An acceptance criteria limit was defined for small scale macro-brush type of mock-ups using DTrefmax value and the surface temperature measured during the HHF tests. It is concluded that the heat transfer behavior of a plasma facing component was checked by the HHF tests followed by transient IR thermography. The acceptance criteria DTrefmax limit for a graphite macro-brush mock-up was found to be ~3°C while for a tungsten macro-brush mock-up it was ~5°C.
Heat load and deuterium plasma effects on SPS and WSP tungsten
Authors: Vilémová Monika , Matějíček Jiří , Nevrlá Barbara , Chernyshova Maryna , Gasior Pawel , Kowalska-Strzeciwilk Ewa , Jäger Aleš
Published: June 2015

Tungsten is a prime choice for armor material in future nuclear fusion devices. For the realization of fusion, it is necessary to address issues related to the plasma–armor interactions. In this work, several types of tungsten material were studied, i.e. tungsten prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and by water stabilized plasma spraying (WSP) technique. An intended surface porosity was created in the samples to model hydrogen/helium bubbles. The samples were subjected to a laser heat loading and a radiation loading of deuterium plasma to simulate edge plasma conditions of a nuclear fusion device (power density of 108 W/cm2 and 107 W/cm2, respectively, in the pulse intervals up to 200 ns). Thermally induced changes in the morphology and the damage to the studied surfaces are described. Possible consequences for the fusion device operation are pointed out.
MCNP calculations of neutron emission anisotropy caused by the GIT-12 hardware
Authors: Šíla Ondřej , Klír Daniel , Řezáč Karel , Cikhardtova Balzhima , Cikhardt Jakub
Published: June 2015

The MCNP6 and MCNPX calculations for the GIT-12 device in Tomsk were performed to determine the influence of the gas-puff hardware on the neutron emission anisotropy and the neutron scattering rate. A monoenergetic 2.45 MeV neutron source and F1 and F6 tallies were declared in the simulation input. A comparison between MCNP results and the measured data was made. Differences between MCNPX and MCNP6 output data were investigated. In the experiment, two nTOF scintillation detectors with the Bicron BC-408 scintillator were used to measure the neutron waveform. Four bubble BD-PND detectors were used to estimate the amount of neutrons in different places around the neutron source.
Blocking-resistant communication through domain fronting
Authors: Fifield David , Lan Chang , Hynes Rod , Wegmann Percy , Paxson Vern
Published: June 2015

We describe “domain fronting,” a versatile censorship circumvention technique that hides the remote endpoint of a communication. Domain fronting works at the application layer, using HTTPS, to communicate with a forbidden host while appearing to communicate with some other host, permitted by the censor. The key idea is the use of different domain names at different layers of communication. One domain appears on the “outside” of an HTTPS request—in the DNS request and TLS Server Name Indication—while another domain appears on the “inside”—in the HTTP Host header, invisible to the censor under HTTPS encryption. A censor, unable to distinguish fronted and nonfronted traffic to a domain, must choose between allowing circumvention traffic and blocking the domain entirely, which results in expensive collateral damage. Domain fronting is easy to deploy and use and does not require special cooperation by network intermediaries. We identify a number of hard-to-block web services, such as content delivery networks, that support domain-fronted connections and are useful for censorship circumvention. Domain fronting, in various forms, is now a circumvention workhorse. We describe several months of deployment experience in the Tor, Lantern, and Psiphon circumvention systems, whose domain-fronting transports now connect thousands of users daily and transfer many terabytes per month.