bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of birth defects in West Africa: could congenital Zika syndrome be to blame?
Authors: Majumder Maimuna S. , Hess Rosanna , Ross Ratchneewan , Piontkivska Helen
Published: February 2018

The link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly and other neurodevelopmental defects in infants, referred to as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), was recently discovered. One key question that remains is whether such neurodevelopmental abnormalities are limited to the recently evolved Asiatic ZIKV strains or if they can also be induced by endemic African strains. Thus, we examined birth registries from one particular hospital from a country in West Africa, where ZIKV is endemic. Results showed a seasonal pattern of birth defects that is consistent with potential CZS, which correspond to a range of presumed maternal infection that encompasses both the peak of the warm, rainy season as well as the months immediately following it, when mosquito activity is likely high. While we refrain from definitively linking ZIKV infection and birth defects in West Africa at this time, in part due to scant data available from the region, we hope that this report will initiate broader surveillance efforts that may help shed light onto mechanisms underlying CZS.
Case Report: Cerebral leukodystrophy and the gonadal endocrinopathy: a rare but real association
Authors: Humayun Mohammad , Khan Abidullah
Published: February 2018

A 30 year old married Pakistani woman presented in January 2018 with an eight month history of progressive left sided weakness, ataxia, spasticity, underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics and primary infertility. She was the elder sister of a 19 year old bed bound woman who was diagnosed with vanishing white matter (VWM) disease 12 months previously. The MRI scan of the brain  demonstrated diffuse leukodystrophy and her hormonal assays were significant for premature ovarian failure. Results from her genetic tests demonstrated a point mutation in eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (EIF2B). Thus, she was the second confirmed case of  VWM from her  family of 12 siblings with normal parents.
A multi-center prospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of differential pricing and health systems strengthening on access to medicines and management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana: A study protocol
Authors: Mobula Linda Meta , Sarfo Stephen , Arthur Lynda , Burnham Gilbert , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Ansong Daniel , Gavor Edith , Ofori-Adjei David
Published: February 2018

Background: There is evidence to suggest that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in particular cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are being recognized as forming a substantial proportion of the burden of disease among populations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).  Access to treatment is likely a key barrier to the control and prevention of NCD outcomes.  Differential pricing, an approach used to price drugs based on the purchasing power of patients in different socioeconomic segments, has been shown to be beneficial and leads to improved access and affordability.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, with a pragmatic trial design, to be conducted over the course of three years. A mixed methods design will be used to evaluate the effects of health systems strengthening and differential pricing on the management of diabetes, hypertension and selected cancers in Ghana. A public private partnership was established between all sites that will receive multi-level interventions, including health systems strengthening  and access to medicines interventions.

Study populations and sites: Study participants will include individuals with new or recently diagnosed hypertension and diabetes (n=3,300), who present to two major referral hospitals, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital, as well as three district hospitals, namely Kings Medical Centre, Agogo Presbyterian District Hospital, and Atua Government Hospital.

Discussion: The objective of this study aims to test approaches intended to improve access to drugs for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, and improve disease control. Patients with these conditions will benefit from health systems strengthening interventions (education, counseling, improved management of disease), and increased access to innovative medicines via differential pricing.

Pilot programs also will facilitate health system strengthening at the participating institutions, which includes training of clinicians and updating of guidelines and production of protocols for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
Link lecturers' views on supporting student nurses who have a learning difficulty in clinical placement
Authors: King Liz
Published: February 2018

Background:

literature that reports the experiences of facilitating reasonable adjustments for student nurses who have a learning difficulty (LD) in clinical placement from the viewpoint of link lecturers is limited and warrants further exploration.

Research aim:

to explore link lecturers' views on reasonable adjustments in clinical placement and whether they are confident with their own knowledge of the processes involved.

Methodology:

data were collected using interviews with three link lecturers from three fields of nursing (adult, child and mental health). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed.

Findings:

three main themes were identified: student engagement, clarity of link lecturer role and external barriers.

Conclusion:

findings demonstrate that link lecturers have some confidence with their own knowledge of the processes involved with supporting student nurses with an LD in clinical placement, but these processes are complex with many barriers preventing successful facilitation of available reasonable adjustments.
Surrogacy: why the Law Commission is reviewing current arrangements
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: February 2018

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, considers the reasons why the Law Commission is consulting on changing the law relating to surrogacy
Communication is a two-way street
Authors: Price-Dowd Clare
Published: February 2018

In her final blog, Clare Price-Dowd, Senior Programme Lead, NHS Leadership Academy, discusses what good communication means and the difference this can make to patients
Establishment of Community-Based Reference Intervals for Fructosamine, Glycated Albumin, and 1,5-Anhydroglucitol
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Warren Bethany , He Xintong , Sacks David B , Saenger Amy K
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

There is growing interest in fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) as alternative measures of hyperglycemia, particularly for use in settings where traditional measures (glucose and HbA1c) are problematic or where intermediate (2–4 weeks) glycemic control is of interest. However, reference intervals for these alternative biomarkers are not established.

METHODS

We measured fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-AG in a community-based sample of US black and white adults who participated in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. We calculated reference intervals, evaluated demographic differences, and derived cutoffs aligned with current diagnostic cutpoints for HbA1c and fasting glucose.

RESULTS

In a healthy reference population of 1799 individuals (mean age, 55 years; 51% women; 15% black), the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles, respectively, were 194.8 and 258.0 μmol/L for fructosamine, 10.7% and 15.1% for glycated albumin, and 8.4 and 28.7 μg/mL for 1,5-AG. Distributions differed by race, sex, and body mass index. Equivalent concentrations of fructosamine and glycated albumin corresponding to an HbA1c of 6.5% (96.5 percentile) were 270.2 μmol/L and 15.6%, respectively. Equivalent concentrations of fructosamine and glycated albumin corresponding to a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (93.9 percentile) were 261.7 μmol/L and 15.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The reference intervals for these biomarkers should inform their clinical use. Diagnostic cutpoint equivalents for fructosamine and glycated albumin could be useful to identify persons with hyperglycemia in settings where fasting glucose or HbA1c are not available or where the interpretation of these traditional measures is problematic.
Sensation transference from plateware to food: The sounds and tastes of plates
Authors: Chen Yi-Chuan , Woods Andy T. , Spence Charles
Published: February 2018

We report two experiments designed to extend the well-known Bouba/Kiki effect to the case of an unusual set of commercially produced plateware, and further to assess the influences of these plates on the expected taste of a dessert based on the theory of crossmodal correspondences. The results demonstrate that plates having a smoother circumference are more likely to be matched to ‘Bouba’, while those with a pointier circumference are more likely to be matched to ‘Kiki’ instead, thus demonstrating the typical Bouba/Kiki effect. Importantly, the shape and colour of the plates modulated people’s ratings of the expected taste and liking of the ice cream/sorbet displayed on them. Specifically, the colour of the plate induced a general effect on the expected tastes that were consistent with the white-sweet and black-bitter associations, and the higher expected liking of the ice cream/sorbet was attributed to the higher colour contrast between the food and plate. The shape of the plate modulated ratings of expected liking for the chocolate ice cream and the expected sweetness of the lemon sorbet. Finally, colour and shape conjointly modulated how sour the lemon sorbet was expected to taste. These results provide relevant insights for those chefs, restaurateurs and Instagrammers wishing to optimize the plateware for specific dishes.
Heaviness and the electric guitar: Considering the interaction between distortion and harmonic structures
Authors: Herbst Jan-Peter
Published: February 2018

In metal music studies, ‘heaviness’ has been acknowledged as an essential element of the genre. Commonly associated with the distorted guitar, most work on heaviness has concentrated on the instrument’s sound. If respective research considered structural aspects of the guitar riff, it did so with a special focus on tempo, rhythm, tonality and form. This article analyses the interaction between distortion and harmonic structures on the electric guitar. Operationalizing heaviness with a psychoacoustic model of sensory consonance, an acoustic experiment explores how guitar distortion affects acoustic features of harmonic structures. Since acoustic studies are limited in predicting perception, a listening test investigates distortion’s influence on listener perception. The findings indicate that both increasing distortion level and harmonic complexity reduce sensory consonance, especially when acting together. Acoustically, distortion has a slightly stronger effect than structure; perceptually, the ratio is dependent on person-specific characteristics. Metalheads seem to be only marginally affected by sensory dissonance.
PENILAIAN PELAYANAN AIR BERSIH DI KELURAHAN KEMIJEN KECAMATAN SEMARANG TIMUR
Authors: Ghozali Akmal , Yuliastuti Nany
Published: February 2018

In Semarang, there are areas of slums that are located in coastal areas and densely populated areas, such as the Village Kemijen in the East Semarang Subdistrict. Based on data of 2014, the slum area in Kemijen Village reached 15.85 Ha. One of the slum problems in this area is inadequate water supply. This study aims to assess the service of clean water in Kelurahan Kemijen. In terms of accommodating the current trend of urban development, that is, community-based development, this study includes community and local organization participation on the clean water provision. The study used quantitative with descriptive analysis method and weighting analysis. This research found that in overall, the condition of clean water facilities and infrastructure and the condition of clean water service are the key elements of clean water provision in this area. Based on the ranking of assessment of clean water service in Kemijen Village, it is known that RW I, II, IV and V are in the lowest rank; then the RW III, VI, VII and IX are in the medium rank, and the RW VIII, X, and XI are included as the area with the best clean water service.
Stopniowalność naruszeń konstytucji
Authors: Brzozowski Wojciech
Published: February 2018

Naruszenia konstytucji mogą przybierać różną formę: od naruszeń mniejszej wagi aż po naruszenia rażące. Zależy to od dwóch zasadniczych czynników: 1) znaczenia (wagi) normy naruszonej na tle struktury konstytucji; 2) intensywności naruszenia normy konstytucyjnej, przez co należy rozumieć zakres zniesienia jej konsekwencji normatywnych przez niekonstytucyjny akt stanowienia lub stosowania prawa. Ad 1) Chociaż normy konstytucyjne nie podlegają formalnej hierarchizacji, niektóre z nich muszą być zrealizowane łącznie, aby osiągnięty został pożądany przez konstytucję stan rzeczy. Naruszenie zasady niezależności sądów nie ogranicza się do przepisu wyrażającego tę zasadę, lecz także rzutuje na sposób wywiązywania się przez sądy z ich konstytucyjnych zadań. Niewykonanie wbrew konstytucji kompetencji kreacyjnej przez upoważniony organ stanowi nie tylko naruszenie przepisu zawierającego kompetencję kreacyjną, lecz także prowadzi do paraliżu nieobsadzonego organu i „wyłącza” cały kompleks przepisów określających jego zadania i kompetencje. Ad 2) Postępowanie organu państwa może w mniejszym lub większym stopniu oddalać się od pożądanego przez konstytucję wzorca. Zachowanie wadliwe, lecz urzeczywistniające zasadniczy cel normy, jest po prostu niezgodne z konstytucją, natomiast zachowanie całkowicie nierealizujące tego celu lub dążące do celu przeciwstawnego jest rażąco niekonstytucyjne. W tym sensie podpisanie ustawy jeden dzień po upływie terminu jest naruszeniem konstytucji, ale mniej poważnym niż niepodpisanie jej w ogóle.
O normie parametrycznej
Authors: Bonczkowski Michał
Published: February 2018

Niniejszy artykuł traktuje o normach parametrycznych jako pewnym typie norm dotychczas nie będącym w kręgu zainteresowań teorii prawa. Autor przedstawia dotychczasowy dorobek polskiej teorii prawa oraz poszczególnych gałęzi polskiej dogmatyki, a także wskazuje możliwe obszary, gdzie owe normy można odnaleźć (jak np.: normy z zakresu normalizacji, normy prawa ochrony środowiska, normy prawa finansowego). Wprowadza podział na prawne normy parametryczne oraz pozaprawne normy parametryczne, następnie analizuje relację zbioru norm prawnych do zbioru norm parametrycznych – a także analizuje możliwy wpływ norm parametrycznych na elastyczność prawa.
Kodyfikacja i postępowy rozwój międzynarodowego prawa kosmicznego przez soft law
Authors: Kułaga Łukasz
Published: February 2018

Artykuł przedstawia możliwość reinterpretacji klasycznych pojęć prawa międzynarodowego – „kodyfikacja” oraz „postępowy rozwój” – w celu głębszego zrozumienia procesów rozwoju zachodzących w międzynarodowym prawie kosmicznym. Ponieważ po 1979 r. brak nowych globalnych regulacji traktatowych w tym zakresie, instrumentem, który pozwala w pełni dostrzec zmiany zachodzące w międzynarodowym prawie kosmicznym, są normy o charakterze soft law. W tym kontekście proces kodyfikacji w międzynarodowym prawie kosmicznym może być postrzegany również przez wzrost znaczenia normatywnego standardów funkcjonujących przede wszystkim na podstawie rezolucji Zgromadzenia Ogólnego NZ lub innych niewiążących uzgodnień o charakterze międzynarodowym. Kodyfikacja stanowiłaby zatem swoistą systematyzację wytycznych, niebędących przedmiotem zasadniczych kontrowersji, w obszarach, w których istnieje już gruntowna praktyka państw. Natomiast postępowy rozwój międzynarodowego prawa kosmicznego jest rozumiany jako przygotowanie projektów standardów w przedmiocie, który jeszcze nie był regulowany przez dokumenty soft law dotyczące tego działu prawa. Równocześnie przykład niepowodzenia inicjatywy międzynarodowego kodeksu postępowania dotyczącego działań w przestrzeni kosmicznej pokazuje, że metoda regulacji w drodze rozwijania soft law nie stanowi uniwersalnego panaceum na trudności normotwórcze społeczności międzynarodowej.
Wpływ Porozumienia paryskiego na zmianę polityki klimatyczno-energetycznej Unii Europejskiej i unijnych regulacji prawnych w tym zakresie
Authors: Sobieraj Kamila
Published: February 2018

Porozumienie paryskie do Ramowej Konwencji Narodów Zjednoczonych w sprawie zmian klimatu stało się bezpośrednim bodźcem do przyjęcia Ramowej polityki klimatyczno-energetycznej do roku 2030, w której sformułowano wkład UE i państw członkowskich w realizację zobowiązań wynikających z Porozumienia paryskiego. Porozumienie paryskie „zainicjowało” też proces przeglądu prawodawstwa unijnego i przedstawiania (dyskutowania) propozycji jego zmian mających doprowadzić do wykonania postanowień Porozumienia. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie wpływu Porozumienia paryskiego na zmianę polityki klimatyczno-energetycznej UE po 2020 r., a także analiza głównych kierunków projektowanych zmian unijnych regulacji prawnych zmierzających do wdrożenia globalnego zobowiązania UE podjętego w Paryżu w grudniu 2015 r. oraz próba oceny tych propozycji zmian. Wdrożenie tego globalnego zobowiązania UE nastąpić ma przede wszystkim przez zmianę aktów prawa unijnego tworzących tzw. pakiet klimatyczno-energetyczny do 2020. Nowo przyjęte akty prawa unijnego zaś w dalszej perspektywie staną się wyznacznikiem kierunku regulacji krajowych.
Koncepcja binary approach jako instrument kształtowania zrównoważonego wzrostu
Authors: Ashford Robert , Hall Ralph P. , Ashford Nicholas A.
Published: February 2018

Niniejszy artykuł skupia się na podejściu charakterystycznym dla ekonomii binarnej i wyjaśnia, w jaki sposób koncepcja ta może przyczynić się nie tylko do zwiększenia ich zdolności zarabiania kapitału, ale również do zwiększenia popytu na zatrudnienie oraz perspektyw osiągnięcia równowagi środowiskowej. Koncepcja ekonomii binarnej (ang. binary approach) proponuje wdrożenie systemu pozwalającego na rozszerzenie systemu własności finansów korporacyjnych, który byłby wolny od podatków, redystrybucji czy ingerencji państwa. Przedsiębiorstwa miałyby prawo do pozyskiwania źródeł finansowania swoich potrzeb tak, jak to robiły dotychczas, ale dysponowałyby jeszcze dodatkowymi, potencjalnie bardziej rentownymi instrumentami rynkowymi umożliwiającymi im takie działanie.
Wizerunek rodziny transnarodowej w świetle koncepcji piętna i stygmatyzacji
Authors: Doiczman Natasza
Published: February 2018

Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu przedstawienie stereotypowego wizerunku rodzin rozłącznych przestrzennie w świetle koncepcji piętna i stygmatyzacji. Analiza opiera się na założeniach interakcyjnych teorii, ze szczególnym nawiązaniem do koncepcji piętna Ervinga Goffmana. Wprowadzenie do problematyki społecznych konsekwencji funkcjonowania rodzin transnarodowych stanowi charakterystyka polskich migracji poakcesyjnych podkreślająca aktualność poruszanego zagadnienia. Zwrócono uwagę na problem prawny pojawiający się w związku z migracją zarobkową rodziców i niewywiązywaniem się z obowiązku władzy rodzicielskiej. Artykuł przedstawia również różne ujęcia definicyjne rodziny transnarodowej, która jest alternatywną konstrukcją społeczno-kulturową dla rodziny pełnej. Kluczowym wątek rozważań dotyczy roli ,,społecznej widowni” w wytwarzaniu stygmatu ,,eurosieroctwa”.
Zasada proporcjonalności w tworzeniu prawa administracyjnego
Authors: Folak Łukasz
Published: February 2018

Przedmiotem opracowania jest charakterystyka zasady proporcjonalności (adekwatności celu i środka) w tworzeniu prawa administracyjnego. Autor opisuje zagadnienia związane z analizowaną zasadą, które winny być rozważane w procesie legislacji administracyjnej. W artykule, nawiązując do koncepcji filozoficznych – przedstawiono potrzebę wyodrębnienia i stosowania wspomnianej zasady w procesie legislacyjnym, obejmującym regulacje prawa administracyjnego (z uwagi na m.in. postępującą inflację przepisów tejże gałęzi, ryzyko nieadekwatnej ingerencji w prawa i wolności jednostki, konieczność prawidłowej oraz racjonalnej legislacji). Nadto wszechstronnie zbadano aspekty omawianej zasady: jej znaczenie wertykalne, horyzontalne, zewnętrzne (ilościowe), wewnętrzne (jakościowe), a także zagadnienie kontroli przestrzegania zasady proporcjonalności w stanowieniu najszerszej dziedziny prawa publicznego.
Podżeganie i pomocnictwo jako typy zjawiskowe przestępstwa
Authors: Tokarczyk Damian
Published: February 2018

Artykuł stanowi próbę odmiennego spojrzenia na konstrukcję podżegania i pomocnictwa. Autor analizuje przepisy k.k. z 1997 r. na tle modelowych rozwiązań odpowiedzialności karnej za przestępne współdziałanie i ich współczesnych modyfikacji. W publikacji przedstawiono odstępstwa od teorii postaci zjawiskowych przestępstwa, udziału w cudzym czynie i jednolitego sprawstwa. Analizując aktualne brzmienie przepisów regulujących odpowiedzialność karną za podżeganie i pomocnictwo, autor proponuje ich ujęcie jako typów zjawiskowych przestępstwa. Proponując odmienne spojrzenie na konstrukcję typ typów czynów zabronionych, przedstawia propozycję zmian w przepisach obowiązującego kodeksu karnego.
Constraining Roche-Lobe Overflow Models Using the Hot-Subdwarf Wide Binary Population
Authors: Vos Joris , Vučković Maja
Published: February 2018

One of the important issues regarding the final evolution of stars is the impact of binarity. A rich zoo of peculiar, evolved objects are born from the interaction between the loosely bound envelope of a giant, and the gravitational pull of a companion. However, binary interactions are not understood from first principles, and the theoretical models are subject to many assumptions. It is currently agreed upon that hot subdwarf stars can only be formed through binary interaction, either through common envelope ejection or stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) near the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). These systems are therefore an ideal testing ground for binary interaction models. With our long term study of wide hot subdwarf (sdB) binaries we aim to improve our current understanding of stable RLOF on the RGB by comparing the results of binary population synthesis studies with the observed population. In this article we describe the current model and possible improvements, and which observables can be used to test different parts of the interaction model.
New Pulse Timing Measurements of the sdBV Star CS 1246
Authors: Hutchens Zackary L. , Barlow Brad N. , Soto Alan Vasquez , Reichart Dan E. , Haislip Josh B. , Kouprianov Vladimir V. , Linder Tyler R. , Moore Justin P.
Published: February 2018

CS 1246 is a hot subdwarf B star discovered in 2009 to exhibit a single, large-amplitude radial pulsation. An O-C diagram constructed from this mode revealed reflex motion due to the presence of a low-mass M dwarf, as well as a long-term trend consistent with a decrease in the pulsational period. The orbital reflex motion was later confirmed with radial velocity measurements. Using eight years of data collected with the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, we show that the pulsation amplitude of CS 1246 is decaying nonlinearly. We also present an updated O-C diagram, which might now indicate a positive Ṗ and a new 2.09 ± 0.05 yr oscillation consistent with orbital reflex motion of the entire inner sdB+dM binary, possibly due to the gravitational influence of a circumbinary planet with minimum mass . However, unlike the presence of the M dwarf, we hesistate to claim this object as a definitive detection since intrinsic variability of the pulsation phase could theoretically produce a similar effect.
Vibration characteristics of functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite rectangular plates on Pasternak foundation with arbitrary boundary conditions and internal line supports
Authors: Zhong Rui , Wang Qingshan , Tang Jinyuan , Shuai Cijun , Liang Qian
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the first known vibration characteristics of moderately thick functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced composite rectangular plates on Pasternak foundation with arbitrary boundary conditions and internal line supports on the basis of the firstorder shear deformation theory. Different distributions of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) along the thickness are considered. Uniform and other three kinds of functionally graded distributions of carbon nanotubes along the thickness direction of plates are studied. The solutions carried out using an enhanced Ritz method mainly include the following three points: Firstly, create the Lagrange energy function by the energy principle; Secondly, as the main innovation point, the modified Fourier series are chosen as the basic functions of the admissible functions of the plates to eliminate all the relevant discontinuities of the displacements and their derivatives at the edges; Lastly, solve the natural frequencies as well as the associated mode shapes by means of the Ritz-variational energy method. In this study, the influences of the volume fraction of CNTs, distribution type of CNTs, boundary restrain parameters, location of the internal line supports, foundation coefficients on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the FG-CNT reinforced composite rectangular plates are presented.
Modeling the North American vertical datum of 1988 errors in the conterminous United States
Authors: Li X.
Published: February 2018

A large systematic difference (ranging from −20 cm to +130 cm) was found between NAVD 88 (North AmericanVertical Datum of 1988) and the pure gravimetric geoid models. This difference not only makes it very difficult to augment the local geoid model by directly using the vast NAVD 88 network with state-of-the-art technologies recently developed in geodesy, but also limits the ability of researchers to effectively demonstrate the geoid model improvements on the NAVD 88 network. Here, both conventional regression analyses based on various predefined basis functions such as polynomials, B-splines, and Legendre functions and the Latent Variable Analysis (LVA) such as the Factor Analysis (FA) are used to analyze the systematic difference. Besides giving a mathematical model, the regression results do not reveal a great deal about the physical reasons that caused the large differences in NAVD 88, which may be of interest to various researchers. Furthermore, there is still a significant amount of no-Gaussian signals left in the residuals of the conventional regression models. On the other side, the FA method not only provides a better not of the data, but also offers possible explanations of the error sources. Without requiring extra hypothesis tests on the model coefficients, the results from FA are more efficient in terms of capturing the systematic difference. Furthermore, without using a covariance model, a novel interpolating method based on the relationship between the loading matrix and the factor scores is developed for predictive purposes. The prediction error analysis shows that about 3-7 cm precision is expected in NAVD 88 after removing the systematic difference.
Transitivity pairs in Baltic: between Finnic and Slavic
Authors: Nau Nicole , Pakerys Jurgis
Published: February 2018

In this paper we examine transitivity pairs in the two modern Baltic languages Lithuanian and Latvian and compare them to neighbouring Finnic (Finnish, Estonian) and Slavic (Russian, Polish) languages. In Slavic the main strategy is to derive the intransitive (noncausal) verb from the transitive (causal) verb, while in Finnic we find a high number of derived causatives. Baltic uses both techniques, and in addition, there is a higher number of pairs where either both verbs are marked, or two etymologically related verbs are underived from a synchronic point of view. Differences and similarities across the six languages are investigated, using a list of 20 notions divided into five groups. Special attention is paid to animacy and to the distinction between inchoative and durative noncausal verbs.
Functions of valency operators in Kamas
Authors: Klumpp Gerson
Published: February 2018

This article provides an account of the functional range of Kamas valency operators. Kamas is an extinct South Siberian language of the Samoyed branch of Uralic, which was in close contact with Turkic for many centuries. In the early 20th century, Kamas had two valency operators: (i) -Tə derived transitive from intransitive verbs as well as causative from transitive verbs; and (ii) -Ō derived intransitive from transitive verbs; in addition the intransitivizer, probably departing from pairs like edə- ‘hang up (tr.)’ > ed-ȫ- ‘hang (itr.)’, had acquired the function of specifying imperfective state-of-affairs, e.g. iʔbə- ‘lie down, lie’ > iʔb-ȫ- ‘lie’. The two markers may occur in combination in the order “increase-decrease” (-T-Ō), but not vice versa. While on the one hand the valency operators may be understood as verb derivation morphemes proper, i.e. verbs derived with the suffixes -Tə- and -Ō- are considered new lexical entries, their functional range also covers combinations with participles otherwise unspecified for voice. The valency decreaser -Ō occurs with participles of transitive verbs in order to specify P-orientation. The valency increaser -Tə has a variety of causative readings, among them causative-reflexive, causative-permissive, and causative-instrumental, and it also qualifies as a marker of control and/or characterizing activity. The discussion in this article is focused mainly on classificational issues.
Structural, optical, thermal and NLO behavior of zinc hydrogen maleate dihydrate single crystal
Authors: Karuna S. , Balu A.R. , Muthu S. , Shyamala D. , Delci Z. , Ramkumaar G.R
Published: February 2018

Single crystal of zinc hydrogen maleate dihydrate (ZHMD) is grown by slow evaporation method at room temperature. The compound crystallizes in triclinic system with noncentrosymmetric space group P1. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of ZHMD are recorded. The versatile DFT is employed to understand the band structure of the crystal. Dipole moment of the molecule, ionization energy and electron affinity are established. The potential energy distribution PED of the vibrational modes is calculated using VEDA4. The results of the optimized molecular structure are compared with the single crystal XRD data. The Mulliken and NBO charges are calculated and interpreted. Optical properties of the grown crystal are analyzed using UV-Vis spectrum. Energy gap determined by Tauc plot is in a good agreement with the theoretical value calculated from HOMO-LUMO energies. Thermogravimetric analysis is done to assess the thermal behavior of the ZHMD crystal. Various thermodynamic parameters are calculated using the basis set B3LYP. The first order hyperpolarizability values of ZHMD establish its NLO nature. The molecular electrostatic potential MEP of the molecule is obtained. Third-order nonlinear response is studied using Z-scan technique and the corresponding parameters such as absorption coefficient, refractive index and third-order susceptibility are determined.
Negotiating race in post-apartheid South Africa: Bernadette’s stories
Authors: Bock Zannie
Published: February 2018

Contemporary scholarship on race investigates how racism is deeply embedded in everyday norms and practices in ways which subtly, even unwittingly, serve to reproduce white domination. In South Africa, like many other postcolonial societies, racial constructs continue to be particularly salient. This paper focuses on how a young South African, Bernadette, navigates the complex terrain of racial positioning in a focus group interview with her peers. Drawing primarily on Labov’s seminal work on narrative, as well as more recent interactional approaches, it investigates how Bernadette uses the reported speech of others in her stories as a key narrative strategy for racial positioning. The analytical findings suggest that despite her efforts to distance herself from what she perceives as racist talk, she slips into a racializing discourse which is much less overt than that which she rejects, and which has the effect of reassembling the apartheid hierarchy as an explanatory framework. This paper argues that a narrative lens enables the researcher to begin uncovering the multilayered complexities of racial positioning and the subtle ways in which racial discourses circulate in contemporary talk.
POTENSI LIMBAH KULIT JERUK NIPIS (Citrus auronfolia) SEBAGAI INHIBITOR TIROSINASE
Authors: Hindun Siti , Rusdiana Taofik , Abdasah Marline , Hindritiani Reti
Published: February 2018

Hiperpigmentasi merupakan kelainan kulit wajah yang umum terjadi, terutama karena adanya peningkatan melanogenesis, dengan gambaran berupa warna kulit menjadi hitam atau coklat kehitaman. Kelainan ini terdapat pada beberapa macam penyakit kulit diantaranya melasma, melanoderma paska inflamasi, lentigo solaris dan freckles. Salah satu prinsip penanganan hiperpigmentasi yaitu menghambat sintesis melanin yang dapat dilakukan dengan menggunakan agen depigmentasi yang mekanisme kerjanya menghambat aktivitas enzim tirosinase. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji potensi kulit jeruk nipis sebagai inhibitor tirosinase. Kulit jeruk nipis diektraksi dengan etanol 96 %, identifikasi flavonoid, menghitung flavonoid total, kemudian diuji inhibisi tirosinase menggunakan instrumen microplate reader (ELISA). Hasil penelitian ekstrak kulit jeruk mengandung flavonid, dengan total flavonid totalnya 0,667 % b/b dan inhibition concentration (IC) 50 42,11 mg/mL, Kulit jeruk berpotensi sebagai inhibisi tirosinase.Kata kunci:    Citrus auronfolia, Hiperpigmentasi, IC50, Tirosinase
Penentuan Parameter Termodinamika Pembentukan Kompleks Inklusi Glimepirid-Betasiklodekstrin
Authors: Darusman Fitrianti , Rahayu Endah
Published: February 2018

Glimepirid merupakan obat antidiabetika oral golongan sulfonilurea generasi ketiga yang termasuk dalam Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) kelas II dengan sifat kelarutan praktis tidak larut dalam air sehingga dapat ditingkatkan kelarutannya dengan pembentukan kompleks inklusi menggunakan senyawa turunan siklodekstrin yaitu betasiklodekstrin yang memiliki rongga toroidal dengan bagian dalam bersifat hidrofobik dan bagian luar bersifat hidrofilik. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menentukan harga tetapan stabilitas kompleks berdasarkan parameter termodinamika (ΔH, ΔG, dan ΔS) pada proses pembentukan kompleks inklusi glimepirid-betasiklodekstrin. Penelitian dilakukan dalam dapar asetat pH 6,2 dan dapar fosfat pH 7,4 pada suhu 32°, 37° dan 42°C. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa glimepirid dapat berinteraksi membentuk kompleks inklusi dengan betasiklodekstrin. Interaksi antara glimepirid dengan betasiklodekstrin pada pH 6,2 berlangsung secara eksotermik (ΔH<0), proses terjadi secara spontan (ΔG<0) dan terjadi peningkatan ketidakteraturan sistem (ΔS positif). Pada pH 7,4 interaksi berlangsung secara eksotermik, proses terjadi secara spontan (ΔG<0) dan terjadi penurunan ketidakteraturan sistem (ΔS negatif).Kata kunci : glimepirid, betasiklodesktrin, kompleks inklusi, termodinamika.
Seasonal dynamics of climatic indices as one of the manifestation factors of pyrogenic phenomena on the territory of Lugansk region
Authors: Tarakhkalo I. A.
Published: February 2018

The analysis on the effects of pyrogenic Lugansk region for the period from 2001 to 2005 was conducted using the service «FIRMS». Established seasonal dynamics of pyrogenic phenomena and specific influence of climatic factors on the pyrogenic effects in the Luhansk region.
Non-native species in the vascular flora of the national park «Samarsky Bir»
Authors: Baranovski B. A.
Published: February 2018

Results of non-native flora surveys on Samara Dniprovska River valley within the designed National Park «Samarsky Bir» were analyzed in the paper. Scientific justification on first stage creation of the national-level National Park «Samarsky Bir» was prepared in 2012. Its area included the main park area with floodplain, arena and gully landscapes of the rivers Samara and Oril interstream. List of vascular plant species on floodplain, arena and gully habitats of Prisamar'ya counted 887 species. They are classified as 5 divisions, 6 classes, 108 families, 429 genera. This article presents a list of non-native flora fraction with bioecological characteristic of the plant species. The surveys were conducted by conventional methods on vascular flora studying. Analysis of the main plant ecomorphs was carried out by A. L. Belgard ecomorph system (1950). Invasion of plant species in the steppe zone of Ukraine has a long history complicated by significant anthropogenic transformation of the territory. We investigated the status of non-native plants, their ecomorphs, and tendency to invasiveness on the territory of National Park «Samarsky Bir» designed. Presence of 195 adventitious vascular plant species belonging to 48 families was determined. Of them, 7 families with the greatest abundance of non-native species contained 113 taxa (58 % of the total); 20 families were represented with 2–7 advents, and 20 families contained only 1 non-native species. Thus, today the share of non-native species in the vascular flora of the region accounted for nearly 22 %. Most of adventitious species are mesoxerophytes and xeromesophytes. In a cenomorphic relationship, vegetation being ruderal on the territory of Ukraine is dominated in composition of non-native flora. Within the total number of adventitious species, archaeophytes amount up 44 %, whereas neophytes come up to 56 %. The greatest abundance of adventitious species has been found in Brassicaceae, Asterasea and Poaceae families (15 %, 12 %, and 11 % of the total, respectively). 119 non-native vascular plant species were found in the steppe cenoses, 79 species in the gully and watershed forests, 90 species in floodplain forests, and 52 species on the territory of the sandy terrace. Among all the non-native species, 28 species have been identified as invasive, and there was a trend to increased invasiveness of some species in recent years. Among heterogenous species 12 of them were identified as invasive, and there was a tendency to increase theinvasiveness of some species in recent years. The analysis provided on non-native flora in the National Park evidences significant anthropogenic transformation of the territory; that requires establishment of appropriate regime on protection of this important ecological object.
Bogovin A. V., Ptashnik M. M., Dudnik S. V. Restoration of productive, environmentally stable grass biogeocenoses on anthropo-transformed foodophotopes. – Kyiv: Center for Educational Literature, 2017. – 356 p.
Authors: Bilova N. A.
Published: February 2018

In the monograph under review on the basis of long fundamental research and critical analysis of materials of domestic and foreign scientists, the main regularities of the restoration of herbaceous phytocenoses on anthropotransformed lands are highlighted. The dynamics of the ecological and biological structure of the restorative plant communities with the starting seeding of cultural perennial mixtures in combination with the seeds of wild herbs and without them is shown. The functional features of the successions, the dynamics of productivity and indicators of the fodder value of phytocoenoses are characterized, and the influence of agrotechnical measures on the rate of ecocenogenesis is covered. The technique of integrated index estimation of fodder quality of plant cenoses was developed and proposed for wide use, based on the species composition of the latter and the integrated-index status of phytocomponents in cenoses. For a large number of species of flowering plants provided index floral-individualistic characteristics.
EL MODELO DE GUERRA AFGANO Y LA ESTABILIDAD REGIONAL: LA ESTRATEGIA DE INTERVENCIÓN MILITAR ESTADOUNIDENSE EN SIRIA E IRAK
Authors: Melo Alvarado Tatiana , Yepes Lugo Cristian
Published: February 2018

Las guerras no convencionales que tienen lugar en Siria e Irak se caracterizan por la participación de una compleja red de actores estatales y no estatales que aplican técnicas asimétricas de lucha en una región profundamente dividida en líneas religiosas y étnicas. Ante este escenario, la administración Obama intervino militarmente en la zona aplicando el modelo de guerra afgano; una estrategia que reemplaza a las tropas convencionales estadounidenses en el terreno por aliados locales que son respaldados por el poder aéreo norteamericano y por las Fuerzas de Operaciones Especiales. A pesar de que existe un consenso en torno a que cada método de guerra posee tanto fortalezas como debilidades, aún prevalece como una cuestión debatible las implicaciones que este modelo puede generar sobre la estabilidad regional.El presente artículo establece las implicaciones que el modelo de guerra afgano implementado por la administración estadounidense en Siria e Irak puede generar sobre la estabilidad regional. Para ello, se caracteriza la situación de conflicto en cada uno de estos países y se analiza la manera en que el modelo ha sido empleado en cada uno de ellos. Se encuentra que a pesar de que a través del modelo de guerra afgano se ha pretendido mantener a las tropas estadounidenses alejadas del teatro de operaciones en Siria e Irak, su puesta en marcha podría traducirse en un progresivo involucramiento militar estadounidense en la zona, en el empoderamiento de otros actores locales cuyas agendas e intereses no necesariamente se ajustan a los de Estados Unidos y, en definitiva, en un detrimento para el ya delicado equilibrio regional.
Aislamiento y caracterización parcial de actinomicetos de suelos con actividad antimicrobiana contra bacterias multidrogo-resistentes
Authors: Parada Romina Belén , Marguet Emilio Rogelio , Vallejo Marisol
Published: February 2018

Con el objetivo de evaluar la actividad antimicrobiana frente a bacterias multi-drogo resistentes, se estudiaron 234 cepas de actinobacterias aisladas de suelo de Argentina y Perú. Se seleccionaron 13 cepas sobre la base de su actividad antagonista contra Staphylococcus aureus meticilina-resistente (SAMR) y Enterococcus resistente a vancomicina (EVR-van A y van B). La presencia de los genes NRPS, PKS-I y PKS-II fueron investigados por técnicas de PCR. Entre las 13 actinobacterias seleccionadas, la cepa AC69C mostró la mayor actividad en las pruebas de difusión en medio sólido y se evaluó posteriormente la producción de metabolitos antagonistas en medios líquidos. Los mejores resultados se lograron en caldo de fermentación con carbohidratos, al usarse en combinación almidón y glucosa. Se obtuvieron actividades antimicrobianas de 640 unidades arbitrarias (UA), 320 UA, 320 UA y 80 UA contra EVR-van A, EVR-van B, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC7644 y SAMR, respectivamente. La amplificación por PCR del gen ARNr 16S y el análisis filogenético subsecuente de la cepa AC69C exhibieron una homología del 100 % con Streptomyces antibioticus NRRL B-1701. No fue posible establecer una correlación entre los genes amplificados y la actividad antimicrobiana de las 13 cepas seleccionadas. Los resultados de este trabajo demuestran la amplia distribución de las actinobacterias en suelo y la importancia del aislamiento de cepas para la búsqueda de nuevos metabolitos activos contra bacterias multi-drogo resistentes de origen clínico.
Protein Kinase 2β Is Expressed in Neural Crest-Derived Urinary Pacemaker Cells and Required for Pyeloureteric Contraction
Authors: Iskander Samir M. , Feeney Meghan M. , Yee Kirby , Rosenblum Norman D.
Published: February 2018

Nonobstructive hydronephrosis, defined as dilatation of the renal pelvis with or without dilatation of the ureter, is the most common antenatal abnormality detected by fetal ultrasound. Yet, the etiology of nonobstructive hydronephrosis is poorly defined. We previously demonstrated that defective development of urinary tract pacemaker cells (utPMCs) expressing hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel 3 (HCN3) and the stem cell marker cKIT causes abnormal ureteric peristalsis and nonobstructive hydronephrosis. However, further investigation of utPMC development and function is limited by lack of knowledge regarding the embryonic derivation, development, and molecular apparatus of these cells. Here, we used lineage tracing in mice to identify cells that give rise to utPMCs. Neural crest cells (NCCs) indelibly labeled with tdTomato expressed HCN3 and cKIT. Furthermore, purified HCN3+ and cKIT+ utPMCs were enriched in Sox10 and Tfap-2α, markers of NCCs. Sequencing of purified RNA from HCN3+ cells revealed enrichment of a small subset of RNAs, including RNA encoding protein kinase 2β (PTK2β), a Ca2+-dependent tyrosine kinase that regulates ion channel activity in neurons. Immunofluorescence analysis in situ revealed PTK2β expression in NCCs as early as embryonic day 12.5 and in HCN3+ and cKIT+ utPMCs as early as embryonic day 15.5, with sustained expression in HCN3+ utPMCs until postnatal week 8. Pharmacologic inhibition of PTK2β in murine pyeloureteral tissue explants inhibited contraction frequency. Together, these results demonstrate that utPMCs are derived from NCCs, identify new markers of utPMCs, and demonstrate a functional contribution of PTK2β to utPMC function.
Bursa ilinde şarka hastalığının (Plum pox virus) yaygınlığının belirlenmesi
Authors: Saydam Cansu , Arslan Ümit , Ersoy Figen , Elibüyük İbrahim Özer
Published: February 2018

Plum pox virus (PPV)’nin neden olduğu şarka hastalığı
sert çekirdekli meyve ağaçlarında ciddi ekonomik kayıplara neden olan en önemli
viral hastalıktır. Bursa ilinde sert çekirdekli meyve bahçelerinde şarka
hastalığının yaygınlığını belirlemek amacıyla sürveyler gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Örnekler Yenişehir, Gürsu, Osmangazi, Mudanya, Orhangazi ve İnegöl ilçelerinden
nisan-haziran 2015 tarihleri arasında toplanmıştır. Toplam 166 tane sert
çekirdekli meyve ağacından (erik, şeftali, nektarin ve kiraz) ve badem
ağacından toplanan yaprak örnekleri test edilmiştir. Toplanan örneklerde virüs
varlığını tespit etmek için DAS-ELISA (double antibody sandwich enzyme linked
immunosorbent) testi kullanılmıştır. DAS-ELISA sonuçlarına göre,
Bursa'da PPV’nin yaygınlığı ortalama %24.1 olarak bulunmuştur. En yüksek PPV
enfeksiyonu, %57.1 oranı ile İnegöl'de belirlenmiştir. Orhangazi, Gürsu,
Yenişehir, Osmangazi ve Mudanya ilçelerinin sırası ile %50.0, %27.3, %25.0,
%10.0 ve %7.1 oranında PPV ile enfekteli olduğu bulunmuştur. En yüksek PPV
enfeksiyonu erikte (%41.7) saptanmış, bunu nektarin (%40) ve şeftali (%16.5)
izlemiştir. PPV, kiraz ve badem ağaçlarında tespit edilmemiştir.
Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension: from the point of view of 2017
Authors: Sarybaev A Sh , Sydykov A S , Sartmyrzaeva M A , Mamazhakypov A T , Maripov A M , Dzhumagulova A S
Published: February 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of diseases characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Regardless of its cause, PH leads to right ventricular failure and premature death. Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of PH have prompted the elaboration of new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PH. This paper provides a brief overview of major achievements in diagnostic and treatment approaches in patients PH.