bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wear model for worm gear
Authors: Jbily Dalia , Guingand Michèle , de Vaujany Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a numerical model to predict the wear of worm gear. This last is based on well-known Archard’s wear formulation. The influence of lubrication is taken into account with a local wear coefficient, depending on the ratio between the minimum lubricant film thickness and the amplitude of the surface roughness. When material on a wheel flank is worn, it is then necessary to update the surface profile, consequently the contact pressure calculations. To compute the quasi-static load sharing and thus the contact pressures required for the wear model, the equation of displacement compatibility is solved, using the influence coefficient method, which allows a fast and accurate computing. The bending deflections of the worm and wheel, and the local contact deformations of mating surfaces are included. The Boussinesq theory is applied for calculating the local contact deformations. The bending is determined by the combination of only one standard finite element method computation and interpolation functions. This method allows taking into account the environment of the gear meshing, such as the actual shafts, rim, web, bearing locations, which affect the quasi-static results and thus the wear. In addition, the model allows to obtain numerous results, such as load sharing, contact pressures distribution, transmission error, stiffness, wear distribution, etc. A comparison between theoretical wear predictions and experimental results, issued from the literature, are also presented.
Dynamic characteristics of planar linear array deployable structure based on scissor-like element with joint clearance using a new mixed contact force model
Authors: Li Bo , Wang San-Min , Yuan Ru , Xue Xiang-Zhen , Zhi Chang-Jian
Published: September 2015

This paper aims at investigating precisely the dynamic performance of deployable structure constituted by scissor unit mechanisms with clearance joint. Based on the motion law in real joints, the contact model is established using an improved Gonthier nonlinear continuous contact force model, and the friction effect is considered using LuGre model. Moreover, the resulting contact force is suitable to be included into the generalized force of the equations of motion of a multibody system and contributes to replace motion constraints. In the sequel of this process, the effect of joint clearance is successfully introduced into the dynamical model of scissor deployable structure and the dynamic characteristics of deployable structure with joint clearance are obtained using a direct default correction method, which can directly modify the coordinates and speed of the system to avoid the numerical results divergence. Also, the new hybrid contact force model of revolute joint clearance is verified through comparing with the original model. The numerical simulation results show that the improved contact model proposed here has the great merit that predicts the dynamic behavior of scissor deployable structure with joint clearance.
Investigation of the unsteady flow of a transonic compressor using the nonlinear harmonic method
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Bo , Shi Lei , Li Jun
Published: September 2015

In this paper, the nonlinear harmonic method implemented in Fine/Turbo CFD code has been used to analyze the unsteady flow field in a transonic compressor. The numerical accuracy and computational efficiency of this method have been demonstrated by comparing its predictions with experimental data and conventional time-domain unsteady simulation for the test case. The rotor–stator interactions are studied in detail to improve the understanding of the flow physics involved. The deterministic stresses in the nonlinear harmonic method have also been compared to the time-domain unsteady postprocessing results to analyze distinct sources of unsteadiness. For the present case, the nonlinear harmonic method can not only capture the unsteady results satisfactorily, but also gain a significant computational advantage over conventional unsteady method.
Detection of gamma hydroxybutyrate in emergency department
Authors: Drogies T , Willenberg A , Ramshorn-Zimmer A , Weidhase L , Petros S , Hädrich C , Thiery J , Gries A , Bernhard M
Published: September 2015

Background:

Many patients present to emergency departments (EDs) with an altered state of consciousness. Fast exclusion of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-associated intoxication in these patients may optimize diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms and decisions in the ED.

Methods:

Between January and March 2014, a novel enzymatic test system was used to quantify GHB in blood and urine samples of suspected intoxicated patients in the ED of the University Hospital. The underlying causes for suspected intoxication and the diagnostic and therapeutic measures were documented and analysed retrospectively.

Results:

GHB measurements were performed in 13 patients with suspected ingestion during a 3-month study period. GHB was positive in six patients showing serum levels between 61.8 mg/l and 254.8 mg/l, and GHB was tested negative in seven patients with a range of 0.3–6.2 mg/l (upper reference limit 6.1 mg/l). Additional intoxication was found in five of six GHB positive (83%, alcohol n = 2 and other drugs n = 5) and in six of seven negative-tested patients (86%, alcohol n = 5 and other drugs n = 1).

Conclusion:

GHB quantification in the ED provides specific additional information for intoxication, which can lead to more precise diagnostic and therapeutic decisions and may also be important for legal aspects. We believe that GHB analysis in unconscious patients with suspected intoxication may improve the efficient treatment of intoxicated patients.
Study designs for determining and comparing sensitivities of disease screening tests
Authors: Prorok Philip C. , Kramer Barnett S. , Miller Anthony B.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate the capability of various study designs to determine the sensitivity of a disease screening test.

Methods

Quantities that can be calculated from these designs were derived and examined for their relationship to true sensitivity (the ability to detect unrecognized disease that would surface clinically in the absence of screening) and overdiagnosis.

Results

To examine the sensitivity of one test, the single cohort design, in which all participants receive the test, is particularly weak, providing only an upper bound on the true sensitivity, and yields no information about overdiagnosis. A randomized design, with one control arm and participants tested in the other, that includes sufficient post-screening follow-up, allows calculation of bounds on, and an approximation to, true sensitivity and also determination of overdiagnosis. Without follow-up, bounds on the true sensitivity can be calculated. To compare two tests, the single cohort paired design in which all participants receive both tests is precarious. The three arm randomized design with post screening follow-up is preferred, yielding an approximation to the true sensitivity, bounds on the true sensitivity, and the extent of overdiagnosis of each test. Without post screening follow-up, bounds on the true sensitivities can be calculated. When an unscreened control arm is not possible, the two-arm randomized design is recommended. Individual test sensitivities cannot be determined, but with sufficient post-screening follow-up, an order relationship can be established, as can the difference in overdiagnosis between the two tests.
Book Review: Kavil Ramachandran, The 10 Commandments for Family Business
Authors: Tandon Neelam
Published: September 2015

Kavil Ramachandran, The 10 Commandments for Family Business. New Delhi, India: SAGE Publications India Pvt Ltd, 2015, 187 pp., ₹ 645 (ISBN: 978-93-515-0138-1 [HB])
Party systems, electoral systems, and legislative fragmentation
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V
Published: September 2015

Using electoral data from a nearly comprehensive set of the world’s electoral democracies (1992–2014), including 131 independent countries and one non-sovereign territory, this article develops an explanatory model of legislative fragmentation that incorporates electoral fragmentation, the territorial patterns of party support, district magnitude, specific electoral system effects, and the balance of personal and party vote components within the incentive structures generated by electoral rules. The analysis proves that there is a strong negative association between the territorial homogeneity of the vote and legislative fragmentation, and shows that those varieties of electoral rules that increase the salience of personal component in party-centred elections tend to enhance legislative fragmentation. Due to its statistical properties, the model allows for establishing the impact of each of the factors, as well as their relative weights, with a high degree of certainty.
Family planning and family vision in mothers after diagnosis of a child with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Navot Noa , Jorgenson Alicia Grattan , Vander Stoep Ann , Toth Karen , Webb Sara Jane
Published: September 2015

The diagnosis of a child with autism has short- and long-term impacts on family functioning. With early diagnosis, the diagnostic process is likely to co-occur with family planning decisions, yet little is known about how parents navigate this process. This study explores family planning decision making process among mothers of young children with autism spectrum disorder in the United States, by understanding the transformation in family vision before and after the diagnosis. A total of 22 mothers of first born children, diagnosed with autism between 2 and 4 years of age, were interviewed about family vision prior to and after their child’s diagnosis. Grounded Theory method was used for data analysis. Findings indicated that coherence of early family vision, maternal cognitive flexibility, and maternal responses to diagnosis were highly influential in future family planning decisions. The decision to have additional children reflected a high level of adaptability built upon a solid internalized family model and a flexible approach to life. Decision to stop childrearing reflected a relatively less coherent family model and more rigid cognitive style followed by ongoing hardship managing life after the diagnosis. This report may be useful for health-care providers in enhancing therapeutic alliance and guiding family planning counseling.
Property, freedom and money
Authors: Domènech Antoni , Bertomeu María Julia
Published: September 2015

Large exchange markets, big money, interest-bearing credit, big landholdings, proletarian masses, imperial expansion and even ‘capital’ or ‘salaried workers’, are not in themselves specific, unique institutional features of Modern Capitalism. This article argues that the features that characterize Modern Capitalism are a massive emergence of ‘free’, monetized wage labour, a self-propelled rush to unbounded world expansion and the progressive conversion of expropriated and privatized land into a monetized commodity, as well as a radically new use of the ancestral social institutions of money and credit as an instrument for financing the production of commodities to obtain a surplus in the form of monetary profit, but also to generate expropriatory social debt relations. This article explains these dynamic historical forces and their importance for political philosophy and for legal and economic history and economics and sheds some light on the relationship between ‘capitalism’ and ‘modernity’.
Effect of illuminance and spectrum on peripheral obstacle detection by pedestrians
Authors: Uttley J , Fotios S , Cheal C
Published: September 2015

Obstacle detection is an important visual task for pedestrians. An experiment was carried out to measure the ability to detect peripheral obstacles under variations of illuminance and scotopic/photopic luminance ratio and with older and younger test participants. The LED array used in this work enabled scotopic/photopic ratio to be varied whilst chromaticity was held constant. The tests employed a full-scale model with dynamic fixation and walking to better simulate pedestrian experience than in past work. Detection performance increased with illuminance, reaching a plateau at 2.0 lux. A higher scotopic/photopic ratio improved obstacle detection but only at the lowest illuminance used in this study (0.2 lux). Older participants showed poorer obstacle detection performance than younger participants but again only at the lowest illuminance.
An update on the management of post-traumatic headache
Authors: Obermann Mark , Naegel Steffen , Bosche Bert , Holle Dagny
Published: September 2015

Recent studies from the UK give the debate about how to deal best with patients suffering from whiplash injury new impetus. Following whiplash injury, about 90% of patients complain about head and/or neck pain, as well as dizziness, sleep problems and anxiety. These symptoms are often referred to as whiplash-associated disorders. In the majority of cases, these complaints develop within a few days or weeks following the accident. However, 30–50% of patients experience prolonged symptoms for more than 6 months, with headache as the main complaint. In accordance with the bio-psycho-social model of chronic post-traumatic headache, the following treatment options have been suggested: (1) proper patient education with detailed explanation of the condition; (2) support of normal movement; (3) avoiding immobilization; (4) resumption of work; and (5) targeted physiotherapy. Based on current study data, intensified physiotherapy seems not to be superior to standard therapy with simple patient education and can therefore not be recommended considering cost–benefit aspects.
Overcoming the Challenges Inherent in Conducting Design Research in Mental Health Settings
Authors: Ahern Catherine , McKinnon Margaret C. , Bieling Peter J. , McNeely Heather , Langstaff Karen
Published: September 2015

Objective:

Conducting high-quality design research in a mental health setting presents significant challenges, limiting the availability of high-quality evidence to support design decisions for built environments. Here, we outline key approaches to overcoming these challenges.

Background:

In conducting a rigorous post-occupancy evaluation of a newly built mental health and addictions facility, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, we identified a number of systematic barriers associated with conducting design research in mental health settings.

Methods:

Our approach to overcoming these barriers relied heavily upon (i) selecting established measures and methods with demonstrated efficacy in a mental health context, (ii) navigating institutional protocols designed to protect vulnerable members of this population, and (iii) designing innovative data collection strategies to increase participation in research by individuals with mental illness. Each of these approaches drew heavily on the expert knowledge of mental health settings and the experiences with mental health, facilities management, and research of a research team that was well integrated within the parent institution.

Conclusions:

Engaging multiple stakeholders (e.g., care providers, patients, ethics board, and hospital administrators) contributed their trust and support of the research. Traditionally, post-occupancy evaluation researchers are independent of the facilities they research, yet this is not an effective approach in mental health settings. We found that, in working toward solutions to the three obstacles we described, having team members who were well “networked” within the parent institution was necessary. This approach can turn “gatekeepers” into champions for patients’ engagement in the research, which is essential in generating high-quality evidence.
Urbanization Influence on the Relicts of Soviet Rural Landscape
Authors: Grazuleviciute-Vileniske Indre , Zaleskiene Erika , Baltrusaityte Gintare , Rubikaite Lauryna
Published: September 2015

The article deals with the possible reuse of the relicts of the Soviet rural landscapes in the areas of rural–urban interface of a postcommunist country using the Lithuanian example. It presents the short review of the development and features of the Soviet rural landscape in Lithuania; the analysis of the sociocultural, economic, ecological, and aesthetic issues related to the relicts of this type of landscape under the pressures of urbanization; and the discussion of the potential of the relicts of the Soviet rural landscape in the areas of rural–urban interface. The analysis of potential includes the discussion of the premises of integration of these landscape relicts in the development of the areas of rural–urban interface; formulation of seven integration scenarios—from renaturalization to urbanization; and the identification of the conditions for their implementation, their possible strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and the possibilities to develop the types of sustainable landscape distinguished by Nohl with corresponding aesthetic character in these areas.
Translational Research in Kidney Transplantation and the Role of Patient Engagement
Authors: Farragher Janine F. , Elliott Meghan J. , Silver Samuel A. , Lichner Zsuzsanna , Tsampalieros Anne
Published: September 2015

Background:

Translational research is an evolving discipline that is intended to bridge the gaps between basic science research, clinical research, and implementation in clinical practice. It is a fluid, multidirectional process that requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration to produce research that is relevant to end-users.

Purpose of this review:

This review summarizes current perspectives on translational research and outlines its relevance and importance to kidney transplantation research.

Sources of information:

Sources of information used for this review include published reports, articles, and research funding websites.

Findings:

Tissue typing is used as an in-depth example of how translational research has been applied in the field of kidney transplant medicine, and how it has resulted in successful implementation of diagnostic and management options for sensitized individuals undergoing kidney transplantation. The value of actively involving kidney transplant stakeholders (patients, caregivers, and clinicians) in setting research priorities and determining relevant outcomes for future investigation is also discussed.

Limitations:

This is a narrative review of the literature which has been partly influenced by the perspectives and experiences of its authors.

Implications:

Translational and patient-oriented research practices should be incorporated into future research endeavours in the field of kidney transplantation in order to create beneficial change in clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

What was known before:

Translational research which engages patients in the investigative process can enhance the likelihood that medical discoveries will have a meaningful impact at the bedside.

What this adds:

This article applies current perspectives on translational research and patient engagement to the field of kidney transplantation, illustrating how these approaches have led to significant advancements in the field. It provides further justification for deliberate, targeted efforts to cross-collaborate and incorporate the patient voice into kidney transplant research.
TCRβ repertoire of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is distinct in richness, distribution, and CDR3 amino acid composition
Authors: Li Hoi Ming , Hiroi Toyoko , Zhang Yongqing , Shi Alvin , Chen Guobing , De Supriyo , Metter E Jeffrey , Wood William H , Sharov Alexei , Milner Joshua D , Becker Kevin G , Zhan Ming , Weng Nan-ping
Published: September 2015

The TCR repertoire serves as a reservoir of TCRs for recognizing all potential pathogens. Two major types of T cells, CD4+ and CD8+, that use the same genetic elements and process to generate a functional TCR differ in their recognition of peptide bound to MHC class II and I, respectively. However, it is currently unclear to what extent the TCR repertoire of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is different. Here, we report a comparative analysis of the TCRβ repertoires of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells by use of a 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends–PCR–sequencing method. We found that TCRβ richness of CD4+ T cells ranges from 1.2 to 9.8 × 104 and is approximately 5 times greater, on average, than that of CD8+ T cells in each study subject. Furthermore, there was little overlap in TCRβ sequences between CD4+ (0.3%) and CD8+ (1.3%) T cells. Further analysis showed that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells exhibited distinct preferences for certain amino acids in the CDR3, and this was confirmed further by a support vector machine classifier, suggesting that there are distinct and discernible differences between TCRβ CDR3 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Finally, we identified 5–12% of the unique TCRβs that share an identical CDR3 with different variable genes. Together, our findings reveal the distinct features of the TCRβ repertoire between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and could potentially be used to evaluate the competency of T cell immunity.
The Atg1-Tor pathway regulates yolk catabolism in Drosophila embryos
Authors: Kuhn Hallie , Sopko Richelle , Coughlin Margaret , Perrimon Norbert , Mitchison Tim
Published: September 2015

Yolk provides an important source of nutrients during the early development of oviparous organisms. It is composed mainly of vitellogenin proteins packed into membrane-bound compartments called yolk platelets. Catabolism of yolk is initiated by acidification of the yolk platelet, leading to the activation of Cathepsin-like proteinases, but it is unknown how this process is triggered. Yolk catabolism initiates at cellularization in Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Using maternal shRNA technology we found that yolk catabolism depends on the Tor pathway and on the autophagy-initiating kinase Atg1. While Atg1 was required for a burst of spatially-regulated autophagy during late cellularization, autophagy was not required for initiating yolk catabolism. We propose that the conserved Tor metabolic sensing pathway regulates yolk catabolism, similar to Tor-dependent metabolic regulation on the lysosome.
Genetic analysis of Eclosion hormone action during Drosophila larval ecdysis
Authors: Krüger Eileen , Mena Wilson , Lahr Eleanor C. , Johnson Erik C. , Ewer John
Published: September 2015

Insect growth is punctuated by molts, during which the animal produces a new exoskeleton. The molt culminates with ecdysis, an ordered sequence of behaviors that causes the old cuticle to be shed. This sequence is activated by Ecdysis Triggering Hormone (ETH), which acts on the CNS to activate neurons that produce neuropeptides implicated in ecdysis, including Eclosion hormone (EH), Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide (CCAP), and bursicon. Despite over 40 years of research on ecdysis, our understanding of the precise roles of these neurohormones remains rudimentary. Of particular interest is EH, whose role beyond the well-accepted action of massively upregulating ETH release has remained elusive. We report on the isolation of an eh null mutant in Drosophila, and use it to investigate the role of EH in larval ecdysis. We found that null mutant animals invariably died at around the time of ecdysis, revealing an essential role in its control. Unexpectedly, however, they failed to express the preparatory behavior of pre-ecdysis while directly expressing the motor program of ecdysis. In addition, although ETH release could not be detected in these animals, the lack of pre-ecdysis could not be rescued by injections of ETH, suggesting that EH is required within the CNS for ETH to trigger the normal ecdysial sequence. Using a genetically-encoded calcium probe we show that EH configures the response of the CNS to ETH. These findings show that EH plays an essential role in the Drosophila CNS in the control of ecdysis, in addition to its known role in the periphery of triggering ETH release.
Characterisation of the human embryonic and foetal epicardium during heart development
Authors: Risebro Catherine A. , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Riley Paul R.
Published: September 2015

The epicardium is essential for mammalian heart development. At present our understanding of the timing and morphogenetic events leading to human epicardium development has essentially been extrapolated from model organisms. Here, we studied primary tissue samples to characterise human epicardium development. We reveal that the epicardium begins to envelop the myocardial surface at Carnegie Stage (CS) 11 and this process is completed by CS15, earlier than previously inferred from avian studies. Contrary to prevailing dogma, the formed human epicardium is not a simple squamous epithelium and we reveal evidence of more complex structure including novel spatial differences aligned to the developing chambers. Specifically, the ventricular, but not atrial, epicardium exhibited areas of expanded epithelium, preferential cell alignment and spindle-like morphology. Likewise, we reveal distinct properties ex vivo, such that ventricular cells spontaneously differentiate and lose epicardial identity, while atrial-derived cells remained epithelial-like. These data provide insight into the developing human epicardium which may contribute to our understanding of congenital heart disease and have implications for the development of strategies for endogenous cell-based cardiac repair.
Human umbilical cord matrix-derived stem cells exert trophic effects on β-cell survival in diabetic rats and isolated islets
Authors: Zhou Yunting , Hu Qi , Chen Fuyi , Zhang Juan , Guo Jincheng , Wang Hongwu , Gu Jiang , Ma Lian , Ho Guyu
Published: September 2015

Human umbilical cord matrix-derived stem cells (uMSCs), owing to their cellular and procurement advantages, are in clinical trials to treat type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Yet the therapeutic basis remains to be fully understood. The immunomodulatory property of uMSCs may explain the use in treating T1D, however the mere immune modulation may not be sufficient to support the use in T2D. We thus tested whether uMSCs could exert direct trophic effects on β-cells. Infusion of uMSCs into chemically induced diabetic rats prevented hyperglycemic progression with a parallel preservation of islet size and cellularity, demonstrating the protective effect of uMSCs on β-cells. Mechanistic analyses revealed that uMSCs engrafted long-term in the injured pancreas and the engraftment markedly activated the pancreatic PI3K pathway and its downstream anti-apoptotic machinery. The pro-survival pathway activation was associated with the expression and secretion of β-cell growth factors by uMSCs, among which insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) was highly abundant. To establish the causal relationship between the uMSC-secreted factors and β-cell survival, isolated rat islets were co-cultured with uMSCs in the transwell system. Co-culturing improved the islet viability and insulin secretion. Furthermore, reduction of uMSC-secreted IGF1 via the siRNA knockdown diminished the protective effects on islets in the co-culture. Thus, our data support a model whereby uMSCs exert trophic effects on islets by secreting β-cell growth factors such as IGF1. The study reveals the new therapeutic role of uMSCs and suggests that multiple mechanisms may be employed by uMSCs to treat diabetes.
Characterization of Porosity and Thermal Properties of Ni-Doped Carbosils Obtained by Starch Gelation
Authors: Charmas Barbara
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the studies of effects of different Ni2+ contents on the structural and thermal properties of carbosils prepared by deposition of carbon matter (starch gelation) on the silica gel (Si-50) matrix. These mesoporous materials were characterized by a varied pore structure with developed surface and large pore volume. The porous structure of the initial silica gel and carbosils was characterized by the low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption method as well as by pore-size distribution calculated from the calorimetric data by analyzing the thermal effects of liquid-phase transitions (water, n-decane and 1-decanol) confined in the pores of porous materials. The interfacial behaviour of different media confined incarbosil pores during the freezing/melting processes of obtained materials was studied. The results show that different catalyst contents have a significant effect on the porous structure formation.
4-Vinylpyridine–Trimethylolpropane Trimethacrylate Composite Polymer Particles and Their Application as Adsorbents
Authors: Grochowicz Marta , Szajnecki Łukasz , Gawdzik Barbara
Published: September 2015

The study describes the synthesis of microspheres of 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) with uniform diameters. Polymeric 4VP–TRIM microspheres were prepared by seed polymerization, using polystyrene beads as a shape template. Following polymerization, microspheres with average diameters of 10.2, 8.5 and 5.6 μm and coefficient of variation of approximately 7% were obtained. By changing the molar ratio of co-monomers, it was possible to prepare 4VP–TRIM materials with developed porous structure and specific surface area of up to 355 m2/g. 4VP–TRIM microspheres were synthesized with the intention to use them as polymeric stationary phases in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Smith method was used to evaluate the chromatographic properties of polymeric packing. Using two retention index scales (alkylbenzenes and alkyl aryl ketones), the retention indices of test compounds with different chemical characters were calculated. Toluene had the highest retention index on the studied stationary phase, whereas 2-phenylethanol had the smallest retention. In the reversed phase-mode HPLC, isocratic separation of alkylbenzenes was achieved with satisfactory resolution on 100 times 4.6 mm i.d. column. Theoretical plate number exceeding 16,000 m−1 could be obtained with benzene as the analyte. The resolving power of the prepared column was maintained when the mobile phase flow rate was increased from 1 to 2 ml/minute.
Capillary Action Liquid Chromatography: New Chromatographic Technique for the Separation and Determination of Colour Substances
Authors: Gierak Andrzej , Skorupa Agata , Łazarska Iwona
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study is to compare the chromatographic separation of dyes, used in food industry, by thin-layer chromatography and capillary column liquid chromatography techniques. The same separation systems (stationary phase containing adsorbent type RP-8; and mobile phase containing methanol–water, with the modifier) were used for both techniques.
Molecular Modelling of Selected Phthalates and Their Interactions with Stationary Phases in Solid-Phase Microextraction
Authors: Wideł Dariusz , Oszczudłowski Jerzy , Witkiewicz Zygfryd
Published: September 2015

In this work, solid-phase microextraction of six phthalates from methanol and aqueous solutions were carried out. Polar polyacrylate (PA) and non-polar polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were used as stationary phases. HyperChem 8.0 software was used for the optimization of the geometry of these six phthalates and their interactions with stationary phases. Extracted samples were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In the analysis of phthalates extracted from methanol solution, the best extraction efficiency was obtained for the PA phase, whereas for the extraction from aqueous solution, higher efficiency was obtained for the PDMS phase.
Factors of choice of the legal form of management of industrial park
Authors: Плахин Андрей , Plakhin Andrey , Миронов Денис , Mironov Denis
Published: September 2015

The paper presents the results of research of the factors that define the choice of organizational control scheme for industrial park. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the options of the legal form of the management company of the industrial park in terms of the challenges that must be addressed in the future created by the management company is given. The authors compiled a comparative analysis of possible options for organizational and legal forms of management of the industrial park.
Optimization in Online Content Recommendation Services: Beyond Click-Through Rates
Authors: Besbes Omar , Gur Yonatan , Zeevi Assaf
Published: September 2015

A new class of online services allows Internet media sites to direct users from articles they are currently reading to other content they may be interested in. This process creates a “browsing path” along which there is potential for repeated interaction between the user and the provider, giving rise to a dynamic optimization problem. A key metric that often underlies this recommendation process is the click-through rate (CTR) of candidate articles. Whereas CTR is a measure of instantaneous click likelihood, we analyze the performance improvement that one may achieve by some lookahead that accounts for the potential future path of users. To that end, by using some data of user path history at major media sites, we introduce and derive a representation of content along two key dimensions: clickability, the likelihood to click to an article when it is recommended; and engageability, the likelihood to click from an article when it hosts a recommendation. We then propose a class of heuristics that leverage both clickability and engageability, and provide theoretical support for favoring such path-focused heuristics over myopic heuristics that focus only on clickability (no lookahead). We conduct a live pilot experiment that measures the performance of a practical proxy of our proposed class, when integrated into the operating system of a worldwide leading provider of content recommendations, allowing us to estimate the aggregate improvement in clicks per visit relative to the CTR-driven current practice. The documented improvement highlights the importance and the practicality of efficiently incorporating the future path of users in real time.
Non-Invasive Assessment of Dairy Products Using Spatially Resolved Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Abildgaard Otto H. A. , Kamran Faisal , Dahl Anders B. , Skytte Jacob L. , Nielsen Frederik D. , Thomsen Carsten L. , Andersen Peter E. , Larsen Rasmus , Frisvad Jeppe R.
Published: September 2015

The quality of a dairy product is largely determined by its microstructure which also affects its optical properties. Consequently, an assessment of the optical properties during production may be part of a feedback system for ensuring the quality of the production process. This paper presents a novel camera-based measurement technique that enables robust quantification of a wide range of reduced scattering coefficients and absorption coefficients. Measurements are based on hyperspectral images of diffuse reflectance in the wavelength range of 470 to 1020 nm. The optical properties of commercially available milk and yogurt products with three different levels of fat content are measured. These constitute a relevant range of products at a dairy plant. The measured reduced scattering properties of the samples are presented and show a clear discrimination between levels of fat contents as well as fermentation. The presented measurement technique and method of analysis is thus suitable for a rapid, non-contact, and non-invasive inspection that can deduce physically interpretable properties.
Detection of Highly Energetic Materials on Non-Reflective Substrates Using Quantum Cascade Laser Spectroscopy
Authors: Castro-Suarez John R. , Hidalgo-Santiago Migdalia , Hernández-Rivera Samuel P.
Published: September 2015

A quantum cascade laser spectrometer was used to obtain the reflection spectra of highly energetic materials (HEMs) deposited on nonideal, low-reflectivity substrates, such as travel-bag fabric (polyester), cardboard, and wood. Various deposition methods were used to prepare the standards and samples in the study. The HEMs used were the nitroaromatic explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), the aliphatic nitrate ester pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and the aliphatic nitramine 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). Chemometrics algorithms were applied to analyze the recorded spectra. Partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis was used to find the best correlation between the infrared signals and the surface concentrations of the samples, and PLS combined with discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to discriminate, classify, and identity similarities in the spectral datasets. Several preprocessing steps were applied to prepare the mid-infrared spectra of HEMs deposited on the target substrates. The results demonstrate that the infrared vibrational method described in this study is well suited for the rapid screening analysis of HEMs on low-reflectivity substrates when a supervised model has been previously constructed or when a reference spectrum of the clean substrate can be acquired to be subtracted from the HEM-substrate spectrum.
Implicações da Vinculação Amorosa e Suporte Social na Autoestima em Jovens Universitários
Authors: Freitas Vânia , Mota Catarina Pinheiro
Published: September 2015

O estudo debruça-se sobre a vinculação amorosa e a perceção de suporte social no desenvolvimento da autoestima dos jovens. A amostra é composta por 334 jovens universitários, de ambos os géneros, com idades entre os 18 e os 25 anos. O método utilizado para recolha de dados foi uma análise quantitativa. Os instrumentos utilizados, o Social Support Appraisals, o Questionário de Vinculação Amorosa e o Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale revelaram qualidades psicométricas adequadas. Os resultados sugerem correlações positivas e negativas entre as principais variáveis de vinculação amorosa, suporte social e autoestima. A ambivalência e a dependência (na vinculação ao par romântico) sugerem um efeito negativo sobre a autoestima, ao invés da perceção de apoio dos professores que apresenta um efeito positivo na autoestima. Constatou-se também que a vinculação amorosa exerce o seu papel moderador na associação entre a perceção de suporte social e a autoestima.
A confiança em testemunhas: O papel das diferenças individuais
Authors: Fundinho João , Luna Karlos , Albuquerque Pedro B.
Published: September 2015

Por vezes, a confiança com que uma testemunha recorda um crime relaciona-se com a exatidão da recordação. A investigação sugere que esta relação é complexa e pode ser influenciada por diferenças individuais. Neste estudo procurou-se perceber qual a influência da autoestima, impulsividade e tipo de tomada de decisão nesta relação. No procedimento apresentou-se um vídeo de um assalto, questões sobre este, e pediu-se a atribuição de julgamentos de confiança sobre as respostas. Os participantes responderam e julgaram também questões de conhecimento geral e responderam a escalas de autoestima (Rosemberg Self-esteem Scale), impulsividade (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale) e tipo de tomada de decisão (Cognitive Reflection Test). Os resultados revelam não haver influência das variáveis estudadas na calibração, sobreconfiança e exatidão das respostas, e também mostram maior subconfiança em questões de conhecimento geral comparativamente com as questões de testemunho. Os resultados indicam também que os participantes que utilizam um processo mais racional nas suas tomadas de decisão (sistema 2) apresentam maior exatidão e confiança do que os participantes que utilizam um processo mais intuitivo (sistema 1).
A Peripatetic Dialogue in P.Oxy. LIII 3699: A New Edition Based on New Joins
Authors: Verhasselt Gertjan
Published: September 2015

This article presents a new edition with a translation and a commentary of P.Oxy. LIII 3699. By examining the originals I have been able to join the fragments, which were published as separate pieces in the editio princeps. The text is a philosophical dialogue dealing with education and probably belongs to the Aristotelian Peripatos.
Ein medizinischer Papyrus mit Kolumnentitel? Bemerkungen zu einem Exzerpt aus Antyllos’ περὶ βοηθημάτων im Antinoopolis-Papyrus III 128
Authors: Witt Mathias
Published: September 2015

P.Ant. III 128, a fragment from a medical compilation, is identified in the present paper to contain a passage from the treatise “On Therapeutic Aids” by Antyllus (2
Aging-Related Hyperexcitability in CA3 Pyramidal Neurons Is Mediated by Enhanced A-Type K+Channel Function and Expression
Authors: Simkin Dina , Hattori Shoai , Ybarra Natividad , Musial Timothy F. , Buss Eric W. , Richter Hannah , Oh M. Matthew , Nicholson Daniel A. , Disterhoft John F.
Published: September 2015

Aging-related impairments in hippocampus-dependent cognition have been attributed to maladaptive changes in the functional properties of pyramidal neurons within the hippocampal subregions. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 pyramidal neurons, with CA3 pyramidal neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing in the hippocampal circuit. Here, we use whole-cell current-clamp to demonstrate that aged rat (29–32 months) CA3 pyramidal neurons fire significantly more action potentials (APs) during theta-burst frequency stimulation and that this is associated with faster AP repolarization (i.e., narrower AP half-widths and enlarged fast afterhyperpolarization). Using a combination of patch-clamp physiology, pharmacology, Western blot analyses, immunohistochemistry, and array tomography, we demonstrate that these faster AP kinetics are mediated by enhanced function and expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K+channels, particularly within the perisomatic compartment, of CA3 pyramidal neurons. Thus, our study indicates that inhibition of these A-type K+channels can restore the intrinsic excitability properties of aged CA3 pyramidal neurons to a young-like state.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAge-related learning deficits have been attributed, in part, to altered hippocampal pyramidal neuronal function with normal aging. Much evidence has come from work on CA1 neurons, with CA3 neurons receiving comparatively less attention despite its age-related hyperactivation being postulated to interfere with spatial processing. Hence, we conducted a series of experiments to identify the cellular mechanisms that underlie the hyperexcitability reported in the CA3 region. Contrary to CA1 neurons, we demonstrate that postburst afterhyperpolarization is not altered with aging and that aged CA3 pyramidal neurons are able to fire significantly more action potentials and that this is associated with faster action potential repolarization through enhanced expression of Kv4.2/Kv4.3 A-type K+channels, particularly within the cell bodies of CA3 pyramidal neurons.
Peripheral Neuropathy Induces HCN Channel Dysfunction in Pyramidal Neurons of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Cordeiro Matos Steven , Zhang Zizhen , Séguéla Philippe
Published: September 2015

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition for which the development of effective treatments has been limited by an incomplete understanding of its molecular basis. The cationic currentIhmediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels plays an important role in pain by facilitating ectopic firing and hyperexcitability in DRG neurons, however little is known regarding the role ofIhin supraspinal pain pathways. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is reported to be involved in the affective aspects of pain, exhibits high HCN channel expression. Using the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain in Long–Evans rats and patch-clamp recordings in layer II/III pyramidal neurons of the contralateral mPFC, we observed a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependent activation ofIhin SNI neurons, whereas maximalIhremained unchanged. Accordingly, SNI mPFC pyramidal neurons exhibited increased input resistance and excitability, as well as facilitated glutamatergic mGluR5-mediated persistent firing, compared with sham neurons. Moreover, intracellular application of bromo-cAMP abolished the hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependent activation ofIhobserved in SNI neurons, whereas protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition further promoted this shift in both SNI and sham neurons. Behaviorally, acute HCN channel blockade by local injection of ZD7288 in the mPFC of SNI rats induced a decrease in cold allodynia. These findings suggest that changes in the cAMP/PKA axis in mPFC neurons underlie alterations to HCN channel function, which can influence descending inhibition of pain pathways in neuropathic conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTRecent studies investigating the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in neuropathic pain have led to an increased awareness of how affective and cognitive factors can influence pain perception. It is therefore imperative that we advance our understanding of the involvement of supraspinal pain pathways. Our electrophysiological and behavioral results support an important role for hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and the cAMP/protein kinase A signaling axis in promoting hyperexcitability and persistent firing in pyramidal neurons of the mPFC in neuropathic animals. These findings offer novel insights, with potential therapeutic implications, into pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the abnormal contribution of layer II/III prefrontal pyramidal neurons to chronic pain states.
Hunger States Control the Directions of Synaptic Plasticity via Switching Cell Type-Specific Subunits of NMDA Receptors
Authors: Qi Yong , Yang Yunlei
Published: September 2015

It remains largely unknown whether and how hunger states control activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). We here report that both LTP and LTD of excitatory synaptic strength within the appetite control circuits residing in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) behave in a manner of hunger states dependence and cell type specificity. For instance, we find that tetanic stimulation induces LTP at orexigenicagouti-related protein(AgRP) neurons inad libitumfed mice, whereas it induces LTD in food-deprived mice. In an opposite direction, the same induction protocol induces LTD at anorexigenicpro-opiomelanocortin(POMC) neurons in fed mice but weak LTP in deprived mice. Mechanistically, we also find that food deprivation increases the expressions of NR2C/NR2D/NR3-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs) at AgRP neurons that contribute to the inductions of LTD, whereas it decreases their expressions at POMC neurons. Collectively, our data reveal that hunger states control the directions of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity by switching NMDA receptor subpopulations in a cell type-specific manner, providing insights into NMDAR-mediated interactions between energy states and associative memory.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBased on the experiments performed in this study, we demonstrate that activity-dependent synaptic plasticity is also under the control of energy states by regulating NMDAR subpopulations in a cell type-specific manner. We thus propose a reversible memory configuration constructed from energy states-dependent cell type-specific bidirectional conversions of LTP and LTD. Together with the distinct functional roles played by NMDAR signaling in the control of food intake and energy states, these findings reveal a new reciprocal interaction between energy states and associative memory, one that might serve as a target for therapeutic treatments of the energy-related memory disorders or vice versa.