bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary ciliary dyskinesia ciliated airway cells show increased susceptibility toHaemophilus influenzaebiofilm formation
Authors: Walker Woolf T. , Jackson Claire L. , Allan Raymond N. , Collins Samuel A. , Kelso Michael J. , Rineh Ardeshir , Yepuri Nageshwar R. , Nicholas Ben , Lau Laurie , Johnston David , Lackie Peter , Faust Saul N. , Lucas Jane S.A. , Hall-Stoodley Luanne
Published: November 2017

Non-typeableHaemophilus influenzae(NTHi) is the most common pathogen in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) patients. We hypothesised that abnormal ciliary motility and low airway nitric oxide (NO) levels on airway epithelial cells from PCD patients might be permissive for NTHi colonisation and biofilm development.

We used a primary epithelial cell co-culture model to investigate NTHi infection. Primary airway epithelial cells from PCD and non-PCD patients were differentiated to ciliation using an air–liquid interface culture and then co-cultured with NTHi.

NTHi adherence was greater on PCD epithelial cells compared to non-PCD cells (p<0.05) and the distribution of NTHi on PCD epithelium showed more aggregated NTHi in biofilms (p<0.001). Apart from defective ciliary motility, PCD cells did not significantly differ from non-PCD epithelial cells in the degree of ciliation and epithelial integrity or in cytokine, LL-37 and NO production. Treatment of PCD epithelia using exogenous NO and antibiotic significantly reduced NTHi viability in biofilms compared with antibiotic treatment alone.

Impaired ciliary function was the primary defect in PCD airway epithelium underlying susceptibility to NTHi biofilm development compared with non-PCD epithelium. Although NO responses were similar, use of targeted NO with antibiotics enhanced killing of NTHi in biofilms, suggesting a novel therapeutic approach.
Estimating winter ebullition bubble volume in lake ice using ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Fantello Nadia , Parsekian Andrew D. , Walter Anthony Katey M.
Published: November 2017

Freshwater lakes are an important source of atmospheric methane ([Formula: see text]); however, uncertainties associated with quantifying fluxes limit the accuracy of climate warming projections. Among emission pathways, ebullition (bubbling) is the principal and most challenging to account for given its spatial and temporal patchiness. When lakes freeze, many methane-rich bubbles escaping from lake-bottom sediments are temporarily trapped by downward-growing lake ice. Because bubble position is then seasonally fixed, we postulate that it should be possible to locate bubbles using a geophysical approach sensitive to perturbations in the ice-water interface and ice sheet structure generated by bubbles. We use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to noninvasively quantify the amount of ebullition gas present in lake ice. To do this, an appropriate petrophysical transformation is required that relates radar wave velocity and volumetric gas content. We use laboratory experiments to show that electromagnetic models and volumetric mixing formulas were good representations of the gas volume-permittivity relationship. We found a standard deviation in dielectric permittivity between the models of 0.03, 0.03, and 0.02 for 20%, 50%, and 70% gas content, respectively. Second, by combining two GPR geometries (common and multioffset), we were able to locate bubbles and estimate gas volume with low uncertainty, with [Formula: see text] being the lowest uncertainty found and [Formula: see text] the largest. Finally, we found that GPR reflection patterns were associated with different previously identified ice-bubble classes. These geophysical results coupled with ancillary field measurements and ice-growth models also suggest how GPR can contribute to estimates of seasonal and annual ebullition fluxes over large spatiotemporal scales within and among lakes, thereby helping to reduce uncertainties in upscaled estimates of ecosystem methane emissions.
Dynamic Interaction of High-Voltage Power Transformer Bushings, Turrets, and Tanks
Authors: Ma Guo-Liang , Xie Qiang , Whittaker Andrew
Published: November 2017

High-voltage (HV) bushings are attached to a power transformer tank either directly or indirectly via turrets. Turrets are used to achieve electrical performance requirements, but their potential impact on the seismic performance of the supported bushings has not been considered. Earthquake simulator testing and finite-element analysis were used to quantify the amplification of ground shaking through tanks (220- and 500-kV) and turrets to the points of attachment of roof- and sidewall-supported bushings. Substantial amplification of motion was seen in both physical experiments and numerical simulations. Sample bracing schemes external to the transformer tank were investigated to potentially reduce the motions experienced by the bushings. Bushing tip displacements were reduced in all stiffening cases studied, but the outcomes for bending moment at the bushing-turret connection were mixed, with no change in some cases and significant reductions in others. The physical and numerical studies described in this paper make clear the importance of dynamic interaction of bushings, turrets, and the power transformer tank. The methods currently used to address the amplification of input motion from the base of a tank to the points of attachment of its bushing are inadequate. The seismic design of HV power transformer tanks and turrets should be supported by finite-element analysis of validated models to avoid dynamic interaction in the bushing-turret-tank system, to minimize seismic demand on the transformer bushings, and to minimize the risk of substation damage in earthquakes.
A Flatfile of Ground Motion Intensity Measurements from Induced Earthquakes in Oklahoma and Kansas
Authors: Rennolet Steven B. , Moschetti Morgan P. , Thompson Eric M. , Yeck William L.
Published: November 2017

We have produced a uniformly processed database of orientation-independent (RotD50, RotD100) ground motion intensity measurements containing peak horizontal ground motions (accelerations and velocities) and 5-percent-damped pseudospectral accelerations (0.1–10 s) from more than 3,800 M ≥ 3 earthquakes in Oklahoma and Kansas that occurred between January 2009 and December 2016. Ground motion time series were collected from regional, national, and temporary seismic arrays out to 500 km. We relocated the majority of the earthquake hypocenters using a multiple-event relocation algorithm to produce a set of near uniformly processed hypocentral locations. Ground motion processing followed standard methods, with the primary objective of reducing the effects of noise on the measurements. Regional wave propagation features and the high seismicity rate required careful selection of signal windows to ensure that we captured the entire ground motion record and that contaminating signals from extraneous earthquakes did not contribute to the database. Processing was carried out with an automated scheme and resulted in a database comprising more than 174,000 records ( https://dx.doi.org/10.5066/F73B5X8N ). We anticipate that these results will be useful for improved understanding of earthquake ground motions and for seismic hazard applications.
Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation to Prolong Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Alyamani Omar , Mazzeffi Michael A. , Bharadwaj Shobana , Galey Jessica H. , Yao Ruofan , Shah Nirav G. , Malinow Andrew M.
Published: November 2017

We report a gravida in fulminant acute respiratory distress syndrome, mechanically ventilated at 275/7 weeks estimated gestational age, who further deteriorated into severe combined hypercarbic, hypoxemic respiratory failure. At 303/7 weeks estimated gestational age, she was placed on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of refractory respiratory failure. Her physical status improved without fetal deterioration. She was managed expectantly in an effort to allow continued fetal maturation. Six days later, complications of ECMO (pulmonary hemorrhage) led to emergent abdominal delivery of a living male child. She was successfully weaned from ECMO 8 days later. The implications of ECMO during pregnancy are discussed.
Phenotype and genotype of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus alimentary tract
Authors: Nursyirwani Nursyirwani , Asmara Widya , Wahyuni Agnesia Endang Tri Hastuti , Triyanto Triyanto , Fauzi Muhammad , Muchlisin Zainal Abidin
Published: November 2017

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been isolated successfully from the tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus intestine. However, their genus or species have not been identified. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to characterize the three isolated LAB (KSBU-12C, KSBU-5Da, and KSBU-9) based on their phenotype and genotype. The LAB phenotype was examined by observing morphological features including cell morphology, spore production and motility. The physiological tests were performed in 6.5% NaCl at the  temperatures of 10oC and 45oC, and the biochemical tests were evaluated based on the production of enzymes catalase, oxidase and arginine dehydrolase, following  the Standard Analytical Profile Index, API 50 CH kit.  The genotype was examined based on 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis , and the products were analyzed using the BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) NCBI database. The three isolates (KSBU-5Da, KSBU-12C, and KSBU-9) were categorized into the genus Enterococcus. 16S rDNA sequence analysis indicated that the isolates had 99% similarity to E. hirae ATCC 9790, registered in GenBank with accession number NR_075022.1. It was concluded that the three LAB isolates taken from the tiger grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus are E. hirae.
MEDIATAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE SPHERE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Authors: Панфилова Елена , Panfilova Elena , Лобанов Борис , Lobanov Boris , Лобанова Наталья , Lobanova Natalia
Published: November 2017

The article discusses the peculiarities of alternative ways of resolving disputes in the fi eld of intellectual property (IP) using mediation, defi nes the principles of mediation, distinguishes mediation from other legal instruments for resolving disputes, reveals the specifi cs and dynamics of IP disputes abroad and the Russian Federation using mediative technologies, application of mediative technologies in the field of intellectual property, which allows to determine the features of the Russian market of mediative services.
METHODS OF FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED SYSTEM OF THE CERTIFICATION OF THE MANAGERS AND SPECIALISTS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION’S BUILDING COMPLEX
Authors: Ловчева М. , Lovcheva M.
Published: November 2017

The article considers the components of the Unifi ed Certifi cation System for managers and specialists of the construction complex of the Russian Federation, as well as the principles of its functioning, technical and methodological assessment tools. The objectives of the fi nal certifi cation, which are established by the legislation on education (control of the assimilation of new knowledge) and qualifi cation and job certifi cation, established by labor legislation (confi rmation of compliance with the position held) are not aimed at achieving the self-regulation goals in construction defi ned by the Town Planning Code of the Russian Federation. A Unifi ed system of attestation, developed by the All-Russian branch association of employers “National Association of Self-Regulating Organizations Based on the Membership of Building Persons” (NOSTROY), aims to confi rm the qualifi cation of a specialist in terms of knowledge of the norms of technical regulation of works in the fi eld of construction — norms that provide a safe execution of the kind of construction work on which this specialist is declared upon obtaining a certifi cate of admission to work aff ecting safety of objects of capital construction in Russia.
MONITORING OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUMAN POTENTIAL OF RUSSIAN ORGANIZATIONS: EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF YOUNG SPECIALISTS
Authors: Виниченко М. , Vinichenko M. , Ушаков Д. , Ushakov D. , Демченко Т. , Demchenko T.
Published: November 2017

In the article current problems of development of personnel capacity of the domestic organizations are considered. On the basis of the conducted empirical research (the analysis of scientifi c literature, results of polls of experts and anchor poll of young specialists) development of practical recommendations and off ers on realization of development of personnel potential in social practice of the organizations is presented in article. The basis of practical recommendations had included off ers on employment of young specialists in the profession; on stimulation of students, the educational organizations of the higher education, employers on rational development of personnel potential.
PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS: MEASUREMENT OF ASSOCIATIONS (SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS)
Authors: Бакланов П. , Baklanov P.
Published: November 2017

The article presents the results of the comprehensive sociological research devoted to branding and brand management of professional development obtained during the assessment (2015) of the procedure to measure individual andgroup imagery and symbolic concepts regarding personnel management (asanoccupation) via visual mediators. The research is basically devoted totheanalysis of geometric shapes images (traces) chosen by respondents (1,083persons) as those which they most clearly associate with personnel management. On the ground of psychogeometry interpretations of visual mediatorsbasic principles of personnel management in diff erent enterprises are defi ned, particularities of specifi c HR policies and procedures implementation in the public sector and commercial bodies are denoted. The conclusion and summary provide an insight into the role and signifi cance of factors and conditions which infl uence personnel management specialists’ professional identity formation, professional identity impact on national workforce capacity.
Insurance Market Development in Comparison With Other Financial Markets Segments in Poland in the Prosperity and Recession
Authors: Ostrowska Dorota
Published: November 2017

The problem undertaken in this article is to reduce the dynamics of the financial market in Poland in the period of crisis. The aim of this paper is to analyze the pace of the market development, taking into account the changes that have taken place in the insurance market. Research period covers the years of prosperity and the recession.
Dermatology prescribing update: Acne vulgaris
Authors: Van Onselen Julie
Published: November 2017

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK. It is treatable, and mild-to-moderate acne should be managed in primary care—its management is a key area of practice for many nurse prescribers. The aim of acne treatment is to prevent scarring and reduce patient distress. It should be assessed and graded with psychosocial effects addressed. Treatment is matched to the severity of acne, and all treatment needs to be used for 2 months and then re-assessed. This article addresses acne assessment, treatment for mild-to-severe cases and practical skincare advice for all acne patients.
From public to volunteer library provision in the UK: lesson to be learnt – one size does not fit all
Authors: Forbes Deborah , Findlay-King Lindsay , Macfadyen Gordon , Nichols Geoff
Published: November 2017

This paper reports on research findings on the transfer of public library services to volunteer delivery in the UK between 2014 and 2016, as a result of austerity and budget cuts by local government. The research asked two key questions: are libraries sustainable after their transfer and what lessons can be learnt from these transfers that will ensure success and sustainability? Initial findings indicate that cases in different locations vary and that ‘one size does not fit all’.
Multiplex Gene Expression Profiling of In Vivo Isolated Circulating Tumor Cells in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Markou Athina , Lazaridou Marifili , Paraskevopoulos Panagiotis , Chen Shukun , Świerczewska Monika , Budna Joanna , Kuske Andra , Gorges Tobias M , Joosse Simon A , Kroneis Thomas , Zabel Maciej , Sedlmayr Peter , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Pantel Klaus , Lianidou Evi S
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important for selecting patients for targeted treatments. We present, for the first time, results on gene expression profiling of CTCs isolated in vivo from high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients compared with CTC detected by 3 protein-based assays—CellSearch®, PSA-EPISPOT, and immunofluorescence of CellCollector® in vivo-captured CTCs—using the same blood draw.

METHODS

EpCAM-positive CTCs were isolated in vivo using the CellCollector from 108 high-risk PCa patients and 36 healthy volunteers. For 27 patients, samples were available before and after treatment. We developed highly sensitive multiplex RT-qPCR assays for 14 genes (KRT19, EpCAM, CDH1, HMBS, PSCA, ALDH1A1, PROM1, HPRT1, TWIST1, VIM, CDH2, B2M, PLS3, and PSA), including epithelial markers, stem cell markers, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) markers.

RESULTS

We observed high heterogeneity in gene expression in the captured CTCs for each patient. At least 1 marker was detected in 74 of 105 patients (70.5%), 2 markers in 45 of 105 (40.9%), and 3 markers in 16 of 105 (15.2%). Epithelial markers were detected in 31 of 105 (29.5%) patients, EMT markers in 46 of 105 (43.8%), and stem cell markers in 15 of 105 (14.3%) patients. EMT-marker positivity was very low before therapy (2 of 27, 7.4%), but it increased after therapy (17 of 27, 63.0%), whereas epithelial markers tended to decrease after therapy (2 of 27, 7.4%) compared with before therapy (13 of 27, 48.1%). At least 2 markers were expressed in 40.9% of patients, whereas the positivity was 19.6% for CellSearch, 38.1% for EPISPOT, and 43.8% for CellCollector-based IF-staining.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of in vivo CTC isolation with downstream RNA analysis is highly promising as a high-throughput, specific, and ultrasensitive approach for multiplex liquid biopsy-based molecular diagnostics.
Mother of pearl, song and potatoes: Cultivating resilience in Claudia Llosa’s La teta asustada/Milk of Sorrow (2009)
Authors: Rojas Adriana
Published: November 2017

This article explores postmemory and the themes of transgenerational trauma and resilience in La teta asustada/The Milk of Sorrow by Claudia Llosa (2009), a film that suggests that the Peruvian internal conflict of the 1980s and the 1990s created a primal scene in collective memory, but departs from conventions of trauma narratives. Traumatized by the story of her mother’s rape, Fausta struggles to commemorate her dead mother’s experiences and bury her during a time meant for weddings. With help from her community, Fausta learns to cultivate resilience and develop personal agency. The use of song and the potato and pearl metaphors demonstrate how Fausta honours her mother’s memory and breaks from her mother’s narrative in order to formulate her own identity. Thus the film represents the cultural resilience of the postgeneration in renegotiating their identity after fleeing from mass violence.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lahr-Vivaz Elena , Leen Catherine , Pick Zuzana , Kearley Vicky , Toribio Nuria Triana , Cunha Mariana , Barreto Danny , Cerdán Josetxo
Published: November 2017

Screening Neoliberalism: Transforming Mexican Cinema 1988–2012, Ignacio Sánchez Prado (2014) Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 291 pp., ISBN: 9780826519658, h/bk, $79.95; ebook, $9.99

Mexican Screen Fiction: Between Cinema and Television, Paul Julian Smith (2014) Cambridge: Polity, 296 pp., ISBN: 0745680798, h/bk, $69.95; p/bk, £17.99/$24.95; eBook, $69.95

Revolution and Rebellion in Mexican Film, Niamh Thornton (2015) New York, London: Bloomsbury Academic, 213 pp., ISBN: 9781501305702, h/bk, $110, p/bk, £ 20, $39.66, e-book $34.99

Critical Approaches to the Films of Robert Rodriguez, Frederick Luis Aldama (ed.) (2015) Austin: University of Texas Press, 253 pp., ISBN: 9781477302408, p/bk-ebook, $24.95

Performance and Spanish Film, Dean Allbritton, Alejandro Melero and Tom Whittaker (eds) (2016) Manchester: Manchester University Press, 381 pp., ISBN: 9780719097720, h/bk, $110.00

Journeys in Argentine and Brazilian Cinema: Road Films in a Global Era, Natália Pinazza (2014) New York and London: Palgrave Macmillan, 187 pp., ISBN: 9781137336033, h/bk, $100; p/bk, $95.00; eBook, $69.99

New Maricón Cinema: Outing Latin American Film, Vinodh Venkatesh (2016) Austin: University of Texas Press, 252 pp., ISBN: 9781477310144, h/bk, $95

New Documentaries in Latin America, Vinicius Navarro and Juan Carlos Rodriguez (eds) (2014) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 287 pp., ISBN: 9781137291332, h/bk, $100.00
Dietary weight loss‐induced changes in RBP4, FFA, and ACE predict weight regain in people with overweight and obesity
Authors: Vink Roel G. , Roumans Nadia J. , Mariman Edwin C. , van Baak Marleen A.
Published: November 2017

Adipokines and other biomarkers were previously identified with roles in energy expenditure, appetite, satiety, and adiposity. Therefore, we investigated whether dietary weight loss‐induced changes in adipokines and other biomarkers known to play a role in weight regulation or energy expenditure could predict weight regain in people with overweight and obesity. In this randomized controlled trial 26 males and 30 females (BMI: 28–35 kg/m2) followed either a low‐calorie diet (LCD; 1250 kcal/day) for 12 weeks or a very‐low‐calorie diet (VLCD; 500 kcal/day) for 5 weeks followed by a weight stable period of 4 weeks (dietary intervention (DI) period) and a 9‐month follow‐up period. Blood samples were taken before and after each period to measure FFA, TAG, total cholesterol, insulin, glucose, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, IL‐6, RBP4, apelin, leptin, adiponectin, vaspin, and nesfatin‐1 concentrations. Weight loss was similar between groups (LCD: −8.2 ± 0.5 kg; VLCD: −8.9 ± 0.4 kg, P = 0.30). Only changes in ACE activity, FFA and RBP4 concentrations during DI were correlated with weight regain in the whole group (r = −0.299, P = 0.030, r = −0.274, P = 0.047, and r = 0.357, P = 0.008, respectively). Together they explained 28% (r = 0.532) of weight regain variation. Dietary weight loss‐induced changes in ACE activity, FFA and RBP4 independently contribute to weight regain prediction.
DNPEP is not the only peptidase that produces SPAK fragments in kidney
Authors: Koumangoye Rainelli , Delpire Eric
Published: November 2017

SPAK (STE20/SPS1‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase) regulates Na+ and Cl− reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, and possibly in the thick ascending limb of Henle. This kinase phosphorylates and activates the apical Na‐Cl cotransporter in the DCT. Western blot analysis reveals that SPAK in kidney exists as a full‐length protein as well as shorter fragments that might affect NKCC2 function in the TAL. Recently, we showed that kidney lysates exerts proteolytic activity towards SPAK, resulting in the formation of multiple SPAK fragments with possible inhibitory effects on the kinase. The proteolytic activity is mediated by a Zn2+ metalloprotease inhibited by 1,10‐phenanthroline, DTT, and EDTA. Size exclusion chromatography demonstrated that the protease was a high‐molecular‐weight protein. Protein identification by mass‐spectrometry analysis after ion exchange and size exclusion chromatography identified multiple proteases as possible candidates and aspartyl aminopeptidase, DNPEP, shared all the properties of the kidney lysate activity. Furthermore, recombinant GST‐DNPEP produced similar proteolytic pattern. No mouse knockout model was, however, available to be used as negative control. In this study, we used a DNPEP‐mutant mouse generated by EUCOMM as well as a novel CRISPR/cas9 mouse knockout to assess the activity of their kidney lysates towards SPAK. Two mouse models had to be used because different anti‐DNPEP antibodies provided conflicting data on whether the EUCOMM mouse resulted in a true knockout. We show that in the absence of DNPEP, the kidney lysates retain their ability to cleave SPAK, indicating that DNPEP might have been misidentified as the protease behind the kidney lysate activity, or that the aspartyl aminopeptidase might not be the only protease cleaving SPAK in kidney.
Diminished dynamic cerebral autoregulatory capacity with forced oscillations in mean arterial pressure with elevated cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Labrecque Lawrence , Rahimaly Kevan , Imhoff Sarah , Paquette Myriam , Le Blanc Olivier , Malenfant Simon , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Bailey Damian M. , Smirl Jonathan D. , Brassard Patrice
Published: November 2017

The effect that cardiorespiratory fitness has on the dynamic cerebral autoregulatory capacity during changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) remains equivocal. Using a multiple‐metrics approach, challenging MAP across the spectrum of physiological extremes (i.e., spontaneous through forced MAP oscillations), we characterized dynamic cerebral autoregulatory capacity in 19 male endurance athletes and eight controls via three methods: (1) onset of regulation (i.e., time delay before an increase in middle cerebral artery (MCA) conductance [MCA blood velocity (MCAv)/MAP] and rate of regulation, after transient hypotension induced by sit‐to‐stand, and transfer function analysis (TFA) of MAP and MCAv responses during (2) spontaneous and (3) forced oscillations (5‐min of squat‐stand maneuvers performed at 0.05 and 0.10 Hz). Reductions in MAP and mean MCAv (MCAVmean) during initial orthostatic stress (0‐30 sec after sit‐to‐stand) and the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension were also determined. Onset of regulation was delayed after sit‐to‐stand in athletes (3.1 ± 1.7 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0 sec; P = 0.03), but rate of regulation was not different between groups (0.24 ± 0.05 vs. 0.21 ± 0.09 sec−1; P = 0.82). While both groups had comparable TFA metrics during spontaneous oscillations, athletes had higher TFA gain during 0.10 Hz squat‐stand versus recreational controls (P = 0.01). Reductions in MAP (P = 0.15) and MCAVmean (P = 0.11) during orthostatic stress and the prevalence of initial orthostatic hypotension (P = 0.65) were comparable between groups. These results indicate an intact ability of the cerebral vasculature to react to spontaneous oscillations but an attenuated capability to counter rapid and large changes in MAP in individuals with elevated cardiorespiratory fitness.
Berlin 1936: The Creation of the “Myth” Jesse Owens
Authors: Leite Werlayne Stuart Soares
Published: November 2017

Throughout the twentieth century, the sport has gained much importance in society and sparked interest from various sectors, including the political. Adolf Hitler used the XI 1936 Summer Olympic Games to show the world the strength of Nazi Germany and its rebirth after the defeat in World War I and the impositions of the Versailles Treaty. However, many of the facts historically reported on the 1936 Olympics are contested. The most famous and mythical case of these Olympic Games, and one of the most famous in the history of sport, relates to events that occurred between the American athlete Jesse Owens and the Nazi Führer. The aim of this work is to try to show, as faithfully as possible, as some important facts occurred during this event (the contest between Owens and Long in the long jump; if Hitler snubbed Owens; etc.) that helped create the “myth” around Owens; and to present reports of the global media coverage, analyzing the perpetuation of these mythical reports in current media. As methodology was conducted an ample bibliographical research: reports taken from newspapers of the time and current, books, scientific papers, master's thesis, documentaries, etc. Without claiming to prove a single fact, it is intended to provide insight to the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Hybrid intervention scheme-based optimization algorithm for real-time management of reactive power resources
Authors: Dileep Deesh , Rueda Torres José Luis , Franke Sander , Palensky Peter
Published: November 2017

This article introduces a Hybrid Intervention Scheme Based Optimization (HIBO) algorithm solving an Optimal Reactive Power
Management (ORPM) problem in real-time using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) solver. The ORPM problem presented
here contains a linear objective function containing four objectives separated using a set of static penalty factors for
each area. The non-linear optimization problem has been assumed linear by localizing the search for solution, this is done
by introducing a penalty on the change from the original state or the base case scenario. Thereby, optimizing the
non-linear ORPM in linear steps makes it a fast solver for small changes in power system state. A contingency analysis
(for N-1 voltage violations) is included for ensuring the safety and reliability of the power system. The results are used
to update the ORPM problem or stop if the system is secure. The optimization variables used to represent transformer taps
and shunt device switches are handled as discrete integers and remaining variables as continuous real numbers. The
intervention scheme, objectives and constraints used in the HIBO have been derived through surveys conducted at
a transmission system control center and are supported using literature. Validation of the HIBO algorithm was performed on
the Dutch transmission network model after dividing it into four regional areas. Convergence characteristics of the HIBO
algorithm are compared using results. From the results, it is concluded that the HIBO algorithm is a competitive
optimization solver, suitable for deployment in the secondary voltage control scheme within system operations domain for
transmission system operators.
Conductive switching behavior of epoxy resin/micron-aluminum particles composites
Authors: Lu Pin , Qu Zhaoming , Wang Qingguo , Wang Yan , Cheng Wei
Published: November 2017

Epoxy resin (ER)/micron-aluminum particles (MP) composites with different filling concentration of spherical particles were fabricated. The nonlinear conductive behavior of ER/MP composites under increasing applied voltage using the improved V-I method was investigated. Under sufficient high intensity applied constant voltage, the obvious conductive switching behavior of samples with volume fraction 12.7%, 16.9% and 18.9% was found. The conductivity of ER/MP composites increase up to 3–4 orders of magnitude when the conductor-insulator transition occurs. The switching threshold voltage decreases with the increase of volume fraction of MP in the composites. The results show that the ER/MP composites with conductive switching properties are of great potential application in electromagnetic protection of electron devices and systems.
Patent activities of the Czech enterprises – an international comparison
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš , Pecha Ondřej
Published: November 2017

The Czech enterprise sector shows in a long term a significantly lower patent activity in comparison with both the most innovation-intensive EU economies, and the EU-15 average. The topic of this contribution is a comparison of the quality and the volume of the industrial property rights created in the Czech enterprises with a selected EU-15 countries classified as innovation leaders, strong and moderate innovators. Two new EU members, namely Poland and Hungary, were also included in the comparisons. The analysis shows that the number of the international patent applications registered by enterprises with the EPO and under the PCT treaty is by more than one order lower in comparison with both the innovation-intensive countries like Denmark, Germany, or Netherlands and the countries whose innovation performance is comparable to the Czech Republic. The Czech enterprises unlike their counterparts in the innovation-intensive countries register the priority applications with the home country patent office and only a small fraction is subsequently registered with EPO and under the PCT. Also the size of the patent families and subsequent citations of the Czech patents by other patent applications lags behind the innovation-intensive countries.

The low patenting activity of the Czech enterprises correlates with a low expenditure on R&D. The Czech enterprises are somehow limited in the creation of knowledge giving rise to internationally competitive products which would demand international industrial property claims. The analysis also indicates that patent applications co-authored by Czech inventors are extensively owned by foreign corporations. The Czech enterprises produce a larger fraction of patents in collaboration with research organizations than foreign ones. It indicates that enterprises are interested in tapping in the research capacity of the universities and governmental R&D establishment. The detail analysis of the data in the national R&D Information System indicates that the number of patents created by enterprises supported by applied R&D programs is currently rather low. Beside the stimulation of the Czech enterprises to the in-house R&D spending it is necessary to support long-term strategic alliances of enterprises with research organizations. It will create a fertile environment for the development of radical innovations which are a key factor for the increase of international competitiveness and market shares.
Languages of Schooling: embedding literacy learning with genre-based pedagogy
Authors: Rose David
Published: November 2017

For three decades, genre based literacy pedagogy has been describing the written genres that students are expected to read and write in school, and designing teaching/learning activities through which students can be guided to read and write these genres successfully. This paper positions this research within the model of language and pedagogy that informs it, and then describes a system of literacy teaching activities that have been designed in the genre based methodology Reading to Learn. The function of these designed activities is to provide access to the genres in which knowledge is written and read in schools and academia. Both written genres and teaching/learning activities are described in terms of their social functions and structuring. In addition, teaching/learning activities are described in more detail, at the level of classroom discourse, as careful design of teacher/learner interaction is a critical component of the Reading to Learn methodology.
Forschungsthemen der Düsseldorfer und Grazer Informationswissenschaft (2010 bis 2016)
Authors: Dorsch Isabelle , Schlögl Christian , Stock Wolfgang G. , Rauch Wolf
Published: November 2017

Über eine szientometrische Erfassung der Titelterme der Publikationen gibt der Artikel einen Überblick zu den aktuellen Forschungsthemen des Instituts für Informationswissenschaft und Wirtschaftsinformatik der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz sowie der Abteilung für Informationswissenschaft der Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf. Für die Erscheinungsjahrgänge 2010 bis 2016 konnten 129 Publikationen aus Graz und 249 aus Düsseldorf identifiziert werden. Top-Themen in Graz sind Informationswissenschaft, Österreich, mobile Systeme, Kommunikation, Universität, Zitation und (wissenschaftliche) Zeitschrift; in Düsseldorf dominieren Informationskompetenz, Informationswissenschaft, Social Media, informationelle (smarte) Städte und Wissen.
Eine bibliometrische Analyse: Interdisziplinarität im Exzellenzcluster The Future Ocean
Authors: Peters Isabella , Ladewig Leon
Published: November 2017

Der Artikel diskutiert Aspekte der Interdisziplinarität, um diese für eine bibliometrische Analyse des Exzellenzclusters „The Future Ocean“ zu operationalisieren. Das Exzellenzcluster wird als prototypische interdisziplinäre Forschungssituation angesehen, die im letzten Drittel des Förderzeitraums einer systematischen Bestandsaufnahme der interdisziplinären Kooperationen und des interdisziplinären Outputs bedarf. Als Indikatoren der Disziplinarität werden die institutionelle Herkunft der Autoren und Autorinnen über ihre Affiliation sowie die Zuordnung der Zeitschriften zu den Kategorien der Thomson ISI Essential Science Indicators (Stand: 2015), in denen die Artikel von Future Ocean erschienen sind, gewertet. Als Indizien für Interdisziplinarität werden Ko-Autorenrelationen und sog. Boundary Crossing betrachtet, das das Publizieren in fachfremden Disziplinen beschreibt. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse eignen sich als Steuerungsinstrument im Management von interdisziplinären Forschungssituationen, wie Future Ocean, und zeigen wichtige Handlungsoptionen zur Steigerung und Sicherstellung von Interdisziplinarität auf.
The Role of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in STEMI Patients with Normal Coronary Angiography
Authors: Beganu Elena , Rodean Ioana , Bordi Lehel , Cernica Daniel , Benedek Imre
Published: November 2017

Usually, the diagnosis of myocardial infarction based on patient symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and cardiac enzymes, is not a challenge for cardiologists. The correlation between coronary anatomy and the ECG territories that present ischemic changes can help the clinician to estimate which coronary artery presents lesions upon performing a coronary angiogram. In certain situations, the diagnosis of myocardial infarction can be difficult due to the lack of correlations between the clinical and paraclinical examinations and the coronary angiogram. In some cases, patients with chest pain and ST-segment elevation on the ECG tracing present with a normal coronary angiography. In other cases, patients without important changes on the ECG can present critical lesions or even occlusions upon angiographic examination. The aim of this article is to highlight the role of noninvasive coronary magnetic resonance and multi-slice computed tomography in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and normal coronary angiography.
The Detection of Proximal Colon Polyps and Its Importance in Screening Colonoscopy
Authors: Opaschi Răzvan , Bățagă Simona , Macarie Ioan , Török Imola , Negovan Anca , Pantea Monica , Ciorba Marius , Macarie Melania
Published: November 2017

Background: Colon polyps are precursors of colorectal cancer (CRC), therefore their endoscopic detection is very important. A shift of in the localization of colorectal polyps toward the proximal colon has been recently observed in Western countries.

Aim: The aim of this paper was to establish the most important clinical and endoscopic aspects of right colon polyps and to correlate them with their histopathological types, with an emphasis on sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps).

Material and method: We perfomed a retrospective study on a series of consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy in the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș between January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2014, comparing the results with those of patients who underwent colonoscopy between January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2009. In all cases with abnormal aspects at endoscopy, multiple biopsies were taken for histopathological examination. Only cases where the diagnosis of colon polyp was confirmed by the Histopathology Department were included in the study.

Results: In the 2010–2014 period there were 871 patients diagnosed with colon polyps (1,038 polyps), with a mean age of 62.28 years. The most frequent histopathological form was tubular adenoma in 55.97% of cases (n = 581). SSA/Ps were found in 66 patients (75 polyps). Considering all polyps, the most frequent localization was in the sigmoid colon in 32.36% of cases (n = 336), but for SSA/Ps the most common localization was the ascending colon in 24% of cases (n = 18), followed by the sigmoid colon in 21.33% of cases (n = 16). Compared with patients investigated between 2005 and 2009, we found an increasing localization in the right colon, from 10.43% (n = 67) in 2005–2009 to 15.41% (n = 160) in 2010–2014. SSA/Ps were found in the right colon in 5.97% of cases (n = 4) in the first period compared with 11.25% of cases (n = 18) in the second period.

Conclusions: In the last years we found an increasing localization of colon polyps in the right colon. These findings underscore the importance of high quality colonoscopy to maximize protection against colorectal cancer.
Fuzzy Mutual Information-Based Intraslice Grouped Ray Casting
Authors: Mehaboobathunnisa R. , Thasneem A.A. Haseena , Sathik M. Mohamed
Published: November 2017

The traditional ray casting algorithm has the capability to render three-dimensional volume data in the viewable two-dimensional form by sampling the color data along the rays. The speed of the technique relies on the computation incurred by the huge volume of rays. The objective of the paper is to reduce the computations made over the rays by eventually reducing the number of samples being processed throughout the volume data. The proposed algorithm incorporates the grouping strategy based on fuzzy mutual information (FMI) over a group of voxels in the conventional ray casting to achieve the reduction. For the data group, with FMI in a desirable range, a single primary ray is cast into the group as a whole. As data are grouped before casting rays, the proposed algorithm reduces the interpolation calculation and thereby runs with lesser complexity, preserving the image quality.
Adenosine Deaminase 1 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Ebrahimi-Rad Mina , Khatami Shohreh , Ansari Shahla , Jalylfar Shohreh , Valadbeigi Shirin , Saghiri Reza
Published: November 2017

Background:Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is known as the most prevalent pediatric malignancy all around the world. Identification of specific biomarker is necessary for early diagnosis and effective therapy. It is believed that Adenosine deaminase (ADA) as an enzyme involved in the purine salvage pathway increases in ALL patients. Herein, the quantity and pattern of ADA isoenzymes were surveyed among ALL patients in comparison to healthy subjects.

Methods:Serum and RBC samples of three different groups of ALL patients, including newly diagnosed cases without any drugs administration, subjects with the relapsed disease, patients in the remission stage after therapy, and the healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Then, the activity and pattern of ADA1, ADA2 and ADA1+cp were determined using ADA kit and electrophoresis on SDS-PAGE, respectively. To confirm the presence of ADA enzyme, the fresh serums, extractions from erythrocytes, JM cell line as a human T lymphocyte line and J774 A.1 as mouse monocyte line were electrophoresed on 1.2% agarose gel and stained with the specific dye.

Results:The activities of ADA1 isoenzyme and total ADA in new cases and subjects with the relapsed disease were significantly higher than their activities in the patients in the remission stage and healthy controls (p<0.001). The unbounded ADA1 isoenzyme was found to exist in the erythrocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte. But in serum, all the ADA1 was bounded to the cp protein.

Conclusions:ADA1 is the key isoenzyme elevating in ALL patients, therefore this isoenzyme could be a useful biomarker to diagnose ALL patients and monitor their therapies.
Alterations in Arginase-No-Synthase System of Spermatozoa in Human Subjects with Different Fertility Potential
Authors: Fafula Roman V. , Iefremova Ulyana P. , Onufrovych Olena K. , Maksymyuk Hanna V. , Besedina Anna S. , Nakonechnyi Iosyf A. , Vorobets Dmytro Z. , Vorobets Zinoviy D.
Published: November 2017

Background:Infertility is an important worldwide problem which affects 10–15% of couples globally. Altered NO production has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of the male infertility. The present study was designed to evaluate the changes in the activity of NO-synthase (NOS) and arginase in spermatozoa of patients with infertility.

Methods:The total NOS, Ca2+-dependent constitutive (cNOS) and Ca2+-independent inducible (iNOS) activity and arginase activity were assessed in sperm cells of patients with different forms of pathospermia.

Results:We found a significant increase in iNOS activity, but significantly decreased cNOS and arginase activity in sperm cells of infertile men vs fertile, normozoospermic men (p<0.001). The arginase/NOS ratio significantly decreased compared to control group. The iNOS/cNOS ratio was drastically increased in patients with decreased fertility potential indicating predominance of iNOS. Men with leuko cytospermia were distinguished to have the most express iNOS activity.

Conclusions:These observations provide evidence for a disturbed balance between the L-arginine metabolic pathways in sperm cells of infertile men. This imbalance includes the considerable activation of the inducible isoform of NO-synthase accompanied by significant inhibition of its constitutive isoform which indicates disturbances in NO production. In patients with decreased fertility potential the arginase/NOS was shifted towards predominance of iNOS-derived NO production.
Association Between MTHFR 677C>T Polymorphism and Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Al-Batayneh Khalid M. , Zoubi Mazhar Salim Al , Shehab Murad , Al-Trad Bahaa , Bodoor Khaldon , Khateeb Wesam Al , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Hamad Mohammad Al , Eaton Greg
Published: November 2017

Background:Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is a prevalent worldwide health concern. Several factors are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and malfunctions in the absorption and transport of vitamin B12. In the current case-control study, we aimed at investigating the association between MTHFR polymorphisms and vitamin B12 deficiency in a Jordanian population.

Methods:Two polymorphic sites of the MTHFR gene (c.677C>T, rs1801133 and c.1286A>C, rs1801131) were analyzed using RFLP and DNA sequencing in a group of vitamin B12 deficient individuals (45 males and 55 females). As a control, 100 matching individuals (age and sex) with vitamin B12 levels > 200 ng/mL were also recruited for this study.

Results:The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals from northern Jordan. The frequency of the homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T genotype was significantly higher in B12 deficient individuals in comparison with the control group (X2= 8.397, p = 0.0150). The T allele frequency showed significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the study population (OR= 1.684, 95% CI: 1.116 to 2.542, p = 0.017). On the other hand, the MTHFR c.1286A>C variant did not show significant association with vitamin B12 deficiency in the selected population.

Conclusions:Our results showed a significant association between homozygous MTHFR c.677C>T variant and T allele frequencies and vitamin B12 deficiency in the Jordanian population.
Dip coated stretchable and bendable PEDOTPSS films on low modulus micro-bumpy PDMS substrate
Authors: Mehdi Murtuza , Akhtar Maaz , Hussain Ahmad , Nauman Muhammad , Alothmany Dheya Shuja , Ahmed Iqbal , Choi Kyung-Hyun
Published: November 2017

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOTPSS) is an organic conductive polymer which has a great potential to replace metallic conductors in thin film electronics. This paper reports the experimental findings on the electromechanical performance of conductive PEDOTPSS thin films on a stretchable and flexible low modulus polymer substrate, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), having random micro-bumpy roughness features. All films were fabricated using the method of dip coating, which is cost effective and also favorable for mass production. The main goal of the study is to quantify the stretchability and bendability of dip coated PEDOTPSS thin films on PDMS substrate having random micro-bumpy type of roughness features. The films displayed almost constant resistance up to 10% axial strain and were also found to remain conductive when bent up to a diameter of 2 mm.