bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured Approaches to Violence Risk Assessment: A Critical Review
Authors: Brook Michael
Published: September 2017

This article critically reviews the theory, methodology, and empirical evidence pertaining to the various approaches employed by mental health professionals in expert testimony regarding the probability of future violence for people within the jurisprudence system. Many professionals rely on unstructured clinical assessment, which allows the evaluator to fully capitalize on their clinical experience but is vulnerable to cognitive and situational biases that negatively affect the validity and reliability of the evaluation. In contrast, actuarial assessment involves statistical estimation of violence risk based on certain combinations of criminogenic variables derived from prospective analysis of recidivism in various offender groups. Structured professional judgment relies on professional expertise with a structured checklist application, and thus attempts to minimize the limitations of unstructured clinical and actuarial assessment while retaining the strengths of each. Although an improvement on unstructured assessment, structured applications have significant limitations, highlighting the importance of a multimethod approach to violence risk assessment.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2017;47(9):454–459.]
From the Atomistic to the Mesoscopic Scale Modeling of Phase Transition in Solids
Authors: Zapolsky H. , Demange Gilles , Abdank-Kozubski Rafał Leszek
Published: September 2017

The phase-field method is a very powerful tool to model the phase transformation and microstructural evolution of solids at mesoscopic scale. However, several important phenomena, like defect formation, grain boundary motion, or reconstructive phase transitions require an atomic scale study. Recently an approach called the quasi-particle approach, based on the Atomic Density Function theory was developed to incorporate the atomic-level crystalline structures into standard continuum theory for pure and multicomponent systems. This review focuses on the description of different computational methods used to model microstructural evolution and self-assembly phenomena at mesoscopic and atomistic scales. Various application examples of these methods are also presented.
Diffusion in Condensed Matter by Finite Element Method
Authors: Dobosz Romuald , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof Jan
Published: September 2017

In this Chapter, the finite element simulations of diffusion processes in homogeneous and polycrystalline materials are presented as well as some analytical solutions and implementations of basic diffusion relations. For the homogeneous materials the presented examples show the changes in time of the concentration of diffusing matter within the semi-infinite system and simulation of anisotropic nature of diffusion processes.The polycrystalline materials have been analysed for three cases, namely influence of average grain size and the homogeneity of grain size on the macroscopic diffusivity as well as simulation of the diffusion strains. The homogenisation technique has been used to estimate the diffusion property of grains aggregates.
Modeling of Size Effects in Diffusion Driven Processes at Nanoscale - Large Atomic and Mesoscale Methods
Authors: Wejrzanowski Tomasz , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof Jan
Published: September 2017

The results of the studies presented here are devoted to understanding of microstructure effect on the processes and properties driven by diffusion. The role of various interfaces (intergranular, phase, free surface), as the high-energy defects, is underlined and investigated with special attention. The methodology relevant to analyses of the microstructural processes is first briefly presented. The capability and limitations of classical molecular dynamics, mesoscale Monte Carlo and cellular automaton techniques are described. Two examples of the diffusion driven processes analyzed at various length and time scale are shown: namely, grain growth in nanometallic materials and melting of thin embedded films. The modeling results are also accompanied with experimental studies. Thanks to application of numerical methods, models of relevant processes were proposed, which enabled to provide quantitative relationships between microstructure and the process kinetics. Such relationships can be later used for design of optimized materials for wide range of applications.
Corrigendum: Reisverslag in twee stemme en agt gedigte
Authors: Van der Walt Carina , Crebolder Emma
Published: September 2017

No abstract available.
Development and performance of a new version of the OASIS coupler, OASIS3-MCT_3.0
Authors: Craig Anthony , Valcke Sophie , Coquart Laure
Published: September 2017

Abstract. OASIS is coupling software developed primarily for use in the climate community. It provides the ability to couple different models with low implementation and performance overhead. OASIS3-MCT is the latest version of OASIS. It includes several improvements compared to OASIS3, including elimination of a separate hub coupler process, parallelization of the coupling communication and run-time grid interpolation, and the ability to easily reuse mapping weight files. OASIS3-MCT_3.0 is the latest release and includes the ability to couple between components running sequentially on the same set of tasks as well as to couple within a single component between different grids or decompositions such as physics, dynamics, and I/O. OASIS3-MCT has been tested with different configurations on up to 32 000 processes, with components running on high-resolution grids with up to 1.5 million grid cells, and with over 10 000 2-D coupling fields. Several new features will be available in OASIS3-MCT_4.0, and some of those are also described.
Almost Slightly $\nu g$-open and Almost Slightly $\nu g$-closed mappings
Authors: Balasubramanian Srinivasa
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study the concepts of slightly $\nu g$-open, slightly $\nu g$-closed, almost slightly $\nu g$-open and almost slightly $\nu g$-closed mappings and the interrelationship between other slightly-closed maps.
On the stability of a class of cosine type functional equations
Authors: Rassias John Michael , Zeglami Driss , Charifi Ahmed
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate the stability problem for the pexiderized trigonometric functional equation    f₁(xy)+f₂(xσ(y))=2g₁(x)g₂(y),  x,y∈G,   where G is an arbitrary group, f₁,f₂,g₁ and g₂ are complex valued functions on G and σ is an involution of G. Results of this paper also can be extended to the setting of monoids (that is, a semigroup with identity) that need not be abelian.
Fuzzy rarely α continuity
Authors: Dhavaseelan R. , Jafari Saeid
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of fuzzy rare α continuous,fuzzy rarely continuous, fuzzy rarely pre-continuous, fuzzy rarely semi-continuous are introduced and studied in light of the concept of rare set in a fuzzy setting. Some interesting properties are investigated besides giving some examples
Some results on almost b-continuous functions in a bitopological space
Authors: Sarma Diganta Jyoti , Acharjee Santanu
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate some properties of almost bcontinuous function in a bitopological space. Relationships with some other types of functions are also investigated.
On nilpotency of the right singular ideal of semiring
Authors: Goswami Nabanita , Saikia Helen K.
Published: September 2017

We introduce the concept of nilpotency of the right singular ideal of a semiring. We discuss some properties of such nilpotency and singular ideals. We show that the right singular ideal of a semiring with a.c.c. for right annihilators, is nilpotent.
Triple Almost (λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}) Lacunary Riesz χ_{R_{λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}}}³ sequence spaces defined by Orlicz function
Authors: Subramanian Nagarajan , Esi Ayhan
Published: September 2017

In this paper we introduce a new concept for generalized almost (λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}) convergence in χ_{R_{λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}}}³-Riesz spaces strong P- convergent to zero with respect to an Orlicz function and examine some properties of the resulting sequence spaces. We also introduce and study statistical convergence of generalized almost (λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}) convergence in χ_{R_{λ_{m_{i}}μ_{n_{ℓ}}γ_{k_{j}}}}³-Riesz space and also some inclusion theorems are discussed.
The Association between Communication, Customer Relationship Management and Organisational Performance: Evidence from the Saudi Arabia Hospitals
Authors: Alsharari Yaser Salman , Aziz Fadzil Shah Bin , Taib Che Azlan Bin , Yusoff Rushami Zien
Published: September 2017

This research aims to examine the influence of the communication, customer relationship management on organisational performance among Saudi Arabia Hospitals. Furthermore, to exam the study model, the survey questionnaire was used to collect data 154 hospitals randomly chosen from 259 government hospitals in Saudi Arabia. For data analysis, the Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was used.  In addition, this study found a positive and significant association between communication, customer relationship management, and organisational performance. Ultimately, this study offers some limitations and suggestions for future researchers.
Variations in retinal nerve fiber layer measurements on optical coherence tomography after implantation of trifocal intraocular lens
Authors: García-Bella Javier , Martínez de la Casa José M. , Talavero González Paula , Fernández-Vigo José I. , Valcarce Rial Laura , García-Feijóo Julián
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

To establish the changes produced after implantation of a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) on retinal nerve fiber layer measurements performed with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:

This prospective study included 100 eyes of 50 patients with bilateral cataract in surgical range, no other associated ocular involvement, refractive errors between +5 and −5 spherical diopters, and less than 1.5 D of corneal astigmatism. The eyes were operated by phacoemulsification with implantation of 2 different trifocal IOLs (FineVision and AT LISA tri 839MP) in randomized equal groups. Cirrus OCT and Spectralis OCT were performed before surgery and 3 months later. Both analyzed the thickness of the nerve fiber layer and thickness divided by quadrants (6 in case of Spectralis and 4 in case of Cirrus HD).

Results:

The mean age of patients was 67.5 ± 5.8 years. The global nerve fiber layer thickness measured with Spectralis OCT was 96.77 μm before surgery and 99.55 μm after. With Cirrus OCT, the global thickness was 85.29 μm before surgery and 89.77 μm after. Statistically significant differences in global thickness measurements between preimplantation and postimplantation of the IOL were found with both OCT in the 2 groups. Statistically significant differences were also found in temporal and superior quadrants.

Conclusions:

The implantation of a diffractive trifocal IOL alters the results of the optic nerve fiber layer on Fourier-domain OCT in these patients, which should be taken into account in the posterior study of these patients.
Improving registration accuracy during total hip arthroplasty: a cadaver study of a new, 3-D mini-optical navigation system
Authors: Cross Michael B. , Schwarzkopf Ran , Miller Theodore T. , Bogner Eric A. , Muir Jeffrey M. , Vigdorchik Jonathan M.
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Maintaining accuracy of component placement is an important step in ensuring the long-term stability of components during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Computer-assisted navigation has improved accuracy but errors associated with the registration process are known to impact the accuracy of final measurements. The purpose of this cadaver study was to determine the registration error associated with a novel mini-navigation system.

Methods:

3 board-certified orthopaedic surgeons performed 4 THA procedures each via the posterolateral approach on 6 cadavers (12 hips) using the mini-navigation tool. Pre- and post-operative radiographs and post-operative computed tomography (CT) images were obtained. Image analysis was performed by 2 radiologists not involved in the surgical procedures. During registration, surgeons aligned the alignment rod with the anterior pelvic plane (APP) to provide a reference plane for comparison with traditional navigation. Cup position from the device was compared with measurements gathered from post-op imaging.

Results:

The mean difference between CT and device measurements for inclination was -1.7° (standard deviation [SD] 4.9°), while the mean absolute difference was 4.2° (SD 3.2°). The mean difference between anteversion angles calculated from CT scans and from the device was -3.5° (SD 4.5°), with an absolute difference of 4.0° (SD 4.0°). 100% (12/12) of inclination measurements and 92% (11/12) of anteversion measurements fell within both the clinical and statistical limits of agreement when analyzed via the Bland-Altman technique.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that the registration error associated with this new mini-navigation system compares favourably with the known registration error associated with traditional navigation systems.
Postoperative acute kidney injury in living donor liver transplantation recipients
Authors: Atalan Hakan K. , Gucyetmez Bulent , Aslan Serdar , Yazar Serafettin , Polat Kamil Y.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

There are many risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury in liver transplantation. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors for postoperative acute kidney injury in living donor liver transplantation recipients.

Methods:

220 living donor liver transplantation recipients were retrospectively evaluated in the study. According to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines, acute kidney injury in postoperative day 7 was investigated for all patients. The patient’s demographic data, preoperative and intraoperative parameters, and outcomes were recorded.

Results:

Acute kidney injury was found in 27 (12.3%) recipients. In recipients with acute kidney injury, female population, model for end-stage liver disease score, norepinephrine requirement, duration of mean arterial pressure less than 60 mmHg, the usage of gelatin and erythrocyte suspension and blood loss were significantly higher than recipients with nonacute kidney injury (for all p<0.05). In multivariate analyses, the likelihood of acute kidney injury on postoperative day 7 were increased 2.8-fold (1.1-7.0), 2.7-fold (1.02-7.3), 3.4-fold (1.2-9.9) and 5.1-fold (1.7-15.0) by postoperative day 7, serum tacrolimus level ≥10.2 ng dL−1, intraoperative blood loss ≥14.5 mL kg−1, the usage of gelatin >5 mL kg−1 and duration of MAP less than 60 mmHg ≥5.5 minutes respectively (for all p<0.05).

Conclusions:

In living donor liver transplantation recipients, serum tacrolimus levels, intraoperative blood loss, hypotension period and the usage of gelatin may be risk factors for acute kidney injury in the early postoperative period.
Removal of bile acids by extracorporeal therapies: an in vitro study
Authors: Hartmann Jens , Harm Stephan
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Bile acids (BAs) accumulating in the circulation in patients with liver failure are considered to be responsible for pruritus, which strongly impairs quality of life of the affected patients. The aim of this study was the in vitro characterization of different BAs regarding their removability with high-flux dialysis as well as with different adsorbents, and the evaluation of their binding to plasma proteins.

Methods:

Dialysis experiments were conducted in pediatric circuits with human plasma. For the adsorption studies, batch tests using 10% adsorbent in spiked human plasma were carried out. The binding of BAs to plasma compounds was determined by centrifugation of spiked plasma through spin columns. Sieving coefficients were determined using an albumin filter and a high-flux dialyzer.

Results:

With high-flux dialysis, only hydrophilic BAs such as glycocholic and taurocholic acid could be removed efficiently, while all tested BAs were removed by adsorption.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the hydrophilicity of BAs plays a major role in their removability using extracorporeal approaches. Adsorption-based systems offer particular advantages for the removal of hydrophobic BAs.
The role of serum neuron-specific enolase in patients with prostate cancer: a systematic review of the recent literature
Authors: Muoio Barbara , Pascale Mariarosa , Roggero Enrico
Published: September 2017

In this systematic review, we evaluated the value of serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in order to clarify the possible role of NSE in the diagnosis, management, treatment and monitoring of PCa. A comprehensive search of the recent literature was conducted to find relevant data on the role of NSE in PCa. Two hundred and eighty-two records were revealed, and 19 articles including 1,772 patients with PCa (either confirmed or suspected) were selected. After reviewing the articles, the major result was that elevated serum NSE appears to correlate with prognosis in advanced PCa, particularly in patients with progressive and metastatic castration-resistant PCa. Based on the existing literature, the role of serum NSE in PCa patients should be further evaluated.
Bladder Cancer to Patients Younger than 30 Years: A Retrospective Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Katafigiotis Ioannis , Sfoungaristos Stavros , Martini Alberto , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Anastasiou Ioannis , Mykoniatis Ioannis , Duvdevani Mordechai , Constantinides Constantinos
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The aim of this report was to study the specific characteristics of bladder cancer in patients younger than 30 years.

Materials and Methods

Five patients with a mean age of 24 ± 2.83 years were included in the study. All patients had painless macroscopic hematuria as the first symptom. Three patients had pTa as a first diagnosis, one had pT1 and one pT2. All the patients had smoking as a risk factor and at least one additional possible risk factor.

Results

One patient with pTa had an aggressive course and after multiple recurrences was diagnosed with pT2 and refused to be submitted to radical cystectomy and died from the disease even though he received a multimodality treatment. The other two patients with the pTa diagnosis had no recurrence after the first TUR-BT and the patient with the pT1 diagnosis after one recurrence with a pTa histology is free of recurrence for the last 2 years. The patient diagnosed with pT2 was submitted to a radical cystectomy and an s-pouch diversion with a preservation of the genital system in order to have the ability of a future motherhood with the acceptance of course risks.

Conclusions

Young patients with bladder cancer is a difficult group of patients and show more reluctance to comply to the necessary strict follow-up of the repeated urinary cytology examinations, cystoscopies and CT pyelographies. Herein, we report a retrospective study of five patients younger than 30 years with bladder cancer.
Is hypogonadism the cause of penile self-amputation in a patient with prior testes self-mutilation?
Authors: Cavalcante Vinícius M. , Westin Carlos G. , Fantin João P. , Gonçalves Filho José , Gatti Márcio , Bogdan Ana P. , Arruda Jose G. , Arruda Pedro F. , Spessoto Luis C. , Antoniassi Thiago , Fácio Fernando N.
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

This paper presents a rare event of genital self-mutilation and few cases are reported in the literature.

Case description:

We report on a patient who performed partial self-penectomy 18 months after bilateral testicular amputation, as a form of self-mutilation.

Conclusions:

The main hypotheses to explain the recurrence of self-mutilation would be hypogonadism.
O Programa Nacional de Universalização do Acesso e Uso da Água - “Água para Todos”: uma análise do desenho jurídico-institucional e seu funcionamento | The National Programme of Universalization of Access and Use of Water - "Water for All": an analysis of the legal and institutional design and operation
Authors: Andréa Gianfranco Faggin Mastro
Published: September 2017

Resumo: A água é um direito fundamental e a garantia a seu acesso e uso ainda são perseguidos por países em desenvolvimento. Em razão das dimensões continentais do Brasil e períodos de estiagem, há necessidade de planejamento, execução, avaliação, fiscalização e controle de programas que atuem no sentido de concretização da política pública do acesso e uso da água. Apresenta-se a relevância do estudo valendo-se do corte metodológico para análise do desenho jurídico-institucional do Programa “Água para Todos” justamente no sentido de identificar a “caixa de ferramentas jurídicas” e respectivo ciclo, num esforço para concluir e apontar as suas virtudes e deficiências sob o ponto de vista da teoria jurídica das políticas públicas.

Palavras-chave: Arranjo institucional. Direito a água. Políticas públicas. Tecnologia jurídica. Universalização.

Abstract: Water is a fundamental right and the guarantee to its access are still pursued by developing countries. The continental dimensions of Brazil and periods of drought, there is a need to planning, execution, evaluation, supervision and control of programs that works towards achievement of the public policy of access and use of water. The relevance of the study using the methodology for analysis of cutting legal and institutional design of the program "water for all" precisely in order to identify the "legal Toolbox" and its cycle, in an effort to conclude and point their virtues and shortcomings from the point of view of the theory of public policy.

Keywords: Institutional arrangement. Legal technology. Public policy. The right to water. Universalization.
Modelo para análise da visão da sustentabilidade em pequenas e médias empresas industriais
Authors: Krüger Roseli Fistarol , Grzybovski Denize
Published: September 2017

O objetivo deste artigo teórico-empírico foi apresentar o modelo mais adequado para identificar a visão de sustentabilidade dos gestores de PMEIs, comparando três modelos que

possuem grande consistência na sua construção. Os modelos predominantes, na literatura,

sobre sustentabilidade empresarial são os seguintes: Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (ISE), da Bovespa, Grid de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (GSE), de Callado (2010),

e as Sete Dimensões da Sustentabilidade (7DS), de Elkington (2012). Trata-se de uma

pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, cuja estratégia utilizada foi o estudo de caso único. O

modelo GSE foi considerado de mais fácil entendimento, mas teve limitações relativas

ao processo de coleta de dados qualitativos. O modelo de Callado (2010), por sua vez, foi

adaptado para a pesquisa qualitativa e resultou em dados qualificados e coerentes com as

especificidades das PMEIs.

Palavras-chave: Dimensões da sustentabilidade. Pequenas empresas. Sustentabilidade

empresarial. Visão.
Mensuração de perdas de pós-colheita na cadeia de suprimento de moageiras do trigo no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Da Rocha Fernando Vinícius , Péra Thiago Guilherme , Bartholomeu Daniela Bacchi , Caixeta Filho José Vicente
Published: September 2017

Este artigo tem como principal objetivo mensurar as perdas físicas e econômicas observadas na cadeia de suprimentos das moageiras de trigo do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). A partir

da aplicação de questionário com representativos agentes do setor, a cadeia logística do

trigo no RS foi caracterizada e as perdas do produto em cada etapa da cadeia foram quantificadas. Para os fluxos de transporte característicos de mercado interno, as perdas representam 11,41% da quantidade total de trigo em grão oriundos das fazendas. Destacam-se,

neste contexto, as perdas na colheita e na armazenagem junto às cooperativas (93,55% das

perdas totais). A monetização de perdas físicas decorrentes totaliza um valor de R$ 119,4

milhões. Baseado nos resultados obtidos, são sugeridas estratégias para mitigação das

perdas de trigo nos diferentes elos da cadeia logística.

Palavras-chave: Cadeia logística. Perdas no pós-colheita. Segurança alimentar. Trigo.
Pharmaceutical applications of graphene
Authors: Żwawiak Justyna , Zaprutko Lucjusz
Published: September 2017

Nowadays, dynamic development in nanotechnological sciences is observed. Nanoparticles are frequently used in medicine and pharmacy as delivery systems for different kinds of active substances. One of the latest developed substances, with an unusually wide scope of utility, is graphene. The ways of its use in different fields of industry, not only pharmaceutical and medical, have been a subject of study for many research groups since the moment of its development in 2004. Graphene in pure form is highly hydrophobic. However, the presence of defects on its surface allows chemical modifications to be made, e.g. introduction of oxygen groups by covalent bonding. Also, non-covalent modifications are extensively used, including van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, coordination bonds, electrostatic and π-π stacking interactions. Due to the large surface area, graphene can be used in combination therapy, consisting in simultaneous administration of two or more pharmacologically active agents. Another interesting approach is gene therapy. Application of the PEI-graphene oxide system increased the efficacy of transfection. Possibilities of graphene and graphene oxide are not limited to their use as active substance delivery systems. These compounds by themselves were also found to be bacteriostatic and antibacterial agents.
Metformin – its potential anti-cancer and anti-aging effects
Authors: Podhorecka Monika , Ibanez Blanca , Dmoszyńska Anna
Published: September 2017

The generally accepted mechanism of metformin’s effect is stimulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is directly activated by an increase in AMP:ATP ratio in metabolic stress conditions including hypoxia and glucose deprivation. Lately, many novel pathways, besides AMPK induction, have been revealed, which can explain some of metformin’s beneficial effects. It may help to identify new targets for treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, metformin is now attracting the attention of researchers in fields other than diabetes, as it has been shown to have anti-cancer, immunoregulatory and anti-aging effects. The aim of this review is to describe the potential anti-cancer and anti-aging properties of metformin and discuss the possible underlying mechanisms.
Genetic and psychosocial factors for benzodiazepine addiction. An analysis based on the results of the authors’ own research conducted in a group of benzodiazepine addicted and non-addicted individuals
Authors: Konopka Anna , Mak Monika , Grzywacz Anna , Murawiec Sławomir , Samochowiec Jerzy
Published: September 2017

Purpose: In spite of the fact that the addictive potential of benzodiazepine (BDZ) drugs has been known for a long time, benzodiazepine addiction remains a common problem for psychiatry to deal with. The etiology of benzodiazepine addiction is very complex. Among the risk factors, the course of the treatment, demographic status and psychological features of a patient seem to play an important role. The aim of this study was to investigate both psychological and genetic factors differentiating benzodiazepine addicts from non-addicted users.Methods: We analysed a cohort of 120 individuals treated with benzodiazepines divided into two groups: benzodiazepine addicts and non-addicted benzodiazepine users (the control group). In both groups we measured genetic polymorphisms of GABA A2 and MAOA. In both groups some psychometric measurements were performed – we investigated the level of depression, anxiety as a state and as a trait, personality features and the dominant coping style using the Beck Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Five-Factor Personality Inventory NEO-FFI and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations [4,10,17,36,41,44].Results: There are some psychological and situational risk factors for benzodiazepine addiction such as high neuroticism, introversion and lack of the ability to release tension through interpersonal contacts, dominance of emotional coping style and high accumulation of critical life events during both childhood and adulthood. The genetic background still remains a field for further exploration.
Immunoregulatory role of B lymphocytes in alloresponse to kidney transplant
Authors: Baran Tomasz , Boratyńska Maria
Published: September 2017

B cells are a group of diverse phenotype and function subsets, which can both stimulate and inhibit the immune response to an allograft. They participate in the rejection process by influencing differentiation, proliferation and effector functions of T lymphocytes. B cells injure the graft via the ADCC (antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity) reaction and humoral rejection through plasmocyte production of donor-specific antibodies.A converse, suppressive mode of B cells can attribute to the development of tolerance and protect the graft from rejection. This function is provided by the regulatory B cells, which negatively control the immune response by producing suppressor cytokines (IL-10, IL-35, TGF-β), natural antibodies and through cellular interactions. In effect they inhibit the development of Th1 and Th17 effector cells, and induce differentiation of regulatory T cells.Operational immune tolerance in human kidney transplant recipients was associated with increased number of naïve and transitional B cells of regulatory function, and increased gene expression for differentiation of B cells. However, in chronic alloantibody transplant rejection the distorted distribution and function of regulatory B cells was found, which implies their pivotal role in graft tolerance.Currently, the immunosuppressive regimens unselectively inhibit the activity of T and B cells, by interfering with their effector and immunoregulatory functions. They do not fully control the chronic rejection reaction, which is the major cause of graft loss. Comprehension of the mechanisms of immunologic homeostasis dependent on B cells can help develop immunosuppressive protocols targeted at tolerance.
Vegetables and fruit, as a source of bioactive substances, and impact on memory and cognitive function of elderly
Authors: Zielińska Monika A. , Białecka Agata , Pietruszka Barbara , Hamułka Jadwiga
Published: September 2017

The phenomenon of population aging is not only associated with an increase in the number and proportion of older people in society, but also with an increase in the incidence of cognitive impairment. This can impair the functioning of the elderly in everyday life, work and social life participation and impair their quality of life. Hence, it is important to identify the protective factors. Neurodegenerative changes are closely linked to inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. Diet is of great importance, with particular attention being paid to the adequate intake of fruits and vegetables, due to their proven health benefits. This may be correlated to the protective effect of the bioactive substances that are present in fruits and vegetables, in particular flavonoids and carotenoids. The elderly who consume 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables have a higher antioxidant capacity of blood serum, while the risk of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative and mortality rates are lower. The analysis included the results of 16 published epidemiological studies, including people aged 65+. Their results are discussed in 4 fields of the effects on cognitive function (1) fruit and vegetable intake; (2) flavonoids intake; (3) carotenoid nutritional status; (4) mechanism of action of plant bioactive substances. It has been found that the positive effects of consumption of fruits and vegetables may be associated with cognitive functions in the three possible areas, ie.: (1) improvement in cognitive testing; (2) delaying or preventing age-related deterioration of cognitive decline; (3) reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment Plants in the Removal of Common Antibiotics from Municipal Wastewater in Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Shokoohi Reza , Dargahi Abdollah , Khamutian Razieh , Vaziri Yaser
Published: September 2017

The presence of antibiotics in the environment, especially aquatic environments, is a major health and environmental concern.Wastewater treatment plants play an important role in the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater and removal of contaminants.The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of prevalent antibiotics in municipal wastewater of Hamadan,Iran and to evaluate the removal efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. During 3 months (April, May, and June 2016), a total of 12 composite influent and effluent samples were collected from the wastewater treatment plants. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for preparing the samples, which were then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection.Based on the analysis of 6 antibiotics, three antibiotics, including amoxicillin, imipenem, and cefixime, were detected, and their concentrations were measured at 1.6, 10.7, and 5.8 ug/L, respectively. The removal efficiency of these antibiotics in wastewater treatment plants was 55.66%, 34.01%, and 24.33%, respectively. Due to the presence of examined antibiotics in the effluent and influent wastewater treatment plants, they might cause direct and indirect effects on human health and environment if proper measures are not taken by the authorities. Since the removal of these antibiotics from wastewater treatment plants is relatively poor, it is suggested to use advanced wastewater treatment plants to reduce antibiotics in effluent wastewater and decrease the adverse effects of these micropollutants.
Management of Different Dairy Production Systems in Sindh
Authors: Huma Rizwana  , Muhammad Khaskheli  , Ghous Bakhsh Isani  , Gul Muhammad Baloch
Published: September 2017

The study of management of different dairy production system in Sindh was conducted in randomly selected from three zones consisting of nine districts of Sindh province of Pakistan. The data was collected from central zone consisting of three districts (Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Shaheed Benazirabad) in 2005-06, from upper zone (districts i.e. Larkana, Sukkur and Shikarpur) in 2006-07, and from lower Sindh zone(Karachi, Thatta and Badin) in years 2007-08. The educational status indicated that the graduate dairy farmers were significantly (P
Huge and Real-Time Database Systems: A Comparative Study and Review for SQL Server 2016, Oracle 12c & MySQL 5.7 for Personal Computer
Authors: Khawar Islam  , Kamran Ahsan  , S.A.K. Bari  , Muhammad Saeed  , Syed Asim Ali
Published: September 2017

Complexity, and Handling of huge data is a crucial target for all management systems. Databases are the backbone, central and core component of a computer application to store data in a logical way, which define the structure and mechanism for manipulation of data. Many Databases are available for handling and saving huge data including commercial and non-commercial like Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and MYSQL etc. Many vendors are working on modern techniques of databases spatio-temporal, object-relational, parallel databases etc. This novel research evaluates the comparative study and execution performance of top three databases according to their particular scenario and situation, after reading the paper the computer related experts especially developers easily judge, which database is most reliable in particular scenario, choosing the right decision for development of huge computer applications for hospitals, banks, and industries.
Bottle Water Bans: How can we curb the thirst for bottled water?
Authors: D'Altrui Elizabeth Mary
Published: September 2017

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Writing in a Surveillance State: Otherness in Christa Wolf’s What Remains
Authors: Black Sabrina B.
Published: September 2017

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HIV transmission and retention in care among HIV‐exposed children enrolled in Malawi's prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission programme
Authors: Haas Andreas D. , van Oosterhout Joep J. , Tenthani Lyson , Jahn Andreas , Zwahlen Marcel , Msukwa Malango T , Davies Mary‐Ann , Tal Kali , Phiri Nozgechi , Spoerri Adrian , Chimbwandira Frank , Egger Matthias , Keiser Olivia
Published: September 2017

Introduction: In Malawi, HIV‐infected pregnant and breastfeeding women are offered lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of CD4 count or clinical stage (Option B+). Their HIV‐exposed children are enrolled in the national prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) programme, but many are lost to follow‐up. We estimated the cumulative incidence of vertical HIV transmission, taking loss to follow‐up into account.

Methods: We abstracted data from HIV‐exposed children enrolled into care between September 2011 and June 2014 from patient records at 21 health facilities in central and southern Malawi. We used competing risk models to estimate the probability of loss to follow‐up, death, ART initiation and discharge, and used pooled logistic regression and inverse probability of censoring weighting to estimate the vertical HIV transmission risk.

Results: A total of 11,285 children were included; 9285 (82%) were born to women who initiated ART during pregnancy. At age 30 months, an estimated 57.9% (95% CI 56.6–59.2) of children were lost to follow‐up, 0.8% (0.6–1.0) had died, 2.6% (2.3–3.0) initiated ART, 36.5% (35.2–37.9) were discharged HIV‐negative and 2.2% (1.5–2.8) continued follow‐up. We estimated that 5.3% (95% CI 4.7–5.9) of the children who enrolled were HIV‐infected by the age of 30 months, but only about half of these children (2.6%; 95% CI 2.3–2.9) were diagnosed.

Conclusions: Confirmed mother‐to‐child transmission rates were low, but due to poor retention only about half of HIV‐infected children were diagnosed. Tracing of children lost to follow‐up and HIV testing in outpatient clinics should be scaled up to ensure that all HIV‐positive children have access to early ART.
A comparison of the morphological and biochemical characteristics of Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella zofingiensis cultured under photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions
Authors: Azaman Siti Nor Ani , Nagao Norio , Yusoff Fatimah M. , Tan Sheau Wei , Yeap Swee Keong
Published: September 2017

The responses of two species of microalgae, Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlorella zofingiensis, were compared regarding their morphological and biochemical properties under photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions. These microalgae were cultured under both conditions, and their crude ethanolic extracts were examined for their pigment and total phenolic contents. In addition, the microalgae’s antioxidant activities were determined using a DPPH radical scavenging assay and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Both strains showed increases in cell size due to the accumulation of lipid bodies and other cell contents, especially carotenoids, under the mixotrophic condition. Notably, reductions in phenolic and chlorophyll contents were observed to be associated with lower antioxidant activity. C. zofingiensis compared with C. sorokiniana, demonstrated higher antioxidant activity and carotenoid content. This study showed that different species of microalgae responded differently to varying conditions by producing different types of metabolites, as evidenced by the production of higher levels of phenolic compounds under the photoautotrophic condition and the production of the same levels of carotenoids under both photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions.
Generation of Silicic Melts in the Early Izu‐Bonin Arc Recorded by Detrital Zircons in Proximal Arc Volcaniclastic Rocks From the Philippine Sea
Authors: Barth A. P. , Tani K. , Meffre S. , Wooden J. L. , Coble M. A. , Arculus R. J. , Ishizuka O. , Shukle J. T.
Published: September 2017

A 1.2 km thick Paleogene volcaniclastic section at International Ocean Discovery Program Site 351‐U1438 preserves the deep‐marine, proximal record of Izu‐Bonin oceanic arc initiation, and volcano evolution along the Kyushu‐Palau Ridge (KPR). Pb/U ages and trace element compositions of zircons recovered from volcaniclastic sandstones preserve a remarkable temporal record of juvenile island arc evolution. Pb/U ages ranging from 43 to 27 Ma are compatible with provenance in one or more active arc edifices of the northern KPR. The abundances of selected trace elements with high concentrations provide insight into the genesis of U1438 detrital zircon host melts, and represent useful indicators of both short and long‐term variations in melt compositions in arc settings. The Site U1438 zircons span the compositional range between zircons from mid‐ocean ridge gabbros and zircons from relatively enriched continental arcs, as predicted for melts in a primitive oceanic arc setting derived from a highly depleted mantle source. Melt zircon saturation temperatures and Ti‐in‐zircon thermometry suggest a provenance in relatively cool and silicic melts that evolved toward more Th and U‐rich compositions with time. Th, U, and light rare earth element enrichments beginning about 35 Ma are consistent with detrital zircons recording development of regional arc asymmetry and selective trace element‐enriched rear arc silicic melts as the juvenile Izu‐Bonin arc evolved.
Ligand Versatility in Supercrystal Formation
Authors: Reichhelm Annett , Haubold Danny , Eychmüller Alexander
Published: September 2017

Supercrystals (SCs) offer the opportunity to integrate nanoparticles into current technologies without losing their unique and designable properties. In the past two decades, much research has been conducted, allowing the synthesis of differently shaped nanoparticles of various materials. Employing those building units, several methods have been developed enabling the preparation of an increasing number of different superstructures. In this review, an overview is given of the large versatility of surfactant molecules used for SC preparation. While SCs with uncharged organic ligands are by far the largest group, the use of charged or uncommon ligands allows the preparation of unique SCs and superlattices. Additionally, the influence of the ligands on the self‐assembly and properties of the resulting SCs is highlighted.
Large‐Area Chemical Vapor Deposited MoS2 with Transparent Conducting Oxide Contacts toward Fully Transparent 2D Electronics
Authors: Dai Zhenyu , Wang Zhenwei , He Xin , Zhang Xi‐Xiang , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: September 2017

2D semiconductors are poised to revolutionize the future of electronics and photonics, much like transparent oxide conductors and semiconductors have revolutionized the display industry. Herein, these two types of materials are combined to realize fully transparent 2D electronic devices and circuits. Specifically, a large‐area chemical vapor deposition process is developed to grow monolayer MoS2 continuous films, which are, for the first time, combined with transparent conducting oxide (TCO) contacts. Transparent conducting aluminum doped zinc oxide contacts are deposited by atomic layer deposition, with composition tuning to achieve optimal conductivity and band‐offsets with MoS2. The optimized process gives fully transparent TCO/MoS2 2D electronics with average visible‐range transmittance of 85%. The transistors show high mobility (4.2 cm2 V−1 s−1), fast switching speed (0.114 V dec−1), very low threshold voltage (0.69 V), and large switching ratio (4 × 108). To our knowledge, these are the lowest threshold voltage and subthreshold swing values reported for monolayer chemical vapor deposition MoS2 transistors. The transparent inverters show fast switching properties with a gain of 155 at a supply voltage of 10 V. The results demonstrate that transparent conducting oxides can be used as contact materials for 2D semiconductors, which opens new possibilities in 2D electronic and photonic applications.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and 1‐Azadienes: Synthesis of Imine Functionalized Cyclopentanes and Pyrrolidine Derivatives
Authors: Verma Kamal , Banerjee Prabal
Published: September 2017

Lewis acid catalyzed formal [3+2] cycloadditions of 1‐azadienes with donor acceptor cyclopropanes to synthesize varieties of imine functionalized cyclopentanes and pyrrolidine derivatives in moderate to high yield have been developed. Moreover, pharmaceutically relevant azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, bearing two all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers at the bridgehead positions, has been synthesized by nosyl group deprotection and intramolecular amidation of imine functionalized cyclopentane derivative.

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Fabrication of efficient pervaporation desalination membrane by reinforcement of poly(vinyl alcohol)–silica film on porous polysulfone hollow fiber
Authors: Chaudhri Sanjay G. , Chaudhari Jayesh C. , Singh Puyam S.
Published: September 2017

Pervaporation membrane technology is commercially successful in the dehydration of organic solvents, and the technology has potential for seawater desalination with high recovery because of its capability to treat highly saline water. But to make the technology advantageous over the other available membrane desalination technologies in terms of productivity flux without additional energy cost, the selective barrier layer is required to be extremely thin, defect‐free, hydrophilic, and selective to water. In this work, we prepared an efficient membrane by reinforcing a highly water‐permeable but continuous barrier layer of poly(vinyl alcohol)–silica (PVA‐SiO2) hybrid material on porous polysulfone hollow fibers. The PVA‐SiO2 in acidified and hydrated ethanol was aged at room temperature for a period to allow solvent evaporation to obtain the solution concentration desired for the reinforcement. The reinforced hollow fiber membrane with optimal PVA‐SiO2 barrier layer thickness exhibited a performance with a flux of 20.6 L m−2 h−1 and 99.9% salt rejection from a saline feed of 2000 ppm NaCl at 333 K. The effects of PVA‐SiO2, temperature, and feed salinity on the pervaporation performance of the membrane were also studied. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45718.
Synthesis of oxazolidines as latent curing agents for single‐component polyurethane adhesive and its properties study
Authors: Yuan Liemei , Qiang Peirong , Gao Jun , Shi Yiyuan
Published: September 2017

Four oxazolidine compounds OX1–OX4 were prepared. Their structures were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and ESI‐MS. The hydrolysis kinetics research of oxazolidines suggested that the hydrolysis of oxazolidine followed the first‐order reaction. The gap of the ground energies between the open‐ and closed‐ring was calculated using Gaussian software, which indicated that the stability of the open‐ring system of OX1 was the best. Then, the obtained oxazolidines were applied to single‐component polyurethane (SPU) and filler CaCO3 was added to investigate the effect of the two above on the properties of SPU. The results show that the pore size and the number of bubbles produced in the SPU decreased with the increase of the rate of hydrolysis of the added oxazolidine, and the bondability of the polyurethane was better. With the increase of CaCO3 content, the polyurethane surface became smoother and the bond strength was stronger. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45722.