bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourism development challenges on the Dead Sea shore
Authors: Wendt Jan A.
Published: January 2017

The Dead Sea along with Jerusalem belongs to one of the most well-known spots visited by tourists in Israel. Because of many factors, such as the water level of the Dead Sea at a depth of 430 m b.s.l. (in 2015), average salinity of 26%, hot springs and many healing salts located there, it is a unique tourist attraction on a global level. Its attractiveness is heightened by its proximity to other sites of interest, such as the Jewish fortress at Masada, Jericho, Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, as well as Petra, Madaba and Al-Karak on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea. High salinity and a microclimate create perfect conditions for the development of health resorts and medical tourism. Extracting healing salts from its waters for the needs of the chemical industry is important for both the economy and medical tourism. However, as a consequence of the agricultural and urban use of the waters of the River Jordan, which flows into the Dead Sea, a persistent decrease in the lake water level has been observed over the last century. This has created a number of economic and political issues. The problems which still have to be resolved are associated with the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conduit (Canal), the division of Jordan’s water resources, conservation of the unique reservoir of the Dead Sea and the threat of hindering the development of tourism within the region. The presentation of these issues is the main aim of this research paper. The study is based on the analysis of changes in tourism flows, results of research studies and the prognosis of changes in the water level of the Dead Sea. It presents an assessment of the effects of this phenomenon on the tourist economy. At the current level of tourism flows within the region, the tourist capacity of local beaches will be exceeded in areas where the most popular tourist resorts are located. Increased expenditure on development of tourism infrastructure in the coastal zone can also be observed. The predicted decreasing water level will result in further modifications and expansion of tourism infrastructure, decreased accessibility to the coastline for tourists, increased costs of visiting and may lead to an ecological disaster.
Finding a Style for Presenting Shakespeare on the Japanese Stage
Authors: Minami Ryuta
Published: January 2017

Japanese productions of Shakespeare’s plays are almost always discussed with exclusive focus upon their visual, musical and physical aspects without any due considerations to their verbal elements. Yet the translated texts in the vernacular, in which most of Japanese stage performances of Shakespeare are given, have played crucial part in understanding and analysing them as a whole. This paper aims to illuminate the importance of the verbal styles and phraseology of Shakespeare’s translated texts by analysing Nakayashiki Norihito’s all-female productions of Hamlet (2011) and Macbeth (2012) in the historical contexts of Japanese Shakespeare translation.
“I saw Othello’s visage in his mind”, or “White Mask, Black Handkerchif”: Satoshi Miyagi’s Mugen-Noh Othello and Translation Theory
Authors: Motohashi Ted
Published: January 2017

This paper tries to detect key elements in the translated performance of Shakespeare by focusing on Satoshi Miyagi’s “Mugen-Noh Othello” (literally meaning “Dreamy Illusion Noh play Othello”), first performed in Tokyo by Ku=Nauka Theatre Company in 2005, and subsequently seen in New Delhi, having now acquired a classic status of renowned Shakespearean adaptation in a foreign language that bridges a gap between the traditional form of Noh and the modern stage-presentation.
“Thou art translated”: Remapping Hideki Noda and Satoshi Miyagi’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Post-March 11 Japan
Authors: Eglinton Mika
Published: January 2017

Ever since the first introduction of Shakespeare to a Japanese audience in the nineteenth century, his plays have functioned as “contact zones,” which are translingual interfaces between communities and their cultures; points of negotiation, misunderstanding and mutual transformation. In the context of what is ostensibly a monolingual society, Japanese Shakespeare has produced a limited number of performances that have attempted to be multilingual. Most of them, however, turn out to be translingual, blurring the borders of linguistic specificity. As an example of this, I read A Midsummer Night’s Dream as adapted by Hideki Noda originally in 1992 and then directed by Miyagi Satoshi for the Shizuoka Performing Arts Centre in 2011. Drawing on my experience as the surtitle translator of Noda’s Japanese adaptation “back” into English, I discuss the linguistic and cultural metamorphosis of Noda’s reworking and the effects of its mediation in Miyagi’s rendition, and ask to what extent the production, adapted in post-March 2011 Japan, can be read as a “contact zone” for a translingual Japanese Shakespeare. In what way did Miyagi’s reading of the post-March 11 events inflect Noda’s adaption along socio-political lines? What is lost and gained in processes of adaptation in the wake of an environmental catastrophe?
Performing Shakespeare in Contemporary Japan: The Yamanote Jijosha’s The Tempest
Authors: Hamana Emi
Published: January 2017

In considering the Yamanote Jijosha’s The Tempest, this paper explores the significance of performing Shakespeare in contemporary Japan. The company’s The Tempest reveals to contemporary Japanese audiences the ambiguity of Shakespeare’s text by experimenting with the postdramatic and a new acting style. While critically pursuing the meaning and possibility of theatre and performing arts today, this version of The Tempest powerfully presents a critical view of the blindness and dumbness of contemporary Japan, as well as the world represented in the play.
Noh Creation of Shakespeare
Authors: Munakata Kuniyodhi
Published: January 2017

This article contains select comments and reviews on Noh Hamlet and Noh Othello in English and Noh King Lear in Japanese. The scripts from these performances were arranged based on Shakespeare’s originals and directed on stage and performed in English by Kuniyoshi Munakata from the early 1980s until 2014. Also, the whole text of Munakata’s Noh Macbeth in English (Munakata himself acted as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in one play) is for the first time publicized. The writers of the comments and reviews include notable people such as John Fraser, Michael Barrett, Upton Murakami, Donald Richie, Rick Ansorg, James David Audlin, Jesper Keller, Jean-Claude Saint-Marc, Jean-Claude Baumier, Judy Kendall, Allan Owen, Yoshio ARAI, Yasumasa OKAMOTO, Tatsuhiko TAIRA, Hikaru ENDO, Kazumi YAMAGATA, Hanako ENDO, Yoshiko KAWACHI, Mari Boyd, and Daniel Gallimore.
Effect of forest site types on the exchangeable and water-soluble cations distribution in the soil profiles
Authors: Porębska Grażyna , Ostrowska Apolonia
Published: January 2017

The aim of this research was to assess the impact of forest site types on the ionic composition of the soil sorption complex and soil water extracts in a soil profile. Three forest site types: coniferous forest (CF), coniferous-deciduous forest (CDF), and deciduousconiferous forest (DCF), were selected for the studies. Three dominant soil types were distinguished on the studied plots: Haplic Podzol, Dystric Arenosol, and Dystric Cambisol. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and aluminium (Al) in the soil sorption complex and soil water extracts were determined. Ca is a dominant cation in the soil sorption complex in organic horizon, while Al in mineral soil horizons. The differences between forest site types in ionic composition of soil water extracts were observed, mainly in the organic horizon and the horizons below the rooting zone. The vegetation affected the Ca/Al and base cations to Al molar (BC/Al) ratios. The Ca/Al and the BC/Al molar ratios increased in the sequence of sites: CF < CDF < DCF.
Microbiological air quality at municipal waste sorting plant
Authors: Bulski Karol , Frączek Krzysztof , Chmiel Maria J.
Published: January 2017

Municipal waste plants can be a source of biological contamination of the environment, depending on the method of operation and the type of collected waste. The aim of this study was the quantitative characteristics of airborne microorganisms at the Barycz municipal waste sorting plant in Cracow. Bioaerosol measurements of indoor and outdoor air of the municipal waste sorting plant were performed during the summer season using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor. The highest concentration of bacterial and fungal aerosol was observed in the medium fraction sorting room (129.02×103 cfu·m-3 and 116.21×103 cfu·m-3, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in the concentrations of bacterial and fungal aerosol between indoor and outdoor air. The calculations showed a significant correlation between the concentration of bioaerosol and particulate matter. Based on the analysis of bioaerosol particle size distribution, it was found that the concentration of bacteria and fungi has a maximum value in the diameter range 3.3-7.0 μm. The study confirmed that the municipal waste sorting plants can be causing exposure to microbiological agents.
Chemical structure, synthesis, and physical and chemical properties of porous polymers as materials applied in analytical chemistry and environmental protection
Authors: Goś Piotr , Chmielewski Jarosław , Janczura Marta , Gorczyca Damian , Żyfka-Zagrodzińska Ewa
Published: January 2017

This article is part of a series devoted to discussing strategies for the synthesis of ion-imprinted polymers and molecularly imprinted polymers, their chemical structure and great potential, which may be used in porous material design, analytical chemistry, environmental protection and other areas of science. The presented work constitutes a basis for a better understanding of what porous polymers are, how we can synthesise them and how to foresee their properties, which can be later used in studies of environmental pollution and analytical chemistry.
Measures and visualization methods of map projection distortions with the use of “python matplotlib library” as an example
Authors: Pędzich Paweł
Published: January 2017

The aim of the author of this article is to show the users of Geographical Information Systems how to present the distortions in a simple way. The intention of the author is also to popularize the knowledge in the scope of map projections and to inform the users of the maps that, despite all the advanced modern tools, an elimination of the problem, connected with the map projections and cartographical distortions occurring in them, has failed so far.

The author presents a brief overview of the measures in the scope of distortions and methods of their presentation. It is also shown how the users can generate the maps, presenting a distortion by themselves. It is much easier to perform this type of visualization with the help of “matplotlib library”, basically everyone can compile such a map.
Initial experience of using an iron-containing fiducial marker for radiotherapy of prostate cancer: Advantages in the visualization of markers in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Tanaka Osamu , Iida Takayoshi , Komeda Hisao , Tamaki Masayoshi , Seike Kensaku , Kato Daiki , Yokoyama Takamasa , Hirose Shigeki , Kawaguchi Daisuke
Published: January 2017

Visualization of markers is critical for imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the size of the marker varies according to the imaging technique. While a large-sized marker is more useful for visualization in MRI, it results in artifacts on CT and causes substantial pain on administration. In contrast, a small-sized marker reduces the artifacts on CT but hampers MRI detection. Herein, we report a new ironcontaining marker and compare its utility with that of non-iron-containing markers. Five patients underwent CT/MRI fusion-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and the markers were placed by urologists. A Gold Anchor™ (GA; diameter, 0.28 mm; length, 10 mm) was placed using a 22G needle on the right side of the prostate. A VISICOIL™ (VIS; diameter, 0.35 mm; length, 10 mm) was placed using a 19G needle on the left side. MRI was performed using T2*-weighted imaging. Three observers evaluated and scored the visual qualities of the acquired images. The mean score of visualization was almost identical between the GA and VIS in radiography and cone-beam CT (Novalis Tx). The artifacts in planning CT were slightly larger using the GA than using the VIS. The visualization of the marker on MRI using the GA was superior to that using the VIS. In conclusion, the visualization quality of radiography, conebeam CT, and planning CT was roughly equal between the GA and VIS. However, the GA was more strongly visualized than was the VIS on MRI due to iron containing.
Long-term effects of reproductive period on mineralized tissues (bones and teeth) in peri- and postmenopausal women
Authors: Piątek Dominika , Bachanek Teresa , Klijer Magdalena , Chałas Renata
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Reproductive period in women begins with the occurrence of the first menstruation and ends with the cessation thereof. The latter occurs at different age of women, depending on many factors such as race, geographical or living conditions and so on. At this time, many processes affect the condition of mineralized tissues in a woman’s body.

Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of reproductive period (fertility, lactation, age of menopause) on the parameters of bone tissue and hard tissues of teeth in peri- and postmenopausal women.

Material and methods. The study involved 112 women aged 45-74 years. There was conducted a survey and a clinical study. Patients were asked about the number of pregnancies and offspring, the duration of lactation in case of each child, the age at which the menopause occurred. Periods of pregnancies and lactation were recorded in months. The bone mineral density, the number of teeth present in the mouth were also evaluated, and the DMFT index was calculated.

Results. In the studied groups of women a significant correlation between the bone mineral density and the T-score and the age at which menopause occurred was observed. Also, a significant correlation between the number of offspring and the number of the DMFT index, the number of offspring and component MT of the DMFT index and the number of offspring and the number of teeth present in the mouth during the study. A significant positive correlation between the duration of pregnancies and lactation and the DMFT index, the component MT and the number of teeth present in the mouth during the study, was observed.

Conclusions. In the studied population of peri- and postmenopausal women, a possible impact of reproductive period on the parameters of the state of the bones and teeth - the longer the total duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding and early age of onset of menopause concerned worse parameters of mineralized tissues - with the higher number of DMFT index and lower bone mineral density were observed.
Hypocalcaemia, Hypoglycaemia, Macrosomia and Congenital Cryptorchidism in a Male Offspring of a Mother with Overweight and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Onyiriuka Alphonsus N. , Edorhe Sandra O.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports a case of a male infant born to a 32-year-old multiparous mother with overweight (BMI 28.5kg/m2) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The mother had fasting hyperglycaemia (range 5.7- 6.0mmol/L) noted at 24 weeks of pregnancy and was managed with diet alone. There is no family history of diabetes mellitus and the mother did not have pre-eclampsia. Physical examination of the infant revealed macrosomia (birthweight, 4600g) and bilateral congenital cryptorchidism. The baby suffered severe hypoglycaemia (blood glucose 1.7mmol/L) and hypocalcaemia (total serum calcium 1.03mmol/L), manifesting with seizures. He was successfully managed with 10% dextrose water and calcium gluconate infusion, using standard protocol. His karyotype is 46 XY. The patient was discharged from admission at the age of 10 days and was referred to the paediatric endocrinologist at the tertiary hospital. By 8 weeks of age, the right testis was noticed to have descended into the right scrotum. At the age of 3 months, the left testis was still not palpable either in the inguinal canal or the scrotal sac. The patient was lost to follow up. Conclusion: Diet-treated maternal overweight in association with GDM could potentially increase the risk for hypocalcaemia, hypoglycaemia, macrosomia and congenital cryptorchidism in the offspring, highlighting the need for physicians to assess for the presence of these morbidities in such infants.
Eating Habits in Normal Weight and Obese People
Authors: Posea Mihaela , Dragomir Andreea , Radulian Gabriela
Published: January 2017

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to document the eating habits of normal weight and obese patients in order to implement a new and healthier lifestyle. Material and Methods: We evaluated the intake of energy and that of vitamins and minerals in a sample of 199 normal weight and obese subjects. We also performed anthropometric's measurements, paraclinic’s and laboratory’s tests. Results: The mean intake of vitamins and minerals is significantly different for B1 and B3 vitamins and for iron, phosphorus, copper and selenium. Vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C and A vitamin and minerals like, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and selenium are over consumed in both groups. Regarding the sodium’s intake, only 37.04% of normal weight patients fulfill the recommendations of less than 2 g/day. The prevalence of a high fat diet is about 59.29% in normal weight people and 60.69% among obese ones. Only 25% of normal weight patients had normal abdominal circumference and 58.47% of obese subjects had normal HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Regardless the body mass index (BMI) status, neither normal weight subjects nor the obese ones' had an adequate micronutrient intake. Also, there is a high prevalence of high sodium’s intake and a high fat diet among the normal weight patients.
Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Ionică Floriana Elvira , Negreș Simona , Șeremet Oana Cristina , Chiriță Cornel
Published: January 2017

Background and Aims: In the last three decades, obesity and its related co morbidities has quickly increased. Sometime, obesity was viewed as a serious health issue in developed countries alone, but now is recognized as a worldwide epidemic, and its associated costs are enormous. Obesity is related with various diseases, like hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dyslipidemia, chronic cardiovascular diseases, respiratory conditions, alongside chronic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This review purpose is to provide data on the current anti-obesity drugs, also available and in the development. Material and Methods: We searched MEDLINE from 2006 to the present to collect information on the anti-obesity pharmacotherapy. Results and Conclusions: In the patients with obesity related comorbidities, there may be an adaptation of the anti-obesity pharmacotherapy to the patients’ needs, in respect to the improvements of the cardiometabolic parameters. Although their efficacy was proven, the anti-obesity pharmacotherapies have presented adverse events that require a careful monitoring during treatment. The main obstacle for approve new drugs seems to be the ratio between the risks and the benefits, because of a long-time background of perilous anti-obesity drugs.
The estimation of some wild flowers seed material from the natural-valuable meadow habitats
Authors: Janicka Maria , Pawluśkiewicz Bogumiła , Małuszyńska Elżbieta , Szydłowska Anna
Published: January 2017

The restoration of the species composition of the meadow habitats is often linked to the introduction of the typical species’ seeds. The effectiveness of that treatment requires getting the acquired detailed knowledge of the germination biology of peculiar species. Eight typical plant species of four non-forest habitats of the river valleys, representing the following types: Cnidion dubii (6440), Molinion (6410), Arrhenatherion (6510) and Festuco-Brometea (6210) were investigated. The diasporas were collected in the years 2014–2015 on the meadows of PLH 140016 protection area near Mniszew (Kozienice county, Mazovian voivodeship). The ability of seeds’ germination in the laboratory conditions was studied. It was stated that Cnidion and Molinion meadows’ species require pre-chilling to break the seeds’ dormancy, while the Arrhenatherion meadows and xerotermophilous swards do not require such treatment. The Allium angulosum, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium and Eryngium planum were characterized by high vigour and germination capability as well as the low share of dead seeds. The extremely drought in 2015 caused the decreasing in germination capability and increasing in the dead seeds’ share. The preliminary studies, presented in this paper, show that Cnidion and Molinion meadows may be most difficult to restore because of the necessity of breaking the seeds’ dormancy and higher sensitiveness for the unfavourable weather conditions during the seed ripening stage. The studies have practical significance for the works connected with the floristic diversity’ increasing of threatened communities and the restoration of the destroyed meadow habitats.
Threats to aquatic ecosystems caused by antibiotic-resistant isolate of Escherichia coli from sewage
Authors: Frąk Magdalena , Kozerska Zuzanna
Published: January 2017

The occurrence of Escherichia coli isolate resistant to penicillin and streptomycin in sewage discharged into the environment was tested. Thirty three Escherichia coli isolate were isolated from sewage samples showed different susceptibility to tested antibiotics. All tested isolate show higher resistance to penicillin than streptomycin. Twenty four tested E. coli isolate showed resistance only to low concentrations of penicillin. Five E. coli isolate showed resistance to higher concentrations of penicillin as well (120 μg·dm−3). Five E. coli isolate showed resistance to penicillin and streptomycin. Discharging sewage that contains bacteria isolate resistant to antibiotics into the aquatic environment causes their spreading and increases threats to aquatic ecosystems.
Structure investigations of layered soil – varved clay
Authors: Tankiewicz Matylda
Published: January 2017

In the paper the results of laboratory investigations of structure of layered soil are presented. They focus on varved clay that is a soil composed of two alternately arranged varves with different texture and mechanical properties. An effect of such structure is an anisotropy of the material. Due to varying conditions during its formation process the soil exhibits some irregularities in composition and structure. Due to that modelling of mechanical behavior, like strength, may not provide satisfactory results. Main purpose of the examinations is an investigation of internal structure of layered soil – varved clay – in relation to its strength anisotropy and evaluation of the suitability of the use of two different techniques to assess the soil structure. Investigated material have been taken from area near city of Bełchatów in central Poland. The examinations included investigation of particle size distribution of soil and its components, identification of lamination with use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and computed microtomography technique (μCT). First, the texture of each varve and varved clay as a composite have been estimated. Next, the investigation of surface perpendicular to the lamination have been carried out with SEM. Pictures of varves with different magnifications are presented. Also the varves arrangement and details of layers contact area are shown. Finally, investigation of internal structure of the soil have been performed by using microtomograph. The outcome is a series of radiographic images and reconstructed 3D model of tested soil. Presented results show complexity of the structure of varved clay that affect the mechanical behavior. Determination of the structure with use of presented techniques may be helpful in examination of strength properties and proper modeling of such soil.
Interest of young people in maintaining an optimal regime of impellent activity
Authors: Ivashchenko Sergii
Published: January 2017

Due to the fact, that general state of productive category of human physical abilities depends on the level of his physical activity, it is important to create favorable conditions for people to be engaged in popular kinds of sports. In turn, the level of physical fitness such category of people depends on their behavioral habits concerning individual regime of motion actions. In historical aspects this problem was investigated in order to reveal their modern tendencies and specific features. Was established that some social, economical and psychological factors have considerable influence on the process of physical development of people, living in our community. Besides, were discovered, that most of people are able to improve the mode of their physical activity with the purpose of improving the state of their health. So, it is very important to shape by mince of mass media systems public opinion about necessity of doing physical exercises systematically.
Trophic Status and Phytoplankton Limitation Conditions in a Few Bulgarian and Hungarian Danube River Wetlands
Authors: Kalchev Roumen , Berczik Árpád , Beshkova Michaela , Dinka Mária , Kalcheva Hristina , Kiss Anita , Ágoston-Szabó Edit
Published: January 2017

The phytoplankton limitation conditions in a few Bulgarian and Hungarian wetlands and in two more sampling sites, one for each Danube stretch, were investigated by means of trophic state index of Carlson (1977) for phytoplankton chlorophyll-a (CHL), Secchi disk depths (SD), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations. Phytoplankton of both river sites was not limited by non-algal turbidity, nor was they phosphorus and nitrogen limited. In summer months the studied wetlands were predominantly nitrogen limited, while in spring and autumn limitation by non-algal turbidity prevailed.
Thymallus thymallus (Linnaeus, 1758), Ecological Status in Maramureş Mountains Nature Park (Romania)
Authors: Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Bănăduc Doru
Published: January 2017

Thymallus thymallus is considered a species of significant protective importance within the Vişeu Watershed. The state of habitats characteristically inhabited by Thymallus thymallus within the Maramureş Mountains Nature Park is balanced between reduced (one third of the lotic sectors where the species was identified), average (one third) and good (one third). The excellent conservation status is currently missing for populations of this fish in the Vișeu Basin.

Human impact types identified as contributing towards the decreasing state of Thymallus thymallus habitats and therefore populations in the studied area in comparison with its natural potential are: poaching, minor riverbeds morphodynamic changings, solid and liquid natural flow changes, destruction of riparian trees and bush vegetation, habitat fragmentation/isolation of population, organic and mining pollution, and displaced fish that are washed away during flood periods in the lotic sectors uniformized by humans.
Distribution of Leading Digits of Numbers
Authors: Ohkubo Yukio , Strauch Oto
Published: January 2017

Applying the theory of distribution functions of sequences we find the relative densities of the first digits also for sequences xn
not satisfying Benford’s law. Especially for sequence xn
= nr
, n = 1, 2, . . . and

x
n

=

p
n
r

$x_n = p_n^r $

, n = 1, 2, . . ., where pn
is the increasing sequence of all primes and r > 0 is an arbitrary real. We also add rate of convergence to such densities.
On the Pseudorandomness of the Liouville Function of Polynomials over a Finite Field
Authors: Mérai László , Winterhof Arne
Published: January 2017

We study several pseudorandom properties of the Liouville function and the Möbius function of polynomials over a finite field. More precisely, we obtain bounds on their balancedness as well as their well-distribution measure, correlation measure, and linear complexity profile.
On Strong Normality
Authors: De Koninck Jean-Marie , Kátai Imre , Phong Bui Minh
Published: January 2017

We introduce the concept of strong normality by defining strong normal numbers and provide various properties of these numbers, including the fact that almost all real numbers are strongly normal.
On Small Sets of Distribution Functions of Ratio Block Sequences
Authors: Krčmarský David , Mišík Ladislav , Václavíková Zuzana
Published: January 2017

There are various methods how to describe and characterize distribution of elements of sets of positive integers. One of the most interesting is that using the set of all distribution functions of the corresponding ratio block sequence introduced in [Strauch, O.—Tóth, J.T.: Publ. Math. Debrecen 58 (2001), no. 4, 751–778]. In the present paper we give some sufficient conditions under which this set is small in a metric sense. As a corollary we obtain a new characterization of the case of asymptotic distribution.
On the Constant in the Average Digit Sum for a Recurrence-Based Numeration
Authors: Ballot Christian
Published: January 2017

Given an integral, increasing, linear-recurrent sequence A with initial term 1, the greedy algorithm may be used on the terms of A to represent all positive integers. For large classes of recurrences, the average digit sum is known to equal cA
log n+O(1), where cA
is a positive constant that depends on A. This asymptotic result is re-proved with an elementary approach for a class of special recurrences larger than, or distinct from, that of former papers. The focus is on the constants cA
for which, among other items, explicit formulas are provided and minimal values are found, or conjectured, for all special recurrences up to a certain order.
Spatial Equidistribution of Binomial Coefficients Modulo Prime Powers
Authors: Barat Guy , Grabner Peter J.
Published: January 2017

The spatial distribution of binomial coefficients in residue classes modulo prime powers is studied. It is proved inter alia that empirical distribution of the points (k,m)p
−

m
with 0 ≤ k ≤ n < pm
and

(

n

k

)

≡
a
 

(

mod
⁡
 
p

)

s

$\left( {\matrix{n \cr k \cr } } \right) \equiv a\left( {\bmod \;p} \right)^s $

(for (a, p) = 1) for m→∞ tends to the Hausdorff measure on the “p-adic Sierpiński gasket”, a fractals studied earlier by von Haeseler, Peitgen, and Skordev.
Yet Another Footnote to the Least Non Zero Digit of n! in Base 12
Authors: Deshouillers Jean-Marc
Published: January 2017

We continue the study, initiated with Imre Ruzsa, of the last non zero digit ℓ12(n!) of n! in base 12, showing that for any a ∈ {3, 4, 6, 8, 9}, the set of those integers n for which ℓ12(n!) = a is not 3-automatic.
On a Golay-Shapiro-Like Sequence
Authors: Allouche Jean-Paul
Published: January 2017

A recent paper by P. Lafrance, N. Rampersad, and R. Yee studies the sequence of occurrences of 10 as a scattered subsequence in the binary expansion of integers. They prove in particular that the summatory function of this sequence has the “root N” property, analogously to the summatory function of the Golay-Shapiro sequence. We prove here that the root N property does not hold if we twist the sequence by powers of a complex number of modulus one, hence showing a fundamental difference with the Golay-Shapiro sequence.
Gene‐body chromatin modification dynamics mediate epigenome differentiation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Inagaki Soichi , Takahashi Mayumi , Hosaka Aoi , Ito Tasuku , Toyoda Atsushi , Fujiyama Asao , Tarutani Yoshiaki , Kakutani Tetsuji
Published: January 2017

Heterochromatin is marked by methylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 (H3K9me). A puzzling feature of H3K9me is that this modification localizes not only in promoters but also in internal regions (bodies) of silent transcription units. Despite its prevalence, the biological significance of gene‐body H3K9me remains enigmatic. Here we show that H3K9me‐associated removal of H3K4 monomethylation (H3K4me1) in gene bodies mediates transcriptional silencing. Mutations in an Arabidopsis H3K9 demethylase gene IBM1 induce ectopic H3K9me2 accumulation in gene bodies, with accompanying severe developmental defects. Through suppressor screening of the ibm1‐induced developmental defects, we identified the LDL2 gene, which encodes a homolog of conserved H3K4 demethylases. The ldl2 mutation suppressed the developmental defects, without suppressing the ibm1‐induced ectopic H3K9me2. The ectopic H3K9me2 mark directed removal of gene‐body H3K4me1 and caused transcriptional repression in an LDL2‐dependent manner. Furthermore, mutations of H3K9 methylases increased the level of H3K4me1 in the gene bodies of various transposable elements, and this H3K4me1 increase is a prerequisite for their transcriptional derepression. Our results uncover an unexpected role of gene‐body H3K9me2/H3K4me1 dynamics as a mediator of heterochromatin silencing and epigenome differentiation.
The role of hepatic trans-arterial chemoembolization in metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma: a specialist center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Grozinsky-Glasberg S , Bloom A I , Lev-Cohain N , Klimov A , Besiso H , Gross D J
Published: January 2017

Background

Liver metastases are relatively common in patients with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), carrying a negative impact on disease prognosis. The options for selective therapy of liver metastases in MTC patients are limited to catheter-guided procedures such as trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of this procedure in MTC are limited.

Aim

To explore the clinical outcome, survival and safety profile of TACE for liver metastases in a group of MTC patients.

Methods

Retrospective case series of patients treated at a single tertiary University Medical Center from 2005 to 2015.

Results

Seven consecutive patients (mean age 64.5 ± 10.9 years, 5 females) with histologically confirmed MTC with liver metastases were included. Metastatic involvement of the liver was less than 50% of the liver volume in all patients. The median size of the largest liver lesion was 40 ± 6.9 mm. The patients underwent in total 20 sessions of TACE. Clinical improvement as well as tumor response (PR) were observed in all patients. The median time to tumor progression was 38 months (range 8–126). Three patients were still alive at the end of the follow-up period (a median overall survival rate of 57 ± 44 months).

Conclusion

TACE in MTC patients with hepatic metastases is usually well tolerated and induces both clinical improvement and tumor response for prolonged periods of time in the majority of patients. This therapeutic option should always be considered, irrespective of the presence of extrahepatic metastasis.
External validation of the GREAT score to predict relapse risk in Graves’ disease: results from a multicenter, retrospective study with 741 patients
Authors: Struja Tristan , Kaeslin Marina , Boesiger Fabienne , Jutzi Rebecca , Imahorn Noemi , Kutz Alexander , Bernasconi Luca , Mundwiler Esther , Mueller Beat , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Meienberg Fabian , Ebrahimi Fahim , Henzen Christoph , Fischli Stefan , Kraenzlin Marius , Meier Christian , Schuetz Philipp
Published: January 2017

Context

First-line treatment in Graves’ disease is often done with antithyroid agents (ATD), but relapse rates remain high making definite treatment necessary. Predictors for relapse risk help guiding initial treatment decisions.

Objective

We aimed to externally validate the prognostic accuracy of the recently proposed Graves’ Recurrent Events After Therapy (GREAT) score to predict relapse risk in Graves’ disease.

Design, setting and participants

We retrospectively analyzed data (2004–2014) of patients with a first episode of Graves’ hyperthyroidism from four Swiss endocrine outpatient clinics.

Main outcome measures

Relapse of hyperthyroidism analyzed by multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Of the 741 included patients, 371 experienced a relapse (50.1%) after a mean follow-up of 25.6 months after ATD start. In univariate regression analysis, higher serum free T4, higher thyrotropin-binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII), younger age and larger goiter were associated with higher relapse risk. We found a strong increase in relapse risk with more points in the GREAT score from 33.8% in patients with GREAT class I (0–1 points), 59.4% in class II (2–3 points) with a hazard ratio of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.42–2.27, P < 0.001) and 73.6% in class III (4–6 points) with a hazard ratio of 2.24 (95% CI: 1.64–3.06, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on this retrospective analysis within a large patient population from a multicenter study, the GREAT score shows good external validity and can be used for assessing the risk for relapse in Graves’ disease, which influence the initial treatment decisions.
Involvement of Conserved Amino Acids in the C-Terminal Region of LINE-1 ORF2p in Retrotransposition
Authors: Christian Claiborne M , Sokolowski Mark , deHaro Dawn , Kines Kristine J , Belancio Victoria P
Published: January 2017

Long interspersed element 1 (L1) is the only currently active autonomous retroelement in the human genome. Along with the parasitic SVA and short interspersed element Alu, L1 is the source of DNA damage induced by retrotransposition: a copy-and-paste process that has the potential to disrupt gene function and cause human disease. The retrotransposition process is dependent upon the ORF2 protein (ORF2p). However, it is unknown whether most of the protein is important for retrotransposition. In particular, other than the Cys motif, the C terminus of the protein has not been intensely examined in the context of retrotransposition. Using evolutionary analysis and the Alu retrotransposition assay, we sought to identify additional amino acids in the C terminus important for retrotransposition. Here, we demonstrate that Gal4-tagged and untagged C-terminally truncated ORF2p fragments possess residual potential to drive Alu retrotransposition. Using sight-directed mutagenesis we identify that while the Y1180 amino acid is important for ORF2p- and L1-driven Alu retrotransposition, a mutation at this position improves L1 retrotransposition. Even though the mechanism of the contribution of Y1180 to Alu and L1 mobilization remains unknown, experimental evidence rules out its direct involvement in the ability of the ORF2p reverse transcriptase to generate complementary DNA. Additionally, our data support that ORF2p amino acids 1180 and 1250–1262 may be involved in the reported ORF1p-mediated increase in ORF2p-driven Alu retrotransposition.
Axon Termination, Pruning, and Synaptogenesis in the Giant Fiber System of Drosophila melanogaster Is Promoted by Highwire
Authors: Borgen Melissa , Rowland Kimberly , Boerner Jana , Lloyd Brandon , Khan Aruna , Murphey Rodney
Published: January 2017

The ubiquitin ligase Highwire has a conserved role in synapse formation. Here, we show that Highwire coordinates several facets of central synapse formation in the Drosophila melanogaster giant fiber system, including axon termination, axon pruning, and synaptic function. Despite the similarities to the fly neuromuscular junction, the role of Highwire and the underlying signaling pathways are distinct in the fly’s giant fiber system. During development, branching of the giant fiber presynaptic terminal occurs and, normally, the transient branches are pruned away. However, in highwire mutants these ectopic branches persist, indicating that Highwire promotes axon pruning. highwire mutants also exhibit defects in synaptic function. Highwire promotes axon pruning and synaptic function cell-autonomously by attenuating a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway including Wallenda, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/Basket, and the transcription factor Jun. We also show a novel role for Highwire in non-cell autonomous promotion of synaptic function from the midline glia. Highwire also regulates axon termination in the giant fibers, as highwire mutant axons exhibit severe overgrowth beyond the pruning defect. This excessive axon growth is increased by manipulating Fos expression in the cells surrounding the giant fiber terminal, suggesting that Fos regulates a trans-synaptic signal that promotes giant fiber axon growth.
Mentalizacijos raidos veiksnių vaikystėje ir paauglystėje apžvalga
Authors: Gervinskaitė-Paulaitienė Lina , Barkauskienė Rasa
Published: January 2017

Mentalizacija yra elgesio supratimas susiejus su intencionaliomis psichikos būsenomis. Nors šis gebėji­mas literatūroje apibrėžiamas šiek tiek skirtingai, taip pat šiek tiek skirtingai aiškinama jo raida, pasta­ruoju metu vis didėja susidomėjimas tarpasmeniniais mentalizacijos raidos veiksniais. Fonagy, Steele, Steele, Moran ir Higgitt (1991), taip pat Fonagy, Gergely, Jurist ir Target (2004) siūlomas požiūris, kai vai­kų prieraišumas ir tėvų mentalizacija yra suprantami kaip itin reikšmingos vaikų mentalizacijos raidos prielaidos, yra plačiau aprašomas ir empiriškai tikrinamas ankstyvoje vaikystėje. Vidurinėje vaikystėje ir paauglystėje, vykstant reikšmingiems prieraišumo sistemos pokyčiams, prieraišumo ir tėvų mentaliza­cijos vaidmuo vaiko mentalizacijos raidai ir sklaidai nėra apibrėžtas. Šios apžvalgos tikslas yra atskleisti ir analizuoti svarbiausius empirinius atradimus, susijusius su mentalizacijos vaikystėje ir paauglystėje tyrimais ir taip išryškinti ir kritiškai įvertinti vaiko prieraišumo ir tėvų mentalizacijos, kaip pagrindinių teoriškai postuluojamų veiksnių, vaidmenį vaiko mentalizacijos raidai. Apžvelgti tyrimai rodo, kad gera tėvų mentalizacija yra svarbi saugiam prieraišumui ir psichikos teorijos įgijimui ankstyvoje raidoje, at­skleidžia motinų reflektyviosios funkcijos prieraišumo santykiuose svarbą organizuotoms vaiko prier­aišumo strategijoms. Be to, prasta motinų reflektyvioji funkcija siejasi su dezorganizuotu prieraišumu, o šis, skirtingų tyrimų duomenimis, yra susijęs su prastesniais mentalizacijos gebėjimais tiek ankstyvo­je, tiek vėlesnėje raidoje. Nors prieraišumo, saugumo ir mentalizacijos ryšys lieka svarbus ir vidurinėje vaikystėje, ir paauglystėje, tyrimai pateikia skirtingų duomenų apie strategijų reikšmę mentalizacijos naudojimui ir kartu rodo, kad ne tiek prieraišumo saugumas, kiek prieraišumo sistemos organizavimas apskritai yra sėkmingos mentalizacijos raidos sąlyga. Empiriniai duomenys rodo, kad motinų men­talizacija būna svarbi vaiko mentalizacijai ir vėlesnėje raidoje, kartu atskleisdami skirtingų motinos mentalizacijos gebėjimo dėmenų reikšmę vaiko ir paauglio mentalizacijos raiškai. Kita vertus, vis dar nepakanka empirinių duomenų, kurie leistų paaiškinti galimus aptariamų procesų sąveikos vėlesnėje raidoje mechanizmus. Apžvelgus esamus tyrimus galima teigti, kad Fonagy ir kolegų siūlomas požiūris gali būti iš dalies perkeltas ir į vėlesnę raidą: tiek tėvų mentalizacija, tiek vaiko prieraišumas yra svarbūs vaiko mentalizacijos veiksniai.
Tapatumo procesų ir nerimastingumo/depresiškumo sąsajos tapsmo suaugusiu periode
Authors: Žukauskienė Rita , Malinauskienė Oksana , Kaniušonytė Goda
Published: January 2017

Šio tyrimo tikslas – atskleisti jaunuolių, esančių tapsmo suaugusiu periode, nerimastingumo / depre­siškumo ir tapatumo procesų (įsipareigojimo, išsamaus tyrinėjimo, įsipareigojimo persvarstymo) sąsa­jas, kontroliuojant lytį ir amžių. Tyrime dalyvavo 491 18–29 metų jaunuolis (74,7 proc. merginos). Buvo naudota Utrechto tapatumo skalė (U-MICS) bei Suaugusių emocijų ir elgesio sunkumų įvertinimo lapas (ASR). Rezultatų analizė atskleidė, kad kuo nerimastingesni / depresiškesni jaunuoliai, esantys tapsmo suaugusiu periode, tuo mažiau jie yra įsipareigojimo ir išsamaus tyrinėjimo bei tuo labiau – įsipareigoji­mo persvarstymo procese. Kontroliuojant sociodemografinius veiksnius, nerimastingumas / depresišku­mas yra susijęs su mažiau adaptyviu tapatumo formavimusi.
Actualización de la prueba general para la evaluación del desarrollo integral del niño entre los 0 meses y 6 años de edad (EDIN)
Authors: González-Serrano Sunny , Brenes-Monge Alexander , Fernández Simpsom Claudia , Mata Avila Marlon , Bustos ​Alfaro Elena
Published: January 2017

Introducción: En este artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la actualización de la  prueba general para la evaluación del desarrollo integral del niño y la niña entre los 0 y 6 años de edad (EDIN).Metodología: la metodología fue de carácter cualitativo, transversal y descriptivo. Se contó con la participación de 14 expertos en el área del desarrollo humano. Los datos fueron recolectados mediante la técnica de juicio de expertos de tipo agregados individuales; la información obtenida fue triangulada con evidencia científica actualizada para determinar la permanencia de los ítems en la propuesta actualizada.Resultados: La prueba juicio de expertos permitió confirmar la inconsistencia de algunos ítems, por lo que fue necesario cambiar, eliminar y adecuar ítems  del EDIN.  Del total de 456 ítems de esta prueba, 72 (16%) del área de “hábitos”, fueron excluidos, por no corresponder a un área del desarrollo, 127 (27.9%) fueron inconsistentes , 257 (56%) fueron consistentes y  se crearon  15 nuevos ítems, lo cual da como resultado una prueba actualizada con 287 ítems, distribuidos en seis áreas del desarrollo y 19 grupos de edad, más una lista de cotejo compuesta por 112 recomendaciones sobre los patrones de alimentación, sueño y descanso, eliminación, higiene y vestido y seguridad.Conclusiones: La investigación aporta una prueba actualizada para la población infantil costarricense menor de seis años. El estudio de las pruebas de evaluación del desarrollo es necesario para la atención integral durante la infancia, por lo que es importante que el país cuente con instrumentos de evaluación del desarrollo propios y actualizados.
Highly conductive and transparent Ti-doped zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Lu Yang-Ming , Tsai Shu-I , Chang Chen-Min
Published: January 2017

The properties of ZnO thin film are currently of great commercial and scientific interest due to its particular properties such as highly conductive, transparent as well as chemical stability and nontoxic. The Ti doping ZnO thin films were deposited by simultaneously magnetron co-sputtering from both Zn and Ti targets in a mixture of oxygen and argon gases onto heated Corning 7059 glass substrates in this study. The experimental results show that deposition rate of ZnO films are strongly dependent on DC power of Ti target. The growth rate initially increases and changes to decrease when the DC power of Ti target further rises. The content of Ti in the ZnO films increases with the applied DC power of Ti target. The lattice constant of ZnO (002) increases with DC power of Ti target due to incorporated Ti into the lattice of ZnO. The crystalline size becomes smaller when the DC power of Ti target was raised. The visible transmittance is a little lowered when slight Ti incorporated but still average maintains above 80%. The lowest resistivity of undoped ZnO film obtained in this study is 4.14×10-3 ohm-cm and further decreased to 1.02×10-3 ohm-cm after being doped a trace of Ti.
Monitoring of long-span bridges in Japan
Authors: Abé Masato , Fujino Yozo
Published: January 2017

Japan currently has 15 suspension bridges, three cable-stayed bridges and a truss bridge with spans over 500 m. Given the country’s exposure to earthquakes and typhoons, structural behaviour during seismic and wind loading are major concerns, so many of the bridges have been instrumented and continuously monitored since completion. This paper provides an overview of the development of monitoring of long-span bridges in Japan, with examples of effective utilisation of the monitored data. These include using data to verify design assumptions, update specifications for construction, enable active vibration control and evaluate performance and damage of structures during extreme events. Research is currently under way on how to extend the application of monitoring data for operation and maintenance.