bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Valve Size on Prosthesis–Patient Mismatch and Aortic Valve Gradient After Transcatheter versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Aalaei-Andabili Seyed Hossein , Lee Teng C. , Waheed Nida , Bavry Anthony A. , Petersen John W. , Wayangankar Siddharth , Arnaoutakis George J. , David Anderson R. , Beaver Thomas M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Limited data is available about the effect of implanted valve size on prosthesis–patient mismatch (PPM) incidence and aortic gradient (AG) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). We compared PPM incidence and postprocedural AG between TAVR and SAVR patients considering the impact of implanted valve size.

Methods

From March 20, 2012, to September 30, 2015, 563 consecutive patients underwent TAVR ( n = 419) or isolated SAVR ( n = 144). Postprocedural transthoracic echocardiography was obtained within 30 days; AG, effective orifice area (EOA), and EOA index were calculated.

Results

A total of 381 patients in TAVR group and 82 patients in SAVR group were included. Mean preoperative AG and mean aortic valve area were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Postprocedural AG was significantly lower in TAVR than SAVR group, 7.74 ± 5.39 versus 14.27 ± 8.16 ( P < 0.001). Between patients who had TAVR and SAVR with a valve size ≤23 mm, SAVR patients were 3 times more likely to have greater than mild AG after the procedure, OR: 3.1 (95% CI, 1.1 to 8.9) ( P < 0.001). PPM incidence was significantly higher in SAVR group than TAVR group, 44 (53.7%) versus 112 (29.4%), OR = 2.8 (95% CI, 1.7 to 4.5) ( P < 0.001). The PPM incidence was also higher in SAVR group than TAVR group among those who had the procedures with a valve size ≤23 mm, 35 (64.8%) versus 56 (47.9%), OR = 2 (95% CI, 1.1 to 3.9) ( P = 0.048). Postprocedural outcomes were comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

In comparison to SAVR, TAVR is associated with less PPM and lower AG, especially in patients receiving a valve size ≤23 mm.
A novel calibration mechanism and the corresponding test bench for automotive clutch releasing fingers: Design, implementation, and verification
Authors: Yan Zhengfeng , Zhao Peisheng , Quan Shiping , He Guanhou
Published: May 2019

The clutch releasing finger acts as a disengagement lever and a clamping spring in the clutch, which remains in contact with the releasing bearing. Thus, the run-out of releasing fingers could result in vibrations of the clutch pedal and affect the comfort of the driver. In this article, a novel calibration mechanism is proposed for automotive clutch releasing fingers with the corresponding test bench. Based on the structural material properties, the mathematical model of the releasing fingers is developed as well as the analytical equations for the calibration force, the limit point, and the deflections. To better calibrate the run-out of the releasing fingers, the calculations of the springback and the residual curvature are also considered. Moreover, a corresponding test bench is developed, and to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method, comparisons are conducted between the novel approach and the theoretical analysis and finite element analysis methods. The results of the calibration of the run-out of the releasing fingers demonstrate the significant improvements achieved by the proposed method, which could be further applied to the calibration of various relevant elastic elements.
Design and control of hybrid underwater glider
Authors: Ji Dae-Hyeong , Choi Hyeung-Sik , Kang Jin-Il , Cho Hyun-Joon , Joo Moon-Gap , Lee Jae-Heon
Published: May 2019

In this article, a design and analysis on 200-m-class hybrid underwater glider actuated by a buoyancy engine and a thruster was studied. The hull shape of the hybrid underwater glider was designed to reduce underwater resistance using Myring hull profile equations. A computational fluid dynamics analysis was conducted, and a resistance coefficient similar to that of existing underwater vehicle was calculated such that simulation reliability was verified. The relationship between the control value of the ballast discharged by the buoyancy engine and the velocity of a glider according to the path angle was analyzed. Through the analysis, the relationship between the optimal glide angle and the designed control value of the ballast water was drawn, and using this relationship, the optimal glider velocity was estimated. Also, the velocity of the hybrid underwater glider using the thruster only was measured through an experiment. Using both the thruster and ballast water control, it was shown that the maximum velocity of the developed hybrid underwater glider is over 2.4 knots.
Oscillations and control of spherical parallel manipulator
Authors: Nhan Nguyen Huu Khanh , Tung Vo Dinh , Kheylo Sergey , Victor Glazunov
Published: May 2019

In recent years, there has been a growing number of studies in spherical parallel mechanisms, particularly synthesis, kinematics, and work area singularities. The interaction of degrees of freedom and geometry leads to the nonlinear phenomena, in the dynamics of mechanism. There are few studies into the dynamic properties of such mechanisms. This article deals with the dynamic property of the parallel spherical manipulators, with three degrees of freedom, and presents determination of acceleration input links, oscillations, and the problem of control. Algorithm of control is based on the concept of minimized coordinates, velocities, and acceleration using inverse dynamic problems. This allows synthesis of this algorithm, which can realize a motion in accordance with prescribed trajectories. Finally, the results of calculations are defined.
Regional disparities in access to higher education in Greece
Authors: Verdis Athanasios , Kalogeropoulos Kleomenis , Chalkias Christos
Published: May 2019

This study examines the geographical dimension of access to higher education in Greece by mapping spatial disparities in the distribution of vathmos prosvasis, the decisive score for being accepted in one of the country’s tertiary education departments. Influenced by the ‘spatial turn’ in the humanities and the social sciences, this paper takes a geographical approach. Spatial autocorrelation indices (Moran’s I) show that examinees from mountainous settlements, insular areas, and inner city neighbourhoods are much less likely to achieve a score that would allow them to enter one of the country’s higher educational institutions. The authors use the ‘oval’ metaphor in order to describe these differences. A number of explanatory variables at school catchment area level reduce the variation in vathmos prosvasis, but no conclusions can be made with regards to casual relationships between school neighbourhood characteristics and individual scores. The alarmingly low scores in a specific geographical region, the so-called ‘Pomakohoria’, are discussed as an example of how access to higher education in Greece is being affected by location.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in adults
Authors: McMillan Katharine
Published: May 2019

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in up to 20% of adults exposed to a severe trauma. Adults diagnosed with PTSD are at high risk of developing a comorbid mental health or substance misuse disorder, suicide and psychosocial morbidity. For those diagnosed with PTSD, effective treatment is available. However, although the majority of adults with PTSD will have consulted their GP about a mental or emotional health problem in the last year only a minority of will have had their PTSD appropriately recognised or treated. It is important that GPs are aware of how to identify and treat adults with PTSD in primary care. This review draws on the latest 2018 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for PTSD and most up-to-date ICD-11 diagnostic criteria.
Subsidiarity as an experience and inspiration: The case for Regionomics in North Brabant
Authors: van de Donk Wim
Published: May 2019

The principle of subsidiarity has been enshrined in European politics since the development of Catholic social teaching and the emergence of Christian Democratic parties, culminating in it becoming a core guiding principle for the actions of the EU. However the roots of the concept go far deeper than the simple interaction between the EU and other levels of government, as subsidiarity is a reflection of the relational and social characteristics of human beings and their mutual interdependence. In addition, the principle of subsidiarity should not only be considered in its vertical dimension between various levels of power, but also horizontally in terms of the interactions between different forms of organisation (e.g. state, civil society and the market). In the end, active subsidiarity is what distinguishes the European perspective on society from the Anglo-American emphasis on freedom and a just society.
A New Ellagic Acid From the Leaves and Twigs of Irvingia malayana
Authors: Jaipetch Thaworn , Hongthong Sakchai , Bunteang Samreang , Akkarawongsapat Radeekorn , Limthongkul Jitra , Napaswad Chanita , Suksen Kanoknetr , Nuntasaen Narong , Reutrakul Vichai , Kuhakarn Chutima
Published: May 2019

A phytochemical investigation of the leaves and twigs of Irvingia malayana led to the isolation of a new 3,3′,4′-tri- O-methylellagic acid-6″-acetoxy-4- O-β-glucoside (1), along with 3,3′,4′-tri- O-methylellagic acid (2), 3,3′-di- O-methylellagic acid-4- O-β-xyloside (3), 3,3′,4′-tri- O-methylellagic acid-4-β -O-glucoside (4), friedelin (5), friedelinol (6), methyl-3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate (7), 5,7,4′-trihydroxyflavone-8- C-β-glucopyranoside (8), 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone-8- C-β-glucopyranoside (9), and 5,3′,4′-trihydroxyflavone-6- C-β-glucopyranoside (10). Their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic techniques and direct comparison with literature data. Compounds 4 and 7 showed weak cytotoxic activity against a panel of mammalian cancerous cell lines. Furthermore, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 9 exhibited significant inhibitory activity in the syncytium inhibition assay, whereas compounds 8 and 9 displayed moderate activity in the HIV 1 reverse transcriptase assay.
The Rally-Intensive Campaign: A Distinct Form of Electioneering in Sub-Saharan Africa and Beyond
Authors: Paget Dan
Published: May 2019

I consider how to characterize and classify election campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa. I revisit the typology proposed by Pippa Norris, which distinguishes between premodern, modern, and postmodern campaigns. This typology, and others like it, homogenizes ground campaigns. Ground campaigns only feature by virtue of their centrality in premodern campaigns and their peripherality in modern and postmodern campaigns. I argue that the prominence of the rally varies across ground campaigns. By trivializing rallies, current typologies obscure this variation between African campaigns and between campaigns in sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. To accommodate these differences, I propose a schema of campaign ecologies, adapted from Norris’ own, which incorporates a distinct ideal-type: the rally-intensive campaign. This revision internationalizes this hitherto Western-bound typology and may illuminate the features of campaigns in other middle- and low-income countries too. Equally, it throws into relief differences between historic premodern campaigns in Western countries. I contend that rally-intensiveness is a definitive feature of election campaigns from which other features stem. To illuminate such typical features, I study Tanzania, which has the most rally-intensive campaigns in Africa. I draw on ethnographic research and original survey data to identify the four following typical features of the rally-intensive campaign. Local as well as national leaders hold rallies frequently. Local rallies are better attended in aggregate than national ones, and accordingly, campaign contact is direct. Mass meetings dwarf the canvass as a means of campaign contact, and local party networks concentrate their efforts on “producing” rallies.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of In Vitro Expanded Chondrocytes: MSC-Like Cells With No Evidence of Distinct Subsets
Authors: Karlsen Tommy A. , Sundaram Arvind Y. M. , Brinchmann Jan E.
Published: May 2019

Objective

To investigate the heterogeneity of in vitro expanded chondrocytes used for autologous chondrocyte implantation.

Methods

Human articular chondrocytes were expanded in vitro for 14 days, sorted into 86 single cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing. Principal component, Cross R2 hierarchical clustering, and differential gene expression analyses were used for data evaluation. Flow cytometry and single-cell RT-qPCR (reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction) was used to validate the results of the RNA sequencing data Polyclonal chondrocyte populations from the same donor were differentiated in vitro toward the osteogenic and adipogenic lineages.

Results

There was considerable variation in gene expression between individual cells, but we found no evidence for separate cell subpopulations based on principal component, hierarchical clustering, and differential gene expression analysis. Most of the cells expressed all the markers defining mesenchymal stem cells, and as polyclonal chondrocyte populations from the same donor were shown to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes in vitro, these cells formally qualify as mesenchymal stem cells.

Conclusions

In vitro expanded chondrocytes consist of one single population of cells with heterogeneity in gene expression between the cells. Dedifferentiated chondrocytes qualify as mesenchymal stem cells as they fulfill all the criteria suggested by the International Society for Cellular Therapy.
Anomalous Left Subclavian Artery from the Left Pulmonary Artery in Transposition of the Great Arteries with Right Aortic Arch
Authors: Siddartha C.R. , Kumar Narendra , Joshi Reena K. , Joshi Raja
Published: May 2019

Anomalous origin of the subclavian artery from the pulmonary artery is a rare but well-described entity. We report a case of anomalous origin of the left subclavian artery from the left pulmonary artery in a patient with transposition of the great arteries. We discuss the safe intraoperative management of this anomaly in a patient in whom the diagnosis was made intraoperatively.
A Multilevel Investigation into Contextual Reliability in the Designation of Cognitive Health Conditions among U.S. Children
Authors: Shifrer Dara , Fish Rachel
Published: May 2019

Unreliable diagnoses (e.g., based on inconsistent criteria, subjective) may be inaccurate and even inequitable. This study uses an event history approach with yearly child- and school-level data from 378,919 children in a large urban school district in the southwestern United States between 2006–2007 and 2011–2012 to investigate contextual reliability in the designation of cognitive health conditions (e.g., autism, learning disabilities). This study’s findings suggest the likelihood of designation is higher in schools with more resources (higher teacher-to-student ratio, student population with more resources at home, charter school or magnet program), controlling on student-level differences. Cross-level interactions suggest children’s likelihood of designation also may be higher if they are distinctive relative to other students in their school, sometimes even in terms of nonclinical qualities (race, English Learner status).
Identifying and Predicting Multiple Trajectories of Alcohol Dependence Symptoms in a Canadian Sample of Emerging Adults
Authors: Edgerton Jason D. , Keough Matthew T.
Published: May 2019

Working with data from the Manitoba Longitudinal Study of Young Adults (four cycles over 4 years; mean baseline age of 18.9 years), this study used latent class growth analysis to identify four alcohol dependence trajectory classes—low, decreasing (nondependence); high, decreasing (developmentally limited); low, increasing (adult onset); and persistently class were also identified: Being male, illicit drug use, stressful life events, impulsivity, and escape-avoidance coping style were all associated with increased probability of being in the more symptomatic trajectory classes, while self-esteem was associated with increased probability of being in the low symptom class. The results are discussed in relation to the issue of multifinality and implications for diagnoses, treatment, and prevention.
Book review: Kyle Gray, The Story Engine: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Content Strategy and Brand Storytelling without Spending All Day Writing
Authors: Singh Dr Shailey
Published: May 2019

Kyle Gray, The Story Engine: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Content Strategy and Brand Storytelling without Spending All Day Writing. Fresno, CA: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017, 254 pp. ISBN-13: 978–1546424581, ISBN-10:15642458X.
Book review: Reddy, Groundwater Governance: Development, Degradation and Management
Authors: Bassi Nitin
Published: May 2019

Reddy, Groundwater Governance: Development, Degradation and Management (First Edition). Delhi and Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 2016, 216 pp., ₹695 (hardcover). ISBN: 978-8131607664.
Do Schools Promote Executive Functions? Differential Working Memory Growth Across School-Year and Summer Months
Authors: Finch Jenna E.
Published: May 2019

Children’s working memory (WM) skills, which support both academic and social success, continue to improve significantly through the school years. This study leverages the first nationally representative data set with direct assessments of elementary school students’ WM skills to examine whether WM grows more during the school year or summer months and whether WM growth rates differ by household income. Results demonstrate that WM skills grow more during the school-year months compared to the summer months, suggesting that school environments provide children with unique opportunities to improve and practice their WM skills. Further, lower-income children have significantly faster WM growth rates in the first 2 years of school and the intervening summer, compared to their peers from higher-income families, leading to an overall narrowing in WM disparities by household income during the early school years. However, there was no evidence that schools equalize or exacerbate differences in WM skills between children from lower-income and higher-income households.
The Influence of Foreign-born Population on Immigrant and Native-born Students’ Academic Achievement
Authors: Silveira Florencia , Dufur Mikaela J. , Jarvis Jonathan A. , Rowley Kristie J.
Published: May 2019

With recent increases in international migration, some political and academic narratives argue for limiting migration because of possible negative effects on the host country. Among other outcomes, these groups argue that immigrant students have an impact on education, negatively affecting native-born students’ academic performance. The authors contextualize the relationship between immigrant status and academic achievement by considering a macro social setting: country-level foreign-born population. The authors examine achievement from the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment in 41 high-income countries. The authors use within- and cross-level interactions to examine (1) the relationship between immigrant status and academic achievement, (2) the moderating effect of student socioeconomic status on achievement, and (3) how country-level foreign-born population affects both immigrant and native-born students’ performance. The findings indicate that immigrant students perform similarly to native-born students when considering other contextual factors, with socioeconomic status moderating the effect of immigrant status. Furthermore, all students, immigrant and nonimmigrant students alike, benefit academically from more immigration.
Simulation Framework for Infilled RC Frames Subjected to Seismic Loads
Authors: Bose Supratik , Martin Jimena , Stavridis Andreas
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes a computationally efficient approach to simulate the seismic behavior of masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames. The proposed framework utilizes frame elements to represent the reinforced concrete members and diagonal struts to simulate the effect of the masonry panels. The struts are systematically calibrated once the backbone curve of the infilled frame is estimated based on the anticipated failure mechanism. The experimental results from the quasistatic test of a single-story, single-bay frame and the shake-table test of a two-bay, three-story frame are used to validate the proposed framework. The comparison with the experimental data indicates that the proposed framework is considerably more accurate than the widely used guidelines in ASCE/SEI 41-06 and can capture the basic features of the structural behavior.
MON-407 Tumor Control after Radiotherapy and Temozolomide in a Cushing's Disease Patient with Giant Aggressive Pituitary Tumor
Authors: Valente do Couto Hugo , Peres Bruna , Sampaio Klevia , de Castro Musolino Nina , Cescato Valter , Silva Gilberto , Souza Evandro , Fragoso Maria , Bronstein Marcello , Machado Marcio
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Typical ACTH-producing pituitary adenomas are benign tumors, microadenomas, successfully treated by neurosurgery. However, 10-20% of Cushing’s disease (CD) patients have macroadenomas, sometimes invasive and aggressive cases with poorer surgical prognosis needing additional approaches. Temozolomide (TMZ), second generation alkylating agent, has been used alone or in combination to other medications/radiotherapy (RTX) for tumor control of aggressive pituitary adenomas and carcinomas. We report one patient with giant aggressive corticotropinoma that presented control tumor with RTX and TMZ after four pituitary surgeries unable to uncontroll tumor growth. Clinical Case: A 18-year-old female patient presented with weight gain, red moon face, supraclavicular fullness, dorsal hump, large purple striae, acanthosis nigricans, secondary amenorrhea, frontotemporal headache, visual impairment and right palpebral ptosis. Hormonal analysis confirmed ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Pituitary MRI showed the presence of a large selar and suprasellar expansive lesion of 5.2X5.1X4.0 cm with displacement of third ventricle, hypothalamus and lateral ventricles. The patient was submitted to the first neurosurgery (transsphenoidal route) with partial resection. Pathological analyses confirmed pituitary adenoma positive for ACTH, Ki-67 8%, negative p53 and 7 mitoses/10 field of great increase. Subsequent surgery was done by craniotomy with partial resection. Cabergoline 2 mg/week was started but the tumor keeps growing with worsening of visual complaints and increase of cortisol levels. At admission in our center, we planned new surgeries do remove the maximal tumor possible (debulking) and subsequent RTX and TMZ. She was submitted to third surgery by transsphenoidal route and the last surgical procedure by craniotomy. MRI pre-RTX done three months after the 4th surgery showed remnant tumor of 3.5X3.0X3.0 cm. Fractioned stereotaxic radiotherapy was done with linear accelerator in a total of 54 Gy divided in 30 sessions. TMZ was initiated in a dose of 150 m2/day, cycles of five days/month, using for 14 months. Pituitary MRI 3, 6 and 10 months after TMZ showed a small reduction of tumor with increase of intratumor cystic areas. Conclusion: The combined use of TMZ and radiotherapy is an important approach for the treatment of rapidly growing, aggressive pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors resistant to conventional treatment.
Digital Approaches to Text Reuse in the Early Chinese Corpus
Authors: Sturgeon Donald
Published: May 2019

Observed textual similarities between different pieces of writing are frequently cited by textual scholars as grounds for interpretative stances about the meaning of a passage and its authorship, authenticity, and accuracy. Historically, identifying occurrences of such similarities has been a matter of extensive knowledge and recall of the content and locations of passages contained within certain texts, together with painstaking manual comparison by examining printed copies, use of concordances, or more recently, appropriate use of full-text searchable database systems. The development of increasingly comprehensive and accurate digital corpora of early Chinese transmitted writing raises many opportunities to study these phenomena using more systematic digital techniques. These offer the promise of not only vast savings in time and labor but also new insights made possible only through exhaustive comparisons of types that would be entirely impractical without the use of computational methods.

This article investigates and contrasts unsupervised techniques for the identification of textual similarities in premodern Chinese works in general, and the classical corpus in particular, taking the text of the Mozi 墨子 as a concrete example. While specific examples are presented in detail to concretely demonstrate the utility and potential of the techniques discussed, all of the methods described are generally applicable to a wide range of materials. With this in mind, this article also introduces an open-access platform designed to help researchers quickly and easily explore these phenomena within those materials most relevant to their own work.
Preliminary study on the application of deep learning system to diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome on CT images
Authors: Kise Yoshitaka , Ikeda Haruka , Fujii Takeshi , Fukuda Motoki , Ariji Yoshiko , Fujita Hiroshi , Katsumata Akitoshi , Ariji Eiichiro
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

This study estimated the diagnostic performance of a deep learning system for detection of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) on CT, and compared it with the performance of radiologists.

Methods:

CT images were assessed from 25 patients confirmed to have SjS based on the both Japanese criteria and American-European Consensus Group criteria and 25 control subjects with no parotid gland abnormalities who were examined for other diseases. 10 CT slices were obtained for each patient. From among the total of 500 CT images, 400 images (200 from 20 SjS patients and 200 from 20 control subjects) were employed as the training data set and 100 images (50 from 5 SjS patients and 50 from 5 control subjects) were used as the test data set. The performance of a deep learning system for diagnosing SjS from the CT images was compared with the diagnoses made by six radiologists (three experienced and three inexperienced radiologists).

Results:

The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the deep learning system were 96.0%, 100% and 92.0%, respectively. The corresponding values of experienced radiologists were 98.3%, 99.3% and 97.3% being equivalent to the deep learning, while those of inexperienced radiologists were 83.5%, 77.9% and 89.2%. The area under the curve of inexperienced radiologists were significantly different from those of the deep learning system and the experienced radiologists.

Conclusions:

The deep learning system showed a high diagnostic performance for SjS, suggesting that it could possibly be used for diagnostic support when interpreting CT images.
A comparative study on image quality of two digital intraoral sensors
Authors: Aziman Cinar , Hellén-Halme Kristina , Shi Xie-Qi
Published: May 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate the subjective image quality and reliability of two digital sensors. In addition, the image quality of the two sensors evaluated by specialists and general dentists were compared.

Methods:

30 intraoral bitewings from five patients were included in the study, 15 were exposed with a Dixi sensor (CCD-based) and 15 with a ProSensor (CMOS-based) using modified parallel technique. Three radiologists and three general dentists evaluated the images in pair. A five-point scale was used to register the image quality. Visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis was performed to compare the image quality and the observer agreement was assessed in terms of intra class correlation co-efficient.

Results

No statistically significant difference was found on image quality between the sensors. The average scores of the observer agreement were moderate with an average of 0.66 and an interval of 0.30 to 0.87, suggesting that there was a large variation on preference of image quality. However, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of the area under the VGC- curves between the specialist group and the general dentist group ( p = 0.043), in which the specialist group tended to favor the ProSensor.

Conclusions

Subjective image quality of the two intraoral sensors were comparable when evaluated by both general and oral radiologists. However, the radiologists seemed to prefer the ProSensor to the Dixi as compared to general dentists. Inter- observer conformance showed a large variation on the preference of the image quality.
Improving care home life for people with Parkinson's
Authors: Oates Lloyd , Hand Annette , Dismore Lorelle , Gray William , Walker Richard
Published: May 2019

Lloyd Oates, Annette Hand, Lorelle Dismore, William Gray and Richard Walker discuss a study they carried out into the wellbeing of people with Parkinson's disease in care homes and make a number of recommendations based on thematic analysis of the data.
Providing meaningful activities for residents
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: May 2019

Keeping busy and continuing to pursue interests are important components in improving care home residents' quality of life. Adrian Ashurst talks about how he trains care staff to organise these activities and suggests some ideas.
How to … assist residents living with visual impairment
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: May 2019

Many older people will have a degree of sensory impairment. Adrian Ashurst talks about how the care home can make sure all areas are safe for those living with visual impairment or sight loss. He also discusses the benefits of audio books.
El valor de la actitud lúdica para la formación del carácter moral
Authors: Pérez Guerrero Javier
Published: May 2019

Juego y moralidad aparecen, en una primera aproximación, como vertientes contrapuestas de la vida humana, puesto que la primera de ellas se asocia habitualmente con lo frívolo, mientras que la segunda se considera como el ámbito de la máxima seriedad. No obstante, una indagación más profunda en la actitudlúdica,revela su afinidad, en diversos aspectos, con el genuino carácter moral. Ante la obligatoriedad del deber moral, el espíritu del juego nos propone, sin anular dicha obligatoriedad objetiva, una actitud recreativa en la que se reafirma la iniciativa que es propia de la libertad. La actitud moral lúdica considera el requerimiento moral como una interpelación, es decir, como un encargo o misión encomendada que se debe llevar a cabo libre y comprometidamente.En este artículo proponemos una extensión de la actitud lúdica a todas las tareas propias del trabajo escolar y, en general, a todas las facetas de la vida corriente, como modo de fomentar el carácter moral en los estudiantes. Para ello, tras analizar la actitud propia del juego valiéndonos de los autores de referencia sobre el tema, mostramos su íntima conexión con la conducta auténticamente moral, y exponemos cinco claves educativas que favorecen la formación del carácter moral a través de la extensión de la actitud lúdica al proceso de aprendizaje y a la propia vida del estudiante. Estas claves son: lapresenciadel estudiante en el proceso de aprendizaje, el diálogo, la evaluación, el refuerzo intrínseco y la deportividad.
Features of the text field of the First Psalm of Psalter in Czech and Polish tradition
Authors: Anikina Tatiana , Grigorieva Lidia
Published: May 2019

This article is about comparing the transcriptions of Psalm 1 in Psalter into Czech and Polish. The Bible kralická, the Czech ecumenist translation, the translation of Fajman representing the Czech hymnological tradition and the transcriptions of psalms into Polish by Jakub Wujek, Jan Kochanowski and Czesław Miłosz are considered. The stylistic analysis suggests that the Hussite tradition is strong in Czech hymnology. The latter suggests utmost simplicity and accessibility of understanding of biblical texts. Polish tradition preserves the ambiguity of biblical word, and the associated ambiguity in interpretation of the nuances of biblical text. The arrangements of Kochanowski employ more complex metaphoricity and tend to clarify the text of the Psalm.
Dyskurs w komentarzach politycznych polskich i czeskich dyskusji w Internecie na przykładzie problemu migracji
Authors: Dobrotová Ivana
Published: May 2019

W artykule autorka analizuje dyskurs czeskich i polskich forów internetowych po wypadku statku Aquarius w czerwcu 2018 r. Wykorzystuje metodę analizy, aby połączyć wszystkie komentarze w jeden heterogeniczny tekst i pokazać, jak wygląda dyskusja na temat migracji w większości społeczeństwa eurosceptycznego Europy Wschodniej (Republika Czeska) i w większości społeczeństwa eurooptymistycznego (Polska). Analiza dyskursu wraz z analizą frekwencyjną (oprogramowanie AnrConc) pokazuje, że pomimo różnic między Czechami i Polakami oba narody czują się częścią społeczności europejskiej. Pokazano również, że w obu krajach istnieje silna potrzeba znalezienia irracjonalnych wyjaśnień kryzysu migracyjnego.
Norms that Make a Difference: Social Practices and Institutions
Authors: Hindriks Frank
Published: May 2019

Institutions are norm-governed social practices, or so I propose. But what does it mean for a norm to govern a social practice? Theories that analyze institutions as equilibria equate norms with sanctions and model them as costs. The idea is that the sanctions change preferences and thereby behavior. This view fails to capture the fact that people are often motivated by social norms as such, when they regard them as legitimate. I argue that, in order for a social norm to be perceived as legitimate, agents have to acknowledge reasons for conforming to it other than the sanctions they might incur for violating it. In light of this, I defend a theory of institutions that does not only invoke equilibria, but also normative rules that are supported by normative expectations and, in some cases, normative beliefs.
Weighted Estimates for Boundary Value Problems with Fractional Derivatives
Authors: Gavrilyuk Ivan P. , Makarov Volodymyr L. , Mayko Nataliya V.
Published: May 2019

We consider the Dirichlet boundary value problem for linear fractional differential
equations with the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives.
By transforming the boundary value problem to the integral equation,
some regularity properties of the exact solution are derived.
Based on these properties, the numerical solution of the boundary value
problems by a grid method is discussed and weighted estimates considering the boundary effect are obtained.
It is shown that the accuracy (the convergence rate) near the boundary is better than inside the domain
due to the influence of the Dirichlet boundary condition.
Protection of Creditors and Minority Shareholders in Cross-border Transactions
Authors: Winner Martin
Published: May 2019

The Mobility Package currently under discussion in the Council will constitute a major breakthrough for cross-border transactions if finally adopted. Although its focus is on enabling companies to make use of the freedom of establishment, some of its core rules address the protection of creditors and minority shareholders. Both groups can be adversely affected by being transferred across borders; a coherent, harmonised regulation of both issues is crucial for ensuring a largely frictionless enforcement of the different legal regimes applicable to the company or companies affected by such a cross-border transaction. This article critically analyses the proposed regulation against this background. It takes into account the developments until the end of 2018.
Influence of boric acid on radial structure of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Wang Xue-Fei , Zhu Xiao-Long , Jiang Chi , Guan Jian-Min , Qian Xin , Song Shu-Lin , Zhang Yong-Gang , Li De-Hong
Published: May 2019

The surface modification of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers with boric acid was utilized to modulate the homogeneity of the radial structure of the PAN fibers during thermal stabilization. Exothermic peaks of the fibers were put off by boric acid, and unreacted nitrile groups of the oxidized PAN fibers increased with the boron content, indicating that boric acid on the fiber surface had an retardant effect on the thermal stabilization of PAN fibers. The relative skin thicknesses of the oxidized PAN fibers were quantitatively measured by sulfuric acid etching and SEM observation. The value increased obviously with the boron content, which could be further elevated by increasing stabilization time or decreasing stabilization temperature. Oxidized PAN fibers with more homogeneous radial structure can thus be obtained with the modification of boric acid, which might be beneficial for the preparation of high performance carbon fibers.
The method of finite differences for nonlinear functional differential equations of the first order
Authors: Puźniakowska-Gałuch Elżbieta
Published: May 2019

Nonlinear functional partial differential equations with initial conditions are considered on the cone. The weak convergence of a sequence of successive approximations is proved. The proof is given by the duality principle.
Marangoni Convection Flow Along a Wavy Surface with Non-Linear Radiation
Authors: Siddiqa Sadia , Begum Naheed , Noor S. , Anwar Hossain Md.
Published: May 2019

A boundary-layer analysis is presented for steady, two-dimensional, Marangoni convection along an irregular surface. Thick radiation limit is considered to express the radiative heat flux. A coordinate transformation is adopted to convert the physical domain into computational domain. Implicit finite difference method is then used to obtain the solutions of the problem. The main purpose of this study is to demonstrate the radiation effects on the dissipative layers. Numerical solutions are presented in the form of skin friction coefficient, heat transfer coefficient, velocity and temperature profiles, streamlines and isotherms. It is observed that thermal radiation has a pronounced effect on the flow field and amplitude of the harmonic oscillations also decay with

R
d

$R_d$

. The momentum and thermal boundary-layer thickness increases as

R
d

$R_d$

gets augmented.
Konfuzius oder Nürnberger Trichter?
Authors: STEINMÜLLER Ulrich
Published: May 2019

Ein langlebiger und gern zitierter Mythos besagt, dass Unterrichtsorganisation und didaktische Konzepte des DaF-Unterrichts in China durch andauernde konfuzianische Traditionen geprägt seien und dass daher „moderne“, „westliche“ didaktische und methodische Konzepte nur schwer umzusetzen seien. Eine genauere Analyse zeigt allerdings, dass vor allem ausländische Einflüsse sowie mangelhafte didaktische Qualifikation chinesischer DaF-Lehrer für die beobachteten Schwierigkeiten ursächlich sind. Der vorliegende Artikel fordert daher eine Verstärkung der chinesischen didaktischen Forschung und eine intensive Umsetzung ihrer Ergebnisse in den chinesischen DaF-Unterricht.
Zur Authentizität der Hörmaterialien in chinesischen DaF-Lehrwerken
Authors: LIU Lu
Published: May 2019

Aufgrund der Annäherung an reale Kommunikationssituationen in DaF-Lehrwerken spielt die Authentizität der Hörmaterialien eine wichtige Rolle für die chinesischen Deutschlernenden, die die Studienvorbereitung als ihr Ziel ansehen. In dem Beitrag werden die Ergebnisse aus einem Vergleich ausgewählter chinesischer und deutscher DaF-Lehrwerke vorgestellt, indem die Hörmaterialien hinsichtlich ihrer Authentizität quantitativ und qualitativ untersucht werden. Die Ergebnisse liefern wichtige Vorschläge für die Optimierung der DaF-Hörmaterialien in China.
Anwendungspotential und Adaption der Methode „Lernen durch Lehren“ im chinesischen Hochschulkontext
Authors: BLANK May Naomi
Published: May 2019

Kann eine Lehrmethode weltweit eingesetzt werden oder muss sie jeweils an lokale Bildungskontexte angepasst werden? In diesem Beitrag wird ein Forschungsprojekt von 2015 bis 2016 vorgestellt, in dem die aus Deutschland stammende Methode „Lernen durch Lehren“ an der chinesischen Zhejiang-Universität getestet und evaluiert wurde. In der Methode „Lernen durch Lehren“ (LdL) erarbeiten Lernende eigenständig Unterrichtsthemen und vermitteln den Lehrstoff in der Rolle der Lehrkraft. Aus den Forschungsergebnissen der Studie geht hervor, dass die Methode auch mit TeilnehmerInnen (TN), die geringe Erfahrungen mit kommunikativer Didaktik haben, erfolgreich angewendet werden kann. Insbesondere in den Bereichen Sprechfähigkeit und Hörverstehen konnten erhebliche Erfolge verzeichnet werden; der Sprechanteil der TN erhöhte sich im Pilotprojekt ebenso wie die Lernerautonomie und Informationskompetenz der TN stark. Jedoch führte die Unterrichtsvorbereitung zu einer hohen Arbeitsbelastung für die Studierenden, denen es an didaktischer Erfahrung mangelte. Auch kulturelle Konzepte wie der Gesichtsverlust und ein durch das chinesische Schulsystem geprägtes Verständnis der Lehrerrolle beeinflussten die Implementierung. In diesem Beitrag wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass das Implementationsdesign der Methode LdL für den Einsatz in China kultursensitiv angepasst werden muss.
Acquired partial lipodystrophy with metabolic disease in children following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a report of two cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Hosokawa Mayumi , Shibata Hironori , Hosokawa Takahiro , Irie Junichiro , Ito Hiroshi , Hasegawa Tomonobu
Published: May 2019

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been newly identified as an etiology underlying acquired lipodystrophy (ALD). We report about two children with leukemia who underwent HSCT and later manifested aberrant fat distributions consistent with acquired partial lipodystrophy (APL). Both patients manifested graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), suggesting that GVHD may trigger lipodystrophy. The patients exhibited diabetic blood glucose patterns in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with high homeostasis model assessment ratios (HOMA-Rs), hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver, and decreased serum leptin and adiponectin levels. Both patients were diagnosed with APL with metabolic disease. A review of the data of patients with ALD after HSCT revealed common clinical features, including aberrant fat distribution, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes and dyslipidemia. Based on previous reports and our two cases, we speculate that GVHD in the adipose tissue supports the development of ALD after HSCT. In conclusion, children may develop APL after HSCT. Therefore, evaluations of fat distribution and metabolic disease may be important during the long-term follow-up of these patients.
An isolated Xp deletion is linked to autoimmune diseases in Turner syndrome
Authors: Stoklasova Judith , Zapletalova Jirina , Frysak Zdenek , Hana Vaclav , Cap Jan , Pavlikova Marketa , Soucek Ondrej , Lebl Jan
Published: May 2019

Background

Females with Turner syndrome (TS) are prone to develop autoimmune diseases (AIDs). The X chromosome contains several immune-related genes. Growth hormone (GH) and estrogens modulate the immune system. We aimed to clarify whether the loss of a specific X chromosome gene locus and the administration of GH and estradiol facilitate the development of AIDs in TS females.

Methods

Retrospective data on clinical course, AIDs, karyotype and treatment were analyzed from a cohort of 286 Czech females with TS (current age 2.8–43.3 years; median age 18.7 years). The karyotypes were sorted using two different classification systems: a mosaicism-focused and an isochromosome (isoXq)-focused approach. Karyotype subgroups with a significantly higher prevalence of AIDs were further evaluated. Data of common therapies were correlated with the prevalence of AIDs.

Results

The most frequent AIDs were autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD; 37.4%; n = 107) and celiac disease (CD; 8.7%; n = 25). All karyotype subgroups were prone to develop AIDs. Females with an isolated Xp deletion had a significantly higher prevalence of AITD and CD compared to all other individuals with TS (AITD: 66.0% vs. 31.5%, p < 0.0001; CD: 17.4% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.04, respectively). We observed no link between the mean age at initiation as well as the duration of GH and/or estrogen administration and the occurrence of AIDs.

Conclusions

Isolated Xp deletion contributes to the development of AIDs in TS patients. The haploinsufficiency of genes located in Xpter-p11.2 may explain this observation. Common therapies used in TS do not modify the risk of AIDs.
The Power of the Crowd in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Gal Michal S.
Published: May 2019

Much has been written on the ability of sharing platforms to affect market conditions. In this research we focus on another piece of the puzzle, which is often overlooked but can play a significant role in shaping market structure and conduct: the users of the platform – whether suppliers or consumers (hereinafter jointly or severally: “the crowd”). As will be shown, the power of the crowd can both positively and negatively affect social welfare. Accordingly, this paper seeks to recognize the effects of crowd power and to identify both market-based as well as regulatory solutions to increase its welfare-increasing qualities, while reducing its negative ones.

To do so, the study develops in a three stages. The first part explores the welfare effects of the sharing economy on the crowd. This serves as a basis for the second part, which focuses on the role of the crowd in shaping sharing platform markets. The third part then explores the potential role, as well as the limitations, of regulation in ensuring that crowd actions increase welfare. As will be shown, the current legal framework which regulates crowd actions might limit the realization of some of the potential positive effects of social platforms. In particular, new thinking might be needed with regard to rules regulating the use of crowd power to counteract a dominant sharing platform’s market power.
Chromophores inspired by the colors of fruit, flowers and wine
Authors: Silva Cassio P. , Silva Gustavo T. M. , Costa Tássia de Sousa , Carneiro Vânia M. T. , Siddique Farhan , Aquino Adelia J. A. , Freitas Adilson A. , Clark John A. , Espinoza Eli M. , Vullev Valentine I. , Quina Frank H.
Published: May 2019

Anthocyanins, which are responsible for most of the red, blue and purple colors of fruits and flowers, are very efficient at absorbing and dissipating light energy via excited state proton transfer or charge-transfer mediated internal conversion without appreciable excited triplet state formation. During the maturation of red wines, grape anthocyanins are slowly transformed into pyranoanthocyanins, which have a much more chemically stable pyranoflavylium cation chromophore. Development of straightforward synthetic routes to mono- and disubstituted derivatives of the pyranoflavylium cation chromophore has stimulated theoretical and experimental studies that highlight the interesting absorption and emission properties and redox properties of pyranoflavylium cations. Thus, p-methoxyphenyl substitution enhances the fluorescence quantum yield, while a p-dimethylaminophenyl substituent results in fast decay via a twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) state. Unlike anthocyanins and their synthetic analogs (flavylium cations), a variety of pyranoflavylium cations form readily detectable excited triplet states that sensitize singlet oxygen formation in solution and exhibit appreciable two-photon absorption cross sections for near-infrared light, suggesting a potential for applications in photodynamic therapy. These excited triplet states have microsecond lifetimes in solution and excited state reduction potentials of at least 1.3 V vs. SCE, features that are clearly desirable in a triplet photoredox catalyst.