bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bounding Surfaces and Second Order Quasilinear Equations with Compatible Nonlinear Functional Boundary Conditions
Authors: Mawhin Jean , Thompson Bevan
Published: March 2016

We establish existence results for solutions to functional boundary value problems for φ- Laplacian ordinary differential equations assuming there are lower and upper solutions and Lipschitz bounding surfaces for the derivative which we adapt to our problem. Our results apply to some problems which do not satisfy Nagumo growth bounds. Moreover they contain as special cases many results for the p- and ɸ-Laplacians as well as many results where the boundary conditions depend on n-points or even functionals. Our boundary conditions generalize those of Fabry and Habets, Cabada and Pouso, Cabada, O’Regan and Pouso, and many others.
Existence of Two Solutions for a Second-Order Discrete Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Candito Pasquale , Bisci Giovanni Molica
Published: March 2016

The existence of two nontrivial solutions for a class of nonlinear second-order discrete boundary value problems is established. The approach adopted is based on variational methods.
Applications of Sub-Supersolution Theorems to Singular Nonlinear Elliptic Problems
Authors: Loc Nguyen Hoang , Schmitt Klaus
Published: March 2016

The results presented here were motivated by several recent papers on singular boundary value problems for semilinear elliptic equations with convection terms. We present extensions which cover singular nonlinear equations (mainly equations involving the p−Laplacian) containing convection terms. The results obtained are proved using sub- and supersolution theorems (motivated by the results in [18, 19, 20, 23]) and the construction of a well-ordered pair of such using a principal eigenfunction of the p−Laplacian.
On the Well-Posedness of a Class of Vector Schrödinger Equations
Authors: Barile Sara , Squassina Marco
Published: March 2016

We investigate the local and global well-posedness for a class of nonlinear Schrödinger systems with an external time independent electromagnetic field and nonlocal nonlinearities. New conditions related to the growth of the nonlocal term are detected which allow the solvability of the problem.
Estimates of the Green’s Function and its Regular Part on Heisenberg Group Domains
Authors: Gamara Najoua , Guemri Habiba
Published: March 2016

This paper is a preliminary work on Heisenberg group domains, devoted to the study of the Green’s function for the Kohn Laplacian on domains far away from the set of characteristic points. We give some estimates of the Green’s function, its regular part and their derivatives analogous to those proved by A. Bahri, Y.Y. Li, O. Rey in [1], and O. Rey in [16] for Euclidean domains. While the study of such functions on the set of characteristic points of the given domain will be discussed in a forthcoming paper.
On the Persistence of Decay Properties for the b−Family of Equations
Authors: Cai Ying , Gao Hongjun
Published: March 2016

The b−family of equations governs evolution of shallow water waves with the horizontal velocities in different depths related to the parameter b. Using the method of characteristics, we obtain the results of the exponential decay properties of the strong solutions for the b−family of equations. In particular, we show that a non-trivial strong solution with compact initial value can not be compactly supported at any later time.
Regularity of the Extremal Solutions in a Gelfand System Problem
Authors: Cowan Craig
Published: March 2016

We examine the elliptic system given by

where λ, γ are positive parameters and where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in ℝN. Let U denote the parameter region (λ, γ) of strictly positive parameters where (P)λ,γ has a smooth solution and let Υ denote the boundary of U. We show that the extremal solution (u∗, v∗) associated with (λ∗, γ∗) ∈ Υ is smooth provided that 3 ≤ N ≤ 9 and
On the Necessity of theWiener Condition for Singular Parabolic Equations with Non-standard Growth
Authors: Skrypnik Igor I.
Published: March 2016

We investigate the continuity of solutions for general nonlinear parabolic equations with non-standard growth near a nonsmooth boundary of a cylindrical domain. We prove the Wiener Criterion for the regularity of a boundary point.
Location of Bifurcation Points for a Reaction-Diffusion System with Neumann-Signorini Conditions
Authors: Eisner Jan , Väth Martin
Published: March 2016

We consider a reaction-diffusion system of activator-inhibitor or substrate-depletion type in one space dimension which is subject to diffusion-driven instability. We determine the change of bifurcation when a pure Neumann condition is supplemented with a Signorini condition. We show that this change differs essentially from the known case when also Dirichlet conditions are assumed.
Periodic Orbits of Radially Symmetric Systems with a Singularity: the Repulsive Case
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Toader Rodica
Published: March 2016

We study radially symmetric systems with a singularity of repulsive type. In the presence of a radially symmetric periodic forcing, we show the existence of three distinct families of subharmonic solutions: One oscillates radially, one rotates around the origin with small angular momentum, and the third one with both large angular momentum and large amplitude. The proofs are carried out by the use of topological degree theory.
Liouville Type Theorems for Stable Solutions of Certain Elliptic Systems
Authors: Fazly Mostafa
Published: March 2016

We establish Liouville type theorems for elliptic systems with various classes of nonlinearities on ℝN. We show, among other things, that a system has no semi-stable solution in any dimension, whenever the infimum of the derivatives of the corresponding non-linearities is positive. We give some immediate applications to various standard systems, such as the Gelfand, and certain Hamiltonian systems. The case where the infimum is zero is more interesting and quite challenging. We show that any C2(ℝN) positive entire semi-stable solution of the following Lane-Emden system,

is necessarily constant, whenever the dimension N < 8 + 3α +

, provided p = 1, q ≥ 2 and f (x) = (1 + |x|2)

. The same also holds for p = q ≥ 2 provided

We also consider the case of bounded domains Ω ⊂ ℝN, where we extend results of Brown et al. [1] and Tertikas [18] about stable solutions of equations to systems. At the end, we prove a Pohozaev type theorem for certain weighted elliptic systems.
On the Diffeomorphisms Between Banach and Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Idczak Dariusz , Skowron Andrzej , Walczak Stanislaw
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we give some sufficient conditions for f : X → H to be a diffeomorphism, where X is a Banach space and H is a Hilbert space. The proof of the result is based on the mountain pass theorem. Using this result, in the final part of the paper, we prove an existence theorem for some class of integro-differential equations.
Multiple Non Semi-Trivial Solutions for Elliptic Systems
Authors: Chang Kung-Ching , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: March 2016

This is a continuation of our previous paper Chang, Wang, Zhang [6]. We investigate the multiple non semi-trivial solutions for nonlinear elliptic systems by two kinds of index theory. In particular the pseudo index theory for the Z2 × Z2 index theory is developed
The Brezis–Nirenberg Problem for the Hénon Equation: Ground State Solutions
Authors: Secchi Simone
Published: March 2016

This work is devoted to the Dirichlet problem for the equation −Δu = λu + |x|α|u|2*−2u in the unit ball of ℝN. We assume that λ is bigger than the first eigenvalues of the laplacian, and we prove that there exists a solution provided α is small enough. This solution has a variational characterization as a ground state.
The Sturm-Liouville Hierarchy of Evolution Equations II
Authors: Johnson Russell , Zampogni Luca
Published: March 2016

In a previous paper [15] we introduced the Sturm-Liouville (SL) hierarchy of evolution equations. This hierarchy includes the Korteveg-de Vries (K-dV) and the Camassa-Holm (CH) hierarchies. We also defined and discussed in detail the algebro-geometric solutions of the SL-hierarchy. In this paper, we broaden the class of algebro-geometric solutions in a substantial way. Namely, we define and discuss solutions of the SL-hierarchy lying in an isospectral class of the Sturm-Liouville problem −(pφ′)′ + qφ = λyφ, which is determined by data related to a Riemann surface of “infinite genus”.
Global Sign-changing Solutions of a Higher Order Semilinear Heat Equation in the Subcritical Fujita Range
Authors: Galaktionov Victor A. , Mitidieri Enzo , Pohozaev Stanislav I.
Published: March 2016

A detailed study of two classes of oscillatory global (and blow-up) solutions was began in [20] for the semilinear heat equation in the subcritical Fujita range

with bounded integrable initial data u(x, 0) = u0(x). This study is continued and extended here for the 2mth-order heat equation, for m ≥ 2, with non-monotone nonlinearity

with the same initial data u0. The fourth order biharmonic case m = 2 is studied in greater detail. The blow-up Fujita-type result for (0.2) now reads as follows: blow-up occurs for any initial data u0 with positive first Fourier coefficient:

∫ u0(x) dx > 0,

i.e., as for (0.1), any such arbitrarily small initial function u0(x) leads to blow-up. The construction of two countable families of global sign changing solutions is performed on the basis of bifurcation/branching analysis and a further analytic-numerical study. In particular, a countable sequence of bifurcation points of similarity solutions is obtained:
On Nonuniformly Subelliptic Equations of Q−sub-Laplacian Type with Critical Growth in the Heisenberg Group
Authors: Lam Nguyen , Lu Guozhen , Tang Hanli
Published: March 2016

Let ℍn = ℝ2n × ℝ be the n−dimensional Heisenberg group,

be its subelliptic gradient operator, and ρ (ξ) = ( |z|4 + t2 )1/4 for ξ = (z, t) ∈ ℍn be the distance function in ℍn. Denote ℍ = ℍn, Q = 2n + 2 and Q′ = Q/(Q − 1). Let Ω be a bounded domain with smooth boundary in ℍ. Motivated by the Moser-Trudinger inequalities on the Heisenberg group, we study the existence of solution to a nonuniformly subelliptic equation of the form

where f : Ω × ℝ → ℝ behaves like exp ( α |u|Q′ ) when |u| → ∞. In the case of Q−sub- Laplacian

we will apply minimax methods to obtain multiplicity of weak solutions.
Entire Solutions with Six-fold Junctions to Elliptic Gradient Systems with Triangle Symmetry
Authors: Bates Peter , Fuscoy Giorgio , Smyrnelis Panayotis
Published: March 2016

We prove the existence of solutions to three-fold symmetric elliptic systems in ℝ2 which have six-fold symmetry, asymptotically approaching each of three minima of the potential as |x| → ∞ in two antipodal sectors of angle π/3.
A Resonant-Superlinear Elliptic Problem Revisited
Authors: Cuesta Mabel , De Coster Colette
Published: March 2016

We consider the resonant-superlinear elliptic problem -Δu = λ1u + (u+)q + f (x), with Dirichlet boundary conditions on a bounded regular domain of ℝN. We assume that

with s > N satisfies ∫Ωfφ1 < 0 and (λ1, φ1) is the first eigenpair of −Δ on H1
0(Ω). We apply a non-well ordered lower and upper solution result on a family of modified problems and obtain a sequence of localized solutions of these modified problems. Thanks to this localization and a precise bootstrap argument we are abble to prove that for large modification, these solutions are, in fact, solutions of our initial problem. The problem was already considered in [2] by a totally different approach.
Qualitative Properties and Existence of Sign Changing Solutions with Compact Support for an Equation with a p-Laplace Operator
Authors: Dolbeault Jean , García-Huidobro Marta , Manasevich Raul
Published: March 2016

We consider radial solutions of an elliptic equation involving the p-Laplace operator and prove by a shooting method the existence of compactly supported solutions with any prescribed number of nodes. The method is based on a change of variables in the phase plane corresponding to an asymptotic Hamiltonian system and provides qualitative properties of the solutions.
Variations on Poincaré-Miranda’s Theorem
Authors: Mawhin Jean
Published: March 2016

We give an elementary proof of Poincaré-Miranda’s theorem based upon basic exterior calculus, and apply it to prove its geometric version due to Hurewicz. We state and prove a version of Poincaré-Miranda’s theorem on the Hilbert’s cube in l2.
Prevalence of Non-degenerate Periodic Solutions in the Forced Pendulum Equation
Authors: Ortega Rafael
Published: March 2016

Many known properties of the forced pendulum equation are generic. This means that they hold on a residual set of forcings. The classical duality category/measure inspires the main question in the paper: are these properties also valid for a prevalent set of forcings? This is the case for a key property: the non-degeneracy of periodic solutions. The main tool in the proof is a prevalent version of the parametric transversality theorem.
A Continuation Result for Forced Oscillations of Constrained Motion Problems with Infinite Delay
Authors: Benevieri Pierluigi , Furi Massimo , Pera Maria Patrizia , Calamai Alessandro
Published: March 2016

We prove a global continuation result for T-periodic solutions of a T-periodic parametrized second order retarded functional differential equation on a boundaryless compact manifold with nonzero Euler-Poincaré characteristic. The approach is based on the fixed point index theory for locally compact maps on ANRs. As an application, we prove the existence of forced oscillations of retarded functional motion equations defined on topologically nontrivial compact constraints. This existence result is obtained under the assumption that the frictional coefficient is nonzero, and we conjecture that it is still true in the frictionless case.
On Fixed Point Index Formula and its Applications in Dynamics
Authors: Wójcik Klaudiusz
Published: March 2016

The aim of this note is to present a generalization of the topological method for detecting chaotic dynamics in a periodic local processes generated by non-autonomous ordinary differential equations, based on the notion of periodic segments.
Pullback Attractors for 2D Navier-Stokes Equations with Delays and Their Regularity
Authors: García-Luengo Julia , Marín-Rubio Pedro , Real José
Published: March 2016

In this paper we obtain some results on the existence of solution, and of pullback attractors, for a 2D Navier-Stokes model with finite delay studied in [4] and [6]. Actually, we prove a result of existence and uniqueness of solution under less restrictive assumptions than in [4]. More precisely, we remove a condition on square integrable control of the memory terms, which allows us to consider a bigger class of delay terms (for instance, just under a measurability condition on the delay function leading the delayed time). After that, we deal with dynamical systems in suitable phase spaces within two metrics, the L2 norm and the H1 norm. Moreover, we prove that under these assumptions, pullback attractors not only of fixed bounded sets but also of a set of tempered universes do exist. Finally, from comparison results of attractors we establish relations among them, and under suitable additional assumptions we conclude that these families of attractors are in fact the same object.
Critical Hyperbolas and Multiple Symmetric Solutions to Some Strongly Coupled Elliptic Systems
Authors: Guedes de Figueiredo Djairo , Moreira dos Santos Ederson , Miyagaki Olímpio Hiroshi
Published: March 2016

We are interested in the existence of multiple symmetric solutions to the Lane-Emden system with Hénon type weights

Here B stands for the open unit ball in ℝN centered at zero, N ≥ 3, α, β ≥ 0, p, q > 0. In this paper we present a complete picture of the quantitative study of solutions to the system above.
Existence and Concentration of Positive Ground State Solutions for Schrödinger-Poisson Systems
Authors: Wang Jun , Tian Lixin , Xu Junxiang , Zhang Fubao
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study the existence and concentration of positive ground state solutions for the semilinear Schrödinger-Poisson system

where ε > 0 is a small parameter and λ ≠ 0 is a real parameter, f is a continuous superlinear and subcritical nonlinearity. Suppose that b(x) has a maximum. We prove that the system has a positive ground state solution

for all λ ≠ 0 and sufficiently small ε > 0. Moreover, for each λ ≠ 0 we show that uε converges to the positive ground state solution of the associated limit problem and concentrates to a maximum point of b(x) in certain sense as ε → 0. Furthermore, we obtain some sufficient conditions for the nonexistence of positive ground state solutions.
Existence Results for the Prescribed Webster Scalar Curvature on Higher Dimensional CR Manifolds
Authors: Yacoub Ridha
Published: March 2016

This paper is about prescribing the Webster scalar curvature on a compact CR manifold of dimension 2n+1 ≥ 5, which is locally CR equivalent to the standard CR unit sphere S2n+1. The associated variational problem being noncompact we approach this issue with techniques from the critical points at infinity theory, combined with topological tools. Our existence results are based on a generalized Bahri-Coron type criteria. We also give an upper bound on the Morse index of the obtained solutions.
On Explosive Solutions for a Class of Quasi-linear Elliptic Equations
Authors: Gladiali Francesca , Squassina Marco
Published: March 2016

We study existence, uniqueness, multiplicity and symmetry of large solutions for a class of quasi-linear elliptic equations. Furthermore, we characterize the boundary blow-up rate of solutions, including the case where the contribution of boundary curvature appears.
Infinitely Many Solutions for Quasilinear Elliptic Problems with Broken Symmetry
Authors: Bartolo Rossella
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is investigating the existence of solutions of the quasilinear elliptic Problem

where Ω is an open bounded domain of RN with C2 boundary ∂Ω, Δpu = div(|∇u|p−2∇u), 1 < p < q < p∗, f ∈ C(Ω̅) and ϕ ∈ C2(Ω̅). By means of the so-called Bolle’s method in [3, 4], we extend a result in [10] where the authors consider Ω =]0, 1[N and u = 0 on ∂Ω.
Liouville-type Theorems for Fully Nonlinear Elliptic Equations and Systems in Half Spaces
Authors: Lu Guozhen , Zhu Jiuyi
Published: March 2016

The main purpose of this paper is to establish Liouville-type theorems and decay estimates for viscosity solutions to a class of fully nonlinear elliptic equations or systems in half spaces without the boundedness assumptions on the solutions. Using the blow-up method and doubling lemma of [18], we remove the boundedness assumption on solutions which was often required in the proof of Liouville-type theorems in the literature. We also prove the Liouville-type theorems for supersolutions of a system of fully nonlinear equations with Pucci extremal operators in half spaces. Liouville theorems and decay estimates for high order elliptic equations and systems have also been established by the authors in an earlier work [15] when no boundedness assumption was given on the solutions.
Best Constants for Moser-Trudinger Inequalities on High Dimensional Hyperbolic Spaces
Authors: Lu Guozhen , Tang Hanli
Published: March 2016

Though there have been extensive works on best constants for Moser-Trudinger inequalities in Euclidean spaces, Heisenberg groups or compact Riemannian manifolds, much less is known for sharp constants for the Moser-Trudinger inequalities on hyperbolic spaces. Earlier works only include the sharp constant for the Moser-Trudinger inequality on the twodimensional hyperbolic disc. In this paper, we establish best constants for several types of Moser-Trudinger inequalities on high dimensional hyperbolic spaces ℍn (n ≥ 2). These include sharp constants for the Moser-Trudinger inequalities on both bounded and unbounded domains of the hyperbolic space ℍn (see Theorems 1.1 and 1.2), sharp constants for the singular Moser-Trudinger inequality on unbounded domains when we impose restrictions only on the gradient norms (Theorem 1.3) or on the full hyperbolic Sobolev norms (Theorem 1.4). Our results are surprisingly general and extend most results in Euclidean spaces to hyperbolic spaces of any dimension. In particular, we have used a rearrangement-free argument in the hyperbolic spaces to establish Theorems 1.3 and 1.4 where symmetrization argument does not work to prove such sharp singular Moser-Trudinger inequalities on the entire hyperbolic space.
Product, process and resource model coupling for knowledge-driven assembly automation
Authors: Ramis Ferrer Borja , Ahmad Bilal , Vera Daniel , Lobov Andrei , Harrison Robert , Martínez Lastra José Luis
Published: March 2016

Accommodating frequent product changes in a short period of time is
a challenging task due to limitations of the contemporary engineering
approach to design, build and reconfigure automation systems. In
particular, the growing quantity and diversity of manufacturing
information, and the increasing need to exchange and reuse this
information in an efficient way has become a bottleneck. To improve
the engineering process, digital manufacturing and Product, Process
and Resource (PPR) modelling are considered very promising to compress
development time and engineering cost by enabling efficient design and
reconfiguration of manufacturing resources. However, due to
ineffective coupling of PPR data, design and reconfiguration of
assembly systems are still challenging tasks due to the dependency on
the knowledge and experience of engineers. This paper presents an
approach for data models integration that can be employed for coupling
the PPR domain models for matching the requirements of products for
assembly automation. The approach presented in this paper can be used
effectively to link data models from various engineering domains and
engineering tools. For proof of concept, an example implementation of
the approach for modelling and integration of PPR for a Festo test rig
is presented as a case study.
Wissensbasiertes Engineering automatisierter Anlagen unter Verwendung von AutomationML und OWL
Authors: Glawe Matthias , Fay Alexander
Published: March 2016

Im Planungsprozess automatisierter Anlagen wächst die Menge vorhandener Informationen über
die Anlage und ihr Automatisierungssystem. Verschiedene Gewerke, Abteilungen und
Spezialisten wirken an der Erstellung und Bearbeitung mit und fügen ihre Arbeitsergebnisse
den bereits vorhandenen Informationen hinzu. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt, wie durch den
Einsatz wissensbasierter Methoden diese Anreicherung von Informationen während der Planung
automatisierter Anlagen unterstützt werden kann. Hierbei werden sowohl die Strukturen von
AutomationML als auch zusätzliches Wissen in Form von semantischen Netzen, repräsentiert in
OWL, angewandt und miteinander verbunden. Das universelle Konzept wird exemplarisch anhand
der Security-Analyse
einer automatisierten Anlage erläutert und validiert.
Influence of a bonding agent on the bond strength between a dental Co-Cr alloy and nine different veneering porcelains
Authors: Al Bakkar Hassan , Spintzyk Sebastian , Schille Christine , Schweizer Ernst , Geis-Gerstorfer Jürgen , Rupp Frank
Published: March 2016

Adequate bonding between dental veneering porcelains and non-precious metal alloys is a main factor for the long-term functionality of porcelain fused to metal restorations. Although a huge number of veneering porcelains are on the market, only few studies have reported about the role of bonding agents for the bond strength at their respective interface to cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr). The aim of this study was to compare the influence of a metal-ceramic bonding agent for Co-Cr alloys on the bond strength of metal-ceramic systems. The bond strength test was done according to ISO 9693 with additional detection of the first acoustic crack initiated signal while testing. The bonding agent had only minor effects on the bond strength of the different Co-Cr/ceramic systems. Only three of the nine studied systems showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) upon applying the bonding agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed cracks predominantly caused by adhesive failure. Based on this study, Co-Cr alloys veneered with porcelains with and without a bonding agent exceeded the minimum bond strength of 25 MPa required according to ISO 9693. However, if bond strength values based on acoustic signals were calculated, values below the threshold of 25 MPa could be observed. Such findings are important for failures caused by the occurrence of early cracks.
Preparation of anticoagulant polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber hemodialysis membranes
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Lu Xiaolong , Yang Shichun , Zhang Qingzhao , Zhao Lihua
Published: March 2016

In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) were modified by coating with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan. The influences of PVA and chitosan amount on PVDF membrane mechanical and separation performance were investigated. The results showed that the modified PVDF membranes had better mechanical and separation performance when the amount of PVA and chitosan was 20 mg/m
Kounis syndrome: an update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapeutic management
Authors: Kounis Nicholas G.
Published: March 2016

Kounis syndrome has been established as a hypersensitivity coronary disorder induced by various conditions, drugs, environmental exposures, foods and coronary stents. Allergic, hypersensitivity, anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions are associated with this syndrome. Vasospastic allergic angina, allergic myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis with occluding thrombus infiltrated by eosinophils and/or mast cells constitute are the three reported, so far, variants of this syndrome. Apart from coronary arteries, it affects the cerebral and mesenteric arteries. Its manifestations are broadening and its etiology is continuously increasing. Kounis syndrome is a ubiquitous disease which represents a magnificent natural paradigm and nature’s own experiment in a final trigger pathway implicated in cases of coronary artery spasm and plaque rupture. Kounis syndrome seems to be not a rare disease but an infrequently diagnosed clinical entity which has revealed that the same mediators released from the same inflammatory cells are also present and in acute coronary events of non allergic etiology. These cells are not only present in the culprit region before plaque erosion or rupture but they release their contents just before an actual coronary event. Therefore, awareness of etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations seems to be important for its prognosis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention.
Perceptions from the outside in cases of gender violence. ‘What are you [the interpreter] doing here?’
Authors: Valero Garcés Carmen , Lázaro Gutiérrez Raquel
Published: March 2016

A 2011 Gender Violence Macrosurvey carried out by the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS, Spanish Centre for Sociological Research) in collaboration with the Spanish Government warns that “the prevalence of gender-based violence amongst foreign women is twice that of Spanish women.” The problem gets worse when these women do not speak the contact language, in this case Spanish. The efforts of the Spanish Administration and the information and support provided to every gender violence victim hardly ever reach foreign victims, who essentially need the assistance of interpreters. When the presence of qualified interpreters (or interpreters at all) is not guaranteed, this may lead to inadequate, inaccurate and inefficient communication. The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey conducted in 2013 amongst the main agents involved in the communication process with foreign victims of gender violence who do not speak Spanish or co-official languages. The sample size is about 600 answers by agents distributed in four fields (police, legal, health, welfare) with the majority of respondents from the police. The survey includes questions about how communication problems without an interpreter are solved, which protocol – if any – is followed to seek the assistance of an interpreter, how often they use interpreters, what problems they have experienced working with them and what they think is the interpreters’ role as well as what strategies or specific knowledge interpreters may have.
Neonatal exposure to estradiol-17β modulates tumour necrosis factor alpha and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in brain and also in ovaries of adult female rats
Authors: Shridharan Radhika Nagamangalam , Krishnagiri Harshini , Govindaraj Vijayakumar , Sarangi SitiKantha , Rao Addicam Jagannadha
Published: March 2016

The sexually dimorphic organization in perinatal rat brain is influenced by steroid hormones. Exposure to high levels of estrogen or endocrine-disrupting compounds during perinatal period may perturb this process, resulting in compromised reproductive physiology and behavior as observed in adult In our recent observation neonatal exposure of the female rats to estradiol-17β resulted in down-regulation of TNF-α, up-regulation of COX-2 and increase in SDN-POA size in pre-optic area in the adulthood. It is known that the control of reproductive performance in female involves a complex interplay of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary. The present study was undertaken to understand the possible molecular mechanism involved in changes observed in the ovarian morphology and expression of selected genes in the ovary. Administration of estradiol-17β (100 μg) on day 2 and 3 after birth revealed up-regulation of ER-α, ER-β, COX-2 and down-regulation of TNF-α expression. Also the decrease in the ovarian weight, altered ovarian morphology and changes in the 2D protein profiles were also seen. This is apparently the first report documenting that neonatal estradiol exposure modulates TNF-α and COX-2 expression in the ovary as seen during adult stage. Our results permit us to suggest that cues originating from the modified brain structure due to neonatal exposure of estradiol-17β remodel the ovary at the molecular level in such a way that there is a disharmony in the reproductive function during adulthood and these changes are perennial and can lead to infertility and changes of reproductive behavior.
Molecular mechanisms mediating the beneficial metabolic effects of [Arg4]tigerinin-1R in mice with diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Ojo Opeolu O. , Srinivasan Dinesh K. , Owolabi Bosede O. , McGahon Mary K. , Moffett R. Charlotte , Curtis Tim M. , Conlon J. Michael , Flatt Peter R. , Abdel-Wahab Yasser H.A.
Published: March 2016

The frog skin host-defense peptide tigerinin-1R stimulates insulin releasein vitroand improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in animal models of type 2 diabetes. This study extends these observations by investigating the molecular mechanisms of action underlying the beneficial metabolic effects of the analogue [Arg4]tigerinin-1R in mice with diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. The study also investigates the electrophysiological effects of the peptide on KATPand L-type Ca2+channels in BRIN-BD11 clonal β cells. Non-fasting plasma glucose and glucagon concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) decreased and plasma insulin increased by twice daily treatment with [Arg4]tigerinin-1R (75 nmol/kg body weight) for 28 days. Oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance were significantly (p<0.05) improved accompanied by enhanced secretion and action of insulin. The peptide blocked KATPchannels and, consistent with this, improved beta cell responses of isolated islets to a range of secretagogues. Peptide administration resulted in up-regulation of key functional genes in islets involved insulin secretion (Abcc8, Kcnj11, Cacna1candSlc2a2) and in skeletal muscle involved with insulin action (Insr, Irs1, Pdk1,Pik3ca,andSlc2a4). These observations encourage further development of tigerinin-1R analogues for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cost effectiveness of universal umbilical cord blood gas and lactate analysis in a tertiary level maternity unit
Authors: White Christopher R.H. , Doherty Dorota A. , Cannon Jeffrey W. , Kohan Rolland , Newnham John P. , Pennell Craig E.
Published: March 2016

There is an increasing body of literature supporting universal umbilical cord blood gas analysis (UCBGA) into all maternity units. A significant impediment to UCBGA’s introduction is the perceived expense of the introduction and associated ongoing costs. Consequently, this study set out to conduct the first cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing universal UCBGA.

: Analysis was based on 42,100 consecutive deliveries ≥23 weeks of gestation at a single tertiary obstetric unit. Within 4 years of UCBGA’s introduction there was a 45% reduction in term special care nursery (SCN) admissions >2499 g. Incurred costs included initial and ongoing costs associated with universal UCBGA. Averted costs were based on local diagnosis-related grouping costs for reduction in term SCN admissions. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and sensitivity analysis results were reported.

: Under the base-case scenario, the adoption of universal UCBGA was less costly and more effective than selective UCBGA over 4 years and resulted in saving of AU$641,532 while adverting 376 SCN admissions. Sensitivity analysis showed that UCBGA was cost-effective in 51.8%, 83.3%, 99.6% and 100% of simulations in years 1, 2, 3 and 4. These conclusions were not sensitive to wide, clinically possible variations in parameter values for neonatal intensive care unit and SCN admissions, magnitude of averted SCN admissions, cumulative delivery numbers, and SCN admission costs.

Universal UCBGA is associated with significant initial and ongoing costs; however, potential averted costs (due to reduced SCN admissions) exceed incurred costs in most scenarios.
Efficient use of laboratory resources: pre-screening for urine cultures by automated urinalysis and microscopy to allow exclusion of specimens from culture workflow
Authors: Gülmez Dolunay , Hasçelik Gülşen
Published: March 2016

Background:

Most of the urine cultures give negative results, leading to inefficient use of resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate and optimize screening by urinalysis and urine microscopy allowing elimination from the culture workflow, and find out if it might be cost effective in Turkey.

Methods:

A total of 1511 urine specimens were evaluated. Urinalysis and automated microscopy was performed by Iris iQ200 (Iris Diagnostics, USA). Results for nitrite, leukocyte esterase (LE), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) and all small particles (ASP) were compared to urine culture results. Savings were calculated, in case specimens predicted to be negative were not cultured.

Results:

Microbial growth was detected in 279 (18.5%) specimens. Using the most efficient algorithm, 400 (26.5%) specimens could be excluded from the workflow, leading to three (0.2%) false negatives. Second algorithm could predict negative result for 15.7% of the specimens with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, saving $562.

Conclusions:

Screening urine specimens using multiple criteria might help predicting urine culture results. Although the cost of urine culture is low in Turkey, screening might still decrease cost and workload. All the variables should be considered to achieve efficient management of resources in the healthcare system without compromising patient safety.
Groins and submerged breakwaters – new modeling and empirical experience
Authors: Ostrowski Rafał , Pruszak Zbigniew , Schönhofer Jan , Szmytkiewicz Marek
Published: March 2016

The relationship between the effectiveness of groins and their technical condition was studied. The supporting role of groins in artificial shore nourishment was tested using the theoretical modeling of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes in the nearshore zone. This modeling scheme was developed as to represent the actual coastal situation occurring on the shores of the Hel Peninsula (the Gulf of Gdańsk, the southern Baltic Sea). Based on the results of computations and the results of field observations, recommendations were prepared on the design and maintenance of groins. The second part of the paper is devoted to submerged breakwaters. The theoretical modeling of wave-current fields near the segmented submerged breakwaters led to the determination of coefficients of wave transmission and rip current velocities, which finally yielded a piece of design advice. In all numerical simulations, the Delft3D software was used.
Pine pollen grains in coastal waters of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Pawlik Magdalena , Ficek Dariusz
Published: March 2016

Measurements relating to a yellow deposit covering large areas of the Baltic Sea in spring are reported. Analysis of water samples showed it to be of terrestrial origin and to consist mainly of pine pollen grains. The equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) of these grains ranged from 29.1 to 78.4 μm, with a maximum between 47.7 and 56.3 μm. Surface water concentrations of pollen in the coastal zone near Ustka showed that its proportion in the total suspended particulate matter (SPM) might be as high as 30-40%. Such high surface water concentrations of hitherto neglected substances critical to water color formation can give rise to serious errors in remote measurements of water composition and properties.
Mixing of brine waste in Puck Bay (the south Baltic Sea) in the light of in-situ measurements
Authors: Robakiewicz Małgorzata
Published: March 2016

In the north-eastern part of Poland, the underground gas stores are being constructed by diluting salt deposits. Brine, a by-product of the technology applied, is discharged into the coastal waters of the south Baltic Sea by a system of diffusers. To assess the intensity of brine mixing in the near-field of the discharge installation, a monitoring program was carried out. The results demonstrated that under the mildly dynamic conditions of Puck Bay, the discharge of brine (saturation 250 kg m-3, discharge 300 m3 h-1) leads to salinity excess below 0.5 PSU. For parameters of a real brine discharge, the dilution coefficient estimated by formulas derived from analytical solutions, predictive models and laboratory experiments for stagnant water conditions, varied in the range of 123÷360. The dilution coefficient value estimated on the basis of measurements was 1.27÷3.72 times higher than its value obtained by the use of predictive models, while estimated by formulas obtained from laboratory experiments was in the range of 1.41÷2.26 of the dilution coefficient based on measurements.
High biomass producers and promising candidates for biodiesel production from microalgae collection IBASU-A(Ukraine)
Authors: Tsarenko Petro , Borysova Olena , Blume Yaroslav
Published: March 2016

A comparative study was carried out on the growth characteristics of 33 strains of 12 species belonging to genera Acutodesmus (7), Botryococcus (1), Chlorella (5), Chloroidium (2), Desmodesmus (8), Euglena (2), Monoraphidium (2), and Parachlorella (6) from the Microalgae Culture Collection of the Institute of Botany, NAS of Ukraine (IBASU-A). All high biomass-producing strains considered as promising candidates for biofuel production demonstrated active growth (high maximum cell concentration, specific growth rate and productivity). The most promising strains included Acutodesmus dimorphus IBASU-A 251, 252, Desmodesmus magnus IBASU-A 401, D. multivariabilis var. turskensis IBASU-A 398, Chlorella vulgaris IBASU-A 189, 192, and Parachlorella kessleri IBASU-A 444. Their productivity varied from 0.58 g d.w. l-1 to 1.6 g d.w. l-1 per day. In general, the cultivation of these strains is considered both as a potential bioresource of feedstock for biodiesel production and other industrial demands.
Precipitation of calcium carbonate in a shallow polymictic coastal lake: assessing the role of primary production, organic matter degradation and sediment mixing
Authors: Woszczyk Michał
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the genesis of carbonates in a shallow, polymictic and eutrophic coastal lake (Lake Sarbsko, Poland) is deciphered. Emphasis is placed upon the relationship between carbonate sedimentation and microbial degradation of organic matter, as well as on vertical mixing of sediments. The cycling of carbonates in the lake was investigated through the analysis of lake water chemistry (pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, alkalinity, SIcalc) and the stable carbon isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon and sedimentary calcite. It is shown that the calcite is precipitated within a relatively short time owing to the coincidence between the activity of photosynthesizing phytoplankton, the microbial decomposition of organic matter, and the physical mixing of lake deposits. In turn, the precipitated calcite is prone to dissolution within the sediments. The data presented in this paper can be applied to explain the processes affecting the carbonate saturation in freshwater systems and to interpret δ13C signatures in the sediments of shallow lakes.
Cyanobacterial and microalgal bioactive compounds – the role of secondary metabolites in allelopathic interactions
Authors: Żak Adam , Kosakowska Alicja
Published: March 2016

Secondary metabolites produced by plants, algae, bacteria and fungi may affect the growth and development of biological systems. This is a natural process which occurs worldwide and is known as allelopathy. A relatively small number of these allelopathic compounds has been identified. The majority of studies describe the inhibitory effect of investigated compounds, extracts, cell-free filtrates and living cells on other organisms, although stimulatory interactions have also been noticed. Allelopathic interactions in aquatic environments could provide a competitive advantage to some species over other primary producers. Furthermore, allelopathy occurs in all aquatic habitats and all groups of autotrophs are capable of producing and releasing allelopathically active compounds. Moreover, secondary metabolites obtained from phytoplankton could demonstrate other useful bioactive properties. This review is intended to summarize the current knowledge of allelopathic interactions between microalgae and cyanobacteria in aquatic environments, as well as to provide a brief overview of the ecological importance of these interactions and their potential practical application in different branches of industry.
Resonant Scattering in Condensed Matter, Experiments that Reveal Short to Long Range Atomic Order
Authors: Bérar Jean-François , Boudet Nathalie , Blanc Nils , Hosokawa Shinya
Published: March 2016

After a historical introduction of the anomalous dispersion effect,
the formalism used to investigate disordered materials using the
resonant scattering of X-rays is exposed. As these experiments are
sensitive to the experimental conditions, some experimental settings
are discussed.
Chaucer's Boece and Rhetorical Process in the Wife of Bath's Bedside Questio
Authors: Eckert Ken
Published: March 2016

Chaucer's Wife of Bath's Tale has been well-mined for feminist and psychological issues but less criticism has analyzed the rhetorical techniques informing the wyf's bedside harangue to the knight. These are shown to echo that of Lady Philosophy to Boethius in Chaucer's Boece; close reading of the lecture reveals a patterning on Boece, particularly evinced in the similarities between Lady Philosophy and the foul wife, in the matches in argumentation and rhetorical devices, and in the harangue's emphasis on power and obedience. Whether meant seriously or to humorously imitate scholastic debate, the foul wife's questio suggests new questions about Chaucer's intentions and purposes in the tale. 6633 words.
Effect of Sibling Birth on BMI Trajectory in the First 6 Years of Life
Authors: Mosli Rana H. , Kaciroti Niko , Corwyn Robert F. , Bradley Robert H. , Lumeng Julie C.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

This study examined the longitudinal association between birth of a sibling and changes in body mass index z-score (BMIz) trajectory during the first 6 years of life.

METHODS:

Children (n = 697) were recruited across 10 sites in the United States at the time of birth. Sibship composition was assessed every 3 months. Anthropometry was completed when the child was age 15 months, 24 months, 36 months, 54 months, and in first grade. Children were classified based on the timing of their sibling’s birth. A piecewise quadratic regression model adjusted for potential confounders examined the association of the birth of a sibling with subsequent BMIz trajectory.

RESULTS:

Children whose sibling was born when they were 24 to 36 months or 36 to 54 months old, compared with children who did not experience the birth of a sibling by first grade, had a lower subsequent BMIz trajectory and a significantly lower BMIz at first grade (0.27 vs 0.51, P value = 0.04 and 0.26 vs 0.51, P value = 0.03, respectively). Children who did not experience the birth of a sibling by the time they were in first grade had 2.94 greater odds of obesity (P value = 0.046) at first grade compared with children who experienced the birth of a sibling when they were between 36 to 54 months old.

CONCLUSIONS:

A birth of a sibling when the child is 24 to 54 months old is associated with a healthier BMIz trajectory. Identifying the underlying mechanism of association can help inform intervention programs.
The easternmost tropical Pacific. Part I: A climate review
Authors: Amador Jorge A. , Rivera E. R. , Durán-Quesada A. M. , Mora G. , Sáenz F. , Calderón B. , Mora N.
Published: March 2016

The tropics are characterized by a variety of atmospheric and oceanic systems dominated by multi-scale interaction processes. This is Part I of a two-part review study on climate and climate variability of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Here, the mean fields of incoming short wave radiation, surface energy fluxes, sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, salinity, wind patterns at 10m height, wind stress curl, precipitation, and evaporation are analyzed and synthetized using available data including that from the last decade. Given the strong interaction between the ETP and Caribbean Sea-Atlantic Ocean, mean field discussions are presented for two different domains, a relatively large domain from 24° S - 36° N and between 129° W - 17° W, and a smaller domain embedding only the Caribbean Sea and the easternmost part of the ETP. Most results on the climate of these two regions can be used as the base line for climate change studies. Interannual variability of tropical cyclones is also investigated over the domain of the latter two basins in the smaller domain. The study is complemented with a short review of some low frequency modes, such as, El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation. Such low-frequency modes are known to modulate regional systems, including tropical cyclone frequency.

 