bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of characteristics of the launch vehicle fuel line gas damper
Authors: Gimadiev A. G. , Odinokov D. A. , Stadnik D. M. , Greshnyakov P. I.
Published: July 2015

Ensuring the longitudinal stability and quality of regulation of a liquid-propellant launch vehicle is very important in its development and operation. It is known that the use of gas dampers installed in the feed line is one of the effective ways to provide longitudinal stability of a launch vehicle. Correct choice of damper characteristics makes it possible to eliminate the possibility of coinciding of the natural frequencies of oscillations of pressure of the liquid in the feed line and in the launch vehicle body and thus to ensure the longitudinal stability. Methods of mathematical and numerical simulation are applied for the analysis of gas damper characteristics using the software package MatLab/Simulink and AMESim. The paper presents a mathematical model of the gas damper, its transient and frequency responses are analyzed. The acoustic conductance of the gas damper is calculated as its generalized dynamic characteristics. Variations of volume are plotted as a function of liquid pressure at the damper inlet in case of harmonic oscillations. The developed model of the gas damper can be used in analyzing the frequency response of the fuel feed line in the framework of solving the problem of ensuring the longitudinal stability of a launch vehicle.
Common properties of hydrocarbon combustion products and Brayton cycle
Authors: Mikheenkov E. L.
Published: July 2015

The energy released in the process of combustion of substances is the source of thermal energy in cycles of heat engines, while the combustion products are working media in the expansion processes. The composition of all combustibles is their common property - they are all hydrocarbons, i.e. their molecules consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms. This article will examine only the products of stoichiometric combustion the oxidation of fuel components in the environment of atmospheric air. Products of combustion are mixtures of oxides of the constituent elements and the basic element of air - nitrogen. It is the combustion products that determine the expansion processes in the most common cycle of power plant operation- the Brayton cycle. The possibility of accurate calculation of combustion products properties in a fairly broad range of temperatures is required. One of the methods of calculating the properties of the major constituents of hydrocarbon stoichiometric combustion is presented in the paper.
Repensando la relación entre democracia y representación: algunas propuestas para ampliar el canon democrático
Authors: Monsiváis Carrillo Alejandro
Published: July 2015

Repensar el concepto de representación política es indispensable para entender diversos desafíos de la democracia contemporánea. Sin embargo, una revisión de la relevancia democrática de la representación se ve limitada por una noción ampliamente aceptada: que la representación y la democracia constituyen principios opuestos y en conflicto. Mientras que la democracia requiere mayor participación popular, la representación supondría elitismo y distanciamiento político. En este trabajo argumentaré que tal planteamiento es desacertado. Asimismo, haré una revisión de los componentes normativos de la democracia, y discutiré el concepto de representación política. Señalaré que la representación se compone de diversos procesos públicos de autorización, control y justificación que son la clave de las múltiples manifestaciones de la política democrática.AbstractRethinking political representation is necessary to understand many contemporary democratic challenges. However, a widely accepted view states that democracy and representation are two irreconcilable principles, thus hindering the theoretical assessment of political representation's democratic relevance. According to this view, what democracy needs is more popular participation; instead, representation involves elitism and political detachment. In this paper I will argue that such a view is inaccurate. Through the reconstruction of the democratic ideal, and the discussion of the concept of political representation, I intend to show that processes of political authorization, accountability and public justification are both elements of political representation and expression of democratic politics.
El mito democrático costarricense. La constitución de la práctica política en períodos de conflicto, de Laura Álvarez Garro
Authors: Torres Vindas Javier Antonio
Published: July 2015

Acceder al texto completo para consultar el contenido.
Assessing the Nonbiodegradable Fraction of the Thickened Waste Activated Sludge
Authors: Elbeshbishy Elsayed , Dhar Bipro Ranjan , Nakhla George
Published: July 2015

In this study, the feasibility of using three methods to estimate the nonbiodegradable fraction of five thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) samples was evaluated using long‐term biochemical methane potential tests at four substrate to biomass ratios. The nonbiodegradable fraction was calculated based on the remaining volatile suspended solids (VSS), remaining total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD), and remaining total organic carbon (TOC). It was evident that the nonbiodegradable fraction of TWAS ranged from 12 to 27%. The average nonbiodegradable fractions of TWAS were 21, 18, and 23% based on remaining VSS, TCOD, and TOC, respectively. The proposed method can be potentially used to characterize biosolids for design and modeling anaerobic treatment processes.
Things that can be changed in early intervention in childhood
Authors: Golubovic Spela , Markovic Jasminka , Perovic Lidija
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Early intervention implies a model of support focused on a
child, family and a broader community from early childhood. The aim of this
study was to analyze the elements of the successful early intervention in
childhood, as well as to assess the role of a special educator and
rehabilitator and level of their involvement in implementing the program on
the territory of Novi Sad. Material and Methods. The study sample included
100 parents of children with disabilities (aged 3-7), who completed the
questionnaire designed for the purposes of this research, based on a similar
questionnaire design. Results. Speech delay is one of the most common reasons
(over 50%) why parents seek professional help. By the end of the first year
of life of their child, 43% of parents responded that they had noticed the
first problems, that is, a problem was identified in 25% of children of this
age group, and the same number was included in the treatment. About 55% of
children were involved in organized treatment from 3 years of age onwards.
Special educators and rehabilitators are usually involved in treatment when
the team consists of three or more professionals. Conclusions. It is
necessary to improve early intervention services, to educate staff, and
provide conditions which would make it possible to overcome the existing
disadvantages in treating children from an early age. In addition, the
involvement of special education and rehabilitation professionals in
treatment teams since children?s early age is vital.
Human subcutaneous dirofilariasis: Case report
Authors: Radovanovic-Spurnic Aleksandra , Stevanovic Goran , Dakic Zorica , Ofori-Belic Irena , Spurnic Igor , Pelemis Mijomir
Published: July 2015

Introduction. Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by
Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. It usually presents as a nodular
lesion in the lung, subcutaneous tissues or eyes. In animals, dirofilariasis
is a very common disease with serious cardiovascular and respiratory
manifestations. If adequate therapy is not given at the beginning of the
disease, dirofilariasis can lead to animal death. On the contrary, human
dirofilariasis is frequently mild, sporadic and asymptomatic disease.
Complications in humans are very rare. In Europe, human dirofilariasis is a
very rare zoonotic disease even in endemic areas such as Italy, Spain and the
Mediterranean. Case report. The authors reported the case of a 43-year-old
male with a subcutaneous nodule caused by Dirofilaria repens. The patient who
lives in Budva, Montenegro, had a nodule in the right-hand side of the
anterior abdominal wall just below the sternum with maximum diameter of 3 cm.
His health condition was good and all laboratory analyses were normal. The
lesion was surgically removed and the histopathological examination confirmed
the parasitic infection by Dirofilaria repens. After surgical excision, the
patient was treated with dual antimicrobial therapy (100 mg doxycycline per
os twice a day for 28 days and 200 mg albendazole per os twice a day for 10
days). Conclusion. It is very difficult to make the diagnosis of a
subcutaneous nodule. The difficulties arise in the differential diagnosis
because subcutaneous nodules are suspected to be malignant neoplasm or other
pathologies such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, sebaceous cysts,
hamartomas, abscesses, and so on. Although human dirofilariasis is a rare
disease, the number of reported cases has recently been increasing worldwide.
Mechanisms of the induction of autoimmunity
Authors: Mostarica-Stojkovic Marija
Published: July 2015

The main function of the immune system is to protect the body by responding
to invading microorganisms. Immunologic tolerance is the basic property of
the immune system that provides for self/non-self discrimination so that the
immune system can protect the host from external pathogens without reacting
against itself. Central tolerance is achieved by the clonal deletion of
self-reactive lymphocytes expressing receptors with high avidity for self.
Autoreactive lymphocytes which escaped selection in the central lymphoid
organs are present in the peripheral repertoire but but are kept under
control by multiple diverse peripheral tolerance mechanisms acting either
directly on the self-reactive T cell (T-cell intrinsic) or indirectly via
additional cells (T-cell extrinsic). Intrinsic mec hanisms include ignorance
of autoantigens, anergy, phenotype skewing or activation-induced cell death
of autoreactive T lymphocytes, while extrinsic mechanisms act through
immature and/ or tolerogenic dendritic cells as well as different types of
regulatory cells. Autoimmune diseases are associated with humoral or
cell-mediated immune reactions against one or more of the body?s own
constituents. Activation and clonal expansion of autoreactive lymhocytes is a
crucial step in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. They result from the
complex interactions between genetic traits and environmental factors, among
which infections are the most likely cause. Several basic mechanisms may be
operating whereby an infectious agent actually induces apparent autoimmne
reactivity including molecular mimicry, bystander activation, induction of
costimulation, polyclonal activation, altered processing and expression of
cryptic antigens. Although many questions regarding autotolerance and etiop
athogenestis of autoimmunity have yet to be resolved, it is evident that
multiple overlapping pathways are operative in establishing, maintaining and
breaking autotolerance, as well as during the initiation, progression, and
final effector phases of autoimmunity.
Diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid disease
Authors: Trbojevic Bozo , Djurica Snezana
Published: July 2015

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most common organ specific
autoimmune disorder usually resulting in dysfunction (hyperfunction,
hypofunction or both) of the thyroid gland. The syndromes comprising
autoimmune thyroid disease are many intimately related illnesses: Graves?
disease with goitre, hyperthyroidism and, in many patients, associated
ophthalmopathy, Hashimoto?s thyroiditis with goitre and euthyroidism or
hypothyroidism but also thyroid dysfunction occurring independently of
pregnancy and in 5-6% of postpartum women and thyroiditides induced by
different drugs and other environmental influences. The immunological
mechanisms involved in these diseases are closely related, while the
phenotypes probably differ because of the specific type of immunological
response that occurs. The syndromes are connected together by their similar
thyroid pathology, similar immune mechanisms, co-occurrence in family groups,
and transition from one clinical picture to another within the same
individual over time. In some patients, other organ specific and nonorgan
specific autoimmune syndromes are associated with autoimmune thyroid disease,
including pernicious anemia, vitiligo, myasthenia gravis, primary adrenal
autoimmune disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Thyroid
peroxydase, TPO, the primary enzyme involved in thyroid hormonogenesis, was
initially identified in 1959 as the ?thyroid microsomal antigenn. It is
uncertain whether TPO autoantibodies or TPO-specific T cells are the primary
cause of thyroid inflammation, which can lead, in some individuals, to
thyroid failure and hypothyroidism. TPOAbs are the hallmark of AITB and are
present in almost all patients with Hashimoto?s thyroiditis, in two-thirds of
patients with postpartum thyroiditis and also in 75% of patients with Graves?
hyperthyroidism. The antibodies are mainly produced by lymphocytic infiltrate
in the thyroid gland and only to a small extent by regional lymph nodes or
the bone marrow. Unlike antibodies against thyroglobulin (Tg), TPO antibodies
are capable of inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Antibodies to TSH?R mimic the function of TSH, and cause disease by binding
to the TSH?R and stimulating (or inhibiting) thyroid cells. The TSHR, a
member of the G protein?coupled receptor family with seven membrane- spanning
segments. Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease may have both stimulating
and blocking antibodies in their sera, the clinical picture being the result
of the relative potency of each species; blocking antibodies seem more common
in Graves? patients with ophthalmopathy compared to those without this
complication. The major T cell epitopes are heterogeneous and T cell
reactivity against certain TSH-R epitopes has been present in high proportion
in normal subjects. More diversified response to TSH-R, with heterogeneity of
epitope recognition by TSAb, is predictive of likely remission after
antithyroid drug treatment for Graves? disease.
Autoimmune thyroid disease and associated diseases
Authors: Lapcevic Mirjana
Published: July 2015

Autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) is a multifactorial, genetic disease. It is
the sequelae of the impaired immunoregulation, tolerance and poor recognition
of one?s own proteins, oligopolysaccharides and polypeptides, due to
development of somatic lymphocyte mutations. It is manifested by different
clinical and morphological entities, inter-related by etiopathogenetic
association, i.e., all of them are caused by disorder of immune system
regulation. Chronic autoimmune thyroidism (Thyreoiditis lymphocytaria
Hashimoto, HT), as well as immunogenic hyperthyroidism (Morbus Graves
Basedow, MGB) are frequently associated with autoimmune diseases of other
organs, such as: chronic insufficiency of salivary glands (Sy Sj?gren),
autoimmune hemolytic anemia, megalocytic pernicious anemia, thrombocytopenia,
Rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes mellitus (more often type 2, but also type 1),
Morbus Addison, Coeliakia, and other autoimmune diseases such as systemic
diseases of connecting tissue (Lupus erythematosus-SLE, Sclerodermia,
Vasculitis superficialis). The incidence of autoimmune diseases has been at
increase in all age groups of our population. The prevalence of
organ-specific and organ-nonspecific antibodies increases with the age.
Antigenicity of thyroid epithelial cell may be triggered by different
chemical and biological agents (repeated viral infections), repeated stress,
and in individuals with genetic propensity. Unrecognized ATD progressively
leads to hypothyroidism with hyperlipidemia, blood vessel changes,
osteoporosis, deformities, invalidity which substantially reduces the quality
of life of patient and requires medical attention and expensive treatment on
what account it is medically and socio-economically significant. Multiple
diagnostic procedures contribute to faster recognition of this condition. The
goal of the primary health care physician (given that preclinical phase of
ATD and other associated diseases have different duration) and other
specialists is to recognize ATD and, by early diagnosis and multidisciplinary
treatment, to take secondary preventive measures of manifestation of
above-mentioned associated autoimmune diseases, and in that way, to avoid the
development of comorbidity and complications. It is particularly supported by
medical doctrine based on evidence of application of corticosteroids,
cytostatics, thyro-suppressive and substitution therapy, antilipemics,
bisphosphonates and other drugs, significant for autoimmune diseases.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis: Case report
Authors: Ristic Gorica , Paunic Zoran , Vojvodic Danilo , Petronijevic Milan , Glisic Branislava , Stefanovic Dusan
Published: July 2015

The association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with idiopathic
polymyositis or dermatomyositis is reported to occur in the range of 4-16%.
Myositis can occur before or after SLE, or sporadically both diseases can be
present simultaneously. This case report concerns a 36-year-old female
patient suffering from Raynaud?s phenomenon, polyarthralgia in the small
joints of the hands, and skin changes compatible with Gotron?s indications.
Symmetric proximal muscle weakness of the extremities, fever of up to 40?C,
heliotrope rashes with erythematous changes in the face, upper arms, and
posterior shoulders occurred subsequently. Laboratory analyses revealed
increased acute phase reactants, hypochromic anaemia, lymphopenia, and
increased levels of all muscle enzymes. Immunoserology demonstrated positive
ANA, anti-Sm, and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), while anti dsDNA, anti
Ro, anti La, and anti Jo-1 antibodies proved negative. Hypocomplementaemia
and elevated levels of immune complexes were also detected. Pathologic
sediment and proteinuria were revealed via urine analyses, while a kidney
biopsy confirmed lupus nephritis (type IVa according to the World Health
Organisation classification). Biopsy of erythematous changes of the posterior
shoulder demonstrated leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Electromyography of the
lower extremities established myopathic changes. Inflammation of the muscles
was confirmed via magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was categorised as
having two separate coexistent diseases - SLE and dermatomyositis. Both the
classification criteria of the American College of Rheumatology for SLE and
the diagnostic criteria for dermatomyositis, proposed by Bohon and Peter,
were fulfilled simultaneously. Treatment commenced with pulses of
methylprednisolone and continued with oral therapy, including Resochin.
Pulses of intravenous cyclophosphamide were also administered. After six
weeks of therapy, biohumoral remission of both diseases was achieved, while
complete recovery from muscle weakness was accomplished after four months.
Survival time of dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated by splenectomy with or without adjuvant chemotherapy: 208 cases (2001–2012)
Authors: Wendelburg Kristin M. , Price Lori Lyn , Burgess Kristine E. , Lyons Jeremiah A. , Lew Felicia H. , Berg John
Published: July 2015

Objective—To determine survival time for dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma treated with splenectomy alone, identify potential prognostic factors, and evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—208 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed, long-term follow-up information was obtained, and survival data were analyzed statistically.

Results—154 dogs were treated with surgery alone, and 54 were treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Twenty-eight dogs received conventional chemotherapy, 13 received cyclophosphamide-based metronomic chemotherapy, and 13 received both conventional and metronomic chemotherapy. Median survival time of dogs treated with splenectomy alone was 1.6 months. Clinical stage was the only prognostic factor significantly associated with survival time. When the entire follow-up period was considered, there was no significant difference in survival time between dogs treated with surgery alone and dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy. However, during the first 4 months of follow-up, after adjusting for the effects of clinical stage, survival time was significantly prolonged among dogs receiving any type of chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.6) and among dogs receiving both conventional and metronomic chemotherapy (hazard ratio, 0.4).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Clinical stage was strongly associated with prognosis for dogs with splenic hemangiosarcoma. Chemotherapy was effective in prolonging survival time during the early portion of the follow-up period. Combinations of doxorubicin-based conventional protocols and cyclophosphamide-based metronomic protocols appeared to be more effective than either type of chemotherapy alone, but prolongations in survival time resulting from current protocols were modest.
Disaster Relief for the Japanese Earthquake–Tsunami of 2011: Stress Reduction through the Transcendental Meditation® Technique
Authors: Yoshimura Mitsunobu , Kurokawa Etsuko , Noda Takayuki , Tanaka Yasuo , Hineno Koji , Kawai Yuji , Dillbeck Michael C.
Published: July 2015

This study examined changes in self-reported stress symptoms after instruction in the Transcendental Meditation® technique among 171 residents of two cities (Sendai and Ishinomaki) directly affected by the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster compared with 326 non-disaster Tokyo participants previously tested before and after learning the technique and a no-treatment control group ( n = 68). The participants completed a rating checklist of mental and physical symptoms. Disaster area participants who learned the Transcendental Meditation® technique in contrast to controls showed a significant drop in total symptom score from pre-test to post-test (effect size = −1.09). Results were comparable for an ordinal measure of symptom intensity. The findings suggest the potential value of this procedure for relief from disaster trauma.
Methodological Considerations to Analyze the Relation of Physical Activity with Leptin Levels in Children: Comment on Cicchella, Et Al. (2013)
Authors: Jiménez-Pavón David
Published: July 2015

A positive correlation was found between self-reported physical activity, leptin level, and Tanner stage 2 in children aged 10 to 12 years. However, several methodological considerations on the accuracy for assessing physical activity, misclassification of physical activity levels and weight status, the inclusion of possible confounds, and interpretation of the current findings should be examined to clarify the final interpretation.
Use of Trans-Contextual Model-Based Physical Activity Course in Developing Leisure-Time Physical Activity Behavior of University Students
Authors: Müftüler Mine , İnce Mustafa Levent
Published: July 2015

This study examined how a physical activity course based on the Trans-Contextual Model affected the variables of perceived autonomy support, autonomous motivation, determinants of leisure-time physical activity behavior, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and leisure-time physical activity behaviors. The participants were 70 Turkish university students ( M age = 23.3 yr., SD = 3.2). A pre-test–post-test control group design was constructed. Initially, the participants were randomly assigned into an Experimental ( n = 35) and a Control ( n = 35) group. The Experimental group followed a 12 wk. trans-contextual model-based intervention. The participants were pre- and post-tested in terms of Trans-Contextual Model constructs and of self-reported leisure-time physical activity behaviors. Multivariate analyses showed significant increases over the 12 wk. period for perceived autonomy support from instructor and peers, autonomous motivation in leisure-time physical activity setting, positive intention and perceived behavioral control over leisure-time physical activity behavior, more fulfillment of psychological needs, and more engagement in leisure-time physical activity behavior in the Experimental group. These results indicated that the intervention was effective in developing leisure-time physical activity and indicated that the Trans-Contextual Model is a useful way to conceptualize these relationships.
Internet Dependence in Chinese High School Students: Relationship with Sex, Self-Esteem, and Social Support
Authors: Zhang Ruiping
Published: July 2015

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships among self-esteem, social support, and Internet dependence. A sample of young people aged between 15 and 18 years old ( M age = 16.3yr., SD =0.7; 470 boys, 441 girls) completed measures of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Internet Dependence Test. According to the cognitive-behavioral model of problematic Internet use, social support should mediate the relationship between self-esteem and Internet dependence. Furthermore, based on previous research it was predicted that boys would score higher on Internet dependence than women. Support for this model was obtained. Internet dependent students were more likely to be boys. Self-esteem and social support were negatively correlated with Internet dependence. The relationship between self-esteem and Internet dependence was mediated by social support. Although the effect sizes were small, the findings of the present study are of significance in investigating adolescents' Internet dependence.
Effect of Solicitor's Suntanned Face on Compliance with a Face-to-Face Helping Request: A Brief Examination in a Field Setting
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas
Published: July 2015

Psychologists have investigated why people want to have a tanned skin and how to prevent people's exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. However, the effect of suntan on social behavior has not been investigated. In this experiment, conducted in France, a female confederate wearing, or not wearing, a self-tanning cream on her face asked 104 male and 111 female passersby (approximate ages 30 to60 yr.) to participate in a survey. It was found that more passersby agreed with therequest when the interviewer had a suntanned face (52%) than in the control condition (39%). Theoretical and practical interests are discussed.
A Pilot Study on the Encoding of a Perceptual Learning Task following Sleep Deprivation
Authors: McWhirter Kelly K. , Morrow Anne S. , Lee Beth A. , Bishu Shrinivas , Zametkin Alan J. , Balkin Thomas J. , Smith Carolyn B. , Picchioni Dante
Published: July 2015

Memory encoding sometimes must occur during a period of sleep deprivation. The question was whether one night of sleep deprivation inhibits encoding on a perceptual learning task (the texture discrimination task). The sample was 18 human participants ( M age = 22.1 yr., SEM = 0.5; 8 men). The participants were randomized to a sleep deprivation or sleep control condition and, after the manipulation, were given two administrations of the texture discrimination task. All participants were given an opportunity for a 90 min. nap between the two administrations. Performance was measured by the interpolated stimulus-to-mask-onset asynchrony (i.e., the inter-stimulus interval), at which the percentage of correct responses for the stimuli in the participant's peripheral vision fell below 80%. Offline consolidation was defined as a decrease in this index between the two administrations. Participants who were sleep deprived prior to encoding exhibited similar offline consolidation ( M = −5.3 msec., SEM = 2.3) compared to participants who were not sleep deprived prior to encoding ( M = −6.2 msec., SEM = 3.9); the two-way interaction between time and condition was not significant. In light of reports in the literature, these results indicate encoding following sleep deprivation may be influenced by both the type of task encoded and the brain regions involved in memory processing.
Warm-up Protocols for High School Students
Authors: Chatzopoulos Dimitris Eleytherios , Yiannakos Athanasios , Kotzamanidou Mariana , Bassa Eleni
Published: July 2015

The study compared the acute effects of three warm-up protocols on change-of-direction speed, reaction time, and movement time of upper extremities. Participants were 27 Greek high school students from an urban area ( M age = 17.2 yr., SD = 0.2, range = 16.5 −18.0). All participants performed the following warm-up protocols on three different days: (a) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. static stretching, (b) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. dynamic stretching, and (c) 3 min. jogging followed by 5 min. of rest without stretching. At the end of each protocol, participants performed sprints of moderate to submaximal intensity. After the warm-up protocols, participants performed the following tests: “505-change-of-direction-speed,” reaction time, and movement time (arm movements). There was no significant effect of protocols on the performance tests. Pre-exercise stretching may not be required for performance improvement in activities involving change-of-direction speed, reaction, and movement time if the final part of the warm-up involves sprinting. The advantage of a short duration warm-up is that it offers students more time to play in physical education lessons. However, it is generally important for students to learn the benefits of stretching and how to stretch for lifelong fitness.
Self-Efficacy, Emotional States, and Performance in Carom Billiards
Authors: Corrado Donatella Di , Vitali Francesca , Robazza Claudio , Bortoli Laura
Published: July 2015

Based on an integrative approach to the study of the emotional–cognitive–motor linkage in sport competition, the purpose was to examine the mediating role of emotion-related (psychobiosocial) states in the relationship between self-efficacy (technical and cognitive) and performance in carom billiards. Forty-five male players of master or intermediate categories, between 30 and 74 years of age ( M = 51.2, SD = 10.8), participated in the study. Measures included scores of technical and cognitive self-efficacy, functional (i.e., facilitative to performance) and dysfunctional (i.e., debilitative to performance) psychobiosocial states, and performance outcome. The assessment took place prior to one game of a national or an international competition. Results showed technical self-efficacy, cognitive self-efficacy, functional states, and performance to be significantly and positively related among them. Functional psychobiosocial states mediated the effect of both technical and cognitive self-efficacy on performance. Overall, the findings supported an integrative approach to the study of the linkage among cognition, emotion, and action in sport.
Anatomie d’un tsunami : la percée électorale du Tea Party
Authors: Jacob Rafael
Published: July 2015

Résumé :

Dans le présent article, l’auteur examine les facteurs ayant favorisé la percée électorale du mouvement Tea Party. Il fait état d’éléments contextuels (notamment une conjoncture économique difficile) et institutionnels (comme le système d’élections primaires aux États-Unis). L’article se conclut avec une évaluation sommaire du rôle du Tea Party dans les années qui ont suivi cette montée initiale.
Bureaucracy in America: Reading Ryan’s Budget with Agamben
Authors: Trigg Christopher
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

The article analyses Paul Ryan’s 2013 budget proposal in conjunction with Giorgio Agamben’s The Kingdom and the Glory (2011). Agamben contends that early Christian attempts to differentiate between “the being of God and his activity” continue to structure politics today. Drawing on Agamben’s reading of Thomas Aquinas, I demonstrate how the argument of Ryan’s budget is not only predicated on fiscal responsibility and a moral objection to “big government” but also on a politico-theological conviction that bureaucracies of men and women should not intervene in matters best left to a free market guided by divine providence.
Production of bio-diesel from Pithraj (Aphanamixis polystachya) seed oil
Authors: Banik SK , Rouf MA , Khanam M , Islam MS , Rabeya T , Afrose F , Saha D
Published: July 2015

The Pithraj seed has been collected from Gazipur district, Bangladesh. The oil from the seed was extracted by using Soxhlet apparatus using petroleum ether extraction method. Maximum yield of oil was found to be 50 % when the process was carried out for 2.5 hours. The physicochemical properties of the extracted oil were studied. The properties of the oil reveal that the oil corresponds to diesel except acid value and sulphur content. The optimum conditions of the transesterification of the oil was 40% ethanol and 0.45% KOH at 75 0C for 1.5 hours. The optimum yield was more than 95 %.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 135-142, 2015
Insecticidal activity of different fractions of petroleum ether extract of Zingiber cassumunar rhizome against Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Talukder D , Haque AB MH , Zaman S , Islam MS , Islam MN , Khatun A
Published: July 2015

An experiment was carried out to investigate the efficacy of contact toxicity of different fractions of petroleum ether extract of Zinziber cassumunar Roxb. rhizome against Tribolium castaneum. Seventy-eight different fractions of petroleum ether extract were obtained from column chromatography. Elutes having the similar TLC behavior were combined in eight fractions and were named as: MN-1, MN-2, MN-3, MN-4, MN-5, MN-6, MN-7 and MN-8. Four separate fractions were collected from the MN-1 fraction by preparative thin layer chromatography. These four parts were washed with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. Thereafter, these were separated by small column and designated as: M1N1, M1N2, M1N3, M1N4, M2N1, M2N2, M2N3, M2N4, M3N1, M3N2, M3N3, M3N4, M4N1 and M4N2. Fractions of M1N2, M2N2, M3N2 and M4N2 were found to be the most effective against the beetle T. castaneum after 24, 48 and 72 hours. However, some fractions exhibited the moderate effect and other fractions did not work against the beetle.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 143-152, 2015
Review on the Photocatalyst Coatings of TiO2: Fabrication by Mechanical Coating Technique and Its Application
Authors: Lu Yun , Guan Sujun , Hao Liang , Yoshida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2015

This review presents the latest results of studies directed at photocatalyst coatings of titanium dioxide (TiO2) prepared by mechanical coating technique (MCT) and its application. Compared with traditional coating techniques, MCT is a simple, low cost and useful coating formation process, which is proposed and developed based on mechanical frictional wear and impacts between substrate materials and metal powder particles in the bowl of planetary ball mill. The formation process of the metal coatings in MCT includes four stages: The nucleation by adhesion, the formation and coalescence of discrete islands, formation and thickening of continuous coatings, exfoliation of continuous coatings. Further, two-step MCT was developed based on the MCT concept for preparing composite coatings on alumina (Al2O3) balls. This review also discusses the influence on the fabrication of photocatalyst coatings after MCT and improvement of its photocatalytic activity: oxidation conditions, coating materials, melt salt treatment. In this review, the oxidation conditions had been studied on the oxidation temperature of 573 K, 673 K, 773 K, 873 K, 973 K, 1173 K and 1273 K, the oxidation time of 0.5 h, 1 h, 3 h, 10 h, 15 h, 20 h, 30 h, 40 h, and 50 h. The photocatalyst coatings showed the highest photocatalytic activity with the oxidation condition of 1073 K for 15 h. The metal powder of Ti, Ni and Cr had been used as the coating materials. The composite metal powder could affect the surface structure and photocatalytic activity. On the other hand, the melt salt treatment with KNO3 is an effective method to form the nano-size structure and enhance photocatalytic activity, especially under visible light.
Evaluation of Alpha-Therapy with Radium-223-Dichloride in Castration Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer—the Role of Gamma Scintigraphy in Dosimetry and Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Kairemo Kalevi , Joensuu Timo , Rasulova Nigora , Kiljunen Timo , Kangasmäki Aki
Published: July 2015

Radium-223-dichloride (223RaCl2) is a new bone-seeking calcium analogue alpha-emitter, which has obtained marketing authorization for the treatment skeletal metastases of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. The current treatment regimen is based on six consecutive doses of 223RaCl2 at 4 week intervals and the administered activity dose, 50 kBq/kg per cycle is based on patient weight. We analyzed two patients using quantitative serial gamma imaging to estimate dosimetry in tumors and see possible pharmacokinetic differences in the treatment cycles. The lesions were rather well visualized in gamma scintigraphy in spite of low gamma activity (<1.1% gamma radiation) at 0, 7 and 28 days using 30–60 min acquisition times. Both our patients analyzed in serial gamma imagings, had two lesions in the gamma imaging field, the mean counts of the relative intensity varied from 27.8 to 36.5 (patient 1), and from 37.4 to 82.2 (patient 2). The half-lives varied from 1.8 days to 4.5 days during the six cycles (patient 1), and from 1.5 days to 3.6 days (patient 2), respectively. In the lesion half-lives calculated from the imaging the maximum difference between the treatment cycles in the same lesion was 2.0-fold (1.8 vs. 3.6). Of these patients, patient 1 demonstrated a serum PSA response, whereas there was no PSA response in patient 2. From our data, there were maximally up to 4.0-fold differences (62.1 vs. 246.6 ) between the relative absorbed radiation doses between patients as calculated from the quantitative standardized imaging to be delivered in only two lesions, and in the same lesion the maximum difference in the cycles was up to 2.3-fold (107.4 vs. 246.6). Our recommendation based on statistical simulation analysis, is serial measurement at days 0–8 at least 3 times, this improve the accuracy significantly to study the lesion activities, half-lives or calculated relative absorbed radiation doses as calculated from the imaging. Both our patients had originally two metastatic sites in the imaging field; the former patient demonstrated a serum PSA response and the latter demonstrated no PSA response. In these two patients there was no significant difference in the lesion activities, half-lives or calculated relative absorbed radiation doses as calculated from the quantitative imaging. Our results, although preliminary, suggest that dose monitoring can be included as a part of this treatment modality. On the other hand, from the absorbed radiation doses, the response cannot be predicted because with very similar doses, only the former patient responded.
Aging, Nutritional Status and Health
Authors: Leslie Wilma , Hankey Catherine
Published: July 2015

The older population is increasing worldwide and in many countries older people will outnumber younger people in the near future. This projected growth in the older population has the potential to place significant burdens on healthcare and support services. Meeting the diet and nutrition needs of older people is therefore crucial for the maintenance of health, functional independence and quality of life. While many older adults remain healthy and eat well those in poorer health may experience difficulties in meeting their nutritional needs. Malnutrition, encompassing both under and over nutrition increases health risks in the older population. More recently the increase in obesity, and in turn the incidence of chronic disease in older adults, now justifies weight management interventions in obese older adults. This growing population group is becoming increasingly diverse in their nutritional requirements. Micro-nutrient status may fluctuate and shortfalls in vitamin D, iron and a number of other nutrients are relatively common and can impact on well-being and quality of life. Aging presents a number of challenges for the maintenance of good nutritional health in older adults.
Chronic Exposure to Static Magnetic Fields from Magnetic Resonance Imaging Devices Deserves Screening for Osteoporosis and Vitamin D Levels: A Rat Model
Authors: Gungor Harun , Akkaya Semih , Ok Nusret , Yorukoglu Aygun , Yorukoglu Cagdas , Kiter Esat , Oguz Emin , Keskin Nazan , Mete Gulcin
Published: July 2015

Technicians often receive chronic magnetic exposures from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, mainly due to static magnetic fields (SMFs). Here, we ascertain the biological effects of chronic exposure to SMFs from MRI devices on the bone quality using rats exposed to SMFs in MRI examining rooms. Eighteen Wistar albino male rats were randomly assigned to SMF exposure (A), sham (B), and control (C) groups. Group A rats were positioned within 50 centimeters of the bore of the magnet of 1.5 T MRI machine during the nighttime for 8 weeks. We collected blood samples for biochemical analysis, and bone tissue samples for electron microscopic and histological analysis. The mean vitamin D level in Group A was lower than in the other groups (p = 0.002). The mean cortical thickness, the mean trabecular wall thickness, and number of trabeculae per 1 mm2 were significantly lower in Group A (p = 0.003). TUNEL assay revealed that apoptosis of osteocytes were significantly greater in Group A than the other groups (p = 0.005). The effect of SMFs in chronic exposure is related to movement within the magnetic field that induces low-frequency fields within the tissues. These fields can exceed the exposure limits necessary to deteriorate bone microstructure and vitamin D metabolism.
Effects of Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers in an Experimental Model of Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Azuma Kazuo , Nagae Tomone , Nagai Takeshi , Izawa Hironori , Morimoto Minoru , Murahata Yusuke , Osaki Tomohiro , Tsuka Takeshi , Imagawa Tomohiro , Ito Norihiko , Okamoto Yoshiharu , Saimoto Hiroyuki , Ifuku Shinsuke
Published: July 2015

This study evaluated the effects of oral administration of surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SDACNFs) on hypercholesterolemia using an experimental model. All rats were fed a high cholesterol diet with 1% w/w cholesterol and 0.5% w/w cholic acid for 28 days. Rats were divided equally into four groups: the control group was administered 0.05% acetic acid dissolved in tap water, and the SDACNF, chitosan (CS), and cellulose nanofiber (CLNF) groups were administered 0.1% CNF, CS, or CLNF dissolved in the tap water, respectively, during the experimental period. Changes in body weight, intake of food and water, and organ weight were measured. Serum blood chemistry and histopathological examination of the liver were performed. Administration of SDACNF did not affect body weight change, food and water intake, or organ weights. Administration of SDACNF and CS decreased the diet-induced increase in serum total cholesterol, chylomicron, very-low-density lipoprotein, and phospholipid levels on day 14. Moreover, oral administration of SDACNFs suppressed the increase of alanine transaminase levels on day 29 and suppressed vacuolar degeneration and accumulation of lipid droplets in liver tissue. These data indicate that SDACNF has potential as a functional food for patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Molecular Mechanisms to Control Post-Transplantation Hepatitis B Recurrence
Authors: Takaki Akinobu , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Yagi Takahito
Published: July 2015

Hepatitis B often progresses to decompensated liver cirrhosis requiring orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Although newer nucleos(t)ide analogues result in >90% viral and hepatitis activity control, severely decompensated patients still need OLT because of drug-resistant virus, acute exacerbation, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Acute hepatitis B is also an indication for OLT, because it can progress to fatal acute liver failure. After OLT, the hepatitis B recurrence rate is >80% without prevention, while >90% of transplant recipients are clinically controlled with combined hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment. However, long-term HBIG administration is associated with several unresolved issues, including limited availability and extremely high cost; therefore, several treatment protocols with low-dose HBIG, combined with nucleos(t)ide analogues, have been investigated. Another approach is to induce self-producing anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) antibodies using an HBV envelope (HBs) antigen vaccine. Patients who are not HBV carriers, such as those with acutely infected liver failure, are good candidates for vaccination. For chronic HBV carrier liver cirrhosis patients, a successful vaccine response can only be achieved in selected patients, such as those treated with experimentally reduced immunosuppression protocols. The present protocol for post-OLT HBV control and the future prospects of newer treatment strategies are reviewed.
Privacy, Personhood, and Property in the Age of Genomics
Authors: Bonython Wendy , Arnold Bruce
Published: July 2015

Revolutions in genetic technology have heralded the age of population-scale genomic metadata. This article analyzes the tensions and gaps between traditional conceptions of personhood and international legal responses to a person’s right over disembodied data obtained from his/her body. The opportunities for breakthroughs in healthcare by interrogating population-scale genomic databases are accompanied by questions about privacy, property, dignity, and the nature of information regulation in a global economy. This article highlights instances where law and policy makers have grappled with these challenges, and foreshadows some emerging future challenges. It also highlights differences between jurisdictions, and calls for greater global participation in the development of a coherent framework, rather than continued reliance on a small number of stakeholders, to develop that framework.
Identification of Forested Landslides Using LiDar Data, Object-based Image Analysis, and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Li Xianju , Cheng Xinwen , Chen Weitao , Chen Gang , Liu Shengwei
Published: July 2015

For identification of forested landslides, most studies focus on knowledge-based and pixel-based analysis (PBA) of LiDar data, while few studies have examined (semi-) automated methods and object-based image analysis (OBIA). Moreover, most of them are focused on soil-covered areas with gentle hillslopes. In bedrock-covered mountains with steep and rugged terrain, it is so difficult to identify landslides that there is currently no research on whether combining semi-automated methods and OBIA with only LiDar derivatives could be more effective. In this study, a semi-automatic object-based landslide identification approach was developed and implemented in a forested area, the Three Gorges of China. Comparisons of OBIA and PBA, two different machine learning algorithms and their respective sensitivity to feature selection (FS), were first investigated. Based on the classification result, the landslide inventory was finally obtained according to (1) inclusion of holes encircled by the landslide body; (2) removal of isolated segments, and (3) delineation of closed envelope curves for landslide objects by manual digitizing operation. The proposed method achieved the following: (1) the filter features of surface roughness were first applied for calculating object features, and proved useful; (2) FS improved classification accuracy and reduced features; (3) the random forest algorithm achieved higher accuracy and was less sensitive to FS than a support vector machine; (4) compared to PBA, OBIA was more sensitive to FS, remarkably reduced computing time, and depicted more contiguous terrain segments; (5) based on the classification result with an overall accuracy of 89.11% ± 0.03%, the obtained inventory map was consistent with the referenced landslide inventory map, with a position mismatch value of 9%. The outlined approach would be helpful for forested landslide identification in steep and rugged terrain.