bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binary and analogue markers of skeletal maturity: Clinical utility of the thenar and plantar sesamoids
Authors: Nicholson A. D. , Sanders J. O. , Liu R. W. , Cooperman D. R.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

We investigate the thenar and plantar sesamoids as markers of skeletal maturity, and grade appearance using two scales, a binary system (absent or present), and an analogue system that relies upon judging regular changes in morphological appearance.

Methods

We studied 94 healthy children (49 female and 45 male patients) between ages three and 18 years who had approximately 700 serially acquired sets of radiographs and physical examinations. The children had at least annual radiographs taken of the left hand and left foot. Velocity of growth was calculated and curves were fit to a cubic spline model to determine age of maximum height velocity, or peak height velocity (PHV). Appearance of the plantar and thenar sesamoids was recorded using a binary system classifying the sesamoids as absent or present and an analogue system classifying the sesamoid as absent, present as a small ossification centre or larger than a small ossification centre.

Results

The plantar sesamoids appear 1.67 years before PHV and reach mature size 1.02 years after PHV. The thenar sesamoids appear 0.32 years before PHV and reach mature size 2.25 years after PHV. The plantar sesamoids are present and thenar sesamoids are absent at a mean 1.5 years prior to PHV. No patients had the thenar sesamoids present while the plantar sesamoids were absent.

Conclusion

As binary markers, when the plantar and thenar sesamoids are considered together it is possible to localize maturity. As analogue markers, they offer more information. The sesamoids also allow clarification of the calcaneal and Sanders stages.

Level of Evidence

Not Applicable.
[Insert emoji or avatar here]: Phenomenology and digital research
Authors: Blackmon Stephanie J.
Published: February 2018

The way people engage and communicate with each other has changed tremendously since the advent of virtual worlds and other online learning and social networking modalities. Technological advances have made it possible for people to interact with each other and environments differently. For researchers interested in these environments and people’s experiences with them, traditional research methods may not capture the nuanced nature of these online interactions. Some researchers continue to use traditional methods to examine participants’ online experiences. However, other researchers have adapted traditional methods to fit the unique nature of online environments. In a similar fashion, this work proposes a way to conduct phenomenological research that is specific to the online environment. The work deals specifically with the way one researcher conducted a study in a virtual world, but these methods can be used in other online environments as well.
Worlds in and of motion: Agency and animation at the margins of video game aesthetics
Authors: Johnson Daniel
Published: February 2018

What is the relationship between player-controlled movement and animation in game media? How do game worlds respond to the movement of characters through different types of space? This article will draw on concepts such as animation, figuration and vitality to analyse some of the ways that in-game animations and graphical rendering activity are activated by player-controlled movement through three-dimensional game environments. The sudden ‘blinking in’ of environmental features in the distant horizon as the player approaches and more gradual ‘filling in’ of graphical detail in objects such as plants, rocks and shadows close to the player character/camera in games such as Red Dead Redemption and Shadow of the Colossus provide materials for considering how animation might be developed as a concept for describing the connection between player agency and game-world visual activity in the said media. Graphical rendering properties such as draw distance and texture pop-in that are tied to the spatial relationship between a player character/camera and game-world objects will be some of the primary ways this dynamic of movement and animation will be analysed.
Book Review
Authors: Henderson Brian
Published: February 2018

Educating in a virtual world

Learning in Virtual Worlds: Research and Applications, Sue Gregory, Mark J. W. Lee, Barney Dalgarno and Belinda Tynan (eds) (2016)

1st ed., Edmonton, Alberta: Athabasca University Press, 319 pp.,

ISBN: 9781771991339, p/bk, $39.95 (CAD)
uso da linguagem no desenvolvimento do pensamento humano
Authors: Oliveira Abreu Márcia Martins de , Arena Adriana Pastorello Buim
Published: February 2018

O presente ensaio é resultado de reflexões acerca da temática linguagem, tecidas por meio de interlocuções com alguns teóricos, dentre os quais Bakhtin e Volochínov, Charaudeau, Vygotsky e Wittgenstein. O estudo tem o objetivo de buscar subsídios para melhor compreensão da linguagem e de sua relação com o pensamento no desenvolvimento humano. O estudo convida o leitor para uma reflexão sobre as experiências humanas com a linguagem, explicitando aspectos inerentes a ela como a dialogicidade, a dialética, a criatividade, a contextualização e processos de bricolagem que se materializam em sua utilização.
Escrita na Educação Infantil e Teoria Histórico-Cultural: desafios e especificidades
Authors: Lima Elieuza Aparecida de , Ribeiro Aline Escobar Magalhães , Prieto Mariana Natal
Published: February 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir questões referentes Ã  Educação Infantil, especialmente a criação da necessidade de expressão da criança por meio da escrita e as especificidades desse processo. Nosso diálogo com leitor(a) ampara-se em pesquisa bibliográfica, motivada a partir das seguintes questões: a aprendizagem da escrita restringe-se a aspectos técnicos? A aprendizagem desses aspectos efetiva a constituição de leitores e produtores de textos? Alicerçadas em pressupostos da Teoria Histórico-Cultural, compreendemos a escrita como instrumento cultural complexo (VYGOTSKI, 1995; LURIA, 1989), usado pela humanidade para comunicar e expressar pensamentos, aprendizagens e ideias. Nessa perspectiva, o ensino da escrita, nas Escolas de Educação Infantil (EEI), supera práticas alicerçadas em aspectos técnicos, expressadas na apresentação e reprodução de letras e da formação de palavras, que, por não contemplarem a essência do processo, podem limitar e comprometer o desenvolvimento pleno da criança. A fim de que a escola possa contribuir para as aprendizagens e o desenvolvimento infantil em relação à linguagem escrita, é fundamental considerar que toda aprendizagem da criança na escola tem uma pré-história. No que concerne à linguagem escrita, o desenho pictográfico e o jogo de papéis sociais são atividades que antecedem a aquisição da escrita, por impulsionarem o surgimento da representação simbólica na criança. Os estudos de Vygotski (1995) e Luria (1989) revelam o valor de a escola conhecer a pré-história da linguagem escrita como fundamento para contemplar, em suas propostas pedagógicas, as especificidades desse processo e, a partir disso, possibilitar às crianças a vivência de situações nas quais utilize a escrita como instrumento cultural, em sua função social.
50 Years of New Jersey History
Authors: Cureton Sara R.
Published: February 2018

The following remarks were delivered by Sara R. Cureton at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the New Jersey Historical Commission on December 4, 2017 in Trenton. The New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC) is a state agency dedicated to the advancement of public knowledge and preservation of New Jersey history. Established by law in 1967, its work is founded on the fundamental belief that an understanding of our shared heritage is essential to sustaining a cohesive and robust democracy. The NJHC receives its funding primarily by legislative appropriation. It fulfills its mission through various initiatives, including an active grant program. The goal of the grant program is to engage diverse audiences and practitioners in the active exploration, enjoyment, interpretation, understanding, and preservation of New Jersey history.
¡Venceremos! Harambee!: A Black & Puerto Rican Union?
Authors: O'Brien Lauren
Published: February 2018

In November of 1969, 2,700 members of Newark’s African American and Puerto Rican community assembled at the Black and Puerto Rican Political Convention to mobilize and strategize a plan to gain socio-political power. Unified through their discrimination in housing, employment, and police brutality, Newark’s communities of color resolved that the election of the city’s first Black mayor would provide a solution to many of their problems. Accordingly, the election of Kenneth Gibson validated the communities’ unified efforts and symbolized one of the most successful multiracial coalitions in Newark’s history. Although a monumental milestone, not all Newarkers remembered the convention as a symbol of hope and unity amongst Newark’s marginalized. For many Puerto Ricans, Gibson’s victory was the impetus for a major rift between Puerto Ricans and African Americans. While the history of the Black and Puerto Rican coalition is quite rich, it is largely unexamined within dominant narratives about the 1967 Newark Rebellion. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to excavate the details of the Black and Puerto Rican coalition in order to weave together a more complete, multiracial narrative about the Newark Rebellion that both includes and necessitates the legacy of Puerto Ricans within the long history of Newark community activism.
Winter 2018 Research Notes
Authors: Authors Various
Published: February 2018

In this issue, we bring you for the first time “Research Notes,” inaugurated to allow scholars to share their works in progress and solicit feedback from others in the NJ History community. Thanks to editorial board member Matthew Tomaso for his help with this new endeavor. Please email submissions for the Summer 2018 issue to mziobro@monmouth.edu.
The Prize: Who’s in Charge of America’s Schools?
Authors: Cooper Melissa
Published: February 2018

Melissa Cooper reviewing Dale Russakoff's The Prize: Who’s in Charge of America’s Schools?
Fatal Sunday: George Washington, the Monmouth Campaign, and the Politics of Battle
Authors: Timpanaro Michael
Published: February 2018

Michael Timpanaro reviewing Mark Edward Lender and Garry Wheeler Stone's Fatal Sunday: George Washington, the Monmouth Campaign, and the Politics of Battle
Establishment of “The South African Bioinformatics Student Council” and Activity Highlights
Authors: Rafael Candice Nancy , Ambler Jon , Niehaus Antoinette , Ross James , Tastan Bishop Ozlem
Published: February 2018

The South African Bioinformatics Student Council (SASBiSC) in bioinformatics has been set up to increase the visibility of bioinformatics as well as to filter information to students within the field regarding job, funding and workshop opportunities as they arise. This is a short description of the process of setting up a national Student Council for Bioinformatics in South Africa, affiliating to the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB). We also report two examples of activities that were carried out over the last two years that are: 1) participation in the SciFest Africa; and 2) the organisation of the first Bioinformatics Student Symposium.  We hope that our experience and methods for the creation of SASBiSC and of collaborative communities can be useful to others who might want to do the same.
Mobile microscopy for the examination of blood samples
Authors: Pfeil Juliane , Frohme Marcus , Schulze Katja
Published: February 2018

The analysis of blood is one of the best possibilities to diagnose and control diseases and deficiency symptoms. Common blood tests that are performed in medical laboratories are time-consuming and work-intensive. In under-developed areas, there is often also a lack of specialised staff and facilities. The development of a mobile microscopic system that contains an automated image analysis and that can be used via a smartphone, could represent a valuable help to improve the diagnostic care, especially in those areas. it aims to enable a very fast, cheap, location- and knowledge-independent application for many use cases.
Effect of selected feed additives on egg performance and eggshell quality in laying hens fed a diet with standard or decreased calcium content
Authors: Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Arczewska-Włosek Anna , Krawczyk Józefa , Szczurek Witold , Puchała Michał , Józefiak Damian
Published: February 2018

The aim of the experiment with 240 ISA Brown hens fed the diets with standard or decreased Ca level was to evaluate the effect of selected feed additives on laying performance and eggshell quality. The hens were allocated to 10 treatments, each containing 12 cages (replicates) of 2 birds. A 2 × 5 experimental arrangement was used. From 26 to 70 wks of age, experimental diets containing 3.20 or 3.70% Ca were used. The diets were either not supplemented, or supplemented with sodium butyrate, probiotic bacteria, herb extracts blend or chitosan. The decreased dietary Ca reduced eggshell quality indices in older hens (43-69 wks) (P<0.05) without effect on performance indices. The addition of the probiotic, herb extracts, or chitosan increased the laying rate (P<0.05). In older hens, i.e. at 69 wk, chitosan increased eggshell thickness and breaking strength, while herb extracts increased eggshell thickness (P<0.05). There was no interaction between the experimental factors in performance and eggshell quality. The used feed additives had no influence on fatty acid profile of egg lipids, however diet supplementation with chitosan decreased cholesterol concentration in egg yolk lipids (P<0.05). It can be concluded that such feed additives as probiotic, herb extracts, or chitosan may positively affect performance and eggshell quality, irrespective of Ca dietary level.
Limited Liability and High Bids in English Auctions
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Ruqu
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we investigate how limited liability affects firms’ bidding behavior in license auctions. We focus on a model where firms first seek financing from banks, then bid for the licenses, and the winning firms set prices in a product market with uncertain demand. In a model of one license, the winning firm becomes a monopoly. A higher bid induces a higher product price. In a model of two licenses, a higher bid provides a positive externality to all other firms. In both models, bids are extremely high in the English auction, and the English auction always generates more revenue than the first-price/discriminatory auction.
Local Government Challenges’ to Implement Public Private Partnership Projects in Indonesia
Authors: Sondang S. Erwin , Sumaryana Asep , Widianingsih Ida , Nurasa Heru
Published: February 2018

This paper aims is to analyze several challenges’ those faced by local governments in Indonesia, including its provinces, districts and cities, in implementing the Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. The analysis is focused on 3 challenges, as follows: 1) budget; 2) regulations (Act Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, Government Regulation Number 27 of 2014 concerning Government Asset Management and Presidential Regulation Number 38 of 2015 concerning Public and Private Partnership for Provision of Infrastructure), and 3) the party that involve on PPP projects. Therefore, some of the developed recommendations are expected to be solution for the local government in addressing these challenges.
The problem of distressed personality in a group of female footballers representing a club in the women’s first football league in Poland
Authors: Rutkowska Katarzyna , Bergier Józef , Kasprowicz Marcin
Published: February 2018

Purpose. One of the keys to identifying health problems from the holistic perspective is the knowledge of Type D personality (distressed personality). Diagnosing this personality disorder among female football players may help sports psychologists, coaches, parents/caregivers, and all those engaged in training new sports entrants develop guidelines on how to resolve the problem. Methods. The study involved female footballers representing a Polish Ekstraliga football club, AZS-PSW Biała Podlaska, and was conducted with the use of the Polish adaptation of the DS14 scale. Results. In a group of 21 footballers, 7 (33.3%) were diagnosed with Type D personality. Besides, a negative correlation was noted between the level of satisfaction with playing football and one of the dimensions of Type D personality - negative emotionality. Conclusions. The results of the study may be applicable in formulating practical recommendations while preparing mental training programmes.
Warum Germanien? Überlegungen zu den Motiven der augusteischen Expansionspolitik
Authors: Eich Armin
Published: February 2018

Während der Regierungszeit des Augustus versuchte das Imperium Romanum in einer großen militärischen Anstrengung, die Stammesterritorien östlich des Rheins zu unterwerfen und zu annektieren, ein Plan, der schließlich scheiterte. Nach einer bereits früher durch den Autor vertretenen Auffassung waren bei dem Eroberungsplänen (in Germanien wie generell bei den augusteischen Kriegen) vor allem fiskalische Gesichtspunkte leitend, da sich die Reichsregierung gezwungen sah, für das neue stehende Heer eine stabile Finanzierungsgrundlage zu schaffen. Diese These wird vertieft und gegen Kritik verteidigt. Gegen das Argument, dass die rückständigen und unterentwickelten germanischen Gebiete keinen Anreiz für einen vor allem fiskalisch denkenden Eroberer boten, wird die Auffassung entwickelt und begründet, dass es dem kaiserzeitlichen Imperium nicht um kurzfristige Beuteabschöpfung ging, sondern eine langfristige In-Wert-Setzung der annektierten Territorien das Ziel war. Insofern kann durchaus von einem römischen „Entwicklungsimperialismus“ gesprochen werden.
Peter der Große und Russlands Fenster nach Asien
Authors: Renner Andreas
Published: February 2018

Peter der Große ist als der Zar in die Geschichte eingegangen, der Russland für Europa öffnete und zu einer Großmacht in Europa verwandelte. In diesem Narrativ kommt Asien nicht vor. Doch so sehr die Transformation und der Aufstieg des Petrinischen Russland seine westliche Nachbarn beeindruckte – beide Prozesse waren auch deswegen möglich, weil das Zarenreich seit Jahrhunderten ein Imperium in Asien gewesen war und bis zu seinem Untergang blieb. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht, was die Westorientierung Peters für die asiatischen Reichsteile und Nachbarn Russlands bedeutete. Zar Peter knüpfte einerseits die diplomatischen und Handelskontakte seiner Vorgänger weiter, scheiterte aber andererseits daran, die Mächtekonstellation in Asien militärisch so nachhaltig zu verändern wie die im Nordosten Europas. Trotz der starken Faszination Peters für den „Westen“ bildete der Respekt gegenüber bzw. das Interesse an China, Japan oder Indien eine Grundlage seiner Politik. Der Traum, Russland zu einer kulturellen und ökonomischen Brücke zwischen Europa und Asien zu verwandeln, entstand in der Petrinischen Zeit und wirkt bis in die Gegenwart. Dass die Forschung lange Zeit mehr an Russland in Europa als an Russland in Asien interessiert war, folgte sowohl aus der Selbststilisierung Peters und seiner Nachfolger zu europäischen Herrschern als auch aus den historiographischen Traditionen des 19. Jahrhunderts.
Development of a Low Cost Power Meter Based on A Digital Signal Controller
Authors: Bucci Giovanni , Ciancetta Fabrizio , D’innocenzo Flavio , Fiorucci Edoardo , Ometto Antonio
Published: February 2018

The monitoring of power quality is a central topic for both household electrical and industrial equipment. Typically, the lacks of quality in a power system (both a public mains and an industrial power supply network) involve interruptions and deviations of the actual supply signals from the nominal characteristics, with potential annoying effects in electrical power systems and problems in industrial and communication apparatus. In this paper, the design and implementation of a measuring system based on a high-performance microcontroller that carries out the power quality analysis of the mains is presented. The system measures the fundamental parameters related to the system under monitoring, that can be a single or a three phase network. The proposed measurement instrument is mainly based on the Microchip PIC32MZ2048ECH100 Digital Signal Controller (DSC) and the Texas Instruments ADS8558 A/D converters (ADCs). Starting from voltage and current sampled values, simultaneously acquired by the converters, the DSC calculates the following parameters: frequency; RMS voltage; RMS current; phase shift; active power; reactive power; apparent power; THD. The measured parameters are also externally transmitted via a serial link. In the paper a prototype of the proposed instrument is described. It is linked to a PC and results shown on a LabVIEW based user interface, reporting also results from lab tests during the metrological characterization phase. Its main features (cost effectiveness, reduced dimensions and low power consumption) make it suitable for installation into existing electric cabinet of civil and commercial users. The continuous and real-time monitoring capability, managed both locally or remotely, is one of the most interesting features.
Positivity and Stability of Standard and Fractional Descriptor Continuous-Time Linear and Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: February 2018

The positivity and stability of standard and fractional descriptor continuous-time linear and nonlinear systems are addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of descriptor linear and sufficient conditions for nonlinear systems are established. Using an extension of Lyapunov method sufficient conditions for the stability of positive nonlinear systems are given. The considerations are extended to fractional nonlinear systems.
Geodetic analysis of disputed accurate qibla direction
Authors: Saksono Tono , Fulazzaky Mohamad Ali , Sari Zamah
Published: February 2018

Muslims perform the prayers facing towards the correct qibla direction would be the only one of the practical issues in linking theoretical studies with practice. The concept of facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca during the prayers has long been the source of controversy among the muslim communities to not only in poor and developing countries but also in developed countries. The aims of this study were to analyse the geodetic azimuths of qibla calculated using three different models of the Earth. The use of ellipsoidal model of the Earth could be the best method for determining the accurate direction of Kaaba from anywhere on the Earth’s surface. A muslim cannot direct himself towards the qibla correctly if he cannot see the Kaaba due to setting out process and certain motions during the prayer this can significantly shift the qibla direction from the actual position of the Kaaba. The requirement of muslim prayed facing towards the Kaaba is more as spiritual prerequisite rather than physical evidence.
Linguistic landscape in the city of Isfahan in Iran: The representation of languages and identities in Julfa
Authors: Rezaei Saeed , Tadayyon Maedeh
Published: February 2018

This paper reports on the diversity of languages displayed in the linguistic landscape of Julfa district, a largely Armenian dominated area, in the city of Isfahan in Iran. The data included a corpus of 323 photographs taken from the top-down and bottom-up signage in this quarter of the city. Ethnographic fieldwork was also conducted to reach a deeper understanding of the linguistic landscape in Julfa. The results of the analyses indicated that Julfa, as home to Armenians in diaspora and also a luxurious neighborhood frequented by more modern strata of the Isfahani society, is occupied more noticeably with Persian and English language and to a lesser extent with Armenian language. The findings further revealed that this neighborhood represents not only Iranian but also Armenian and Christian identities. The results are analyzed based on Bourdieu’s theory of language as a symbolic power. Furthermore, the collective identity and language ecology of Julfa in Isfahan are discussed. At the end, some lines of research for further studies in the LL of Iran are provided.
Functional Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Authors: Godek Piotr , Ruciński Wojciech , Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka Grażyna
Published: February 2018

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial compression (vascular and neurogenic) syndromes both due to the fact it is difficult to diagnose and because of the lack of generally accepted standard procedures. It is estimated that this condition occurs in 10 out of 100 000 people, while clinical examinations reveal that arterial symptoms are more common than neurogenic ones. This work presents a pathogenesis of the functional type of the syndrome with regard to contemporary studies analysing the effects of currently applied forms of conservative treatment. The study presents arguments concerning the significance of proper diagnosis which makes it possible to individualise the therapy according to current trends in rehabilitation mentioned in the available literature and resulting from the authors’ own experience.
Advances in fixed-bed reactor modeling using particle-resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Jurtz Nico , Kraume Matthias , Wehinger Gregor D.
Published: February 2018

In 2006, Dixon et al. published the comprehensive review article entitled “Packed tubular reactor modeling and catalyst design using computational fluid dynamics.” More than one decade later, many researchers have contributed to novel insights, as well as a deeper understanding of the topic. Likewise, complexity has grown and new issues have arisen, for example, by coupling microkinetics with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In this review article, the latest advances are summarized in the field of modeling fixed-bed reactors with particle-resolved CFD, i.e. a geometric resolution of every pellet in the bed. The current challenges of the detailed modeling are described, i.e. packing generation, meshing, and solving with an emphasis on coupling microkinetics with CFD. Applications of this detailed approach are discussed, i.e. fluid dynamics and pressure drop, dispersion, heat and mass transfer, as well as heterogeneous catalytic systems. Finally, conclusions and future prospects are presented.
Administration of valine, leucine, and isoleucine improved plasma cholesterol and mitigated the preatherosclerotic lesions in rats fed with hypercholesterolemic diet
Authors: Ifrim Simona , Amalinei Cornelia , Cojocaru Elena , Matei Mioara Calipsoana
Published: February 2018

Hypercholesterolemia has a major contribution to the occurrence and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Recent studies report the involvement of branched-chain amino acids in cholesterol methabolism. The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of valine, leucine and isoleucine on the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis in rats receiving hypercholesterolic diet. Material and methods: 50 male Wistar rats distributed into five groups with the following type of diets: group I (control) received standard diet; group II - cholesterol; group III - cholesterol and valine; group IV - cholesterol and leucine; group V - cholesterol and isoleucine. The experimental study was conducted over a period of 2 months. The animals were evaluated for the serum levels of total cholesterol at the beginning of the experiment, after 1 month and after 2 months. The collected tissue fragments of heart and aorta were prepared for the examination by optical microscopy in order to identify the atherosclerotic changes. Results: The most increased values of serum cholesterol were recorded in rats from group II (p=0.001), for the second and third evaluation. The histological examination showed early histopathological lesions on the vascular intima for the groups treated with cholesterol, valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These early changes (the occurrence of some superficial endothelial erosions, adhesion of erythrocytes and platelets) were correlated with the degree of the arterial wall damage, of the leukocytes adhesion to the arterial intima, and the discontinuities of the internal elastic lamina. Conclusion: The comparative study of the effects of the three essential amino acids revealed that valine induced a faster response than leucine and isoleucine on the improvement of biochemical parameters, but there were no significant differences between the three amino acids in terms of their protective ability, demonstrated by the histopathological lesion assessment.
The impact of immunological and biomolecular investigations on the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia - experience of IIIrd Paediatric Clinic Timisoara
Authors: Jinca Cristian , Petrescu Carmen Angela Maria , Boeriu Estera , Oprisoni Andrada , Balint-Gib Loredana , Baica Mihaela , Popa Cristina , Andreescu Nicoleta , Serban Margit , Ursu Emilia , Arghirescu Smaranda
Published: February 2018

Introduction. The unsatisfactory results of the survival in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) until 2000 in our center have led us to improve the approach of diagnosis and therapy. Since 2003 in all patients the following have been performed: flow cytometry, conventional genetic diagnosis, FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization), and molecular biology. Objectives. Our aims were to identify solutions to increase patients’ survival. Patients and method. It is a single-center, retrospective study of 136 patients with ALL treated at 3rd Pediatric Clinic of Timisoara, over a period of 10 years (2003-2012), where survival was assessed. Results. Morphologically, 86% of the patients were L1 type, 13% L2 type and 1% L3 type. Flow citometry revealed that 68% were ALL with B precursors, and 19% with T immunophenotype. Acute leukemia with mixed phenotype (biphenotypic) was identified in 2.3% of patients and 10.7% of the forms were acute leukemia with myeloid markers. In 27.7% of patients, mutations were detected by the RT-PCR method, the most commonly identified was TEL-AML1 (ETV6- RUNX1) accounting for 12.7% of the cases. Relapse-free survival at 5 years for the entire group was 59%, and for the group treated between 2008 and 2012 it was 72%. Conclusion. Our analysis confirms the decisive value of laboratory investigations for the prognosis and improvement of supportive therapy.
Organised physical exercising of the 19th century: The need, politics, ideology
Authors: Živanović Nenad , Milošević Zoran
Published: February 2018

The history of the 19th century, filled with various social turning points and diverse ups and downs, points equally clearly to the need for organised physical exercising. Naturally, there are various reasons for that, but they could be all classified in three groups: a) as the need - for physical exercise, that salutary food for a human being; b) as politics - due to waging of both the wars of conquest and wars of defence; c) and as ideology - which can be noted in the need for emerging and development of ethnocentric development of physical exercising. As always, people who could see farther and better than others thanks to their education, vision and emphasised patriotism were behind the idea of the need for organised physical exercising. Such people could be found in every part of turbulent Europe and each of them cared for and tried to help in preservation of their own people. In the territories populated by the Serbs we should mention the educators and patriots who raised high the torch of enlightenment working at the times full of challenges and difficult social circumstances. They were Vasa Pelagić, Djordje Natošević and Steva Todorović.
Methodology of the Sokol physical exercises for all times
Authors: Kragujević Gabrijela
Published: February 2018

Under the influence of the French bourgeois revolution and the free-minded, educated patriots, many European nations, revolted by the state and position of their peoples, awoke. Strongly influenced by democratism, liberalism and national romanticism, the first national states were created in Europe (Germany, France, and Italy), while in nationally deprived entities there were national leaders of the "revolutionary" movements striving towards national emancipation from the foreign authorities. Under the given social and historical circumstances in the Czech Republic, a gymnastic society was founded with the basic task of a camouflaged struggle for national revival and emancipation. It required the physical power, health, and morale of people, with the contribution of physical exercise with its means and methods. This opinion was the guiding principle for Miroslav Tyrš, MD, and his close associates who established, developed and expanded the Sokol gymnastic system, transformed from the higher national importance to the Slavic Sokol movement and creation of a universal humanistic system of physical exercise. The Sokol gymnastic system was based on democratic liberal ideological foundations, consisting of unique, consistent and coherent elements: organizations, ideologies, systems of physical exercises, socio-educational methods, Sokol dedication, members and Sokol press. The Sokol educational methodology was one of the most important elements of their work, and it could be carried out only in symbiosis and synergy with the Sokol ideology, the system of physical exercises, members and printed material. The Sokol gymnastic system was built on a scientific basis and systematics with its source in philosophical views of Tyrš and his immediate personal experience.
The syntax of two types of sluicing in Tamil
Authors: Leung Tommi
Published: February 2018

Recent analyses of sluicing focus on the underlying structure of the sluiced clause, i.e. sluicing as deriving from full-fledged wh-questions, or from reduced clefts (Ross 1969, Guess who? In Robert I. Binnick, Alice Davison, Georgia M. Green & Jerry L. Morgan (eds.),Proceedings of the Fifth Regional Meeting of the Chicago Linguistic Society, 252–286. Chicago, IL: Chicago Linguistic Society, University of Chicago; Merchant 2001,The syntax of silence. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press; Craenenbroeck, Jeroen van. 2010b.The syntax of ellipsis: Evidence from Dutch dialects. Oxford, NY: Oxford University Press., inter alia). In this paper, we investigate two sluicing strategies in Spoken Tamil, namelycase-marked(CM) andnon-case-marked(NCM) sluicing. In addition to the morphological distinction with respect to the presence/absence of grammatical case on the wh-sluice, we argue that the two types of sluicing differ in the configuration of the underlying embedded CP. For CM sluicing, the sluiced clause is derived from a full-fledged interrogative CP at the underlying level, whereas the bare wh-sluice undergoes leftward wh-scrambling to the CP-initial position followed by TP-domain deletion at PF. While we contend that most A/A’-diagnostics are uninformative of the type of operation wh-scrambling in Tamil involves (contra Sarma 2003, Non-Canonical word order: Topic and focus in adult and child tamil. In Karimi Simin (eds.),Word order and scrambling, 238–272. Malden, Oxford: Blackwell), various properties of the CM wh-sluice (e.g. scope, negation, adverb placement, multiple sluicing) can still be described by postulating that the wh-sluice involves A’-scrambling. For the second type of sluicing (NCM sluicing), the sluiced clause involves a biclausal structure formed by a normal sentence and a null copular question. We claim that the NCM wh-sluice is derived fromSpad(Sluicing Plus A Demonstrative), since the null copular question can be accompanied by a demonstrative, cf. English ‘John met someone, who is that?’ and Dutch spading (Van Craenenbroeck 2010b). Spad is not derived from a full-fledged interrogative CP, and therefore its wh-sluice does not involve any scrambling operation. The present analysis of Tamil sluicing refutes the claim that reduced clefts are one underlying sluicing source in Dravidian languages, and moreover invites an inquiry of whether Dravidian as a language family in the historical sense always receives a homogeneous analysis, given the immense parametric variation among branch languages. In the same vein, we contend that any claim about the ‘principles’ of Dravidian syntax must be supported by strong cross-linguistic evidence at the microscopic level.
Upper Bounds for Double Exponential Sums Along a Subsequence
Authors: White Christopher J.
Published: February 2018

We consider a class of double exponential sums studied in a paper of Sinai and Ulcigrai. They proved a linear bound for these sums along the sequence of denominators in the continued fraction expansion of α, provided α is badly-approximable. We provide a proof of a result, which includes a simple proof of their theorem, and which applies for all irrational α.
Palindromic Closures and Thue-Morse Substitution for Markoff Numbers
Authors: Reutenauer Christophe , Vuillon Laurent
Published: February 2018

We state a new formula to compute the Markoff numbers using iterated palindromic closure and the Thue-Morse substitution. The main theorem shows that for each Markoff number m, there exists a word v ∈ {a, b}∗ such that m − 2 is equal to the length of the iterated palindromic closure of the iterated antipalindromic closure of the word av. This construction gives a new recursive construction of the Markoff numbers by the lengths of the words involved in the palindromic closure. This construction interpolates between the Fibonacci numbers and the Pell numbers.
Uncanny Subsequence Selections That Generate Normal Numbers
Authors: Vandehey Joseph
Published: February 2018

Given a real number 0.a1a2a3 . . . that is normal to base b, we examine increasing sequences ni so that the number 0.an1an2an3 . . . are normal to base b. Classically, it is known that if the ni form an arithmetic progression, then this will work. We give several more constructions including ni that are recursively defined based on the digits ai. Of particular interest, we show that if a number is normal to base b, then removing all the digits from its expansion which equal (b−1) leaves a base-(b−1) expansion that is normal to base (b − 1)
Corrigendum to the h-Critical Number of Finite Abelian Groups
Authors: Bajnok Béla
Published: February 2018

We here correct two errors of our paper cited in the title: one in the statement of Theorem 5 and another in the proof of Theorem 11.
N Donor substituted acetylacetones – versatile ditopic ligands
Authors: Kremer Marius , Englert Ulli
Published: February 2018

Acetylacetone (2,4-pentanedione) derivatives with N donor substituents represent ditopic ligands with coordination sites of distinctly different Pearson hardness. Deprotonation of the acetylacetone (Hacac) moiety leads to O,O′ chelating monoanionic (acac) ligands suitable for coordination to hard cations. The softer N donor site(s) preferably act as nucleophiles towards softer partners. When the organic molecules are employed as linkers and coordinate via either site, they are often selective and allow to synthesize well-ordered heterometallic solids. This review addresses the derivatives of 17 pentanediones with nitrile, pyridyl and pyrazolyl moieties as N donor substituents, with an emphasis on structurally characterized compounds. Depending on the N donor substituents and the cations, O,O′ or N coordination will dominate. The nitrile-substituted compounds essentially behave as acetylacetones; they may easily O,O′ coordinate to a wide range of cations whereas N coordination is limited to AgI, CuI or, in the case of less soft cations, to longer and presumably weaker contacts, e.g. to the more distant sites in Jahn–Teller distorted CuII. In contrast, pyridyl-substituted pentanediones act as N donor ligands, regardless whether their (H)acac site is chelating a cation or not. The still scarcely explored pyrazolyl derivative shows the most complex coordination pattern: it may be deprotonated both at the acetylacetone and the pyrazol site, the latter affording N,N′ bridging ligands. In addition to N donor nucleophilicity, the distance between the alternative coordination sites and their mutual orientation are relevant for crystal engineering applications.
Effects of an 8-Week Body-Weight Neuromuscular Training on Dynamic Balance and Vertical Jump Performances in Elite Junior Skiing Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Vitale Jacopo A. , La Torre Antonio , Banfi Giuseppe , Bonato Matteo
Published: February 2018

Vitale, JA, La Torre, A, Banfi, G, and Bonato, M. Effects of an 8-week body-weight neuromuscular training on dynamic balance and vertical jump performances in elite junior skiing athletes: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 911–920, 2018—The aim of the present randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of an 8-week neuromuscular training program focused on core stability, plyometric, and body-weight strengthening exercises on dynamic postural control and vertical jump performance in elite junior skiers. Twenty-four Italian elite junior male skiers were recruited and randomized to either an experimental group (EG), performing neuromuscular warm-up exercises, (EG; n = 12; age 18 ± 1 years; body mass 66 ± 21 kg; height 1.70 ± 0.1 m) or a control group (CG) involved in a standard warm-up (CG; n = 12; age 18 ± 1 years; body mass 62 ± 14 kg; height 1.73 ± 0.1 m). lower quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ) at baseline (PRE) and at the end (POST) of the experimental procedures were performed. No significant differences between EG and CG were observed at baseline. Results showed that EG achieved positive effects from PRE to POST measures in the anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral directions, and composite score of YBT for both lower limbs, whereas no significant differences were detected for CG. Furthermore, 2-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni's multiple comparisons test did not reveal any significant differences in CMJ and DJ for both EG and CG. The inclusion of an 8-week neuromuscular warm-up program led to positive effects in dynamic balance ability but not in vertical jump performance in elite junior skiers. Neuromuscular training may be an effective intervention to specifically increase lower limb joint awareness and postural control.
Acceleration Profile of Elite Gaelic Football With Special Reference to Position of Play
Authors: Ryan Martin , Malone Shane , Donnellan Andrew , Collins Kieran
Published: February 2018

Ryan, M, Malone, S, Donnellan, A, and Collins, K. Acceleration profile of elite Gaelic football with special reference to position of play. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1750–1758, 2020—The current study aimed to characterize the positional match-play demands of elite Gaelic football players with special reference to acceleration using predetermined 5-minute periods (epochs). Thirty-five male Gaelic players (mean ± SD, age: 24 ± 6 years; height: 180 ± 7 cm; mass: 81 ± 7 kg) across 5 playing positions (full-back, half-back, midfield, half-forward, and full-forward) were monitored during the investigation. Player movement was recorded during 19 matches using 4-Hz global positioning system technology (VXSport, New Zealand) resulting in 154 player observations. Global positioning system was used to record total distance (m), (high-speed running; m; ≥17 km·h−1), (very high-speed running distance; m; ≥22 km·h−1), the number of accelerations (n), duration of accelerations (s), peak acceleration (m), and distance of accelerations (m). Acceleration profiles were position dependent with midfielders found to have a high accumulation of acceleration movements when compared with all other positions (p ≤ 0.05). Declines of −2 to −32% for acceleration distance (m) depending on positional line of play were observed during match-play. Less high-speed running and very high-speed running distance was performed by the full-back line (high-speed running; −39% and very high-speed running; −36%) and full-forward line (−35%; −29%) when compared with half-back, midfielders, and half-forwards (p = 0.01, d = 1.35–1.77). Similar trends were reported for peak acceleration distance (p = 0.01, d = 1.15–1.93). The current investigation provides a greater understanding of temporal differences in acceleration profiles of playing position. We show that half-back, midfield, and half-forwards have the highest acceleration movements; these data can assist coaches in appropriately preparing players for the required acceleration distances required during match-play.
Novel Spring-Loaded Wear Test Rig to Test the Material Life of Probes Used in the Ingenious Six-Window Gauging System
Authors: Swaminathan Prashanth , Keshavanarayana Gopalakrishna
Published: February 2018

Constant-velocity (CV) joints are transmission joints used in steering sub-assemblies. This component resembles a segment of a hollow sphere with six equally spaced windows of the same size cut around its periphery. The six-window gauge is used to check oversized windows in the CV joint. It contains six probes, each of which examines simultaneously the oversized windows in the component. The probe used in checking is constantly subjected to wear because of spring-loaded stress exerted on it while checking. An automated test rig has been developed to simulate the application to identify the best material for the probe used in the checking zone. Several probe materials were tested in the test rig, and the best material was chosen. This finding can pave the way for an optimized gauging system that fits a production line well. The test rig was designed specifically to select the best probe material to be used on the gauging system.
Le développement d’une culture de recherche participative par le Consortium régional de recherche en éducation
Authors: Minier Pauline , Allaire Stéphane
Published: February 2018

Le texte qui suit a pour but de faire connaître la dynamique sous-jacente aux activités de recherche menées par le Consortium de recherche en éducation de l’Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (CRRE). Dans un premier temps, il importe de connaître les préoccupations de chercheurs et de gens des milieux éducatifs qui ont mené à la mise en chantier du Consortium. Dans un deuxième temps, il est primordial de spécifier les orientations qui ont été prises pour baliser les activités de recherche. En troisième lieu, il importe de spécifier le type de structure administrative qui a été mis en place pour assurer la synergie entre l’université et les milieux de pratique. Finalement, il est important de mettre en évidence les activités à caractère scientifique visant à stimuler la culture de recherche souhaitée ainsi que les modalités de diffusion des résultats.
Learning Trajectory Siswa dalam Memecahkan Masalah Kelipatan Persekutuan Terkecil Ditinjau dari Kemampuan Matematika
Authors: Prayitno Lydia Lia , Kurniawan Agus Prasetyo
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to describe students' learning trajectory to solving math problems based on student’s ability. The subject is 4th-gradestudents of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah (MI) K.H. Mas Mansyur Surabaya. The results obtained by learning trajectory are (1) high ability students, expressing the understanding of the problem orally and writing, plan two solutions process, choose to use multiples and sum between departure time and travel time, the subject re-examine every step in solving the problem. (2) medium ability students, expressing an understanding of the problem orally, planning a solution and implementing it until finding a solution, in re-examining the subject using factoring; and (3) low-ability students, expressing an understanding of the problem orally, planning a solution to finding a solution, then simply re-examining the steps taken in solving the problem.