bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orthogonal Polynomials Approximation and Balanced Truncation for a Lowpass Filter
Authors: Perev K.
Published: May 2015

This paper considers the problem of orthogonal polynomial approximation based balanced truncation for a lowpass filter. The proposed method combines the system properties of balanced truncation, the computational effectiveness of proper orthogonal decomposition and the approximation capability of the orthogonal polynomials approximation. Orthogonal polynomials series expansion of the reachability and observability gramians is used in order to avoid solving large-scale Lyapunov equations and thus, significantly reducing the computational effort for obtaining the balancing transformation. The proposed method is applied for model reduction of a lowpass analog filter. Different sets of orthonormal functions are obtained from Legendre, Laguerre and Chebyshev orthogonal polynomials and the corresponding reduced order models are compared. The approximation precision is measured by the relative mean square error between the outputs of the full order model and the obtained reduced order models.
Completeness Conditions of Systems of Moore Automata
Authors: Donis A.
Published: May 2015

This paper describes sufficient completeness conditions for the class of Moore automata, compositions with feedback on this class and the behavior realization. It is shown how to realize a delay by automata from the set satisfying sufficient conditions for completeness. The ideas of these constructions demonstrate how from a set of automata with long cycles of transients can be realized a delay with short cycle of transient. It is shown that there are large finite complete sets of automata, for which any proper subsets are not complete.
The Use of an Embedded Microprocessor for Color Light Effects at Homes of the Future
Authors: Ivanov V.
Published: May 2015

The paper discusses the aspects of building a system for color light effects in homes of the future using a FPGA-based embedded microprocessor. It is also discussed some opportunities for further development in order to improve the conditions of life of the inhabitants of the homes of the future.
Historical sociolinguistics: the field and its future
Authors: Auer Anita , Peersman Catharina , Pickl Simon , Rutten Gijsbert , Vosters Rik
Published: May 2015

This article introduces the newJournal of Historical Sociolinguisticsby situating it in the developing field of historical sociolinguistics. The landmark paper of Weinreich et al. (1968), which paid increased attention to extralinguistic factors in the explanation of language variation and change, served as an important basis for the gradual development and expansion of historical sociolinguistics as a separate (sub)field of inquiry, notably since the influential work of Romaine (1982). This article traces the development of the field of historical sociolinguistics and considers some of its basic principles and assumptions, including the uniformitarian principle and the so-called bad data problem. Also, an overview is provided of some of the directions recent research has taken, both in terms of the different types of data used, and in terms of important approaches, themes and topics that are relevant to many studies within the field. The article concludes with considerations of the necessarily multidisciplinary nature of historical sociolinguistics, and invites authors from various research traditions to submit original research articles to the journal, and thus help to further the development of the fascinating field of historical sociolinguistics.
Modifikace døeva silikony jako potenciálnì perspektivní technologie ochrany døevìných stavebních konstrukcí proti korozi/ Wooden modification by silanols a potentially promising technology to timber protection
Authors: Daňková J. , Murínová T. , Reinprecht L. , Mamoňová M.
Published: May 2015

V současné době prochází stavebnictví procesem implementace politiky trvale udržitelného rozvoje. V této souvislosti se mění přístup k použití materiálů a technologií na ochranu dřeva ve stavebních konstrukcích. Není žádoucí, aby dřevo v konstrukcích znehodnocovaly látky typu toxických biocidů apod., například tím, že zvyšují podíl nerecyklovatelných nebo nebezpečných stavebních odpadů. Perspektivní cestou do budoucna se jeví modifikace dřeva. V současnosti zejména termická modifikace dřeva (ThermoWood, PlatoWood), ale i chemická modifikace dřeva, např. acetylací (TitanWood), furfurylací (KebonyWood), a další, např. také modifikace silikony. Silikony se v současnosti ve stavebnictví uplatňují hlavně při hydrofobizaci povrchů minerálních stavebních materiálů. V posledních létech se však začala zkoušet jejich efektivita při modifikaci dřeva, s prvotním cílem zvýšit jeho hydrofóbnost, rozměrovou stabilitu, odolnost proti poškození požárem a odolnost proti biodegredentům. Na základě experimentální studie prezentované v tomto článku, je možno předběžně usuzovat na trvanlivostní charakteristiky dřeva modifikovaného vybraným komerčním prostředkem na silikonové bázi. Vzorky dřeva borovice lesní (Pinus sylvestris L.) a smrku ztepilého (Picea abies Karst L.) byly modifikovány ochranným prostředkem s obchodním názvem „Lukofob 39” a byly testovány na odolnost proti biologickým a abiotickým degredentům.
Solutions For Smart Metering Under Harsh Environmental Condicions
Authors: Kunicina N. , Zabasta A. , Kondratjevs K. , Asmanis G.
Published: May 2015

The described case study concerns application of wireless sensor networks to the smart control of power supply substations. The solution proposed for metering is based on the modular principle and has been tested in the intersystem communication paradigm using selectable interface modules (IEEE 802.3, ISM radio interface, GSM/GPRS). The solution modularity gives 7 % savings of maintenance costs. The developed solution can be applied to the control of different critical infrastructure networks using adapted modules. The proposed smart metering is suitable for outdoor installation, indoor industrial installations, operation under electromagnetic pollution, temperature and humidity impact. The results of tests have shown a good electromagnetic compatibility of the prototype meter with other electronic devices. The metering procedure is exemplified by operation of a testing company's workers under harsh environmental conditions.
Eccentricity Of Slow-Speed Salient-Pole Generator: Analysis Based On Air Gap Spectrum
Authors: Griscenko M. , Elmanis-Helmanis R.
Published: May 2015

The air gap monitoring and fault diagnosis is exemplified for a slow-speed salient-pole generator of hydropower unit. Three types of measurements, namely, with contacting probes, non-contacting sensors and non-invasive sensors are discussed. For the case study non-contacting sensors were applied, with the results demonstrated. In the paper, different methods for evaluation of the results (e.g. using delta value and air gap variation criteria, graphical and spectrum analysis) are described and compared. It has been shown that the spectrum analysis describes changes in the eccentricity better than the criterion method, and is expected to supplement the graphical analysis in the future. Finally, the limitations of the spectrum analysis are formulated, and criteria for this type analysis are proposed.
The bilateral strength and power asymmetries in untrained boys
Authors: Maly Tomas , Zahalka Frantisek , Mala Lucia , Cech Pavol
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to identify the level of
isokinetic strength and power of lower limbs in 13-year-
old untrained boys (n=22, height: 158.5±8.0 cm, mass:
49.1±12.6 kg), to determine bilateral deficit between the
limbs in the tests and examine their mutual relationship.
Maximum peak muscle torque of knee extensors (PTQ)
and flexors (PTH) on dominant (DL) and non-dominant
leg (NL) were measured by isokinetic dynamometer. Three
types of a vertical jump: countermovement jump with
(CMJFA) and without arms (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) were
performed on two force platforms.

We found the significant effect (p<.01) of independent vari-
ables (knee extensors, flexors, AV) and their interaction
on PT. AV did not indicate any significant effect on bilat-
eral ratio of knee extensors (F4,84=.74, p>.05, ηp2=0.03),
however a significant effect of AV was found in knee
flexors (F4,84=2.70,p<.05, ηp2=.114). The type of jump had
no effect on the difference between force exerted by DL
and NL (F1,21=.102, p>.05, ηp2=.01). Bilateral deficit (Q:Q,
H:H) did not significantly correlate with bilateral deficit in
jumps (p>.05).

Despite the possibility of identifying muscle asymmetries
in the sense of strength imbalances, their mutual relation-
ship with results in isokinetic dynamometry and power
jump tests is still unclear.
Attempt to assess the infiltration of enamel made
with experimental preparation using a scanning
electron microscope
Authors: Skucha-Nowak Małgorzata
Published: May 2015

Introduction: The resin infiltration technique,
a minimally invasive method, involves the saturation,
strengthening, and stabilization of demineralized enamel
by a mixture of polymer resins without the need to use
rotary tools or the risk of losing healthy tooth structures.

Aim of the study:

1. To design and synthesize an experimental infiltrant
with potential bacteriostatic properties.

2. To compare the depth of infiltration of the designed
experimental preparation with the infiltrant available
in the market using a scanning electron microscope.

Material and Methods: Composition of the experimental
infiltrant was established after analysis of 1H NMR
spectra of the commercially available compounds that
can penetrate pores of demineralized enamel. As the infiltrant
should have bacteriostatic features by definition,
an addition of 1% of monomer containing metronidazole
was made. Thirty extracted human teeth were soaked in
an acidic solution, which was to provide appropriate conditions
for demineralization of enamel. Afterward, each
tooth was divided along the coronal-root axis into two
zones. One zone had experimental preparation applied to
it (the test group), while the other had commercially available
Icon (the control group). The teeth were dissected
along the long axis and described above underwent initial
observation with use of a Hitachi S-4200 scanning electron
microscope.

Results: It was found that all samples contained only
oxygen and carbon, regardless of the concentration of
additions introduced into them. The occurrence of carbon
is partially because it is a component of the preparation in question and partially because of sputtering of the sample
with it. Hydrogen is also a component of the preparation,
as a result of its phase composition; however, it cannot be
detected by the EDS method.

Conclusions:

1. SEM, in combination with X-ray microanalysis, does
not allow one to explicitly assess the depth of penetration
of infiltration preparations into enamel.

2. In order to assess the depth of penetration of infiltration
preparations with use of X-ray microanalysis, it
is recommended to introduce a contrast agent that is
approved for use in dental materials, such as ytterbium
III fluoride.
Assessment of the Impact of a New Motorway Connection on the Spatial Distribution and Intensity of Traffic Flows: a Case Study of the D47 Motorway, Czech Republic/ Hodnocení vlivu nového dálničního spojení na prostorovou distribuci a intenzitu přepravních proudů: příklad dálnice D47
Authors: Chmelík Jakub , Marada Miroslav
Published: May 2015

Assessing changes in the spatial distribution and intensity of traffic flow patterns, considered one of the main direct influences of the construction of transport infrastructure, is discussed in this paper. The central element of the research is a case study assessing such changes in connection with the opening of the D47 motorway in its Lipník nad Bečvou-Ostrava section. The aim of the study is a comparison of traffic conditions before and after the opening of the motorway. The real data on the traffic load of the motorway sections are compared with the official and our own forecast, which is based on applying a basic form of the gravity model for the given area. The results of the analysis confirmed intuitive assumptions about changes in the spatial redistribution of traffic flows.
Active Stabilization of the Beam Pointing of a High- Power KrF Laser System
Authors: Barna A. , Földes I. B. , Bohus J. , Szatmári S.
Published: May 2015

An active beam-pointing stabilization system has been developed for a high-power KrF laser system to eliminate the long-term drift of the directional change of the beam in order to have a stable focusing to a high intensity. The control of the beam direction was achieved by a motor-driven mirror activated by an electric signal obtained by monitoring the position of the focus of the output beam. Instead of large sized UV-sensitive position sensitive detectors a simple arrangement with scatter plates and photodiodes are used to measure the directionality of the beam. After the beam stabilization the long-term residual deviation of the laser shots is ~14 μrad, which is comparable to the shot-to-shot variation of the beam (~12 μrad). This deviation is small enough to keep the focal spot size in a micrometer range when tightly focusing the beam using off-axis parabolic mirrors.
An improved protocol for small RNA library construction using High Definition adapters
Authors: Xu Ping , Billmeier Martina , Mohorianu Irina , Green Darrell , Fraser William D , Dalmay Tamas
Published: May 2015

Next generation sequencing of small RNA (sRNA) libraries is widely used for studying sRNAs in various biological systems. However, cDNA libraries of sRNAs are biased for molecules that are ligated to adapters more or less efficiently than other molecules. One approach to reduce this ligation bias is to use a pool of adapters instead of a single adapter sequence, which allows many sRNAs to be ligated efficiently. We previously developed High Definition (HD) adapters for the Illumina sequencing platform, which contain degenerate nucleotides at the ligating ends of the adapters. However, the current commercial kits produced a large amount of 5’ adapter – 3’ adapter ligation product without the cDNA insert when HD adapters were used to replace the kit adapters. Here, we report a protocol to generate sRNA libraries using HD adapters with greatly reduced proportion of adapter-adapter products due to the degradation of nonligated 3’ adapters. The libraries can be completed within two days and can be used for various biological and clinical samples. As examples for using this protocol, we constructed sRNA libraries using total RNA extracted from cultured mammalian cells and plant leaf tissue.
Implementation of the Sustainable Development Concept in Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Tabor Joanna
Published: May 2015

The sustainable development concept has become an extraordinarily important formative element of all activities taken by both law makers and the society, including entrepreneurs, for favour of broadly comprehended natural environment protection. This article presents the analysis of practical implementation of the sustainable development concept in manufacturing companies in Poland in the years 2010-2012. It also verifies directions of expenditures made towards environmental protection fixed assets, depending upon investment types, i.e. whether they were end-of-pipe investments or integrated technology investments. It was found that in the industrial processing sector in Poland, the highest average share of expenditures was associated with air and water protection fixed assets, whereas, in case of amounts spent on air protection means, a fall was observed in their share, and an increase in case of water protection. Furthermore, end-of-pipe investments dominated within the structure, whereas an increase was observed in the share end-of-pipe investments, and a fall in the share of integrated technology investments. It was also found that total amounts spent on environmental protection fixed assets per one company and per one employee increased, and the share of this type of expenditures in the total value of fixed assets obtained from manufacturing companies’ investment activities increased as well.
Management Decisions Support System for Rhodeus Amarus (Bloch, 1782) Species Populations in Oltul Mijlociu – Cibin – Hârtibaciu Natura 2000 Site (Romania)
Authors: Bănăduc Doru , Cismaș Ioana-Cristina , Trichkova Teodora , Curtean–Bănăduc Angela
Published: May 2015

The main threats to the Rhodeus amarus (Bloch, 1782) populations in the Natura 2000 site Oltul Mijlociu - Cibin - Hârtibaciu are the hydro technical modifications of the riverbeds, chemical pollution and poachery. ADONIS:CE is used in general for modeling business processes, but here was used in ecology/biology domain. The authors obtained a Rhodeus amarus model which included all the habitat species requirements, the indicators that provide favourable conservation status and the existing threats and pressures. The maintaining of the minor riverbed morphodynamics is very important - the meanders presence is very important for the local molluscs which are living in the inner U shape parts of the river. The places, where the sediments (sand, mud) are relatively stable, provide suitable habitats for molluscs important for the breeding of Rhodeus amarus. The maintaining of the actual regimes of liquid flows and oxygenation, and the avoidance of increasing of the sediments deposition rate in the water are necessary also for those molluscs species presence conservation. The extraction of sediments in these rivers should be made in correspondence with their natural rate of refilling and at sites at a distance of minimum five kilometres from each other.
Studies Concerning the Hygiene Conditions from the Sadu Farm, Romania
Authors: Tiţa Mihaela-Adriana , Oprean Letiția , Lengyel Ecaterina , Iancu Ramona Maria , Tiţa Ovidiu , Simian Corina
Published: May 2015

This paper aims to establish the conditions of hygiene of the breeding farm from Sadu, Romania, by monitoring the microbiological indicators such as hospital attendant TNG, total number of yeasts and molds, and total number of coliforms in shelters and on milking equipment. By monitoring air microbial flora, containers used for milking and hygiene of livestock (sheep and cow) values are found by the standards in force, with the recommendation to improve the quality of these parameters in order to reduce the values at lower limits.
Correction of Scanning Steps to Improve Accuracy in Interferometric Profilometer
Authors: Sysoev E. , Kulikov R. , Vykhristyuk I. , Chugui Yu.
Published: May 2015

In scanning interferometry of longitudinal shift, an uncertainty of required phase shift performance leads to a measurement error. Such uncertainty can be caused by external factors (vibrations, air turbulence in measuring area etc.) as well as inaccuracy of the scanning system. The method for calculating the phase shift between interferograms, which allows reducing the measurement error, is proposed. The results of numerical and full scale experiments are presented.
Simulation and Measurements of Small Arms Blast Wave Overpressure in the Process of Designing a Silencer
Authors: Hristov Nebojša , Kari Aleksandar , Jerković Damir , Savić Slobodan , Sirovatka Radoslav
Published: May 2015

Simulation and measurements of muzzle blast overpressure and its physical manifestations are studied in this paper. The use of a silencer can have a great influence on the overpressure intensity. A silencer is regarded as an acoustic transducer and a waveguide. Wave equations for an acoustic dotted source of directed effect are used for physical interpretation of overpressure as an acoustic phenomenon. Decomposition approach has proven to be suitable to describe the formation of the output wave of the wave transducer. Electroacoustic analogies are used for simulations. A measurement chain was used to compare the simulation results with the experimental ones.
Liquid Crystals as an Active Medium: Novel Possibilities in Plasmonics
Authors: Caputo Roberto , Palermo Giovanna , Infusino Melissa , De Sio Luciano
Published: May 2015

The peculiar properties of Liquid Crystals (LCs) foster new possibilities in plasmonics. The combination of the intrinsic tunability of LCs with the plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) provides novel and intriguing features of systems commonly identified as active plasmonics. Being LCs, one of the media whose refractive index can be controlled through the application of external stimuli, they represent a convenient host for enabling plasmonic tunability. On the other hand, the localized plasmonic resonance, typical of NPs, can strongly influence and control the behaviour of LCs. In this paper, we overview several systems of NPs combined with LCs arranged in different configurations. The properties of the resulting systems suggest novel, intriguing outcomes in both fundamental and applied research.
Crystal structure of trans-dibromido-ethoxido-oxido-bis(triphenylphosphane)- rhenium(V) – an orthorhombic polymorph, C38H35Br2O2P2Re
Authors: Mukiza Janvier , Gerber Thomas I. A. , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: May 2015

C38H35Br2O2P2Re, orthorhombic, Pca21 (no. 29), a = 17.5941(5) Å, b = 16.5737(4) Å, c = 24.0147(6) Å, V = 7002.7 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0173, wRref(F2) = 0.0312, T = 200 K.
Crystal structure of poly[μ2-methyl 6-nicotinoylpicolinato-κ3O,N:N’)-(μ2- nitrato-κ3O,O’:O’’)silver(I)], C13H10AgN3O6
Authors: Guo Hui , Wang Zhi-Peng , Xiao Guo-Wei , Chen Wen-Hua
Published: May 2015

C13H10AgN3O6, orthorhombic, Pccn (no. 56), a = 24.887(3) Å, b = 8.004(1) Å, c = 14.011(1) Å, V = 2791.0 Å3, Z = 8, Rgt(F) = 0.0301, wRref(F2) = 0.0821, T = 296 K.
Directions of utilisation of waste from green areas
Authors: Witaszek Kamil , Pilarski Krzysztof , Pilarska Agnieszka , Mazur Robert
Published: May 2015

Each year communities generate large quantities of municipal waste, including green waste such as grass and leaves. According to the waste catalogue, they may be treated as belonging to the group 20 02 (garden and park waste), and more specifically, to the group 20 02 01 – biodegradable waste. The aim of the study is to characterise the development directions of the green waste generated in the municipalities. Skilful management of this waste is extremely important. The following work focuses on three different technologies that enable efficient management of the green waste: methane fermentation, pelletising and composting. According to many authors, the most common technologies are pelletising and composting. In contrast, biogas fermentation of green waste in the municipalities is performed on a much smaller scale than other technologies. This may be due to the fact that this technology requires a significant expertise and is more complicated in terms of technology
Accumulation of lead and zinc in chosen medicinal plants from Katowice recreation area
Authors: Laskowska Anna , Wiechuła Danuta
Published: May 2015

The aim of this research was to assess the concentration of lead and zinc in chosen medicinal plants obtained from recreational areas of Katowice as well as to compare the phytoaccumulation properties of these plants. Lead and zinc concentration in plants and soil was indicated with flame and flameless atomisation atomic absorption spectroscopy AAS method. Phytoaccumulation properties of examined plant species were compared using the coefficients: enrichment factor, phytoaccumulation factor and coefficient of specific relative accumulation.
Functional analysis of sepiapterin reductase in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kim Kiyoung , Kim Heuijong , Yim Jeongbin
Published: May 2015

Sepiapterin reductase (SR) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for the synthesis of important biogenic amines, including catecholamines and serotonin. BH4 deficiencies have been implicated in several neurological disorders. Here, we characterized sepiapterin reductase (SR) loss-of-function mutants in Drosophila melanogaster and demonstrated that SR mutations are responsible for hyposensitivity to oxidative stress. Biochemical analysis further revealed that SR activity and BH4 levels in SR mutants were significantly reduced. Furthermore, we showed that the levels of phosphorylated Akt and total Akt protein were increased in SR mutants. Our findings indicate that SR plays an important role in the Akt pathway and that SR mutants will be a valuable tool for investigating the physiological functions of BH4.
Derivation of consolidation partial differential equations with non-linear fl ow characteristics on organic soil example
Authors: Malinowska Edyta E. , Bursa Bartłomiej A. , Szymański Alojzy
Published: May 2015

Derivation of consolidation partial differential equations with non-linear flow characteristics on organic soil example. Derivation of consolidation partial differential equation with non-linear flow characteristics is proposed. The non-linear flow characteristics are obtained from flow-pump test on organic soil and described with empirical relationship. Several reasons were crucial to perform tests on organic soil. Firstly organic soils are very compressible, so that results in high permeability changes. Even with small stresses organic soil deforms a lot. Secondly road embankments, flood control levees, dykes and dams are very often located on organic soil, so it is important to model deformations under these constructions. Thus to model consolidation process in soft organic soil one should consider as follows: physical and mechanical properties, non-linear stress-strain relationship, non-linear flow characteristics, and creep strains. This paper is focused mainly on non-linear flow characteristics that change with porosity and hydraulic gradient variations.
Changes in flood risk impacted by river training – case study of piedmont section of the Vistula river
Authors: Łajczak Adam
Published: May 2015

Changes in flood risk impacted by river training - case study of piedmont section of the Vistula river. Main problems concerning the flood risk in piedmont section of the Vistula, Southern Poland, are discussed. This stretch of the river is channelized since the middle of the 19th century. It is part of the mainstream discussion of the effectiveness of existing river channelization methods. The following problems are analysed: (1) current state of flood risk, (2) the rate of river flow, (3) changes in flood risk since the start of channelization efforts with respect to changing channel geometry and changing rates of river flow reflecting the effects of channelization work. Substantially increased bankfull discharge in a channelized river may be considered as a stable hydrologic feature of the river stretch analysed. This means that the river is effectively reducing the quantity of water available for flooding the inter-embankment zone. This statement is the basis for analysis of changes in flood risk in the river studied. An assessment of changes in flood risk for the piedmont section of the Vistula cannot be categorical. Some changes in discharge help reduce flood risk, while others increase it. The paper is based mainly on the State Hydrological Survey data over more than the last 100 years, a large-scale maps over the last 230 years, and fieldwork conducted by the author.
How to Train Safe Drivers: Setting Up and Evaluating a Fatigue Training Program
Authors: Adamos Giannis , Nathanail Eftihia
Published: May 2015

Fatigue is considered as a serious risk driving behavior, causing road accidents, which in many cases involve fatalities and severe injuries. According to CARE database statistics, professional drivers are indicated as a high-risk group to be involved in a fatigue-related accident. Acknowledging these statistics, a training program on driving fatigue was organized, aiming at raising awareness of professional drivers of a leading company in building materials, in Greece. Selected experimental methods were used for collecting data before and after the training program, which allowed monitoring and assessing the potential behavioural changes. A questionnaire survey was conducted before the program implementation to 162 drivers of the company, while two months after the program, the same drivers replied to a second questionnaire. Impact assessment of the program relied on statistical analysis of the responses. Results showed the degree of penetration of the training program in the professional drivers' behavior towards safe driving.
Formation of Failure Models for the Evaluation of the Reliability of Supply Chains
Authors: Lukinskiy Valery , Lukinskiy Vladislav
Published: May 2015

Logistics and supply chain management is a comparatively new scientific field which has been rapidly developing.

Apart from the criterion of total logistics costs, that is used to evaluate the efficiency of supply chains, another criterion - total satisfaction of consumer needs - is being increasingly used for the same purpose. It can be explained by the transition to such new logistics concept as the sustainability of supply chains, which is characterized not only by flexibility, rate of response, strength, adaptability, but mostly by the reliability of functioning of the logistics system's elements.

The paper presents critical analysis of the existing approaches to the formation of failure models in supply chains, the methodical approach and classification of failures for the key logistics functions (purchasing, order processing, transportation, storage, warehousing and materials handling) as well as some developed and improved failure models for a number of logistics functions and operations; there have been also given some examples of calculating the reliability indices for the elements of the supply chain.
Braking Deceleration Measurement Using the Video Analysis of Motions by Sw Tracker
Authors: Ondruš Ján , Hockicko Peter
Published: May 2015

This contribution deals with the issue of car braking, particularly with the one of M1 category. Braking deceleration measurement of the vehicle Mazda 3 MPS was carried out by the declerograph XL MeterTM Pro. The main aim of the contribution is to perform comparison of the process of braking deceleration between the decelograph and the new alternative method of video analysis and to subsequently examine these processes. The test took place at the Rosina airfield, the airstrip in a small village nearby the town of Žilina. The last part of this paper presents the results, evlauation and comparison of the measurements carried out.
Identifyingy the Utility Function of Transport Services From Stated Preferences
Authors: Andrejszki Tamas , Torok Adam , Csete Maria
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze the modal shift of passengers by analyzing their preferences. If the preferences of passengers are known it is possible to build up mathematically their utility function. This is the statistically correct way to simulate the modal shift of the investigated area. To capture the preferences of passengers stated preference method was used in online questionnaire. Five key factors were identified (from the point of passengers): travel cost, travel time, comfort, safety and environmental efficiency. In order to decrease the number of questions three levels were predefined these three questions made the base of the choice model. Every replier got three alternatives and they were told to choose the best for themselves. From the results of the questionnaire the formulas and the parameters of the mode choice utility function was derived. With the help of statistical sample an exponential utility function showed the best matching. For the validation process a probability model was set up to be compared to the proportions of the utilities. With this utility function it is possible to handle the changes in possible future transport services. Based on the introduced statistical approach the described method can be used to identify the effect of transport modes on regional development and tourism. The revealed utility function can help to develop proper regional development plans.
Numerical Simulation of Moving Load on Concrete Pavements
Authors: Lajčáková Gabriela , Melcer Jozef
Published: May 2015

The knowledge of the development with time of the strain and stress states in pavement structures is needed in the solution of various engineering tasks as the design fatigue lifetime reliability maintenance and structure development. The space computing model of the truck TATRA 815 is introduced. The pavement computing model is created in the sense of Kirchhof theory of the thin slab on elastic foundation. The goal of the calculation is to obtain the vertical deflection in the middle of the slab and the time courses of vertical tire forces. The equations of motion are derived in the form of differential equations. The assumption about the shape of the slab deflection area is adopted. The equations of the motion are solved numerically in the environment of program system MATLAB. The dependences following the influence of various parameters (speed of vehicle motion, stiffness of subgrade, slab thickness, road profile) on the pavement vertical deflections and the vertical tire forces are introduced. The results obtained from the plate computing model are compared with the results obtained by the FEM analysis. The outputs of the numerical solution in the time domain can be transformed into a frequency domain and subsequently used to solve various engineering tasks.
Cyclic Fracture Toughness of Railway Axle and Mechanisms of its Fatigue Fracture
Authors: Sorochak Andriy , Maruschak Pavlo , Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: May 2015

The main regularities in fatigue fracture of the railway axle material - the OSL steel - are found in this paper. Micromechanisms of fatigue crack propagation are described and systematized, and a physical-mechanical interpretation of the relief morphology at different stages of crack propagation is proposed for fatigue cracks in specimens cut out of the surface, internal and central layers of the axle.
Application of Laplace Transform for the Exact Effect of a Magnetic Field on Heat Transfer of Carbon Nanotubes-Suspended Nanofluids
Authors: Ebaid Abdelhalim , Al Sharif Mohammed A.
Published: May 2015

Since the discovery of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), there is an increasing interest in their applications in industry and medical fields. Attempts of using such CNTs as drug carriers and in cancer therapy in the presence of a magnetic field are now undertaken because of their direct impacts on increasing the thermal conductivity of base fluids. Two types of CNTs are well known for the researchers, the single-walled CNT (SWCNTs) and the multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs); however, the subject of which one is more effective in treatment of cancer deserves more investigations. The present article discusses the effect of such types of CNTs on the flow and heat transfer of nanofluids in the presence of a magnetic field. Exact analytical solution for the heat equation has been obtained by using the Laplace transform, where the solution is expressed in terms of a new special function, the generalised incomplete gamma function. The effects of various parameters on the fluid velocity, temperature distribution, and heat transfer rates have been introduced. Details of possible applications of the current results in the treatment of cancer have been also discussed.
Drug Predictive Cues Activate Aversion-Sensitive Striatal Neurons That Encode Drug Seeking
Authors: Wheeler Daniel S. , Robble Mykel A. , Hebron Emily M. , Dupont Matthew J. , Ebben Amanda L. , Wheeler Robert A.
Published: May 2015

Drug-associated cues have profound effects on an addict's emotional state and drug-seeking behavior. Although this influence must involve the motivational neural system that initiates and encodes the drug-seeking act, surprisingly little is known about the nature of such physiological events and their motivational consequences. Three experiments investigated the effect of a cocaine-predictive stimulus on dopamine signaling, neuronal activity, and reinstatement of cocaine seeking. In all experiments, rats were divided into two groups (paired and unpaired), and trained to self-administer cocaine in the presence of a tone that signaled the immediate availability of the drug. For rats in the paired group, self-administration sessions were preceded by a taste cue that signaled delayed drug availability. Assessments of hedonic responses indicated that this delay cue became aversive during training. Both the self-administration behavior and the immediate cue were subsequently extinguished in the absence of cocaine. After extinction of self-administration behavior, the presentation of the aversive delay cue reinstated drug seeking.In vivoelectrophysiology and voltammetry recordings in the nucleus accumbens measured the neural responses to both the delay and immediate drug cues after extinction. Interestingly, the presentation of the delay cue simultaneously decreased dopamine signaling and increased excitatory encoding of the immediate cue. Most importantly, the delay cue selectively enhanced the baseline activity of neurons that would later encode drug seeking. Together these observations reveal how cocaine cues can modulate not only affective state, but also the neurochemical and downstream neurophysiological environment of striatal circuits in a manner that promotes drug seeking.
The Sociology of Development
Authors: Portes Alejandro
Published: May 2015

This paper summarizes the main theories conventionally associated with the sociology of development as well as the arguments of the principal scholars focused on what “works” to bring about economic development and social progress. This line of argument ushered the rising consensus across the social sciences that the prime causal role belongs to institutions. However, the empirical literature that has followed from this consensus has been marred by a lack of proper definition of the concept and a tendency to use nations as units of analysis, neglecting their internal complexity. The last sections summarize a recently completed study of twenty-three Latin American institutions in five countries. The study shows the feasibility of studying institutions empirically and highlights a series of important differences among then and across countries. The solution provided by Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to the defining determinants of a developmental institution highlights the central role of meritocracy, absence of internal cliques and, in particular, proactivity toward the external environment. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed.
Orthogonal control of expression mean and variance by epigenetic features at different genomic loci
Authors: Dey Siddharth S , Foley Jonathan E , Limsirichai Prajit , Schaffer David V , Arkin Adam P
Published: May 2015

While gene expression noise has been shown to drive dramatic phenotypic variations, the molecular basis for this variability in mammalian systems is not well understood. Gene expression has been shown to be regulated by promoter architecture and the associated chromatin environment. However, the exact contribution of these two factors in regulating expression noise has not been explored. Using a dual‐reporter lentiviral model system, we deconvolved the influence of the promoter sequence to systematically study the contribution of the chromatin environment at different genomic locations in regulating expression noise. By integrating a large‐scale analysis to quantify mRNA levels by smFISH and protein levels by flow cytometry in single cells, we found that mean expression and noise are uncorrelated across genomic locations. Furthermore, we showed that this independence could be explained by the orthogonal control of mean expression by the transcript burst size and noise by the burst frequency. Finally, we showed that genomic locations displaying higher expression noise are associated with more repressed chromatin, thereby indicating the contribution of the chromatin environment in regulating expression noise.
Tuning noise in gene expression
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay
Published: May 2015

The relative contribution of promoter architecture and the associated chromatin environment in regulating gene expression noise has remained elusive. In their recent work, Arkin, Schaffer and colleagues (Dey et al, 2015) show that mean expression and noise for a given promoter at different genomic loci are uncorrelated and influenced by the local chromatin environment.
Ubiquitylation of nuclear receptors: new linkages and therapeutic implications
Authors: Helzer Kyle T , Hooper Christopher , Miyamoto Shigeki , Alarid Elaine T
Published: May 2015

The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily is a group of transcriptional regulators that control multiple aspects of both physiology and pathology and are broadly recognized as viable therapeutic targets. While receptor-modulating drugs have been successful in many cases, the discovery of new drug targets is still an active area of research, because resistance to NR-targeting therapies remains a significant clinical challenge. Many successful targeted therapies have harnessed the control of receptor activity by targeting events within the NR signaling pathway. In this review, we explore the role of NR ubiquitylation and discuss how the expanding roles of ubiquitin could be leveraged to identify additional entry points to control receptor function for future therapeutic development.
GH action influences adipogenesis of mouse adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Olarescu Nicoleta C , Berryman Darlene E , Householder Lara A , Lubbers Ellen R , List Edward O , Benencia Fabian , Kopchick John J , Bollerslev Jens
Published: May 2015

GH influences adipocyte differentiation, but both stimulatory and inhibitory effects have been described. Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) are multipotent and are able to differentiate into adipocytes, among other cells. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation impairs adipogenesis. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of GH on AT-MSC adipogenesis using cells isolated from male GH receptor knockout (GHRKO), bovine GH transgenic (bGH) mice, and wild-type littermate control (WT) mice. AT-MSCs from subcutaneous (sc), epididiymal (epi), and mesenteric (mes) AT depots were identified and isolated by flow cytometry (Pdgfrα+Sca1+Cd45−Ter119−cells). Theirin vitroadipogenic differentiation capacity was determined by cell morphology and real-time RT-PCR. Using identicalin vitroconditions, adipogenic differentiation of AT-MSCs was only achieved in the sc depot, and not in epi and mes depots. Notably, we observed an increased differentiation in cells isolated from sc-GHRKO and an impaired differentiation of sc-bGH cells as compared to sc-WT cells.Axin2, a marker of Wnt/β-catenin activation, was increased in mature sc-bGH adipocytes, which suggests that activation of this pathway may be responsible for the decreased adipogenesis. Thus, the present study demonstrates that i) adipose tissue in mice has a well-defined population ofPdgfrα+Sca1+MSCs; ii) the differentiation capacity of AT-MSCs varies from depot to depot regardless of GH genotype; iii) the lack of GH action increases adipogenesis in the sc depot; and iv) activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway might mediate the GH effect on AT-MSCs. Taken together, the present results suggest that GH diminishes fat mass in part by altering adipogenesis of MSCs.
EVALUACIÓN DE LA EXPRESIÓN DE GENES IMPLICADOS EN LA BIOSÍNTESIS DE ALMIDÓN EN DIFERENTES VARIEDADES DE YUCA
Authors: Cortés Sierra Simón Pedro , Chavarriaga Paul , Ceballos Hernán , López Carrascal Camilo Ernesto
Published: May 2015

Las raíces almacenadoras de yuca representan una fuente importante de almidón. La ruta metabólica del almidón ha sido reconstruida recientemente en yuca gracias a la liberación de la secuencia completa de su genoma. En este estudio se evaluó la expresión de los genes que codifican para las enzimas Pululanasa, Isoamilasa, α-amilasa, Enzima Desproporcionante, ADP-glucosa pirofoforilasa, Almidón sintasa unida al gránulo, Enzima ramificante del almidón y Sintasa soluble del almidón, en las raíces almacenadoras de plantas de 5 y 11 meses de edad, en un grupo de cinco variedades de yuca. Se evidenciaron diferencias importantes en la expresión de estos genes entre las variedades evaluadas y entre los dos tiempos. Las variedades CM523-7 y SM1219-2 presentaron uno de los niveles más altos de expresión para los genes ADP-glucosa pirofoforilasa y Almidón sintasa unida al gránulo mientras que el gen para α-amilasa fue el más bajo en estas dos variedades. Aunque  la variedad TMS60444 presentó niveles de expresión similares en genes implicados en la síntesis de almidón, fue la que presentó el mayor nivel de expresión de la α-amilasa. Estos datos se pueden correlacionar con el relativo bajo contenido de materia seca en esta variedad. Los datos de expresión génica presentados en este trabajo permitirán complementar información sobre actividad enzimática con miras a identificar los elementos más importantes en la acumulación diferencial de almidón entre variedades de yuca.

ABSTRACT

Cassava storage roots represent an important starch source. Recently, the starch metabolic pathway in cassava has been reconstructed thanks to the full release of its genome. In this study gene expression was evaluated for genes coding Pullulanase, Isoamylase, α-amylase, Deproportionating enzyme, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, Granule bound starch synthase, Starch branching enzyme and Soluble starch synthase, in cassava storage roots 5 and 11 months old, in 5 cassava varieties. Important gene expression differences were detected both at the variety and time level. CM523-7 and SM1219-2 showed one of the highest expression levels for AGPase and GBSS genes, while α-amylase showed the lowest level in these two varieties. TMS60444 variety showed similar expression levels in starch biosynthesis-related genes, but conversely also showed the highest α-amylase expression. This correlates with the relative low dry-matter content in TMS60444. Gene expression data reported here will allow complementing actual information on enzymatic activity, in order to identify the most relevant factors in differential starch accumulation between cassava varieties.

 
Las consecuencias de la fobia en el lazo social
Authors: Morin Isabelle
Published: May 2015

Para el psicoanálisis, el lazo social no agrega a los humanos, sino que liga a los parlêtres entre sí, con vistas a renovar lo viviente y hacer obra civilizatoria. Lo virtual en las relaciones humanas da fe de que el mundo contemporáneo se halla marcado por el evitamiento fóbico. Facebook es un testimonio de ello: instaura un “agregado de agregado” de individuos que creen reconocerse porque comparten los mismos gustos y valores, protegiéndose del Otro encarnado. Un psicoanálisis compromete al sujeto en la separación del Otro y le permite modificar su lazo con los otros. La fobia, núcleo de la neurosis, nos enseña que la separación y el lazo son consecuencia del efecto de la actividad lenguajera. Desactivada la fobia, el analizante podrá saltar más allá del límite fijado por el objeto fobígeno, y aquella se convertirá en oportunidad para el lazo social, cuando el sujeto salga de ella para avanzar en la vida con los otros.
Cambios en las peculiaridades sociales del adulto mayor y su impacto en el lazo social
Authors: Klein Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo busca resituar algunos aspectos concernientes al lazo social y, especialmente, su grado de credibilidad y legitimidad en torno a la problemática de la herencia, la transmisión y la constitución de un ancestro arquetípico. Se reflexiona sobre algunas problemáticas inherentes a la resignificación o a la modificación del lazo social, a partir de las nuevas formas de subjetividad de los adultos mayores, quienes confrontan a las generaciones jóvenes con la herencia que han recibido, y se proponen, en algunos aspectos, como garantes de ella, transformada en deuda cultural y social.