bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Chinese cohort study on Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis: Design and methods
Authors: Zou Xin-Rong , Xue Xue , Wang Chang-Jiang , Han Si-Ping , Chen Hong , Yuan Jun , Wang Xiao-Qin
Published: May 2018

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a kind of allergic systemic necrotizing vasculitis. The incidence of renal involvement is 30%–50% in HSP patients. A recent national survey demonstrated that the treatment results of several randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies on Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) using Western medicine, such as glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents, and supportive therapy, were not satisfactory. Hence, there is a need to explore traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements and its related factors of HSPN in the real world to observe the clinical curative effect of TCM treatment. The Chinese Cohort Study of HSPN is the first national HSPN cohort in China. This study will enroll approximately 350 HSPN patients who are within 14–74 years old and will be followed up for 24 months. Questionnaires, body measurement, laboratory tests, and biomaterials will be collected at baseline, quarterly, and annually. The principal clinical outcomes of the study will include the summing up of TCM syndrome elements and its related factors of HSPN. At the same time, the clinical effect of TCM in alleviating the clinical uncomfortable symptoms of HSPN, proteinuria, and renal function will be observed and confirmed. This study will provide important evidences for the constitution and clinical effect of TCM syndrome elements and lay a foundation for further conducting RCT clinical research on the treatment of HSPN by TCM. At the same time, this will provide valuable information to establish clinical guidelines and healthcare policies for TCM treatment of HSPN in China.
Vocaloid in China: Cosmopolitan music, cultural expression, and multilayer identity
Authors: Yin Yiyi
Published: May 2018

Addressing the notion of user-centered research, this study examines how Vocaloid, the Japan-developed voice synthesis software and its personified virtual singer were contextualized in China. It explores how the Chinese Vocaloid character LUO Tianyi, who was initially introduced as a girl from outer space, has been reconstituted into figures that were both locally and nationally converged into Chinese culture. In relation to broader theoretical discourse regarding the cultural impact of globalization on local identity, this study also attempts to unpack the Vocaloid practices in China in terms of cultural expression, cultural interpenetrations, and power negotiation. It tries to grasp prosumers’ subjectivity in constructing the image of LUO Tianyi, and to interpret it as a dialectical organism resulting from the ongoing negotiation within their multilayer identity in playing different social roles.
A Case in Medical Equipment Design for Strategic Sustainability
Authors: Mann Hanuv , Mann I.J. , Gullaiya Nehul
Published: June 2018

The alignment of strategic sustainability goals can be very challenging for industries where stringent product requirements restrict the ability to innovate environmentally friendly alternatives. This case studies an instance of medical equipment being designed to increase functionality and decrease disposability, creating greater utility. The primary outcome of this research is a demonstration that cost is not prohibitive when introducing reusable medical tools and equipment when innovative solutions satisfy stringent standards and can provide superior functionality.
Development of a domestic animal model for endometriosis: Surgical induction in the dog, pigs, and sheep
Authors: Varughese Emy E , Adams Gregg P , Leonardi Carlos EP , Malhi Pritpal S , Babyn Paul , Kinloch Mary , Singh Jaswant
Published: May 2018

Background:

Endometriosis affects one in ten women of reproductive age but it is diagnosed at advanced stages. Our objective was to develop a domestic animal model that would permit sequential assessment of endometriotic changes.

Materials and methods:

Surgical transplantation of endometrial tissue and fat (n = 4 grafts/tissue/animal) was done in dogs (n = 5), pigs (n = 4), and sheep (n = 5). Autologous grafts were sutured to the visceral (urinary bladder in dogs and pigs and uterus in sheep) and parietal peritoneum. Sham surgeries were performed (dogs and sheep n = 5 and pigs n = 3) by placing fat grafts alone. Plasma estrogen and progesterone concentration was performed prior to surgery and weekly following surgery until euthanasia. Animals were euthanized between 80 and 110 days after surgery. Gross and histopathologic features of endometriotic lesions were recorded.

Results:

A variety of lesions from transplanted endometrial grafts included endometriotic cysts, vesicles, solid lesions, or absence of lesions. The proportion of cysts was greater (p < 0.01) in dogs (18/20 grafts) than in pigs (5/16) and sheep (5/20). The area of endometriotic lesions at the time of euthanasia was greater than at the time of surgery in dogs (0.89 ± 0.11 cm2 vs 0.50 ± 0.09 cm2; p < 0.05), whereas, the size of lesions decreased (p < 0.05) by half or more in pigs and sheep. In dogs, endometrial cysts were characterized by simple cuboidal/columnar epithelium, endometrial glands, stromal tissue with hemorrhage and/or hemosiderin-laden macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion:

The development of endometriotic cysts was apparent in dogs than in sheep and pigs. Therefore, dog is a better domestic animal model for endometriosis.
Familial patellar dislocation associated with t(15;20) (q24;q13.1)
Authors: Chan CM Jimmy , Chau YM Jackie , Woo SB , Luk HM , Lo Ivan FM
Published: May 2018

Patellar instability is a common debilitating injury affecting young active individuals. It accounts for approximately 3% of all knee injuries. We report a family, of which five members across three generations, who suffered from autosomal dominant familial recurrent patellar dislocation as well as short stature. All of them have recurrent patellar dislocations before the age of 15. The affected patients in all three generations have been genetically screened. Genotypical evaluation revealed a balanced translocation of chromosomes 15 and 20.
Giving Victims a Voice in Parole Hearings: South Australia’s Experience
Authors: O’Connell Michael , Fletcher Sarah
Published: May 2018

Much of the limited research on parole has focused on the prisoner perspective. There is a paucity of research on the victim perspective. This article draws on quantitative and qualitative information attained during semi-structured interviews of co-victims of murders that were conducted by the Commissioner for Victims’ Rights, South Australia. This information offers an insight into co-victims’ views on whether murderers should be released on parole; co-victims’ safety concerns should murderers be released; and, co-victims’ views on the parole process. The results confirm the importance of victim participation in the parole process.
Post-traumatic stress disorder among former Islamic State child soldiers in northern Iraq
Authors: Kizilhan Jan Ilhan , Noll-Hussong Michael
Published: May 2018

Background

Former child soldiers are at high risk of developing mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, their comprehensive mental health has yet to be examined.

Aims

This study looks at the prevalence of PTSD, depression and associated risk factors such as disturbed self-esteem among former child soldiers of the so-called ‘Islamic State’.

Method

The psychological effect of traumatic events was assessed in 81 Yazidi children who had been child soldiers for the Islamic State in northern Iraq between 2014 and 2017 for at least 6 months. The children were between 8 and 14 years of age. Thirty-two Yazidi boys and 31 Muslim boys who were not child soldiers in Iraq served as control groups. A structured psychological interview and established psychometric questionnaires were used to assess traumatisation and mental disorders.

Results

The child soldiers showed a significantly higher prevalence of PTSD (48.3%), depressive disorders (45.6%), anxiety disorders (45.8%) and somatic disturbances (50.6%) than the boys who had not been child soldiers. Developmentally crucial self-esteem was significantly reduced in former child soldiers. No significant differences between the two control groups could be found.

Conclusions

PTSD and other mental disorders are highly present among former child soldiers in northern Iraq. The study highlights the huge and as yet unmet need for psychological services among former child soldiers.

Declaration of interest

None.
Ghrelin and Peptide YY Change During Puberty: Relationships With Adolescent Growth, Development, and Obesity
Authors: Cheng Hoi Lun , Sainsbury Amanda , Garden Frances , Sritharan Myuran , Paxton Karen , Luscombe Georgina , Hawke Catherine , Steinbeck Katharine
Published: May 2018

Context

Pubertal adolescents show strong appetites. How this is mediated is unclear, but ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) play potentially important roles.

Objective

To measure ghrelin and PYY change in relation to pubertal growth.

Design

Three-year prospective cohort study.

Setting

Australian regional community.

Participants

Eighty healthy adolescents (26 girls; 54 boys) recruited at 10 to 13 years.

Main Outcome Measures

Fasting circulating total ghrelin, total PYY, IGF-1, insulin, leptin (via radioimmunoassay), estradiol and testosterone (via mass spectrometry), anthropometry, and body composition (via bioelectrical impedance).

Results

Adolescents exhibited normal developmental change. Mixed models revealed positive associations for ghrelin to age2 (both sexes: P < 0.05), indicating a U-shaped trend over time. Ghrelin was also inversely associated with IGF-1 (both sexes: P < 0.05), leptin in girls (P < 0.01), and insulin in boys (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with annual height and weight velocity (both sexes: P ≤ 0.01). PYY showed no age-related change in either sex. Neither ghrelin nor PYY were associated with Tanner stage. Weight subgroup analyses showed significant ghrelin associations with age2 in healthy-weight but not overweight and obese adolescents (7 girls; 18 boys).

Conclusions

Adolescents showed a U-shaped change in ghrelin corresponding to physical and biochemical markers of growth, and no change in PYY. The overweight and obesity subgroup exhibited an apparent loss of the U-shaped ghrelin trend, but this finding may be attributed to greater maturity and its clinical significance is unclear. Further research on weight-related ghrelin and PYY trends at puberty is needed to understand how these peptides influence growth and long-term metabolic risk.
Beyond Latinity, Can the Vernacular Speak?
Authors: Tageldin Shaden M.
Published: June 2018

Does the Latinate vernacular capture non-Europhone relationships of speech to writing? Surveying non-equivalences between the vernacular and its East/South translations, I focus on the Arabic ʿāmmiyya. Vernacular hails from verna, the slave born on his master’s estate; ʿāmmiyya, from al-ʿāmma, the common people. Long-ninth-century Arab-Islamic thought defined al-ʿāmma as a “middle” class, or its language and that of al-khāṣṣa (the elite) as shades of one Arabic, converging at an ideal midpoint. I trace echoes in late-nineteenth-century Algerian, Syro-Lebanese, and Egyptian theory, which derived ʿāmmiyya (dialect) from fuṣḥā (standard) or redefined fuṣḥā as a generalist language that ideally addresses a middle audience. I suggest that a long (if suppressed) continuity in Arabic between common and elite language, if not between dialect and standard, opens horizons of relation between speech and writing different from those the vernacular ushered into Europhone contexts. Reframing language as medium, such horizons limn a polycentric literary comparatism.
Vernacular Missing: Miraji on Sappho, Gender, and Governance
Authors: Patel Geeta
Published: June 2018

Vernacularization as a concept has gained circulation in our time within the ambit of South Asia: scholars use it to name what they designate as local—whether sexuality, language, architecture, religion, capital, or aesthetic practices. When claims are made for “vernacularization” as a process of opening spaces for “the local,” vernacular languages, ontologies, and epistemologies are paradoxically oriented towards English/the West. What happens if the word, term, concept, process “vernacular” loses this purchase? What might we notice if we refused to rehabilitate vernacularization in this fashion and mobilized instead an accounting of the brutalist colonial histories where it was deployed for colonial transformation? The Urdu modernist poet Miraji (1912–1949), eschewing the term “vernacular,” mined English and European languages, and other Asian and Indian literary lineages, to fill Urdu’s possible legacies through translation. Miraji established possible futures for Urdu through bygone chronicles, stories, and lyrical possibilities that were not subservient to the fluctuations of value that vernacularization carried with it.
Bmp2 and Notch cooperate to pattern the embryonic endocardium
Authors: Papoutsi T. , Luna-Zurita L. , Prados B. , Zaffran S. , de la Pompa J. L.
Published: May 2018

Signaling interactions between myocardium and endocardium pattern embryonic cardiac regions, instructing their development to fulfill specific functions in the mature heart. We show that ectopic Bmp2 expression in the mouse chamber myocardium changes the transcriptional signature of adjacent chamber endocardial cells into valve tissue, and enables them to undergo epithelial-mesenchyme transition. This induction is independent of valve myocardium specification and requires high levels of Notch1 activity. Biochemical experiments suggest that Bmp2-mediated Notch1 induction is achieved through transcriptional activation of the Notch ligand Jag1, and physical interaction of Smad1/5 with the intracellular domain of the Notch1 receptor. Thus, widespread myocardial Bmp2 and endocardial Notch signaling drive presumptive ventricular endocardium to differentiate into valve endocardium. Understanding the molecular basis of valve development is instrumental to designing therapeutic strategies for congenital heart valve defects.
Haltere removal alters responses to gravity in standing flies
Authors: Daltorio Kathryn , Fox Jessica
Published: May 2018

Animals detect the force of gravity with multiple sensory organs, from subcutaneous receptors at body joints to specialized sensors like the vertebrate inner ear. The halteres of flies, specialized mechanoreceptive organs derived from hindwings, are known to detect body rotations during flight, and some groups of flies also oscillate their halteres while walking. The dynamics of halteres are such that they could act as gravity detectors for flies standing on substrates, but their utility during non-flight behaviors is not known. We observed the behaviors of intact and haltere-ablated flies during walking and during perturbations in which the acceleration due to gravity suddenly changed. We found that intact halteres are necessary for flies to maintain normal walking speeds on vertical surfaces and to respond to sudden changes in gravity. Our results suggest that halteres can serve multiple sensory purposes during different behaviors, expanding their role beyond their canonical use in flight.
Geomorphological characteristics of the sand-dune field of the central Kyparissiakos Gulf
Authors: Karamousalis Th. , Poulos S. , Maroukian H. , Ghionis G.
Published: June 2018

Sand dunes are sensitive coastal landforms closely related to the evolution (and/or stability) of the beach zone. The present work refers to the central part of the dune field that lies along the middle part of the shoreline of the Kyparissiakos Gulf. The scope of the present investigation is to reveal the geomorphological and sedimentological characteristics of the sand dune field in association with the natural processes contributing to their formation. On the basis of our findings, the dune field of the central Kyparissiakos Gulf consists of four dune ridges, with heights >4.0 m. Their extent indicates the availability of large quantities of sand and the existence of a rather stable wind field. They consist of well sorted medium to fine sand. The alluvial fan of the Zachareiko torrential river has covered the dune field in the area of its mouth and buried the oldest 4th dune ridge to its south. The development of the dune field is estimated to have taken place during the last 3-4 thousand years subsequently to the completion of the rapid sea level rise at the end of the last glacial period.
Engineering geological map of the urban area of Kastoria, NW Greece
Authors: Konstantopoulou G. , Vacondios I.
Published: June 2018

In the present work, the engineering geological conditions of the urban area of Kastoria were examined. More specifically a geotechnical assessment of subsoil and rock outcrops within a minimum depth of 20 m bellow surface is made, for urban planning purposes. Landslide potential of the studied area including mainly rock falls and ground subsidence was also evaluated. Eleven engineering geological units were identified and mapped at 1:5.000 scale, which constitute the foundation ground of the old Kastoria town, as well as of its new areas of built-up extension. The identified ground units consist of six soil and five rock types. Soil units comprise one fill formation of variable composition and consistency with a ranging thickness between 2 m and 6 m and five loose to cohesive deposits, Holocene to Upper Pliocene in age, with high variation in grain size, density and plasticity factors. Rock lithologies range from highly to moderately weathered, closely fractured serpentinites and schists to fresh, widely fractured limestones. The old city of Kastoria is founded mainly on stable rocky ground and does not show any remarkable geotechnical problems. However, the need of built-up extension however and improvement of infrastructures, led to configurations of the marshy areas and to the use of foundation ground with poor mechanical properties, which locally need a special treatment to become stable.
Laboratory testing properties of sandstones
Authors: Koukis G. , Sabatakakis N. , Papanakli S.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this paper is to determine the geotechnical properties of clastic sedimentary rocks and especially sandstones which constitute a great part of the flysch formation. Laboratory tests were conducted in samples collected from different sites in western Greece. Physical and mechanical properties were determined including porosity (n), dry density (pf), sound velocities (Vp, Vs), point loading strength (IS(so)) and uniaxial compressive strength (ac). Additionally, the material constant m„ an input parameter for the Hoek and Brown failure criterion, was estimated by analyzing the results from a series of triaxial compression tests under different confining pressures. Regression analyses were also applied to define the relations among the obtained parameters
Tunneling and other engineering works in volcanic environments: Sousaki and Thessaly
Authors: Tsatsanifos C. , Kontogianni V. , Stiros S.
Published: June 2018

This study is inspired by the impacts on a tunnel of the Sousaki volcano, in the vicinity of Corinth and examines possible impacts of the Quaternary volcanism on major engineering works in Thessaly. The Sousaki volcano, at the NW edge of the Aegean Volcanic Arc has been associated with important volcanic activity in the past, but its current activity is confined to géothermie phenomena. A tunnel for the new Athens-Corinth High Speed Rail was excavated through the solfatara of the volcano, an area characterized by numerous faults and physical cavities. High temperatures and geothermal gases released in the underground opening through the faults caused disturbance to the tunnel construction, need for supplementary investigations and adoption of special measures to maintain tunnel stability. Experience from the tunnel at Sousaki indicates that similar risks may be faced in future major engineering works in other regions of Greece. Such an example is the area of Microthives and Achillio, Magnesia, Thessaly. Tunnels for the new highway and railway networks constructed or planned through at least two volcanic domes and other main engineering works may also face volcano-associated effects. Optimization of the network routes in combination with special construction techniques and safety measures need to be followed for minimization of such volcanic risks.
Elecrical Tomography and VLF methods contribution to underground wastewater pipe construction
Authors: Vargemezis G. , Gerolymatos E. , Aggelopoulos A.
Published: June 2018

In the area of municipality ofKropia (Attica, Athens) the construction of a tunnel for the transportation of treated wastewater has been decided. The length of the tunnel is approximately 1400 m and it is designed to cross an area at a depth of maximum 100 meters. Geological and tectonic mapping showed the existence of limestone and fault systems zones that are crossing the geological formations. Thus, geophysical survey has been designed in order to provide information about the geological and tectonic status at the proposed area. The application of electrical tomography has been designed in addition with VLF electromagnetic method. The first one was expected to show the geological cross section at the axis designed while the VLF method could provide more detailed information about the fault structures zones at the area. Results of the geophysical survey showed lateral changes of the mechanical behavior of the limestone. In parallel, fault zones that are crossing the axis have been mapped. Considering that engineers need to know the nature of probable problems that they have to deal with, geophysical investigation can provide useful information in a low cost and quick application and contribute to the best decision as concern the final positioning of the tunnel and the penetrating method.
Building and constructive materials as an urban geological resource in Trikala prefecture
Authors: Bathrellos G. D. , Skilodimou H. D. , Chrysanthaki I.
Published: June 2018

In this study were investigated the building and constrictive materials in the settlements of Trikala prefecture. These settlements have a long history of housing with buildings constructed by a variety rock types from very different geological settings. In the modern human and urban constructions are used mainly materials that have been suffered secondary (industrial) elaboration, such as cement, asphalt, glass and building iron. In older constructions (streets, homes, stables, bridges, etc) the man used materials, which the most came from local excavations. The used domestic natural materials in the human older constructions are attractive, as well as suited with the physical environment. On the contrary, the modern materials are usually strange and unsuitable to natural environment. The usage of rich and various geological resources in the urban regions present perhaps the best occasion for achieving the connection between the human culture and urban growth with the geology
Characterisation of Mycenaean and matt-painted pottery from Alani, ancient upper Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Iordanidis A. , Garcia-Guinea J. , Karamitrou-Mentessidi G.
Published: June 2018

Several analytical methods were applied for the study of ancient pottery from Aiani, ancient upper Macedonia, northern Greece. Mycenaean and matt-painted pottery sherds, dated form Late Bronze age, were analysed with the help of X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray system (ESEM-EDX). Morphological, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of both types of ancient pottery indicated a rather local provenance, thus strengthening the hypothesis of the co-existence of Mycenaean and Dorian pottery workshops in the region, during Late Bronze period
Analyzing Geology textbooks for secondary school curricula in Greece and Spain: Educational use of geological heritage
Authors: Meléndez G. , Fermeli G. , Koutsouveli An.
Published: June 2018

The teaching of geology as a separate discipline in secondary school curricula has been progressively reduced during the last 20 years in European countries. In the case of Greece and Spain, National Education laws have set geology as a supplementary matter of biology, geography and environmental sciences. However, geology and Earth sciences are not subsidiary items of these "natural science" disciplines. This secondary role assigned to geology is creating serious concern among geologist community due to the substantial drop of geology contents in Secondary school curricula, which will presumably produce a consequent drop of geology students in universities and the lack of geologists in the society. A proposal is made for using geological heritage as an educational tool and incorporating it to textbooks. This means using relevant points of geological and palaeontological heritage, as well as erosional features and fossil sites and relevant remains to illustrate natural processes and the History of Earth. This might provide a valuable instrument to create social and political concern for both Earth sciences and geological heritage, as well as to raise interest and enthusiasm in Secondary school students for the knowledge of Earth.
Characterization and causes of the building stone decay at the Artemis temple, Brauron, E. Attica, Greece
Authors: Tsipoura-Vlachou M. , Michopoulos K.
Published: June 2018

At Brauron (Vraona or Vravrona) area, E. Attica, near the Brauron bay, by the Erasinos river there is an ancient monument of 415 B.C., dedicated to Artemis. The building material used for the construction of the monument is sandstone originated from Neogene sedimentary deposits. The ancient quarries are located 500m away from the monument and traces of quarring are still visible. Monument ruins had been buried under the mud load curried by Erasinos river for many centuries. During the restoration works of the Temple of Artemis besides the stone found in situ, new material provided by the same formation was as well, used. The restored monument stones display intensive deterioration. The purpose of this paper is to study of the decay forms and investigate the decay causes of the building stone in the monument. The decay forms result from intrinsic (endogenic) and environmental factors. The main endogenic factors of decay of the sandstone used as building material, are: a) the high porosity, and the pore size distribution, b) the calcite cement of the stone c) the mineralogical composition, especially the presence of swelling clay minerals. The main environmental factors of decay that result to the calcite and salt crystallization are a) the burial of the ancient building stones, in the brackish water-mud, for centuries b) the frequent floods and possible pollution of the nearby Erasinos river c) the acid rain and aerosol attack d) the bioteterioration. The conclusions of this case study may have application on other monuments of historical interest, in similar environment
Micropaleontology and biostratigraphy efficient tools in archaeological research. Raw material provenance in the upper Palaeolithic Kasthtsa cave, loannina region (Greece)
Authors: Zambetakis-Lekkas A. , Elefanti P.
Published: June 2018

The present paper discusses the contribution of Micropaleontology and Biostratigraphy to the archaeological research using as a case study the Upper Palaeolithic cave of Kastritsa in the Ioannina basin, north-west Greece. Thin section analysis applied to a selected number of stone tools from the site suggested that raw materials employed in their manufacture could originate from the Ioannina basin or even from outcrops in the proximity of the cave. This suggest that once Palaeolithic groups arrived at the cave, they practised low mobility which in turn suggests that a range of subsistence opportunities were available in the area allowing to its inhabitants extensive stays. This hypothesis is well supported by the archaeological record of the site. Micropaleontology and Biostratigraphy can be a useful method in the investigation of raw material provenance, especially when sedimentary rocks are studied, and it can provide significant insights into huntergatherer mobility strategies.
An innovative data mining procedure, using clean algorithm and factor analysis, for irregularly sampled temporal environmental data sets
Authors: Fakiris E. , Papatheodorou G. , Panagiotopoulos P.
Published: June 2018

Environmental data are often irregularly collected in the time domain due to various reasons which affect the field sampling schedule. As a result, data sets with uneven time step and time periods with no measurements are frequently built. Many problems occur in such data sets when processed owing to that neither statistical nor spectral analysis methods can easily be applied to them without any specific pre-treatment. In our study it is demonstrated a unified methodological scheme especially designed to deal with incomplete and unevenly sampled temporal data sets. This method consists of the CLEAN algorithm and the Factor analysis. The proposed methodology is successfully applied to data sets that belong to two sampling sites of the Greek river Strimonas
Strain rates in Greece using GPS measurements from 1994-2000
Authors: Rontogianni S. , Clarke P. , King M. , Lavallée D. , England P. , Parsons B. , Floyd M.
Published: June 2018

Fifteen Greek GPS campaigns from 1994-2001 are reprocessed in ITRF2000 using Bernese v4.2 software. The reference frame is navigated by 43 global, long running IGS sites, which are included in the coordinate final solution together with ~280 local sites. A loosely constrained solution is derived. We combine the 221 daily SINEX files in a least squares approach with the TANYA software, producing the coordinate time series and the velocity field in a European Fixed reference frame. Sites around Chalkidiki and Grevena show a residual motion -10 mm/yr. Sites around Attica, Evvia, SE Peloponnisos, Aegean Islands have a SW residual motion reaching -40 mm/yr in South Peloponnisos. The Patras area shows a more southwesterly motion with respect to the rest of the sites, moving -30-35 mm/yr. Geodetic strain is derived by two methods: by discrete estimation within contiguous polygons, and by fitting a continuous minimum curvature surface to the velocity field.
Preliminary study on the inhibitory effect of seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa extract on biofilm formation of Candida albicans cultured from the saliva of a smoker
Authors: Mubarak Zaki , Humaira Adintya , Gani Basri A. , Muchlisin Zainal A.
Published: May 2018

Background: Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that infects the oral cavity. Increases in colony numbers of C. albicans can be caused by multiple factors, such as smoking, a weakened immune system, taking antibiotics and with immune-compromised individuals. Smoking can increase the virulence factor of C. albicans and make it stronger. One of the virulence factors of C. albicans is the biofilm it forms. The C. albicans biofilm makes it more tolerant to extracts of the seaweed Gracilaria verrucosa, which has antifungal activity. The objective of the study was to examine the ability of the G. verrucosa extracts to inhibit the formation of biofilm by C. albicans obtained from the saliva of smoker.

Methods: A total of six concentrations of G. verrucosa (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) were tested in this study. The positive control was fluconazole 0.31 µg/ml C. albicans was taken from the saliva of one smoker in Faculty of Dentistry, Syiah Kuala University. The total amount of biofilm was assessed using an ELISA reader. The data were subjected to Kruskal-Wallis test at a significance limit of p<0.05.

Results: The seaweed extract has three bio-active compounds: steroids, terpenoid, and tannins. The results showed that the inhibitory activity of seaweed on C. albicans biofilm formation increases as its concentration increases. The highest effectiveness was recorded at a seaweed concentration of 100% at 48 h of exposure.

Conclusions: The optimal inhibition of the C. albicans biofilm formation was recorded at the concentration of 100% G. verrucosa after 48 hours of exposure.
Challenges in the use of atomistic simulations to predict solubilities of drug-like molecules
Authors: Duarte Ramos Matos Guilherme , Mobley David L.
Published: May 2018

Background: Solubility is a physical property of high importance to the pharmaceutical industry, the prediction of which for potential drugs has so far been a hard task. We attempted to predict the solubility of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) by estimating the absolute chemical potentials of its most stable polymorph and of solutions with different concentrations of the drug molecule.

Methods: Chemical potentials were estimated from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. 

We used the Einstein molecule method (EMM) to predict the absolute chemical potential of the solid and solvation free energy calculations to predict the excess chemical potentials of the liquid-phase systems.

Results: Reliable estimations of the chemical potentials for the solid and for a single ASA molecule using the EMM required an extremely large number of intermediate states for the free energy calculations, meaning that the calculations were extremely demanding computationally. Despite the computational cost, however, the computed value did not agree well with the experimental value, potentially due to limitations with the underlying energy model. Perhaps better values could be obtained with a better energy model; however, it seems likely computational cost may remain a limiting factor for use of this particular approach to solubility estimation.   

Conclusions: Solubility prediction of drug-like solids remains computationally challenging, and it appears that both the underlying energy model and the computational approach applied may need improvement before the approach is suitable for routine use.
Effective Interaction of State Bodies and Public Organizations
Authors: Изаак С. , Izaak S.
Published: June 2018

The article notes that the state through the system of bodies of state power defines relations with public organizations, including developing measures of state support. The solution to the problem of efficiency of intersectoral interaction is presented in the example of the sports industry. As subjects of communication fields defined by the territorial Executive authorities and territorial public-state, public associations (including organizations). It is shown that in the sports industry has developed long-standing practice of interaction, characterized by an optimal organization on mutually beneficial conditions and efficiency in the system of relations “state — society”.
Phonetic and Intonation Parameters of Oral Scientific Discourse
Authors: Скорикова Татьяна , Skorikova Tat'yana , Орлов Е. , Orlov E.
Published: June 2018

The article deals with specific features of the intonational design of the text in oral scientific (public) speech, determined by its intermediate position between the book-written codified type of literary language and colloquial speech. The influence of such extralinguistic factors as oral form, spontaneity, publicity, etc. on language structure and prosody of the oral scientific monologue is shown. In a clear tabular form, the ratio of the variants of the pronouncing norm is presented, as well as the tendencies for syncretism and dissociation at the phonetic level of the word and the prosodic organization of the utterance. Methods of auditory analysis of transcripts of oral scientific discourse are disclosed and principles of intonation transcription of this type of sounding material are described.
The Value of Personal Information in Online Markets with Endogenous Privacy
Authors: Montes Rodrigo , Sand-Zantman Wilfried , Valletti Tommaso
Published: May 2018

We investigate the effects of price discrimination on prices, profits, and consumer surplus when (a) at least one competing firm can use consumers’ private information to price discriminate yet (b) consumers can prevent such use by paying a “privacy cost.” Unlike a monopolist, competing duopolists do not always benefit from a higher privacy cost because each firm’s profit decreases—and consumer surplus increases—with that cost. Under such competition, the optimal strategy for an owner of consumer data that sells information in a single block is selling to only one firm, thereby maximizing the stakes for rival buyers. The resulting inefficiencies imply that policy makers should devote more attention to discouraging exclusivity deals and less to ensuring that consumers can easily protect their privacy.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2989 .

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Da incondicionalidade: universidade, ciências, filosofia
Authors: Fragozo Fernando
Published: June 2018

O presente artigo tem como objetivo relacionar duas conferências tardiasrealizadas por Jacques Derrida a respeito da universidade e das ciências. Numprimeiro momento, tratar-se-á de apresentar as linhas gerais de A universidadesem condição, de 1998, na qual o autor propõe pensar a “profissão de professor”a partir das questões da busca da verdade e da performatividade sob a égidedo conceito de “universidade sem condição” ou “incondicional”, visando aconstituição paradoxal de “novas Humanidades” que, no seio da universidade,possam tanto pensar seus limites como a paradoxal questão do acontecimento.Em seguida, serão apresentados elementos da conferência O “mundo” das luzespor vir (exceção, cálculo, soberania), de 2002, na qual o autor busca pensar arazão para além do que é caracterizado como projeto arquitetônico, sistemáticoe teleológico da filosofia, que ameaçaria, assim como toda teleologia, asracionalidades plurais das mais diversas ciências na medida em que condicionae impede o advento “impossível” do “acontecimento”.
Fenomenologia e antropologismo: a morte do homem entre Foucault e Derrida
Authors: Carvalho Júlia Diniz e
Published: June 2018

Este texto trata da relação entre fenomenologia e atropologismo enquanto umtema no debate entre Foucault e Derrida. Primeiramente, contextualiza-se oprojeto arqueológico de Foucault, situando-se o cenário em que As palavras e ascoisas (1966) se insere. Num segundo momento, faz-se um balanço da agendada filosofia francesa do pós-guerra em sua relação com a fenomenologia e como antropologismo. Para tal, aborda-se, juntamente com As palavras e as coisas, otexto Os fins do homem (1968), de Derrida. Por fim, mostra-se em quais sentidos aleitura paralela dos mencionados textos de Foucault e Derrida desdobra-se numapossível aproximação entre os pensamentos e as estratégias dos dois filósofos.
Contribuições de uma formação continuada para a produção de texto com auxílio das TICs nas aulas de Língua Espanhola
Authors: Dacoltivo Fernanda , Castela Greice Da Silva
Published: June 2018

Este artigo tem como objetivo avaliar os desafios e as contribuições do processo de formação continuada, com foco nas TICs, para o encaminhamento da produção textual, em uma perspectiva interacionista, nas aulas de Língua Espanhola. A investigação foi realizada com os professores de Língua Espanhola, da rede estadual do município de Santa Helena-PR, que atuam no Ensino Médio e nos Centros de Línguas Estrangeiras Modernas (CELEM). Para tanto, adotamos como metodologia a pesquisa de cunho etnográfico, do tipo qualitativa-interpretativista. Esta pesquisa se insere no arcabouço da Linguística Aplicada (LA) e baseia-se nos posicionamentos teóricos de Bakhtin (2011), Geraldi (1984, 1997), Costa-Hübes (2012), entre outros. Os dados revelaram que os professores não utilizam as TICs para a produção e circulação dos materiais produzidos. Quanto à produção de texto, observamos que os professores adotam em parte os aspectos que conduzem a atividade para um processo de interação. A formação continuada proporcionou momentos de reflexão, nos quais foram realizadas revisões dos elementos que encaminham uma proposta de texto para a interação e a proposição de utilizar as plataformas tecnológicas para a criação e circulação dos materiais produzidos pelos alunos.
“Eles eram capazes de refletir sobre questões importantes e delicadas”: construindo saberes através de um projeto de iniciação à docência de LIC
Authors: Moraes Bezerra Isabel Cristina Rangel
Published: June 2018

A formação de docentes na graduação de Letras (Português/Inglês) nas universidades brasileiras não costuma oferecer disciplinas voltadas para o ensino de língua estrangeiras para crianças (LEC) ou, como no caso em análise, de língua inglesa para crianças (LIC), apesar da demanda em escolas particulares e em algumas redes de ensino público. Nesse cenário, insere-se a proposta do projeto de ID que coordeno, o qual visa oferecer um espaço discursivo para a construção de saberes e para o pensar crítico sobre esse ensino-aprendizagem. Assim, com base pesquisa na área (PINTER, [2006]2015; SEGANFREDO; BENEDETTI, 2009; CRISTÓVÃO; GAMERO, 2009), apresento pressupostos teóricos para fundamentar uma proposta de LIC, bem como para a formação do professor para esse segmento. Apoiada na abordagem híbrida para o ensino-aprendizagem, formação docente e reflexão da Prática Exploratória e em seus princípios (ALLWRIGHT, 1996; MILLER, 2013), ao invés de resultados, trago alguns entendimentos sobre a formação inicial de professoras de inglês a partir do projeto de iniciação à docência em tela na voz de uma bolsista. Tais entendimentos locais podem, por sua vez, contribuir para aprofundar as discussões em curso na área de ensino de inglês para crianças e formação inicial de professores de inglês para esse público.
Post-treatment advice following botulinum toxin injections: a review
Authors: Patel Shailesh
Published: June 2018

There is a paucity of published research evidence to support post-treatment recommendations commonly provided to patients following botulinum toxin injections. The purpose of this article is to review both the advice that is given to patients by aesthetic practitioners and the available evidence to substantiate these recommendations. A small body of evidence supports the recommendations for exercising treated muscles post administration to increase the uptake of botulinum toxin and avoiding ultraviolet B radiation with the use of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of ≥30. Further studies are required to confirm these recommendations. There is no published evidence to support the recommendations of avoiding massaging the treated area, strenuous exercise, lying or bending down, of flying within 24 hours of administration. The practice of cooling to soothe and reduce bruising should no longer be recommended until further research is available.
Treatment of multiple skin concerns with an alpha hydroxy acid superficial skin peel
Authors: Kunde Olivia
Published: June 2018

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a class of chemicals that have been used in cosmeceuticals for many years. They are well known for their ability to rejuvenate the skin and their anti-ageing, pigmentation-reducing and volume-restoring properties. The PCA Skin Perfecting Peel (Church Pharmacy) contains 20% mandelic acid and 10% lactic acid. It is a superficial peel formulated to treat a variety of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, acne and common signs of ageing. This article looks at the evidence available to support the key ingredients in the PCA Skin Perfecting Peel, as well as its indications and contraindications. It also presents three case studies with results obtained following a course of just two peels and an at-home regimen. The author concludes this peel is an asset for any aesthetic practice, with just one treatment producing results for a variety of skin concerns, affecting a broad range of patients. The nature of chemical peels means that patients often return more frequently than with injectable therapies, which can provide ongoing contact and regular income.
What is the andropause and how can it be managed in aesthetic practice?
Authors: Ashton Beverley
Published: June 2018

Just as women experience hormonal changes during the menopause, men are affected by a gradual decline in testosterone. Beverley Ashton reflects on common symptoms of the andropause and its long-term health implications. She explains why the use of biochemical blood analysis to diagnose low testosterone has been questioned and says a validated questionnaire must be used during assessment
General practice nurse workforce review: Findings from York
Authors: Smith Polly , Berry Lyeanda
Published: June 2018

Polly Smith and Lyeanda Berry discuss the findings of a workplace review designed to investigate the diversity of the practice nurse workforce in a cohort of GP surgeries in York, including roles, responsibilities, skills, education and competencies of staff

As part of a collaborative initiative between an NHS foundation Trust and a GP federation, a project was developed to review and understand the diversity of the practice nurse workforce in a cohort of GP surgeries in York, including roles, responsibilities, skills, education and competencies of staff. The workforce review highlighted that GP practices have a rich wealth of knowledge and experience in their nursing workforce. In order to develop and future-proof the service, it is important for practices to work on role development, maximising the non-registered workforce and the recruitment and retention of staff.
The role of parliament under ministerial government
Authors: Indriðason Indriði H. , Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: May 2018

The present paper is concerned with the preconditions for ministerial government in Iceland and the role of parliament in sustaining it. Ministerial government is a form of coalition governance where the division of portfolios between parties functions as the basic mechanism of managing coalitions. Ministers are policy dictators in the sense that they control their ministries without interference from their coalition partners. Ministerial government is considered a weak form of coalition governance in the literature on account of its susceptibility to principal-agent problems, i.e., the temptation of ministers to adopt policies which are beneficial to their own party, or themselves, even if they are harmful to the coalition as a whole.
We argue that ministerial government was the guiding principle of coalition governance in Iceland prior to the crash of 2008. We demonstrate that given a number of conditions, ministerial government can in fact function effectively in the sense of providing the necessary minimum of inter-coalition checks. Instead of the cabinet providing oversight, however, the parties and committees in parliament play a key role in controlling policy drift. For a number of reasons, the financial crash in Iceland undermined some of the features on which ministerial government rested and coalition co-ordination after the crash has diverged significantly from the preceding period. It is too early, however, to tell whether these represent a permanent shift in coalition management in Iceland.
Young children’s experiences with contemporary art
Authors: Bell David , Bell Helen , Collins Lyn , Spencer Alicia
Published: May 2018

This ethnographic study describes how an in-depth preschool learning pathway developed around children’s investigations into a contemporary artist. It found that learning with Yayoi Kusama’s art favoured habits of exploration, reflection, revisitation and development of ideas, and enriched children’s visual awareness, inclusive artlearning conversations and their learning in mathematics, literacy and visual art. It argues that sustained learning pathways, scaffolded media investigations, first-hand engagements with real artworks and well-informed teachers can enhance curiosities, independent inventive dispositions and confident art experiences in the early years.