bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining a Successful Nasal Airway Surgery: Calculation of the Patient‐Centered Minimum Important Difference
Authors: Ziai Hedyeh , Bonaparte James P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Determine whether the patient‐identified minimum important difference (MID) in Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) score differs from a statistically calculated estimate of MID in patients with septal deviation undergoing nasal airway surgery.

Study Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Tertiary academic referral center.

Subjects

Patients with nasal obstruction due to septal deviation.

Methods

Patients completed the NOSE questionnaire preoperatively and indicated the change from their baseline score that they would consider the minimum improvement required to define the septoplasty with turbinate reduction as successful. A previously published distribution‐based approach was used to estimate the MID based on baseline NOSE scores. Scores were reported both as a raw score and as a percentage of patients’ baseline scores. One‐sample t test was used to compare the statistically estimated MID to the patient‐reported MID.

Results

Seventy‐six patients were included. The mean (SD) baseline NOSE score was 12.9 (4.03). The mean (SD) patient‐identified MID was 5.3 (2.1), corresponding to a 41.1% change (95% confidence interval, 37.2‐41.3) from baseline. The statistically estimated MID was 5.2 points (40.3% reduction from baseline scores). The estimated MID was not significantly different from the patient‐identified MID (P =. 4).

Conclusion

In patients with septal deviation, an improvement of approximately 40% in their nasal obstructive symptoms as assessed by the NOSE questionnaire is required to define a nasal airway surgery as successful. The patient‐identified and the statistically calculated MIDs were similar. Furthermore, this MID can be used to guide research, improving the ability to use the NOSE score as a dichotomous scoring measure (treatment success/failure) and estimating sample size.
Effects of Silver Nitrate Cauterization on Middle Turbinate Synechia after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Uluyol Sinan
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of silver nitrate cauterization of the middle turbinate (MT) for hindering postoperative middle meatal synechia formation after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design

Prospective, controlled, and single‐blinded.

Settings

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

For this study, 38 patients undergoing bilateral ESS due to nasal polyposis were recruited. Following ESS, silver nitrate cauterization of the lateral side of the left MT was performed in all cases. The noncauterized opposite right sides served as controls. All patients received the standard ESS protocol, intraoperative middle meatal packing, and postoperative management. The main outcome measured was the formation of partial or complete MT synechia at the end of 6‐month assessment, performed by a blinded observer.

Results

At the end of the 6‐month follow‐up period, MT synechia formation was observed in 7 of the right sides (7 of 38, 18.4%) and none in any left sides. The rate of synechia formation was significantly higher in the controls when compared with the silver nitrate–cauterized sides (P <. 001).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that silver nitrate cauterization of the MT is a practical and efficient method to eliminate middle meatal synechia after ESS.
Optimized design of the flow network in the lubrication system for the heavy vehicle transmission
Authors: Li Jinning , Ma Zeyu , Jiang Ming , Zhang Yunqing , Wan Li
Published: April 2017

An accurate simulation model of the lubrication system is essential for early design of the heavy truck transmission. In this article, a detailed computational method for the flow network analysis of the lubrication circuit is developed based on the hydraulic theory, and the flow resistance through the oil pipes and orifices is also taken into consideration. Then, the Next Limit Technologies’ XFlow, a potential new three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics software based on lattice Boltzmann method, is adopted to obtain the relationship between the oil delivery and the lubrication effect in the low-pressure capillary lubrication network of the rear auxiliary gearbox. To achieve the best overall lubricating performance of the flow network, the optimized design of the diameter for each oil supply orifice is determined by a detailed sensitivity analysis on the contribution of each parameter to the volumetric flow rate. The bench tests for the volumetric flow rate have been performed for validating the computation model by comparing the predicted volumetric flow rate through each oil supply bore with the experimental data at various pump speeds. The endurance tests have further conducted and the test results indicate a remarkable reduction in mechanical weariness when the best solution of the flow network design for the transmission lubrication system is adopted.
Study on multidisciplinary design optimization of a 2-degree-of-freedom robot based on sensitivity analysis and structural analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Jinzeng , Wang Chengjie , Song Yang , Li Bailin
Published: April 2017

The optimization design of a robot was usually conducted by the sequential design, which, however, neglected the interactive impacts of different disciplines. To address this shortage, this article presents a design multidisciplinary optimization procedure for a 2-degree-of-freedom robot. In the proposed design optimization, four disciplines are involved, which are composed of kinematics, dynamics, structure, and control. The coupling relationship among the four disciplines is analyzed based on variable sensitivity analysis. A collaborative optimization is proposed to obtain the optimum values of the system-level optimization. With the method of a genetic algorithm, the individual discipline optimization is executed to obtain the subsystem optimum values. The optimized 2-degree-of-freedom robot is able to synthesize an optimum function value and simultaneously shows a good satisfaction to the requirement of all constraints. The structural analysis results demonstrate that the multidisciplinary design optimization is successfully applied to the multi-degree-of-freedom robot design and provides a beneficial reference for the design of more complicated mechanical system.
Comparative study on air distribution system for piston-type compressed air engine
Authors: Yu Qihui , Hao Xueqing , Tan Xin
Published: April 2017

The open and close duration, angle, and pressure of the intake and exhaust valves substantially influence compressed air engine efficiency and output power. In the actual prototype, the air distribution system can be of two types, cam air distribution type and rotary air distribution type. Compressed air engine based on the two types has been investigated. However, there have been debates over the advantages and disadvantages of these two technologies. The article aims to compare two technologies from the output power and energy efficiency. To verify theoretical analyses’ model, an experimental system is built to test the output power and efficiency of compressed air engine with cam air distribution system. It is shown that the output power of the compressed air engine with rotary air distribution system is higher than that of the compressed air engine with cam air distribution system. When the rotation speed is equal to 800 r/min, the output power of the compressed air engine with rotary air distribution system is about five times as much as that of the compressed air engine with cam air distribution system. The efficiency of two kinds of compressed air engines all declines with a rise in the rotation speed. Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the compressed air engine with rotary air distribution system is higher than that of the compressed air engine with cam air distribution system by approximately 10%. The analyses also indicate that sealing and lubrication are key to practical application of the compressed air engine with rotary air distribution system.
Detecting Myocardial Ischemia With 99mTechnetium-Tetrofosmin Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Giannopoulos Sotirios , Markoula Sofia , Sioka Chrissa , Zouroudi Sofia , Spiliotopoulou Maria , Naka Katerina K. , Michalis Lampros K. , Fotopoulos Andreas , Kyritsis Athanassios P.
Published: April 2017

Background:

To assess the myocardial status in patients with stroke, employing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with 99mTechnetium-tetrofosmin (99mTc-TF)-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods:

Fifty-two patients with ischemic stroke were subjected to 99mTc-TF-SPECT MPI within 1 month after stroke occurrence. None of the patients had any history or symptoms of coronary artery disease or other heart disease. Myocardial perfusion imaging was evaluated visually using a 17-segment polar map. Myocardial ischemia (MIS) was defined as present when the summed stress score (SSS) was >4; MIS was defined as mild when SSS was 4 to 8, and moderate/severe with SSS ≥9. Patients with SSS >4 were compared to patients with SSS <4. Parameters such as age, body mass index, waist perimeter, smoking habits, and medical history (diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, etc) were evaluated according to MPI results.

Results:

Myocardial ischemia was present in 32 (62%) of 52 patients with stroke. Among them, 20 (62%) of 32 patients had mild abnormalities and 12 (38%) of 32 had moderate/severe. The age and waist perimeter showed a tendency to relate to severe MIS when patients with SSS >9 were compared to patients with SSS <4. In MPI-positive patients, an age was to be association with SSS, with the oldest age exhibiting the highest SSS ( P = .01). The association of age with SSS remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

The study suggested that more than half of patients with stroke without a history of cardiac disease have MIS. Although most of them have mild MIS, we suggest a thorough cardiological evaluation in this group of patients for future prevention of severe myocardial outcome.
Low-cost time-lapse seismic with distributed compressive sensing — Part 2: Impact on repeatability
Authors: Wason Haneet , Oghenekohwo Felix , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: April 2017

Irregular or off-the-grid spatial sampling of sources and receivers is inevitable in field seismic acquisitions. Consequently, time-lapse surveys become particularly expensive because current practices aim to replicate densely sampled surveys for monitoring changes occurring in the reservoir due to hydrocarbon production. We have determined that under certain circumstances, high-quality prestack data can be obtained from cheap randomized subsampled measurements that are observed from nonreplicated surveys. We extend our time-jittered marine acquisition to time-lapse surveys by designing acquisition on irregular spatial grids that render simultaneous, subsampled, and irregular measurements. Using the fact that different time-lapse data share information and that nonreplicated surveys add information when prestack data are recovered jointly, we recover periodic densely sampled and colocated prestack data by adapting the recovery method to incorporate a regularization operator that maps traces from an irregular spatial grid to a regular periodic grid. The recovery method is, therefore, a combined operation of regularization, interpolation (estimating missing fine-grid traces from subsampled coarse-grid data), and source separation (unraveling overlapping shot records). By relaxing the insistence on replicability between surveys, we find that recovery of the time-lapse difference shows little variability for realistic field scenarios of slightly nonreplicated surveys that suffer from unavoidable natural deviations in spatial sampling of shots (or receivers) and pragmatic compressed-sensing-based nonreplicated surveys when compared with the “ideal” scenario of exact replicability between surveys. Moreover, the recovered densely sampled prestack baseline and monitor data improve significantly when the acquisitions are not replicated, and hence they can serve as input to extract poststack attributes used to compute time-lapse differences. Our observations are based on experiments conducted for an ocean-bottom cable survey acquired with time-jittered continuous recording assuming source equalization (or the same source signature) for the time-lapse surveys and no changes in wave heights, water column velocities or temperature, and salinity profiles.
Inductive electromagnetic data interpretation using a 3D distribution of 3D magnetic or electric dipoles
Authors: Kolaj Michal , Smith Richard
Published: April 2017

In inductive electromagnetics, the magnetic field measured in the air at any instant can be considered to be a potential field. As such, we can invert measured magnetic fields (at a fixed time or frequency) for the causative subsurface current system. These currents can be approximated with a 3D subsurface grid of 3D magnetic (closed-loop current) or electric (line current) dipoles whose location and orientation can be solved for using a potential-field-style smooth-model inversion. Because the problem is linear, both inversions can be solved quickly even for large subsurface volumes; and both can be run on a single data set for complementary information. Synthetic studies suggest that for discrete induction dominated targets, the magnetic and electric dipole inversions can be used to determine the center and top edge of the target, respectively. Furthermore, the orientation of plate targets can be estimated from visual examination of the orientations of the 3D vector dipoles and/or using the interpreted location of the center and top edge of the target. In the first field example, ground data from a deep massive sulfide body (mineral exploration target) was inverted and the results were consistent with the conclusions drawn from the synthetic examples and with the existing interpretation of the body (shallow dipping conductor at a depth of approximately 400 m). A second example over a near-surface mine tailing (a near-surface environmental/engineering study) highlighted the strength of being able to invert data using either magnetic or electric dipoles. Although both models were able to fit the data, the electric dipole model was considerably simpler and revealed a southwest−northeast-trending conductive zone. This fast approximate 3D inversion can be used as a starting point for more rigorous interpretation and/or, in some cases, as a stand-alone interpretation tool.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Survivorship Care Plans Among Low-Income, Predominantly Latina Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Maly Rose C. , Liang Li-Jung , Liu Yihang , Griggs Jennifer J. , Ganz Patricia A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of treatment summaries and survivorship care plans coupled with a nurse counseling session, primarily on physician implementation of and secondarily on patient adherence to recommended survivorship care, among a low-income population of breast cancer survivors (survivors).

Methods

We recruited 212 low-income, predominantly Latina (72.6%) survivors with stage 0 to III breast cancer, with an average age of 53 years, from two Los Angeles County public hospitals into an RCT of a survivorship care nurse counseling session coupled with the provision of individualized treatment summaries and survivorship care plans to patients and their health care providers from December 2012 to July 2014. One hundred seven survivors received the experimental intervention, and 105 survivors received usual care. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess intervention effects on physician implementation of and patient adherence to recommended survivorship care. Scales that served as covariables were Knowledge of Survivorship Issues, Perceived Efficacy in Patient-Physician Interactions, and Satisfaction With Care and Information.

Results

Survivors in the intervention group reported greater physician implementation of recommended breast cancer survivorship care, for example, treatment of depression or hot flashes, than did those in the control group (adjusted difference, 16 ± 5.3; P = .003). Baseline Satisfaction With Care and Information was positively associated with physician implementation (coefficient, 5.2 ± 2.2; P = .02). Being married/partnered (−11.8 ± 4.0; P = .004) and age (−0.5 ± 0.2; P = .028) were negatively associated with patient adherence.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first RCT of survivorship care plans to show benefits in clinical outcomes, in this case, showing increased physician implementation of recommended breast cancer survivorship care in the intervention group, compared with the control group.
Video-Teleconferencing in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology: Ten Years of Experience
Authors: Amayiri Nisreen , Swaidan Maisa , Abuirmeileh Najiyah , Al-Hussaini Maysa , Tihan Tarik , Drake James , Musharbash Awni , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Tabori Uri , Halalsheh Hadeel , Bartels Ute , Bouffet Eric
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The management of central nervous system tumors is challenging in low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about applicability of twinning initiatives with high-income countries in neuro-oncology. In 2004, a monthly neuro-oncology video-teleconference program was started between King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman, Jordan) and the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). More than 100 conferences were held and > 400 cases were discussed. The aim of this work was to assess the sustainability of such an initiative and the evolution of the impact over time.

Methods

We divided the duration in to three eras according to the initial 2 to 3 years of work of three consecutive oncologists in charge of the neuro-oncology program at King Hussein Cancer Center. We retrospectively reviewed the written minutes and compared the preconference suggested plans with the postconference recommendations. Impact of changes on the patient care was recorded.

Results

Thirty-three sets of written minutes (covering 161 cases) in the middle era and 32 sets of written minutes (covering 122 cases) in the last era were compared with the initial experience (20 meetings, 72 cases). Running costs of these conferences has dropped from $360/h to < $40/h. Important concepts were introduced, such as multidisciplinary teamwork, second-look surgery, and early referral. Suggestions for plan changes have decreased from 44% to 30% and 24% in the respective consecutive eras. Most recommendations involved alternative intervention modalities or pathology review. Most of these recommendations were followed.

Conclusion

Video-teleconferencing in neuro-oncology is feasible and sustainable. With time, team experience is built while the percentage and the type of treatment modifications change. Commitment and motivation helped maintain this initiative rather than availability of financial resources. Improvement in patients’ care was achieved, in particular, with the implementation of a multidisciplinary team and the continuous effort to implement recommendations.
Kant's Conception of Number
Authors: Sutherland Daniel
Published: April 2017

Despite the importance of Kant's claims about mathematical cognition for his philosophy as a whole and for subsequent philosophy of mathematics, there is still no consensus on his philosophy of arithmetic, and in particular the role he assigns intuition in it. This inquiry sets aside the role of intuition for the nonce to investigate Kant's conception of natural number. Although Kant himself doesn't distinguish between a cardinal and an ordinal conception of number, some of the properties Kant attributes to number can be characterized as cardinal or ordinal. This essay argues that Kant's conception of number includes both cardinal and ordinal elements; it suggests that the cardinal elements provide the basis of a conception of number in general, while the ordinal elements contribute to specifying the exact size of particular collections. In considering these elements, roles for intuition begin to emerge, setting the stage for a reevaluation of the role of intuition in Kant's arithmetic.
Mary and the Two Gods: Trying Out an Ability Hypothesis
Authors: Kwon Hongwoo
Published: April 2017

There are close parallels between Frank Jackson's case of black-and-white Mary and David Lewis's case of the two omniscient gods. This essay develops and defends what may be called “the ability hypothesis” about the knowledge that the gods lack, by adapting Lewis's ability hypothesis about the knowledge that Mary acquires. What the gods might lack despite their propositional omniscience is not any distinctive kind of information, but certain abilities of introspection. The motivating idea is that knowledge one acquires by exercising introspective abilities cannot fail to be knowledge about oneself or indexical knowledge. So in order to envisage the gods' epistemic situation coherently, we need to assume that they lack those introspective abilities. But once we recognize that, it turns out that positing a special kind of information is a gratuitous addition. The two gods' ignorance simply consists in their lack of introspective abilities.
Exercise-Induced Autophagy in Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Chun Sung Kook , Lee Sooyeon , Yang Ming-Jim , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Kim Jae-Sung
Published: April 2017

Hepatic steatosis prevails each year. Autophagy is integral in mitochondrial quality control and lipid homeostasis in the liver. No pharmacological strategies are currently available to reduce hepatic steatosis, but exercise has been known to improve clinical outcomes of chronic liver disease, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent studies suggest that exercise may improve NAFLD through enhancing autophagy.
Capturing the systemic immune signature of a norovirus infection: an n-of-1 case study within a clinical trial
Authors: Cutler Antony J. , Oliveira Joao , Ferreira Ricardo C. , Challis Ben , Walker Neil M. , Caddy Sarah , Lu Jia , Stevens Helen E. , Smyth Deborah J. , Pekalski Marcin L. , Kennet Jane , Hunter Kara M.D. , Goodfellow Ian , Wicker Linda S. , Todd John A. , Waldron-Lynch Frank
Published: April 2017

Background: The infection of a participant with norovirus during the adaptive study of interleukin-2 dose on regulatory T cells in type 1 diabetes (DILT1D) allowed a detailed insight into the cellular and cytokine immune responses to this prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen.

Methods: Serial blood, serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected pre-, and post-development of the infection. To differentiate between the immune response to norovirus and to control for the administration of a single dose of aldesleukin (recombinant interleukin-2, rIL-2) alone, samples from five non-infected participants administered similar doses were analysed in parallel.

Results: Norovirus infection was self-limited and resolved within 24 hours, with the subsequent development of anti-norovirus antibodies. Serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-10, peaked during the symptomatic period of infection, coincident with increased frequencies of monocytes and neutrophils. At the same time, the frequency of regulatory CD4+T cell (Treg), effector T cell (Teff) CD4+and CD8+subsets were dynamically reduced, rebounding to baseline levels or above at the next sampling point 24 hours later.  NK cells and NKT cells transiently increased CD69 expression and classical monocytes expressed increased levels of CD40, HLA-DR and SIGLEC-1, biomarkers of an interferon response. We also observed activation and mobilisation of Teffs, where increased frequencies of CD69+and Ki-67+effector memory Teffs were followed by the emergence of memory CD8+Teff expressing the mucosal tissue homing markers CD103 and β7 integrin. Treg responses were coincident with the innate cell, Teff and cytokine response. Key Treg molecules FOXP3, CTLA-4, and CD25 were upregulated following infection, alongside an increase in frequency of Tregs with the capacity to home to tissues.

Conclusions: The results illustrate the innate, adaptive and counter-regulatory immune responses to norovirus infection. Low-dose IL-2 administration induces many of the Treg responses observed during infection.
Possibilities and problems of Solar magnetic field observations for space weather forecast
Authors: Демидов Михаил , Demidov Mikhail
Published: April 2017

An essential part of the space weather problem, important in the last decades, is the forecast of near-Earth space parameters, ionospheric and geomagnetic conditions on the basis of observations of various phenomena on the Sun. Of particular importance are measurements of magnetic fields as they determine the spatial structure of outer layers of the solar atmosphere and, to a large extent, solar wind parameters. Due to lack of opportunities to observe magnetic fields directly in the corona, the almost only source of various models for quantitative calculation of heliospheric parameters are daily magnetograms measured in photospheric lines and synoptic maps derived from these magnetograms. It turns out that results of the forecast, in particular of the solar wind velocity in Earth’s orbit and the position of the heliospheric current sheet, greatly depend not only on the chosen calculation model, but also on the original material because magnetograms from different instruments (and often observations in different lines at the same), although being morphologically similar, may differ significantly in a detailed quantitative analysis. A considerable part of this paper focuses on a detailed analysis of this particular aspect of the problem of space weather forecast.
Estimating the absolute total electron content based on single-frequency satellite radio navigation GPS/GLONASS data
Authors: Ясюкевич Юрий , Yasyukevich Yury , Мыльникова Анна , Mylnikova Anna , Иванов Всеволод , Ivanov Vsevolod
Published: April 2017

We present a new technique for estimating the absolute vertical and slant total electron content (TEC). The estimation is based on single-frequency joint phase and pseudorange GPS/GLONASS measurements at single stations. Estimated single-frequency vertical TEC agrees qualitatively and quantitatively with the dual-frequency vertical TEC. For analyzed stations a typical value of the difference between the single-frequency vertical TEC and dual-frequency ones generally does not exceed ~1.5 TECU with RMS up to ~3 TECU.
Nonsinusoidal Beta Oscillations Reflect Cortical Pathophysiology in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Cole Scott R. , van der Meij Roemer , Peterson Erik J. , de Hemptinne Coralie , Starr Philip A. , Voytek Bradley
Published: April 2017

Oscillations in neural activity play a critical role in neural computation and communication. There is intriguing new evidence that the nonsinusoidal features of the oscillatory waveforms may inform underlying physiological and pathophysiological characteristics. Time-domain waveform analysis approaches stand in contrast to traditional Fourier-based methods, which alter or destroy subtle waveform features. Recently, it has been shown that the waveform features of oscillatory beta (13–30 Hz) events, a prominent motor cortical oscillation, may reflect near-synchronous excitatory synaptic inputs onto cortical pyramidal neurons. Here we analyze data from invasive human primary motor cortex (M1) recordings from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) implanted with a deep brain stimulator (DBS) to test the hypothesis that the beta waveform becomes less sharp with DBS, suggesting that M1 input synchrony may be decreased. We find that, in PD, M1 beta oscillations have sharp, asymmetric, nonsinusoidal features, specifically asymmetries in the ratio between the sharpness of the beta peaks compared with the troughs. This waveform feature is nearly perfectly correlated with beta-high gamma phase-amplitude coupling (r= 0.94), a neural index previously shown to track PD-related motor deficit. Our results suggest that the pathophysiological beta generator is altered by DBS, smoothing out the beta waveform. This has implications not only for the interpretation of the physiological mechanism by which DBS reduces PD-related motor symptoms, but more broadly for our analytic toolkit in general. That is, the often-overlooked time-domain features of oscillatory waveforms may carry critical physiological information about neural processes and dynamics.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo better understand the neural basis of cognition and disease, we need to understand how groups of neurons interact to communicate with one another. For example, there is evidence that parkinsonian bradykinesia and rigidity may arise from an oversynchronization of afferents to the motor cortex, and that these symptoms are treatable using deep brain stimulation. Here we show that the waveform shape of beta (13–30 Hz) oscillations, which may reflect input synchrony onto the cortex, is altered by deep brain stimulation. This suggests that mechanistic inferences regarding physiological and pathophysiological neural communication may be made from the temporal dynamics of oscillatory waveform shape.
Models for Sustainability
Authors: Yao Yuan
Published: April 2017

As one of the major methodologies used in the modeling of sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely used to evaluate the environmental impacts of emerging technologies and to enhance decision making towards sustainable development. However, most of the current LCA models are static and deterministic. More insights could be generated when LCA models are coupled with higher-resolution techniques in a prospective fashion. Instead of trying to accurately predict the future, the purpose and value of integrated prospective models are to explore the boundaries of possibility and to shed light on directions that can lead to sustainable pathways. The biggest challenge is to determine the appropriate model resolution so that both big-picture insights and critical details are included. This challenge is hard to address, especially for interdisciplinary models that try to incorporate more than one dimension related to sustainability. However, improvements can be made continually through efforts from a growing population of interdisciplinary researchers.
The Graphemes /š/ and /ŋ/ in the Religious Texts of the CODEX CUMANICUS
Authors: Göncöl Csaba
Published: April 2017

The aim of the article is to point out the lack of research on palaeography and orthography of the Codex Cumanicus. The article deals with the use of symbols used to denote the consonants /š/ and /ŋ/ of the religious texts in the “German part” of the manuscript. The texts can be divided into two sections: the first being on folios 61r–63r, while the second on folios 69r–76r and 80r. This difference in use of the symbols may show that there were two different methods of writing consonants, which were foreign to the orthography of Medieval Latin writing, in the above-mentioned two sections of the text. The article stresses the importance of the palaeographical and orthographical analysis on the Codex Cumanicus, in order to be able to draw valid linguistic information from the codex.
Emergence of a New Written Culture: The use of Hebrew script among the Krimchaks and the Karaim
Authors: Olach Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2017

Conversion to a religion usually has a positive impact on the written culture of a given community. The conversion may or may not result in the adoption of a new writing system. In the Turkic world, we find examples for both cases. The Karaims, by their conversion into Karaitism, adopted the Hebrew script. They used the Hebrew alphabet up till the beginning of the 20th century in their everyday life for writing; for example, private letters and secular and religious texts in Karaim.Another Turkic speaking group, the heterogeneous Rabbanite community of Krimchaks (whose majority is of Sephardic origin) also used the Hebrew script to write their vernacular.Some characteristics of the writing systems of the Karaim and of the Krimchaks have been described, but no comparative research has thus far been carried out. In this study, the peculiarities of the Hebrew alphabet used by both Turkic speaking peoples will be discussed and illustrated. For instance, the new characters, which were introduced in order to indicate specific Turkic phonetic values, and the ways the same Hebrew vowel sign or letter is used in the different Krimchak and Karaim manuscripts.
Extrahepaticus manifesztációk idült hepatitis C-vírus-fertőzöttekben
Authors: Hagymási Krisztina , Egresi Anna , Lengyel Gabriella
Published: April 2017

Abstract:

The importance of chronic hepatitis C infection is significant. 3% of the World’s population is infected. There is at least one extrahepatic manifestation in 50% of HCV patients, which makes the prognosis and mortality worse. The pathomechanisms included are cryoglobulin production, immunmechanisms, and direct viral effects. The authors summarize the main extrahepatic manifestations, as well as treatment possibilities. The aim is to draw attention to this colourful infection in order to improve the recognition in the era of the new effective direct antiviral agents. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(16), 603–612.
Duch synowskiego posłuszeństwa
Authors: Piekarz Danuta
Published: April 2017

Ewangeliści Marek i Łukasz wyraźnie mówią o prowadzeniu Jezusa przez Ducha po chrzcie w Jordanie. To stwierdzenie nabiera szczególnego znaczenia w powiązaniu ze stwierdzeniem św. Pawła, iż „wszyscy ci, których prowadzi Duch Boży, są synami Bożymi” (Rz 8, 14). Zatem prowadzenie przez Ducha jest znakiem rozpoznawczym Bożego synostwa wiernych, jest bowiem znakiem podobieństwa do Jednorodzonego Syna.Młody Kościół doświadcza również prowadzenia Ducha w misji apostolskiej: Duch wskazuje głosicielom Ewangelii konkretne zadania lub nie pozwala udać się w zamierzonym kierunku. Jednak poza tymi szczególnymi przypadkami prowadzenia „przestrzennego” istnieje też – i jest powszechne dla wszystkich wiernych – wewnętrzne prowadzenie przez Ducha drogą wierności Bogu. Wiąże się ono nieraz ze zmaganiem z ludzką słabością, ale prowadzi do świętości i poznania Boga.
Źródła posłuszeństwa konsekrowanego
Authors: Ciemała Marianna
Published: April 2017

W artykule przedstawiono podstawowe myśli źródłowe dla idei posłuszeństwa konsekrowanego. Analiza teologiczna reprezentatywnych reguł pierwotnego cenobityzmu chrześcijańskiego (Reguły Pachomiusza, Asketikonu Bazylego Wielkiego, Praeceptum Augustyna z Hippony, Reguły Benedykta), jak również Pism Franciszka z Asyżu oraz Magisterium Kościoła XX i XXI wskazuje na zakorzenienie idei posłuszeństwa konsekrowanego w Biblii. Dotyczy to zarówno idei posłuszeństwa wobec Boga, wobec władz wspólnoty, jak i posłuszeństwa wzajemnego. Analizowane prawodawstwo wskazuje na słowo Boga (Ewangelię) jako „pierwszą regułę życia” osób konsekrowanych. Według Asketikonu Bazylego Wielkiego, Reguły Benedykta, Pism Franciszka oraz posoborowych dokumentów Kościoła dobrowolne posłuszeństwo, w myśl Flp 2, 8 (oraz J 6, 38), jest naśladowaniem Chrystusa – uniżonego i posłusznego aż do śmierci. Różnorodność zaś norm dotyczących posłuszeństwa wypływa z konieczności zastosowania tej idei w konkretnych warunkach życia i uregulowania codziennego życia pod opieką przełożonych. Analizowane teksty wraz z odniesieniami biblijnymi stanowią inspirację dla aktualizacji idei posłuszeństwa konsekrowanego.
Teologiczny wymiar godów weselnych i oczyszczenia świątyni (J 2, 1–22)
Authors: Michalak Mariola Małgorzata
Published: April 2017

Z refleksji teologicznej pierwotnego chrześcijaństwa wyłania się myśl teologiczna w formie Ewangelii. Cztery różne spojrzenia na dzieło Jezusa ukształtowały się pod wpływem zmieniających się okoliczności zewnętrznych życia chrześcijan. Niniejszy artykuł jest próbą uchwycenia myśli przewodnich św. Jana w opisie godów weselnych w Kanie Galilejskiej i oczyszczenia świątyni (J 2, 1–22). Jezus w Kanie Galilejskiej otwiera epokę łaski, która jest uobecniana we wspólnocie Kościoła w życiu sakramentalnym, szczególnie w Eucharystii. Krzyż i zmartwychwstanie Jezusa położyły kres świątyni jerozolimskiej. Jezus ustanowił nowy kult „w duchu i prawdzie”. Świątynią stało się Jego ciało. Zmartwychwstały Pan gromadzi narody, jednoczy ludzi z Bogiem i między sobą w sakramencie swojego Ciała i Krwi. On jest nową świątynią ludzkości. Stanowi to sens znaku oczyszczenia świątyni.
Tajemnica Eucharystii w pismach Edyty Stein
Authors: Feduś Katarzyna
Published: April 2017

Artykuł odsłania tajemnicę Eucharystii, jaką zawierają pisma Edyty Stein. Dzieła świętej stanowiły bogaty materiał badawczy, ponieważ charakteryzują się głębią teologicznych, filozoficznych i psychologicznych rozważań. Artykuł wskazuje na źródła, na których Edyta Stein opierała się przy opracowywaniu zagadnienia Eucharystii. Następnie ukazuje, jak w swoich pismach ujmowała istotę mszy świętej. Z przeprowadzonej analizy wyłania się szczególnie ofiarniczy charakter sakramentu ołtarza. W ostatniej części artykuł przedstawia głębokie i jasno sformułowane myśli świętej dotyczące skutków Eucharystii, będące wynikiem jej osobistego doświadczenia.
RNA-stabilized protein nanorings: high-precision adapters for biohybrid design
Authors: Altintoprak Klara , Seidenstücker Axel , Krolla-Sidenstein Peter , Plettl Alfred , Jeske Holger , Gliemann Hartmut , Wege Christina
Published: April 2017

The equipment of technical devices with biogenic adapter structures enables effective integration of biofunctional units into advanced sensor, filtration or catalytic layouts. Plant virus-derived self-organizing supramolecular complexes are among the most promising soft-matter adapters due to their multivalence on the nanometer scale, precise dimensions, high availability and compatibility with routine conjugation chemistry. Bioengineering can tailor both the templates’ shapes and coupling sites and has been applied here to develop nucleoprotein ‘nanorings’ made of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) building blocks. Short RNA-scaffolded four-turn helices of ≈68 protein subunits and ≈9 nm length, with 18 nm outer and 4 nm inner diameters, were generated efficiently in vitro. A structure-directing single-stranded 204-nucleotide ribonucleic acid containing the TMV origin of assembly-yielded colloidal preparations that have structural integrity and are well dispersed in a pH range from about 7 to 9. Two selectively addressable protein types with either an amino or a thiol group accessible were combined in the ring-like objects, allowing dual covalent coupling of a fluorescent dye first and to an isothiocyanate-covered substrate thereafter. Such precisely shaped nanoconstructs with distinct functional groups exposed in high surface densities offer novel opportunities as versatile adapter elements for the fabrication of extended bio/synthetic hybrid materials.
Aggregate structural changes in silica aerogels with temperature
Authors: Guo Chenning , Huang Dongmei , Lin Peng
Published: April 2017

The structure of silica aerogel is a unique three-dimensional nanoporous consisting of silica nanoparticles. It has a potential for using in high temperature range due to the non-combustion of the skeleton and the excellent insulation performance. However, the structure of silica aerogel will collapse under high temperature resulting in the decrease of its performance. This paper introduces a parameter s for describing the structural change in silica aerogel aggregates with increase in temperature. The authors propose a new formula based on the scaling theory for calculating s. The gel was formatted by off-lattice diffusion-limited cluster–cluster aggregation of identical spherical particles in a cubic box. The Monte Carlo method was used to determine the formula factors. The authors calculated the temperature dependence of the particle diameter, concentration and specific pore surface area of the silica aggregates of 500 primary spherical particles in the temperature range of 300–900 K. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Distributed fibre-optic monitoring of an Osterberg-cell pile test in London
Authors: Pelecanos L. , Soga K. , Chunge M. P. M. , Ouyang Y. , Kwan V. , Kechavarzi C. , Nicholson D.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a case study of an Osterberg-cell test of a pile located at the Isle of Dogs in London, which was heavily instrumented with distributed optical-fibre sensors, strain gauges, displacement transducers and extensometers. Special emphasis is given on the data from fibre optics, which offers an advantage due to their spatially continuous nature. The data show a clear development of shaft friction with the applied load and also some unexpected pile–soil slip within two of the soil layers, which is attributed to the development of a filter cake due to the long construction time. Relevant finite-element analyses are also conducted in an attempt to further understand the mechanisms of pile–soil slip, which highlight its importance in predicting the vertical displacements. Finally, some comments are included on the observed behaviour of the founding chalk layer.
Mixture optimisation of polymer-modified lightweight SCC
Authors: Assaad Joseph J. , Issa Camille A.
Published: April 2017

The use of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) polymeric latexes is common in cementitious materials intended for repair and precast works to improve bond to existing substrates and durability of structures. Limited information exists regarding the feasibility of structural grade lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) containing such additions, including the altered stability and bond properties. Four series of LWSCC mixtures prepared with various lightweight aggregate (LWA) and SBR concentrations were considered in this project; the free water was adjusted to secure compressive strength of 40 ± 3·5 MPa. The resulting unit weight varied from 1790 to 2280 kg/m3. Test results have shown that SBR additions reduced concrete flowability and passing ability; however, they led to improved static stability, for example in terms of bleeding, segregation and floating of LWA. Special emphasis was placed on highlighting the altered stability responses with respect to the European guidelines for SCC. Remarkable improvement in splitting tensile strength and bond to existing concrete substrates was noticed with SBR additions. A Ψ-factor was developed to predict the combined effect of free water, viscosity modifier, LWA and SBR on the stability and hardened properties of polymer-modified LWSCC.
La formación investigativa en la educación superior en américa latina y el caribe: una aproximación a su estado del arte
Authors: Rojas Granada Cristian , Aguirre Cano Sebastián
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. La presente revisión tiene como objetivo identificar los principales debates presentes en las investigaciones realizadas sobre la formación investigativa en la educación superior en América Latina, con el fin de ampliar su comprensión en el contexto de las múltiples variables que influyen en el desarrollo científico del subcontinente. Metodología. Mediante el método de análisis documental, se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura y se profundizó en los antecedentes significativos sobre categorías como la formación investigativa y otras asociadas tales como competencias, capacidades, habilidades y actitudes investigativas; el material también fue clasificado teniendo en cuenta la finalidad de la investigación formativa en cada contexto, de qué forma se están llevando a cabo los procesos de formación investigativa y cuáles son las condiciones institucionales desde las que se llevan a cabo dichos procesos, a partir de lo cual se identificaron algunas tendencias que permitieron llegar a los resultados del análisis. Resultados. El análisis del material permitió identificar las críticas y aplicaciones que hay detrás de las distintas concepciones frente a la formación investigativa, las cuales evidencian el para qué de la formación de investigadores en cada contexto. Igualmente se identificó que aspectos como el currículo, las estrategias formativas, los actores del proceso y las dinámicas institucionales, influyen fuertemente en la manera como se presentan los procesos de formación investigativa en las universidades. Conclusión. Finalmente se concluye que es necesario tener en cuenta las condiciones contextuales, históricas, políticas, económicas y culturales en las que se sitúa cada escenario de educación superior, con el fin de comprender y potenciar los procesos de formación investigativa en las universidades latinoamericanas.
Reseña Libro: Pasados y presentes de la violencia en Colombia. Estudio sobre las comisiones de investigación (1958-2011). Autor: Jefferson Jaramillo
Authors: Torres Pedraza Johanna Paola
Published: April 2017

Jefferson Jaramillo, en su texto Pasados y Presentes de la violencia en Colombia. Estudio sobre las comisiones de investigación (1958-2011), despliega sus reflexiones en torno a tres hitos de estas comisiones: la Comisión Investigadora de las Causas de la violencia (1958), la Comisión de expertos (1987) conocida como “comisión de los violentólogos” y el Grupo de Memoria Histórica. Para el autor estas comisiones dotan de sentido al pasado de las violencias en donde se articulan diversos relatos en una serie de tramas narrativas sobre lo ocurrido. Sin embargo para Jaramillo estas comisiones de diferente mandato, perspectiva y composición no solo interpelan el presente sino que sirven como referente para la construcción del futuro inmediato de Colombia.
Violencia estructural y estudiantes de escuelas secundarias del noroeste fronterizo de Chihuahua, México
Authors: Cano Aguilar Adán , Estrada Ruiz Marcos Jacobo
Published: April 2017

Objetivo. Exponer resultados de una investigación realizada entre 2011 y 2013 en el noroeste del Estado mexicano de Chihuahua, una región colindante con la tristemente célebre Ciudad Juárez. El tema de la investigación fue el impacto de la violencia estructural, desatada en el marco de la política de seguridad nacional de “guerra contra el narco” emprendida por el gobierno federal a partir de 2008 en esta entidad, en las dinámicas de la escuela y en la comunidad escolar. Metodología. La metodología empleada incluyó el uso de técnicas de recolección de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos. Resultados. El marco conceptual del estudio distingue entre la violencia estructural social, la violencia estatal, la institucional (dentro de la que se incluye la escolar) y la violencia entre pares estudiantes. Conclusiones. Se presentan en este artículo las reflexiones resultantes del estudio, con respecto a las percepciones que los estudiantes de escuelas secundarias tienen sobre la violencia que ha impactado la región en los últimos años.
Electroporation of natural communities in sea water v2
Authors: Ramírez Andrés , Albane Ruaud not provided , Fernan Federici not provided , Peter von Dassow not provided
Published: April 2017

This protocol has been optimized for electroporation of natural communities in coastal surface waters. As natural communities may vary in different places we recomend to use this protocol as a starting point and re-optimize according to the results. Guidelines are provided.