bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid prediction of damage on a struck ship accounting for side impact scenario models
Authors: Prabowo Aditya Rio , Bae Dong Myung , Sohn Jung Min , Zakki Ahmad Fauzan , Cao Bo
Published: April 2017

The impact phenomenon is inseparable part of every physical things, from substantial particle until macrostructure namely ship. In ship collisions, short-period load is distributed during impact process from striking ship into struck ship. The kinetic energy that is used to move striking ship is absorbed by struck ship that makes its structure undergoes plastic deformation and failure. This paper presents study that focuses on predicting occurred damage on side hull of struck ship for various impact scenario models. These scenarios are calculated by finite element approach to obtain characteristic on damage, energy as well as load during and after impact processes. The results indicate that the damages on impact to longitudinal components such as main and car decks are smaller than impact to transverse structure components. The damage and deformation are widely distributed to almost side structures including inner structure. The width between outer and inner shells is very affecting the damage mode where the width below the two meters will make inner shell experience damage beyond plastic deformation. The contribution of structure components is proofed deliver significant effect to damage mode and material strengths clearly affect the results in energy and load characteristic.
European Union Litigation
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , Hacker Philipp
Published: April 2017

This section provides an overview of cases in front of the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning contract law. The present issue covers the period between the beginning of April 2015 and the beginning of January 2017.
New insights into the decomposition mechanism of chlorine dioxide at alkaline pH
Authors: Marcon Jennifer , Mortha Gérard , Marlin Nathalie , Molton Florian , Duboc Carole , Burnet Auphélia
Published: April 2017

The mechanism of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) decomposition in an alkaline medium has been investigated. The formation of radicals and chlorinated species was studied in aqueous solutions containing ClO2and simple model compounds of lignin or cellulose (vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, veratryl alcohol, methylglucoside and cellobiose) at acidic and alkaline pHs. Because hypochlorite (ClO−) is an intermediate occurring in the course of the reaction mechanism, similar experiments were carried out with solutions of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) at alkaline and acidic pHs. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy based on the spin-trapping technique revealed the presence of hydroxyl radicals (HO˙) at alkaline pH with ClO2alone or with model compounds. At the same pH, only a small amount of HO˙ was detected with ClO−. Chlorite (ClO2−) and chlorate (ClO3−) ions were dosed with iodometric titrations, both during ClO2alkaline decomposition and during reactions with model compounds. Vanillin and vanillyl alcohol were oxidized by ClO2. The intermediate ClO2−was either inert or reacted with the aldehyde function of vanillin. Cellobiose was attacked only in an alkaline medium, either directly by ClO2or indirectly by HO˙ radicals. This resulted in the formation of glucose, which was then degraded by ClO2−ions. The generation of HO˙ could be one reason for cellulose degradation by ClO2at alkaline pH, but possibly not the unique one, as it was not proved in this article, whether or not ClO2is able to directly attach the OH functions of anhydrosugars at alkaline pH.
Effect of Laser Welding Parameters on Weld Bowing Distortion of Thin Plates
Authors: Huang ZunYue , Luo Zhen , Ao SanSan , Cai YangChuan
Published: April 2017

Weld bowing distortions are detrimental to the assembly process, where laser process parameters such as laser power, welding speed, defocusing distance and gas flow rate play a significant role in determining the weld bowing distortion. Herein, weld bowing distortions in 1-mm-thick AA5052 aluminum were measured by the digital image correlation technique following laser welding. Two mathematical response models were developed to predict the laser weld bowing distortion according to the central composite rotatable design method. The optimized process parameters for minimum bowing distortion were obtained, and the influence of the laser process parameters on the weld bowing distortions was found.
High-Temperature Creep Behaviour and Positive Effect on Straightening Deformation of Q345c Continuous Casting Slab
Authors: Guo Long , Zhang Xingzhong
Published: April 2017

Mechanical and creep properties of Q345c continuous casting slab subjected to uniaxial tensile tests at high temperature were considered in this paper. The minimum creep strain rate and creep rupture life equations whose parameters are calculated by inverse-estimation using the regression analysis were derived based on experimental data. The minimum creep strain rate under constant stress increases with the increase of the temperature from 1000 °C to 1200 °C. A new casting machine curve with the aim of fully using high-temperature creep behaviour is proposed in this paper. The basic arc segment is cancelled in the new curve so that length of the straightening area can be extended and time of creep behaviour can be increased significantly. For the new casting machine curve, the maximum straightening strain rate at the slab surface is less than the minimum creep strain rate. So slab straightening deformation based on the steel creep behaviour at high temperature can be carried out in the process of Q345c steel continuous casting. The effect of creep property at high temperature on slab straightening deformation is positive. It is helpful for the design of new casting machine and improvement of old casting machine.
Dynamic Nonlinear Feedback Control Applied to Improve Butanol Production by Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: Velázquez-Sánchez H. I , Lara-Cisneros G. , Femat R. , Aguilar-López R.
Published: April 2017

The goal of this work is to present a closed-loop operational strategy in order to improve the butanol production in an anaerobic continuous bioreactor for the called Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) process. The proposed control scheme considers a class of feedback signal which includes a nonlinear bounded function of the regulation error. The control scheme is applied to a phenomenological unstructured kinetic model obtained from an experimental and metabolic study of butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum, which allows the proposed structure to predict several operational conditions from batch and continuous regimes. Numerical experiments using the proposed model considering continuous operation were performed in order to find a feasible operating region for maximum butanol production at open-loop regime. The proposed methodology is applied to regulate the product concentration, manipulating the dilution rate to lead to a higher butanol productivity. The closed-loop behaviour of the bioreactor is analysed, finding that the proposed controller minimizes the response time of the system and allows it to achieve a productivity gain of 55 % over open-loop operation. Further numerical experiments show the satisfactory closed-loop performance of the proposed methodology in comparison with a PI controller.
Thou Shall Not Kill: The Constitutionality of Death Penalty Under Nigerian Legal System
Authors: Duru Onyekachi W. , Nwafor Ndubuisi A. , Nwabachili Chioma O.
Published: April 2017

Two wrongs cannot make a right; there is hardly any justification for the continual use of capital punishment (death) as a form of punishment in Nigeria. This paper will canvass that, even though death penalty is a constitutionally permissible form of punishment in Nigeria, but it goes against the recent positive and developmental strides in the areas of civilization, criminology and human right. The paper leans in favor of the abolitionist perspective by arguing that life imprisonment is as effective as the death penalty as a means of deterrence.
Trends in the prevalence of extreme obesity among Korean children and adolescents from 2001 to 2014
Authors: Nam Hyo-Kyoung , Kim Hye Ryun , Rhie Young-Jun , Lee Kee-Hyoung
Published: April 2017

Background:

We assessed nationwide trends in extreme obesity prevalence and its impact on metabolic syndrome in Korean youth.

Methods:

Data from 19,593 youth (10,271 boys) aged 2–19 were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2001–2014). The prevalence of extreme obesity and the odds ratio of metabolic syndrome were calculated. Questionnaires on body weight perceptions and weight control behaviors were administered.

Results:

The prevalence of extreme obesity increased significantly among boys (p<0.05). The odds ratios of extreme obesity on metabolic syndrome compared with obesity were 3.781 and 1.979 in boys and girls, respectively. Obese teenage girls with appropriate weight perception attempted to lose weight more frequently than obese teenage boys did.

Conclusions:

Although the prevalence of childhood obesity in Korea was similar since early 2000s, extreme obesity prevalence has increased, especially among teenage boys. Considering greater morbidity risks, preventing progression to extreme obesity is crucial.
The Evolving Mandate of the World Bank: How Constitutional Hermeneutics Shaped the Concept and Practice of Rule of Law Reform
Authors: Van Den Meerssche Dimitri
Published: April 2017

International organizations (IOs) today contribute to international and transnational law-making in ways that were not anticipated by their constituent charters. The paper analyses this phenomenon of competence creep with regards to the expansion of the World Bank’s (the Bank) mandate to the field of Rule of Law (RoL) and governance reform. Two innovative and intertwined conclusions are formulated. First of all, on a general level, the paper argues that the constitutionalization of RoL reform in the Bank exemplifies the path-dependency generated by the constituent charter with regards to the substantive expansion of operational practices in IOs. The legal memorandum by which General Counsel (GC) Ibrahim Shihata introduced and legitimized the expansion of the Bank’s mandate to the field of RoL reform, the paper shows, employs a specific constitutional hermeneutic, grounded in the balancing of institutional teleology with charter constraints. Secondly, and most importantly, the paper exposes how Shihata’s reliance on the constituent charter shaped his RoL concept, thereby delineating the substantive expansion of the Bank’s mandate and operational practice. In light of the inclusion of the RoL as a distinct Sustainable Development Goal, this substantive inquiry into the nature of the Bank’s RoL concept is most needed. The paper develops the innovative argument that Shihata’s constitutional hermeneutic resulted in a sui generis Bank-specific RoL concept, which cannot – despite persistent attempts in literature – be tied to any legal doctrinal position. The analysis highlights two important features of Shihata’s RoL concept: (1) its substantive roots in statistical regression analysis and (2) its dual functionality across the public-private divide. Combined, the two conclusions ameliorate the understanding of constitutional change in IOs and the substantive orientation of RoL reform in the Bank.
FDI Uppers and Downers: A Macedonian Case Study
Authors: Apostolov Mico
Published: April 2017

This article examines how foreign direct investments influence the performance and entrepreneurship of domestic firms, a crucial question for economies – especially transition economies – driven by the incursion of global, exogenous factors. This research uses a qualitative research methodology, and specifically a case study method. The country in question is Macedonia, a Southeast European economy. Further, the study is interested in the way foreign direct investments shape the overall business environment. Overall, the results point to the influence of foreign firms in assisting business activity. The impact of foreign investment is, in general, positive, and tends to influence the restructuring process of domestic economy.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of GO-Fe3O4 hybrid in cultured mammalian cells
Authors: Jedrzejczak-Silicka Magdalena
Published: April 2017

The study was aimed at investigating the effect of the Fe3O4 hybrid deposited on graphene oxide (GO-Fe3O4) on the relative viability and DNA integrity. The properties of the GO-Fe3O4 hybrid were analyzed using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and thermal gravimetric method (TGA), while the efficiency of graphene oxide covalent functionalization with iron oxide nanospheres was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). L929 and MCF-7 cell lines were selected to analyze the biocompatibility of GO-Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The hybrid was tested using WST-1 and LDH leakage assays. DNA integrity was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and micronucleus assay was performed to examine chromosomal damage in the exposed cell lines. The tested GO-Fe3O4 hybrid did not significantly reduce cell metabolism of L929 cells. GO-Fe3O4 hybrid particles only slightly affected the integrity of cell membranes. DNA integrity and micronucleus assays did not indicate genotoxicity of the hybrid.
Fabrication of Titanium dioxide nanotube photo-electrodes in different electrolyte mixtures and the impacts on their characteristics and photo-catalytic abilities under visible light
Authors: Thabit Mohamed , Liu Huiling , Zhang Jian , Wang Bing
Published: April 2017

TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated using electrochemical anodization of titanium foils, where different types of electrolytes were tested to determine conceptual choice for nanotubes fabrication. These electrolytes are 1M (NH4)2SO4 containing 0.5% wt NH4F, 1M Na2SO4 containing 0.5% wt NH4F, 1M NaF containing 0.5% wt (NH4)2SO4 and a mixture of water: ethylene glycol 1:9 containing 0.5% wt NH4F. The foils were marked as EG type (Ethylene Glycol), AS type (Ammonium sulfate), SS type (sodium sulfate) and SF type (sodium fluoride). The photocatalytic capabilities and characterization of the fabricated NTAs were analyzed using SEM, XRD, and DRS. The degradation ratio of designated organic pollutants (Rhodamine B) was analyzed. The obtained results have proven that foils fabricated using Ethylene glycol have significant photocatalytic abilities, with a degradation ratio of EG-SS-SF-AS types being 80% to 85%, 70% to 80%, 70% to 75% and 52% to 55%, respectively.
Synthesis and Characterization of 1-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one
Authors: Ji Haifeng , Niu Yabin , Liu Dongming , Wang Weidong , Dai Chuanbo
Published: April 2017

A simple and efficient method to prepare 1-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethan-1-one via nucleophilic substitution of 2-chloro-1-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)ethanone and 1,2,4-triazole is described. The title compound is the key intermediate required for the synthesis of prothioconazole, a promising agricultural fungicide. By exploring changes in the reaction time, temperature, ratio of starting reagents, acid binding agent, and the nature of phase transfer catalyst, the reaction conditions could be optimized to afford the desired N-alkylated material in near-quantitative yield. The ultimate yield of the product after recrystallization was 93%, with a purity of 99% based on its characterization by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (IR), Proton Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), and Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (13C NMR). The synthetic process is suitable for industrial application, with the advantages of high yield and facile preparation under mild operating conditions.
Dynamic modeling of the isoamyl acetate reactive distillation process
Authors: Ali Syed Sadiq , Hossain Sk Safdar , Asif Mohammad
Published: April 2017

The cost-effectiveness of reactive distillation (RD) processes makes them highly attractive for industrial applications. However, their preliminary design and subsequent scale-up and operation are challenging. Specifically, the response of RD system during fluctuations in process parameters is of paramount importance to ensure the stability of the whole process. As a result of carrying out simulations using Aspen Plus, it is shown that the RD process for isoamyl acetate production was much more economical than conventional reactor distillation configuration under optimized process conditions due to lower utilities consumption, higher conversion and smaller sizes of condenser and reboiler. Rigorous dynamic modeling of RD system was performed to evaluate its sensitivity to disturbances in critical process parameters; the product flow was quite sensitive to disturbances. Even more sensitive was product composition when the disturbance in heat duties of condenser or reboiler led to a temperature decrease. However, positive disturbance in alcohol feed is of particular concern, which clearly made the system unstable.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis of an innovative start-up method of high temperature fuel cells using dynamic 3d model
Authors: Kupecki Jakub , Mich Dawid , Motylinski Konrad
Published: April 2017

The article presents a numerical analysis of an innovative method for starting systems based on high temperature fuel cells. The possibility of preheating the fuel cell stacks from the cold state to the nominal working conditions encounters several limitations related to heat transfer and stability of materials. The lack of rapid and safe start-up methods limits the proliferation of MCFCs and SOFCs. For that reason, an innovative method was developed and verified using the numerical analysis presented in the paper. A dynamic 3D model was developed that enables thermo-fluidic investigations and determination of measures for shortening the preheating time of the high temperature fuel cell stacks. The model was implemented in ANSYS Fluent computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software and was used for verification of the proposed start-up method. The SOFC was chosen as a reference fuel cell technology for the study. Results obtained from the study are presented and discussed.
Attenuation properties of radiation shielding materials such as granite and marble against γ-ray energies between 80 and 1350 keV
Authors: Eke Canel , Agar Osman , Segebade Christian , Boztosun Ismail
Published: April 2017

In this study, the γ-ray energy-dependent mass and linear attenuation coefficients of various granite and Turkish marble species have been experimentally obtained. Radionuclides (133Ba, 137Cs, 60Co and 22Na) with point geometry were used as γ-ray sources. The absorption capacity of each sample at nine γ-ray energies was measured using a high resolution γ-ray spectrometer equipped with a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. To obtain the precision of the results (1σ standard deviation of the single value), this procedure was repeated six times for each species of granite and marble, respectively. The energy-dependent mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), the half (HVL) and the tenth value layer (TVL) were calculated following that the MAC and LAC results were compared to the literature values.
Space – An Essential Feature of the Hybrid War
Authors: Ioniţă Dorin
Published: April 2017

Hybrid Warfare is an unofficial intellectual construct to describe the combination or integration of conventional and non-conventional approaches used by adversaries to avoid conventional military strengths, often times occurring below the threshold that would trigger a conventional military.

The word “hybrid” is used more for its descriptive value to aid concept writers and military planners in understanding the intersection, interaction, and amplification of trends and conditions that impact the scale and scope of military actions.

The paper explains the role of space as an essential characteristic of hybrid warfare.
Sere Training Implementation in “Nicolae Bălcescu” Land Forces Academy
Authors: Solescu Daniel , Teodorescu Adrian
Published: April 2017

Modern international security environment requires that future leaders training should be polyvalent. This article aims to present the tremendous benefit that SERE training brings in Land Forces officers training and education.
The Motivation of Betrayal by Leaking of Classified Information
Authors: Lăzăroiu Laurențiu-Leonard
Published: April 2017

Trying to forecast the human behavior involves acts and knowledge of motivational theories, applicable to profile of each organization and in particular to each individual’s style. The anticipation of personal attitudes has not the only aim for a passive monitoring of professional activity, but also wants to increase performance of risk avoidance, in acordance with a specific organizational environment. The emergence and development of motivational forms and values, whose projections determine social crimes, are risk factors, affecting the professional activity of the person, but also affecting the performance and stability of the institution. Moreover, if the motivation determines attitudes aimed at compromising classified information, the resulting actions may be considered as threats to national security. The prevention of such threats can only be achieved by understanding motivational mechanisms and external conditions for the perssonel that make it possible to transform some intentions into real actions.
Theoretical Aspects Regarding Internal Managerial Control in Military Organizations
Authors: Pîrvuţ Valentin , Huseraş Alin Teodor
Published: April 2017

The goal of this paper is to offer synthetically theoretical support regarding the exertion of internal managerial control in the state’s public institutions. The activity of managerial control must be understood and regarded as an activity integrating all forms of control exercised at the level of the institution with a view to ensuring a better functioning of the managerial sphere, making the managerial act accountable at every level and structure. Once the internal managerial control is implemented, the responsibility of management is that of identifying all the deviations from the objectives noticed at the end of the control activities, of analysing the causes that determined their appearance and of deciding upon the necessary preventive and corrective measures.
The Analysis of the Chosen Internal Condition and Prospects of Romania’s Energy Security
Authors: Rutka Michał
Published: April 2017

In the age of high pace of technological, economic and social development, stable and uninterrupted energy supply is one of the key components determining the economic sovereignty of the state, its position in international relations, and the quality of human life. Every economy around the world is heavily dependent on its energy sector. Consequently, ensuring energy security is currently one of the most important determinant of every country’s national security and the purpose of its security policy. In this article we focus on Romania’s energy security internal condition and prospects. Our main goal is to present actual state and prospects of Romanian energy sector. In order to achieve that goal, we decided to use various methods, such as descriptive analysis, document analysis and comparative analysis. The article has two parts. The first part consists of a description of energy sources and infrastructure used by Romanian economy. The second part is an analysis of possible chances and threats for both energy sector and energy security level.
Recognition of Non-Controlling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements Based on Property Rights
Authors: Casajus André , Labrenz Helfried
Published: April 2017

We suggest a recognition of non-controlling interest in consolidated financial statements that takes into account the property rights structure within subsidiary companies, in particular, majority requirements on restructurings, which may differ between countries. Our approach rests on a property rights index based on cooperative game theory. This index captures a parent company’s ability to acquire future gains of the subsidiary.
Translations of early Sino-British treaties and the masked western legal concepts
Authors: Qu Wensheng
Published: April 2017

From 1844 to 1845, the translation problems with the Supplementary Treaty (aka Treaty of the Bogue) and the Treaty of Nanking were revealed through successive back translations by Walter Henry Medhurst in the Chinese Repository. A comparison of the official Chinese and English language versions of the two treaties shows noteworthy problems of addition, omission, and misinterpretation. These translation problems can be understood and interpreted in the light of the fact that the Qing side had relinquished the right to employ its own translators and knew little about the principles of international law. Researchers into the history of Sino-foreign treaties and Sino-foreigner relations should give careful attention to the role of translation in the history of this period.
“Verbal and nonverbal” in semiotics
Authors: Broekman Jan M.
Published: April 2017

The “verbal–nonverbal” distinction is mostly used in everyday language and its “‘naïve-natural’ attitude” (Husserl). It confirms the idea that a word/verb, as a component of human expressivity, is the basic unit of language. Theories of Peirce, Saumjan, and Searle highlight how a different, predominantly “‘non-naïve’-natural attitude” is required to understand the distinction and its position in the semiotic toolkit. To support this conclusion, Husserl unfolds a methodological approach of varying attitudes and attitude-changes, including important diversifications of ontology. A consequence is the need for an interregional ontological approach, which in this article leads to a consideration of social psychology (Lewin) and quantum theory (Bohm) because both underline that words and meanings are forces in fields, and by no means isolated single units. Word and meaning are to be understood as forces, and meaning-making as well as interpretation a matter of force field considerations. Semiotics should thus cherish dynamic features, whereby the “verbal–nonverbal” distinction teaches us at a “non-naïve” attitude level, that a word/verb is always a non-word/verb as well. The greatness of semiotics is in the understanding of such dynamic and continuously creative inversions.
The Current View on Redistribution of Subsidies in the Agricultural Sector in Slovakia
Authors: Kravčáková Vozárová Ivana
Published: April 2017

The essential way of realization of the Common Agricultural Policy in EU is through the financial support. One of the basic ways of financial support are subsidies. The huge segment affecting the agricultural sector is necessary to define, describe or classify so that we can might it to best analyse and understand. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the development of agricultural subsidies granted per hectare of agricultural land in Slovakia in terms of territory. The difference between the individual regions was evaluated using one-way analysis of variance. This analysis confirmed the existence of statistically significant differences between the amounts of subsidies per hectare of agricultural land provided to agricultural entities in terms of individual regions. This fact shows that firms in regions with worse natural and climatic conditions achieved a higher amount of financial support than companies in regions where agricultural production has better conditions and a long-term tradition.
Description of the Larva of Agrilus antiquus croaticus (Coleoptera, Buprestidae)
Authors: Prokhorov A. V. , Vasilyeva Ju. S.
Published: April 2017

The mature larva of Agrilus antiquus croaticus Abeille de Perrin, 1897 from the stalks of Cytisus ruthenicus and Genista sp. (Leguminosae) in Kyiv and Kherson Regions (Ukraine) is described. According to the structure of labrum and location of microspinulae on inner side of maxillae, larva is attributed to Agrilus ater species-assemblage.
Rovno Amber Caddisflies (Insecta, Trichoptera) from Different Localities, with Information about three New Sites
Authors: Perkovsky E. E.
Published: April 2017

The inventory of the trichopterofaunas of all Rovno amber sites is provided for the first time. Syninclusions of all Rovno amber caddisflies determined to the species level are also listed for the first time. At least 29 named species are known in Klesov, as compared with only 21 species recorded in Bitterfeld amber. Eocene caddisflies are recorded in Belarus and Zhitomir Region for the first time, and new sites of inclusions are revealed as well: Rechitsa in Belarus, Olevsk in Zhitomir Region, Kuchotskaya Volia in Rivne Region. Rechitsa yielded Erotesis bessylenon Melnitsky et Ivanov, 2016, the first undoubtedly new Eocene taxon described from Belarus. This paper is also the first to involve the data on Danish amber caddisflies in comparison of the faunas. Only five genera from four families (Wormaldia McLachlan, 1865, Archaeotinodes Ulmer, 1912, Lype McLachlan, 1878, Holocentropus McLachlan, 1878, and Plectrocnemia Stephens, 1836) are known from four European Lagerstätten: Baltic, Bitterfeld, Danish and Rovno amber. Archaeotinodes igneusaper Melnitsky, 2009 is mentioned for Rovno amber for the first time. Genera Allotrichia McLachlan, 1880 (Hydroptilidae) and Palaeocrunoecia Ulmer, 1912 (Lepidostomatidae) are excluded from the Rovno amber fauna.
New Genus and Species of Gall Midges (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae, Porricondylinae, Holoneurini) from the Late Eocene Amber of Olevsk (Zhitomir Region, Ukraine)
Authors: Fedotova Z. A. , Perkovsky E. E.
Published: April 2017

Gall midges are reported for the first time in Late Eocene Rovno amber from the Olevsk, Zhitomir Region. This is the second amber locality to yield gall midges in the Zhitomir Region, after Gulyanka. Rovnoholoneurus gen. n. and two new species, Rovnoholoneurus davidi sp. n. and R. miyae sp. n. are described. Bryocrypta laqueata Fedotova, 2005 is transferred to the genus Rovnoholoneurus, and Rovnoholoneurus laqueatus (Fedotova, 2005), comb. n. is established. A key to the species of Rovnoholoneurus is provided.
Home Range of the Spur-Thighed Tortoise, Testudo graeca (Testudines, Testudinidae), in the National Park of El Kala, Algeria
Authors: Rouag R. , Ziane N. , Benyacoub S.
Published: April 2017

Spur-thighed tortoise is a vulnerable species, the local declines of populations require an imperative need for conservation. Research on habitat use is essential for understanding population ecology. To investigate the home range and movement patterns we studied a population which occupies an enclosed area of 30 ha in northeastern Algeria. Studies of movement showed that home ranges were substantially smaller than in Spain. This difference was due to the high trophic availability with significant richness in plants which make part of the diet of the tortoise. The home range varied from 0.287 ha in males to 0.354 ha for females; there was no sexual difference. The males are the most active with a distance of 3.79 m/d. Females and juveniles are respectively about 2.25 m/d and 2.11 m/d. The distance moved each day do not vary significantly by sex and ages. Results from this study are important for establishing conservation strategies for this vulnerable species.
Month-to-Month Variations in Densities and Dominance of Birds Breeding in an Extensive Pine Forest
Authors: Kopij G.
Published: April 2017

Month-to-month changes in avian assembages are considerable in forest habitats. In this study such changes were studied by means of the line transect method (eight transect with total length of 77.7 km) in lowland coniferous forest in SW Poland (dominant forest type in Central European Plain), in three consecutive spring months: April, May and June. Shannon’s diversity index varied between 1.31 and 2.25 in particular month, while Simpson’s diversity index and Pielou’s evenness index were almost identical everywhere: H′ = 0.92-0.93 and J′ = 0.74-0.78, respectively. In overall, the differences in mean densities of breeding species between three months on all transects pooled were not statistically significant, as were also not statistically significant such differences on particular transects. Month-to-month variations in densities in all transects pooled were statistically significant in the case of 26 out of 54 species (48.1 %). Month-to-month changes in population densities recorded on transects, only partly conform to the arrival patterns. Two counts, instead of three, would sufficed for precise estimation of bird population densities in Central European lowland pine forests: one count should be conducted in April, to register mainly resident species, and the second one in May to count mainly the migrant species.
Possible Ways of Development of the Breeding Bird Communities of the Lower Dnipro
Authors: Busel V. A.
Published: April 2017

Anthropogenic and natural factors of transformation of breeding bird communities of the Lower Dnipro affect mainly the territory of the Kakhovka Reservoir. Transformation processes of natural systems will result in a decrease of numbers and even the disappearance of some species of nesting birds of Ciconiiformes and Anseriformes. Podicipediformes and Charadriiformes birds remain less vulnerable, especially species that nest on the overwater vegetation. The birds nesting in hollows and in trees and shrub plantations are among the most successful. It is also possible to predict that some species would change their priorities from rock to tree-nesting. The wetlands below Nova Kakhovka will remain a natural sanctuary for the nesting birds of the forest and wetland natural complexes of the floodplain of the Lower Dnipro. Any changes in this area can occur in case of further human activity in the floodplain of the Dnipro lowland.
Peculiarities of Embryonic and Post-Embryonic Development of Оesophagostomum dentatum (Nematoda, Strongylidae) Larvae Cultured in Vitro
Authors: Yevstafieva V. А. , Panikar I. I. , Melnychuk V. V. , Korchan L. N. , Perederii N. A.
Published: April 2017

Morphometric peculiarities of the development of Оesophagostomum dentatum Rudolphi, 1803 from egg to infective larva were studied under laboratory conditions at various temperatures. The determined optimum temperature for embryonic and post-embryonic development of О. dentatum larvae from domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) is 22 °С. At this temperature, 81 % of larvae develop to the third stage (L3) on the 10th day. Temperatures of 24 °С and 20 °С are less favorable for the development of the nematode, at those temperatures only 67 and 63 % of larvae, respectively, reached infective stage by the 10th day of cultivation. Embryonic development of О. dentatum eggs is characterized by their lengthening (by 8.87-9.50 %, р < 0.01) and widening (by 6.77-9.35 %, р < 0.05-0.01), and post-embryonic larval development is associated with lengthening (by 4.59-17.33 %, р < 0.01-0.001).
Are the Angels, Barnea candida (Myoida, Pholadidae), Backing to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea?
Authors: Alexandrov B.
Published: April 2017

Bivalve marine mollusc Barnea candida (= Pholas candidus) from Pholadidae family is sensitive to the high concentration of organic matter in sea water and recently has been included into the list of indicator species for the Black Sea (Alexandrov, Zaitsev, 2016). Its recording in Ukrainian part of the Danube Delta after more than 60 years since its first registration is probably the evidence of reduction of eutrophication and gradual restoration of local aquatic ecosystem biodiversity.
The Morphological Characteristics of the Danube Ruffe, Gymnocephalus baloni (Perciformes, Percidae), in the Upper Reaches of the Dnipro River, Ukraine
Authors: Tsyba A. O. , Kokodiy S. V.
Published: April 2017

In the upper reaches of the Dnipro it was found a Danube ruffe population. It differs from the population of the middle reaches of the Dnipro by a longer caudal peduncle. The Danube ruffe differs from sympatric populations of the common ruffe by 10 features. For a fast and precise identification of these two species, it was proposed to use the height of the membrane between the first and second rays of the anal fin as a percentageto the length of the body.
Organhaftung bei unklarer Rechtslage – Raum für eine Legal Judgment Rule?
Authors: Verse Dirk A.
Published: April 2017

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A Fast New Algorithm for Solving a Nonlinear Beam Equation under Nonlinear Boundary Conditions
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan , Li Botong
Published: April 2017

For the problem of a nonlinear beam equation under nonlinear boundary conditions of moments, a fast iterative method is developed by transforming the ordinary differential equation into an integral one. The sinusoidal functions are used subtly as test functions as well as the bases of numerical solution in the calculation. Due to the orthogonality of the sinusoidal functions, the expansion coefficients of numerical solution in closed form can be found easily. Hence, the iterative scheme converges very fast to find numerical solutions with high accuracy.
Fungal production of the polysaccharide pullulan from a plant hydrolysate
Authors: West Thomas P.
Published: April 2017

The ability of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans ATCC 42023 to produce pullulan from hydrolysates of the native grass known as prairie cordgrass was investigated and examined relative to polysaccharide and cell biomass production, yield, and pullulan content of the polysaccharide. A pullulan concentration of 9.7 g l−1 and yield of 0.78 g g−1 was produced by ATCC 42023 when grown for 168 h at 30°C on a phosphate-buffered hydrolysate. The highest biomass level of 7.7 g l−1 was produced by ATCC 42023 after 168 h on a hydrolysate-containing complete medium. The pullulan content of the polysaccharide produced by ATCC 42023 after 168 h on the hydrolysate medium alone was 77%. Unlike what has been observed for other biomass substrates, a polysaccharide with a high pullulan content can be produced at a relatively high yield by a fungus grown on a grass hydrolysate indicating that pullulan could be produced using a biomass-based process.
Dementia, Comorbidity, and Physical Function in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
Authors: Falvey Jason R. , Gustavson Allison M. , Price Lisa , Papazian Lucine , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Participants in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) are a unique clinical population of medically complex and highly disabled older adults who qualify for nursing home level care but receive services in the community. A main goal of PACE programs is to prevent further declines in physical function that may necessitate costly institutionalization. This study evaluates how multimorbidity and dementia impact both self-selected gait speed and Timed Up and Go (TUG) in this population.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional design. Sociodemographic information, physical function, comorbidity data, and dementia status on 525 PACE participants were extracted from a quality improvement database. Separate univariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the impact of comorbidity status and dementia on gait speed and TUG time.

Results:

PACE participants overall have a high degree of functional disability, with an average gait speed of 0.66 m/s, an average Short Physical Performance Battery score of 6.0/12, and an average TUG time of nearly 20 s. In the univariable analysis, a higher number of comorbidities and a diagnosis of dementia were associated with greater limitation for gait speed and TUG time. After adjusting for age, sex, strength, and balance, each additional comorbidity was independently associated with 0.015 m/s slower gait speed, as well as a 3.5% increase in TUG time for PACE participants with dementia.

Conclusions:

Ambulatory PACE participants have average levels of physical function that are dangerously close to thresholds thought to indicate vulnerability for further disability development, hospitalization, and nursing home admission. Both dementia and comorbidity burden are associated with declines in physical function, and the interaction between these risk factors is a telling indicator to functional decline in higher-level ambulatory tasks. PACE program clinicians can use this information to better identify participants at risk for limited physical function. Further research should investigate consequences of functional decline and determine optimal intervention strategies for PACE participants with functional impairments.
Accumbal Cholinergic Interneurons Differentially Influence Motivation Related to Satiety Signaling
Authors: Aitta-aho Teemu , Phillips Benjamin U. , Pappa Elpiniki , Hay Y. Audrey , Harnischfeger Fiona , Heath Christopher J. , Saksida Lisa M. , Bussey Tim J. , Apergis-Schoute John
Published: April 2017

Satiety, rather than all or none, can instead be viewed as a cumulative decrease in the drive to eat that develops over the course of a meal. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is known to play a critical role in this type of value reappraisal, but the underlying circuits that influence such processes are unclear. Although NAc cholinergic interneurons (CINs) comprise only a small proportion of NAc neurons, their local impact on reward-based processes provides a candidate cell population for investigating the neural underpinnings of satiety. The present research therefore aimed to determine the role of NAc-CINs in motivation for food reinforcers in relation to satiety signaling. Through bidirectional control of CIN activity in mice, we show that when motivated by food restriction, increasing CIN activity led to a reduction in palatable food consumption while reducing CIN excitability enhanced food intake. These activity-dependent changes developed only late in the session and were unlikely to be driven by the innate reinforcer strength, suggesting that CIN modulation was instead impacting the cumulative change in motivation underlying satiety signaling. We propose that on a circuit level, an overall increase in inhibitory tone onto NAc output neurons played a role in the behavioral results, as activating NAc-CINs led to an inhibition of medium spiny neurons that was dependent on nicotinic receptor activation. Our results reveal an important role for NAc-CINs in controlling motivation for food intake and additionally provide a circuit-level framework for investigating the endogenous cholinergic circuits that signal satiety.
Temozolomide treatment can improve overall survival in aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas
Authors: Lasolle Hélène , Cortet Christine , Castinetti Fréderic , Cloix Lucie , Caron Philippe , Delemer Brigitte , Desailloud Rachel , Jublanc Christel , Lebrun-Frenay Christine , Sadoul Jean-Louis , Taillandier Luc , Batisse-Lignier Marie , Bonnet Fabrice , Bourcigaux Nathalie , Bresson Damien , Chabre Olivier , Chanson Philippe , Garcia Cyril , Haissaguerre Magalie , Reznik Yves , Borot Sophie , Villa Chiara , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Gaillard Stephan , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Assié Guillaume , Raverot Gérald
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Only few retrospective studies have reported an efficacy rate of temozolomide (TMZ) in pituitary tumors (PT), all around 50%. However, the long-term survival of treated patients is rarely evaluated. We therefore aimed to describe the use of TMZ on PT in clinical practice and evaluate the long-term survival.

Design

Multicenter retrospective study by members of the French Society of Endocrinology.

Methods

Forty-three patients (14 women) treated with TMZ between 2006 and 2016 were included. Most tumors were corticotroph (n = 23) or lactotroph (n = 13), and 14 were carcinomas. Clinical/pathological characteristics of PT, as well as data from treatment evaluation and from the last follow-up were recorded. A partial response was considered as a decrease in the maximal tumor diameter by more than 30% and/or in the hormonal rate by more than 50% at the end of treatment.

Results

The median treatment duration was 6.5 cycles (range 2–24), using a standard regimen for most and combined radiotherapy for six. Twenty-two patients (51.2%) were considered as responders. Silent tumor at diagnosis was associated with a poor response. The median follow-up after the end of treatment was 16 months (0–72). Overall survival was significantly higher among responders (P = 0.002); however, ten patients relapsed 5 months (0–57) after the end of TMZ treatment, five in whom TMZ was reinitiated without success.

Discussion

Patients in our series showed a 51.2% response rate to TMZ, with an improved survival among responders despite frequent relapses. Our study highlights the high variability and lack of standardization of treatment protocols.
Clinical outcomes after delayed thyroid surgery in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Jeon Min Ji , Kim Won Gu , Kwon Hyemi , Kim Mijin , Park Suyeon , Oh Hye-Seon , Han Minkyu , Sung Tae-Yon , Chung Ki-Wook , Hong Suck Joon , Kim Tae Yong , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae
Published: April 2017

Objective

Active surveillance is an option for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). However, the long-term clinical outcomes after delayed surgery remain unclear. We compared the long-term clinical outcomes of PTMC patients according to the time interval between initial diagnosis and surgery.

Design and methods

In this individual risk factor-matched cohort study, PTMC patients were classified into three groups according to the delay period: ≤6 months, 6–12 months and >12 months. Patients were matched by age, sex, extent of surgery, initial tumor size as measured by ultrasonography (US), and by the presence of extrathyroidal extension, multifocal tumors and central cervical lymph node metastasis. We compared the dynamic risk stratification (DRS) and the development of structural persistent/recurrent disease of patients.

Results

A total of 2863 patients were assigned to three groups. Their mean age was 50 years, 81% were female and 66% underwent lobectomy. The mean tumor size at the initial US was 0.63 cm. There were no significant differences in clinicopathological characteristics between groups after individual risk factor matching. Comparison of the DRS revealed no significant difference according to the delay period (P = 0.07). During the median 4.8 years of follow-up, there were no significant differences in the development of structural recurrent/persistent disease (P = 0.34) and disease-free survival (P = 0.25) between groups.

Conclusions

In PTMC patients, delayed surgery was not associated with higher risk of structural recurrent/persistent disease compared to immediate surgery. These findings support the notion that surgical treatment can be safely delayed in patients with PTMC under close monitoring.