bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of volcanic bodies on hydrocarbon reservoirs in the northeastern part of the Chicontepec Foredeep, Mexico
Authors: Sarkar Supratik , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: February 2017

Shallow intrusive and extrusive volcanic events are common in the northeastern part of Chicontepec Foredeep where the close proximity of these volcanic bodies add to the complexity of the Paleocene-Eocene age tight and complex turbidite reservoirs. In accordance with studies in other basins, outcrop analogs of the Chicontepec reservoirs indicate the potential of enhanced natural fracturing and hence the increase of effective porosity in the host rock. We focus on exploring the validity of this observation in seismic and well data, which is rare in the literature. The preliminary results support the hypothesis of the potential increase of effective porosity including indication of dual-porosity systems in some areas, which would influence detailed studies aided by seismic data for considering Chicontepec reservoirs influenced by volcanic intrusions as additional target zones.
Nutritional modulation of mouse and human liver bud growth through a branched-amino acid metabolism
Authors: Koike Hiroyuki , Zhang Ran-Ran , Ueno Yasuharu , Sekine Keisuke , Zheng Yun-wen , Takebe Takanori , Taniguchi Hideki
Published: February 2017

Liver bud progenitors experience a transient amplification during early organ growth phase, yet the responsible mechanism was not fully understood. Collective evidence highlighted the specific requirements in stem cell metabolism for expanding organ progenitors during organogenesis and regeneration. Here, transcriptome analyses showed progenitors of mouse and human liver bud growth stage specifically expressed branched chain aminotransferase1 gene, a known breakdown enzyme of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) for energy generation. Global metabolome analysis confirmed the active consumption of BCAA in the growing liver bud, but not in the later fetal or adult liver. Consistently, maternal dietary restriction of BCAA during pregnancy significantly abrogated the conceptus liver bud growth capability through a striking defect in hepatic progenitor expansion. Under defined conditions, the supplementation of L-valine among different BCAAs specifically promoted the rigorous growth of the human liver bud organoid in culture by selectively amplifying self-renewing bi-potent hepatic progenitor cells. These results highlight a previously underappreciated role of branched-chain amino acid metabolism in regulating mouse and human liver bud growth that can be modulated by maternal nutrition in vivo or cultural supplement in vitro.
Genomic integration of Wnt/β-catenin and BMP/Smad1 signaling coordinates foregut and hindgut transcriptional programs
Authors: Stevens Mariana L. , Chaturvedi Praneet , Rankin Scott A. , Macdonald Melissa , Jagannathan Sajjeev , Yukawa Masashi , Barski Artem , Zorn Aaron M.
Published: February 2017

Digestive system development is orchestrated by combinatorial signaling interactions between endoderm and mesoderm, but how these signals are interpreted in the genome is poorly understood. Here we identified the transcriptomes of Xenopus foregut and hindgut progenitors, which are conserved with mammals. Using RNA-seq and ChIP-seq we show that BMP/Smad1 regulates dorsal-ventral gene expression in both the endoderm and mesoderm, whereas Wnt/β-catenin acts as a genome-wide toggle between foregut and hindgut programs. Unexpectedly, β-catenin and Smad1 binding were associated with both transcriptional activation and repression, with Wnt-repressed genes often lacking canonical Tcf DNA binding motifs, suggesting a novel mode of direct repression. Combinatorial Wnt and BMP signaling was mediated by Smad1 and β-catenin co-occupying hundreds of cis-regulatory DNA elements, and by a crosstalk whereby Wnt negatively regulates BMP ligand expression in the foregut. These results extend our understanding of gastrointestinal organogenesis and of how Wnt and BMP might coordinate genomic responses in other contexts.
The Arabidopsis kinesin-4, FRA1, requires a high level of processive motility to function correctly
Authors: Ganguly Anindya , DeMott Logan , Dixit Ram
Published: February 2017

Processivity is important for kinesins that mediate intracellular transport. Structure–function analyses of N-terminal kinesins (i.e. kinesins comprising their motor domains at the N-terminus) have identified several non-motor regions that affect processivity in vitro. However, whether these structural elements affect kinesin processivity and function in vivo is not known. Here, we used an Arabidopsis thaliana kinesin-4, called Fragile Fiber 1 (FRA1, also known as KIN4A), which is thought to mediate vesicle transport, to test whether mutations that alter processivity in vitro lead to similar changes in behavior in vivo and whether processivity is important for the function of FRA1. We generated several FRA1 mutants that differed in their ‘run lengths’ in vitro and then transformed them into the fra1-5 mutant for complementation and in vivo motility analyses. Our data show that the behavior of processivity mutants in vivo can differ dramatically from in vitro properties, underscoring the need to extend structure–function analyses of kinesins in vivo. In addition, we found that a high density of processive motility is necessary for the physiological function of FRA1.
Mycolactone reveals the substrate-driven complexity of Sec61-dependent transmembrane protein biogenesis
Authors: McKenna Michael , Simmonds Rachel E. , High Stephen
Published: February 2017

Mycolactone is the exotoxin virulence factor produced by Mycobacterium ulcerans, the pathogen responsible for Buruli ulcer. The skin lesions and immunosuppression that are characteristic of this disease result from the action of mycolactone, which targets the Sec61 complex and inhibits the co-translational translocation of secretory proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we investigate the effect of mycolactone on the Sec61-dependent biogenesis of different classes of transmembrane protein (TMP). Our data suggest that the effect of mycolactone on TMP biogenesis depends on how the nascent chain initially engages the Sec61 complex. For example, the translocation of TMP lumenal domains driven by an N-terminal cleavable signal sequence is efficiently inhibited by mycolactone. In contrast, the effect of mycolactone on protein translocation that is driven solely by a non-cleavable signal anchor/transmembrane domain depends on which flanking region is translocated. For example, while translocation of the region N-terminal to a signal anchor/transmembrane domain is refractive to mycolactone, C-terminal translocation is efficiently inhibited. Our findings highlight the diversity of Sec61-dependent translocation and provide a molecular basis for understanding the effect of mycolactone on the biogenesis of different TMPs.
New insights into bacterial type II polyketide biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Zhuan , Pan Hai-Xue , Tang Gong-Li
Published: February 2017

Bacterial aromatic polyketides, exemplified by anthracyclines, angucyclines, tetracyclines, and pentangular polyphenols, are a large family of natural products with diverse structures and biological activities and are usually biosynthesized by type II polyketide synthases (PKSs). Since the starting point of biosynthesis and combinatorial biosynthesis in 1984–1985, there has been a continuous effort to investigate the biosynthetic logic of aromatic polyketides owing to the urgent need of developing promising therapeutic candidates from these compounds. Recently, significant advances in the structural and mechanistic identification of enzymes involved in aromatic polyketide biosynthesis have been made on the basis of novel genetic, biochemical, and chemical technologies. This review highlights the progress in bacterial type II PKSs in the past three years (2013–2016). Moreover, novel compounds discovered or created by genome mining and biosynthetic engineering are also included.
Quality Control Audit in the Republic of Tajikistan: Present Status and Perspective Standardization
Authors: Гоибназаров
Published: February 2017

The article describes the development and implementation of quality control standard auditor’s work in the

Republic of Tajikistan based on the International Standards on Auditing.
Combining Interval Forecasts
Authors: Gaba Anil , Tsetlin Ilia , Winkler Robert L.
Published: February 2017

When combining forecasts, a simple average of the forecasts performs well, often better than more sophisticated methods. In a prescriptive spirit, we consider some other parsimonious, easy-to-use heuristics for combining interval forecasts and compare their performance with the benchmark provided by the simple average, using simulations from a model we develop and data sets with forecasts made by professionals in their domain of expertise. We find that the empirical results closely match the results from our model, thus providing some validation for the theoretical model. The relative performance of the heuristics is influenced by the degree of overconfidence in and dependence among the individual forecasts, and different heuristics come out on top under different circumstances. The results provide some good, easy-to-use alternatives to the simple average with an indication of the conditions under which each might be preferable, enabling us to conclude with some prescriptive advice.
The Adverse Effect of Information on Governance and Leverage
Authors: Laux Christian , Lóránth Gyöngyi , Morrison Alan D.
Published: February 2017

We study the effect that internal information systems have on a firm’s leverage and corporate governance choices. Information systems lower governance costs by facilitating more targeted interventions. But they also generate asymmetric information between firms and their investors. As a result, firms may attempt to signal their superior quality by assuming more leverage. In some circumstances, this can reduce governance incentives and result in inferior outcomes. Investors anticipate this effect, and it renders information systems inefficient.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2599 .

This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Information Provision Policies for Improving Farmer Welfare in Developing Countries: Heterogeneous Farmers and Market Selection
Authors: Liao Chen-Nan , Chen Ying-Ju , Tang Christopher S.
Published: February 2017

We examine the impact of information provision policies on farmer welfare in developing countries where farmers lack relevant and timely information for making informed decisions regarding which crop to grow and which market to sell in. In addition to heterogeneous farmers, we consider the case when farmers are price takers and yet the price of each crop (or the price in each market) is a linearly decreasing function of the total sales quantity. When market information is offered free of charge, we show that (a) providing information is always beneficial to farmers at the individual level and (b) providing information to all farmers may not be welfare maximizing at the aggregate level. To maximize farmer welfare, it is optimal to provide information to a targeted group of farmers who are located far from either markets. However, to overcome perceived unfairness among farmers, we show that the government should provide information to all farmers at a nominal fee so that the farmers will adopt the intended optimal provision policy willingly. We extend our analysis to examine different issues including information leakage, social welfare, precision of market information, and information dissemination via a for-profit company.

This paper has been accepted for the Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Special Issue on Value Chain Innovations in Developing Economies.
Community based health insurance: A case study
Authors: Bodhisane Somdeth , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: February 2017

This study aims to analyse the progress of a community based health insurance (CBHI) scheme over a three-year period by comparing the results of this study to an earlier study. The data collection was implemented at the identical study sites to be comparable to the previous study outcome. Two logistic regression models were included in the study. One model aims to assess the accessibility of hospitalisation; whereas the other aims to assess the financial protection against catastrophic expenditure of using health services. All independent variables were derived from the Andersen behavioural model. It was found that the scheme has made good progress in fulfilling its initial objectives. The existence of a CBHI scheme is capable of enhancing accessibility to health services and providing financial protection against excessive expenditure.
Augmenting home exercise programmes in multiple sclerosis with ‘exercise buddies’: A pilot study
Authors: Toomey Elaine , Coote Susan
Published: February 2017

Background:

Non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis comprise 25% of the multiple sclerosis population. Literature reviews show insufficient evidence exists regarding physiotherapy for this population. A qualitative study suggested benefits from ‘exercise buddies’, who were paid carers delivering a physiotherapy home exercise programme.

Aims:

To explore the feasibility and effects of ‘exercise buddies’ for non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

Twenty-nine non-ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis (age range: 43–72) were randomised to 10 weeks of ‘usual care’ or the ‘exercise buddy’ intervention. People with multiple sclerosis were assessed with the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 and the Guys Neurological Disability Scale pre- and post-intervention. Their informal caregivers (12 male, 16 female, aged 21–68) completed the Adult Carer Quality of Life questionnaire.

Findings:

Using analysis of covariance to adjust for pre-intervention scores, there was no significant differences between groups after treatment on the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 physical (P=0.395), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 psychological (P=0.176) or Guys Neurological Disability Scale (P=0.177). The Adult Carer Quality of Life was also not significantly different between groups post-treatment (P=0.432). Using paired t-tests, the exercise buddy group improved significantly from baseline on the two components of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale 29 (physical: P=0.024; psychological: P=0.009), which was not seen in the usual care group.

Conclusions:

This pilot study found no significant between group differences post-treatment. However, good feasibility and significant positive changes from baseline for the exercise buddy group warrant further exploratory work, in addition to a cost analysis.
Encouraging healthy choices
Authors: Williams Emma
Published: February 2017

Parents are often surprised at how much sugar supposedly ‘healthy’ foods contain, such as breakfast cereals and yoghurts. How can we as health visitors encourage them to choose differently?
Ending abuse against women and girls
Authors: Moffat Polly
Published: February 2017

A conference on domestic abuse examined the current situation facing women and girls, and revealed government efforts and public sector initiatives to help with prevention.
Common childhood illnesses: Tonsillitis
Authors: Tinsley Elizabeth
Published: February 2017

The tonsils are two small glands that sit on either side of the throat. In young children, they help to fight germs and act as a barrier against infection. If the tonsils become infected, the infection is isolated in the tonsils and this stops it spreading further into the body. In most cases, tonsillitis gets better within a week; however, a small number of children have tonsillitis for longer or they develop recurrent tonsillitis. This article provides advice for health visitors and parents on preventing and managing the symptoms of tonsillitis.
Measuring the parent/health visitor relationship: Piloting the questionnaires
Authors: Bidmead Christine , Cowley Sarah , Grocott Patricia
Published: February 2017

This final paper of five presents the steps taken to construct and pilot questionnaires to measure the parent/health visitor (HV) relationship. Construction of the questionnaires built on evidence from qualitative research undertaken with parents and HVs, and was presented in the previous papers. The questionnaires were piloted in the community, with involvement from parents and HVs to adjust the wording of statements for ease of understanding and clarity, and to ensure construct validity and reliability. The questionnaires proved acceptable and understandable to parents and HVs who quickly completed them. Statistical analysis confirmed that the questionnaires were sensitive to different relationships and that, overall, HVs had positive relationships with parents. The clinical significance of the evidence was also analysed.
Parents' experiences and perspectives of a postnatal home visit by a district nurse in Sweden
Authors: Tveter Helena , Karlsson Margareta
Published: February 2017

The transition to parenthood can involve major adjustments for a couple. New roles are to be learned and new relationships formed, and already existing relationships may need to be realigned. There is a dearth of recent literature about parents' experiences of home visiting by a district nurse and more research is required to explore parents' views of the home visit to help make it meaningful and build a trusting relationship between parents and health professionals. This Swedish study aimed to describe parents' experiences and perspectives of a home visit by a district nurse after the birth of their first child. The study results showed that parents can feel uncomfortable before the home visit and not fully understand the purpose of the visit, but that the respectful attitude of the district nurse encouraged parents to focus on their strengths, and made the visit a positive experience.
Investigation of Vacuum and Steam Treatments to Heat Treat and Sanitize Firewood-Grade Ash Logs and Ash Firewood
Authors: Chen Zhangjing , White Marshall , Qiu Zengchu
Published: February 2017

The goal of this project was to investigate the efficacy of vacuum–steam technology to sanitize low-quality ash logs and ash firewood. It is difficult to heat treat logs and firewood because of the relatively large cross-sectional dimension. Compared with hot air, steam has a greater heat capacity, and the condensation, without reducing the moisture content of wood, results in more efficient heat transfer. Also, the pressure gradient created by the vacuum accelerates heat transfer through the wood cross section. The vacuum–steam system consists of a vacuum source, a controlling device, a flexible container, and a steam generator. The white ash logs and firewood were harvested in Montgomery, Virginia. Ash log diameters ranged from 16.5 to 27.9 cm on the small end. The logs were cut into lengths of 1.82 m. After the vacuum was drawn to 300 or 500 mm Hg inside the container, steam was injected into the container. The steaming continued until 56°C was reached at the center of the lengths. The treatment time for all the logs varied from 5.5 to 14.5 hours, including a vacuum and a holding time of 30 minutes. The 1.82-m logs were cut into 40.6-cm-long bolts and then split into firewood, rarely larger than 15.2 cm on the wider side. The treatment time for firewood varied from 80 to 137 minutes, including a vacuum and a holding time at 56°C for 30 minutes at the core. There is no effect on quality, and the process can be tailored to different treatment capacities and is easily portable.
Marjane Satrapi and the Graphic Novels from and about the Middle East
Authors: Chris Reyns-Chikuma  , Houssem Ben Lazreg
Published: February 2017

Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's prominent graphic autobiography, depicts her coming-of-age in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. It offers an intriguing perspective that challenges preconceived ideas and stereotypes about Iran and the region overall. In light of the story's success as a graphic novel and a film on the international arena, this genre has become very popular among several Middle Eastern writers and artists such as Zeina Abirached, Lena Irmgard Merhej, Magdy El Shafee, Leila Abdelrazaq, and Riad Sattouf, who used it to shed light on personal, sociopolitical and cultural issues in the Arab/Muslim world. In this article, we examine the literary, aesthetic, and thematic influences of Satrapi on other North African and Middle Eastern graphic novelists. The corpus we selected encompasses five main countries (Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Turkey) as well as the Maghreb (e.g., Tunisia, Algeria, Libya) due to the strong linguistic and religious ties with the Middle East. We conclude by commenting on a highly controversial graphic novel entitled L'Arabe du Futur, which, like Persepolis, provides a problematic political and ideological representation of the region.
A Computerized Family Planning Counseling Aid: A Pilot Study Evaluation of Smart Choices
Authors: Koo Helen P. , Wilson Ellen K. , Minnis Alexandra M.
Published: February 2017

CONTEXT

Resource constraints may make it challenging for family planning clinics to provide comprehensive contraceptive counseling; technological tools that help providers follow recommended practices without straining resources merit evaluation.

METHODS

A pilot study using a two‐group, posttest‐only experimental design evaluated Smart Choices, a computer‐based tool designed to help providers offer more patient‐centered counseling and enable patients to participate proactively in the counseling session. In two North Carolina family planning clinics, 214 women received usual counseling in March–May 2013, and 126 women used Smart Choices in May–July 2013. Exit interviews provided data for the evaluation. Multivariate Poisson and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine group differences in counseling outcomes.

RESULTS

Three of 12 hypotheses tested were supported: Compared with controls, women in the intervention group knew more contraceptive methods (adjusted mean, 11.1 vs. 10.7); discussed more topics related to sexual health during counseling (1.2 vs. 0.9 among those reporting any discussion); and rated counseling as more patient‐centered, an indication of how well they felt providers understood their family planning circumstances and ideas (3.9 vs. 3.7 on a scale of 1–4). Contrary to another hypothesis, controls were more likely than women in the intervention group to choose IUDs and implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Computerized counseling aids like Smart Choices are in an early stage of development. Future research is warranted to develop tools that lead to more productive and individualized clinic visits and, ultimately, to more effective contraceptive use and reduced levels of unintended pregnancy.
Expectativas de los/las estudiantes de primer curso comparadas en los Grados en Maestro/a de Educación Infantil y Primaria de la Universidad de Burgos al respecto de las características y prácticas docentes universitarias más deseadas
Authors: Ibáñez Quintana Jaime , Hoyuelos álvaro Francisco Javier
Published: February 2017

La intención de nuestro trabajo es detectar y estudiar las características y prácticas docentes preferidas por el alumnado de primer curso de Grado de las titulaciones en Maestro de Educación Infantil y Primaria de la Universidad de Burgos, en la docencia recibida en sus asignaturas. Para ello hemos analizado los datos obtenidos en 120 encuestas (60 correspondientes al Grado en Maestro de Educación Infantil y otras 60 al de Primaria), en las que atendemos los cinco aspectos que consideramos fundamentales de la docencia universitaria: características personales y profesionales, evaluación, tutorías, tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TICs) y metodologías de enseñanza/aprendizaje. Los resultados indican que el alumnado valora más las características profesionales de su profesorado que las personales; y que la imagen transmitida por el profesorado que utiliza las TICs es siempre positiva, generando una opinión favorable de su docencia, y llegándolas a considerar indispensables por parte del alumnado en la enseñanza actualmente recibida.
Uma análise da produção de teses e dissertações sobre Objetos de Aprendizagem na área de Linguística e Letras
Authors: Gomes Adilson Fernandes , Costa Alan Ricardo , Fialho Vanessa Ribas , Santos Luis Henrique dos
Published: February 2017

A proposta do presente trabalho é apresentar e discutir um mapeamento de teses e dissertações da área do conhecimento de Linguística e Letras que tenham como tema Objetos de Aprendizagem (OAs) para o ensino e a aprendizagem de línguas. Com vistas a identificar o estado da arte sobre OAs na área da Linguística Aplicada, foi utilizado na pesquisa, como ferramenta de busca, o Banco de Teses do Portal da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). O corpus da pesquisa consiste em um total de 13 publicações referentes à área do conhecimento de Linguística e Letras, sendo 4 teses e 9 dissertações. Após a análise do corpus, conclui-se que a produção acadêmica relativa aos OAs no ensino de línguas ainda é limitada e que o tema carece de mais estudo por parte da comunidade acadêmica.
Ensino e aprendizagem de língua inglesa e recursos tecnológicos: um estudo sobre os processos de retroação e irreversibilidade
Authors: Silveira Larissa De Sousa
Published: February 2017

Crystal (2003) ressalta a importância da Língua Inglesa ao classificá-la como a língua universal utilizada por milhões de falantes ao redor do mundo. Partindo desse pressuposto, propusemo-nos a pesquisar sobre o processo de ensino e aprendizagem dessa língua e a importância dos recursos tecnológicos no contexto formal e informal de aprendizagem. Objetivamos ainda entender como as atitudes dos professores podem influenciar de maneira negativa no desenvolvimento do interesse dos alunos pela disciplina, interrompendo o processo natural de Retroação (BERTALANFFY, 1975) ao qual eles são submetidos. Para tanto, utilizamos como base teórica as premissas do Paradigma da Complexidade (HOLLAND, 1998; DEMO, 2002). Os dados foram coletados em uma escola pública municipal de Uberaba/MG através de observações, anotações e aplicação de um questionário. Após as análises, concluímos que a interrupção do processo tende a acontecer quando o aprendiz sente a falta de incentivo por parte daquele que deveria ser seu maior incentivador na busca por novos conhecimentos. Concluímos ainda que o educador deve trabalhar como um mediador para auxiliar os alunos no reconhecimento das novas tecnologias digitais como inerentes ao processo de aquisição de conhecimento.
A relação entre as crenças verbalizadas e depreendidas das ações do professor de Língua Inglesa no que tange ao ensino mediado pelas novas tecnologias
Authors: Arantes Kássia Gonçalves
Published: February 2017

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar a relação entre o dizer e o fazer do professor, no que tange à influência das novas tecnologias no ensino e aprendizagem de língua inglesa, bem como identificar os fatores que se articulam para o estabelecimento dessa relação. Para tanto, fazemos o confronto entre as crenças manifestadas no dizer do professor e as crenças depreendidas de seu fazer. Inserida numa perspectiva predominantemente qualitativa de cunho interpretativista, a pesquisa adota uma abordagem contextual de investigação de crenças de professores. O trabalho é fundamentado teoricamente em estudos que abordam as crenças de professores, o papel das novas tecnologias nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem de língua estrangeria, e a relação entre o professor reflexivo e a utilização das novas tecnologias. Os principais resultados encontrados apontam predominantemente para uma relação de dissonância entre o dizer e o fazer dos professores, e os fatores articuladores dessa relação se enquadram em quatro classes, a saber: fatores contextuais, experienciais, cognitivos e afetivos.
Ensino e aprendizagem de línguas mediado por computador: conectando teoria e prática em um jogo
Authors: Dos Reis Suzana Cristina , De Souza Rosangela Segala , Gomes Adilson Fernandes
Published: February 2017

Este artigo reporta a experiência de construção de materiais digitais para um curso de língua inglesa mediado por computador, utilizando ambientes virtuais de ensino-aprendizagem e simuladores de mundos virtuais para propor atividades em LI. Os resultados sugerem que a construção de materiais digitais, bem como os desafios que envolvem articular conhecimentos interdisciplinares exigem a formação de uma equipe multidisciplinar que seja capaz de articular pressupostos teórico-metodológicos sobre ensino de linguagem e jogos sérios, bem como conhecimentos tecnológicos para garantir o desenvolvimento do projeto em andamento.
Global well-posedness of some high-order focusing semilinear evolution equations with exponential nonlinearity
Authors: Saanouni Tarek
Published: February 2017

In even space dimensions, the initial value problems for some high-order focusing semilinear evolution equations with exponential nonlinearities are considered.
Using the potential well method, global and nonglobal well-posedness in the energy space are obtained.
Broiler health status has a major negative impact on broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter spp. in Lithuania
Authors: Lėgaudaitė-Lydekaitienė Viktorija , Šernienė Loreta , Vismantaitė Vaida , Malakauskas Mindaugas , Kudirkienė Eglė
Published: February 2017

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for Campylobacter infection in broiler flocks in Lithuania. Each broiler flock was tested for the contamination with Campylobacter spp., and various broiler farm, flock and abattoir as well as the weather-associated characteristics were analysed using the statistical package SPSS. Study revealed that 59.3% of the examined broiler flocks were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. Statistical analysis revealed that broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter was abattoir- and farm-dependent. Among a number of risk factors (e.g. the number of broiler houses at the farm, the type of ventilation system, the presence of the anteroom and boot security, etc.) identified, two broiler health-associated characteristics: (i) broiler age and (ii) the average weight per bird at abattoir had the highest impact on the increased prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in broilers. According to our results broiler health status has a major negative effect on broiler flock contamination with Campylobacter. Thus, it needs to be considered when improving control of Campylobacter spp. in broilers.
Can roosters′ head ornaments serve as a criterion for their selection as a valuable reproducers?
Authors: Łukaszewicz Ewa , Bagińska Paulina , Lasoń Martyna
Published: February 2017

It is widely practiced that before mating the roosters are selected as reproducers mainly on the basis of head ornaments appearance. Relationship between males secondary sexual traits (comb and wattles) with testes size, as all of them are testosterone-dependent traits, were examined. Measurements of head ornaments and testes from two broiler breeder lines and two laying lines of chicken were correlated. The value of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits was also measured. Positive correlations were found for head ornaments and testes weight in one of broiler breeder lines. No correlations were found for males of laying lines. The degree of FA did not differ between lines, except for FA of wattle length, which was higher (P≤0.05) for one of the broiler lines. Results obtained indicated that head ornaments cannot be used as the only criterion for rooster selection as reproducers.
Effect of PRID-Delta devices associated with shortened estrus synchronization protocols on estrous response and fertility in dairy cows
Authors: López-Helguera Irene , López-Gatius Fernando , Garcia-Ispierto Irina , Serrano-Perez Beatriz , Colazo Marcos G.
Published: February 2017

This study evaluated the effect of a once-used progesterone (P4) intravaginal device (PRID) associated with four different shortened P4-based estrus synchronization (ES) protocols on estrous response (ER) and pregnancy per AI (P/AI) in cyclic and acyclic lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=465) were randomly assigned to one of the following protocols: 1) 2PGG, cows were given a PRID-Delta and 100 μg GnRH i.m. at PRID insertion (day 0). The PRID was left for 5 d, and 25 mg of dinoprost (PGF2α) i.m. given twice at PRID removal and 24 h later; 2) 2PGGe, same treatments as 2PGG plus 500 IU of eCG i.m. at PRID removal; 3) 2PGe, same treatments as 2PGGe, except GnRH was not given at PRID insertion; 4) PGe, same treatments as 2PGe, except PGF was only given at PRID removal. A total of 258 cows received a new PRID-Delta containing 1.55 g of P4, whereas 207 cows received a once-used PRID. Estrus was determined from P4 device removal until 96 h after using an automated heat detection system. Cows in estrus were given a second GnRH at AI and those without signs of estrus by 96 h after PRID removal were given GnRH and timed-AI (TA I). All inseminations were performed by one technician with commercially available frozen-thawed semen. Ultrasonography was performed at initiation of protocol and 28-34 days post AI to determine cyclicity and pregnancy status, respectively. Cows receiving once-used P4 devices had greater ER than cows receiving a new device (59.9 vs. 50.0; P=0.029), but P/AI did not differ between P4 devices, respectively (P>0.1; 40.6 vs 40.7%). Cyclic cows were less likely to display estrus than acyclic cows by a factor of 0.66 (P=0.036). Cows subjected to the 2PGe (2.41; P<0.01) protocol were more likely to display estrus than cows subjected to the 2PGG, whereas cows subjected to the PGe protocol did not differ (0.94; P=0.8) from those in the 2PGG group. Despite differences in ER, neither cyclicity nor estrus synchronization protocol affected P/AI (overall 40.6%). In summary, cyclic cows, those given a new P4 device and those subjected to either 2PGG or PGe protocol had reduced ER. However, all the factors examined had no significant effect on P/AI. All the estrus synchronization protocols resulted in acceptable fertility.
Perspective Ground-based Method for Diagnostics of the Lower Ionosphere and the Neutral Atmosphere
Authors: Bakhmetieva N. V. , Grigoriev G. I. , Tolmacheva A. V.
Published: February 2017

We present a new perspective ground-based method for diagnostics of the ionosphere and atmosphere parameters. The method uses one of the numerous physical phenomena observed in the ionosphere illuminated by high-power radio waves. It is a generation of the artificial periodic irregularities (APIs) in the ionospheric plasma. The APIs were found while studying the effects of ionospheric high-power HF modification. It was established that the APIs are formed by a standing wave that occurs due to interference between the upwardly radiated radio wave and its reflection off the ionosphere. The API studies are based upon observation of the Bragg backscatter of the pulsed probe radio wave from the artificial periodic structure. Bragg backscatter occurs if the spatial period of the irregularities is equal to half a wavelength of the probe signal. The API techniques makes it possible to obtain the following information: the profiles of electron density from the lower D-region up to the maximum of the F-layer; the irregular structure of the ionosphere including split of the regular E-layer, the sporadic layers; the vertical velocities in the D- and E-regions of the ionosphere; the turbulent velocities, turbulent diffusion coefficients and the turbopause altitude; the neutral temperatures and densities at the E-region altitudes; the parameters of the internal gravity waves and their spectral characteristics; the relative concentration of negative oxygen ions in the D-region. Some new results obtained by the API technique are discussed.
The Multifractal Structure of Small-Scale Artificial Ionospheric Turbulence
Authors: Vybornov F. I. , Rakhlin A. V.
Published: February 2017

We present the results of investigation of a multifractal structure of the artificial ionospheric turbulence when the midlatitude ionosphere is affected by high-power radio waves. The experimental studies were performed on the basis of the SURA heating facility with the help of radio sounding of the disturbed region of ionospheric plasma by signals from the Earth’s orbital satellities. In the case of vertical radio sounding of the disturbed ionosphere region, the measured multipower and generalized multifractal spectra of turbulence coincide well with similar multifractal characteristics of the ionosperic turbulence under the natural conditions. In the case of oblique sounding of the disturbance region at small angles between the line of sight to the satellite and the direction of the Earth’s magnetic field, a nonuniform structure of the small-scale turbulence with a relatively narrow multipower spectrum and small variations in the generalized multifractal spectrum of the electron density was detected.
On the Mass Dependence of the Inner Slopes of Dark Matter Density Profiles
Authors: Del Popolo A.
Published: February 2017

We study through a semi-analytic model how the inner slopes of relaxed ΛCDM dark matter halos with and without baryons depend on the halo mass. We find that the inner logarithmic density slope, α ≡
Structural Parameters of Star Clusters: Stochastic Effects
Authors: Narbutis D. , Stonkutė R. , de Meulenaer P. , Mineikis T. , Vansevičius V.
Published: February 2017

Stochasticity of bright stars introduces uncertainty and bias into derived structural parameters of star clusters. We have simulated a grid of cluster V-band images, observed with the Subaru Suprime-Cam, with age, mass and size representing a cluster population in the M31 galaxy and derived their structural parameters by fitting King model to the surface brightness distribution. We have found that clusters less massive than 104M⊙ show significant uncertainty in their core and tidal radii for all ages, while clusters younger than 10 Myr have their sizes systematically underestimated for all masses. This emphasizes the importance of stochastic simulations to assess the true uncertainty of structural parameters in studies of semi-resolved and unresolved clusters.
Angular Momentum in Dwarf Galaxies
Authors: Del Popolo A.
Published: February 2017

We study the “angular momentum catastrophe” in the framework of interaction among baryons and dark matter through dynamical friction. By means of Del Popolo (2009) model we simulate 14 galaxies similar to those investigated by van den Bosch, Burkert and Swaters (2001), and calculate the distribution of their spin parameters and the angular momenta. Our model gives the angular momentum distribution which is in agreement with the van den Bosch et al. observations. Our result shows that the “angular momentum catastrophe” can be naturally solved in a model that takes into account the baryonic physics and the exchange of energy and angular momentum between the baryonic clumps and dark matter through dynamical friction.
A Tale on Two Close Binaries in Pegasus
Authors: Şenavcı H. V. , Yılmaz M. , Baştürk Ö. , Özavcı İ. , Çalışkan Ş. , Kılıçoğlu T. , Tezcan C. T.
Published: February 2017

We present the simultaneous light and radial velocity curve analysis of two contact binaries in Pegasus using the Wilson-Devinney code. The following absolute astrophysical parameters are determined: masses, radii and effective temperatures. BB Peg is a W-subtype W UMa-type binary, components of which are main sequence stars with 0.50
Stochastic 2-D Galaxy disk Evolution Models. Resolved Stellar Populations in the Galaxy M33
Authors: Mineikis T. , Vansevičius V.
Published: February 2017

We improved the stochastic 2-D galaxy disk models (Mineikis & Vansevičius 2014a) by introducing enriched gas outflows from galaxies and synthetic color-magnitude diagrams of stellar populations. To test the models, we use the HST/ACS stellar photometry data in four fields located along the major axis of the galaxy M33 (Williams et al. 2009) and demonstrate the potential of the models to derive 2-D star formation histories in the resolved disk galaxies.
Details of the Spatial Structure and Kinematics of the Castor and Ursa Major Streams
Authors: Vereshchagin S. V. , Chupina N. V.
Published: February 2017

A list of the Castor stream members is compiled based on the data from various authors. The membership probabilities for some stars are revised based on the individual apex, multiplicity, observational errors, and peculiarity. The apex of the Castor moving group is determined using the apex diagram method. The parameters of the Castor and Ursa Major streams are compared and the positions of the two streams on the apex diagram are found to differ by 225°, implying that the two groups move in almost opposite directions. Stars of both moving groups are intermixed in space, the Castor stream occupies a smaller volume than the UMa stream and is located inside it. Our results can be useful for understanding the morphology of the Galactic disk in the Sun’s vicinity.
Simulation of the Motion of Stars Escaping from the Galactic Center
Authors: Shirokova K. S.
Published: February 2017

Motions of stars escaping from the Galactic center are simulated. It is shown that the Galactic bar reduces the initial velocity needed to escape from the Galaxy.
Modern Conception of the Mission of Architecture in Architectural Theory and Practice
Authors: Staniūnas Eugenijus
Published: February 2017

The article aims to analyse the contemporary conception of mission of architecture. The analysis is done by comparing the conception with principles of rationally organised activity, first of all clarity. The analysis revealed that the description of the mission is unclear and there are logical contradictions between the general definition and elaborated details of it. Two different “philosophies” govern architecture – the theoretically declared one and the one that is used in practice. It was concluded that there is a need for the modernisation of paradigm of architecture.
Conceptual and Theoretical Basis of Integration of Elements of Different Time Periods in the Historic Environment of Small Towns
Authors: Zapunna Ievgeniia
Published: February 2017

The article refers to the means of harmonious combination of elements of different time periods and space-planning of environment, improvement and revival of memorable architectural heritage of urban environment, creation of comfortable living conditions etc. The formation of such means is based on the development of conceptual and theoretical model of integration process. Thus, the aim of the paper – is to identify effective approaches to regeneration of historical environment of small Ukrainian towns.
Urban Devastation: the Case Study of Podgorica, the Capital of Montenegro
Authors: Komatina Dragan , Kosanović Saja , Aleksić Julija
Published: February 2017

The subject of the research is manifestation of urban space devastation in Podgorica through monitoring and influences which cause it. Theoretically, the paper represents a wider study of devastation genesis as an occurrence which negatively affects the urban concept of the city. Apart from the study of reasons and conditions which lead to urban space devastation, a particular significance of this research lies in the suggested mechanisms for the resolving of detected irregularities. The primary significance of the identification of devastation and its participants represents the achievement of the goal to offer effective and practical concept that should assist in preventing further urban space devastation, both in Podgorica and urban areas in general.
Alzheimer’s and Danish dementia peptides induce cataract and perturb retinal architecture in rats
Authors: Reddy G. Bhanuprakash , Reddy P. Yadagiri , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: February 2017

Familial Danish dementias (FDDs) are autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with visual defects. In some aspects, FDD is similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)– the amyloid deposits in FDD and AD are made of short peptides: amyloid β (Aβ) in AD and ADan in FDD. Previously, we demonstrated an interaction between the dementia peptides and α-crystallin leading to lens opacification in organ culture due to impaired chaperone activity of α-crystallin. Herein, we report the in vivo effects of ADan and Aβ on the eye. ADan [reduced (ADan-red) and oxidized (ADan-oxi)] and Aβ (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) were injected intravitreally in rats. The onset of cataract was seen after injection of all the peptides, but the cataract matured by 2 weeks in the case of ADan-red, 5 weeks for ADan-oxi and 6 weeks for Aβ1-40, while Aβ1-42 had minimal effect on cataract progression. The severity of cataract is associated with insolubilization and alterations in crystallins and loss of chaperone activity of α-crystallin. Further, disruption of the architecture of the retina was evident from a loss of rhodopsin, increased gliosis, and the thinning of the retina. These results provide a basis for the dominant heredo-otoophthalmo-encephalopathy (HOOE)/FDD syndrome and indicate that ADan peptides are more potent than Aβpeptides in inflicting visual impairment.
Symbolic integration with respect to the Haar measure on the unitary groups
Authors: Puchała Z. , Miszczak J.A.
Published: February 2017

We present IntU package for Mathematica computer algebra system. The presented package performs a symbolic integration of polynomial functions over the unitary group with respect to unique normalized Haar measure. We describe a number of special cases which can be used to optimize the calculation speed for some classes of integrals. We also provide some examples of usage of the presented package.
Simulation and bench studies of the constructively and technologically modernized high performance piston aircraft engine. Stage I
Authors: Ostapski W. , Wierzchoń T. , Rudnicki J. , Dowkontt S.
Published: February 2017

The paper presents an analysis of tribological wear of an assembly composed of cylinder liner and piston rings in a piston aircraft engine. In place of the previously used technology of gas nitriding of the cylinder liner (made out of 38CrAlMo6‒10 steel), formation of multi-component or composite layers by nitriding in plasma discharge environment was proposed. Also, a modification of the previously used chromium coating of the piston rings by plasma nitriding was proposed. A study on the structure and properties of surface layer diffusion manufactured by utilizing the phenomenon of cathode sputtering was carried out. Wear resistance tests were performed on a specially designed bench, with the use of isotope markers. Verification of each of the friction couples was based on using the wear of the ring as a function of the distance trip, and the roughness of the cylinder liner and ring.
A method of feature selection in the aspect of specific identification of radar signals
Authors: Dudczyk J.
Published: February 2017

This article presents an important task of classification, i.e. mapping surfaces which separate patterns in feature space in the scope of radar emitter recognition (RER) and classification. Assigning a tested radar to a particular class is based on defining its location from the discriminating areas. In order to carry out the classification process, it is necessary to define metrics in the feature space as it is essential to estimate the distance of a classified radar from the centre of the class. The method presented in this article is based on extraction and selection of distinctive features, which can be received in the process of specific emitter identification (SEI) of radar signals, and on the minimum distance classification. The author suggests a RER system which consists of a few independent channels. The task of each channel is to calculate the distance of the tested radar from a given class and finally, set the correct identification coefficient for each recognized radar. Thus, a multichannel system with independent distance measurement is obtained, which makes it possible to recognize particular radar copies. This system is implemented in electronic intelligence (ELINT) system and tested in real battlefield conditions.