bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of crisaborole topical ointment, 2%, on atopic dermatitis–associated pruritus: an extended analysis of 2 phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Yosipovitch Gil , Simpson Eric L. , Tan Huaming , Gerber Robert A. , Luger Thomas , Ständer Sonja , Tom Wynnis L. , Cappelleri Joseph C. , Bushmakin Andrew G. , Ports William C. , Tallman Anna M.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Pruritus is an essential feature of atopic dermatitis (AD) and is widely considered the most distressing symptom. Crisaborole ointment is a nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. The efficacy of crisaborole for AD-associated pruritus was assessed in 2 phase 3 trials using the Severity of Pruritus Scale (SPS). Post hoc validation of the SPS identified that 1 SPS observation provided inadequate test-retest reliability. Therefore, extended analyses were conducted using at least 2 SPS observations for robust assessment of pruritus in the phase 3 crisaborole trials.

Methods:

Data were analyzed from 2 identically designed, vehicle-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trials designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of crisaborole in AD patients aged 2 years and above (AD-301: NCT02118766; AD-302: NCT02118792). At least 2 SPS observations were averaged for acceptable test-retest reliability.

Results:

At least 2 baseline observations were available for 569 patients in AD-301 and 561 patients in AD-302. Median time to pruritus improvement (SPS score ≤1 with at least 1-point improvement from baseline) was shorter with crisaborole than with vehicle (AD-301: 5.0 vs. 10.0 d, P=0.0003; AD-302: 6.0 vs. 9.0 d, P=0.0087). At week 4, more crisaborole-treated patients than vehicle-treated patients experienced pruritus improvement (AD-301: 37% vs. 21%, P<0.0001; AD-302: 34% vs. 21%, P=0.0006), mean pruritus scores were lower with crisaborole than with vehicle (AD-301: 0.97 vs. 1.28, P<0.0001; AD-302: 1.08 vs. 1.35, P<0.0001), and more crisaborole-treated patients than vehicle-treated patients experienced a clinically important pruritus response (AD-301: 75% vs. 57%, P<0.0001; AD-302: 72% vs. 64%, P=0.0828).

Conclusions:

These extended analyses show that patients treated with crisaborole experienced rapid and clinically relevant improvement in AD-associated pruritus.
Intracochlear Pressures in Simulated Otitis Media With Effusion: A Temporal Bone Study
Authors: Alhussaini Mohamed A. , Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Benichoux Victor , Tollin Daniel J. , Jenkins Herman A. , Greene Nathaniel T.
Published: June 2018

Hypothesis:

Simulated otitis media with effusion reduces intracochlear pressures comparable to umbo velocity.

Background:

Otitis media with effusion is a common cause of temporary hearing loss, particularly in children, producing deficits of 30 to 40 dB. Previous studies measured the effects of simulated effusion on ossicular mechanics; however, no studies have measured cochlear stimulation directly. Here, we compare pressures in the scala vestibuli and tympani to umbo velocity, before and after induction of simulated effusion in cadaveric human specimens.

Methods:

Eight cadaveric, hemi-cephalic human heads were prepared with complete mastoidectomies. Intracochlear pressures were measured with fiber optic pressure probes, and umbo velocity measured via laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). Stimuli were pure tones (0.1–14 kHz) presented in the ear canal via a custom speculum sealed with a glass cover slip. Effusion was simulated by filling the mastoid cavity and middle ear space with water.

Results:

Acoustic stimulation with middle ear effusion resulted in decreased umbo velocity up to ∼26 dB, whereas differential pressure (P
Diff) at the base of the cochlea decreased by only ∼16 dB.

Conclusion:

Simulating effusion leads to a frequency-dependent reduction in intracochlear sound pressure levels consistent with audiological presentation and prior reports. Results reveal that intracochlear pressure measurements (P
SV and P
ST) decrease less than expected, and less than the decrease in P
Diff. The observed decrease in umbo velocity is greater than in the differential intracochlear pressures, suggesting that umbo velocity overestimates the induced conductive hearing loss. These results suggest that an alternate sound conduction pathway transmits sound to the inner ear during effusion.
Vestibular Outcomes in Bilateral Posterior Semicircular Canal Occlusion for Refractory Benign Positional Vertigo
Authors: Carr Simon D. , Rutka John A.
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

Bilateral posterior semicircular canal (PSCC) occlusion is a successful treatment of bilateral benign positional vertigo (BPV) refractory to particle repositioning manoeuvers. Little about the effects on the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) postoperatively, which is the intent of this study.

Methods:

All patients who underwent bilateral posterior canal occlusion for BPV at the University Health Network by the senior author (J.A.R.) between 2001 and 2017 with pre- and postoperative vestibular testing were included in the study.

All patients underwent a detailed history and neuro-otological examination including dynamic visual acuity (DVA). Laboratory testing including video head impulse testing or magnetic scleral search coil testing, video nystagmography, cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and audiological testing before and following their procedure at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results:

Three patients were included in the study, all females, with a mean age of 41 years (range 36–44 yr). All patients had developed bilateral BPV after head trauma. Mean length of follow-up was 26 months (range 6–84 mo). All patients demonstrated a reduction in the vertical VOR of between 0.37 and 0.57o/s at 1 month postocclusion. Between 6 and 12 months postoperatively, an improvement in their vertical VOR between 0.45 and 0.75o/s was observed. Clinically, all patients reported complete resolution of their positional vertigo with a negative Dix-Hallpike bilaterally at follow-up. None reported oscillopsia, which was confirmed with DVA testing.

Conclusion:

Bilateral PSCC occlusion results in a reduction in the vertical VOR of the PSCCs.

Over a 6 to 12 month time period improvement in the VOR gain can be demonstrated, most likely due to central compensation. There is clinical correlation with improvement in DVA testing. Bilateral PSCC occlusion is a safe and effective treatment for bilateral BPV proved refractory to particle repositioning manoeuvers.
The modern cardiovascular care unit: the cardiologist managing multiorgan dysfunction
Authors: Bochaton Thomas , Bonnefoy-Cudraz Eric , Aissaoui Nadia
Published: June 2018

Purpose of review

Despite many advances in the management of critically ill patients, cardiogenic shock remains a challenge because it is associated with high mortality. Even if there is no universally accepted definition of cardiogenic shock, end-perfusion organ dysfunction is an obligatory and major criterion of its definition.

Organ dysfunction is an indicator that cardiogenic shock is already at an advanced stage and is undergoing a rapid self-aggravating evolution. The aim of the review is to highlight the importance to diagnose and to manage the organ dysfunction occurring in the cardiogenic shock patients by providing the best literature published this year.

Recent findings

The first step is to diagnose the organ dysfunction and to assess their severity. Echo has an important and increasing place regarding the assessment of end-organ impairment whereas no new biomarker popped up.

In this review, we aimed to highlight for intensivists and cardiologists managing cardiogenic shock, the recent advances in the care of end-organ dysfunctions associated with cardiogenic shock. The management of organ dysfunction is based on the improvement of the cardiac function by etiologic therapy, inotropes and assist devices but will often necessitate organ supports in hospitals with the right level of equipment and multidisciplinary expertise.
The Role of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Axis in Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (PDAC)
Authors: Wlodarczyk Barbara , Gasiorowska Anita , Malecka-Panas Ewa
Published: June 2018

New-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the first symptoms of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The frequency of endocrine disorders is estimated between 40% and 80% in patients with pancreatic cancer. DM is a risk factor for cancer development but it may also be a consequence of the tumor growth. Data confirming the existence of a relationship between long standing type 2 DM and an increased risk of PDAC comes from numerous clinical studies. Insulin resistance phenomenon and hyperinsulinemia may result in the increased proliferation of pancreatic islets which in turn may cause a predisposition to cancer development. In contrast, it is proved that new-onset DM among patients over 50 years old significantly increases the risk of PDAC recognition. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and their complex proteins, IGF binding proteins, which comprise the IGF axis play a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism disorders and, studies have shown that they may contribute to PDAC growth. Some studies confirm that IGF-1 is connected with early carcinogenesis in animals and humans. Assessing the levels of these proteins may thus be helpful in early recognition of PDAC in patients with recently detected endocrine disorders, especially pancreatic DM.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Tests for Diagnosing Celiac Disease
Authors: Singh Prashant , Arora Ananya , Strand Tor A. , Leffler Daniel A. , Mäki Markku , Kelly Ciaran P. , Ahuja Vineet , Makharia Govind K.
Published: June 2018

Goals:

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the overall diagnostic accuracy of point of care tests (POCTs) for diagnosing celiac disease (CD).

Background:

Recently, POCTs for CD have been developed and are commercially available. Studies have reported significant variability in their sensitivity (70% to 100%) and specificity (85% to 100%).

Study:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE databases, and the Cochrane library through June 2017. Positive reference test was defined as villous atrophy along with positive celiac-specific serology and/or clinical improvement after gluten-free diet. Normal duodenal biopsy was defined as negative reference test. Bivariate random-effect model was used to present the summary estimates of sensitivities and specificities along with 95% confidence regions We assessed methodologic quality using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool.

Results:

The pooled sensitivity and specificity of all POCTs (based on tTG or DGP or tTG+Anti-gliadin antibodies) for diagnosing CD were 94.0% [95% confidence interval (CI), 89.9-96.5] and 94.4% (95% CI, 90.9-96.5), respectively. The pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios for POCTs were 16.7 and 0.06, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for IgA-tTG-based POCTs were 90.5% (95% CI, 82.3-95.1) and 94.8% (95% CI, 92.5-96.4), respectively.

Conclusions:

The pooled sensitivity and specificity of POCTs in diagnosing CD are high. POCTs may be used to screen for CD, especially in areas with limited access to laboratory-based testing. Further research assessing the diagnostic accuracy of individual POCTs and comparing it with other available POCTs is needed.
Mixing patterns of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men in the United Kingdom
Authors: Le Vu Stéphane , Ratmann Oliver , Delpech Valerie , Brown Alison E , Gill O Noel , Tostevin Anna , Dunn David , Fraser Christophe , Volz Erik M ,   on behalf of the UK HIV Drug Resistance Database1
Published: June 2018

Background

Near 60% of new HIV infections in the United Kingdom are estimated to occur in men who have sex with men (MSM). Patterns of mixing between different risk groups of MSM have been suggested to spread the HIV epidemics through age-disassortative partnerships and to contribute to ethnic disparities in infection rates. Understanding these mixing patterns in transmission can help to determine which groups are at a greater risk and guide prevention.

Methods

We analyzed combined epidemiologic data and viral sequences from MSM diagnosed with HIV as of mid-2015 at the national level. We applied a phylodynamic source attribution model to infer patterns of transmission between groups of patients by age, ethnicity and region.

Results

From pair probabilities of transmission between 19 847 MSM patients, we found that potential transmitters of HIV subtype B were on average 5 months older than recipients. We also found a moderate overall assortativity of transmission by ethnic group and a stronger assortativity by region.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that there is only a modest net flow of transmissions from older to young MSM in subtype B epidemics and that young MSM, both for Black or White groups, are more likely to be infected by one another than expected in a sexual network with random mixing.
Rapid and sensitive virulence prediction and identification of Newcastle disease virus genotypes using third-generation sequencing
Authors: Butt Salman Latif , Taylor Tonya L. , Volkening Jeremy D. , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Williams-Coplin Dawn , Lahmers Kevin K. , Rana Asif Masood , Suarez David L. , Afonso Claudio L. , Marchetti Adrian
Published: June 2018

Newcastle disease (ND) outbreaks are global challenges to the poultry industry. Effective management requires rapid identification and virulence prediction of the circulating Newcastle disease viruses (NDV), the causative agent of ND. However, these diagnostics are hindered by the genetic diversity and rapid evolution of NDVs. A highly sensitive amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) workflow for virulence and genotype prediction of NDV samples using a third-generation, real-time DNA sequencing platform is described using both egg-propagated virus and clinical samples. 1D MinION sequencing of barcoded NDV amplicons was performed on 33 egg-grown isolates, (23 unique lineages, including 15 different NDV genotypes), and from 15 clinical swab samples from field outbreaks. Assembly-based data analysis was performed in a customized, Galaxy-based AmpSeq workflow. For all egg-grown samples, NDV was detected and virulence and genotype were predicted. For clinical samples, NDV was detected in ten of eleven NDV samples. Six of the clinical samples contained two mixed genotypes, of which the MinION method detected both genotypes in four of those samples. Additionally, testing a dilution series of one NDV sample resulted in detection of NDV with a 50% egg infectious dose (EID50) as low as 101EID50/ml. This was accomplished in as little as 7 minutes of sequencing time, with a 98.37% sequence identity compared to the expected consensus. The high sensitivity, fast sequencing capabilities, accuracy of the consensus sequences, and the low cost of multiplexing allowed for identification of NDV of different genotypes circulating worldwide. This general method will likely be applicable to other infections agents.
LTP induction boosts glutamate spillover by driving withdrawal of astroglia
Authors: Henneberger Christian , Bard Lucie , Panatier Aude , Reynolds James P. , Kopach Olga , Medvedev Nikolay I. , Minge Daniel , Herde Michel K. , Anders Stefanie , Kraev Igor , Heller Janosch P. , Rama Sylvain , Zheng Kaiyu , Jensen Thomas P. , Sanchez-Romero Inmaculada , Jackson Colin , Janovjak Harald , Ottersen Ole Petter , Nagelhus Erlend Arnulf , Oliet Stephane H.R. , Stewart Michael G. , Nägerl U. Valentin , Rusakov Dmitri A.
Published: June 2018

Extrasynaptic actions of glutamate are limited by high-affinity transporters on perisynaptic astroglial processes (PAPs), which helps to maintain point-to-point transmission in excitatory circuits. Memory formation in the brain is associated with synaptic remodelling, but how this remodelling affects PAPs and therefore extrasynaptic glutamate actions is poorly understood. Here we used advanced imaging methods, in situ and in vivo, to find that a classical synaptic memory mechanism, long-term potentiation (LTP), triggers withdrawal of PAPs from potentiated synapses. Optical glutamate sensors combined with patch-clamp and 3D molecular localisation reveal that LTP induction thus prompts a spatial retreat of glial glutamate transporters, boosting glutamate spillover and NMDA receptor-mediated inter-synaptic cross-talk. The LTP-triggered PAP withdrawal involves NKCC1 transporters and the actin-controlling protein cofilin but does not depend on major Ca2+-dependent cascades in astrocytes. We have therefore uncovered a mechanism by which synaptic potentiation could alter signal handling by multiple nearby connections.
Speciation of reactive sulfur species and their reactions with alkylating agents: do we have any clue about what is present inside the cell?
Authors: Bogdándi Virág , Ida Tomoaki , Sutton Thomas R , Bianco Christopher , Ditrói Tamás , Koster Grielof , Henthorn Hillary A , Minnion Magda , Toscano John P , van der Vliet Albert , Pluth Michael D , Feelisch Martin , Fukuto Jon M , Akaike Takaaki , Nagy Péter
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose

Posttranslational modifications of cysteine residues represent a major aspect of redox biology, and their reliable detection is key in providing mechanistic insights. The metastable character of these modifications and cell lysis‐induced artifactual oxidation render current state‐of‐the‐art protocols to rely on alkylation‐based stabilization of labile cysteine derivatives before cell/tissue rupture. An untested assumption in these procedures is that for all cysteine derivatives, alkylation rates are faster than their dynamic interchange. However, when the interconversion of cysteine derivatives is not rate limiting, electrophilic labelling is under Curtin–Hammett control; hence, the final alkylated mixture may not represent the speciation that prevailed before alkylation.

Experimental Approach

Buffered aqueous solutions of inorganic, organic, cysteine, GSH and GAPDH polysulfide species were used. Additional experiments in human plasma and serum revealed that monobromobimane can extract sulfide from the endogenous sulfur pool by shifting speciation equilibria, suggesting caution should be exercised when interpreting experimental results using this tool.

Key Results

In the majority of cases, the speciation of alkylated polysulfide/thiol derivatives depended on the experimental conditions. Alkylation perturbed sulfur speciation in both a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner and strong alkylating agents cleaved polysulfur chains. Moreover, the labelling of sulfenic acids with dimedone also affected cysteine speciation, suggesting that part of the endogenous pool of products previously believed to represent sulfenic acid species may represent polysulfides.

Conclusions and Implications

We highlight methodological caveats potentially arising from these pitfalls and conclude that current derivatization strategies often fail to adequately capture physiological speciation of sulfur species.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chemical Biology of Reactive Sulfur Species. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v176.4/issuetoc
A High-Capacity Reversible Watermarking Scheme Based on Shape Decomposition for Medical Images
Authors: Zhong Xin , Shih Frank Y.
Published: June 2018

We present a high-capacity reversible, fragile, and blind watermarking scheme for medical images in this paper. A bottom-up saliency detection algorithm is applied to automatically locate the multiple arbitrarily-shaped regions of interest (ROIs). The iterative square-production algorithm is developed to generate different sizes of squares for shape decomposition on the regions of noninterest (RONIs). This scheme of combining the frequency-domain watermarking and arbitrarily-shaped ROI methods can significantly increase the watermarking capacity, whereas the embedded image fidelity is preserved. Extensive experiments were carried out on the OASIS medical image dataset, which consists of a cross-sectional collection of 416 subjects, aged from 18 to 96 years old. The results show that the proposed scheme outperforms six existing state-of-the-art schemes in terms of watermarking capacity and embedded image fidelity.
A Method to Extract Essential Information from Meteorological Facsimile Charts
Authors: Mao Kefeng , Chen Xi , Zhu Kelan , Hu Dong , Li Yan
Published: June 2018

Using image processing technology to extract important information, such as isoline and weather system of the meteorological facsimile chart, is conducive to integration with other information, and has important practical value in navigation operations, marine weather forecasting, target recognition, and image retrieval. In meteorological facsimile charts, there are many types of medium-value lines, dense lines in some areas, superimposition and presence of multiple information, such as isolines and isoline characters, intersection of specific weather system symbols, etc. For different types of contours, numeric characters, weather system symbols and other object characteristics, the corresponding object extraction and recognition methods are proposed: Remove the latitude and longitude lines and coastline in the meteorological facsimile map by basemap matching; According to the position and shape features of the figure box, extract the meteorological fax figure box, separate and remove the different character tagging information; On the basis of identifying triangles and semicircles in weather symbols of the frontal system, the frontal symbols are extracted based on the circumscribed triangles and template matching. First the contour character on the fax image is expanded into a block connected region. Determine the position of the character information by judging the number of pixels in the connected region, and then use rotation and template matching to identify the numeric character. Using the meteorological facsimile maps of the US Meteorological Center and the Japan Meteorological Center for the main information extraction, experiments show that the method of this paper has a good effect on the complete and accurate symbol extraction of frontal weather systems, and reduces the computational complexity of contour detection, isoline extraction and numerical recognition. The methods can detect some information from weather charts properly and the error rate is very low.
A Capacitor-Splitting Switching Scheme with Low Total Power Consumption for SAR ADCs
Authors: Wang Hao , Xie Wenming , Chen Zhixin , Cai Sijing
Published: June 2018

A low-power capacitor-splitting switching algorithm for successive approximation register (SAR) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is proposed. To reduce the total power consumption, it does not require reset energy, which accounts for a large proportion. Besides, energy-efficient one-side double-level switching technique is also utilized from the forth bit cycle. Thus, the proposed switching algorithm requires 26.54 CV[Formula: see text] total switching energy, 16.75% less over the tri-level one. Due to the capacitor-splitting structure, it also shows good linearity performance.
Low-Power FSM Synthesis Based on Automated Power and Clock Gating Technique
Authors: Nag Abhishek , Das Subhajit , Pradhan Sambhu Nath
Published: June 2018

This work introduces a concept of integrating clock gating and power gating in finite state machines (FSMs) to reduce the overall power dissipation. The theory of the proposed power gating technique is to shut down the power supply during periods of inactivity of the FSM. The inactive period is identified by the occurrence of self-loops within the FSM or an unchanged FSM output between successive clock pulses. Clock gating on the other hand disables the clock signal to the sequential blocks of the FSM during this inactive/idle periods. The proposed approach introduces the concept of gating into both the state logic (DGS) and output logic (DGO) in FSM separately and can be implemented in general to all FSMs. The control logic for gating automatically extracts information from the state description of the FSM. An efficient method of partitioning of the FSM is also proposed in this paper to effectively implement the gating techniques. The dual gating approach has been introduced in 10 standard benchmark FSM circuits for DGS technique and later extended to four FSMs for implementing “DGS[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]DGO.” Then the circuits are simulated and synthesized in CADENCE analog and digital design tools. Simulation results show a maximum power reduction of 62.17% in DGS technique and 73% total power savings after implementing “DGS[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]DGO.” The average area overhead in DGS technique is 12.9% whereas in DGS[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]DGO, the area increases by 22.6%. The area overhead and the delay tend to reduce as the size of the FSM increases.
New Time-Domain Approach for Digital Signal Processing: A Set of Experimental Measures for Systems with High Transmission Rates
Authors: Silveira Mauricio , Figueiredo Gustavo Varella , Caputo Robinson Gaudino
Published: June 2018

The essential purpose of this paper is to introduce to the current literature a new theoretical approach on how to implement the process of encoding data using a unique treatment with respect to the digital signal processing. Some relationships between a set of digital pulses and a special class of real polynomials allow us to identify the generation of a single pulse with an intrinsic dependence on the zero values of an arbitrary equation represented by a polynomial equation, where this direct match is established through an analytic operator. By using an ordinary field-programmable gate array architecture, it is possible to validate our theoretical approach, and we are presenting some experimental measurements, as well as one application on how to build a commercial data compressor for fiber optics. The algorithm here introduced presents an innovative technique, and its performance is faster per comparison. Furthermore, thanks to the math-to-time-domain transformations, it tends to overcome the current time required to process polynomial equations, which are involved in the data compression and data encryption systems.
A modeling and simulation framework for UAVs utilizing 4G-LTE cellular networks
Authors: Jafer Shafagh , Jones Stephen , Raja Ashok Vardhan
Published: June 2018

Only a small amount of work has been published on the topic of exploiting existing Long-Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE) cellular communication network infrastructure for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) data links. This paper documents a modeling and simulation (m&s) framework that has been developed utilizing the powerful OMNeT[Formula: see text] simulation tool for assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of this prospect in various UAV scenarios. Using multiple scenarios, we have studied the data rate requirements for communications between small and medium-sized UAVs and base stations. Using this framework, we have shown that the data rate requirements for the links are within the data throughput achieved by LTE networks. The developed framework implements a propagation model endorsed by the 3GPP LTE project team and also accurately models the high mobility of UAVs. The framework is highly configurable and extensible and boasts of automatic aggregation of results and chart plotting. The outcomes of this research may be utilized by industry for rapidly deploying highly mobile, low-cost UAVs in a wide range of applications and scenarios.
Electronic structure and magnetic ordering in gadolinium-doped AlGaN from LSDA + U calculations
Authors: Belhachi S. , Amari S. , Bouhafs B.
Published: June 2018

We present first-principles calculations of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Gd-doped [Formula: see text] based on the density functional theory within [Formula: see text] schemes. It is found that Gd atom favors substituting for Al site. Compared with undoped [Formula: see text], the Gd-doped [Formula: see text] has become an indirect band gap semiconductor of reduced band gap. The magnetic moment [Formula: see text] per molecule mainly comes from Gd ion with little contribution from the Ga, Al and N atoms. It is confirmed that the ferromagnetic configuration is stable for [Formula: see text]. It is found also that there is hybridization between the forbital of the Gd atom and the [Formula: see text] orbital of the N atom.
Assessment of the Level of Constitutionalism in Transition Economies
Authors: HARUTYUNYAN Gagik , SARGSYAN Hayk , GEVORGYAN Ruben
Published: June 2018

This work proposes a methodology for a comparative analysis of the level of constitutionalism and a methodology based on it for constitutional diagnosis and monitoring. This technique is particularly useful for studying the level of constitutionalism in transition countries. It has succeeded in classifying countries by level of constitutionalism and determining their cluster-forming factors.
Types of Probation under Legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Problems of their Development
Authors: KYSTAUBAYEVA Aliya B. , FILIPETS Oxana B.
Published: June 2018

One of the most relevant and acute problems of the modern legal science in the Republic of Kazakhstan is the creation of national probation model. As for today this element, without which it is just impossible to imagine any modern national system of penal justice, remains quite undeveloped in Kazakhstan and thereby attracts attention of scientists and practicians. Besides, probation is the integrated part of penal justice system of many countries and the result of democratic society development stipulated by almost two hundred years of probation issueselaboration. In the present paper authors set the task of finding out which elements should comprise probation in the Republic of Kazakhstan, defining its development prospects and analyzing positive economic changes in connection with probation introduction. Authors have studied existing legal framework to ground the necessity of introducing of thorough probation mechanism, which implies assurance of society security by correction of convicts and prevention of repeated criminal offences committed by them. It should be noticed that both – the criminal law and the criminal procedure in general – represent one large integral system. And up to date national policy deals with such a component of the system as humanization of punishment. It has been established that the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan has introduced a number of new types of criminal sanctions representing an alternative to deprivation of freedom and also provides the possibility of relief from enduring the punishment under conditions that guarantee the convict can mend without it. Authors mention the control for execution of such punishment types is imposed on penal inspection of the State penal service. Therefore, the additional loads on the penal inspection and reorientation of its activities to performance of social preventive functionsraise an issue aboutfeasibility of creation of probation service, which would have more legal and social powers and deal with the matters of convicts’ resocialization. Analysis of advanced European countries’ experience demonstrates the execution of alternative punishment types is carried out by specialized state service out of police and prison facilitiestheprobation service.
Problems of Legal Regulation of Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation Relations
Authors: SHEVCHUK Svetlana Stepanovna , IBRAGIMOVA Nazima Shafievna , BELANOVA Galina Olegovna , MALYKHINA Mariya Alekseevna , IVAKHNENKO Svetlana Nikolaevna
Published: June 2018

This paper is devoted to research and analysis of the issues on legal regulation of the relations arising in connection with the removal of human organs or tissues with the purpose of their subsequent transplantation to a donor. The current national legal framework and lawenforcement practice in transplantation relations are investigated. The theoretical and practical problems affecting the provision and protection of the rights and interests of parties to these relations are analyzed. The necessity of further development and improvement of legal regulation of transplantation relations is substantiated. The scientific novelty of the work is that the authors, on the basis of studying the history of the formation and development of the institution of human organ and tissue transplantation, have made attempts to identify the main trends and directions of legislative support of this sphere of social relations and to substantiate the most constructive proposals in order to improve the corresponding mechanism of legal regulation.
Medicago polymorpha-mediated antibacterial silver nanoparticles in the reduction of methyl orange
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Gul Saima , Khan M.I. , Khan Murad Ali , Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Sher Bahadar
Published: June 2018

The aim of the presented work was to assess the potential of Medicago polymorpha extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a green method. It was a simple one-step synthesis approach and the product obtained was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). At room temperature, the optimum time for the completion of the reaction (i.e. the formation colloidal solution) was just 5 min. FE-SEM images showed that AgNPs were predominantly in spheres, whereas FTIR spectrum analysis inferred that gallic acid present in the extract initially reduced silver ions to elemental silver. The carboxylic and hydroxyl groups of biomolecules present in the extract stabilized AgNPs by passivating the surface to prevent aggregation, resulting in uniform distribution. The antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs showed effective inhibitory effects against waterborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 10 μg/ml. Membrane permeability and respiration studies were also performed to assess the surface role of the synthesized AgNPs. The prepared AgNPs exhibited excellent antioxidant activity and catalytic reduction of methyl orange with a rate constant of 6.8×10−3 s−1.
Echocardiographic Methods of Fetal Heart Size Assessmentheart to Chest Area Ratio and Transversal Heart Diameter
Authors: Sylwestrzak Oskar , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Ultrasound assessment of fetal heart size (FHS) is widely used and recommended in many guidelines of fetal echocardiography due to its clinical value. The aim of this study was an analysis of some fetal heart measurements: ratio of heart area to chest area (HA/ CA) and transversal diameter of heart (AP) and their correlation to gestational age.

Material and methods: This retrospective study was based on database of records of ultrasound and echocardiographic examinations performed in our unit and included fetuses between 15th and 39th week of gestation with no evidence of heart defect or any abnormality.

Results: 609 ultrasound examinations were analyzed. The mean HA/CA was 0,30 ± 0,015, with no statistical difference between female and male (p>0,05), and seemed to be relatively constant with slight increase with advancing gestational age. The AP diameter in whole group correlated with gestational age (r=0,94) and there was no difference related to the fetuses gender.

Conclusion: The correlation of AP diameter and relative constancy of HA/CA ratio with gestational age presented in our normograms could be used for monitoring fetal development, but also for fetal cardiomegaly assessment.
The role of Heart Failure Team in managing Mechanical Circulatory Support in a Swiss low-volume institution
Authors: Tozzi Piergiorgio , Nowacka Anna , Hullin Roger , Yerly Patrick , Kirsch Matthias
Published: June 2018

Background. Outcomes after VAD implantation may be dependent on institutional procedural volume. Specifically, it is claimed that high volumes are associated to better clinical results. This study aims to determine if this procedure is safe even in low‐volume center. Methods. Single center, retrospective cohort study, including Heart Failure consecutive patients who received long-term VAD from 2007 to 2017. Primary outcome was survival to transplant or ongoing MCS at 1-year. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Results. Data concerning 50 adult patients were examined; 35 male (70%), mean age 49+/- 8 years. VAD was implanted as BTT in 48 and DT in 2. Devices implanted were: HeartMate II in 18 (36%), HeartWare in 20 (40%), HeartMate III in 12 (24%). Outcomes were: Death in 16 (32%), heart transplant in 24 (48%), uneventful ongoing support 10 (20%). Data were analysed according to pre and post-heart team creation and 2 groups of 25 patients were identified: 2007-2013 (mean INTERMACS level 3.1) and 2014-2017 (mean INTERMACS level 3.9) showing 1-year survival of 56% and 80% respectively. According to the type of device implanted, 3 groups were identified: HMII = 18 (mean INT. level 2.7), HW=20 (mean INT. level 3.3) and HMIII=12 (mean INT. level 3.7), showing survival of 52%, 78% and 91% respectively. Conclusions. Long term MCS can be implanted at low-volume centers with survival rate not inferior to high volume centers. A Heart team specifically trained in heart failure is probably more important than institutional volume in determining outcomes after VAD implantation.
Therapeutic effect of traditionally prepared Mattha/ buttermilk and Chedu/ ghee residue on parasitic load and body coat of Murrah buffalo calves
Authors: Singh Ramesh , Kumar Sanjay , Singh D. V. , Dar Aashaq Hussain , Palod Jyoti
Published: June 2018

As per Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda), Mattha is helpful in maintaining gut health, mitigation of kappa and vata and preventing obesity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of mattha and chedu on parasitic load of Murrah calves. 1-year-old twenty growing buffalo calves with approximately similar weight were selected and divided into four groups having five animals in each group. Following treatments were offered: – T0 (control), T1 (application of Chedu on their body), T2 (Administration of Mattha @ 2% of body weight with salt @ 0.5% of Mattha), T3 (Administration of Mattha and application of Chedu). Fecal samples were collected directly from rectum or freshly voided feces in sterilized poly bags, twice a month from buffalo calves to check the internal parasitic load. Number of ticks, were counted in most heavily infested area i.e. inguinal region, brisket region, neck region, tail fold, and base of the ear after every 4 days. From 30th day to 90th day there was a significant difference observed in terms of eggs per gram (EPG) in treatment groups T2 and T3 with respect to control group indicating lower parasitic load in treated groups. Application of chedu in T1 and T3 group resulted in gradual decrease of tick load which depicts therapeutic value of chedu and combination of mathha and chedu on ticks. Also chedu treated groups showed increased lusture of body coat which is desirable in terms of aesthetic value and wellbeing of buffalo calves.
MATEMATİK ÖĞRETİMİNDE NİTELİĞİ ARTTIRMADA TAŞIYICI SORU ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Gürbüz Mustafa Çağrı , Altun Murat , Ağsu Murat
Published: June 2018

Matematik
öğretiminde niteliğin nasıl artırılacağı hala tartışılmaktadır. Öğretim
sürecinde öğrenciler, öğrenecekleri konuların içeriğini keyifli ve dikkat
çekici buldukları ölçüde öğrenme ortamına etkin olarak katılım isteği
gösterirler. Bu çalışmanın amacı, matematik öğretiminde niteliği artırmaya
yönelik öğrenme kuram ve
modellerinin etkileyici yönlerini temele alan taşıyıcı
sorunun  matematik öğretiminin amaçlarının
gerçekleştirilmesine katkısının incelenmesidir. Bu
amaca ulaşabilmek için kullanılacak metotların belirlenmesinde ve bulguların
yorumlanmasında yol gösterecek özel durum çalışması, araştırmanın deseni olarak
belirlenmiştir. Bu durum çalışması
bir lisenin 9. sınıfında öğrenim gören 24 öğrenci ile yapılmıştır. Araştırmada
nitel veri toplama araçları kullanılmıştır. Öğretimde etkinlikler hazırlanmış
ve etkinlik uygulamaları videoya kaydedilmiş ve analizleri yapılmıştır. Taşıyıcı soru, diğer öğretim tasarımlarından farklı
olarak, öğretim akışının doğal olması ve öğretimin beceri ile bütünleştirilmesine
yer vermesi olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada taşıyıcı sorunun matematik
öğretim amaçlarını destekleği ve matematik öğretiminde niteliği arttırdığı
belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonuçlarının öğretim uygulamalarına olumlu yönde
katkı yapacağı beklenmektedir.
6, 7 VE 8. SINIFLARDA İNGİLİZCE ÖĞRENME SÜRECİNDE KARŞILAŞILAN SORUNLARIN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Şahin Harun , Çelik Feti , Gök Çatal Özlem
Published: June 2018

Bu
araştırmanın amacı, Ortaokul 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflarda İngilizce öğrenme sürecinde
öğrencilerin karşılaştıkları sorunların belirlenmesi, bu sorunlara çözüm
önerilerinin ortaya konulması ve katılımcılardan toplanan verilerin cinsiyete
ve sınıf düzeylerine göre anlamlı farklar gösterip göstermediğinin
incelenmesidir. Araştırmada “standartlaştırılmış açık uçlu
görüşme tekniği” kullanılmış, araştırmacı tarafından geliştirilen görüşme formları yoluyla
bilgiler derlenmiştir. Araştırma, 2013-2014 eğitim-öğretim yılında Burdur ili
Bucak ilçe merkezindeki Ortaokul 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflarında
öğrenim gören 390 öğrencinin katılımıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler SPSS paket
programından yararlanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analiz sonucu bulgular
doğrultusunda öğrencilerin; öğretmen, öğrenci, program, çevre, sınıf ve okul,
kitaplar temaları altında sorunlarla karşılaştıkları tespit edilmiş ve bu
sorunlara çözüm önerileri ortaya konulmuştur. 
Ayrıca sorunlara ilişkin, öğrencilerden toplanan verilerin cinsiyet
değişkenine göre anlamlı bir fark göstermediği, ancak sınıf düzeyleri
değişkenine göre öğrenci teması altında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark
olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Morphological and qualitative indicators of broiler cross of cockerels “Cobb 500”
Authors: Nikitchenko V E , Nikitchenko D V , Fedotov V A , Egorov I A , Egorova T V
Published: June 2018

The dynamics of live weight and the morphological composition of carcasses of broiler chickens Cobb 500 at 1-, 21-, 28-, 33-, 38- and 42-day-old ages were studied. It was found that the increase in the average daily growth in broiler males is observed up to the 33-day age, on average they are 62.7 g, then up to 42 days - 85.56 g. The slaughter yield in 33-day broilers was 71.83%, 42 days - 73.12%. The carcass contains the most muscle tissue, from 994 g (33 day), or 65.57%, to 1410 g, or 66.95% (42 days). By the 42-day age of the males, the absolute mass of muscles is 178.26 times higher than the weight of the 1-day-old ones. The relative mass of bones in the carcasses of 33-day-old males is 20.32%, 42-day-olds - 16.52%. The anatomical cutting of the carcasses shows that the breast yield is 35.95-36.23%, the hips - 17.15-17.09%, the shins - 14.38-14.20%, the wings -11.15-10.68%. It is established that anatomically parts of the carcass differ in quality because of the different ratio of muscle tissue and bones in them.
Концептуальні підходи до капіталізації підприємств
Authors: Davydenko Nadiia
Published: June 2018

У статті розглянуто концептуальні засади капіталізації підприємств із позицій зарубіжних та віттчизняних авторів і виділено два основні підходи до трактування сутності економічної категорії «капіталізація». За результатами аналізу подано авторське бачення дефініції й виокремлено компонентні складники капіталізації підприємства. На основі проведеного аналізу визначено якісні характеристики індивіда, які забезпечать зростання доходу підприємства
Wet resuspension modelling and validation
Authors: Jankowski T. , Koch M. K.
Published: June 2018

An empirical correlation for the estimation of the droplet entrainment from boiling water pools is under development. The correlation is validated on the basis of experiments, taken from test facilities of different scale, which investigate the effect of several boundary conditions on the droplet entrainment. The calculated values for the droplet entrainment are in good agreement with the experimental data, indicating that relevant influences are considered in the developed correlation with an appropriate quantity. Nevertheless, the application of the correlation on scenarios with flashing pools and non-boiling pools with gas flows through the pool surface have to be investigated in the ongoing validation process. Furthermore, other experiments are needed, which consider pools containing surface-active substances to depict the influence of surface tension on the droplet entrainment.
An Overview of Neonatal Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia and It’s Management
Authors: Begum Nargis Ara , Afroze Sharmin
Published: June 2018

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common clinical condition in the newborn requiring hospital readmission. About 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice during 1st week of life. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia occurs mostly due to increased hemolysis, decreased hepatic clearance, enterohepatic circulation, immaturity, blood group incompatibility and infections. Evaluation of neonatal jaundice is done based on history, age of onset of jaundice and physical examination findings which is necessary for proper management. Otherwise significant hyperbilirubinemia may endanger life of the baby and may lead to acute and subsequently chronic bilirubin encephalopathy. There are many diagnostic tools those help to detect jaundice such as Kramer’s rule, transcutaneous bilirubinometer, Bilichecker apps and smartphone apps. Besides these BIND score added a new dimension in diagnosis of acute bilirubin encephalopathy which can be confirmed by measuring bilirubin – albumin ratio in blood. Management of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia includes: Phototherepy, Exchange transfusion are two major effective therapeutic modalities available today. Additional options include Pharmacotherapy in the form of phenobarbital and intravenous immunoglobulin. Each therapy has its pros and cons. Even there is dilemma in many therapeutic conditions like role of prophylactic phototherapy in preterm neonates, role of sunlight etc. As pediatricians have to deal cases with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia frequently, so an updated knowledge is required. From this concern we reviewed issues on neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and compiled for better understanding of the condition.Bangladesh J Child Health 2018; VOL 42 (1) :30-37