bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Straßenmusik in Berlin
Authors: Nowakowski Mark
Published: March 2016

Wer macht in Berlin Straßenmusik und warum? Mark Nowakowski liefert ein detailliertes Portrait der Straßenmusik in Berlin sowie ihrer Akteure und damit die erste systematische Untersuchung dieser urbanen Auftrittskultur in Deutschland. Neben den Motiven der Künstler analysiert er die Rolle des Publikums sowie des Stadtraums als Kontext, in dem sich Straßenmusik abspielt, aber auch soziokulturelle Dimensionen sowie historische Wandlungsprozesse. Facettenreich gibt die Studie Aufschluss über das Phänomen Straßenmusik und stellt einen Beitrag zur Beschreibung des Berliner Kulturlebens und der musikalischen Identität der Stadt dar, deren Profil von Straßenmusik als Auftrittskultur mit starker Alltagspräsenz und großer Erscheinungsvielfalt mitgeprägt wird. Mit einem Vorwort von Klaus dem Geiger.
Der Geschmack der Kraft
Authors: Roscher Monika
Published: March 2016

Was, wenn die Idee einer Wirkung des Ästhetischen nicht »Ergebnis«, sondern konstitutive Voraussetzung der künstlerischen Praxis ist? Auf ungewöhnliche Weise vereint Monika Roscher Ansätze aus Sportwissenschaft, Philosophie, Kunstwissenschaft und Gender Studies, um die Performativität des künstlerischen Schaffens zu beleuchten. Die Studie, deren philosophische Grundlage in der anthropologischen Genealogie der Ästhetik nach Johann Gottfried Herder sowie in der Idee des Dionysischen in der Kunst nach Friedrich Nietzsche zu suchen ist, zeigt: Einen Geschmack der Kraft zu bilden, könnte die verlorene Kraft der Kunst zurückbringen.
Das Projekt des unternehmerischen Selbst
Authors: Glauser Laura
Published: March 2016

Sei flexibel, manage und vermarkte Dich! So heißt es allerorten. Doch wie gehen HochschulabsolventInnen mit den Imperativen der Selbstoptimierung um? Welche Auswirkungen hat der Diskurs des »Unternehmerischen Selbst« konkret auf Menschen, die sich zwischen Studium und Beruf auf dem Arbeitsmarkt positionieren müssen? Basierend auf einer ethnologischen Feldforschung in akademischen Beratungseinrichtungen untersucht Laura Glauser, wie Individuen die Anforderungen eines »Unternehmerischen Selbst« mit sich und ihrem sozialen Umfeld verhandeln, wie sie in den Coaching-Angeboten nach Rat und Orientierung suchen und wie sie innerhalb gesellschaftlicher Zwänge versuchen, modern zu sein. Es zeigt sich: Die Angst zu scheitern ist immer präsent.
Viabilidade da monitorização da intervenção psicoterapêutica com adolescentes com recurso a aplicações móveis
Authors: Dias Pedro , Sousa Lima Vânia , César Machado Bárbara , Campos Joana , Teixeira Luís , Torres Nuno , Lopes Luiz , Veiga Elisa
Published: March 2016

A monitorização sistemática da intervenção psicoterapêutica é determinante na avaliação da eficácia clínica de uma intervenção e na adequação da mesma às necessidades do indivíduo. Ao longo da última década, a tecnologia foi evoluindo rapidamente, bem como as aplicações tecnológicas associadas aos processos de psicoterapia. A inclusão da monitorização psicoterapêutica nos processos de intervenção psicológica surgiu enquanto necessidade atual, a par da evolução tecnológica. Assim, este trabalho de investigação surge no âmbito de um projeto dirigido à construção de uma aplicação móvel para a monitorização psicoterapêutica nos processos de intervenção psicológica. Com o objetivo de conhecer as perceções de terapeutas, acerca da viabilidade de uma aplicação móvel na realização da monitorização psicoterapêutica, provenientes de diferentes contextos, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a 14 terapeutas. As entrevistas têm em vista a exploração da viabilidade da monitorização da intervenção psicoterapêutica com adolescentes e a pertinência do recurso a aplicações móveis no processo terapêutico. Previamente à entrevista, os terapeutas preencheram o consentimento informado, o acordo de confidencialidade e uma ficha sociodemográfica. As entrevistas foram transcritas e foi realizada uma análise semi-indutiva do seu conteúdo com recurso ao software NVivo 10. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que a monitorização psicoterapêutica é percecionada como relevante pelo terapeuta, não só para a sua prática profissional, como também para o próprio cliente. Os entrevistados identificaram igualmente fatores facilitadores na utilização deste tipo de aplicações móveis na prática clínica atual. Da sua reflexão acerca da viabilidade das novas tecnologias na monitorização psicoterapêutica emerge a identificação de ganhos e constrangimentos para o terapeuta e para o cliente.
Protective Effects of Agmatine against Chlorpromazine- Induced Toxicity in the Liver of Wistar Rats
Authors: Dejanović Bratislav , Stevanović Ivana , Ninković Milica , Stojanović Ivana , Lavrnja Irena , Radičević Tatjana
Published: March 2016

The metabolic pathways of chlorpromazine (CPZ) toxicity were tracked by assessing oxidative/nitrosative stress markers. The main objective of the study was to test the hypothesis that agmatine (AGM) prevents oxidative/nitrosative stress in the liver of Wistar rats 15 days after administration of CPZ. All tested substances were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 15 consecutive days. The rats were divided into four groups: the control group (C, 0.9 % saline solution), the CPZ group (CPZ, 38.7 mg/kg b.w.), the CPZ+AGM group (AGM, 75 mg/kg b.w. immediately after CPZ, 38.7 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) and the AGM group (AGM, 75 mg/kg b.w.).

Rats were decapitated 15 days after the appropriate treatment. In the CPZ group, CPZ concentration was significantly increased compared to C values (p<0.01), while AGM treatment induced the significant decrease in CPZ concentration in the CPZ+AGM group (p<0.05) and the AGM group (p<0.01). CPZ application to healthy rats did not lead to any changes of lipid peroxidation in the liver compared to the C group, but AGM treatment decreased that parameter compared to the CPZ group (p<0.05). In CPZ liver homogenates, nitrite and nitrate concentrations were increased compared to controls (p<0.001), and AGM treatment diminished that parameter in the CPZ group (p<0.05), as well as in the AGM group (p<0.001). In CPZ animals, glutathione level and catalase activity were decreased in comparison with C values (p<0.01 respectively), but AGM treatment increased the activity of catalase in comparison with CPZ animals (p<0.05 respectively). Western blot analysis supported biochemical findings in all groups. Our results showed that treatment with AGM significantly supressed the oxidative/nitrosative stress parameters and restored antioxidant defense in rat liver.
Foaming and emulsifying properties of pectin isolated from different plant materials
Authors: Yancheva Nikoleta , Markova Daniela , Murdzheva Dilyana , Vasileva Ivelina , Slavov Anton
Published: March 2016

The foaming and emulsifying properties of pectins obtained from waste rose petals, citrus pressings, grapefruit peels and celery were studied. It was found that the highest foaming capacity showed pectin derived from celery. The effect of pectin concentration on the foaming capacity of pectin solutions was investigated. For all the investigated pectins increasing the concentration led to increase of the foaming capacity. Emulsifying activity and emulsion stability of model emulsion systems (50 % oil phase) with 0.6 % pectic solutions were determined. The highest emulsifying activity and stability showed pectin isolated by dilute acid extraction from waste rose petals.
Determination and discrimination of biodiesel fuels by gas chromatographic and chemometric methods
Authors: Milina R. , Mustafa Z. , Bojilov D. , Dagnon S. , Moskovkina M.
Published: March 2016

Pattern recognition method (PRM) was applied to gas chromatographic (GC) data for a fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) composition of commercial and laboratory synthesized biodiesel fuels from vegetable oils including sunflower, rapeseed, corn and palm oils. Two GC quantitative methods to calculate individual fames were compared: Area % and internal standard. The both methods were applied for analysis of two certified reference materials. The statistical processing of the obtained results demonstrates the accuracy and precision of the two methods and allows them to be compared. For further chemometric investigations of biodiesel fuels by their FAME-profiles any of those methods can be used. PRM results of FAME profiles of samples from different vegetable oils show a successful recognition of biodiesels according to the feedstock. The information obtained can be used for selection of feedstock to produce biodiesels with certain properties, for assessing their interchangeability, for fuel spillage and remedial actions in the environment.
Exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria as corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Ignatova-Ivanova Tsveteslava , Ivanov Radoslav
Published: March 2016

Bacterial EPSs (exopolysaccharides) are believed to play an important role in the environment by promoting survival strategies such as bacterial attachment to surfaces and nutrient trapping, which facilitate processes of biofilm formation and development. These microbial biofilms have been implicated in corrosion of metals, bacterial attachment to prosthetic devices, fouling of heat exchange surfaces, toxicant immobilization, and fouling of ship hulls. In this paper, data on EPS production and the effect of EPS on corrosion of steel produced by Lactobacillus sp. are presented and discussed. Lactobacillus delbrueckii K27, Lactobacillus delbrueckii B8, Lactobacillus delbrueckii KO43, Lactobacillus delbrueckii K3, Lactobacillus delbrueckii K15 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii K17 was obtained from Collection of Department of General and Applied Microbiology, Sofia University. It was tested for its ability to produce exopolysaccharides when cultivated in a media containing 10% sucrose, 10% lacose and 10% maltose. The study of the corrosive stability of steel samples was conducted on the gravimetrique method. The rate of corrosion, the degree of protection, and coefficient of protection have been calculated. The structure of layer over steel plates was analysed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) JSM 5510. It could be underlined that 10% sucrose, 10% lactose and 10% maltose in the media stimulated the process of protection of corrosion.
Cultural heritage of Varna and its tourist recognisability in Europe
Authors: Dombrowicz M. , Gruszka P. , Jarecka I.
Published: March 2016

Cultural heritage of the European civilization constitutes cultural and spiritual property of the ancestors, as well as current generations of the Varna city. It represents both material and non-material value, defines the European culture. It includes all the environmental consequences arising from the interaction between the man and the surroundings over the course of history. Assessment of tourist potential of Varna performed on 9-14th September, 2014, by the members of the “European Traveler” scientific circle, students of tourist and recreation, as well as heritage and culture tourism at Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, made it possible to identify the main points of tourist recognizability in relation to the city and region. The staid points are predominantly based on the unique cultural assets of the city and the region - in large measure related to the origins of the European civilization - as well as current cultural events organized in the city.
On axisymmetrical boundary problem of unsteady motion of micropolar fluid in the half-space
Authors: El-Sirafy I.H. , Aboutahoun A.W.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is developing an exact solution for the problem of axisymmetrical flow of unsteady motion of micropolar fluid in the half-space when the shear stresses are given on the boundary. The Laplace-Hankel transform technique is used to solve this problem. Some physical quantities such as velocities, pressure and microrotations are obtained and illustrated numerically.
Implementation of factitious force method for control of 5R manipulator with skid-steering platform REX
Authors: Mazur A. , Cholewiński M.
Published: March 2016

In the paper implementation of the factitious force concept for a controlling complex mobile manipulator has been presented. As the nonholonomic constraint only lack of longitudinal slippage of wheels has been chosen - in skid-steering platforms lateral slippage is necessary to change orientation of such a platform. From a control theory point of view such a system is dynamically underactuated. As a solution to a underactuation problem a method of factitious force has been proposed. This method assumes extension on the dynamics level, in the form of an additional control inputs uv, which values are equal to zero equivalently. For a mobile manipulator, consisting of platform REX and 5R robotic onboard arm, a cascaded control law has been proposed. A simulation study was conducted for a mathematical model of a considered object with real values of physical parameters, i.e. lengths, masses, inertia moments etc. obtained from the 3D model. Results obtained in simulations have shown a proper action of the control system and convergence of tracking errors, occurring in a platform and in joints of a manipulator, to zero.
Streamer propagation in a non-uniform electric field under lightning impulse in short gaps insulated with natural ester and mineral oil
Authors: Rozga P.
Published: March 2016

This article describes the comparative experimental studies on streamer propagation in natural ester and mineral oil under a high voltage lightning impulse. These studies were concentrated around the small electrode gaps and the point-plane electrode arrangement. The spatial shapes of the developing streamers, light emission and propagation velocity were analyzed and compared between the two different dielectric liquids. In both of them two streamer propagation modes were registered during the studies performed. Propagation of slow 2nd mode streamers took place below the so-called acceleration voltage while fast 3rd mode streamers developed at acceleration voltage and above. Comparing the streamer shapes corresponding to a given voltage polarity, no visible differences were observed between the liquids tested. Concerning the light emission, higher frequencies of light pulses were registered however in the case of natural ester. The significant differences between both liquids were noticed in the value of the acceleration voltage estimated. In the case of positive polarity streamers started to develop in natural ester as a 3rd mode at lower value of testing voltage than in the case of mineral oil. For negative polarity, within the applied testing voltages, 3rd mode streamers appeared only in natural ester. On this basis, the fundamental conclusion is that natural ester may have a lower ability of preventing the development of fast and energetic 3rd mode streamers, even at small electrode gaps.
Controlling continuous bioreactor via nonlinear feedback: modelling and simulations approach
Authors: Aguilar-López R. , Neria-González I.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work is to present a class of nonlinear controller with an exponential-type feedback in order to regulate the sulfate mass concentration via the input flow in a continuous stirred tank bioreactor of an anaerobic sulfate-reducing process. The corresponding kinetic terms in the bioreactor’s modeling are modeled by unstructured modeling approach, which was experimentally corroborated. A sketch of proof of the closed-loop stability of the considered system is done under the framework of Lyapunov theory. Numerical experiments are conducted to show the performance of the proposed methodology in comparison with a well-tuned sigmoid controller.
The application of hypergeometric functions to computing fractional order derivatives of sinusoidal functions
Authors: Włodarczyk M. , Zawadzki A.
Published: March 2016

In the paper, the analytical forms of fractional order derivatives of sinusoidal function according to definitions of Riemann - Liouville and Caputo are presented. To determine the analytical form of the integrals appearing in definitions of derivatives of fractional order the Lommel functions from hypergeometrical functions family were applied. With the use of properties of the derivatives of fractional order - differential-integral there were presented the conception of generalized element of a single equation, which depending on the value of the derivative order, can be inductor, resistor, capacitor, or a hypothetical element of a fractional order differential equation.
Failure modes of coatings on steel substrate
Authors: Mróz K.P. , Kucharski S. , Doliński K. , Bigos A. , Mikułowski G. , Beltowska-Lehman E. , Nolbrzak P.
Published: March 2016

The critical monotonic strain of Ni-W and MoS2(Ti,W) coatings on steel substrates was studied. The idea of axisymmetric bending test (called here as coin bending test) limited to monitoring of the coating failure was used. Experiments revealed mechanism of the coating failure, as cracking initiated from coating surface defects and/or substrate was demonstrated using indentation technique. By pushing the center of the uncoated side of a circular plate, the axisymmetric stress state was generated in the coating. The stress components varied gradually from the greatest value in the center to the smallest value at the edge of the specimen. The changes of the sample surface as a result of loading were monitored step by step via optical microscopy.
Type of modulation identification using Wavelet Transform and Neural Network
Authors: Walenczykowska M. , Kawalec A.
Published: March 2016

Automatic recognition of the signal modulation type turned out to be useful in many areas, including electronic warfare or surveillance. The wavelet transform is an effective way to extract signal features for identification purposes. In this paper there are M-ary ASK, M-ary PSK, M-ary FSK, M-ary QAM, OOK and MSK signals analysed. The mean value, variance and central moments up to five of continuous wavelet transform (CWT) are used as signal features. The principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to reduce a number of features. A multi-layer neural network trained with backpropagation learning algorithm is considered as a classifier. There are two research variants: interclass and intraclass recognition with a wide range of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
L’écrivain désOrienté ou les aspects de l’estitude (Dumitru Tsepeneag, Nancy Huston, Katalin Molnár)
Authors: Farkas Jenő
Published: March 2016

In this article, we aim to study the term Estitude by focusing on books by Dumitru Tsepeneag (The Dustying Word), Katalin Molnár (Lamour Dieu) et Nancy Huston (The Lost North). Coming from three different countries (Romania, Hungary and Canada), these three writers are similar as far as their relation to their new creative language is concerned, in this case French. Making use of the new language first presupposes minimalising the importance of one’s native tongue (Romanian, Hungarian and English), but this minimalisation is inappropriate as it indicates one’s exile. At the same time, adoting the French language may prove to be an opportunity, which allows one to research the origins of writing itself : thus, the exiled writer can profit from lingustic calque, lingustic mistakes, literal translation of proverbs and other expressions of his / her native language, of transcript of orality, etc. Being unable to attach himself/herself to a geographical area, the exiled is condamned to live between two countries (the country of origin and the receiving country), between two languages (the native language and the adopted language) and to suffer from a certain complex of superiority. Having a certain social and political experience, s/he stands out among natives, but s/he always runs the risk of being perceived in the « flagrante delicto of strangeness ».
La désespérance comme chiffre de la résistance dans le théâtre de Matéï Visniec
Authors: Rinaldis Antonio
Published: March 2016

Visniec’s plays can be considered a phenomenology of despair. Most of his works are a representation of the human condition analyzed from the perspective of a virtual impossibility. The socialist man who lives under the control of an oppressive regime is inauthentic, and it is also inauthentic the garbage man, metaphor of a capitalism that devours itself. Men are condemned to desperation, because all their choices are marked by failure and the wreck of hope.
The extent of managers’ motivation as a determinant of leadership quality
Authors: Wziątek-Staśko Anna
Published: March 2016

Motivating to perform remains a very inspiring field of scientific studies. In spite of extensive research in this field, some areas, of niche nature, that require exploration can be identified. Motivating the managers is one of such areas, less popular but of tremendous importance in the process of managing a contemporary organisation. This article is theoretical and empirical. It was written to present the original results of empirical research focused on assessment of the motivation impact of 47 financial and non-financial tools by several hundred Polish managers. The research tool used in the study process was the questionnaire prepared by the author of this paper. Key preferences of the group of employees are an important source of information required in the process of optimising the effectiveness of managing the human capital and an entire organisation.
Nanotechnology: legal and ethical issues
Authors: Baran Agnieszka
Published: March 2016

Nanotechnology is a very vast field which includes a range of technologies at the nano scale, such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, genomics, neuroscience, robotics and information technologies. Nanotechnology is the latest technological innovation in global debates on risk regulation and international cooperation. Regulatory bodies have started dealing with the potential risks posed by nanoparticles. Since 2004 the UE has been developing a regulatory policy to tighten control and to improve regulatory adequacy and knowledge of nanotechnology risks. Currently, specific provisions on nanomaterials have been introduced for biocides, cosmetics, food additives, food labelling and materials in contact with foodstuff. The statement that nanotechnologies do inevitably imply ethical questions. The main problems are public trust, potential risks, issues of environmental impact, transparency of information, responsible nanosciences and nanotechnologies research. The aim of this article is to analysis the main problems regulating nanotechnology and some aspects of ethics.
Multi-benefits of national parks and protected areas: an integrative approach for developing countries
Authors: Atiqul Haq Shah Md.
Published: March 2016

National parks and protected areas can contribute significantly to the needs of poor people who live in and around them and depend heavily on forest resources for their subsistence. Especially for the rural poor who have limited economic options, use of national park resources are the main source for their survival, giving them direct benefits from food, medicine and forest products. National parks can contribute to maintaining the ecosystem and biodiversity conservation, along with the economic benefits to the local population. National parks and protected areas can play a significant role in climate change mitigation as well. Nevertheless, benefits from these areas are not well recognized in management especially in developing countries by incorporating them for climate change mitigation. Though usually more priority is given to conservation, improvement of livelihood and climate change mitigation can be achieved by integrating national parks into management and policy, and by consideration of the potential of human resources. Thus the integration can improve the poverty situation of local people and help them to adapt to climatic change mitigation strategies. Therefore, management of national parks and protected areas should ensure the participation of local communities and stakeholders.
Long-term variability of the frequency and persistence of strong highs over Poland
Authors: Bielec-Bąkowska Zuzanna
Published: March 2016

The paper discusses the spatial and temporal variability in the occurrence of strong highs over Poland in the period 1951-2015. It focuses in particular on the persistence of the systems in question and the changes in their long-term variability. The study was based on the average daily sea-level air pressure values obtained from NCEP/NCAR Reanalyses for 12 grid points. A day with a strong high was defined as a day with daily average pressure equal to or higher than 1030 hPa. Over the study period, a minor increase in the annual air pressure values (0.17-0.32 hPa/10 years) was identified, as well as evidence of an increase in the number of days with strong highs. These changes were the most distinct in December and in southern Poland. A majority of strong high occurrences were recorded during the cool half of the year, they covered less than the whole territory of the country and typically persisted for no more than two days. The longest spells with pressure equal to or greater than 1030 hPa lasted between 15 and 22 days depending on the region. Such long sequences of days with strong highs coincided with years when strong highs were particularly frequent, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. No specific trends in persistence or seasonality were identified.
Characteristic of Rings. Prime Fields
Authors: Schwarzweller Christoph , Korniłowicz Artur
Published: March 2016

The notion of the characteristic of rings and its basic properties are formalized [14], [39], [20]. Classification of prime fields in terms of isomorphisms with appropriate fields (ℚ or ℤ/p) are presented. To facilitate reasonings within the field of rational numbers, values of numerators and denominators of basic operations over rationals are computed.
High-order relaxation approaches for adjoint-based optimal control problems governed by nonlinear hyperbolic systems of conservation laws
Authors: Yohana Elimboto M. , Banda Mapundi K.
Published: March 2016

A computational investigation of optimal control problems which are constrained by hyperbolic systems of conservation laws is presented. The general framework is to employ the adjoint-based optimization to minimize the cost functional of matching-type between the optimal and the target solution. Extension of the numerical schemes to second-order accuracy for systems for the forward and backward problem are applied. In addition a comparative study of two relaxation approaches as solvers for hyperbolic systems is undertaken. In particular optimal control of the 1-D Riemann problem of Euler equations of gas dynamics is studied. The initial values are used as control parameters. The numerical flow obtained by optimal initial conditions matches accurately with observations.
Estimates of the modeling error generated by homogenization of an elliptic boundary value problem
Authors: Repin Sergey , Samrowski Tatiana , Sauter Stefan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we derive a posteriori bounds of the difference between the exact solution of an elliptic boundary value problem with periodic coefficients and an abridged model, which follows from the homogenization theory. The difference is measured in terms of the energy norm of the basic problem and also in the combined primal–dual norm. Using the technique of functional type
Five Mass Power Transmission Line of a Ship Computer Modelling
Authors: Kazakoff Alexander Borisoff , Marinov Boycho Ivanov
Published: March 2016

The work, presented in this paper, appears to be a natural continuation of the work presented and reported before, on the design of power transmission line of a ship, but with different multi-mass model. Some data from the previous investigations are used as a reference data, mainly from the analytical investigations, for the developed in the previ- ous study, frequency and modal analysis of a five mass model of a power transmission line of a ship. In the paper, a profound dynamic analysis of a concrete five mass dynamic model of the power transmission line of a ship is performed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), based on the previously recommended model, investigated in the previous research and reported before. Thus, the partially validated by frequency analysis five mass model of a power transmission line of a ship is subjected to dynamic analysis. The objective of the work presented in this paper is dynamic modelling of a five mass transmission line of a ship, partial validation of the model and von Mises stress analysis calculation with the help of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and comparison of the derived results with the analytically calculated values. The partially validated five mass power transmission line of a ship can be used for definition of many dy- namic parameters, particularly amplitude of displacement, velocity and acceleration, respectively in time and frequency domain. The frequency behaviour of the model parameters is investigated in frequency domain and it corresponds to the predicted one.
T-Shaped Frame Critical and Post-Critical Analysis
Authors: Doicheva Albena
Published: March 2016

The paper shows solution of a T-shaped frame, strength- ened with two linear springs, regarding critical and post-critical analysis. The solution is exact using the Euler elastic approach and the frame of reference, originated in the point of column axis inflexion. The derived Numerical results show the effect of the springs strengthening for the crit- ical and the post-critical system behaviour. The influence of the geometry change is analyzed, as well.
Electric and Heat Conductions Across a Crack in a Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Song Hao-Peng , Song Kun
Published: March 2016

The crack problem in a thermoelectric material is studied in this paper. Two kinds of crack surface conditions are discussed. The closed form solutions are derived, based on the complex variable method. The field intensity factors as well as the conversion efficiency are discussed in detail. The results show that the electric current density and thermal flux density exhibit traditional square-root singularity at the crack tip in case 1, while the electric current density has no singularity at the crack tip in case 2. It is proved due to the electric current flow and thermal flux separation, that the thermoelectric conversion efficiency can be higher than the maximum conversion efficiency of one-dimensional thermoelec- tric under the same temperature condition. In the numerical example, the conversion efficiency is increased by 29.6% as compared to the maximum conversion efficiency of one-dimensional thermoelectric.
Study the effect of fiber loading and alkali treatment on the mechanical and water absorption properties of wheat straw fiber-reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Mittal Varun , Sinha Shishir
Published: March 2016

The aim of this research was to study the feasibility of using wheat straw fiber with epoxy resin for developing natural fiber-polymer composites. For this purpose, the epoxy resin was reinforced with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.% of the wheat straw fiber with the help of the hand lay-up technique. Further, in order to improve the composite characteristic, wheat straw fibers were treated with three different concentrations of alkali (1%, 3%, and 5%). The mechanical and water absorption properties of the treated fiber composites were characterized and compared with those of untreated fiber-filled epoxy composites. It was observed that the mechanical properties and water resistance were reduced with the increase in wheat straw fiber loading from 5 to 25 wt.%. Among the three levels of alkali treatment, the composite made with 3% alkali-treated fiber exhibited superior mechanical properties than the other untreated and treated fiber composites, which pointed to an efficient fiber-matrix adhesion. The scanning electron microscope was used to observe the surface features of the wheat straw fiber.
Deficiency of the Survival of Motor Neuron Protein Impairs mRNA Localization and Local Translation in the Growth Cone of Motor Neurons
Authors: Fallini Claudia , Donlin-Asp Paul G. , Rouanet Jeremy P. , Bassell Gary J. , Rossoll Wilfried
Published: March 2016

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting spinal motor neurons. It is caused by reduced levels of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein, which plays an essential role in the biogenesis of spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoproteins in all tissues. The etiology of the specific defects in the motor circuitry in SMA is still unclear, but SMN has also been implicated in mediating the axonal localization of mRNA-protein complexes, which may contribute to the axonal degeneration observed in SMA. Here, we report that SMN deficiency severely disrupts local protein synthesis within neuronal growth cones. We also identify the cytoskeleton-associated growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) mRNA as a new target of SMN and show that motor neurons from SMA mouse models have reduced levels ofGAP43mRNA and protein in axons and growth cones. Importantly, overexpression of two mRNA-binding proteins, HuD and IMP1, restoresGAP43mRNA and protein levels in growth cones and rescues axon outgrowth defects in SMA neurons. These findings demonstrate that SMN plays an important role in the localization and local translation of mRNAs with important axonal functions and suggest that disruption of this function may contribute to the axonal defects observed in SMA.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe motor neuron disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by reduced levels of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein, which plays a key role in assembling RNA/protein complexes that are essential for mRNA splicing. It remains unclear whether defects in this well characterized housekeeping function cause the specific degeneration of spinal motor neurons observed in SMA. Here, we describe an additional role of SMN in regulating the axonal localization and local translation of the mRNA encoding growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). This study supports a model whereby SMN deficiency impedes transport and local translation of mRNAs important for neurite outgrowth and stabilization, thus contributing to axon degeneration, muscle denervation, and motor neuron cell death in SMA.
Overexpression ofDyrk1A, a Down Syndrome Candidate, Decreases Excitability and Impairs Gamma Oscillations in the Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Ruiz-Mejias Marcel , Martinez de Lagran Maria , Mattia Maurizio , Castano-Prat Patricia , Perez-Mendez Lorena , Ciria-Suarez Laura , Gener Thomas , Sancristobal Belen , García-Ojalvo Jordi , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García José M. , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , Dierssen Mara
Published: March 2016

The dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase DYRK1A is a serine/threonine kinase involved in neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity and a major candidate of Down syndrome brain alterations and cognitive deficits. DYRK1A is strongly expressed in the cerebral cortex, and its overexpression leads to defective cortical pyramidal cell morphology, synaptic plasticity deficits, and altered excitation/inhibition balance. These previous observations, however, do not allow predicting how the behavior of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) network and the resulting properties of its emergent activity are affected. Here, we integrate functional, anatomical, and computational data describing the prefrontal network alterations in transgenic mice overexpressingDyrk1A(TgDyrk1A). Usingin vivoextracellular recordings, we show decreased firing rate and gamma frequency power in the prefrontal network of anesthetized and awakeTgDyrk1Amice. Immunohistochemical analysis identified a selective reduction of vesicular GABA transporter punctae on parvalbumin positive neurons, without changes in the number of cortical GABAergic neurons in the PFC ofTgDyrk1Amice, which suggests that selective disinhibition of parvalbumin interneurons would result in an overinhibited functional network. Using a conductance-based computational model, we quantitatively demonstrate that this alteration could explain the observed functional deficits including decreased gamma power and firing rate. Our results suggest that dysfunction of cortical fast-spiking interneurons might be central to the pathophysiology of Down syndrome.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDYRK1Ais a major candidate gene in Down syndrome. Its overexpression results into altered cognitive abilities, explained by defective cortical microarchitecture and excitation/inhibition imbalance. An open question is how these deficits impact the functionality of the prefrontal cortex network. Combining functional, anatomical, and computational approaches, we identified decreased neuronal firing rate and deficits in gamma frequency in the prefrontal cortices of transgenic mice overexpressingDyrk1A. We also identified a reduction of vesicular GABA transporter punctae specifically on parvalbumin positive interneurons. Using a conductance-based computational model, we demonstrate that this decreased inhibition on interneurons recapitulates the observed functional deficits, including decreased gamma power and firing rate. Our results suggest that dysfunction of cortical fast-spiking interneurons might be central to the pathophysiology of Down syndrome.
Eliminating Direction Specificity in Visuomotor Learning
Authors: Yin Cong , Bi Yuqing , Yu Cong , Wei Kunlin
Published: March 2016

The generalization of learning offers a unique window for investigating the nature of motor learning. Error-based motor learning reportedly cannot generalize to distant directions because the aftereffects are direction specific. This direction specificity is often regarded as evidence that motor adaptation is model-based learning, and is constrained by neuronal tuning characteristics in the primary motor cortices and the cerebellum. However, recent evidence indicates that motor adaptation also involves model-free learning and explicit strategy learning. Using rotation paradigms, here we demonstrate that savings (faster relearning), which is closely related to model-free learning and explicit strategy learning, is also direction specific. However, this new direction specificity can be abolished when the participants receive exposure to the generalization directions via an irrelevant visuomotor gain-learning task. Control evidence indicates that this exposure effect is weakened when direction error signals are absent during gain learning. Therefore, the direction specificity in visuomotor learning is not solely related to model-based learning; it may also result from the impeded expression of model-free learning and explicit strategy learning with untrained directions. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying motor learning, and may have important implications for practical applications such as motor rehabilitation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMotor learning is more useful if it generalizes to untrained scenarios when needed, especially for sports training and motor rehabilitation. However, as a form of motor learning, motor adaptation is typically direction specific. Here we first show that savings with motor adaptation, an index for model-free learning and explicit strategy learning in motor learning, is also direction specific. However, the participants' additional exposure to untrained directions via an irrelevant gain-learning task can enable the complete generalization of learning. Our findings challenge existing models of motor generalization and may have important implications for practical applications.
Thalamic and Entorhinal Network Activity Differently Modulates the Functional Development of Prefrontal–Hippocampal Interactions
Authors: Hartung Henrike , Brockmann Marco D. , Pöschel Beatrice , De Feo Vito , Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L.
Published: March 2016

Precise information flow during mnemonic and executive tasks requires the coactivation of adult prefrontal and hippocampal networks in oscillatory rhythms. This interplay emerges early in life, most likely as an anticipatory template of later cognitive performance. At neonatal age, hippocampal theta bursts drive the generation of prefrontal theta-gamma oscillations. In the absence of direct reciprocal interactions, the question arises of which feedback mechanisms control the early entrainment of prefrontal–hippocampal networks. Here, we demonstrate that prefrontal–hippocampal activity couples with discontinuous theta oscillations and neuronal firing in both lateral entorhinal cortex and ventral midline thalamic nuclei of neonatal rats. However, these two brain areas have different contributions to the neonatal long-range communication. The entorhinal cortex mainly modulates the hippocampal activity via direct axonal projections. In contrast, thalamic theta bursts are controlled by the prefrontal cortex via mutual projections and contribute to hippocampal activity. Thus, the neonatal prefrontal cortex modulates the level of hippocampal activation by directed interactions with the ventral midline thalamus. Similar to the adult task-related communication, theta-band activity ensures the feedback control of long-range coupling in the developing brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMemories are encoded by finely tuned interactions within large-scale neuronal networks. This cognitive performance is not inherited, but progressively matures in relationship with the establishment of long-range coupling in the immature brain. The hippocampus initiates and unidirectionally drives the oscillatory entrainment of neonatal prefrontal cortex, yet feedback interactions that precisely control this early communication are still unresolved. Here, we identified distinct roles of entorhinal cortex and ventral midline thalamus for the functional development of prefrontal–hippocampal interactions. While entorhinal oscillations modulate the hippocampal activity by timing the neuronal firing via monosynaptic afferents, thalamic nuclei act as a relay station routing prefrontal activation back to hippocampus. Understanding the mechanisms of network maturation represents the prerequisite for assessing circuit dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Molecular cues to the anti-implantation effect of nano-puerarin in rats
Authors: Saraswat Ghungroo , Guha Rajdeep , Mondal Kalyani , Saha Piyali , Banerjee Sayani , Chakraborty Prarthana , Konar Aditya , Kabir Syed N
Published: March 2016

Puerarin, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, intercepts implantation in rats, albeit at unacceptably higher doses. We developed poly lactic-co-glycolic acid-encapsulated nano-puerarin (PN) and mapped the molecular pathway underlying its anti-implantation effects. Smooth-surfaced and spherical PN having a mean diameter of ∼147nm was obtained with good yield, efficient encapsulation, and optimum drug loading. In culture, PN slowly and steadily released puerarin, which was readily taken up by the decidual cells. PN exerted a dose-dependent anti-implantation effect. As marked by attenuated expression of stromal cell desmin, alkaline phosphatase, IGFBP1, and decidual prolactin-related protein, the anti-implantation effect of PN seemed secondary to compromised decidualization. Usingin vivo(pregnant and pseudopregnant rats) andin vitro(endometrial stromal cell culture) treatment models, we document that PN enforced inhibition of uterine expression ofHbegfandHoxa10and their downstream signalling molecules, Cyclin D3 (CCND3)/CDK4. PN also efficiently ablated theIhh-Nr2f2-Bmp2signalling pathway and invited the loss of uterine potential for decidualization. There was a dose-dependent up-regulation of RHOA and its effector protein kinase, ROCK1, leading to the promotion of MLC phosphorylation and actin–myosin interaction. PN also down-regulated the stromal cell activation of ERK½ and expression of MMP9. These effects acting together stabilized the stroma and inhibited the stromal cell migration. Central to this array of events was the adversely altered endometrial expression of oestrogen receptor subtypes and repression of progesterone receptor that indulged endless proliferation of luminal epithelia and distorted the precisely choreographed stroma–epithelia crosstalk. Thus, PN dismantles the endometrial bed preparation and prevents implantation.
MUS VIENIJA ALUS IR TELEVIZIJA: ŽINIASKLAIDOS AUDITORIJOS (NE)FRAGMENTACIJA 2012 METŲ SEIMO RINKIMŲ KAMPANIJOS METU
Authors: Nevinskaitė Laima
Published: March 2016

The aim of the article is to analyse the extent of media audience fragmentation in Lithuania during the 2012 Parliament election campaign and to define which media channels are best able to unify the audience. Increasing fragmentation of media audience raises concerns about its possible effects on democracy. The concerns are that different fragments of the audience will not hear each other and will not talk to each other, which poses a threat to the unity of political community and hampers a constructive discussion on the common matters and consensus based common decisions. However, audience fragmentation is still under-researched empirically.The article uses data from a representative survey conducted after the 2012 Parliamentary elections and asks questions on the pre-election period. Methodologically, the analysis is based on the analysis of audience duplication of different media outlets, as well as network analysis to visualise the duplication of audiences. The article analyses data on the use of different news-oriented media outlets with the largest audience share from all media branches (television, radio, daily newspapers, and internet portals) and calculations of their audience duplication.Although there is no firm point of comparison to assess the extent of fragmentation (e.g. historical data), the data show a considerable overlap of media audiences. Most probably, the fragmentation would be larger in the periphery of the media system, but the analysis of the main media shows a considerable overlap. Therefore, the main conclusion is made that the Lithuanian media audience is not (yet) fragmented.The media that unites the biggest share of the audience is television. Although it is positive that it is still able to connect different fragments, in terms of content it is negative that during the pre-election period it had comparatively little amount of information on election campaign, parties and candidates. However, a very popular media outlet competing with television was the biggest internet news portal, which had a huge amount of information on elections.The article also includes analysis of agenda fragmentation in the audience which revealed the tendency of internet users to have a more fragmented agenda than the part of the audience that doesn’t use the internet. However, in comparison to similar Norwegian data on agenda fragmentation, the agenda of the Lithuanian audience could not be regarded as fragmented.In the future, the analysis of audience fragmentation will be dependent on the collection of comparable data, since it would provide data for comparison and assessing the trends of fragmentation in time. These data would also help to solve some methodological issues that are also discussed in the article, like choice of criteria for assessment and having a point of comparison.