bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Democracy Scores
Authors: Marzagão Thiago
Published: June 2017

This papers uses natural language processing to create the first machine-coded democracy index, which I call Automated Democracy Scores (ADS). The ADS is based on 42 million news articles from 6,043 different sources and cover all indepen- dent countries in the 1993-2012 period. Unlike the democracy indices we have today the ADS is replicable and has standard errors small enough to actually distinguish between cases.
An SDF Approach to Hedge Funds' Tail Risk:Evidence from Brazilian Funds
Authors: Leal Laura Simonsen , Almeida Caio
Published: June 2017

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to obtain a hedge fund tail risk measure. Our measure builds on the methodologies proposed by \citet*{ag15} and \citet*{aagvg15}, which rely in solving dual minimization problems of Cressie Read discrepancy functions in spaces of probability measures. Due to the recently documented robustness of the Hellinger estimator (Kitamura et al., 2013), we adopt within the Cressie Read family, this specific discrepancy as loss function. From this choice, we derive a minimum Hellinger risk-neutral measure that correctly prices an observed panel of hedge fund returns. The estimated risk-neutral measure is used to construct our tail risk measure by pricing synthetic out-of-the-money put options on hedge fund returns of ten specific categories. We provide a detailed description of our methodology, extract a Tail risk hedge fund factor for Brazilian funds, and relate it to a commonly adopted market volatility measure.
The Pattern of Entry of Generic Drugs into the Brazilian Pharmaceutical Market
Authors: Barbosa Klenio , Silva Everton
Published: June 2017

The presence of generic drugs in a market is of great importance to the society as it increases competition between suppliers of such products, which can lead to a reduction in price of products already established in the market. In the late 90s there were relevant regulatory changes in the Brazilian pharmaceutical which allowed a gradual increase in the share of generic drugs in the domestic market. This paper aims to identify the entry pattern of suppliers of generic drugs in Brazil after the entry of the first generic manufacturer in the domestic market. Using a sample of 1228 observations with 148 different drugs (active ingredient), we estimate the relationship between the number of periods after the date of the first generic entry in Brazil and the amount generic’s suppliers for the same active ingredient in the market. We find that there was a continuous entry of generic’s suppliers on the market after the first generic entry. However, such an increase of suppliers occurs at decreasing rates.
A simple mathematical approach to the analysis of polypharmacology and polyspecificity data
Authors: Maggiora Gerry , Gokhale Vijay
Published: June 2017

There many possible types of drug-target interactions, because there are a surprising number of ways in which drugs and their targets can associate with one another.  These relationships are expressed as polypharmacology and polyspecificity.  Polypharmacology is the capability of a given drug to exhibit activity with respect to multiple drug targets, which are not necessarily in the same activity class. Adverse drug reactions (‘side effects’) are its principal manifestation, but polypharmacology is also playing a role in the repositioning of existing drugs for new therapeutic indications.  Polyspecificity, on the other hand, is the capability of a given target to exhibit activity with respect to multiple, structurally dissimilar drugs.  That these concepts are closely related to one another is, surprisingly, not well known.  It will be shown in this work that they are, in fact, mathematically related to one another and are in essence ‘two sides of the same coin’.  Hence, information on polypharmacology provides equivalent information on polyspecificity, and vice versa.

Networks are playing an increasingly important role in biological research. Drug-target networks, in particular, are made up of drug nodes that are linked to specific target nodes if a given drug is active with respect to that target.  Such networks provide a graphic depiction of polypharmacology and polyspecificity.  However, by their very nature they can obscure information that may be useful in their interpretation and analysis.  This work will show how such latent information can be used to determine bounds for the degrees of polypharmacology and polyspecificity, and how to estimate other useful features associated with the lack of completeness of most drug-target datasets.
Technical Note—On the Relation Between Several Discrete Choice Models
Authors: Feng Guiyun , Li Xiaobo , Wang Zizhuo
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we study the relationship between several well known classes of discrete choice models, i.e., the random utility model (RUM), the representative agent model (RAM), and the semiparametric choice model (SCM). Using a welfare-based model as an intermediate, we show that the RAM and the SCM are equivalent. Furthermore, we show that both models as well as the welfare-based model strictly subsume the RUM when there are three or more alternatives, while the four are equivalent when there are only two alternatives. Thus, this paper presents a complete picture of the relationship between these choice models.
Cardiac pacing and devices: history, technologies and current innovations
Authors: Eftekhari Helen , Hayat Sajad , Dhangal Tarvinder , Osman Faizel
Published: June 2017

This article summarises the history of cardiac pacing, from major early scientific developments to implantable pacing systems. Advances in batteries, leads, electromagnetics and programming in pacing are traced, and there is an up-to-date appraisal of innovations. There is a review of cardiac devices developed from pacing technology, including biventricular pacemakers for heart failure, implantable cardioverter defibrillators to prevent sudden cardiac death, leadless pacemakers and implantable loop recorders. The aim of the article is to give an overview of cardiac devices, one of the major technological advances over the past 85 years.
The art of eating soon after coronary artery bypass grafting: an interview study
Authors: Bratt Annika , Thylefors Josefine , Jensen Anna-Lena Törnqvist
Published: June 2017

Objective:

Appetite often becomes impaired following coronary artery bypass grafting, but little is known about how patients experience this. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore patients' experience of their appetite in the early days after grafting. This study included 17 patients, who were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The answers were subjected to content analysis. All patients had a somewhat reduced appetite. The factors that reduced the appetite were: nausea, pain, fatigue and if the bowels had not opened. The patients reported that the visual impression of the food and its taste and smell were not appetising. The fixed times for the meals and the environment around the meals also negatively affected the appetite. Several factors that negatively affected appetite may be ameliorated by changing the composition and the setting of the meals.
Chemical peels for the body: a review of selected ingredients and indications
Authors: Baker Anna , Bowes Lorna
Published: June 2017

Chemical peels are an established modality of skin rejuvenation, owing to their versatility and the substantial body of literature underpinning a variety of exfoliating agents. Used appropriately, topical formulations can successfully treat, and often correct, a number of these concerns on the body (e.g. on the hands, neck, chest and arms). Chemical peels are an essential component in the aesthetic practitioner's toolbox, as they can be readily combined when applied to the body with other rejuvenation procedures, often providing synergistic treatment, as well as greater flexibility in tailoring procedures to specific patient needs. A number of ingredients and formulations are available, which target specific cosmetic concerns. This article explores the advantages of commonly used superficial and medium-depth ingredients for body peeling.
Exploring the effectiveness of a new generation of collagen-stimulating fillers
Authors: Strawford Ian
Published: June 2017

Volume loss is one of the first signs of facial ageing and dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular cosmetic intervention for this indication. Collagen-stimulating fillers are a safe and effective treatment for restoring shape and redefining contours. Ian Strawford explains the mechanism of action of the Ellansé dermal filler range and shares three patient case studies
Leveraging triple helix and system intermediaries to enhance effectiveness of protected spaces and strategic niche management for transitioning to circular economy
Authors: Barrie Jack , Zawdie Girma , João Elsa
Published: June 2017

The transition to circular economy has been heralded as a vision to overcome the challenges of rapid population growth, economic stagnation and environmental degradation. A promising policy tool for accelerating such a transition is strategic niche management (SNM), the central tenet of which is the formation of ‘protected spaces’ to support the growth of sustainable innovation. Studies have demonstrated that current top–down policy approaches to governing protected spaces have led to the unintended consequences of network tensions, low quality learning processes and low innovation adoption rates outside protected spaces. This limits the impact of SNM as a transition tool. Through a detailed literature review, this article looks into a novel devolved governance framework for protected spaces in the context of transition to circular economy. The framework addresses current limitations of SNM by acknowledging the synergistic relationship with the triple helix innovation system; and innovation intermediation. Transition to circular economy turns on the achievement of ‘triple helix consensus’ across ‘protected spaces’ to provide the requisite platform for sustained innovation and for the recurrent choice of knowledge and market systems that are consistent with the circular economy growth trajectory.
La política de persuasión del Banco Mundial en sus informes de desarrollo mundial (1990-2015)
Authors: Silva Evelise Zampier da , Kauchakje Samira , Delazari Luciene Stamato
Published: June 2017

El artículo discute la relación entre las organizaciones internacionales y los gobiernos nacionales, destacando la influencia de las primeras en la formulación de políticas de enfrentamiento a la pobreza en América Latina y el Caribe a partir de 1990; en particular las políticas de tipo Conditional Cash Transfers. La investigación es cualitativa, complementada con recursos del análisis espacial y de técnicas cuantitativas para categorizar la información de interés.
Uso de sistema de informação geográfica para a determinação da vulnerabilidade à contaminação de aquíferos fraturados: Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio São Domingos – São José de Ubá/RJ
Authors: Lima Luana Alves , Silva Junior Gerson Cardoso da , Menezes Juliana Magalhâes , Costa Mirian Cristina Oliveira
Published: June 2017

A Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio São Domingos (BHRSD), localizada no Município de São José de Ubá, na Região Noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, é uma das porções do Estado situadas em terrenos cristalinos que são periodicamente afetadas pela escassez de recursos hídricos superficiais. O objetivo da pesquisa, a definição de um modelo de vulnerabilidade geral para os aquíferos fraturados, foi pautado na necessidade de proteção dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos da BHRSD. Por esta razão a BHRSD foi selecionada para esse estudo, pois apresenta características como dependência dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos em um substrato cristalino e severidade das secas recorrentes. A metodologia aplicada para avaliação da vulnerabilidade englobou as seguintes variáveis: densidade de lineamentos estruturais, litologia do aquífero, declividade, recarga e profundidade do topo do aquífero. Essas variáveis foram ponderadas de acordo com a sua influência na vulnerabilidade, a partir de uma análise multicritério, e incorporadas no BDG (Banco de Dados Geográficos). O SIG (Sistema de Informação Geográfica) mostrou-se uma útil ferramenta para o cálculo das classes de vulnerabilidade. Os resultados indicam que o método empregado foi adequado na avaliação da vulnerabilidade para os aquíferos fraturados da BHRSD, podendo ser aplicado a regiões que apresentem aspectos fisiográficos análogos, por indicar tendências próximas da realidade de campo. As classes de vulnerabilidade predominantes na BHRSD variam de moderada a muito alta, indicando a fragilidade dos sistemas aquíferos fraturados na região, que necessitam de um planejamento do uso e gestão adequada dos seus recursos.
Haití el viaje en prosa de Truman Capote
Authors: Morales Pérez Donají
Published: June 2017

En 1948, cuando Truman Capote tenía veintitrés años y recién había publicado la novela que lo lanzó a la fama, realizó un viaje a Haití. Su llegada coincidió con el escenario de la posguerra, el cambio en la relación con Estados Unidos y lo que se conoce como los años dorados de Haití cuando el arte primitivo de este lugar capturó el interés internacional. Como resultado de dicha experiencia Capote escribió un cuento que a su vez se tradujo en un musical que permite establecer un vínculo entre la vida y la obra de este escritor con el Caribe. A la distancia, una carta y el encargo de un relato corto que motivó ese viaje se conjugan con la producción literaria para mostrar no sólo el alcance de los hechos sino la manera en la que el mundo estaba más próximo y era más pequeño de lo que había sido hasta entonces.
Las logias de la sociedad de la ciudad de Las Tunas durante el período neocolonial
Authors: Medina Pérez Milena , Mora Turro Ilianet
Published: June 2017

El estudio acerca de las logias de la sociedad tunera durante el período neocolonial, parte del análisis del contexto que tiene lugar en la ciudad. Este y sus condiciones forman parte de los elementos característicos de las relaciones que desde el orden político, económico y social permiten comprender la vida cultural de la época. La misma está determinada por las relaciones entre las diferentes instituciones cívicas, religiosas, fraternales, políticas, de instrucción y recreo con el entorno local.
Towards a Consistent, Quantitative Evaluation of MicroRNA Evolution
Authors: Yazbeck Ali M. , Tout Kifah R. , Stadler Peter F. , Hertel Jana
Published: June 2017

The miRBase currently reports more than 25,000 microRNAs in several hundred genomes that belong to more than 1000 families of homologous sequences. Quantitative investigations of miRNA gene evolution requires the construction of data sets that are consistent in their coverage and include those genomes that are of interest in a given study. Given the size and structure of data, this can be achieved only with the help of a fully automatic pipeline that improves the available seed alignments, extends the set of available sequences by homology search, and reliably identifies true positive homology search results. Here we describe the current progress towards such a system, emphasizing the task of improving and completing the initial seed alignment.
Palmitate and oleate exert differential effects on insulin signalling and glucose uptake in human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Mäkinen Selina , Nguyen Yen H , Skrobuk Paulina , Koistinen Heikki A
Published: June 2017

Saturated fatty acids are implicated in the development of insulin resistance, whereas unsaturated fatty acids may have a protective effect on metabolism. We tested in primary human myotubes if insulin resistance induced by saturated fatty acid palmitate can be ameliorated by concomitant exposure to unsaturated fatty acid oleate. Primary human myotubes were pretreated with palmitate, oleate or their combination for 12 h. Glucose uptake was determined by intracellular accumulation of [3H]-2-deoxy-d-glucose, insulin signalling and activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by Western blotting, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by fluorescent dye MitoSOX. Exposure of primary human myotubes to palmitate impaired insulin-stimulated Akt-Ser473, AS160 and GSK-3β phosphorylation, induced ER stress signalling target PERK and stress kinase JNK 54 kDa isoform. These effects were virtually abolished by concomitant exposure of palmitate-treated myotubes to oleate. However, an exposure to palmitate, oleate or their combination reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. This was associated with increased mitochondrial ROS production in palmitate-treated myotubes co-incubated with oleate, and was alleviated by antioxidants MitoTempo and Tempol. Thus, metabolic and intracellular signalling events diverge in myotubes treated with palmitate and oleate. Exposure of human myotubes to excess fatty acids increases ROS production and induces insulin resistance.
Study Using Elements from Group IIA as Barriers for Dopant Penetration into Gate Dielectrics and Getters for Metallic Ion Contamination
Authors: Zubkov Vladimir , Sun Grace , Aronowitz Sheldon , Gabriel Margaret A.
Published: June 2017

Various mechanical and chemical processes may introduce contamination, such as metallic ions, during the creation of an integrated circuit. This can cause device degradation and leakage current. Neutral dopants such as boron can penetrate the silicon substrate from a highly doped polysilicon gate during anneal cycles causing leakage and threshold voltage shifts. Quantum mechanical modeling using periodic boundary conditions and a cluster approximation were performed in a search for a modification of silicon dioxide that would attract or trap ions and fast diffusing dopant species to reduce or eliminate such problems. Examination of calcium and strontium interactions with some metal ions in silicon dioxide was conducted. Strong metal ion attraction to both calcium and strontium was found. Interaction of calcium with boron and fluorine in oxide and calcium interaction with boron in other dielectric materials was also studied. Attraction was predicted to occur between calcium and boron whether they were distributed in silicon dioxide, hafnium or zirconium orthosilicate. This study leads us to propose incorporation of calcium or strontium into critical dielectric layers as a promising approach to trap ions and reduce boron penetration through the gate oxide. Predictions were used to design relevant experiments which revealed that calcium implanted into oxide traps boron and fluorine.
Thin HfO2 Films Deposited via Alternating Pulses of Hf(NO3)4 and HfCl4
Authors: Conley J.F. , Ono Y. , Solanki R. , Tweet D.J.
Published: June 2017

A novel technique for deposition of metal oxide films is demonstrated in which alternating pulses of metal-nitrate and metal-chloride precursors are used. The metal nitrate, Hf(NO3)4, acts as the oxidizing agent, avoiding the use of a separate oxidizing species such as H2O. This method results in greater than one monolayer per cycle deposition rate of HfO2 films compared to the use of a single precursor and enables deposition directly on H-terminated Si due to the reactivity of Hf(NO3)4. It was found that performing a short in-situ anneal after every deposition cycle increases film density and improves electrical characteristics. Films are characterized via capacitance vs. voltage, current vs. voltage, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and x-ray diffraction and reflectivity.
Relaxed SiGe Layers with High Ge Content by Compliant Substrates
Authors: Yin H. , Peterson R.L. , Hobart K.D. , Shieh S.R. , Duffy T.S. , Sturm J.C.
Published: June 2017

Relaxed, high Ge content SiGe layers have been realized using stress balance on a compliant borophosphorosilicate glass (BPSG). A 30-nm fully-strained Si0.7Ge0.3 layer was transferred onto a 1 μm BPSG film by wafer-bonding and Smart-cut® processes, after which the continuous Si0.7Ge0.3 film was patterned into small islands to allow for lateral expansion. After the strain in Si0.7Ge0.3 islands was released by the lateral expansion resulting from the flow of the BPSG, a Si0.4Ge0.6 layer was commensurately deposited under compression. Upon equilibrium after an annealing, stress balance was formed between the SiGe films, resulting in a larger in-plane lattice constant than that of relaxed Si0.7Ge0.3. With a thiner (6 nm) Si0.7Ge0.3 starting film, an in-plane lattice constant equivalent to fully-relaxed Si0.45Ge0.55 has been obtained.
Low Resistivity Nickel Germanosilicide Contacts to Ultra-shallow Junctions Formed by the Selective Si1-xGexTechnology for Nanoscale CMOS
Authors: Liu Jing , Mo Hongxiang , Öztürk Mehmet C.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we present our recent results on nickel germanosilicide contacts formed on p+-n and n+-p junctions formed by selective deposition of in-situ doped Si1-xGexalloys. Our results show that ultra-thin, low resistivity NiSi1-xGexcontacts can be formed at temperatures as low as 300°C on both boron and phosphorus doped Si1-xGexlayers. Ultra-shallow junctions with excellent reverse leakage behavior and a contact resistivity ∼ of 10-8ohm-cm2were successfully demonstrated. The thermal stability of NiSi1-xGexwas found to be limited to 500°C on p+-Si1-xGexand 600°C onn+-Si1-xGex. It was found that by inserting a thin Pt interlayer between Ni and Si1-xGex, the quality of the NiSi1-xGexcontacts could be significantly improved. The Pt interlayer was found to improve the interface morphology, which was found to have a direct impact on the electrical properties of the contacts.
Performance of Pt-based Low Schottky Barrier Silicide Contacts on Weakly Doped Silicon
Authors: Larrieu Guilhem , Dubois Emmanuel , Wallart Xavier
Published: June 2017

One of the grand challenge imposed by CMOS down-scaling is the optimisation of the source/drain (S/D) architecture, e.g., dopant activation above solid solubility, steep dopant profiling, low silicide specific contact resistivity. Recently, the concept of very low Schottky barrier S/D MOSFET has emerged as a possible alternative to conventional architecture using highly doped S/D and midgap silicide ohmic contacts. For p-MOSFETs integration, platinum silicide is an excellent candidate because of its very low barrier to holes. This enables the use of a weakly doped substrate that inherently solves the aforementioned challenges due to highly doped S/D. This paper proposes a detailed study of the platinum silicidation reaction obtained by rapid thermal annealing. The analysis is based on X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron miscrocopy (TEM) and low temperature-dependent current-voltage measurements. Using XPS analysis, it is shown that: i) an initial silicide layer is formed at room temperature, ii) three stable phases Pt, Pt2Si, PtSi can not coexist providing that iii) the annealing ambience is strictly controlled to avoid the formation of a SiO2 barrier due to oxygen penetration into the platinum overlayer. Starting from an initial 15 nm thick Pt layer subsequently annealing at 300°C, TEM cross-sections reveal that homogeneous 32 nm PtSi layers with a uniform grain size distribution are formed. Finally, current-voltage characteristics have been measured on a special test structure that accounts for the lateral disposition of S/D regions in a typical MOSFET architecture. It consists in two back-to-back Schottky contacts separated by a narrow silicon gap both on bulk silicon and Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) substrates. Based on temperature-dependent electrical measurements (Arrhenius plot), it is shown that field emission is involved in the current transport mechanism, in addition to thermionic emission. An excellent current drive performance of 220 μA per micron width has been obtained for a 45 nm silicon gap on a 10 nm thick SOI substrate.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF TIDAL TRAP NET CATCHES IN THE WATERS OF INDRAGIRI HILIR, RIAU, INDONESIA
Authors: Badrudin Badrudin , Sumiono Bambang , Murtoyo T.S
Published: June 2017

The coastal waters of the eastern part of lndragiri Hilir, Riau, which are mostly estuarine, are influenced by the huge fresh water discharge and are usually fertile.
CAPABILITY OF MITOCHONDRIA DNA D-LOOP MARKERS FOR SHARK SPECIES IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Nugroho Estu
Published: June 2017

ldentification of dry-fin shark was conducted by mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) D-loop markers. Eighteen of thiity samples have been successfully amplified the mtDNA D-loop region.
The Besieged Mind
Authors: Graiver Inbar
Published: June 2017

Late antique monks were constantly besieged by demons. This article seeks to gain an insight into the reality behind monastic accounts of this demonically-induced psychological state, characterized by an uncontrollable preoccupation with demonically-inspired thoughts. This distressful experience is depicted in early monastic sources by using Greek verbs expressing “to besiege”, which have been rendered into Latin as obsidere (to besiege) – the etymological root of “obsession” in modern usage. A juxtaposition of modern accounts of obsession and monastic accounts of the besieged mind points to striking similarities in the symptoms – similarities which, I argue, are not accidental. Rather, the internalized interpretation of the siege enabled monastic writers to cope with questions regarding the aetiology of obsession-like symptoms. Cognitive research of obsession helps to account for the prevalence of this demonically-induced psychological state in monastic sources. Thereby it underscores the sophistication of monastic psychology cum demonology, which developed its own representation of the human mind and its operations.
Introduction
Authors: Hrotic Steven
Published: June 2017

Introduction
Behaviour of sandwich panel infilled steel frames with different interface conditions
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Jafar , Razzaghi Javad , Moghadam Abdolreza S.
Published: June 2017

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of using a concrete sandwich panel as an infill wall on the in-plane behaviour of steel frames. Three large-scale, single-storey and single-bay steel frame specimens with an aspect ratio of 1·0 (two infilled frames with and without separation at the frame-to-panel interface and one bare frame) were constructed and tested under in-plane cyclic lateral loading. Based on the results, it was found that the infilled frame with full connection between the infill and frame (specimen IFM) behaved quite differently to the specimen with a discrete interface connection (specimen FSI). While specimen FSI behaved almost like a bare frame in terms of lateral stiffness and strength, the interaction between the concrete sandwich panel and the steel frame in specimen IFM led to a considerable increase in the initial stiffness, lateral strength, energy dissipation and the equivalent viscous damping ratio of the system compared with the bare frame. Moreover, by separating the infill panel from the bounding frame, the results showed increased energy dissipation capability compared with the bare frame and higher drift capacity compared with specimen IFM.
Die Reg van die Kind op Kontak met Beide Ouers: Opmerkings na Aanleiding van Onlangse Ontwikkelinge in die Nederlandse Reg
Authors: Van der Linde A , Van Schalkwyk N
Published: June 2017

This contribution discusses the amendment to section 1:  377a lid 1 BW of 1 March 2009, in Dutch law.  According to this provision a child has the right to have contact with both parents as well as with those who have sufficient close personal links with the child.  The parent who is not responsible for the physical care of the child has the right and obligation to have contact with the child.  The question whether the South African law, through the provisions of section 28 of the Constitution and the Children's Act, provides such a right and obligation, is investigated.  Even though the conclusion is reached that the South African law indirectly provides such right and obligation, it is argued that the explicit recognition thereof in the Children's Act would provide a statutory legal duty on parents to have and maintain contact with their child.  This would enhance legal certainty.  Attention is also given to the enforcement of such right of the child.
Die Wenslikheid van Afrikaans as Vaktaal vir Regstudent
Authors: Lombard Ellen , Carney Terrence R
Published: June 2017

Since 1994 the official language status in South Africa went from two state languages to eleven. This caused English to stand out as the lingua franca of the wider community and resulted in government using English as the preferred medium of communication. This is especially the case in the business of law. The legal practice from the private, public and academic sectors is anglicising at a rapid rate which means that Afrikaans is diminishing as a legal language and that the nine additional official languages are not being developed entirely to function at a higher level. In the light of Anglicisation it begs the question whether it is still useful to teach Afrikaans as a legal language at tertiary institutions. This article explores the matter by focusing on the following: the importance of language within the legal profession, the history of Regsafrikaans, Anglicisation within the legal profession, English as the only language of record and the expediency of Afrikaans as a legal language. The authors arrive at the conclusion that it is indeed still important to teach Regsafrikaans to law students and recommend that law faculties should keep or reinstate this subject as part of their LLB curriculum.
Has the Balance been Struck The Decision in Johncom Media Investments Limited v M 2009 4 SA 7 (CC)
Authors: Albertus Latiefa
Published: June 2017

The case of Johncom Media Investments Limited v M 2009 4 SA 7 (CC) required of the Constitutional Court to strike a balance between the rights to privacy and the right to freedom of expression as a consequence of section 12 of the Divorce Act 70 of 1979. According to the Court, it felt that the "remedy" it provided was the best under the circumstances. However, there are certain concerns regarding the Court’s judgment which require clarification, possibly through legislative intervention
Editorial
Authors: Venter Francois
Published: June 2017

A wide range of unrelated topics are addressed in five articles and three notes published in this issue.

The first article, contributed by Sieg Eiselen of UNISA, deals comparatively with the difficulties of an appropriate interpretation of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) regarding standard terms in international contracts of sale. Eiselen subscribes to an approach according to which a clear incorporation clause in the contract is considered to be sufficient for the effective incorporation of standard terms.
The National Credit Act Regarding Suretyships and Reckless Lending
Authors: Stoop Philip N , Kelly-Louw Michelle
Published: June 2017

In terms of the National Credit Act a credit provider may conclude a credit agreement with a consumer only after he has made a proper financial assessment and concludes that the consumer will be able to satisfy all of his obligations under all his credit agreements. However, a practice of not conducting this affordability assessment has evolved amongst certain credit providers where the credit agreement involved is a suretyship agreement. This article investigates whether or not a suretyship agreement is indeed a credit agreement in terms of the National Credit Act, and if a financial assessment should be conducted in the case of a suretyship agreement. The main aim of the article is to try to identify what the concept of a “credit guarantee”, as defined in the Act, encompasses and ultimately if the common-law contract of suretyship falls under this definition. Our conclusion is that “credit guarantee” is as vague and problematic as many of the other definitions in the Act. If one reads the Act in its entirety (including the regulations to the Act), it seems unlikely that the legislature intended not to regulate common-law suretyships also.
Alignment of Student Discipline Design and Administration to Constitutional and National Law Imperatives in South Africa
Authors: Mupangavanhu Brighton M , Mupangavanhu Yeukai
Published: June 2017

Higher Learning Institutions (HEIs) have an important role to play in the promotion of respect for fundamental human rights and other constitutional imperatives. This article will demonstrate that the design and administration of student discipline at HEIs qualifies to be administrative action. As such, the article will identify the constitutional and other legislative principles which can help student discipline to be aligned to the requirements of just administrative action, which are lawfulness, procedural fairness and reasonableness. The article will explore challenges faced by student discipline and proffer recommendations and suggestions for improved regulation and practice.
"For the Sake of the Children": South African Family Relocation Disputes
Authors: Domingo Wesahl
Published: June 2017

Decisions by primary caregiving parents to relocate after divorce, thereby disrupting the non-primary caregivers’ right of contact with children or, where both parents have joint care, the denial of the other’s parental rights and responsibilities to care, give rise to cases which deal with relocation disputes. My paper deals with the development of South African family jurisprudence in this area. Since the Children’s Act does not provide any criteria for cases dealing with relocation I examine the different jurisprudential approaches/trends taken by our courts in dealing with relocation. I pave the way forward by making the argument that we need a general consistency in approach by our courts when dealing with relocation disputes. As our society becomes increasingly mobile, our courts will be faced with more frequent applications for local and international family relocations. I conclude by making the recommendation that despite the Children’s Act, we still need “guidelines” or perhaps a “Relocation Act” which works in tandem with the Children’s Act.
BBM Media v1
Authors: Steven Wilhelm Dr.
Published: June 2017

Please contact Dr. Steven Wilhelm (wilhelm@utk.edu) for additional information regarding this protocol. Modified from Bold 1949, Bischoff and Bold 1963
Biolistic transformation experiment on Eutreptiella gymnastica, Pyramimonas parkeae and Bigelowiella natans- 1250 psi gene gun v1
Authors: Vanclová and Vladimír Hampl Anna
Published: June 2017

The protocol describes our attempt to transform three marine protists by biolistic.
State of regional lymph nodes and prognosis in stomach cancer
Authors: Bazhanov A B , Tsyplakov D E
Published: June 2017

Aim. Multiparameter analysis of the state of regional lymph nodes of stomach cancer to reveal prognostic criteria of patients’ 5-year survival.

Methods. The regional lymph nodes removed during surgery for stomach cancer in 170 oncologic patients were studied by means of histologic, immunohistochemical, electron microscopy and morphometric methods. The 5-year survival was calculated by the direct method.

Results. It was revealed that 5-year survival directly depends on the amount of involved lymph nodes. Detection of even single tumor cells in one regional lymph node worsens the prognosis for a patient’s life. The more metastases there are in lymph tissue, the worse the prognosis is. Immunomorphologic reactions and ultrastructural changes are of substantial significance. High 5-year survival was characteristic for hyperplasia of paracortical area with increased number of CD3(+) T-cells, the ultrastructure of which corresponds to activated (immune) lymphocytes, and for sinus histiocytosis as well with increased number of CD68(+) free macrophages in regional lymph nodes with pronounced phagocytic activity. Prognosis is worse in lymphoid follicular hyperplasia with high content of CD20(+) B-cells and plasmocytes. The lowest 5-year survival was accompanied by degenerative sinus histiocytosis, atrophy or sclerolipomatosis transformation of lymphoid tissue with hypoplasia of paracortical area and lymphoid follicles. Under an electron microscope active fibroblasts are seen synthesizing collagen and large number of degenerating cell forms, particularly, lymphocytes.

Conclusion. The 5-year survival of oncologic patients with stomach cancer is determined by the amount of metastatic regional lymph nodes, presence or absence of metastases, their volume in lymphoid tissue, histologic pattern and ultrastructural cell changes; comparative analysis of these criteria allows developing prognostic algorithm.
Frequency of genetic polymorphism of calcium channels gene CACNA1C in healthy individuals and patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Pushkarev B S , Bol’shakova O V , Sibiryakova T V , Emel’yanov A S , Gerasimov A A , Vitkovskiy Yu A
Published: June 2017

Aim. To determine the frequency of polymorphism of calcium channels gene CACNA1C (rs1006737) in healthy individuals and patients with hypertension.

Methods. 94 patients with arterial hypertension and 102 healthy residents were examined. The age ranged from 18 to 35 years. Detection of SNP calcium channel genes CACNA1C (rs1006737) was performed by real time PCR. Checking of sampling genotypes’ for being in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and χ2-test were performed, and hazards ratio (OR) was evaluated as well.

Results. It was established that allele G of CACNA1C gene (rs1006737) was 1,3 times less frequent in patients with hypertension compared to control group, and its frequency was 0.58 vs. 0.76, respectively (χ2=14.42, р=0.0001). In patients with hypertension allele A was detected 1.75 times more often with the frequency 0.42, and in healthy individuals the frequency was 0.24 (χ2=14.42, р=0.0001). Use of general inheritance model demonstrated that G/G genotype was 1.5 times less frequent and A/A genotype was 3.2 times more frequent in patients with hypertension than in healthy individuals (χ2=12.75, р=0.002). The risk of hypertension development was higher in carriers of allele A (HR=2.3, 95% CI 1.49-3.53, p=0.0001) and genotype A/A (HR=3.9, 95% CI 1.49-9.68, p=0.002) of SNP gene of CACNA1C molecule (rs1006737).

Conclusion. Allele A and genotype A/A SNP CACNA1C (rs1006737) are predisposing factors to the development of arterial hypertension, carriership of G allele and genotype G/G CACNA1C (rs1006737) reduces the risk of hypertension development.
Clinical and immunogenetic features of neonates with perinatal infections
Authors: Ragimova N Dzh , Guliev N Dzh
Published: June 2017

Aim. Investigation of cytokine status and the association between promoter regions polymorphism of interleukin-6, -10 and -18 genes in neonates with perinatal infections.

Methods. Complex examination of 743 neonates with perinatal infections was conducted. The level of interleukin-1β, -6, -10, -18, and TNFα was measured with the use of standard method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay («sandwich» variant). Polymorphic variants of genes were analyzed with the methods of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results. The results of the received data are indicative of the general tendency to increasing level of cytokines both in full-term and preterm infants with perinatal infections. Our study revealed the role of allelic variants at positions -174 G/C, -572 G/C, -597 G/A of interleukin 6, at positions -1082 G/C, -819 T/C of interleukin-10 and at positions -656 T/G, -137 G/C of interleukin-18 genes in the risk of development and progression of infections. It was determined that the presence of G allele at -174 and -572 positions of interleukin-6 gene, C allele at -819 and -137 positions of interleukin-10 and -18 genes, respectively, and G allele at -656 position of interleukin-18 gene was associated with the risk of perinatal infections in newborns. Conclusions. In neonates with perinatal infections imbalance of cytokine profile was revealed, that can be confirmed by increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, -6, -18, and TNFα) and decreased level of anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10) compared to uninfected neonates. Allelic variants of cytokine genes of interleukin-6 at position -572 G/C, interleukin-10 at position -819 T/G and interleukin-18 at position -652 T/G and 137 G/C are significantly associated with infectious diseases. Increased risk of prenatal infections is associated with genotypes GG of interleukin-6, TT of interleukin-10 and TT and GG of interleukin-18. Detection of haplotypes and haplogenotypes in the population of healthy and infected neonates revealed favorable haplotypes: GCC and GGG of interleukin-6, ATA of interleukin-10 and AGG and CGC of interleukin-18.
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Abdulaeva E A
Published: June 2017

The article presents literature review devoted to the issue of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. The studies of Russian and foreign researchers were reviewed. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, diagnostic features and modern treatment methods, the results of clinical studies are presented. Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy is a subtype of neoascular AMD with specific characteristics including predisposition of certain races, clinical features, serosanguineous complications of different severity, tendency to relapsing course of neovascularization and development of secondary serosanguineous exfoliation. It was registered most frequently in patients aged 50 to 65 years. Prevalence among Caucasians is 4 to 9.8%, and among Asians - 23.9 to 54.7%. Diagnosis of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy requires the use of fluorescent angiography, indocyanine green angiography and optical coherence tomography. Polyps regression accordng to angiography is considered one of the aims of initial therapy of active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. According to Expert group of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, while using laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy, affecting both polyps and vasculature is required. As a result of the analysis of population studies, the results of treatment with laser coagulation, photodynamic therapy (independently and in combination with angiogenesis inhibitors) and monotherapy with angiogenesis inhibitors were demonstrated. Regardless of the achieved results of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy diagnosis, the treatment issues require further investigation. Additional studies are required to evaluate long-term correlation between initial polyp regression, relapses, response to repeated therapy and functional results.
The method of eyeglass lenses processing and a device for its performing
Authors: Shishkin A V , Korepanov A V , Petrov A V , Akhkiyamova A V
Published: June 2017

Aim. To develop an inexpensive and efficient method of increasing the hydrophilicity of the lens surface and a device for its implementation.

Methods. To implement the claimed method, a gas discharge device was created. Processing of glasses with plastic lenses in a high-frequency gas discharge (cold plasma) was performed in 47 myopes and 43 hypermetropes. Gas discharge was generated under the following conditions: 1 MHz, 10-20 W, pressure of 0.3-0.01 mm Hg. Processing was carried out for 30-900 seconds. As a result hydrophilic properties of the lens surface were observed in all processed lenses.

Results. On the surface of the lenses a large number of hydrophilic functional groups are formed so during water vapour condensation the formation of a water film occurs instead of forming microdrops. Thus, transparency of the lenses is not disturbed. The hydrophilic properties of the lens surface was maintained in an average for 3-4 weeks. Gas discharge eyeglass lens processing provides a long-term effect of eyeglass lens unsteaming, mechanical stability and safety of the surface, reliable exploitation of the glasses.

Conclusion. We have proposed a fundamentally different way of physical-chemical modification of the lens surface, which is not inferior to existing methods but produces significantly better results.
Multifactoriality of HIV morbidity dynamics among females in the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Agliullina S T , Khasanova G R , Mukharyamova L M , Nagimova F I
Published: June 2017

Aim. To analyze the morbidity structure of infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-infection) in women in the Republic of Tatarstan during the period from 1996 to 2016.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective epidemiological analysis of HIV-infection morbidity in women in the Republic of Tatarstan during the period from 1996 to 2016 with the evaluation of morbidity structure by age, transmission routes, social and family status. Statistical and graphic-analytical methods were used. Extensive morbidity rates of HIV-infection in women (18 years and older) were calculated.

Results. In the Republic of Tatarstan during the period from 1996 to 2016 HIV-infection was diagnosed in 6815 women with increasing incidence from 0.1 to 30.2 cases per 100 000 women. The increase of the proportion of women older than 30 years in the morbidity structure was observed during this period. Comparative analysis of the parameters from 2001 and 2016 revealed a statistically significant increase of the proportion of married women from 37.5±2.5 to 46.2±2.2% (p
Acoustic microscopy in orthodontology
Authors: Gasymova Z V
Published: June 2017

Aim. Assessment of the possibility to use the method of ultrasound acoustic microscopy to control the state of microstructure of hard tooth tissues under the brackets.

Methods. The study was conducted with the use of scanning acoustic microscope ELSAM (Leitz, Germany) in Emanuel Institute of biochemical physics, Moscow. The studied material for acoustic microscopy corresponds to 34 teeth (premolars) with brackets fixed to them, which were removed due to orthodontic indications at different time points after brackets placement.

Results. In most cases on acoustic images of the removed teeth there were no revealed changes of physical and mechanical enamel properties, fissures or excess porosity both directly under the brackets and in the areas adjacent to the sealer margin. But in some cases along with good enamel state after long-term brackets placement minor changes in the structure of hard tooth tissues were revealed. In particular, the method of acoustic microscopy allowed to detect in the tooth enamel such minor defects as fissures and areas of reduced mineralization and increased porosity.

Conclusion. Acoustic microscopy as a novel method to obtain clear structural images of hard tooth tissue state allows detecting minimal changes of the structure of hard tissues and performing medical interventions based on them.