bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USE OF FEMOFLOR-16 TEST TO ASSESS GENITAL BIOCENOSIS IN WOMEN WITH INFLAMMATORY AND PROLIFERATIVE DISEASES OF CERVIX
Authors: Иевлева  , Ievleva Nadezhda , Пермина  , Permina Natalya , Ивахнишина  , Ivakhnishina Natalya , Островская  , Ostrovskaya Olga , Власова  , Vlasova Marina , Сидорчук  , Sidorchuk Nataliya
Published: September 2016

Qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbes making the microbiocenosis of genital tract in women with inflammatory and proliferative diseases of cervix using Femoflor-16 test was the aim of the research. Scrapings of cervix and vaginal fornix in 100 women of reproductive age with cervicitis, vaginitis and in 31 women with cervical pseudoerosion (ectropion) were studied. The control group consisted of 35 relatively healthy women preparing for pregnancy. Cervical and vaginal dysbiosis was found in women with inflammatory diseases of cervix in 37.0% of cases, in women with pseudoerosion in 32.2% of cases. These are 3.3 (р<0.005) and 2.8 (р<0.02) times as much as in the group of healthy women preparing for pregnancy (11.1%). Dysbiosis structure was represented primarily by obligate anaerobic agents such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Eubacterium spp. in association with other opportunistic bacteria that are clinically most significant microorganisms colonizing female genital tract. Mycoplasma and yeast-like fungi of Candida species were found primarily with anaerobes. Aerobic and mixed dysbiosis were only found in 7% of cases in women with inflammatory diseases. Femoflor-16 test is a readily available, fast, efficient, up-to-date method enabling one to begin with early adequate antibacterial therapy and monitor it.
ASSESSMENT OF THYROID FUNCTION IN PREGNANT WOMEN OF THE AMUR REGION
Authors: Вилимовская  , Vilimovskaya Natalya , Анненкова  , Annenkova Elena , Белова  , Belova Natalya , Кудряшова  , Kudryashova Oksana , Ларина  , Larina Tatyana , Морозова  , Morozova Olga , Лощенко  , Loshchenko Mariya , Супрун  , Suprun Stefaniya , Воропаева  , Voropaeva Elena
Published: September 2016

A special attention is paid to thyroid gland functioning during pregnancy. It is explained by the fact that pregnancy is a powerful factor which can lead to a manifestation of diseases of the thyroid gland. Cells of the thyroid gland are capable to acquire iodine from food and to synthesize the thyroid hormones participating in all exchange processes both of a pregnant woman and the fetus. For the purpose of studying the features of functioning of the thyroid gland and a number of metabolic processes from ecological positions (in the conditions of city and rural areas) and terms of gestation, 945 pregnant women of the Amur region were examined. Insufficiency of iodine in blood at 95.3% of inhabitants of the city area and at 98.7% of women of rural areas was revealed. It was mainly very severely expressed (47.9 and 55.5%, respectively). Taking into account these data, the assessment of a functional state of the thyroid status was done. Some indicators of lipid profile and carbohydrate ranges were defined. Disturbance of functional activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenases of immunocompetent cells (lymphocytes) in pregnant women of the Amur region in the form of oxidation-reduction reactions imbalance were revealed, which as a whole can badly influence the course of pregnancy and its outcome.
Actual Problems of the Enjoyment of the Right to Self-determination in the Modern Conditions
Authors: Напсо Марьяна , Napso Maryana
Published: September 2016

The article covers the problem of the actualization of the right to self-determination for the current conditions, when various forms of ethnic self-assertion play significant role, and therefore, the collective rights of ethnic communities. The complexity of the processes of national and political development requires, on the one hand, strict adherence to international law, on the other hand, in-depth study of the concrete historical situation and consensus-building between all concerned parties. Therefore, it is rightful to consider the question on the interpretation of the right to self-determination for the specific conditions and the development of the mechanisms for its implementation by concerned parties, taking into account the features of these conditions and the interests of the parties. This will ensure a departure from the traditional forms of enjoyment of the right to self-determination, which adequately reflect the characteristics of a particular socio-political situation. On that basis, the author considers that it is productive to examine the problem of self-determination as a process of reconciling the interests, having a substantive and procedural components.
Seized Property Regulation Issues
Authors: Голованова Наталья , Golovanova Natalya
Published: September 2016

This article provides some insight into foreign states’ regulation of seized property and weaknesses and opportunities for increasing effectiveness of existing regimes. Asset confiscation through proceeds of crime legislation, as well as assets originated from corruption, has taken on a new lease of life over the past few years. The main object of criminal proceeds confiscation laws is to divestiture the financial gain derived from criminal activity and to relinquish it to the state. The author evaluates the legislation and practice in the framework of regulation of seized property in Europe, USA and Australia, and lays stress on social reuse of propriety. In author’s opinion, Italian experience in transferring confiscated assets to local authorities in favour of the society is especially interesting for Russia. It is noted that besides achieving the common goal to seize illicit assets from criminals to the subsequent payment of compensation to victims of crime, to fight against organized crime, terrorism and economic crimes, it is important to create an economically viable asset recovery system, preserving their value in the interests of the state, society and victims, as well as ensuring accountability, transparency and public confidence in the system of asset recovery.
Optimal Learning in Linear Regression with Combinatorial Feature Selection
Authors: Han Bin , Ryzhov Ilya O. , Defourny Boris
Published: September 2016

We present a new framework for sequential information collection in applications where regression is used to learn about a set of unknown parameters and alternates with optimization to design new data points. Such problems can be handled using the framework of ranking and selection (R&S), but traditional R&S procedures will experience high computational costs when the decision space grows combinatorially. This challenge arises in many applications of business analytics; in particular, we are motivated by the problem of efficiently learning effective strategies for nonprofit fundraising. We present a value of information procedure for simultaneously learning unknown regression parameters and unknown sampling noise. We then develop approximate versions of the procedure, based on optimal quantization, that retain good performance and scale better to large problems.
Providing a Window of Opportunity for Converting eStore Visitors
Authors: Bhatnagar Amit , Sen Arun , Sinha Atish P.
Published: September 2016

A consumer typically visits an online store a few times before making a purchase decision, and on each visit spends some time browsing the store. The durations of these visits vary not only across consumers but also for a given consumer across multiple visits. We argue that the amount of time that a consumer spends on the first visit to a website depends on how she is drawn to the website. We find that the duration of the first visit is influenced by the advertising tool—banner ad or search engine—used to attract consumers to the website. The durations of subsequent visits are influenced by the durations of earlier visits. The search durations are also influenced by the visit day of the week and time of day. In this paper, we develop a multiple-spell competing risk model to capture the underlying stochastic process, chief elements of which are two interrelated processes: a duration process and a transition process. The multistate, multiple-spell model allows us to identify a window of opportunity, within which the purchase probability is higher than the exit probability. Online salespersons should target site visitors during this window of opportunity. The model, which is calibrated on clickstream data obtained from a major online vendor, can also be used to determine the bid price strategy for search engine ads.
How the Experts Algorithm Can Help Solve LPs Online
Authors: Gupta Anupam , Molinaro Marco
Published: September 2016

We consider the problem of solving packing/covering LPs online, when the columns of the constraint matrix are presented in random order. This problem has received much attention, and the main focus is to figure out how large the right-hand sides of the LPs have to be (compared to the entries on the left-hand side of the constraints) to allow (1 + ɛ)-approximations online. It is known that the right-hand sides have to be Ω(ɛ−2 log m) times the left-hand sides, where m is the number of constraints.

In this paper, we give a primal-dual algorithm that achieves this bound for mixed packing/covering LPs. Our algorithms construct dual solutions using a regret-minimizing online learning algorithm in a black-box fashion, and use them to construct primal solutions. The adversarial guarantee that holds for the constructed duals helps us to take care of most of the correlations that arise in the algorithm; the remaining correlations are handled via martingale concentration and maximal inequalities. These ideas lead to conceptually simple and modular algorithms, which we hope will be useful in other contexts.
An Adjusted Payoff-Based Procedure for Normal Form Games
Authors: Bravo Mario
Published: September 2016

We study a simple adaptive model in the framework of an N-player normal form game. The model consists of a repeated game where the players only know their own action space and their own payoff scored at each stage, not those of the other agents. Each player, in order to update her mixed action, computes the average vector payoff she has obtained by using the number of times she has played each pure action. The resulting stochastic process is analyzed via the ODE method from stochastic approximation theory. We are interested in the convergence of the process to rest points of the related continuous dynamics. Results concerning almost sure convergence and convergence with positive probability are obtained and applied to a traffic game. We also provide some examples where convergence occurs with probability zero.
Additive Consistency of Risk Measures and Its Application to Risk-Averse Routing in Networks
Authors: Cominetti Roberto , Torrico Alfredo
Published: September 2016

We investigate the use of risk measures and theories of choice to model risk-averse routing and traffic equilibrium on networks with random travel times. We interpret the postulates of these theories in the context of routing, identifying additive consistency as a plausible condition that allows to reduce risk-averse route choice to a standard shortest path problem. Within the classical theories of choice, we show that the only preferences that satisfy this condition are the ones induced by the entropic risk measures.
Scheduling of Different Automated Yard Crane Systems at Container Terminals
Authors: Speer Ulf , Fischer Kathrin
Published: September 2016

In this work, different variants of a branch-and-bound procedure for yard crane scheduling at seaport container terminals and their effect on the terminal’s performance are studied. In particular, this work investigates the level of detail needed to take the exact crane characteristics, e.g., movements and crane interference, into account in the scheduling algorithm. This is examined for four different automated yard crane systems with one or more cranes that operate on rectangular yard blocks with transfer positions at both ends of the block and with the yard blocks arranged orthogonally to the quay. Using a simulation model with realistic scenario data and an automated guided vehicles system for horizontal transport, the results are compared with respect to different key performance indicators, e.g., yard crane productivity and average lateness of jobs. It turns out that especially the consideration of crane interference leads to significant improvements in yard crane productivity. As a result of the long computation times for some crane systems that render the practical application of the algorithm difficult, an approximation procedure is also developed that generates good results in reasonable time and hence allows for real-time application at a container terminal.
Working across phases
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: September 2016

Continuing our focus this term on key stage 3, Matt Bromley looks at how effective cross-phase partnerships can aid transition and how the curriculum in years 7, 8 and 9 can be made more engaging
Four new varieties of Begonia from interspecific hybridization Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng Ã— Begonia puspitae Ardi
Authors: SIREGAR HARTUTININGSIH M.
Published: September 2016

Siregar HM. 2016. Four new varieties of Begonia from interspecific hybridization Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng Ã— Begonia puspitae Ardi. Biodiversitas 17: 776-782. Increased phenotypic diversity of ornamental plants (e.g. Begonia) can often be achieved by hybridization and selection in the F1 generation. This study aimed to produce new F1 varieties which it was hoped would display improved phenotypic characteristics compared to the contributing parents. The study was conducted in the green house of Bogor Botanic Gardens. Two native species of Indonesia, Begonia natunaensis C.W.Lin & C.I.Peng and B. puspitae Ardi, were used as parent plants. The mature F1 seeds were sown and selections were made among the plants produced. The result of the selection were four new accessions of F1 plants (X1, X3, X10, X22). The selected F1 plants were then propagated vegetatively with leaf cuttings. These were named, described and registered at the Center for Plant Variety Protection (PPVTPP). This resulted in the registration of the following F1 cultivars: X1 named Begonia Blirik which is registered as No. 347/PVHP/2015 and is characterized by purplish peltate leaves with bright whitish green veins, and white flowers; X3 named Begonia Fiandani, registered as No. 348/PVHP/2015 and characterized by dark green leaf color, corrugated leaf surface, and pink flowers; X10 named Begonia Green Peltate, registered as No. 345/PVHP/2015 and characterized by large green peltate leaves, and red flowers; and X22 named Begonia Natunapangean, registered as No. 346/PVHP/2015, and characterized by eccentrically shaped, green basifixed leaves, with ovate shape, and cordate leaf base. Thus the new varieties have been registered in PPVTPP, in accordance with legislation in force. These new varieties are beautiful ornamental Begonia hybrids with exotic leaves, which will be developed as commercial ornamental plants. Keywords: Begonia natunaensis, Begonia puspitae, Begonia Blirik, Begonia Green peltate, Begonia Natunapangean, Begonia Fiandani, interspecific hybridization
Quality Indexes for Oak Sawlogs Based on Green Lumber Grade Yields
Authors: McConnell T. Eric
Published: September 2016

Quality Indexes for red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba) logs were established using multivariate regression models developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service that predicted green 4/4 lumber grade yields from hardwood sawlogs. Past Quality Indexes were based on air-dried lumber grade yields, but these yields can be affected by mill-specific factors. Considering green lumber as the finished product isolated the drying process and any subsequent changes in lumber product value from the analysis. Lumber grades were consistent with National Hardwood Lumber Association specifications, while log grades were based on the USDA Forest Service grading rules. Input data into the models included log scaling diameter, log length, and percent scaling defect. Green lumber grade yields were then used along with price relatives developed from 5-year lumber grade price averages (nominal) to develop Quality Indexes for each species. Two applications of the Quality Index are illustrated.
Desenvolvimento de alpínia sob diferentes telas de sombreamento e espaçamentos de cultivo
Authors: De Souza Roseane Rodrigues , Nascimento Ângela Maria Pereira , Paiva Patrícia Duarte de Oliveira , Almeida Elka Fabiana Aparecida , Landgraft Paulo Roberto Correa
Published: September 2016

Intensity and spectral quality of the radiation can be manipulated with the use of neutral or color shading screens in growing plants, and it can promote physiological and morphological changes. Therefore, the purpose was evaluating the effects of different shading levels, screens spectral quality, and spacing in the development of cv. Jungle King and cv. Jungle Queen gingers. Rhizomes were planted in 5 cultivation environments (full sun, black screen 50%, black screen 30%, blue screen 50% and red screen 50% shading) and 2 spacing (0.8 x 1.0 m and 0.8 x 1.5 m). The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 5x2x2x7, with 5 environments of cultivation, 2 cultivars, 2 spacing between plants and 7 times of evaluation (55, 120, 200, 255, 285, 335 e 370 days after planting (DAP)). The evaluations were shooting index, number of shoots per plant, shoot height and number of leaves per shoot. Shooting of cv. Jungle Queen was earlier compared to cv. Jungle King. Spacing did not influence in the initial development of plants. Screens with 50% shading, in blue or red colors, enhanced alpinia development.
The effect of foreign ownership on financial performance of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX)
Authors: Arman Agus
Published: September 2016

The Regulation of Bank Indonesia (PBI) 2000 which states that foreign investors are allowed to take control of ownership up to 99% of domestic banks in Indonesia has been in a long debate, especially by academics. Some studies prove that the existence of foreign ownership brings benefit, but on other hand, it does not bring any benefit. The purpose of this study is to provide evidence related to the effect of foreign own-ership on financial performance of banking companies listed on IDX measured by Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Return on Equity (ROE), and Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). The testing involved the samples of 14 banking issuers whose ownership was dominated by foreign investors. The data, 2 years before and after the presence of foreign ownership, were used to get the results related to the effect of foreign ownership on financial performance of banking com-panies in Indonesia. The results of this study show that there is a significant in-crease in LDR, there is an insignificant increase in CAR, there is an insignificant decrease in ROE, and there is a significant decrease in NPLs after the presence of foreign ownership on the banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Ex-change.
Analysis of behavioral intention on ABC system adoption: Model of information systems technology and success acceptance
Authors: Nensi Veni Indipenrian Baiq , Subroto Bambang , Fuad Rahman Aulia
Published: September 2016

This study aims to examine the effect of individual behavioral change on the adoption of activity- based costing (ABC) system and its usage, using Unified Theory of Accep-tance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Information System Success Model. The sample involves 78 respondents who have positions as financial manager, controller manager, accounting manager, and production manager in mid-sized manufacturing companies in East java. The data were collected by survey method. This study used a Partial Least Square (PLS) as the data analysis method. It was found that not all of the main UTAUT models were supported, because performance expectancy and effort expectancy have no effect on behavioral intention and use behavior to adopt ABC system. Whereas, social factors, information quality and facilitating conditions had a positive effect on behavioral intention and use behavior to adopt ABC system. The different results of this study with several previous studies are probably caused by the differences in the context of system, culture and characteristics of the sample. The implication of this study is not only to propose a theoretical framework for researches in future, but also useful for companies to optimize the use of ABC system that should be supported by top level and mid-level management and the readiness of the individu-als to accept the adoption of the ABC system.
The comparative analysis of discretionary accruals viewed from the styles of audit and IFRS adoption
Authors: Sulhani Sulhani , Darisman Hangga
Published: September 2016

Discretionary accruals in auditing have been the essential factor. Therefore, an analysis of this factor viewed from different styles of audit and IFRS adoption can be more interesting to study. This study discusses financial statement comparabil-ity in terms of audit style and IFRS adoption. It took the sample consisting of 43 manufacturing companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange; all have published their financial statements for the period of 2010-2013. The data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon test. The results showed that financial statement with the same accounting standards and audited by the same big 4 auditors, subject to the same audit style, are more likely to have comparable dis-cretionary accruals than financial statement audited by different Big 4 firms with different styles. By comparable, it means that different financial statements in the same industry and the same accounting standard will have more similar discre-tionary accruals.
Smoking Prevalence and Its Clinical Correlations in Patients with Narcolepsy-cataplexy
Authors: Peřinová Pavla , Feketeová Eva , Kemlink David , Kovalská Petra , Chlebušová Karolína , Nepožitek Jiří , Ibarburu Veronika , Králíková Eva , Nevšímalová Soňa , Šonka Karel
Published: September 2016

Narcolepsy-cataplexy (NC) is a chronic neurological disease with suggested autoimmune etiopathogenesis. Nicotine stimulates central nervous system and smoking increases the risk of autoimmune diseases. Assessment of smoking habits and its correlation to clinical parameters among 87 adult NC patients (38 male, 49 female) included night polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test. In our sample, 43.7% NC patients were regular smokers, and 19.5% former smokers compared to 22.2%, and 12.6%, respectively, in the general population. Patients started to smoke in the mean age of 20.0 (SD ±6.0) years. 72.2% of NC smokers started to smoke before the onset of NC and the mean of the delay between smoking onset and NC onset was 9.1 (±5.8) years. We found a direct correlation between smoking duration and the number of awakenings, duration of N1 sleep, REM sleep latency, and apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI), and, on the contrary, indirect correlation between smoking duration and N3 sleep duration, showing that smoking duration consistently correlates with sleep macrostructure. Smoking is highly prevalent in NC and has relationship with clinical features of NC.
Bioconjugation of SERS nanotags and increasing the reproducibility of results
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Hamann-Steinmeier Angela
Published: September 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a vibrational spectroscopy technique, which is used in the areas of medical diagnostics. This technique use the advantages of biofunctionalized nanoparticles (NPs) for imaging and quantifying of target molecules such as proteins in assays, cells and tissues. The lack of reliability and reproducibility of the results are major challenges in the application of diagnostics based of SERS substrates. The biofunction and success of nanomedical tasks depends on the quality of each involved element like antibodies (IgGs) and nanostructures before, during and after preparation or conjunction with nanoparticles. This short review summarizes current designs of different SERS substrates and highlights the improvement of particularly simple and gentle conjugation methods for targeting research with SERS labels.
Fabrication and characterization of brominated matrimid® 5218 membranes for CO2/CH4 separation: application of response surface methodology (RSM)
Authors: Rahmani Mohammadreza , Kazemi Abbass , Talebnia Farid , Abbasszadeh Gamali Pouria
Published: September 2016

In the present study, special effort was focused on increasing permeability of matrimid membranes. For this objective, a bromination reaction was carried out. The reaction of bromine with polymer was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. A combination of pristine and brominated matrimid was used to prepare modified membranes due to the fact that brominated matrimid membranes were too delicate. Employing a gas separation membrane unit, the permeability of pristine and modified membranes for pure gases (CO2 and CH4) was studied. Modified membranes were much more permeable and less selective than pristine membranes. In fact, the increase in permeability of modified membranes can be attributed to the rise in the fractional free volume of modified membranes. Thermal properties of modified and unmodified membranes were also studied by thermal gravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. As a result, thermal resistance of modified membranes decreased in a limited temperature range. Modified membranes indicated smaller values of tensile strength than pristine membranes which were assessed using tensile strength analysis. The parameters which can affect the pure gases permeation through membranes such as, bromine concentration in modified membranes and operating pressure were considered as variables and the experimental design was carried out.
Shora (Capparis petiolaris) fruit mediated green synthesis and application of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Vizuete Karla Sofía , Kumar Brajesh , Guzmán Katherine , Debut Alexis , Cumbal Luis
Published: September 2016

This report describes a rapid, facile and an ecofriendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) using fruit extracts of Shora (Capparis petiolaris) and further as-synthesized AgNps were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The effects of various other parameters such as pH, concentration of fruit extract, time, and change of light sources are studied. Analytical characterizations revealed that the sunlight-induced AgNps appeared at λmax=423 nm, had a spherical shape and varied in the range of 10–30 nm. Furthermore, AgNps showed moderate antioxidant activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) (38.98%, 0.125 mm) and photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) (>58%, 240 min). The results indicated that as-synthesized AgNps could be used in future engineering and biomedical products.
Synthesis of spiro[pyrazole-4,8′-pyrazolo [3,4-f]quinolin]-5(1H)-ones by the reaction of aldehydes with 1H-indazol-6-amine and 1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one
Authors: Dong Fang , Wang Xiang-Shan
Published: September 2016

A four-component reaction including two equivalents of aldehyde, 1H-indazol-6-amine and 1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one proceeds smoothly to afford a series of spiro[pyrazole-4,8′-pyrazolo[3,4-f]quinolin]-5(1H)-ones in high yields under catalyst-free conditions.
Reactions of 3-arylmethylene-3H-furan(pyrrol)-2-ones with azomethine ylide: synthesis of substituted azaspirononenes
Authors: Kamneva Irina E. , Verevochkin Aleksandr A. , Zheleznova Mariya A. , Yegorova Alevtina Y.
Published: September 2016

The reaction of arylmethylene derivatives of 3H-furan-2-ones or 3H-pyrrol-2-ones with N-benzylidenebenzylamine activated with the AcOAg/Et3N system to form spiropyrrolidynes was carried out for the first time.
Assessing specific gravity of youngEucalyptusplantation trees using a resistance drilling technique
Authors: Oliveira José Tarcísio da Silva , Wang Xiping , Vidaurre Graziela Baptista
Published: September 2016

The resistance drilling technique has been in focus for assessing the specific gravity (SG) of youngEucalyptustrees from plantations for pulpwood production. Namely, the data of 50 34-month-old and 50 62-month-old trees fromEucalyptus grandis×Eucalyptus urophyllaclonal plantations was evaluated, while the relative resistance profiles were collected with the amplitude in a scale from 0 to 100% of each tree at the breast height. For laboratory determination of SG and moisture content (MC), 3-cm-thick disks were taken at breast height. The average resistance amplitude of a full drill penetration or a half-diameter penetration showed weak correlations with SG for both 34-month-old and 62-month-old trees. However, when the two age classes were combined, the strength of the relationship was improved significantly, with a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 with respect to SG determined from strip samples and from 0.59 to 0.72 with respect to SG determined from wedge samples. The drill penetration depth had a significant effect on the relationship between average amplitude and SG. A clear trend of weakening correlation was observed with increasing drill penetration. As a result, the average resistance amplitude of a half-diameter drilling (from bark-to-pith) is more advantageous for assessing the SG of youngEucalyptustrees than a whole-diameter drilling.
Dydrogesterone and pre-term birth
Authors: Hudic Igor , Schindler Adolf E. , Szekeres-Bartho Julia , Stray-Pedersen Babill
Published: September 2016

Progestin supplementation appears to be a promising approach to both preventing initiation of pre-term labor and treating it once it is already established. Successful pregnancy depends on maternal tolerance of the fetal “semi-allograft”. A protein called progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF), by inducing a Th2 dominant cytokine production mediates the immunological effects of progesterone. Over time, various attempts have been made to clarify the question, whether progestogens can contribute positively to either prevention or treatment of pre-term labor and birth. Dydrogesterone treatment of women at risk of pre-term delivery results in increased PIBF production and IL-10 concentrations, and lower concentrations of IFNγ and could be effective for prevention or treatment of pre-term labor. Further randomized studies are needed.
Stoichiometry determination of macromolecular membrane protein complexes
Authors: Zilkenat Susann , Grin Iwan , Wagner Samuel
Published: September 2016

Gaining knowledge of the structural makeup of protein complexes is critical to advance our understanding of their formation and functions. This task is particularly challenging for transmembrane protein complexes, and grows ever more imposing with increasing size of these large macromolecular structures. The last 10 years have seen a steep increase in solved high-resolution membrane protein structures due to both new and improved methods in the field, but still most structures of large transmembrane complexes remain elusive. An important first step towards the structure elucidation of these difficult complexes is the determination of their stoichiometry, which we discuss in this review. Knowing the stoichiometry of complex components not only answers unresolved structural questions and is relevant for understanding the molecular mechanisms of macromolecular machines but also supports further attempts to obtain high-resolution structures by providing constraints for structure calculations.
Effects of Cu Distribution on Solidification Microstructure in Transition Layer of Cu/Al Composite Ingot Prepared by Casting Aluminum Method
Authors: Chen Shuying , Chang Guowei , Yue Xudong , Li Qingchun
Published: September 2016

In this study, a Cu/Al composite ingot was prepared by casting aluminum method, and the effects of the Cu concentration distribution in the transition layer on the solidification microstructure were examined during the recombination process of solid Cu and liquid Al. The results show that the Cu content is about 60 % at the Cu/Al binding interface in the transition layer, while the Cu concentration first drops sharply and then decreases slowly in the direction away from the pure Cu. The concentration gradient of Cu reaches 1 %/μm close to the Cu/Al binding surface. The Cu distribution in the transition layer does not change the microstructure species, but changes the proportions of various microstructures. The smaller the Cu concentration gradient is, the less the proportion of the hypoeutectic microstructure in transition layer is.
Physical and social factors associated with early adolescent headache and stomachache pain
Authors: Fife Benjamin , Forste Renata
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

Approximately one third of adolescents in the United States report experiencing frequent headaches and stomachaches. We examined the association of psychosocial and physical factors with the report of weekly headaches or stomachaches using a representative sample of US teens.

Methods:

Data for this project are from the survey of Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC), 2005–2006, a nationally representative sample of students in grades 6–10 in the United States. The total sample includes 12,070 students aged 11–17. Using logistic regression we modeled chronic headache and stomachache separately with the same set of physical predictors (dieting and substance use habits) and psychosocial predictors (attitudes towards self-image, peers, and family) along with demographic controls.

Results:

Almost 20% of respondents experienced headaches weekly, and 12% experienced abdominal pain. Both physical and psychosocial factors were predictive of chronic symptoms. Increased substance usage and unhealthy eating practices were associated with the likelihood of experiencing both headaches and stomachaches. Negative self-image, family relationships, and school life were also predictive of symptom frequency.

Conclusion:

Headaches and stomachaches are associated with poor eating and substance use habits, as well as problems with self-image or social relationships among adolescents. For health care professionals, a holistic approach is needed to effectively address symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.
Disruption Management for Predictable New Job Arrivals in Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Liu Mi , Yi Shuping , Wen Peihan , Song Haicao
Published: September 2016

Manufacturing resources are shared and centrally managed on the cloud platform in cloud manufacturing, which is a new model of modern manufacturing. The production data are collected, which can be used to predict the manufacturing events. Based on those, disruption problems of scheduling should be researched from a new point of view. In this paper, new job arrivals were considered as the disruption event. The time of the occurrence of disruption was predictable in contrast to uncertainty. Alternative subcontractors chosen from the cloud platform were available for outsourcing with different processing prices and transporting distances. The objective of the original scheduling, the deviation between the new schedule and the old one, and the outsourcing cost were all considered. To express the problem, mathematical models and a three-field notation model were constructed. To solve the problem, a hybrid quantum-inspired chaotic group leader optimization algorithm was proposed, in which a hybrid encoding way was applied. To verify the algorithm, experiments were carried out. The results showed that the proposed algorithm performs well.
Very Flat Optical Frequency Comb Generation based on Polarization Modulator and Recirculation Frequency Shifter
Authors: Li Ruxing , Wu Shibao , Ye Shujian , Cui Yaling
Published: September 2016

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel scheme to generate a flat and stable optical frequency comb by using recirculation frequency shifter (RFS) loop and polarization-modulator based single-side-band modulator (PSSBM). An ultra-flat 5-carriers generated by a polarization modulator is set as the seed light source of the recirculating loop, and the recirculation times is greatly reduced compared with the regular scheme based on RFS. Through theoretical analysis and experiment simulations, it is shown that the optical frequency comb of high quality with 50 spectral lines and the flatness fluctuation of less than 1 dB can be achieved.
Impact of Various Parameters on the Performance of Inter-aircraft Optical Wireless Communication Link
Authors: Singh Mehtab
Published: September 2016

Optical wireless communication (OWC) systems also known as Free space optics (FSO) are capable of providing high channel bandwidth, high data transmission rates, low power consumption, and high security. OWC links are being considered in different applications such as inter-satellite links, terrestrial links, and inter-aircraft communication links. This paper investigates the impact of different system parameters such as transmission power level, operating wavelength, transmitter pointing error angle, bit transmission rate, atmospheric attenuation, antenna aperture diameter, geometric losses, the responsivity of the photodetector, and link range on the performance of inter-aircraft optical wireless communication link.
Die Projektion des Schematismus in den vorkritischen Schriften Kants: Das Problem der mathematischen Konstruktion
Authors: Alba Rodríguez Alba Jiménez
Published: September 2016

This essay aims to provide a reconstruction of the antecedents to Kant’s doctrine of transcendental schematism in the pre-critical period. To this end, the work’s common thread is based on an analysis of the following issues: the delimitation of a jurisdiction of metaphysics, the transition from the concept of construction in the mathematical context to the constructive processes of the imagination, subsequently applied to all pure concepts, the difference between the
Consciousness in Early Modern Philosophy
Authors: Barth Christian
Published: September 2016

This commentary on Udo Thiel’s rich and inspiring book
Is Locke’s Account of Personal Identity Really Subjectivist?
Authors: Lenz Martin
Published: September 2016

The aim of this paper is to challenge the notion of subjectivism involved in Udo Thiel’s and in other reconstructions of Locke’s account of personal identity. Although subjectivism is often taken to be the hallmark of Locke’s position, it is not entirely clear how we should understand this characterization. Thus, I will first address some general worries about this label. In a second step, I will discuss possible ways of construing Locke’s account as subjectivist and show how they rely on objective and intersubjective features. I shall conclude with a plea to drop this label with regard to Locke altogether.
Bundles, Selves, and Sceptical Realism in Udo Thiel’s The Early Modern Subject
Authors: Wunderlich Falk
Published: September 2016

This paper deals with how to understand David Hume’s theory of personal identity. Udo Thiel endorses a view that resembles the Sceptical Realist interpretation to some extent while taking issue with its ontological implications. Thiel argues that Hume’s so-called bundle theory of the mind is not a theory about its real essence but rather only a theory about our
Taxonomic reassessment of bats from Castelnau’s expedition to South America (1843–1847): Phyllostoma angusticeps Gervais, 1856 (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae)
Authors: Arroyo-Cabrales Joaquín , Gardner Alfred L. , Sigé Bernard , Catzeflis Francois , McCarthy Timothy J.
Published: September 2016

Gervais, in 1856, described the bats collected during Castelnau’s expedition through South America (1843–1847). We report that
The fuzzy metric space based on fuzzy measure
Authors: Xie Jialiang , Li Qingguo , Chen Shuili , Huang Huan
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we study the relation between a fuzzy measure and a fuzzy metric which is induced by the fuzzy measure. We also discuss some basic properties of the constructed fuzzy metric space. In particular, we show that the nonatom of fuzzy measure space can be characterized in the constructed fuzzy metric space.
A Neo-Armstrongian Defense of States of Affairs: A Reply to Vallicella
Authors: Perovic Katarina
Published: September 2016

Vallicella’s influential work makes a case that, when formulated broadly, as a problem about unity, Bradley’s challenge to Armstrongian states of affairs is practically insurmountable. He argues that traditional relational and non-relational responses to Bradley are inadequate, and many in the current metaphysical debate on this issue have come to agree. In this paper, I argue that such a conclusion is too hasty. Firstly, the problem of unity as applied to Armstrongian states of affairs is not clearly defined; in fact, it has taken a number of different forms each of which need to be carefully distinguished and further supported. Secondly, once we formulate the problem in more neutral terms, as a request for a characterization of the way that particulars, universals, and states of affairs stand to one another, it can be adequately addressed by an Armstrongian about states of affairs. I propose the desiderata for an adequate characterization and present a neo-Armstrongian defense of states of affairs that meets those desiderata. The latter relies on an important distinction between different notions of fundamentality and existential dependence.
Translating the style of Aganaktismenoi (Indignants) on Facebook
Authors: Theodoropoulou Irene
Published: September 2016

The paper discusses translation challenges associated with the linguistic and multisemiotic stylistic ways (Kress 2010; Coupland 2007)
Benthic diatoms of the Vrla River (Serbia) and their application in the water ecological status assessment
Authors: Jakovljević Olga , Popović Slađana , Živić Ivana , Stojanović Katarina , Krizmanić Jelena
Published: September 2016

Epilithic diatoms from the Vrla River (Serbia) have been used to assess the ecological status of water. A total of 227 diatom taxa belonging to 50 genera were identified in the Vrla River during six research seasons with 13 dominant species recorded. Gomphonema (30 species), Navicula (28) and Nitzschia (26) were the most species-rich genera, followed by Pinnularia (12) and Encyonema (11). One taxa was recorded as new to Serbia – Geissleria acceptata. CCA grouped the diatom taxa into three main groups. The first group included taxa found at most of the sampling sites, the second group involved diatom taxa significantly positively correlated with the oxygen, while the third group showed positive correlation with temperature. RDA showed that some diatom taxa, including: Cocconeis placentula var. placentula, C. placentula var. lineata, C. pseudolineata and Mayamaea atomus var. permitis, are significantly positively correlated with temperature, while others, for example Achnanthidium minutissimum, Hannaea arcus, Nitzschia pura are mostly correlated with total phosphorus, alkalinity and water hardness. The ecological status of the Vrla River ranged from moderate, good to high. It was shown that according to the diatom indices, the ecological status of water downstream and upstream of a trout fish pond was slightly different.
Cladotanytarsus molestus Hirvenoja, 1962 in Poland: toward the identification of bioindicative Tanytarsini (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Puchalski Mateusz , Zimny Filip , Giłka Wojciech
Published: September 2016

A rare chironomid species, Cladotanytarsus molestus Hirvenoja, 1962, collected at Lake Straszyńskie (the drinking water reservoir for the city of Gdańsk), was recorded from Poland for the first time. The adult male of the species is redescribed, and intraspecific morphological variations of diagnostic structures are presented in detail. Data on the species’ biology are also provided.
Annual production to biomass (P/B) ratios of pelagic ciliates in different temperate waters
Authors: Rychert Krzysztof , Kozłowska Justyna , Krawiec Kamila , Czychewicz Natalia , Pączkowska Michalina , Wielgat-Rychert Magdalena
Published: September 2016

In aquatic environments, ciliates integrate the energy flowing through bacteria, smaller protozoa, and the prevailing fraction of algae and are further grazed upon by metazooplankton. Ciliates are incorporated into budgets and models describing ecosystem functioning. However, data for the parameterization and validation of models remain insufficient. In this study, annual production to biomass (P/B) ratios of pelagic ciliates were estimated in four lakes of different trophic status and at two sites located in the coastal zone of the Baltic Sea. All study sites were located in the temperate zone. The calculations were based on bulk data reflecting seasonal changes in ciliate production, which was estimated using an allometric equation. The annual ciliate P/B ratio for surface waters was 308 ± 81 yr-1(mean ± standard deviation). There was no statistically significant relationship between the mean annual ciliate biomass in particular water bodies and the annual P/B ratio. In the near-bottom waters, the annual P/B ratio was 78 ± 39 yr-1. Because of the possible food limitation of ciliate growth and reconstructions of the community due to changes in environmental conditions, the ciliate P/B ratio applied in models of temperate waters should range from 50% to 100% of the P/B ratios estimated in this study.
Selected extreme weather events on the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea in the period 2001-2014
Authors: Filipiak Janusz , Malinowska Mirosława
Published: September 2016

The article examines the spatial and temporal variability in selected extreme meteorological phenomena on the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. Data from the 2001-2014 period related to a few meteorological and oceanographic elements were used to calculate indices of extreme weather events. The amount of intensive and widespread precipitation events in the 21st century corresponds well with the long-term means and is stable over a long period. The number of 50-60 frost days recorded per year has been systematically decreasing for several decades. Only a few deep cyclones occur per year and year-to-year variations of their number and magnitude corresponds to the overall long-term insignificant changes in the cyclone activity in the North Atlantic and the European region. The mean annual number of days with strong winds reaches nearly 8 cases per year. About 6 storm surges per year are recorded and this value has been slowly increasing in the long-term perspective. The rare occurrence of sea ice in 2001-2014 is a continuation of the reduction in the phenomenon observed in the 20th century. The passage of deep cyclones resulting in strong winds, storm surges and waves constitutes the most dangerous hazard to the coast.
The simplistic nitrogen input and output balance in Lake Łebsko – case study
Authors: Cieśliński Roman
Published: September 2016

The paper is based on the hypothesis that coastal lakes significantly affect changes in the quality of freshwater coming from catchments, which is best reflected in the reduction of biogenic loads. Some of the main reasons for this phenomenon include unique geographic locations of coastal lakes and physical and chemical properties of their waters as well as other hydrographic determinants that affect water circulation in catchments. The study area covered the direct drainage basin of Lake Lebsko, which is located in Słowiński National Park in northern Poland, on the coast of the southern Baltic Sea. The study was conducted from June 2008 to October 2010. Fieldwork was the main part of the research project and included hydrographic mapping, water sampling for laboratory analysis, and measurement of the discharge in all tributaries and outflows of the studied lake. Water chemistry data for Lake Lebsko indicate a significant accumulation of biogenic materials in the lake, which proves a strong effect exerted by the lake on the incoming water. This is true for both total chemical loads per year as well as concentrations of selected ions over short time intervals. This standard pattern may be interrupted by seawater intrusions that alter water chemistry in the whole lake.