bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pragmatist Transcendence in Rorty’s Metaphilosophy
Authors: Smith Nicholas H. , Llanera Tracy
Published: May 2019

This article argues that a pragmatist ambition to transcendence undergirds Richard Rorty’s metaphilosophy. That transcendence might play a positive role in Rorty’s work might seem implausible given his well-known rejection of the idea that human practices are accountable to some external, Archimedean standpoint, and his endorsement of the historicist view that standards of rationality are products of time and chance. It is true that Rorty’s contributions to epistemology, philosophy of mind and metaphysics have this anti-transcendentalist character. But in his metaphilosophy, Rorty shows great respect for pre-philosophical impulses aimed at transcendence of some kind, in particular the romantic (and indeed religious) experience of awe at something greater than oneself, and the utopian striving for a radically better world. These impulses do not disappear in Rorty’s metaphilosophy but are reshaped in a pragmatist iteration of transcendence which, we argue, can be characterised as horizontal (rather than vertical) and weak (rather strong). We use this characterization to distinguish Rorty’s metaphilosophy from other accounts that share a postmetaphysical ambition to transcendence.
Accuracy of determination of the glomerular filtration marker iohexol by European laboratories as monitored by external quality assessment
Authors: Nordin Gunnar , Ekvall Sara , Kristoffersson Carolina , Jonsson Ann-Sofie , Bäck Sten-Erik , Rollborn Niclas , Larsson Anders
Published: May 2019

Background

Glomerular filtration is the most important kidney function. The most accurate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimates are based on the clearance of exogenous filtration markers. Of these, iohexol is the only exogenous marker that is included in an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of the European laboratories participating in Equalis’ EQA scheme for iohexol.

Methods

Weighed amounts of iohexol (Omnipaque) were added to plasma samples and distributed to laboratories participating in the EQA scheme for iohexol. All laboratories performed the assays in a blinded fashion.

Results

The number of participating laboratories varied between 27 and 34 during the study period. Iohexol was determined by HPLC in 77% of the laboratories and by UPLC/MS/MS methods in 15% of the laboratories. The mean interlaboratory coefficient of variation was 4.7% for the HPLC methods and 6.4% for the UPLC/MS/MS methods. The mean bias between calculated and measured iohexol values was –1.3 mg/L (95% confidence interval ±0.3) during the first part of the study period and 0.1 mg/L (±0.3) during the later part.

Conclusions

The low interlaboratory variation demonstrates that iohexol can be measured reliably by many laboratories and supports the use of iohexol as a GFR marker when there is a need for high quality GFR measurements.
Digitalization and Corporate Law – A View from Germany
Authors: Spindler Gerald
Published: May 2019

Digitalization revolutionizes all legal areas, including corporate law. The article deals with different impacts of digitalization on communication schemes in corporations, such as virtual general assemblies or communication patterns in board of directors, also encompassing communication with third parties, namely investors. The legal framework for these communication patterns refer not only to corporate but also to media regulations, data protections, as well as capital market law. Digitalization also has an impact on liability of directors: As Big Data and new algorithms improve the information base for decision making of directors they are at the same time obliged to make use of it. On the other hand, IT-security has become one of the main tasks for directors as digitalization of all work flows in enterprises requires necessary IT-security standards in order to avoid existential risks in case of attacks. Furthermore, Blockchain as a new technology enables the secure identification of all kind of transactions, including automatized contracts (so-called smart contracts) which could enhance procedures in corporations. New problems arise concerning the use of Blockchain as an investment form such as DAO Ethereum. Finally, the phenomenon of close cooperation between different partners by using digital work flows and semi-intelligent agents (so-called industry 4.0) is discussed.
(Pr)escribir el mal, el Santo remedio de Rafael Courtoisie
Authors: Rodríguez Alfonso Adriana
Published: May 2019

El siguiente artículo analiza la novela Santo remedio (2006), del escritor uruguayo Rafael Courtoisie, centrándose en las relaciones entre la ética y la estética allí. Desde distintas perspectivas teóricas (Arendt, Baudrillard, Kayser, Bataille) se aborda, en un primer momento, la “normalidad” del Mal y sus representaciones, y posteriormente el poder simbólico de la literatura como vehículo de salvación. ¿Cómo se articula el horror en la novela de Courtoisie? ¿Qué papel desempeñan el arte y los personajes antiheroicos en un mundo descompuesto por la violencia? Estas interrogantes son el punto de partida del trabajo.
Reivindicación de la relevancia histórica de la parte español-francés (1728) del diccionario de Torre y Ocón
Authors: Bruña Cuevas Manuel
Published: May 2019

En este trabajo reivindicamos la importancia del diccionario español-francés de Francisco de la Torre y Ocón (El maestro de las dos lenguas, 1728) en la historia de la lexicografía hispánica. Mostramos, además, que, por sus contenidos, su significación histórica y su fecha de composición, esta obra hubiera podido ser incorporada a los dos principales tesoros lexicográficos del español publicados hasta ahora: el Nuevo tesoro lexicográfico de la lengua española de la Real Academia Española (2001) y el Nuevo tesoro lexicográfico del español (s. XIV-1726) de Nieto Jiménez et Alvar Ezquerra (2007).
The Power of Comparative Constitutional Law Reasoning in European Criminal Law Procedure
Authors: Herlin-Karnell Ester
Published: May 2019

This paper explores the constitutional dimension of comparative criminal law procedure in a European context. It does so by focusing on the European civil law traditions and by explaining how the impact of constitutional law reasoning has changed the criminal law landscape. The paper argues that the influence of European Union law and the European Convention on Human Rights regime together with other comparative law effects have led to an adapted version of the comparative law project, where the orthodox distinction between civil law and common law is largely erased. Specifically, the paper focuses on the question of fairness and justification in the criminal law process, the principle of proportionality and the notion of dignity in a comparative perspective. The paper draws on both doctrinal and theoretical examples.
Anthropometric evaluation of school-going native highlanders (4–19 years of age) from the Leh-Ladakh region in India
Authors: Yanamandra Uday , Bhattachar Srinivasa A. , Katoch Deeksha , Yanamandra Sushma , Shankar Siddharth , Kumari V. K. Lalitha , Ayekappam Angella , Kumar Suman , Patyal Sagarika , Nair Velu
Published: May 2019

Background

The native population of the Ladakh region faces the unique challenges of a high-altitude environment with distinct physiological adaptations in comparison with lowlanders. However, no comprehensive data on standard anthropometric parameters for the school-going children in this populace is available.

Objectives

We aimed to study the various anthropometric parameters in the school-going native highlander population and computed measures of central tendency. The nutritional status of the community was also be determined by comparing with World Health Organization (WHO) scores for height for age (HFA), weight for age (WFA) and body mass index (BMI) for age.

Design

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was devised to assess the anthropometric parameters. We measured height, weight, mid-upper circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold (TSF) thickness, sub-scapular skinfold (SSF) thickness, waist, hip and abdominal circumference. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean [±2 standard deviation (SD)], median, range, minimum and maximum. The z-scores for HFA, WFA and BMI for age was computed using WHO reference data.

Subjects

A total of 346 school-going native highlander children (4–19 years of age) were studied.

Results

Among the study population, the mean height was 141.17 ± 39.08 cm, the mean weight was 38.27 ± 25.40 kg. The gender difference in height, MUAC, sub-scapular skinfold (SSF) thickness, TSF thickness and the abdominal circumference was found to be statistically significant. Of the subjects 23.46% were stunted (i.e. HFA below −2 SD of the WHO standard) and 7.01% were underweight (WFA below −2 SD of the WHO standard).

Conclusion

The nutritional status of the Ladakhi population was assessed by comparison with the WHO reference data. Nomograms for anthropometric data in school-going children (4–19 years of age) of Ladakh were created. These can be used for further studies and planning targeted intervention strategies on this geographically isolated and evolutionary distinct highland population.
Begegnungen von Wissenschafts- und Lernkulturen im Netz – Herausforderungen und Chancen für eine Didaktik des wissenschaftlichen Schreibens für chinesische Studierende der Germanistik in Deutschland
Authors: OTTO Gabriele E.
Published: May 2019

Der Beitrag wendet sich Desideraten zur Etablierung einer plurikulturellen Wissenschaftskommunikation im Kontext von Partizipationswegen von Jung-Akademiker*innen zu. Dazu wird zunächst die Wissenschaftsrezeption von Studierenden bei der Nutzung des Internets bei Seminararbeiten skizziert. Danach werden mithilfe von Wissenschaftstheorie sowie den Transfer- und Kulturwissenschaften wesentliche Merkmale und Bedarfe von Wissenschaftskommunikation ermittelt und dargestellt. Anschließend werden anhand von Praxisbeispielen Wege aufgezeigt, welche Aktivitäten von etablierten Wissenschaftler*innen notwendig erscheinen, um die Wissenschaftsrezeption von Studierenden im Netz ausreichend zu begleiten und anzuleiten. Dazu werden Felder des Austauschs dargestellt und in ihrem Potential zur Entwicklung einer transkulturellen Germanistik skizziert, die als Basis für kulturelles Lernen in der Wissenschaft angesehen wird.
Some fractional differential equations involving generalized hypergeometric functions
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Qi Feng , Chand Mehar , Singh Gurmej
Published: May 2019

In the paper, using the generalized Marichev–Saigo–Maeda fractional operator, the authors establish some fractional differential equations associated with generalized hypergeometric functions and, by employing integral transforms, present some image formulas of the resulting equations.
Particle diffusion Monte Carlo (PDMC)
Authors: Zarezadeh Zakarya , Costantini Giovanni
Published: May 2019

General expressions for anisotropic particle diffusion Monte Carlo (PDMC) in a d-dimensional space are presented.
The calculations of ground state energy of a helium atom for solving the many-body Schrödinger equation is carried out by the proposed method.
The accuracy and stability of the results are discussed relative to other alternative methods, and our experimental results within the statistical errors agree with the quantum Monte Carlo methods.
We also clarify the benefits of the proposed method by modeling the quantum probability density of a free particle in a plane (energy eigenfunctions).
The proposed model represents a remarkable improvement in terms of performance, accuracy and computational time over standard MCMC method.
Review of Recent Progress in the Development and Properties of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Thomas Shijo , Umasankar V.
Published: May 2019

Aluminum and its alloys are finding increasing applications in every sphere of industry with various reinforcements. New reinforcements like graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are in focus on account of its contribution in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Achieving uniform distribution and selecting the right manufacturing process still remain a challenge. Hence, this review takes into account the contributions by many researchers and attempts to consolidate the findings that may close the gap and identify the scope for future research. In spite of the advantages of aluminum, it requires improvement in strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, conductivity, and thermal expansion. Among the available reinforcements, CNT stands out because of its unique features of thermal conductivity, expansion, and strength. The effect of multiwalled CNT reinforcement in metal on precipitation hardening is also discussed.
CINEMA E JUVENTUDE NA PORTO ALEGRE DOS ANOS 1920: LITERATURA, MEMÓRIA E HISTÓRIA
Authors: Trusz Alice Dubina
Published: May 2019

O objetivo da comunicação é identificar as referências ao cinema nas crônicas publicadas na juventude e nas memórias escritas na maturidade, mas remetidas à juventude, por Theodemiro Tostes, figura de destaque da cultura rio-grandense. Pontualmente, pretende-se verificar o que tais referências revelam sobre o papel do cinema no cotidiano e na formação cultural de uma parcela, intelectualizada, dos porto-alegrenses da década de 1920.
O FICCIONAL E O HORROR: REPRESENTAÇÕES DA TORTURA DURANTE AS DITADURAS DE SEGURANÇA NACIONAL NA AMÉRICA LATINA NA LITERATURA
Authors: Ferreira Letícia Schneider
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo realiza uma reflexão sobre as relações entre história e literatura, observando de que forma eventos históricos relacionados ao período das Ditaduras civil-militares na América Latina estão representados nas obras literárias selecionadas. A Literatura e a História são expressões narrativas que em grande medida tendem à aproximação; contudo, a História possui uma pretensão de veracidade a qual a Literatura não está necessariamente submetida. A pesquisa dedicou-se a observar como a tortura, empregada constantemente durante os regimes civil-militares em países como Brasil, Uruguai e Chile, foi representada em três obras selecionadas: “O Caderno de Maya”, “O irmão alemão” e “Primavera num espelho partido”. Foi possível perceber que os autores optaram por apresentar a tortura a partir de personagens masculinos, utilizando muitas vezes subterfúgios para descrever o horror, como o uso de sonhos ou da imaginação de um dos personagens. Foi possível evidenciar que a literatura cumpre um papel importante na discussão deste essencial tema histórico.
ISOLATION OF PHAGES INFECTING LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES
Authors: ŞANLIBABA Pinar , UYMAZ TEZEL Başar
Published: May 2019

It was aimed to isolate, purify
and determine host ranges of lytic phages that infect Listeria monocytogenes
in this study. Out of 68 samples screened, 4 positive isolates were recovered
from feces, food processing waste water, fisheries waste water, and fish
samples. Recovery status of the L. monocytogenes phage was found to be
5.88%. To determine host ranges of phages, soft agar overlay plaque assay was
used. While eleven L. monocytogenes strains showed resistant to all four
isolated phages, 24 strains were sensitive. The plaque sizes of the 4 phages
against 24 L. monocytogenes strains ranged from 0.4 and 2.6 mm. None of
the phages had identical host ranges.
Generating High Density, Low Cost Genotype Data in Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
Authors: Happ Mary M , Wang Haichuan , Graef George L , Hyten David L
Published: May 2019

Obtaining genome-wide genotype information for millions of SNPs in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] often involves completely resequencing a line at 5X or greater coverage. Currently, hundreds of soybean lines have been resequenced at high depth levels with their data deposited in the NCBI Short Read Archive. This publicly available dataset may be leveraged as an imputation reference panel in combination with skim (low coverage) sequencing of new soybean genotypes to economically obtain high-density SNP information. Ninety-nine soybean lines resequenced at an average of 17.1X were used to generate a reference panel, with over 10 million SNPs called using GATK’s Haplotype Caller tool. Whole genome resequencing at approximately 1X depth was performed on 114 previously ungenotyped experimental soybean lines. Coverages down to 0.1X were analyzed by randomly subsetting raw reads from the original 1X sequence data. SNPs discovered in the reference panel were genotyped in the experimental lines after aligning to the soybean reference genome, and missing markers imputed using Beagle 4.1. Sequencing depth of the experimental lines could be reduced to 0.3X while still retaining an accuracy of 97.8%. Accuracy was inversely related to minor allele frequency, and highly correlated with marker linkage disequilibrium. The high accuracy of skim sequencing combined with imputation provides a low cost method for obtaining dense genotypic information that can be used for various genomics applications in soybean.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE BIOLOGICAL VALUE AND OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF WALNUT AND PUMPKIN-SEED OILS
Authors: Nosenko T. , Koroluk T. , Usatuk S. , Vovk G. , Kostinova T.
Published: May 2019

The work is devoted to the study of the biologically active components and the oxidation stability of oils made from non-traditional raw materials such as walnuts and pumpkin seeds. The characteristics that have been determined are the content of phospholipids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, tocopherols, and sterols, the composition of fatty acids and tocopherol homologues, the acidity and oxidation stability of walnut and pumpkin-seed oils. Walnut and pumpkin-seed oils contain a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, walnut oil contains linolenic acid and has the ratio ω-3:ω-6 of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is close to the recommended ratio. The linoleic (polyunsaturated, ω-6) and oleic (monounsaturated) fatty acids dominated in the fatty acid composition of pumpkin-seed oil, and the sum of saturated fatty acids was three times as high as that in walnut oil. An important property of walnut oil is a very high ratio of ω-3:ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 1:5, which is almost what is recommended by dietitians for the human diet. The difference in the total tocopherol content of the two oil samples was slight, but the composition of tocopherol homologues was very distinctive, i. e. β-tocopherol was the main homo;ogue in the walnut oil and α-tocopherol in the pumpkin-seed oil, respectively. The acidity of the oil samples increased quite rapidly, reaching the value close to 4 mg KOH/g of in 63 days for walnut oil, and in 70 days for pumpkin-seed oil. The oxidative stability of the two oil samples was estimated by changes of the peroxide value during 98 days of oil storage. It has been shown that the induction period of walnut oil oxidation, defined as the start of an increase of the peroxide index, was 56 days, in spite of a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly, linolenic acid. The duration of the induction period of pumpkin-seed oil oxidation and the shelf life of this oil were 70 and 98 days, respectively, while the shelf life of walnut oil was about 90 days. The higher resistance of pumpkin-seed oil to oxidative damage is primarily due to the fatty acid composition of this oil, namely to a high content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and almost twice as low a content of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to that of walnut oil. Both oils can be recommended as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins for human nutrition.
FEATURES OF GRAIN GERMINATION WITH THE USE OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF FRUIT ACIDS
Authors: Pivovarov O. , Kovaliova O.
Published: May 2019

The paper describes some aspects of producing germinated cereal grain with the use of fruits acids of various concentrations. The technological process of grain germination (including washing grain, disinfection, hydration by alternate steeping and air resting, germination, and drying) has been analysed and studied. To intensify germination and disinfection of grain of various crops at the steeping stage, aqueous solutions of organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, and inactive tartaric acid) were used. The results of studying the effect of these organic acids on the energy and germination ability of grain, the flouriness of malt grain, the amino acid composition of malt, the microbiological status of grain have been presented. For each grain crop, concentrations have been determined of active substances in the solutions that activate germination and reduce the time of malt production. A higher flouriness of malt grain, being an important brewing parameter, has been shown. The effect of the considered growth stimulants on the amino acid composition of the finished product has been studied. An increase in the amino acids content indicates splitting the grain endosperm more deeply and obtaining a biologically valuable food product rich in essential amino acids. While studying the microbiological status of grain with the use of the said organic acids, their disinfecting ability towards the pathogenic microflora of the grain was observed. It has been found that the suggested method of intensifying grain germination allows obtaining eco-friendly products in a shorter time, namely, 3–6 days depending on the grain crop. It has been established that, compared to the classical technology, using fruit acids as growth stimulants allows obtaining malt of higher quality, rich in biologically active substances. These grain raw materials can be used both to brew beer and to make highly nutritious healthy food.
MICROBIOTA OF INSTANT CEREALS AND ITS CHANGE DURING STORAGE
Authors: Mardar M. , Stateva M. , Yegorova А. , Evdokimova G. , Ustenko I. , Masanski S.
Published: May 2019

The paper presents the results of the study of changes in the microbiological parameters of instant cereals for military personnel during storage. The purpose of the microbiological studies of instant cereals was assessing whether the products were safe for human health immediately after manufacturing and during their further storage at a certain temperature and in various packaging. Special attention was paid to detecting certain microorganisms: pathogenic (including Salmonella), opportunistic pathogenic, sanitary indicator microorganisms (coliform bacteria), some microbial spoilage agents (yeast and mould fungi). Various types of packaging materials having been analysed, it has been studied how flexible packaging, foil-sealed plastic cups, and metallised packages of biaxially oriented propylene film (BOPF), GM-200, change the consumer properties of new instant cereals during storage. The studies have helped establish that natural enriching supplements of plant and animal origin in the composition of new instant cereals prolong the storage of finished products. It has been established that enriching supplements prevent the development of microbiota due to a bactericidal effect of supplements on microorganisms. Studying how packaging changes the consumer properties of new instant cereals during storage has shown that bacteria decreased in number in all samples during storage, regardless of the type of packaging. However, the most significant decrease (by an average of 1.5 times) was observed when metallised BOPF bags were used. Based on the experimental studies, it has been found that instant cereals packed in metallised BOPF bags belong to long-term storage products and can be stored for 12 months at room temperature and the relative humidity 60–75%.
EFFECTS OF FİLTRATİON PROCESS AND STORAGE TİME ON THE CHEMİCAL CHANGES AND SENSORY PROPERTİES OF OLİVE OİL EXTRACTED FROM TURKİSH USLU CULTİVAR
Authors: Ghanbari Shendi E. , Sivri Ozay D. , Ozkaya M.T. , Ustunel N.F.
Published: May 2019

Upper Mesopotamia is a part of Turkish territory is the homeland of the olive tree with a wide range genetic resource. This is the first report on chemical composition and oxidative stability of olive oil extracted from Uslu cultivar grown locally in a small amount.  In this research, a Turkish olive cultivar named as “Uslu” locally grown in Akhisar was used for production of monocultivar extra virgin olive oil by using Mobile Olive Oil Processing Unit”. Olive oil samples were bottled before and after filtration and stored up to 24 months. Some chemical properties such as free fatty acid content, peroxide value, moisture content, UV absorbance value, minor and major components (fatty acid composition, tocopherols, total phenol compounds and phenolic composition), were determined during storage for 24 months. Chemical parameters such as free fatty acid, peroxide value except UV absorption values of both filtered and unfiltered “Uslu” olive oil samples were in agreement with the trade standards of International Olive Council (IOC). Color values of EVOO changed from green to yellow while UV absorbance values altered during storage. Very low free fatty acidy (0.2%) values which are unusual for commercial olive oils in Turkey were obtained for filtered and unfiltered samples. A slight increase was seen for unfiltered sample at the end of storage.  Filtration had no detectable effect on fatty acid profile. Filtered sample had higher total phenols (407.64±4.051 ppm) and α-tocopherol (237 and 123.31 ppm) contents than unfiltered ones and their contents decreased approximately 50% at the end of storage. Luteolin was the most abundant phenolic compound and its concentration decreased from 268.65±5.428 to 93.57±0.541ppm during storage. It seemed effect of filtration was more obvious on total phenolic contents. This study was good practice for producing premium extra virgin olive oil by using Mobile Olive Oil Processing Unit. The results obtained in this study showed that Uslu olive oils has a unique chemical composition and a good oxidative stability with high tocopherols and phenolics contents that are uncommon in most of the commercial olive oils.
OPTIMIZATION OF EXTRACTION PARAMETERS FOR FUCOXANTHIN, GALLIC ACID AND RUTIN FROM NITZSCHIA THERMALIS
Authors: Hazal Özyur Vasfiye , Erdoğan Ayşegül , Zeliha Demirel Zeliha , Conk Dalay Meltem , Ötleş Semih
Published: May 2019

Recently, microalgae have become important in their health, and cosmetic applications since they are viewed as new sources of carotenoids. Fucoxanthin is also a type of carotenoid. The anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties of fucoxanthin have been widely reported. Since these valuable properties, they also represent a valuable resource of nutraceuticals for functional food applications. This study aims to determine the amount of fucoxanthin, gallic acid, and rutin in Nitzschia thermalis obtained from the Ege University Microalgae Culture Collection. The extraction parameters have been optimized using response surface methodology. The extraction temperature (25, 35, and 45°C), the extraction time (10, 20, and 30 min) and the biomass/solvent ratio (0.005, 0.001, and 0.015 g ml-1) have been assessed as response variables in the Box – Behnken design. The amount of fucoxanthin was determined by the C30 column at 450 nm, while both the amount of gallic acid and rutin were separated in the C18 column at 275 nm by HPLC-DAD. In the present study, the optimum extraction conditions providing the maximum amount of fucoxantin, gallic acid, and rutin were selected by applying the “desirability” function approach in response surface methodology. Finally, the temperature has been determined to be 27.30°C, the extraction time 10 minutes, and the biomass ratio 0.05 g ml-1. Under these conditions, the optimum fucoxanthin level has been determined as 5.8702 mg g-1, the gallic acid level as 0.0140 mg g-1, and the rutin level as 0.0496 mg g-1. The findings are in good agreement with international published values for fucoxanthin content. In addition, response surface methodology was shown to be an effective technique for optimising extraction conditions for maximum fucoxanthin yield. In conclusion, these findings may be applied in the development of extraction methodologies for value added microalgea products as well as can serve as a reference for the extraction of fucoxanthin having high gallic acid and rutin from other brown microalgae, and therefore it could potentially be applied in both pharmaceutical and food industries.
Epicardial fat thickness and biomarkers of inflammation in patients with stable coronary artery disease: correlation with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Koshelskaya O. A. , Suslova T. E. , Kologrivova I. V. , Margolis N. Yu. , Zhuravleva O. A. , Kharitonova O. A. , Kravchenko E. S. , Vinnitskaya I. V. , Karpov R. S.
Published: May 2019

Aim. To study the relationship between the epicardial fat thickness (EFT), biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and various severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Material and methods. The study consisted of 89 patients (47 men and 42 women) with stable CAD at the age of 62,2±6,5 years, who assessed the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis according to angiography with the calculation of the Gensini Score (GS). We conducted an ultrasonic evaluation of the EFT. We determined the content of glucose, lipid fractions, apoproteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines, C-reactive protein by a highly sensitive method (hsCRP).

Results. In the total sample of patients, the median GS index was 13,5 (3,5; 43) points, the median EFT was 4,93 (3,95; 6,0) mm, the median hsCRP was 2,1 (1,02; 3,65) mg/l. There were no correlation relationships between the GS index and the body mass index, waist circumference, EFT, hsCRP, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in the general group of patients. In the course of linear regression analysis, an independent contribution of hsCRP >2,1 mg/l to the formation of the first two tertiles of a sample of GS values was established (0≤ GS ≤28, paired linear regression hsCRP at GS β=0,55, p=0,0221), whereas in patients with GS values from the third tertile (GS >28 points), the growth of this parameter had an independent association with an increase in the EFT (estimation of the coefficient of paired linear regression of the EFT on GS β=0,56, p=0,0015). The range of hsCRP changes did not affect the value of the β coefficient in paired linear regression models in patients with GS >28 points (n=29) and in the subgroup of patients with GS >28 and hsCRP >2,1 mg/l (n=18).

Conclusion. The absence of an independent association between EFT and minor or moderate severity of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (for GS ≤28 points) in patients with CAD, while an independent marker of GS index increase is higher than 2,1 mg/l. An independent contribution to the formation of a severe coronary atherosclerosis (with a GS value of >28 points) is equally made by thickening of EFT, and a moderately elevated level of hsCRP.
Features of heart remodeling in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its comorbid association with obesity in the context of the senilism concept
Authors: Brodovskaya T. O. , Grishchenko O. O. , Grishina I. F. , Peretolchina T. F.
Published: May 2019

Aim. To analyze heart remodeling features in with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and its association with obesity in the context of early cardiac aging.

Material and methods. The study included 101 men, 41 patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 30 comorbid patients with OSA and obesity, the control group consisted of 30 healthy people. The average passport age of the patients was 40,4±6,7 years. Evaluation of OSA was carried out by cardiorespiratory monitoring, structural and functional features of the heart condition were studied using the echocardiography method, the average biological age was calculated.

Results. Patients of both studied groups were characterized by structural and geometric rearrangement of the left heart chambers, transformation of physiological ellipsoid model into a spherical (left ventricle (LV) sphericity index 0,64±0,07 in the control group, 1,09±0,03 in the OSA group, 1,01±0,03 in the OSA + obesity group, p<0,05), LV hypertrophy (LV myocardial mass index was 78,1±23,9 in the group of healthy individuals, 98,1±11,4 in the OSA group and 116,0±29,4 in the OSA + obesity group, p<0,01). Systolic function in both study groups was preserved however, a tendency to stress of adaptive remodeling mechanisms was revealed. In addition, diastolic dysfunction was detected in both groups, in OSA group was associated with elasticity of the LV wall decrease, and in the OSA + obesity group, both with a violation of elasticity and an increase in the LV wall stiffness. The biological age of patients with OSA is 14% higher than the passport age, and with the association of OSA and obesity, by 39%.

Conclusion. The obtained data prove impact of respiratory sleep disorders at heart remodeling as well as increased biological age. At the same time, the association of OSA with obesity has an additive adverse effect on the remodeling processes and the biological age of patients.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: reconceptualization of the problem
Authors: Vaykhanskaya T. G. , Sivitskaya L. N. , Kurushko T. V. , Levdansky O. D. , Danilenko N. G.
Published: May 2019

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complex, etiologically heterogeneous myocardial disease, which is one of the main causes of heart failure and heart transplantation. In 2016, experts from the European working group proposed a new definition of cardiomyopathy, which includes intermediate variants with a change in phenotype in carriers of mutations from subclinical form to the full manifestations of the disease. The classification of DCM was supplemented with intermediate phenotypes with the inclusion of a hypokinetic form with reduced contractile function without ventricular dilatation and variants with predominant dilation or arrhythmogenicity. Pathological architectonics of DCM consists of many genetic determinants that interact with numerous environmental factors. Clinical manifestations depend not only on the malignancy and penetrance of the gene mutation, but also on a number of other causes — epigenomic factors, age, toxic effects, environmental aggressiveness, pregnancy, and the effects of other acquired diseases. The article summarizes the current epidemiological data and ideas about specific molecular changes with an unfavorable prognosis. For clarity, we present clinical observations of familial DCM with mutations in the RBM20 and LMNA genes.
Strategies and methods for the correction of obesity and associated cardiovascular risk
Authors: Kuznetsova T. Yu. , Druzhilov M. A. , Chumakova G. A. , Veselovskaya N. D.
Published: May 2019

Today, there is a need to study obesity from the perspective of associated with it cardiovascular risk correcting. Future researches will have to study the pathophysiology of adipose tissue in greater detail, including tissue, cellular and molecular levels, in order to develop the most effective strategies for therapeutic and preventive measures. At the same time, taking into account the basic ideas about the role of cardiorespiratory fitness in the etiopathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, the ratio of fat free and fat mass, white and brown adipose tissue, subcutaneous fat and visceral adipose tissue, main directions of these measures becomes obvious. This article discusses strategies for correcting obesity and associated cardiovascular risk as part of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases and suggests an algorithm for developing an individual program of preventive measures for an obese patient.
Current approaches to periprocedural anticoagulation treatment in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Gasymova N. Z. , Mikhailov E. N.
Published: May 2019

Catheter ablation is a standard treatment for patient with symptomatic and drugrefractory atrial fibrillation. As for every invasive approach, ablation is associated with certain risk of complications. About 2-3% of adverse events are related to hemorrhage or thromboembolism. Therefore, periprocedural anticoagulation scheme is of paramount importance to minimize the risk of both types of complications. Here we describe the factors, associated with thromboembolic and bleeding risks, and the evolving approaches for periprocedural anticoagulation treatment. Special attention is paid to uninterrupted oral anticoagulation and potential role of reverse agent in management of procedure-related hemorrhages.
Internal obesity as a risk factor for arterial hypertension
Authors: Druzhilov M. A. , Kuznetsova T. Yu.
Published: May 2019

Aim. To assess the role of ultrasound parameters of the extent of abdominal and epicardial visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as prognostic tools for determining the probability of arterial hypertension (AH) development in normotensive patients with obesity.

Material and methods. We studied 526 normotensive (according to the results of daily monitoring of blood pressure (BP)) men (age 45,1±5,0 years) without cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus, with a SCORE risk <5% and abdominal obesity (waist circumference >94 cm). We analyzed glycemia, lipid spectrum, blood creatinine and urine albumin level. Echocardiography with an assessment of epicardial fat thickness (EFT), triplex scanning of the brachiocephalic arteries, ultrasound assessment of the thickness of abdominal VAT and subcutaneous fat (SCF) were carried out. At the end of the observational phase of the study (duration 46,3±5,1 months), repeated daily monitoring of blood pressure was performed.

Results. Of the 406 available patients, hypertension was detected in 157 (38,7%), including 72 (31,7%) of the initial age group of 35-45 years and 85 (47,5%) of the initial age group 46-55 years. These patients were characterized by initially higher values of EFT (5,2±0,7 mm vs 4,4±1,0 mm, p<0,001) and the ratio of the thickness of abdominal VAT to the thickness of the SCF (2,9±0,6 vs 2,5±0,6, p<0,001). In the group of individuals with developed AH, the initial incidence of epicardial and abdominal visceral obesity was higher (58,0% vs 23,4%, p<0,001 and 44,6% vs 25,1%, p<0,001, respectively). Ultrasound parameters of abdominal and ectopic (epicardial) VAT were included in mathematical models of the probability of development of AH with a high level of statistical significance and maximum standardized coefficients of regression equations.

Conclusion. Ultrasonic parameters of the severity of abdominal and epicardial VAT can be an additional tools for AH predicting in normotensive people with overweight and obesity.
Pre-diabetes as an interdisciplinary problem: definition, risks, approaches to the diagnostics and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications
Authors: Barbarash O. L. , Voyevoda M. I. , Galstyan G. R. , Shestakova M. V. , Boytsov S. A. , Aleksandrova O. Yu. , Bryzgalina S. M. , Druk I. V. , Karetnikova V. N. , Kashtalap V. V. , Kvitkova L. V. , Korennova O. Yu. , Ogarkov M. Yu. , Plotnikova E. Yu. , Tsygankova O. V. , Svarovskaya A. V. , Chumakova G. A.
Published: May 2019

.
Gender differences of cardiovascular risk
Authors: Shapovalova E. B. , Maksimov S. A. , Artamonova G. V.
Published: May 2019

Despite the many unresolved issues on gender characteristics of cardiovascular health, accumulated data allows to generalize global, national, ethnic, and social patterns. There are small deal of domestic studies that not always presented at a high evidentiary level. Meanwhile, in foreign literature, the study of gender characteristics is given an important place. The purpose of this review is to highlight the gender characteristics of the prevalence of the main cardiovascular risk factors according to literature data. The article shows the gender trends in the prevalence of the main determinants of cardiovascular health. It can be assumed that the cardiovascular continuum has a gender orientation and is triggered by men and women with “its own” cardiovascular risk factors. The development of this direction will help to form a gender-based prevention and treatment strategy to predict and limit adverse outcomes in a particular region of the country.
Mechanical and microstructural properties of metakaolin geopolymer
Authors: Kalaiyarrasi A R R , Partheeban P
Published: May 2019

Fly ash (FA) is a commonly used aluminosilicate raw material for the synthesis of geopolymers (GPs). Metakaolin (MK) is also an aluminosilicate-rich material that is relatively pure and has a huge potential as a GP precursor. In this research, FA is replaced by MK at quantities of 0, 25, 50 and 75% by mass (MK0, MK25, MK50 and MK75, respectively). The silicon (Si)/aluminium (Al) ratio of the MK precursor is signiﬁcant in strength development. For a silicon/aluminium ratio equal to 0·86 (M1), the compressive strength of GP concrete (GPC) decreased by 57% for MK75 at 120 d. For a silicon/aluminium ratio of 1·11 (M2) of the MK75 mix, the compressive strength is almost same as that of MK0 at 120 d, and for a silicon/aluminium ratio of 1·21 (M3), the compressive strength increases by 16% for MK75 at 120 d. Nevertheless, the volume of permeable voids (VPV) percentage is reduced to 0·638 for MK75 (M3) compared to 18·58 for MK0. Scanning electron microscopy images of hardened MK-modiﬁed GPC support the results showing reduced VPV compared to that of FA-GPC. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis of the hardened MK50 mix of M3 GPC conﬁrms the presence of Si–O–Si bonds, resulting in higher strength.
MicroCT-based bulk density measurement method for soils
Authors: le Roux S , du Plessis A , Clarke C
Published: May 2019

High-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT) is a method growing rapidly in popularity and has been applied to various soil studies with great success, especially for 3D characterisation of pore spaces or mineral distributions. However, microCT is not typically used for soil bulk density measurements, probably due to relatively simple and fast alternatives. Besides the complex process of image analysis from microCT scans, the method is also limited in resolution, which can result in incorrect total porosity estimation. This is especially true for granular materials, such as soils with small pore spaces between particles. In this work we demonstrate a different, yet very simple methodology for microCT adapted to overcome these limitations by using only volumetric measurements of the samples, and not segmentation of pore spaces or density calibrations. This method allows accurate bulk density determination for soil clods and cores. The method is faster than tradition methods, and it allows for additional analyses, such as surface area, macro-porosity, connected pore network and macro-particle shape analysis. The method is tested and directly compared for the same samples to the traditional waxing Archimedes method, with good correlation. The microCT scans of waxed samples also indicate sources of possible error in the waxing Archimedes method by visualising trapped air and wax penetration into open pore spaces. The method is then applied to cores and local bulk density measurements, and their variability down the cores is demonstrated, which can be very useful in complex soil profiles. The method is robust in varying resolution and image blur as it makes use only of volumetric measurements of the entire sample, not image grey-value calibration or segmentation of pore spaces.
A research study of the impact testing of stainless steel reinforced concrete piers with different reinforcement ratios
Authors: Zhou X , Zhang G , Xiong R
Published: May 2019

In this study, a domestically advanced super-high heavy-hammer impact test machine system was used to perform horizontal impact tests on five 1/5 reduced scale models of stainless steel reinforced concrete piers with different ratios of longitudinal reinforcements. The impact velocity and force of the ship model, displacement of the specimen measurement point, reinforcement strain, cracks, and ultrasonic velocity data during the impact process were collected and analysed. The results showed that, under these test conditions, the increase of reinforcement ratio can improve the lateral impact resistance of reinforced concrete piers to a certain extent.
U Mass - Leptin v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment provides the quantification of multiple hormones using multiplexed-Luminex technology based on beads containing specific antibodies. Sample matrices include plasma, serum, tissue culture supernatants, and tissue or cell lysates. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone (adipokine) that regulates feeding behavior (hunger/satiety). Serum leptin levels are altered in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
U Mass - Insulin clearance v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: Insulin clearance test measure systemic clearance of insulin following a bolus injection. Liver accounts for the majority of systemic insulin clearance following secretion from pancreatic β- cells into portal circulation. Hepatic clearance of insulin may be affected by obesity and in other mouse models of altered metabolism. Alterations in insulin clearance may also affect glucose and lipid metabolism.
U Mass - Resistin v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment provides the quantification of multiple hormones using multiplexed-Luminex technology based on beads containing specific antibodies. Sample matrices include plasma, serum, tissue culture supernatants, and tissue or cell lysates. Resistin is an adipocyte-derived hormone (adipokine) that regulates insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Serum resistin levels are altered in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
U Mass - Surgery – tail vein injection v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: Intravenous administration via tail vein is used to acutely deliver drug, hormones, and adenoassociated virus in mice. A large fraction of injectate will be cleared by liver.
U Mass - Triglyceride v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Triglyceride levels may be measured in serum, plasma, and tissue samples. Serum and tissue triglyceride levels are affected by alterations in systemic lipid metabolism, lipid digestion/absorption, and lipid clearance. Serum and tissue triglyceride levels are altered in obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, alcoholic steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
U Mass - Urea/BUN v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Serum Urea/BUN levels are affected by alterations in systemic protein and nitrogen metabolism. Serum Urea/BUN levels are altered in kidney failure and renal complications of diabetes.
U Mass - Bilirubin v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Serum levels of bilirubin reflect bile acid metabolism.
U Mass - C-reactive Peptide v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Serum levels of C-reactive peptide reflect systemic inflammation and may be altered in obesity.
U Mass - Cholesterol (HDL) v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Serum levels of HDL-cholesterol reflect cholesterol metabolism and are associated with cardiovascular disease.
U Mass - Creatine Kinase v1
Authors: Kim Jason
Published: May 2019

Summary: This experiment involves a spectrophotometric measurement using Roche Cobas Clinical Chemistry Analyzer.