bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-viewing D-Day: The cinematography of the Normandy landings from the Signal Corps to Saving Private Ryan
Authors: Binns Daniel , Ryder Paul
Published: July 2014

In that it privileges the grand perspective (the landscape, and the battalion arrayed in all its splendour), The Longest Day (1962) is typical of big-picture World War II films produced up until the mid-1970s. There are few close-ups, and takes are ponderously long. The focus is on grand strategy, and an attendant grand narrative; the lens offers a blow-by-blow assessment of the massive assault. Shot in 1998, Saving Private Ryan periodically echoes this perspective but reflects modalities informed by changing technologies and a hyper-mediated culture. The result is more intimate framing, punctuated by shots sometimes adapted from the source material: footage captured on Omaha Beach, 6 June 1944, by the Signal Corps cameramen. This portrayal serves two purposes: it opens the film in spectacular fashion, introduces the main characters and prefaces their mission. This article identifies and examines filmic frames from the day of the landings; from the grand narrative of The Longest Day; and from Spielberg’s confronting representation Saving Private Ryan. The aim is to show how, through the lens alone, cinematographers approximate the character of a tumultuous and terrifying day in ways that are surprisingly similar and profoundly different.
Pulse electrodeposition of Cr–SWCNT composite from choline chloride based electrolyte
Authors: Maharaja J. , Raja M. , Mohan S.
Published: July 2014

Using an environmentally benign choline chloride based deep eutectic solvent (DES), chromium (Cr) and chromium–single walled carbon nanotube (Cr–SWCNT) composite coatings on copper (Cu) substrate were developed by pulse electrodeposition (PED) method. The cyclic voltammetry studies of Cr3+ choline chloride based DES system showed that the reduction of Cr3+ to Cr0 occurs via two-step process. The effect of SWCNTs on the thickness, current efficiency and hardness of the deposits were examined. The SWCNTs improved the hardness and corrosion resistance properties of composite coating. Crystallographic phases, structural morphology, topography and corrosion resistance were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission (FE)-SEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and potentiodynamic polarisation techniques respectively. Structural morphological data revealed uniform distribution of SWCNTs in the chromium metal matrix.
Velocity control of nanoliter droplets using a pneumatic dispensing system
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Choi In Ho , Kim Young Kwon , Kim Joonwon
Published: July 2014

This paper introduces a pneumatic dispensing system to control the velocity of nanoliter droplets with small variation of volume. The system consists of a flexible membrane integrated with a backflow stopper. This unique dispensing mechanism can control the velocity of droplets according to applied positive pressures regardless of other operating conditions and design parameters. The range of droplet velocities is shifted by the flow resistance at the outlet under the same cross-section area. Our dispensing system can eject droplets of desired volume at a velocity that can be easily controlled by selecting design parameters and operating conditions. This dispensing system will provide a reliable performance within an optimized condition stably to deposit droplets onto accurate locations.
Overexpression of a SNARE protein AtBS14b alters BR response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Zhong Xin , Ye Hong Bo , Xuan Yuan Hu , Yao Da Nian
Published: July 2014

Background

N-ethyl-maleimide sensitive factor adaptor protein receptor (SNAREs) domain-containing proteins were known as key players in vesicle-associated membrane fusion. Genetic screening has revealed the function of SNAREs in different aspects of plant biology, but the role of many SNAREs are still unknown. In this study, we have characterized the role of Arabidopsis Qc-SNARE protein AtBS14b in brassinosteroids (BRs) signaling pathway.

Results

AtBS14b overexpression (AtBS14b ox) plants exhibited short hypocotyl and petioles lengths as well as insensitivity to exogenously supplied BR, while AtBS14b mutants did not show any visible BR-dependent morphological differences. BR biosynthesis enzyme BR6OX2 expression was slightly lower in AtBS14b ox than in wild type plants. Further BR-mediated repression of BR6OX2, CPD and DWF4 was inhibited in AtBS14b ox plants. AtBS14b-mCherry fusion protein localized in vesicular compartments surrounding plasma membrane in N. benthamiana leaves. In addition, isolation of AtBS14b-interacting BR signaling protein, which localized in plasma membrane, showed that AtBS14b directly interacted with membrane steroid binding protein 1 (MSBP1), but did not interact with BAK1 or BRI1.

Conclusion

These data suggested that Qc-SNARE protein AtBS14b is the first SNARE protein identified that interacts with MSBP1, and the overexpression of AtBS14b modulates BR response in Arabidopsis.
Functional connectivity and grey matter volume of the striatum
in schizophrenia
Authors: Koch Kathrin , Rus Oana Georgiana , Reeß Tim Jonas , Schachtzabel Claudia , Wagner Gerd , Schultz C. Christoph , Sorg Christian , Schlösser Ralf G. M.
Published: July 2014

Background

Alterations in the dopaminergic reward system, predominantly the
striatum, constitute core characteristics of schizophrenia.

Aims

Functional connectivity of the dorsal striatum during reward-related
trial-and-error learning was investigated in 17 people with schizophrenia
and 18 healthy volunteers and related to striatal grey matter volume and
psychopathology.

Method

We used voxel-based morphometry and psychophysiological interaction to
examine striatal volume and connectivity.

Results

A reduced functional connectivity between left striatum and
temporo-occipital areas, precuneus and insula could be detected in the
schizophrenia group. The positive correlation between grey matter volume
and functional connectivity of the left striatum yielded significant
results in a very similar network. Connectivity of the left striatum was
negatively correlated with negative symptoms.

Conclusions

Present results suggest a disruption in striatal functional connectivity
that is closely linked to grey matter morphometry of the striatum.
Decreased connectivity between the striatum and psychopathologically
relevant networks may explain the emergence of negative symptoms.
Clinical Utility of Plasma POMC and AgRP Measurements in the Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Page-Wilson Gabrielle , Freda Pamela U. , Jacobs Thomas P. , Khandji Alexander G. , Bruce Jeffrey N. , Foo Sandra T. , Meece Kana , White Anne , Wardlaw Sharon L.
Published: July 2014

Context:

Distinguishing between pituitary [Cushing's disease (CD)] and ectopic causes [ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS)] of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome can be challenging. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) best discriminates between CD and occult EAS but is a specialized procedure that is not widely available. Identifying adjunctive diagnostic tests may prove useful. In EAS, abnormal processing of the ACTH precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and the accumulation of POMC-derived peptides might be expected and abnormal levels of other neuropeptides may be detected.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of POMC measurements for distinguishing between CD and occult EAS in patients referred for IPSS. Another objective of the study was to evaluate in parallel the diagnostic utility of another neuropeptide, agouti-related protein (AgRP), because we have observed a 10-fold elevation of AgRP in plasma in a patient with EAS from small-cell lung cancer.

Design and Participants:

Plasma POMC and AgRP were measured in 38 Cushing's syndrome patients presenting for IPSS, with either no pituitary lesion or a microadenoma on magnetic resonance imaging, and in 38 healthy controls.

Results:

Twenty-seven of 38 patients had CD; 11 of 38 had EAS. The mean POMC was higher in EAS vs CD [54.5 ± 13.0 (SEM) vs 17.2 ± 1.5 fmol/mL; P < .05]. Mean AgRP was higher in EAS vs CD (280 ± 76 vs 120 ± 16 pg/mL; P = .01). Although there was an overlap in POMC and AgRP levels between the groups, the POMC levels greater than 36 fmol/mL (n = 7) and AgRP levels greater than 280 pg/mL (n = 3) were specific for EAS. When used together, POMC greater than 36 fmol/mL and/or AgRP greater than 280 pg/mL detected 9 of 11 cases of EAS, indicating that elevations in these peptides have a high positive predictive value for occult EAS.

Conclusions:

Expanding upon previous observations of high POMC in EAS, this study specifically demonstrates elevated POMC levels can identify occult ectopic tumors. Elevations in AgRP also favor the diagnosis of EAS, suggesting AgRP should be further evaluated as a potential neuroendocrine tumor marker.
Mechanical processing via passive dynamic properties of the cockroach antenna can facilitate control during rapid running
Authors: Mongeau Jean-Michel , Demir Alican , Dallmann Chris J. , Jayaram Kaushik , Cowan Noah J. , Full Robert J.
Published: July 2014

The integration of information from dynamic sensory structures operating on a moving body is a challenge for locomoting animals and engineers seeking to design agile robots. As a tactile sensor is a physical linkage mediating mechanical interactions between body and environment, mechanical tuning of the sensor is critical for effective control. We determined the open-loop dynamics of a tactile sensor, specifically the antenna of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, an animal that escapes predators by using its antennae during rapid closed-loop tactilely mediated course control. Geometrical measurements and static bending experiments revealed an exponentially decreasing flexural stiffness (EI) from base to tip. Quasi-static experiments with a physical model support the hypothesis that a proximodistally decreasing EI can simplify control by increasing preview distance and allowing effective mapping to a putative control variable - body-to-wall distance - compared to an antenna with constant EI. We measured the free response at the tip of the antenna following step deflections and determined that the antenna rapidly damps large deflections: over 90% of the perturbation is rejected within the first cycle, corresponding to almost one stride period during high-speed running (~50 ms). An impulse-like perturbation near the tip revealed dynamics that were characteristic of an inelastic collision, keeping the antenna in contact with an object after impact. We contend that proximodistally decreasing stiffness, high damping, and inelasticity simplify control during high-speed tactile tasks by increasing preview distance, providing a one-dimensional map between antennal bending and body-to-wall distance, and increasing the reliability of tactile information.
Niche-specific cognitive strategies: object memory interferes with spatial memory in the predatory bat, Myotis nattereri
Authors: Hulgard Katrine , Ratcliffe John M.
Published: July 2014

Related species with different diets are predicted to rely on different cognitive strategies: those best suited for locating available and appropriate foods. Here we tested two predictions of the niche-specific cognitive strategies hypothesis in bats, which suggests predatory species should rely more on object memory than on spatial memory for finding food and that the opposite is true of frugivorous and nectivorous species. Specifically, we predicted (i) that predatory bats would readily learn to associate shapes with palatable prey and (ii) that once bats had made such associations these would interfere with their subsequent learning of a spatial memory task. We trained free-flying Myotis nattereri to approach palatable and unpalatable insect prey suspended below polystyrene objects. Experimentally naïve bats learned to associate different objects with palatable and unpalatable prey but performed no better than chance in a subsequent spatial memory experiment. Because experimental sequence was predicted to be of consequence, we introduced a second group of bats first to the spatial memory experiment. These bats learned to associate prey position with palatability. Control trials indicated that bats made their decisions based on information acquired through echolocation. Previous studies have shown that bat species that eat mainly nectar and fruit rely heavily on spatial memory, reflecting the relative consistency of distribution of fruit and nectar compared to insects. Our results support the niche-specific cognitive strategies hypothesis and suggest that for gleaning and clutter-resistant aerial hawking bats learning to associate shape with food interferes with subsequent spatial memory learning.
Exercising for food: bringing the laboratory closer to nature
Authors: Fonseca Ivana , Passos Renata , Araujo Fernanda , Lima Milene , Lacerda Debora , Pires Washington , Soares Danusa , Young Robert , Rodrigues Luiz
Published: July 2014

Traditionally, exercise physiology experiments have borne little resemblance to how animals express physical activity in the wild. In this experiment, 15 adult male rats were divided into three equal-sized groups: exercise contingent (CON), non-exercise contingent (NON) and sedentary (SED). The CON group was placed in a cage with a running wheel, where the acquisition of food was contingent upon the distance run. Every three days the distance required to run to maintain food intake at free feeding levels was increased by 90% in comparison to the previous 3 days. The NON group were housed identically to the CON group, but food acquisition was not dependent upon running in the wheel. Finally, the SED group were kept in small cages with no opportunity to perform exercise. A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was used to determine significant differences in responses between the experimental phases and treatment groups and ANCOVA to analyse growth and tissue mass variables with body length and body mass used separately as covariates. A post hoc Tukey's test was used to indicate significant differences. A Pearson's correlation was used to test the relationship between the distance travelled by the animal and the distance/food ratio. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all tests. The CON group showed the hypothesized correlation between distance required to run to obtain food and their mean distance travelled (p<0.001), during 45 days in contingency phase. The CON group showed a decrease in body mass, rather than an increase as shown by NON and SED groups. The CON group had a significantly lower body temperature (p<0.05) and adiposity (p<0.05) when compared to the other two groups for the same body size. The present experimental model based on animals choosing the characteristics of their physical exercise to acquire food (i.e., distance travelled, speed and duration) clearly induced physiological effects (body characteristics and internal temperature), which are useful for investigating relevant topics in exercise physiology such as the link between exercise, food and body weight.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia With Monosomal Karyotype
Authors: Weinberg Olga K. , Ohgami Robert S. , Ma Lisa , Seo Katie , Ren Li , Gotlib Jason R. , Seetharam Mahesh , Cherry Athena , Arber Daniel A.
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with monosomal karyotype (MK) recently has been reported to be associated with worse outcome than the traditional complex karyotype.

Methods:

In this retrospective study of 111 patients with AML, we identified 14 patients with MK (13% of all patients with AML) using the definition proposed by Breems et al.

Results:

Five (36%) of these 14 patients had a loss of a single chromosome in the presence of other structural abnormalities, and nine (64%) had a loss of two or more autosomal chromosomes. Patients with AML-MK presented at an older age, with lower bone marrow blasts, and their blasts less frequently expressed CD34. Most patients with AML-MK had morphologic multilineage dysplasia and were predominantly subclassified as having AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Molecular analysis showed a significant absence of NPM1 and FLT3 in patients with AML-MK.

Conclusions:

Outcome data showed that patients with AML-MK had significantly worse overall survival, disease-free survival, and complete response compared with the rest of the patients with AML as well as within the AML-MRC group.
Die Rolle lokaler Initiativen bei der Transformation des deutschen EnergiesystemsThe Role of Local Initiatives in Transforming the German Energy Supply System
Authors: Fuchs Gerhard
Published: July 2014

Die Energiewende wird gern als der Versuch einer gerichteten Transformation eines großen sozio-technischen Systems interpretiert. Diese Interpretation übersieht, dass vielfältige lokale und dezentral organisierte Initiativen der offiziellen Energiewendepolitik vorausgingen
und diese entscheidend prägten.
Perspektiven der Humanökologie. Vorbereitungen für das Jubiläumsjahr 2015 beginnenProspects of Human Ecology. Starting the Preparation of the 2015 Anniversary
Authors: Serbser Wolfgang H. , Glaeser Bernhard
Published: July 2014

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Humanökologie bereitet sich auf das Jubiläumsjahr 2015 vor. Mit der 25. Jahrestagung in Sommerhausen wird sie zugleich den 40. Jahrestag ihrer Gründung feiern. Zeit für eine kleine Bilanz und einen Ausblick auf die deutschsprachige
Humanökologie.
The Role of Social Sciences and Humanities in Integrative Research on Natural Resources
Authors: Wäger Patrick , Ejderyan Olivier , Schmid Franziska , Stauffacher Michael , Zingerli Claudia
Published: July 2014

The saguf-working group Integrative Research on Natural Resources (AG IRF) explores the character of an integrative research on natural resources and the preconditions for and possibilities of a better cooperation between scientific domains.
Towards a Reflexive Turn in the Governance of Global Environmental Expertise. The Cases of the IPCC and the IPBES
Authors: Beck Silke , Borie Maud , Chilvers Jason , Esguerra Alejandro , Heubach Katja , Hulme Mike , Lidskog Rolf , Lövbrand Eva , Marquard Elisabeth , Miller Clark , Nadim Tahani , Neßhöver Carsten , Settele Josef , Turnhout Esther , Vasileiadou Eleftheria , Görg Christoph
Published: July 2014

The role and design of global expert organizations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) or the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) needs rethinking. Acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all model does not exist, we suggest
a reflexive turn that implies treating the governance of expertise as a matter of political contestation.
Innovating European Nature Conservation Law by Introducing Ecosystem Services
Authors: Kistenkas Frederik H.
Published: July 2014

Whereas the importance of the concept of ecosystem services is growing ever stronger in other scientific disciplines, law discourse does not seem to be very aware of it. As this paper advocates, EU nature conservation law would greatly profit from adopting the concept of ecosystem services,
thus giving more weight to sustainable development demands. Instead, the European Court of Justice recently lost some momentum. Although it easily could have adopted the concept into the Natura 2000 appropriate assessment, the court fell back on a rigid application of limited conservation
objectives.
Farming for a Better Climate (FarmClim). Design of an Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research Project Aiming to Address the “Science-Policy Gap”
Authors: Amon Barbara , Winiwarter Wilfried , Anderl Michael , Baumgarten Andreas , Dersch Georg , Guggenberger Thomas , Hasenauer Hubert , Kantelhardt Jochen , Kasper Martina , Kitzler Barbara , Moser Tobias , Pötzelsberger Elisabeth , Prosenbauer Manfred , Schaller Lena , Schröck Andrea , Sigmund Elisabeth , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Zethner Gerhard
Published: July 2014

FarmClim aims at contributing to a more considerate use of nitrogen in Austrian agriculture. The transdisciplinary research project attempts to tackle the “science-policy gap” by using a participatory approach, that is, stakeholders influence the research process
as much as the scientists strive for the implementation of their ideas. This paper describes the project design and communication processes. Full integration of practice partners adds to the complexity of the project's structure, but brings consider able benefits right from the outset. Taking
advantage of the existing institutional setting of FarmClim partners, we expect to maintain expert consultancy beyond the lifetime of the project, helping agriculture to meet the challenges of environmental and economic performance of a producing agriculture.
Effect of cross-link density and the healing efficiency of self-healing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel
Authors: Sirajuddin Najiyyah Abdullah , Md Jamil Mohd Suzeren , Mat Lazim Muhammad Azwani Shah
Published: July 2014

In this study, hydrogels of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with different cross-link density were prepared by the free-radical polymerization method. l-Cystine, which acts as a cross-linker, was prepared at different concentrations, ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 mol/l, to identify the concentration that provided the highest mechanical strength and healing efficacy. Healing of the hydrogels was achieved by heating above their glass transition temperature. Intermolecular diffusion of the dangling chain or chain slippage led to the healing of the gels. Results showed that 0.04 mol/l of l-cystine in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels provided the highest ultimate tensile strength (0.780 N/mm2) and healing recovery (92%). This healing capability was also observed using optical microscopy.
Novel Cell Flying Capacitor Converter Topology with Significant Reduction in Number of Components
Authors: Banaei M. R. , Toupchi Khosroshahi M.
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes a novel configuration of conventional flying capacitor (FC) inverter called cell flying capacitor converter (CFC). The proposed topology is obtained by replacing the clamping capacitor of flying capacitor converter with number of series connected half-bridge cells. The main advantages of the proposed converter, compared to the conventional FC converter, are drastic reduction in the number of switches and capacitors. Furthermore, there are redundant switching states which cause to create different pole voltages. In this structure, it is possible to balance the capacitor voltages instantaneously in any direction of the current, by selecting suitable switching states, irrespective of the load power factor. To evaluate performance of the proposed configuration and its control strategy, simulation has been done in MATLAB/Simulink and results have been presented.
Haemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in pregnant women with acquired and congenital cardiac disease
Authors: Kevane Barry , McKenna Peter , Walsh Kevin , Donnelly Jennifer C. , Flood Karen , Cullen Michelle , Bowen Mary , Thornton Patrick , Loughrey John , Coulter-Smith Sam , Áinle Fionnuala Ní
Published: July 2014

Background: Pregnant patients with cardiac disease have significantly higher predicted maternal morbidity and mortality compared to the general obstetric population. Published guidelines on optimal management of these patients recommend multidisciplinary care provision. There are few published data on the incidence of haematological complications in pregnant women with cardiac disease, although the data that does exist suggests a relatively high rate of bleeding and thrombotic events.

Aims: To determine the outcomes in terms of haematological morbidity occurring within a cohort of pregnant women with cardiac disease in the setting of multidisciplinary care provision.

Methods: Patients were identified from a database compiled by the obstetric cardiology service listing all cardiac patients managed in the Rotunda maternity hospital during the period from 2004 to 2011. Data were obtained from the medical and obstetric case notes relating to details of perinatal care and the occurrence of antenatal and postnatal complications.

Results: During the 8-year review period, 451 women with cardiac disease were assessed. Fifty-nine were determined to have moderate to high-risk disease. Each received consultant-delivered multidisciplinary care, where written management strategies were agreed by collaborating senior colleagues either preconceptually or in early pregnancy. No venous thromboembolic events occurred and a modest rate of post-partum haemorrhage (approximately 5%) was recorded. There were no maternal deaths.

Conclusion: The relatively favourable outcomes observed within our institution highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of pregnant women with cardiac disease, particularly in scenarios where limited published evidence exists to guide management.
A Formal Model of Arms Market with Cash-for-Favours
Authors: Gangopadhyay Partha
Published: July 2014

Both corruption and market imperfections are important facets of modern arms markets. In the standard literature of arms market, production, procurement, sales (exports) and purchases (imports) of arms take place in the shadow of corruption. Corruption is an integral part of the environment of the arms trade that exerts an influence upon the outcome in the arms market. In our work, we make corruption as a choice variable of the powerful players in the global arms market and examine the equilibrium consequence of corruption that is strategically chosen by armament firms. We develop a simple duopoly to characterize a perfect Nash equilibrium of cash-for-favors and establish perplexing comparative static properties of this equilibrium. The primary intuition here is that cash-for-favors can have serious impacts on the equilibrium of an oligopoly through their effects on the incentives of and constraints on individual firms. We offer a model of endogenous corruption, to our understanding for the first time, to examine the global arms market in order to establish that the equilibrium outcome in the arms market cannot be fully captured by the standard results of oligopoly. Researchers have to extremely careful in applying the standard tools of oligopoly to the arms market as our results suggest that endogenous corruption can reverse most of the known results of oligopoly.
Доімплантаційний розвиток ембріонів жінок старшого репродуктивного віку
Authors: Chaplia O. V. , Gontar J. V. , Bilko N. M.
Published: July 2014

In order to reveal the influence of genetic component on the early embryo development, the retrospective study of morphokinetic characteristics of 717 embryos subjected to preimplantation genetic testing was conducted. Blastomere biopsy for FISH-based preimplantation genetic screening of 7 chromosomes was performed on the third day of culture, while embryo developmental potential and morphological features at the cleavage and blastulation stage were studied regarding maternal age particularly in the group of younger women and patients older than 36. Results of genetic testing revealed that euploid embryos rate gradually decreased with maternal age comprising 39.9% in young women group and 25.3% of specimen belonging to elder patients. At the cleavage stage, morphological characteristics of aneuploid and euploid embryos didn’t differ significantly regardless of the age of patients that could be accounted for the transcriptional silence of embryo genome till the third day of its development. However, in case of prolonged culture chromosomally balanced embryos rarely faced developmental arrest (in 7.9%) and formed blastocysts half more frequently compared to aberrant embryos (respectively 75.6 versus 49.8%). Nevertheless, no substantial difference was found between blastocyst formation rate among embryos with similar genetic component regardless of the maternal age. Taking into consideration high rate of chromosomally unbalanced embryos specific to patients of advanced maternal age, the relative proportion of aneuplouid blastocysts was significantly higher in this group of embryos. Thus, without genetic screening there is a possibility of inaccurate selection of embryos for women of advanced reproductive age for transfer procedure even in case of prolonged culture. Consequently, increase of aneuploid embryos frequency associated with permanent preimplantation natural selection effectiveness along with the postimplantation natural selection failure may be the cause of elevated risk of chromosomally abnormal child birth for advanced age women after natural conception, as well as after assisted reproduction therapy.
Роль системи Hp в адаптації показників специфічного імунітету до впливу помірних фізичних навантажень
Authors: Sokolenko V. L. , Sokolenko S. V.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the role of haptoglobin phenotype in realization of adaptive responses of cellular and humoral immunity indices to moderate exercise caused by physical training. The study was implemented in the group of second-year students aged 18–20 who lived in the same climatic and geographical conditions for a long period of time. The students didn’t have any acute or chronic diseases and attended the main group of physical training. 60 persons were investigated. Immune system indices analysis was carried out in September before and after physical training lessons. Leukocyte level was calculated using hemocytometer, lymphocyte level was determined on the base of blood smear (dyeing for Romanowsky–Giemsa). Expression of surface antigene by peripheral blood lymphocyte was determined by immuno-fluorescence method with the use of monoclonal antibodies. The level of immunoglobulin in plasma was determined by radial immunodiffusion or Mancini method. To assess the phenotype of haptoglobin (Hp) we used the method of electrophoresis in starch gels. In the course of research we have detected the reduction of the relative and total number of lymphocytes regardless of haptoglobin phenotype in the group of students after physical training; this is a typical feature of the initial stages of stress response. We observed statistically reliable decrease in total number of analyzed subpopulations of T-lymphocyte in the group of students with phenotype Hp2-2 which was obviously the result of changes in the general level of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. In the group of students with phenotype Hp1-1 absolute number of T-lymphocyte with phenotype CD3+ and CD4+ is reduced. In the group of students with phenotype Hp2-1 we have seen only the tendency to decrease in functional mature T-lymphocyte and their helper subpopulation. In the group of students with phenotype Hp2-2 the relative number of helper T-lymphocyte with the phenotype of CD4+ was reduced after moderate physical activity and it caused the decline in immune regulating index CD4+/CD8+. Changes of the level of B-lymphocyte with CD72+ phenotype were not found regardless of the haptoglobin phenotype. Analysis of the impact of moderate physical activity on major classes of serum immunoglobulin revealed the reduction of IgG level in the group of students with phenotype Hp2-2. Thus, we draw the conclusion that serum haptoglobin system shares the adaptive reactions of immune system to moderate physical activity. The most pressing phenotype is Hp2-2. Even in the group of students with immune pressing haptoglobin phenotypes, the analyzed parameters do not go beyond the homeostatic regulations after physical activity and it indicates satisfactory level of immune system adaptation to performed physical activity.
Аутоімунна реакція проти нейроспецифічних білків та якість життя пацієнтів з уродженою вадою серця
Authors: Lisunets H. M. , Nedzvetsky V. S.
Published: July 2014

The results of experimental investigation of autoimmune reaction targeted against neirospecific protein antigens in patients with congenital heart failure are presented. It is shown that titer for autoanibodies to these patients’ brain proteins is significantly higher compared with healthy persons. Elevation of titer of these autoantibodies is correlated with the ability to solve tasks for revealing complex analogies and decrease of life quality. Therefore, worsening of life quality and development of cognitive deficit in patients with cardiovascular diseases might be associated with autoimmune reaction against specific proteins of nervous tissue cells. The results obtained demonstrate that generation of autoantibodies in patients with congenital heart failure is linked with the cognitive deficit. One of the most important causes of cognitive decline could be hypoxia state due to surgery intervention. Consequences of hypoxia, in their turn, are accompanied by chronic oxidative stress. Molecular and cell injuries induced by free radicals are known to be the widely spread cause of various pathologies. Further investigations for validation of diagnostic hallmarks for estimation of the origin of progression of the cognitive deficit in patients with congenital heart failure are needed. These studies will allow clarifying mechanisms of influence of hypoxia-induced injuries associated with the aggravation of oxidative stress in nervous tissue cells. Understanding of relationship between decline of cognitive function and pathologies of cardiovascular system is necessary for more precise clinical diagnostics of the early prevention of possible complications and proper treatment of patients.
A nano-model for micromechanics-based elasticity prediction of hardened cement paste
Authors: Chen Jun , Jin Xianyu , Jin Nanguo , Tian Ye
Published: July 2014

Micromechanics-based elasticity prediction of cement paste has been studied for nearly a decade. Existing models are all based on previous knowledge of the microstructure of cement paste and usually ignore the morphological effect of the inclusions. This paper develops an equivalent-individual inclusions model for elasticity prediction of hardened cement paste with consideration of the microstructural variation given a low water-to-cement ratio condition and the non-spherical morphology of the inclusions. High-density calcium silicate hydrate, ultra-high-density calcium silicate hydrate and cement clinker are together modelled as the equivalent inclusion, while calcium hydroxide and capillary pores are modelled as individual inclusions embedded in the low-density calcium silicate hydrate matrix. The equivalent inclusion and calcium hydroxide are presented as spheroids with different aspect ratios. The elasticity values of hardened cement paste are then obtained through a five-step calculation flowchart based on the Mori–Tanaka scheme. Finally, predictions of the equivalent-individual inclusions model are compared with experimental data and the validity of the model is verified. The paper concludes that, when the water to cement ratio is in the range of 0·25–0·6, the equivalent-individual inclusions model can predict the elasticity of hardened cement paste with an average error smaller than 4%.
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among Participants in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry
Authors: Wong Jenise C. , Foster Nicole C. , Maahs David M. , Raghinaru Dan , Bergenstal Richard M. , Ahmann Andrew J. , Peters Anne L. , Bode Bruce W. , Aleppo Grazia , Hirsch Irl B. , Kleis Lora , Chase H. Peter , DuBose Stephanie N. , Miller Kellee M. , Beck Roy W. , Adi Saleh ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device use, factors associated with its use, and the relationship of CGM with diabetes outcomes (HbA1c, severe hypoglycemia [SH], and diabetic ketoacidosis [DKA]).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Survey questions related to CGM device use 1 year after enrollment in the T1D Exchange clinic registry were completed by 17,317 participants. Participants were defined as CGM users if they indicated using real-time CGM during the prior 30 days.

RESULTS

Nine percent of participants used CGM (6% of children <13 years old, 4% of adolescents 13 to <18 years, 6% of young adults 18 to <26 years, and 21% of adults ≥26 years). CGM use was more likely with higher education, higher household income, private health insurance, longer duration of diabetes, and use of insulin pump (P < 0.01 all factors). CGM use was associated with lower HbA1c in children (8.3% vs. 8.6%, P < 0.001) and adults (7.7% vs. 7.9%, P < 0.001). In adults, more frequent use of CGM (≥6 days/week) was associated with lower mean HbA1c. Only 27% of users downloaded data from their device at least once per month, and ≤15% of users reported downloading their device at least weekly. Among participants who used CGM at baseline, 41% had discontinued within 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

CGM use is uncommon but associated with lower HbA1c in some age-groups, especially when used more frequently. Factors associated with discontinuation and infrequent use of retrospective analysis of CGM data should be considered in developing next-generation devices and education on CGM use.
Glycation of Fetal Hemoglobin Reflects Hyperglycemia Exposure In Utero
Authors: Dupont Felix O. , Hivert Marie-France , Allard Catherine , Ménard Julie , Perron Patrice , Bouchard Luigi , Robitaille Julie , Pasquier Jean-Charles , Auray-Blais Christiane , Ardilouze Jean-Luc
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

The lifetime risk of metabolic diseases in offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) depends, at least in part, on the impact of glycemic fetal programming. To quantify this impact, we have developed and validated a unique mass spectrometry method to measure the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in cord blood.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This case-control study includes 37 GDM women and 30 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESULTS

Glycation of the α-chain (Glα) was higher in neonates from GDM (2.32 vs. 2.20%, P < 0.01). Glα strongly correlated with maternal A1C measured at delivery in the overall cohort (r = 0.67, P < 0.0001) as well as in each group (GDM: r = 0.66, P < 0.0001; NGT: r = 0.50, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, Glα may reflect hyperglycemic exposure during the last weeks of fetal development. Future studies will confirm Glα is a predictive biomarker of prenatally programmed lifetime metabolic health and disease.
Renal Hyperfiltration Is Associated With Glucose-Dependent Changes in Fractional Excretion of Sodium in Patients With Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yang Gary K. , Har Ronnie L.H. , Lytvyn Yuliya , Yip Paul , Cherney David Z.I.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Renal hyperfiltration is a common abnormality associated with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In animal models, increased proximal tubular sodium reabsorption results in decreased distal sodium delivery, tubuloglomerular feedback activation, afferent vasodilatation, and hyperfiltration. The role of tubular factors is less well understood in humans. The aim of the current study was therefore to compare the fractional sodium excretion (FENa) in hyperfiltering (T1D-H) versus normofiltering (T1D-N) patients and healthy control (HC) subjects, as well as the role of ambient hyperglycemia on FENa.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood pressure, renal function (inulin for glomerular filtration rate [GFR], and paraaminohippurate for effective renal plasma flow), FENa, and circulating neurohormones were measured in T1D-H (n = 28, GFR ≥135 mL/min/1.73 m2), T1D-N (n = 30), and HC (n = 35) subjects during clamped euglycemia. Studies were repeated in a subset of patients during clamped hyperglycemia.

RESULTS

During clamped euglycemia, T1D-H exhibited lower FENa than T1D-N and HC subjects (0.64 ± 0.06% vs. 0.91 ± 0.12% and 0.90 ± 0.10%, P < 0.05). During clamped hyperglycemia, FENa increased (Δ + 0.88 ± 0.22% vs. Δ + 0.02 ± 0.21%; between-group effect, P = 0.01) significantly in T1D-H, whereas FENa did not change in T1D-N. When treated as continuous variables, elevated GFR values were associated with hyperglycemia-induced increases in FENa (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with uncomplicated T1D-H exhibit lower FENa under euglycemic conditions, which may help to identify patients with hyperfiltration outside of a controlled laboratory setting. Increased FENa in T1D-H but not T1D-N under clamped hyperglycemic conditions suggests that the mechanisms responsible for increased sodium reabsorption leading to hyperfiltration can be saturated.
Increased Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Inflammation in Adipose Tissue in Obese Subjects Classified as Metabolically Healthy
Authors: Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Catalán Victoria , Rodríguez Amaia , Andrada Patricia , Ramírez Beatriz , Ibáñez Patricia , Vila Neus , Romero Sonia , Margall María A. , Gil María J. , Moncada Rafael , Valentí Víctor , Silva Camilo , Salvador Javier , Frühbeck Gema
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

It has been suggested that individuals with the condition known as metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) may not have the same increased risk for the development of metabolic abnormalities as their non–metabolically healthy counterparts. However, the validity of this concept has recently been challenged, since it may not translate into lower morbidity and mortality. The aim of the current study was to compare the cardiometabolic/inflammatory profile and the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in patients categorized as having MHO or metabolically abnormal obesity (MAO).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis to compare the cardiometabolic/inflammatory profile of 222 MHO and 222 MAO patients (62% women) matched by age, including 255 lean subjects as reference (cohort 1). In a second cohort, we analyzed the adipokine profile and the expression of genes involved in inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in visceral adipose tissue (VAT; n = 82) and liver (n = 55).

RESULTS

The cardiometabolic and inflammatory profiles (CRP, fibrinogen, uric acid, leukocyte count, and hepatic enzymes) were similarly increased in MHO and MAO in both cohorts. Moreover, above < 30% of patients classified as MHO according to fasting plasma glucose exhibited IGT or T2D. The profile of classic (leptin, adiponectin, resistin) as well as novel (serum amyloid A and matrix metallopeptidase 9) adipokines was almost identical in MHO and MAO groups in cohort 2. Expression of genes involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling in VAT and liver showed a similar alteration pattern in MHO and MAO individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides evidence for the existence of a comparable adverse cardiometabolic profile in MHO and MAO patients; thus the MHO concept should be applied with caution. A better identification of the obesity phenotypes and a more precise diagnosis are needed for improving the management of obese individuals.
Starlike functions of complex order involving q-hypergeometric functions with fixed point
Authors: Vijaya Kaliappan , Murugusundaramoorthy Gangadharan , Kasthuri Murugesan
Published: July 2014

Recently Kanas and Ronning introduced the classes of starlike and convex functions, which are normalized with ƒ(ξ) = ƒ0(ξ) − 1 = 0, ξ (|ξ| = d) is a fixed point in the open disc U = {z ∈ ℂ: |z| < 1}. In this paper we define a new subclass of starlike functions of complex order based on q-hypergeometric functions and continue to obtain coefficient estimates, extreme points, inclusion properties and neighbourhood results for the function class T Sξ(α, β,γ). Further, we obtain integral means inequalities for the function ƒ ∈ T Sξ(α, β,γ).
Attracting FDI to the Region of Lodz by Its Local Government
Authors: Dorożyński Tomasz , Świerkocki Janusz , Urbaniak Wojciech
Published: July 2014

This paper evaluates the financial and non-financial incentives used by local authorities in the Province of Lodz to promote the inflow of FDI. Conclusions are based on a questionnaire study conducted in the second half of 2010 among 188 companies with foreign capital (CFC) which invested in the region, and 87 local government units hosting the majority of the CFCs included in the study. The obtained results indicate that support offered by local authorities had only a minor impact on the location decision for the investment project, and this conclusion is consistent with results of studies which assessed the role of incentives in Poland at macro, regional and sectoral levels.
Comparison of Algorithms for Clustering Incomplete Data
Authors: Matyja Artur , Siminski Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

The missing values are not uncommon in real data sets. The algorithms and methods used for the data analysis of complete data sets cannot always be applied to missing value data. In order to use the existing methods for complete data, the missing value data sets are preprocessed. The other solution to this problem is creation of new algorithms dedicated to missing value data sets.

The objective of our research is to compare the preprocessing techniques and specialised algorithms and to find their most advantageous usage.
RSRP: A Robust Secure Routing Protocol in MANET
Authors: Sinha Ditipriya , Bhattacharya Uma , Chaki Rituparna
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm RSRP to build a robust secure routing protocol in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). This algorithm is based on some basic schemes such as RSA_CRT for encryption and decryption of messages; CRT for safety key generation, Shamir’s secret sharing principle for generation of secure routes. Those routes which are free from any malicious node and which belong to the set of disjoint routes between a source-destination pair are considered as probable routes. Shamir’s secret sharing principle is applied on those probable routes to obtain secure routes. Finally, most trustworthy and stable route is selected among those secure routes. Selection of the final route depends on some criteria of the nodes present in a route e.g.: battery power, mobility and trust value. In addition, complexity of key generation is reduced to a large extent by using RSA-CRT instead of RSA. In turn, the routing becomes less expensive and most secure and robust one. Performance of this routing protocol is then compared with non-secure routing protocols (AODV and DSR), secure routing scheme using secret sharing, security routing protocol using ZRP and SEAD depending on basic characteristics of these protocols. All such comparisons show that RSRP shows better performance in terms of computational cost, end-to-end delay and packet dropping in presence of malicious nodes in the MANET, keeping the overhead in terms of control packets same as other secure routing protocols.
Income Redistribution and Socio-economic Development
Authors: Mericková Beáta Mikušová , Halásková Renáta
Published: July 2014

The trade off efficiency and equity issue, which is represented by income redistribution, becomes increasingly debated not only in economic and social, but also in political dimension. Solution of this trade-off problem is projected into the implementation of social policy and results achieved in macroeconomics policy, with the goal to define the optimal scope and character of the income redistribution processes. The submitted empirical study responds to this problem through the investigation of research question focused on the existence of a relationship between the social protection expenditure (expenditure on policy of family, old age and unemployment) and the achieved level of socio-economic development (quantified by Human Development Index HDI). The existence of this relationship is statistically tested in a sample of 15 countries. The research sample is heterogeneous in relation to the analyzed indicators, and it contains countries with a different level of economics development and income redistribution policy. Based on the results of quantitative analysis in most surveyed countries, impact of social protection expenditure on the reached level of economic development was confirmed. The correlation between the social protection expenditure and socio-economic development is positive in the case of the family and old-age pension policy, and negative in the case of employment policy