bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination treatment of fingolimod with antidepressants in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients with depression: a multicentre, open-label study – REGAIN
Authors: Bayas Antonios , Schuh Katrin , Baier Monika , Vormfelde Stefan Viktor ,   for the REGAIN Study Group, Koppai-Reiner Joachim , Strauss Erik , Haerting Beatrix , Wiehler Stephan , Boehringer Johannes , Laumen Peter , Christopher Angelika , Pfeiffer Uwe , Hofmann Werner , Horn Rolf , Lauter Thorsten , Polzer Udo , Halbgewachs Frank , Siever Arno , Honig Holger , Mahler Andreas , Kuhlgert Karsten , Weber Martin , Bischof Felix , Martin Hoffmann Olaf , Merkelbach Stefan , Ralf Kessler Kirn , Wenzelburger Roland , Mayer Geert , Strittmatter Matthias
Published: June 2016

Objectives:

Approximately one in two patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from comorbid depression. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of fingolimod and antidepressant combination in relapsing–remitting MS patients with mild-to-moderate depression. Efficacy outcome variables were quality of life (QoL), fatigue, disability and depression.

Methods:

Patients received open-label fingolimod 0.5 mg over 2 weeks, followed by fingolimod plus citalopram (40 mg), fluoxetine (40 mg) or venlafaxine (150 mg) over 16 weeks. The antidepressant was selected at the physician’s discretion.

Results:

In total, 54 patients were recruited at 25 centres across Germany. No new safety signals (including cardiac) emerged compared with previous clinical studies. Adverse events (mostly mild-to-moderate) were reported in 43 patients. A total of three patients had serious adverse events and 10 discontinued the study. QoL (mean [95% confidence interval]) improved by 2.2 (−3.3, −1.2; Patient Reported Indices for MS questionnaire), fatigue by 8.2 (−13.1, −3.3; modified Fatigue Impact Scale) and depression by 6.3 (−8.4, −4.2; Hamilton Depression Scale) points. However, the results must be interpreted cautiously owing to limited patient numbers.

Conclusions:

Combination of fingolimod with antidepressant medication showed no unexpected safety signals. Patient-reported outcomes (QoL, disability, fatigue and depression) remained stable or improved.
Treatment compliance of working persons to high-dose antimuscarinic therapies: a randomized trial
Authors: Kosilov Kirill Vladimirovich , Loparev Sergey , Kuzina Irina , Shakirova Olga , Zhuravskaya Nataliya , Lobodenko Alexandra
Published: June 2016

Aim:

The aim of this work was to study the factors affecting the stability of working patients in antimuscarinic (AM) drug treatment.

Background:

The prevalence of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) is an average of between 8.2% and 16.0% of the population. UUI is a condition that adversely affects the health-related quality of life. The first-line therapy in managing UUI is AM treatment.

Methods:

In 1006 patients between 18 and 60 years old (627 women, 379 men, mean age 69.4) who received AM treatment for one year, the possible demographic, socioeconomic and health factors influencing compliance were studied. Also, the functional state of the lower urinary tract (LUT) was studied in this randomized, prospective survey. The study instruments were the documents of employers, tax offices, outpatient records, OABq-SF (overactive bladder - short form) questionnaires, MOS SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study short form-36), voiding charts, and uroflowmetry data.

Results:

The compliance to AM treatment within 6 months was retained in 49.5% patients; during the year, in 32.3% of patients. The average time for reaching the 30-day break in taking trospium was 194 days. In the course of the experiment it was revealed that compliance to AM treatment was significantly higher in patients taking solifenacin and trospium in high dosages ( p ⩽ 0.01, p ⩽ 0.05), suffering from severe symptoms of urgency ( p ⩽ 0.01), and having a low level of side effects ( p ⩽ 0.01). A satisfactory level of compliance is characteristic of patients with a high level of monthly and annual income ( p ⩽ 0.01, p ⩽ 0.01), a low percentage of expenses to AM ( p ⩽ 0.05), and rarely changing employers ( p ⩽ 0.05). In addition, the compliance to treatment is higher in older adults ( p ⩽ 0.05), living in the urban district ( p ⩽ 0.01), and working in educational ( p ⩽ 0.05) and health ( p ⩽ 0.01) institutions, having a high level of the indices of Social Functioning ( p ⩽ 0.05), Role-Emotional ( p ⩽ 0.05), and Mental Health ( p ⩽ 0.01).

Conclusion:

As a result of this study, under the control of the objective functional state of LUT, the influence of various factors on the patients’ stability in the treatment with AM drugs was revealed.
Effects of fuel Lewis number on localised forced ignition of turbulent homogeneous mixtures: A numerical investigation
Authors: Patel Dipal , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: June 2016

The influences of fuel Lewis number LeF (ranging from 0.8 to 1.2) on localised forced ignition and early stages of combustion of stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures have been analysed using simple chemistry three-dimensional compressible direct numerical simulations for different values of root-mean-square velocity fluctuation and the energy deposition characteristics (i.e. characteristic width and the duration of energy deposition by the ignitor). The localised forced ignition is modelled using a source term in the energy transport equation, which deposits energy in a Gaussian manner from the centre of the ignitor over a stipulated period of time. The fuel Lewis number LeF has been found to have significant influences on the extent of burning of stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures. It has been shown that the width of ignition energy deposition and the duration over which the ignition energy is deposited have significant influences on the success of ignition and subsequent flame propagation. An increase in the width of ignition energy deposition and the duration of energy deposition for a given amount of ignition energy have been found to have detrimental effects on the ignition event, which may ultimately lead to misfire. For a given value of [Formula: see text] ( LeF), the rate of heat transfer from the hot gas kernel increases with increasing LeF [Formula: see text], which in turn leads to a reduction in the extent of overall burning for both stoichiometric and fuel-lean homogeneous mixtures but the detrimental effects of high values of [Formula: see text] on localised forced ignition are particularly prevalent for fuel-lean mixtures. Detailed physical explanations have been provided for the observed [Formula: see text] and energy deposition characteristics effects.
Entropy noise: A review of theory, progress and challenges
Authors: Morgans Aimee S , Duran Ignacio
Published: June 2016

Combustion noise comprises two components: direct combustion noise and indirect combustion noise. The latter is the lesser studied, with entropy noise believed to be its main component. Entropy noise is generated via a sequence involving diverse flow physics. It has enjoyed a resurgence of interest over recent years, because of its increasing importance to aero-engine exhaust noise and a recognition that it can affect gas turbine combustion instabilities. Entropy noise occurs when unsteady heat release rate generates temperature fluctuations (entropy waves), and these subsequently undergo acceleration. Five stages of flow physics have been identified as being important, these being (a) generation of entropy waves by unsteady heat release rate; (b) advection of entropy waves through the combustor; (c) acceleration of entropy waves through either a nozzle or blade row, to generate entropy noise; (d) passage of entropy noise through a succession of turbine blade rows to appear at the turbine exit; and (e) reflection of entropy noise back into the combustor, where it may further perturb the flame, influencing the combustor thermoacoustics. This article reviews the underlying theory, recent progress and outstanding challenges pertaining to each of these stages.
The realities of being young, unemployed and poor in post-industrial Britain
Authors: Russell Lisa
Published: June 2016

Poverty is a complex cultural phenomenon that is very much in existence in contemporary post-industrial Britain. A young person’s poverty-striken situation, in addition to their marginalised hierarchal position, shapes their repetitive life cycle comprising different but interrelated forms of marginality. The young people in this ethnographic study were found to experience marginalisation in their education, training and work spheres, as well as in their community, family and home. The purpose of this article is to carefully analyse the link between marginalised young people’s (in)ability to participate in key social systems and their (lack of) access to financial, cultural and social resources.
A case of presumed herpes keratouveitis in a patient treated with fingolimod
Authors: Ayers Malissa C , Conway Devon S
Published: June 2016

We discuss a case of presumed bilateral herpes simplex keratouveitis in a 36-year-old multiple sclerosis patient switched to fingolimod from glatiramer acetate. Fingolimod treatment appears to increase the risk of herpesvirus infections, including with herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus. This case report reviews the potential immunology behind this risk, and identifies the need for further research, including ways to minimize and stratify risk for herpesvirus reactivation.
Targeting Patients Who Cannot Object? Re-Examining the Case for Non-Therapeutic Infant Circumcision
Authors: Darby Robert
Published: June 2016

Recent restatements of the case for routine circumcision of normal male infants and boys typically base their arguments on a range of medical evidence showing circumcision to have a protective effect against certain pathological conditions. It is then assumed that this evidence leads automatically to a clinical recommendation that circumcision should either be “considered” or strongly urged. Closer analysis reveals that the recommendation of infant or child circumcision has less to do with the medical benefits than with the historic origins of the procedure, the convenience to the operator and the status of the patient. It is further suggested that it is not clear that the medical benefits of infant or child circumcision outweigh the risks and harms, and that this style of advocacy fails to pay due regard to basic principles of bioethics and human rights that are accepted in other areas of medical practice.
Usage of Child Care and Education Centers
Authors: Dussaillant Francisca
Published: June 2016

The Chilean Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey was used to model the choices made by households with respect to day care or preschool (DC/PS) attendance. We also use georeferenced data on the location of centers that could take care of children. We present a detailed analysis of the correlates of DC/PS attendance choices, giving special attention to the distance between the household and the center as predictors. For these purposes, the joint decision of child attendance to DC/PS and mother’s employment is modeled. The measurement of this association is relatively new to the literature because it requires georeferenced data, which only recently have begun to be collected systematically by public policy agencies. The association we find between distance and attendance to DC/PS centers is significant but smaller than the association to the age of the child. Separate analyses for 0- to 14-month-olds and 25- to 54-month-olds show some heterogeneous effects on the joint decision of attendance and education.
Land Reforms, Land Markets and Urban Transformation
Authors: V. P. Nirmal Roy
Published: June 2016

Land that has legacies of tenure reforms offers scope for studying its relationship with contemporary dynamic land markets and increasing urban influence. This article seeks to locate the association of interventions in land tenure with the increasing urban influence and spurt in land markets of Kerala, an India state renowned for land reforms. Based on review, analysis of interventions initiated in Kerala is attempted to understand the changes in tenure and its impact on land markets and urban form. The role of the land reforms in distributing scores of title deeds by way of abolishing tenancy as well as hutment land were seminal in increasing the land ownership, but also contributed to activating land markets and rural–urban transformation. Results also indicate that in the absence of periodic introduction of proper land governance structures, land markets can also lead to imperfections and distortions.
Agricultural Tenancy in Some Irrigation Command Areas of North Gujarat
Authors: Ray C. N.
Published: June 2016

In the pre-independence period, Gujarat the Rayatwari system was predominant in the presidencies where land rights were with the tillers, who were subjected to regular payment of revenue. Tenants in Gujarat and Saurashtra were mostly Patidars by caste. They had become politically powerful by the time of Independence due to participation in the Indian freedom movement under Gandhi. Since they were the beneficiaries of reforms, they had enacted progressive laws., land reforms have met with mixed success in achieving equitable distribution  of land. The intermediaries between the state and the actual tillers have been removed, but efforts to provide land to the tiller have not been successful even though the distribution of land has become a little less unequal. Although the number of tenants has come down, unwritten contractual arrangements have increased. Thus, large-scale concealed tenancy still exists. So is the case with reverse tenancy-leasing-out land by marginal and small farmers to medium and large farmers, incidents which have increased in recent time.
Institutions of Grassroots Empowerment and Rural Development Attainments
Authors: Sarma Amiya , Bezbaruah M. P.
Published: June 2016

Policy approach to rural development in independent India has evolved through various stages. Limited success of different initiatives prompted setting up of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as statutory local self-governing bodies for securing faster rural development through greater grassroots empowerment. After a couple of decades of the 73rd Constitution Amendments that instituted the PRIs, it was felt necessary to ask whether PRIs had succeeded in percolating power to the grassroots, and if so, whether such empowerment expedited the pace of development in villages. In pursuit of this composite question, a field investigation was carried out in six carefully selected villages in Assam in 2012. Development attainments and improvements in such attainments have been found to be higher in the villages where institutions of grassroots empowerment have taken deeper roots. The study makes a case for deepening of the grassroots empowerment process for expeditious overcoming of the backlogs in rural development.
Tenure Security and Women Right Over Land
Authors: Samanta Debabrata
Published: June 2016

Land tenure system is the relationship between land and people, as individuals or groups, legally or customarily. Tenural security of land has far reaching implication; in one hand it reduce disputes, conflicts and uncertainty and vulnerability of poor and promote sustainable development, on the other it makes easy for transfer of land for more efficient use. Even after creation of numbers of acts, the tenural right is a matter of concern in Bihar. The situation is worse for sharecropper and women. This article analyses the status of land tenure security and available legal framework to ensure women right over land. It is found that there is hardly any record and recorded right to ensure right of sharecroppers. Although the law confers the equal right to women in their paternal property, but in practice this is not very common in India including Bihar. There hardly exists legal provision to ensure right of women over land and even if it is there, it is not implemented properly. Except some recent initiative, through which transfer of land to weaker section recorded in name of female member of family, there is no such legal provision to ensure women right over land.
Mesenchymal stem cells in cardiac regeneration: a detailed progress report of the last 6 years (2010–2015)
Authors: Singh Aastha , Singh Abhishek , Sen Dwaipayan
Published: June 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells have been used for cardiovascular regenerative therapy for decades. These cells have been established as one of the potential therapeutic agents, following several tests in animal models and clinical trials. In the process, various sources of mesenchymal stem cells have been identified which help in cardiac regeneration by either revitalizing the cardiac stem cells or revascularizing the arteries and veins of the heart. Although mesenchymal cell therapy has achieved considerable admiration, some challenges still remain that need to be overcome in order to establish it as a successful technique. This in-depth review is an attempt to summarize the major sources of mesenchymal stem cells involved in myocardial regeneration, the significant mechanisms involved in the process with a focus on studies (human and animal) conducted in the last 6 years and the challenges that remain to be addressed.
Fixed points for cyclic φ-contractions in generalized metric spaces
Authors: He Fei , Chen Alatancang
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we obtain a fixed point theorem for mappings satisfying cyclicφ-contractive conditions in complete metric spaces, which gives a positive answer to the question raised by Radenović (Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2015:189, 2015). We also find that this result and the fixed point result satisfying cyclic weakϕ-contractions given by Karapınar (Appl. Math. Lett. 24:822-825, 2011) are independent of each other. Furthermore, when the number of cyclic sets is odd, we obtain fixed point theorems satisfying cyclic weakϕ-contractions and cyclicφ-contractions in the setting of generalized metric spaces.
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Willis Mary Alissa , Fox Robert J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of Review:

Many therapeutic advances for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) have occurred in the past 25 years. Although similar advances in disease-modifying therapies have not been realized in progressive MS, many symptomatic therapeutic strategies can benefit patients with progressive MS. Few guidelines exist for management of patients with progressive MS.

Recent Findings:

The classification of progressive MS was revised in 2013 to include a description of inflammatory disease activity determined by clinical relapses or imaging findings. Developing knowledge about the pathogenesis of progressive MS and the role of comorbidities in modifying the disease course has implications for the clinical management of patients with progressive MS as well as for clinical trial design. Current and upcoming clinical trials will assess a wide range of interventions, including immunomodulatory agents, putative neuroprotective molecules, stem cell therapy, nutrition, and rehabilitation techniques.

None of the therapies currently approved for use in relapsing-remitting MS have been shown to slow the gradual progression of disability that occurs in the absence of recent relapses or changes in MRI. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the many symptoms that impact quality of life for patients with progressive MS.
New Approaches to the Diagnosis, Clinical Course, and Goals of Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
Authors: Krieger Stephen C.
Published: June 2016

The diagnosis, categorization, and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating diseases have shifted over the past decade, and many of the fundamental principles of MS pathogenesis and clinical course are being rewritten. Fundamental issues include selecting the right disease-modifying therapy for someone with active disease and how, or even if, patients with purely progressive MS should be treated. This article provides an overview and introduction to the current thinking in MS diagnosis and therapy with an emphasis on the data-driven and proactive approach that has come to define the current state of the art.
Pregnancy in the Setting of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Fabian Michelle
Published: June 2016

Purpose of Review:

This article provides a review of the available data on reproductive issues that arise in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Recent Findings:

Recent findings have replicated earlier findings that pregnancy and possibly breast-feeding bring about a favorable immunomodulatory effect in patients with MS. Use of disease-modifying therapies prior to pregnancy may further decrease a patient’s risk for postpartum disease activity.

The annualized relapse rate in MS decreases during pregnancy, with a nadir in the third trimester, and rebounds significantly in the 3-month postpartum period. Exclusive breast-feeding may exert a beneficial effect in decreasing the postpartum risk for relapse. Certain assisted reproductive technology methods are thought to increase the risk for relapse. Disease-modifying therapies are generally discontinued during pregnancy and lactation with a few exceptions. The pregnancy course is usually routine without significant obstetric complications, and babies, although slightly smaller, are typically healthy.
Severe, Highly Active, or Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Freedman Mark S. , Rush Carolina A.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of Review:

Despite the efficacy of current therapies for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), there remains a group of patients whose disease fails to respond and warrants a different approach to treatment. This article reviews this form of aggressive MS and proposes a definition and new treatment algorithm. Failing to recognize aggressive MS and initiate more effective therapy will result in a lost opportunity to effectively treat the disease.

Recent Findings:

Natural history studies, together with the results of contemporary clinical trials, help to identify and profile a subset of patients with relapsing MS who have a much poorer prognosis and for whom conventional treatment tends to fail. Therapies that have shown success in the treatment of this patient group with aggressive MS are reviewed and discussed.

It is imperative to recognize aggressive MS to effectively treat it before patients progress. Recognizing aggressive MS as early as possible is the key to successful implementation of a proposed algorithm.
Incidental Lesions Suggesting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Okuda Darin T.
Published: June 2016

Purpose of Review:

Neurologists are frequently asked to consult on patients with incidentally observed anomalies on brain MRI that may be suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). The identification of such findings has important clinical management implications. This review provides an overview and practical clinical approach options for clinicians.

Recent Findings:

An increase in the number of brain MRI studies performed annually is expected to result in detection of a corresponding greater number of unanticipated anomalies. A disproportionate number of patients referred to neurologists for this reason have punctate subcortical T2 hyperintensities that appear nonspecific in origin rather than having imaging features concerning for MS. However, in some instances, the MRI characteristics appear to be typical for demyelination. When these features are observed, efforts should be pursued to identify an accurate explanation for the preclinical findings through rigorous clinical evaluation, paraclinical testing, and utilization of longitudinal imaging.

The identification of subjects with incidental T2 hyperintensities highly suggestive of MS is important for patient counseling and management. Continued neurologic evaluations and reassessment of the original clinical impression are recommended to ensure accurate interpretation of the available data.
Development and deposition of resilin in energy stores for locust jumping
Authors: Burrows M.
Published: June 2016

Locusts jump by using a catapult mechanism in which energy produced by slow contractions of the extensor tibiae muscles of the hind legs is stored in distortions of the exoskeleton, most notably 1) the two semi-lunar processes at each knee joint and 2) the tendons of the extensor muscles themselves. The energy is then suddenly released from these two stores to power the rapid, propulsive movements of the hind legs. The reliance on the mechanical storage of energy is likely to impact on jumping because growth occurs by a series of five moults, at each of which the exoskeleton is replaced by a new one. All developmental stages (instars) nevertheless jump as a means of forward locomotion, or as an escape movement. Here I show that in each instar, resilin is added to the semi-lunar processes and to the core of the extensor tendons so that their thickness increases. As the next moult approaches, a new exoskeleton forms within the old one with resilin already present in the new semi-lunar processes. The old exoskeleton, the tendons, and their resilin is discarded at moulting. The resilin of the semi-lunar processes and tendons of the new instar is initially thin, but a similar pattern of deposition results in an increase of their thickness. In adults, resilin continues to be deposited so that at four weeks old the thickness in the semi-lunar processes has increased fourfold. These changes in the energy stores accompany changes in jumping ability and performance during each moulting cycle.
Short Communication: Morphological study of Fagraea ceilanica (Gentianaceae) in Mount Nglanggeran, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: WIDODO WIDODO , LUTHFI MUHAMMAD JAâ€™FAR
Published: June 2016

Widodo, Luthfi MJ. 2016. Morphological study of Fagraea ceilanica (Gentianaceae) in Mount Nglanggeran, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 454-460. Fagraea ceilanica Thunb. population were found in the Mount Nglanggeran in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Identification was based on the literature and herbarium specimens. The study was conducted through continued exploration and examination on specimen collection. The existence of F. ceilanica in Java was only described in Flora of Java by Backer and Bakuizen van den Brink (1965). Fagraea ceilanica is a liana climbing on large stone. Characteristic for initial identification were ovate to ellipsoid leaves which were opposite, thick and grayish green; bell-trumpet flower shape with flowering season around March and whitish to yellowish color and also 5-8 cm corolla tube. This paper presents important morphological character, namely leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of F. ceilanica. Study on morphological character of F. ceilanica found on Mount Nglanggeran is needed to recognize its potential, benefit and conservation of this species.
Short Telomere Length and Ischemic Heart Disease: Observational and Genetic Studies in 290 022 Individuals
Authors: Scheller Madrid Alexander , Rode Line , Nordestgaard Børge G , Bojesen Stig E
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Short telomeres are associated with aging and have been associated with a high risk of ischemic heart disease in observational studies; however, the latter association could be due to residual confounding and/or reverse causation. We wanted to test the hypothesis that short telomeres are associated with high risk of ischemic heart disease using a Mendelian randomization approach free of reverse causation and of most confounding.

METHODS

We genotyped 3 genetic variants in OBFC1 (oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding fold containing 1), TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase), and TERC (telomerase RNA component), which code for proteins and RNA involved in telomere maintenance. We studied 105 055 individuals from Copenhagen; 17 235 of these individuals were diagnosed with ischemic heart disease between 1977 and 2013, and 66 618 had telomere length measured. For genetic studies, we further included the Coronary ARtery DIsease Genome wide Replication and Meta-analysis (CARDIoGRAM) consortium dataset, which included up to 184 967 participants and 60 837 cases of ischemic heart disease. We conducted multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard models for observational estimates, using logistic and instrumental variable analysis for genetic estimates.

RESULTS

Observationally, a 200-bp–shorter telomere length was associated with a multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for ischemic heart disease of 1.02 (95% CI, 1.01–1.03). Per allele, telomeres were shorter by 67 bp (73–60). In meta-analyses of all 4 studies combined, odds ratios for ischemic heart disease were 1.05 (1.03–1.08) for OBCF1, 1.04 (1.02–1.06) for TERT, and 1.01 (0.99–1.03) for TERC. A genetically determined 200-bp–shorter telomere length was associated with an odds ratio for ischemic heart disease of 1.10 (1.06–1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter telomeres were associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease, both observationally and genetically.
Live coding and teaching SuperCollider
Authors: Collins Nick
Published: June 2016

SuperCollider (SC) is a highly customizable programming language for music; live coding is the dynamic rewriting of a computer program as a concert or exploratory act. Learning sessions on SC can make ready use of live coding techniques, with many interesting musical possibilities, and this article explores the author’s twelve years of SC teaching. Contexts include SC workshops for adults, undergraduate computer music classes, and widening participation of creative coding sampler sessions for 11–13-year olds. The article is a personal reflection on pedagogy, which can provide ideas for live coding and computer music teaching across a range of audiences.
Assessment of groundwater quality by using statistical analysis from kopargaon taluka, Ahmednagar, India
Authors: A.V. Deshpande , S.N. Patil
Published: June 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater quality along the Kopargaon taluka. Thirty six ground water samples were collected from different sources in pre monsoon and post monsoon season, during the year 2013. The descriptive statistical analysis was carried out besides Pearson correlation. Correlation analysis revealed that very strong correlation exists between HCO3and Na(0.961), HCO3and Mg++ (0.935), HCO3and EC (0.927). Where highly negative correlation is observed between Na and pH (-0.537) during pre-monsoon season. During post monsoon season highly positive correlation is observed between Cl- and Ca++ (0.973), Ca and EC (0.967), Cl- and EC (0.966), SO4 and EC (0.948). Where, highly negative correlation is observed between Ca and pH (-0.533).
Paradigmatic perspectives of a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide in Namibia
Authors: Sumpi Ndempavali , Amukugo Hans Justus
Published: June 2016

The aim this paper is to discuss the paradigm perspective used in a developing a psychosocial educational programme to facilitate the reintegration of incarcerated women who had dumped babies and / or committed infanticide. A study of this nature requires a paradigmatic perspective; this is a collection of logically linked concepts and propositions that provide a theoretical perspective or orientation that tends to guide the research approach to a specific topic.A paradigmatic perspective as a “way of looking at natural phenomena that encompasses [sic] a set of philosophical assumptions, and [sic] that guides the researcher’s approach to inquiry”. It represents a worldview that defines for its holder, the nature of the "world," the individual's place in it, and the range of possible relationships to that world and its parts have, which include cosmological and theological points of view. Polit and Hungler (2006) describe assumptions as basic principles that are accepted as true on the basis of logic or reasoning, but without proof or verification.The paradigmatic perspective in this study consisted assumptions and the retries . These assumptions include the meta-theoretical, ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions. The meta theoretical basis of the study are Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach’s (1968) practice theory; Kolb’s experiential learning theory and Knowles’ andragogical learning theory.
Elliptic Equations with Weight and Combined Nonlinearities
Authors: Furtado Marcelo F. , da Silva João Pablo P. , Souza Bruno N.
Published: June 2016

We consider the equation

-

div
⁡

(

a
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

∇
⁡
u

)

=

b
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
u
|

q
-
2

⁢
u

+

c
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
u
|

p
-
2

⁢
u

,

u
∈

H
0
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

,

$-\operatorname{div}(a(x)\nabla u)=b(x)|u|^{q-2}u+c(x)|u|^{p-2}u,\quad u\in H_{% 0}^{1}(\Omega),$

where

Ω
⊂

ℝ
N

${\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{N}}$

is a bounded smooth domain and

N
≥
4

${N\geq 4}$

. The functions a, b and c satisfy some hypotheses which provide a variational structure for the problem. For

1
<
q
<
2
<
p
≤

2
⁢
N

/

(

N
-
2

)

${1<q<2<p\leq 2N/(N-2)}$

we obtain the existence of two nonzero solutions if the function b has small Lebesgue norm. The proof is based on minimization arguments and the Mountain Pass Theorem.
Torsion Functions and the Cheeger Problem: A Fractional Approach
Authors: Bueno Hamilton P. , Ercole Grey , Macedo Shirley S. , Pereira Gilberto A.
Published: June 2016

Let Ω be a Lipschitz bounded domain of

ℝ
N

${\mathbb{R}^{N}}$

,

N
≥
2

${N\geq 2}$

. The fractional Cheeger constant

h
s

⁢

(
Ω
)

${h_{s}(\Omega)}$

,

0
<
s
<
1

${0<s<1}$

, is defined by

h
s

⁢

(
Ω
)

=

inf

E
⊂
Ω

⁡

P
s

⁢

(
E
)

|
E
|

,
where

 

P
s

⁢

(
E
)

=

∫

ℝ
N

∫

ℝ
N

|

χ
E

⁢

(
x
)

-

χ
E

⁢

(
y
)

|

|

x
-
y

|

N
+
s

⁢

d

x

⁢

d
y

,

$h_{s}(\Omega)=\inf_{E\subset{\Omega}}\frac{P_{s}(E)}{|E|},\quad\text{where}% \quad P_{s}(E)=\int_{\mathbb{R}^{N}}\int_{\mathbb{R}^{N}}\frac{|\chi_{E}(x)-% \chi_{E}(y)|}{|x-y|^{N+s}}\,\mathrm{d}x\,\mathrm{d}y,$

with

χ
E

${\chi_{E}}$

denoting the characteristic function of the smooth subdomain E. The main purpose of this paper is to show that

lim

p
→

1
+

|

ϕ
p
s

|

L
∞

⁢

(
Ω
)

1
-
p

=

h
s

(
Ω
)

=

lim

p
→

1
+

|

ϕ
p
s

|

L
1

⁢

(
Ω
)

1
-
p

,

$\lim_{p\rightarrow 1^{+}}\lvert\phi_{p}^{s}|_{L^{\infty}(\Omega)}^{1-p}=h_{s}(% \Omega)=\lim_{p\rightarrow 1^{+}}\lvert\phi_{p}^{s}|_{L^{1}(\Omega)}^{1-p},$

where

ϕ
p
s

${\phi_{p}^{s}}$

is the fractional

(
s
,
p
)

${(s,p)}$

-torsion function of Ω, that is, the solution of the Dirichlet problem for the fractional p-Laplacian:

-

(
Δ
)

p
s

⁢
u

=
1

${-(\Delta)_{p}^{s}\,u=1}$

in Ω,

u
=
0

${u=0}$

in

ℝ
N

∖
Ω

${\mathbb{R}^{N}\setminus\Omega}$

. For this, we derive suitable bounds for the first eigenvalue

λ

1
,
p

s

⁢

(
Ω
)

${\lambda_{1,p}^{s}(\Omega)}$

of the fractional p-Laplacian operator in terms of

ϕ
p
s

${\phi_{p}^{s}}$

. We also show that

ϕ
p
s

${\phi_{p}^{s}}$

minimizes the

(
s
,
p
)

${(s,p)}$

-Gagliardo seminorm in

ℝ
N

${\mathbb{R}^{N}}$

, among the functions normalized by the

L
1

${L^{1}}$

-norm.
Calcium phosphate/microgel composites for 3D powderbed printing of ceramic materials
Authors: Birkholz Mandy-Nicole , Agrawal Garima , Bergmann Christian , Schröder Ricarda , Lechner Sebastian J. , Pich Andrij , Fischer Horst
Published: June 2016

Composites of microgels and calcium phosphates are promising as drug delivery systems and basic components for bone substitute implants. In this study, we synthesized novel composite materials consisting of pure β-tricalcium phosphate and stimuli-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate-co-vinylimidazole) microgels. The chemical composition, thermal properties and morphology for obtained composites were extensively characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, IGAsorp moisture sorption analyzer, thermogravimetric analysis, granulometric analysis, ESEM, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and TEM. Mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated by ball-on-three-balls test to determine the biaxial strength. Furthermore, initial 3D powderbed-based printing tests were conducted with spray-dried composites and diluted 2-propanol as a binder to evaluate a new binding concept for β-tricalcium phosphate-based granulates. The printed ceramic bodies were characterized before and after a sintering step by ESEM. The hypothesis that the microgels act as polymer adhesive agents by efficient chemical interactions with the β-tricalcium phosphate particles was confirmed. The obtained composites can be used for the development of new scaffolds.
Topological complexity of planar polygon spaces with small genetic code
Authors: Davis Donald M.
Published: June 2016

We determine lower bounds for the topological complexity of many planar polygon spaces mod isometry. With very few exceptions, the upper and lower bounds given by dimension and cohomology considerations differ by 1. This is true for 130 of the 134 generic 7-gon spaces. Our results apply to spaces of n-gons for all n, but primarily for those whose genetic codes, in the sense of Hausmann and Rodriguez, are moderately small.
Anaphylaxis in laboratory workers because of rodent handling: two case reports
Authors: Kampitak Thatchai , Betschel Stephen D
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Occupational allergy to rodents among laboratory animal workers is common. Most patients generally experience allergic symptoms after the first few years of work. Associated symptoms are usually mild, such as rhinoconjunctivits, urticaria, and asthma. Anaphylaxis, although rare, could be severe and life threatening.

Methods

We have described in this study two cases of laboratory workers that developed skin and respiratory reactions following laboratory rat and mouse bites, consistent with anaphylaxis.

Results

Skin testing was found positive for rat epithelium in the patient with anaphylaxis due to rat bite. Elevated levels of specific IgE antibodies against rat and mouse epitheliums were also detected in both the patients.

Conclusion

These cases illustrate a severe hypersensitivity reaction that could potentially occur in occupational workers that are in close contact with rodents. Reduction of allergen exposure, regular screening, and job modification could be beneficial for affected individuals. Health care workers should be made aware that anaphylaxis could be a serious consequence of laboratory animal bites, particularly in those already sensitized.
Az angiotenzinkonvertálóenzim-gén I/D polimorfizmusának hatása a vesetranszplantált betegek cardiovascularis rizikójára és a grafttúlélésre
Authors: Fedor Roland , Kovács Dávid Ágoston , †Lőcsey Lajos , Fagyas Miklós , Asztalos László , Tóth Attila
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Renal transplantation provides longer life expectancy in patients with renal failure. Nonetheless, this improved life expectancy is still shorter than that for the general population. The main couse of death in renal transplant patients is cardiovascular disease, and chronic allograft nephropathy is the most significant cause of graft loss. Genetic polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system have been implicated in both chronic allograft nephropathy and fatal cardiovascular diseases. Aim: The long term goal of the authors was to improve the survival of renal transplanted patients. The authors aimed to identify novel biomarkers which correlate with the survival of the transplant organ and the recipient with a special attention to elements of the renin-angiotensin system. Method: A retrospective clinical trial was performed involving 72 renal transplanted patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D genotypes and activity, kidney function and morphological properties of the heart were determined. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the DD genotype of the angiotensin-converting enzíme gene, and the DD genotype predicted severe left ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the I/D genotypes of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene predict not only the expected survival of the transplanted organ, but also that of the patient. Patients with the DD genotype are more susceptible for transplant failure. These patients should be identified and a special attention should be made on their pharmacological treatment (renin-angiotensin system inhibition), and their complience should also be maintained. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(24), 938–945.
Donorszelekciós kritériumok vizsgálata a debreceni veseátültetési programban
Authors: Zádori Gergely , Tarjányi Vera , P. Szabó Réka , Zsom Lajos , Fedor Roland , Kanyári Zsolt , Kovács Dávid Ágoston , Asztalos László , Nemes Balázs
Published: June 2016

Introduction: To ease organ shortage many transplant centres developed different donor scoring systems, however, a general consensus among clinicians on the use of these systems does not still exist. Aim: The aim of the authors was to analyse the effect of expanded criteria donor, deceased donor score and kidney donor risk index on postoperative kidney function and graft survival. Method: Analysis of the characteristics of 138 kidney transplantations and 205 donors in a retrospective study of a five-year period. Results: There was a trend towards rejecting donors in higher risk groups; 22.7% of standard criteria donors belonged to the high risk group of deceased donor score. Graft function was worse in high risk patients. High risk donors can be divided due to the use of deceased donor score. Patients with the highest risk had worse graft function and survival. Conclusions: With the use of these scoring systems grafts with favourable outcome can be selected more precisely. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(24), 946–955.
The impact of loss on divorce mediation
Authors: Yates Meredith
Published: June 2016

In the course of 25 years of mediating divorce disputes it has become clear to me that once the hostilities between parents in dispute are dissipated and understanding is re-established, a resolution is usually relatively easily achieved. I have also learnt that agreements endure for longer when hostilities have ceased, and research shows that children suffer less damage. In this paper I examine the factors that cause these hostilities and begin to look at what resolves them and restores mutual regard. A later paper will examine more fully the strategies by which hostilities are moderated and regard is restored in the mediation process.
Legal review of the mandatory mediation process in South Africa
Authors: Rycroft Alan John
Published: June 2016

Judicial understandings of mediation in the context of South Africa’s Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration are evaluated from reported decisions where a party sought to set aside a settlement agreement. What is apparent is that courts generally understand that the process of mandatory mediation can be robust and evaluative. The acceptable borderline for advice-giving, scenario-setting, pressure to settle and monitoring the settlement agreement is fact-specific. There is sufficient discrepancy between the cases to show that judicial assessment varies. Generally the courts seem to have no great concern over the breach of mediator confidentiality required in judicial review and none of the commissioners refused to cooperate in the review process.
‘I need to get some details first’
Authors: Weatherall Ann
Published: June 2016

In this article, I examine audio recordings of telephone calls to an independent dispute resolution service in which customers complained about their electricity, gas or water providers. Part of the job of the intake officers (who answer the calls) is to enter relevant information about the caller and the complaint into a computer software system called RESOLVE. A dataset of 120 calls were analysed using conversation analysis. Although there was no fixed order for registering caller and complaint details, intake officers regularly prioritised registering caller details. Sometimes that meant interrupting callers as they were describing their problem. On the whole, callers who were interrupted co-operated with the intake officer, but an analysis of a call is presented where the caller did not co-operate. The findings support a recommendation for flexibility in the order of activities that achieve telephone-mediated dispute resolution. Being flexible is most likely to effectively progress the interaction to accomplish the institution’s business in this case. Flexibility may be a general principle for the delivery of an effective dispute resolution service.
Tusidanganyane – Let’s not fool ourselves! Knowledge production and HIV Prevention in Nairobi (Kenya)
Authors: Beck Rose Marie
Published: June 2016

Empirically situated in the Swahili-Sheng speaking context of Nairobi (Kenya) and based on ethnographic conversation analysis, this paper presents a case of knowledge production through a particular verbal routine, i.e. a speaker initiated repair which turns Common Ground into Common Knowledge. With this particular routine young disadvantaged youth strategically make use of their local knowledge producing means to fundamentally and powerfully reject messages about HIV prevention during a prevention game adapted to the Kenyan context from Germany. As the activities of the facilitator show, this is possible because the modes of knowledge production of the game compared to that of the young people differs with respect to the role of authority and normativity of knowledge.
Youth multilingualism in South Africa’s hip-hop culture: A metapragmatic analysis
Authors: Williams Quentin E.
Published: June 2016

This paper describes the practice of youth multilingualism in South Africa’s hip-hop culture, in an online social media space and an advertising space. Based on a multi-sited ethnographic ?eldwork study of youth multilingual practices, comprising of the following data sets – multilingual interviews, observations, multilingual interactions and performances, documents and online social networking interactions – the paper reports on how young multilingual speakers active in the hip-hop culture of the country talk and write about the intermixing of racial and ethnic speech forms, as well as use registers in the practice of gendered identities. The argument I put forth in the paper is that the examples of youth multilingualism suggest a complex picture of youth multilingual contact in postcolonial South Africa, and one that require a sociocultural linguistic response that accounts for the cultural in?uence of youth multilingualisms in local hip-hop culture. To such an end, I suggest that multilingual policy planning in the country should be readjusted to the complex sociocultural changes we see emerge with youth multilingual practices.