bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations of sphenoid pneumatization: a CBCT study
Authors: Craiu Catalina , Sandulescu Mihai , Rusu Mugurel Constantin
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND. The pneumatization pattern of the sphenoid sinus seems rather unpredictable, as resulted from previous studies. It is however extremely important for endoscopic approaches to target structures of the middle cranial fossa, such as the pituitary gland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS. We aimed at documenting by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) the possibilities of anatomic variation of the sphenoid sinus. 25 randomly selected patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS. In 56%, the left and right sphenoidal sinuses were bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the sagittal pneumatization type: four patients had sellar types, one had presellar type and in nine cases the sphenoidal sinuses were reaching posteriorly to the sella turcica. Only in 8% of cases were found conchal types of pneumatization, but they were part of anatomical pictures including Onodi air cells. Such an Onodi cell presented a posterior (sphenoidal) recess reaching posteriorly and superiorly to the pterygopalatine fossa. The recesses of the sphenoid sinus were also documented: anterior or septal, ethmoidal, maxillary, clinoidal and lateral. In 32% was found a lateral recess only engaged between the vidian and maxillary nerve canals.

CONCLUSION. It appears that CBCT is a reliable tool for accurate anatomic identification of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization pattern, on a case-by-case basis.
Endoscopic and histological staging: Deciding factors in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Neagu Amalia , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: May 2015

Chronic rhinosinusitis represents an inflammatory condition of the nose and paranasal sinuses, characterized by two or more symptoms. The diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis is made, most often, clinically; however, in the case of chronic rhinosinusitis, imaging, bacteriological, as well as the histological investigation are necessary in order to establish the diagnosis and to exclude other diseases that have caused and/or are associated with rhinosinusitis. Different scores (clinical, imagistic) have been described over time, being considered as important factors in the therapeutic decision (surgical or conservative) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The authors present their experience in using and relying on endoscopic and histological scores.
The Economics of Payment Cards
Authors: Rysman Marc , Wright Julian
Published: May 2015

This paper surveys the economics literature on payment cards, focusing on the role of interchange fees, merchant internalization, surcharging and two-sided markets. The paper aims to integrate a wide range of theoretical papers with the relevant empirical research and important policy questions. We address not only the accomplishments of the research so far, but also the most important limitations in the existing theory and gaps where future research should be directed. Drawing on the insights developed, we provide a detailed evaluation of different policy options.
On the relationship between oil and gold before and after financial crisis: linear, nonlinear and time-varying causality testing
Authors: Bampinas Georgios , Panagiotidis Theodore
Published: May 2015

We examine the causal relationship between crude oil and gold spot prices before and after the recent financial crisis. In the pre-crisis period, causality is linear and unidirectional, running from oil to gold. In the post-crisis period, a bidirectional nonlinear causality relationship emerges. Volatility spillover transpires as the source of nonlinearity during this period. The time path of the causal linkages both for the returns and the levels (cointegration) was assessed via dynamic bootstrap causality analysis. We find that the causal linkage from gold to oil is time dependent and that the non-Granger causality null hypothesis rejection rate increased considerably in the post-financial crisis period. The probability of gold Granger causing oil in the short-run increases by more than 30% during the recent financial and euro crisis.
Is Flow Related to Positive Feelings or Optimal Performance? Path Analysis of Challenge-Skill Balance and Feelings
Authors: Flett M. Ryan
Published: May 2015

This study examined relationships between performance, challenge-skill balance (CSB; a primary indicator of state flow) and four valence-function categories of feelings: positive-functional (PF), negative-functional (NF), positive-dysfunctional (PD), and negativedysfunctional (ND). Ten college tennis players provided 918 self-reports during competitive intra-squad matches. Participants rated their feelings, CSB, and performance during tennis matches, and the relationships between these variables were examined through correlations and path analyses. CSB correlated strongly with PF (r = .70), moderately with NF (r = .38), had no correlation with PD (r = -.03), and a small negative correlation with ND (r = -.23). CSB was more strongly correlated with functional feelings than it was to pleasant feelings. Also, CSB and performance correlated very strongly with one another (r = .81). Path analyses supported these correlations as the final model depicted strong correlations between PF, NF, and CSB, along with a path indicating that CSB leads to Performance. The results support the notion that the CSB dimension of flow is more function- and performance-oriented than it is reflective of positive and optimal experience.
Perceived Locus of Control in Rhythmic Gymnastics by Coaches and Judges
Authors: Kosmidou Evdoxia , Giannitsopoulou Evgenia , Proios Miltiadis
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG) is a sport with subjective judgment. Locus of control is the perception that an action or the result of an action is either on one’s control or out of one’s control. Purpose of the present study was to examine the way coaches and judges perceive the degree of control a coach has on athletes’ success in through their roles. Seventy-seven coaches and judges from Greece were the participants of the study. Perceived Locus of Control general in life and Perceived Locus of Control in athletic success were measured by questionnaires. Results showed that coaches and judges perceive that athletic success in RG is due basically to internal factors. Judges scored higher than coaches in internal Locus of Control in RG and judges with previous coaching experience scored lower in Locus of Control Chance Global than judges with no coaching experience and coaches. Locus of control in RG could be generally be predicted by locus of control globally.
From Preparation to Competitive Period in Soccer: Hematological Changes
Authors: Bekris Evangelos , Gioldasis Aristotelis , Gissis Ioannis , Anagnostakos Konstantinos , Eleftherios Mylonis
Published: May 2015

Hematological parameters affect the aerobic capacity which is considered as basic for technical and tactical development of soccer players. However, the hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (HBG), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cells (RBC), iron status and ferritin concentration, change throughout a season. Therefore, the current longitudinal study aimed to examine the changes of hematological parameters in professional soccer players throughout a 6-month period. The researchers examined 25 soccer players (25.7 ± 2.1) at the beginning of the preparation period, at the middle, and at the end of the preparation period, as well as at the competitive period. The results indicated that in the first part of the preparation period there was an increasing trend for all the hematological parameters. This trend developed significant increases at the end of the preparation period, which corresponds at the beginning of the competitive period. In summary, the current findings showed that the players improve and maintain their hematological values throughout the season because of aerobic training during preparation period.
Single crystals of guanidinium zinc sulfate, [C(NH2)3]2Zn(SO4)2 – growth, structure, vibrational spectroscopy and stimulated Raman scattering
Authors: Bohatý Ladislav , Becker Petra , Haussühl Eiken , Němec Ivan , Lux Oliver , Joachim Eichler Hans , Yoneda Hitoki , Shirakawa Akira , Kaminskii Alexander A.
Published: May 2015

Large single crystals of the tetragonal (space group I4̅2d) guanidinium zinc sulfate, [C(NH2)3]2Zn(SO4)2, were grown and the crystal structure was redetermined. Vibrational spectra obtained by Raman and IR investigations are presented, together with an assignment of the observed vibration modes. Precise refractive index data in the wavelength range from 0.365 to 1.083 μm are given. [C(NH2)3]2Zn(SO4)2 is introduced as a new stimulated Raman scattering (SRS)-active crystal with three SRS-active vibration modes with ω
SRS1 ≈ 985 cm–1, ω
SRS2 ≈ 3390 cm–1 and ω
SRS3 ≈ 1015 cm–1. They allow for the generation of broadband nonlinear emission via χ
(3)- (SRS and Raman-induced four wave mixing, RFWM) as well as cascaded χ
(2)↔χ
(3)- processes.
Brain Dynamics of Aging: Multiscale Variability of EEG Signals at Rest and during an Auditory Oddball Task
Authors: Sleimen-Malkoun Rita , Perdikis Dionysios , Müller Viktor , Blanc Jean-Luc , Huys Raoul , Temprado Jean-Jacques , Jirsa Viktor K.
Published: May 2015

The present work focused on the study of fluctuations of cortical activity across time scales in young and older healthy adults. The main objective was to offer a comprehensive characterization of the changes of brain (cortical) signal variability during aging, and to make the link with known underlying structural, neurophysiological, and functional modifications, as well as aging theories. We analyzed electroencephalogram (EEG) data of young and elderly adults, which were collected at resting state and during an auditory oddball task. We used a wide battery of metrics that typically are separately applied in the literature, and we compared them with more specific ones that address their limits. Our procedure aimed to overcome some of the methodological limitations of earlier studies and verify whether previous findings can be reproduced and extended to different experimental conditions. In both rest and task conditions, our results mainly revealed that EEG signals presented systematic age-related changes that were time-scale-dependent with regard to the structure of fluctuations (complexity) but not with regard to their magnitude. Namely, compared with young adults, the cortical fluctuations of the elderly were more complex at shorter time scales, but less complex at longer scales, although always showing a lower variance. Additionally, the elderly showed signs of spatial, as well as between, experimental conditions dedifferentiation. By integrating these so far isolated findings across time scales, metrics, and conditions, the present study offers an overview of age-related changes in the fluctuation electrocortical activity while making the link with underlying brain dynamics.
Resequencing at ≥40-Fold Depth of the Parental Genomes of a Solanum lycopersicum × S. pimpinellifolium Recombinant Inbred Line Population and Characterization of Frame-Shift InDels That Are Highly Likely to Perturb Protein Function
Authors: Kevei Zoltan , King Robert C , Mohareb Fady , Sergeant Martin J , Awan Sajjad Z , Thompson Andrew J
Published: May 2015

A recombinant in-bred line population derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme (E9) and S. pimpinellifolium (L5) has been used extensively to discover quantitative trait loci (QTL), including those that act via rootstock genotype, however, high-resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping data for this population are not yet publically available. Next-generation resequencing of parental lines allows the vast majority of polymorphisms to be characterized and used to progress from QTL to causative gene. We sequenced E9 and L5 genomes to 40- and 44-fold depth, respectively, and reads were mapped to the reference Heinz 1706 genome. In L5 there were three clear regions on chromosome 1, chromosome 4, and chromosome 8 with increased rates of polymorphism. Two other regions were highly polymorphic when we compared Heinz 1706 with both E9 and L5 on chromosome 1 and chromosome 10, suggesting that the reference sequence contains a divergent introgression in these locations. We also identified a region on chromosome 4 consistent with an introgression from S. pimpinellifolium into Heinz 1706. A large dataset of polymorphisms for the use in fine-mapping QTL in a specific tomato recombinant in-bred line population was created, including a high density of InDels validated as simple size-based polymerase chain reaction markers. By careful filtering and interpreting the SnpEff prediction tool, we have created a list of genes that are predicted to have highly perturbed protein functions in the E9 and L5 parental lines.
Comparative Analysis ofWolbachiaGenomes Reveals Streamlining and Divergence of Minimalist Two-Component Systems
Authors: Christensen Steen , Serbus Laura Renee
Published: May 2015

Two-component regulatory systems are commonly used by bacteria to coordinate intracellular responses with environmental cues. These systems are composed of functional protein pairs consisting of a sensor histidine kinase and cognate response regulator. In contrast to the well-studied Caulobacter crescentus system, which carries dozens of these pairs, the streamlined bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis encodes only two pairs: CckA/CtrA and PleC/PleD. Here, we used bioinformatic tools to compare characterized two-component system relays from C. crescentus, the related Anaplasmataceae species Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and 12 sequenced Wolbachia strains. We found the core protein pairs and a subset of interacting partners to be highly conserved within Wolbachia and these other Anaplasmataceae. Genes involved in two-component signaling were positioned differently within the various Wolbachia genomes, whereas the local context of each gene was conserved. Unlike Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, Wolbachia two-component genes were more consistently found clustered with metabolic genes. The domain architecture and key functional residues standard for two-component system proteins were well-conserved in Wolbachia, although residues that specify cognate pairing diverged substantially from other Anaplasmataceae. These findings indicate that Wolbachia two-component signaling pairs share considerable functional overlap with other α-proteobacterial systems, whereas their divergence suggests the potential for regulatory differences and cross-talk.
SOLUCIÓN ALTERNATIVA PARA LA TRANSFORMACIÓN DIRECTA DE LA INFORMACIÓN GEOGRÁFICA: EL CASO DE COSTA RICA ANTE EL CAMBIO DEL SISTEMA OFICIAL DE COORDENADAS (LAMBERT A CRTM05)
Authors: Ramírez-Núñez Manuel , Valverde-Calderón José Francisco
Published: May 2015

En Costa Rica se utilizó durante muchos años oficialmente una cartografía basada en el sistema de proyección Lambert, datum Ocotepeque. En el año 2007 se establece el sistema CR05 como sistema de referencia oficial, lo cual obliga a las instituciones públicas a transformar toda su cartografía a este nuevo sistema. Este cambio repercute en la manera de generar nueva información espacial y además, conlleva la transformación de la anterior cartografía al nuevo sistema oficial del país. Surge entonces, para estas instituciones, la necesidad de establecer una metodología de transformación adecuada a la escala y exactitud de sus productos cartográficos. En este artículo se propone una metodología que permite la transformación directa al sistema oficial de referencia CR05 de los datos espaciales basados en el antiguo sistema. Los resultados de esta investigación proveen a las instituciones públicas y privadas en Costa Rica de una forma simple y eficiente de transformar sus mapas digitales mediante la configuración de sus plataformas de sistemas de información geográfica, reduciendo así costos económicos y el tiempo de conversión de sus datos.
Redesigning Your City – A Constructionist Environment for Urban Planning Education
Authors: HJORTH Arthur , WILENSKY Uri
Published: May 2015

In spite of decades of use of agent-based modelling in social policy research and in educational contexts, very little work has been done on combining the two. This paper accounts for a proof-of-concept single case-study conducted in a college-level Social Policy course, using agent-based modelling to teach students about the social and human aspects of urban planning and regional development. The study finds that an agent-based model helped a group of students think through a social policy design decision by acting as an object-to-think-with, and helped students better connect social policy outcomes with behaviours at the level of individual citizens. The study also suggests a set of new issues facing the design of Constructionist activities or environments for the social sciences.
A survey on stationary problems, Green's functions and spectrum of Sturm–Liouville problem with nonlocal boundary conditions
Authors: Štikonas Artūras
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present a survey of recent results on the Green's functions and on spectrum for stationary problems with nonlocal boundary conditions. Results of Lithuanian mathematicians in the field of differential and numerical problems with nonlocal boundary conditions are described.
*The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/2014).
Dirichlet type problem for the system of elliptic equations, which order degenerate at a line
Authors: Rutkauskas Stasys
Published: May 2015

Dirichlet type problem in a bounded domain for the system of linear elliptic equations of second order, which degenerate into first order system at a line crossing the domain, is studied. The existence and uniqueness of a solution of this problem in the Hölder class of functions are proved without any additional condition at line of degeneracy. The only requirement is that the solution is bounded in the considered domain.
On iterative methods for some elliptic equations with nonlocal conditions
Authors: Štikonienė Olga , Sapagovas Mifodijus , Čiupaila Regimantas
Published: May 2015

The iterative methods for the solution of the system of the difference equations derived from the elliptic equation with nonlocal conditions are considered. The case of the matrix of the difference equations system being the M-matrix is investigated. Main results for the convergence of the iterative methods are obtained considering the structure of the spectrum of the difference operators with nonlocal conditions. Furthermore, the case when the matrix of the system of difference equations has only positive eigenvalues was investigated. The survey of results on convergence of iterative methods for difference problem with nonlocal condition is also presented.
1The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-051/2011).
2The research was partially supported by the Research Council of Lithuania (grant No. MIP-047/2014).
On source identification problem for a delay parabolic equation
Authors: Ashyralyev Allaberen , Agirseven Deniz
Published: May 2015

In the present study, the inverse problem of a delay parabolic equation with nonlocal conditions is investigated. The stability estimates in Hölder norms for the solution of this problem are established.
Parallel algorithms for three-dimensional parabolic and pseudoparabolic problems with different boundary conditions
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Suboč Olga , Bugajev Andrej
Published: May 2015

In this paper, three-dimensional parabolic and pseudo-parabolic equations with classical, periodic and nonlocal boundary conditions are approximated by the full approximation backward Euler method, locally one dimensional and Douglas ADI splitting schemes. The stability with respect to initial conditions is investigated. We note that the stability of the proposed numerical algorithms can be proved only if the matrix of discrete operator can be diagonalized and eigenvectors make a complete basis system.Parallel versions of all algorithms are constructed and scalability analysis is done. It is shown that discrete one-dimensional problems with periodic and nonlocal boundary conditions can be efficiently solved with similar modifications of the parallel Wang algorithm.
Polynomial-based mean weighted residuals methods for elliptic problems with nonlocal boundary conditions in the rectangle
Authors: Martín-Vaquero Jesus
Published: May 2015

In this paper, polynomial-based mean weighted residuals methods for the solution of elliptic problems with nonlocal boundary conditions, in rectangular domains, are numerically studied. When these methods are employed, the nonclassical boundary conditions involve the solution of large systems of linear equations or least squares problems, hence some numerical techniques for these solvers are compared to show the importance of using efficient algorithms for this purpose. Different kinds of nodes are used to demonstrate how they can be employed to solve different numerical problems when large derivatives of the solution appear. We will also study how using extra precision and/or oversampling can often reduce the computational effort.These methods can also be combined with others (as, for example, finite difference or spline methods) to solve linear and nonlinear parabolic or hyperbolic partial differential equations. The numerical study of some techniques as those explained above can help to obtain significantly better numerical approximations with a smaller computational effort.
On existence, multiplicity, uniqueness and stability of positive solutions of a Leslie–Gower type diffusive predator–prey system
Authors: Zhou Jun
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we consider a Leslie–Gower type diffusive predator–prey system. By using topological degree theory, bifurcation theory, energy estimates and asymptotic behavior analysis, we prove the existence, multiplicity, uniqueness and stability of positive steady states solutions under certain conditions on parameters.
Global dynamics of a class of HIV-1 infection models with latently infected cells
Authors: Wang Haibin , Xu Rui , Wang Zhaowei , Chen Hui
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the global dynamics of a class of HIV-1 infection models with different infection rates and latently infected cells are investigated. We first modify the basic virus infection model and propose two models with bilinear infection rate and saturation infection rate, respectively, which take HIV-1 latency into consideration, and then study a model with a general nonlinear infection rate. By using proper Lyapunov functions and LaSalle's invariance principle, it is proved that in the first two models, if the basic reproduction ratio is less than unity, each of the infection-free equilibria is globally asymptotically stable; if the basic reproduction ratio is greater than unity, each of the chronic-infection equilibria is globally asymptotically stable. For the last model with general nonlinear infection rate, we obtain sufficient conditions for the global stability of both the infection-free and chronic-infection equilibria of the model.
A note on the direction of the transcritical bifurcation in epidemic models
Authors: Buonomo Bruno
Published: May 2015

In classical epidemic models, it is common to observe that a disease-free equilibrium looses its stability for R0=1 and a transcritical bifurcation takes place. We analyze this aspect from the point of view of the mathematical structure of models, in order to assess which parts of the structure might be responsible of the direction of the transcritical bifurcation. We formulate a general criterion, which gives sufficient (resp. necessary) conditions for the occurrence of forward (resp. backward) bifurcations. The criterion, obtained as consequence of a well known analysis of the centre manifold for general epidemic models, is applied to several epidemic models taken from the literature.
On the validity of use of physical equations and principles in the socio-economic field and on the predictability of socio-economic system dynamics
Authors: Andreev Vsevolod V V
Published: May 2015

Usually, the various empirical and semi-empirical equations and mathematical models are used to study the dynamics of socio-economic systems. In this case, there are very often questions related to the validity of application of such equations and models. In this paper, it is shown that the dynamics of socio-economic systems can be described by mathematical equations analogous to the motion equations that are well known in physics (particularly in classical mechanics). In this connection, it is possible to say that the predictability of the dynamics of a socio-economic system is described by the motion equations (i.e., Newton's equations) to the same degree that these equations predict the dynamics of the physical system. Such models allow us to determine the trends of development in the dynamics of socio-economic systems. The importance of this investigation in using adequate mathematical models is that they allow us to notice those or other adverse trends in the socio-economic systems, therefore, ensuring timely optimal management decisions.
On the mean square of the periodic zeta-function. II
Authors: Černigova Sondra , Laurinčikas Antanas
Published: May 2015

In the paper, the error term in the Atkinson type formula for the periodic zeta-function in the critical strip is considered, and an asymptotic formula for its mean square is obtained. This formula generalizes that proved for the Riemann zeta-function.
Symbolic computation of exact solutions for fractional differential-difference equation models
Authors: Aslan Ismail
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study is to extend the G'/G-expansion method to fractional differential-difference equations of rational type. Particular time-fractional models are considered to show the strength of the method. Three types of exact solutions are observed: hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational. Exact solutions in terms of topological solitons and singular periodic functions are also obtained. As far as we are aware, our results have not been published elsewhere previously.
Care Coordination Over Time in Medical Homes for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Van Cleave Jeanne , Boudreau Alexy Arauz , McAllister Jeanne , Cooley W. Carl , Maxwell Andrea , Kuhlthau Karen
Published: May 2015

OBJECTIVES:

To explore how care coordination changes conceptually and practically in primary care practices when implementing the medical home and to identify reasons for different types of changes.

METHODS:

Six years after a 2003–2004 national learning collaborative to implement the medical home model for children with special health care needs, we examined care coordination in 12 pediatric practices with the highest postintervention Medical Home Index scores, indicating high level of adoption of the model. Data included interviews of 48 clinicians, care coordinators, and parents and medical record reviews of 60 patients with special health care needs receiving care in these practices.

RESULTS:

Initially, care coordination activities were prompted by patients’ acute problems, and over time activities, tools, and policies were implemented to avert many such problems and expand the scope of services offered to patients. Example activities were making previsit calls with families, writing care plans, developing relationships with community agencies, and tracking referrals. Although some activities were common across practices, the persons involved and efforts toward different activities varied with practice context. Drivers included motivation and creativity of medical home teams, organizational changes, funding to expand care coordinator positions, protected time for such activities, and adoption of electronic record systems.

CONCLUSIONS:

In high-performing medical homes, care coordination activities changed from being mostly reactive to patients’ episodic needs to being more systematically proactive and comprehensive. This shift was promoted by factors external and internal to the practice. Ensuring these factors in medical home implementation may accelerate adoption of proactive care coordination activities.
Strategies to Decrease Pertussis Transmission to Infants
Authors: Forsyth Kevin , Plotkin Stanley , Tan Tina , Wirsing von König Carl Heinz
Published: May 2015

The Global Pertussis Initiative (GPI) is an expert scientific forum addressing the worldwide burden of pertussis, which remains a serious health issue, especially in infants. This age cohort is at risk for developing pertussis by transmission from those in close proximity. Risk is increased in infants aged 0 to 6 weeks, as they are too young to be vaccinated. Older infants are at risk when their vaccination schedules are incomplete. Infants also bear the greatest disease burden owing to their high risk for pertussis-related complications and death; therefore, protecting them is a high priority. Two vaccine strategies have been proposed to protect infants. The first involves vaccinating pregnant women, which directly protects through the passive transfer of pertussis antibodies. The second strategy, cocooning, involves vaccinating parents, caregivers, and other close contacts, which indirectly protects infants from transmission by preventing disease in those in close proximity. The goal of this review was to present and discuss evidence on these 2 strategies. Based on available data, the GPI recommends vaccination during pregnancy as the primary strategy, given its efficacy, safety, and logistic advantages over a cocoon approach. If vaccination during pregnancy is not feasible, then all individuals having close contact with infants <6 months old should be immunized consistent with local health authority guidelines. These efforts are anticipated to minimize pertussis transmission to vulnerable infants, although real-world effectiveness data are limited. Countries should educate lay and medical communities on pertussis and introduce robust surveillance practices while implementing these protective strategies.
Reflections on Kant’s View of the Imagination
Authors: Ayas Onol Tugba
Published: May 2015

The paper elaborates the theory of imagination in Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason and Critique of Judgment. From the first Critique to the third Critique, the imagination emerges under different titles such as reproductive, productive or transcendental imagination. The paper shall try to decide whether its functions suggested in the first Critique and its performance in the third Critique are contradictory or developmental with respect to Kant’s critical philosophy. Thus, it will examine of the power and the scope of the imagination in the first Critique and of its status and performance in the third Critique.

 
Escepticismo y mundo de la vida. El problema de la obligatoriedad de las reglas del discurso en la pragmática trascendental
Authors: Paolicchi Leandro
Published: May 2015

Se aborda el problema fundamental de la pragmática trascendental del lenguaje, así como también la cuestión de la ética del discurso desarrollada por K.-O. Apel y J. Habermas; asunto referido a la obligatoriedad de las reglas del discurso. La atención se centra en la objeción de Habermas, que restringe el alcance de la obligatoriedad de esas reglas. Se analiza la objeción, así como la solución que este autor propone, y se ofrece un sentido para su respuesta.
Compositional characterization and storage capacity of shale samples from La Luna and Conejo Formations (Middle Magdalena basin and the Eastern Cordillera): Implications for evaluation of cretaceous shale gas in Colombia
Authors: Pacheco Sintura Paula Andrea , Cardona Molina Agustín , Cortés Farid B.
Published: May 2015

Shale gas has become a major non-conventional energetical resource. La Luna Formation which is commonly considered as the main petroleum source rock, have also shown to be a major reservoir for shale gas resources. In order to understand the "real" potential of this unit and define exploration strategies, the correlation between compositional and petrophysical patterns. We have analyzed 11 shale samples from La Luna and Conejo Formation in the Middle Magdalena basin and the Eastern Cordillera in order to established its composition, total organic contents, thermal maturity, as well as its total porosity and adsorption capacity. Obtained results suggest that due to its organic content, the presence of quartz and carbonate that these shales have a good quality as a gas reservoir and may have also a moderately good behavior during fracturing.
Implementation of strategic planning to mining in Colombia
Authors: Franco-Sepúlveda Giovanni , Henao  Gómez Cristian Camilo
Published: May 2015

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the importance of strategic planning applied to Colombian mining. This research was performed the literature review and case studies of countries that have implemented a method that seeks continuous improvement of processes and making sound decisions mining companies based on factors that were not taken into account previously. We selected two investigations, one applied to surface mining and underground mining other, showing significant progress in using strategic planning as a means to an ongoing development. Each case is unique but can be applied anywhere in the world depending on the characteristics of the areas where the project will take place, also emphasizes the current framework of strategic planning and trends that this methodology presents a future in mining Colombia where intervention is necessary to achieve ideological and procedural significant development within the industries of the continent, it shows the lack of new methodologies and best in business investment from the country's mining mining institutions to mining companies.
Computational modeling of bacteriophage self-assembly during formation of hierarchical structures
Authors: Warner Christopher M , Isayev Olexandr , Poda Aimee R. , Cuddy Michael F. , Hodo Wayne D , Lee Seung-Wuk , Perkins Edward J
Published: May 2015

Designing new materials with well-defined structures and desired functions is a challenge in materials science, especially with nanomaterials. Nature, however, solves design of these materials through a self-assembling, hierarchically ordered process. We have investigated the mechanisms by which the high- aspect ratio and unique surface chemistry of M13 bacteriophage can give rise to increasingly complex, hierarchically ordered, bundled phage structures with a wide range of material applications. A molecular dynamic simulation of the 3-D structure of a 20-nm section of wild type (WT) and mutant phage types were developed based on WT phage crystal structure and ab initio calculations. Simulations of these phage were then used to examine repulsive and attractive forces of the particles in solution. Examination of contact interactions between two WT phage indicated the phage were maximally attracted to each other in a head to tail orientation. A mutant phage (4E) with a higher negative surface charge relative to WT phage also preferentially ordered head to tail in solution. In contrast, a mutant phage (CLP8) with a net positive surface charge had minimal repulsion in a 90° orientation. Understanding the self-assembly process through molecular dynamic simulations and decomposition of fundamental forces driving inter- and intra-strand interactions has provided a qualitative assessment of mechanisms that lead to hierarchical phage bundle structures. Results from simulation agree with experimentally observed patterns from self-assembly. We anticipate using this system to further investigate development of hierarchical structures not only from biological molecules but also from synthetic materials.
Model Neural Membrane Droplet Interface Bilayers from Brain Total Lipid Extract for Studying Membrane-Peptide Interactions with Amyloid-β
Authors: Taylor Graham J. , Sarles Stephen A.
Published: May 2015

Droplet interface bilayers (DIBs) are formed using brain total lipid extract (BTLE) to create a synthetic bilayer whose lipid composition mimics that of neural cells. The electrical properties of BTLE DIBs, specifically membrane resistance, capacitance, and rupture potential, are determined and compared to the properties of bilayers formed using DPhPC, the most common lipid within the growing DIB field. There is no significant difference in the resistance or rupture potential of BTLE and DPhPC bilayers, for instance with average nominal resistance over 200 GΩ and rupture potential around 200 mV. In electrical measurements with either DPhPC or BTLE bilayers, applied voltages of up to ±150 mV yield low levels of leakage current. Upon interaction with the pore-forming amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide, both bilayers display sudden significant voltage-dependent increases in conductance with characteristic threshold voltages well below 150 mV. Discrete single-channel type events are observed in the case of Aβ-BTLE whereas disordered fluctuating conductance is observed with Aβ-DPhPC. Circular dichroism is measured for Aβ incubated with BTLE and DPhPC liposomes, as well as pure Aβ, at a range of temperatures over a period of several weeks. Changes in secondary structure of liposome-bound and pure Aβ are significantly affected by both lipid type and temperature. A key finding includes the 100% conversion of Aβ to alpha-helical confirmation within 24 hours when incubated with liposomes (of either type) at physiologically relevant 37°C. The 100% alpha-helical Aβ is maintained for up to 2 weeks at 37°C when incubated with liposomes, although other structures begin to emerge after the 14 day mark. Between 14-31 days after reconstitution, Aβ incubated at 37C with BTLE bilayers displays longer lasting alpha-helical content than DPhPC. At the same temperature, pure Aβ is 100% alpha helical only at the 1 day mark with apparent restructuring from day 2 through day 31. Refrigerated Ab samples do not display 100% alpha-helical structure across the entire 31 day testing period. The differences observed between BTLE and DPhPC in both electrophysiological and spectroscopic experiments may be a result of phase separations or other variations in membrane fluidity that result from the use of a homogeneous total lipid extract. Time and temperature play essential roles in the aggregation and restructuring of potentially toxic Aβ oligomers, and there is motivation for further efforts to elicit the mechanistic differences in interactions of Ab with BTLE compared to DPhPC.
Inkjet Printing of Functionalized TiO2Catalytic Layer for Water Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Treekamol Y. , Lehmann D. , Schieda M. , Herrmann-Geppert I. , Klassen T.
Published: May 2015

Our investigations with silane-modified TiO2have revealed a beneficial effect of functionalization on the photoelectrochemical performance on spin-coated electrodes. However, in order to produce large area photoelectrodes, a more scalable manufacturing technology is required. Inkjet printing can fulfil this role and furthermore allow a finer control over coating morphologies. In this work, inkjet-printed photoelectrodes were prepared with silane-functionalized TiO2nanoparticles, and investigated as electrodes for photoactivated water splitting. The catalyst layers, having thickness around 700 nm, were printed on FTO-coated glass supports, from cellulose stabilized dispersions. For comparison, electrodes of similar thicknesses were also prepared by spin-coating. After removing the stabilizer at 300 °C under air atmosphere, the electrodes were characterized in photoelectrochemical cells containing 0.5 M H2SO4as electrolyte and a platinum ring as counter electrode. Under simulated sunlight, the best photocurrent densities for the oxygen evolution reaction were obtained for the inkjet-printed electrodes prepared with functionalized particles (up to 0.26 mA cm-2at 1.2 V against the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), compared to 0.18 mA cm-2for spin coated). Microscopy of the printed electrodes shows structurally homogenous coatings with evenly distributed roughness. Under continuous illumination at 0.7 V (SHE), the electrodes showed no significant drop in photocurrent within five hours.
Colloidal copper sulfide nanocrystals: Electrochemical, electrical and morphological properties
Authors: Baray-Calderón Alejandro , Galindo R. , Maldonado. J. L , Martínez-Alvarez Omar , Acosta-Torres L.S. , Santos-Cruz José , de la Fuente-Hernández J. , Arenas-Arrocena M.C.
Published: May 2015

The highlight of this work is the synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals by a simple one-pot colloidal process, and the study of its electrochemical, electrical and morphological properties. Nanocrystals of Cu1.8S of about 15-30 nm were obtained at a temperature of 240°C under an argon atmosphere. The colloidal solution of the nanocrystals was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry. Agreeing to the values of EOx and ERedvs. SCE, and the average of three samples the HOMO and LUMO levels are 6.16 and 4.27 eV, respectively, the calculated HOMO – LUMO (Eg) is 1.89 eV. The Eg value, differs of that value obtained from Kubelka-Munk equation (1.7 eV). The photocurrent vs. time results showed that the Cu1.8S/Cu junction is photosensitive and could be used as absorbing material. The morphology and the topography of the film were analyzed by SEM and AFM techniques. Irregular agglomeration of nanocrystals was observed and a roughness of about 194 nm.
Alternative Etching for Improved Cu-rich CuInSe2 Solar Cells
Authors: Deprédurand Valérie , Bertram Tobias , Thévenin Maxime , Valle Nathalie , Audinot Jean-Nicolas , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: May 2015

Two alternative chemical etchings (aqueous solution of bromine and bromine methanol solution) have been here tested to replace the KCN etching step in Cu-rich CuInSe2 based solar cells fabrication process. This new oxidative etch aims also at smoothing and thinning the as-grown films. This directly affects the interface between the absorber and the CdS buffer, interface which causes problems for Cu-rich solar cells. We present here the effect of these two alternative etchings on both the absorber surface and the solar cells parameters: whereas the bromine methanol etching destroys the solar cell, the aqueous solution of bromine leads to an improvement of the device through reduced interface and tunneling enhanced recombination.
The Influence of Thermal Treatment on Monocrystalline CZT and Tellurium Inclusions
Authors: Lassiter Jonathan , Payton Charles , Jackson Maxx , Uba Samuel , Muntele Claudiu , Babalola Stephen
Published: May 2015

Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT), considered as a viable material for use in room temperature radiation detectors, has an undesired presence of tellurium inclusions in the bulk. Thermal treatment, in the form of annealing, has been utilized to test the viability of refining CZT into better detector material, either by the elimination of the tellurium inclusions or by the migration of the inclusions under a temperature gradient, but usually with a deterioration of electrical properties. We took infrared micrographs and current voltage (IV) characteristics of CZT samples prior to thermal treatment. We carried out 24-hour thermal treatments with a range of temperature from 100°C to 700°C to determine an optimal annealing temperature and to verify changes in the sizes, morphologies, and locations of the tellurium inclusions on the surfaces and within the crystal bulk of the CZT. The IV curves and resistivities prior to and after thermal treatments were compared, as were the infrared micrographs before and after annealing. Also, the changes in electrical properties of the samples with annealing conditions were compared against structural changes monitored at the same steps during the annealing process, in order to understand the effects of the thermal annealing to the radiation detector properties of the material. Correlations between the shape, size and position of inclusions and electrical properties of the material were attempted.
Reflex Human Papillomavirus Test Results as an Option for the Management of Korean Women With Atypical Squamous Cells Cannot Exclude High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion
Authors: Ryu Ki-Jin , Lee Sanghoon , Min Kyung-Jin , Kim Jae Won , Hong Jin Hwa , Song Jae Yun , Lee Jae Kwan , Lee Nak Woo
Published: May 2015

Background.

Current guidelines recommend initial colposcopy with biopsy regardless of human papillomavirus (HPV) test results in women with atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of HPV testing in women with ASC-H based on colposcopic pathology results.

Materials and Methods.

A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out at three academic hospitals and involved 40,847 Korean women who underwent cervical cancer screening with cytology and HPV tests with or without subsequent colposcopic biopsies between January 2007 and December 2013.

Results.

ASC-H was diagnosed in 276 women (0.7%). Only 6 of 68 (8.8%) women with ASC-H who were HPV negative had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade ≥2 (CIN ≥2) lesions, whereas 47.4% of the women with ASC-H who were HPV positive had CIN ≥2 lesions. No cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed among women with ASC-H who were HPV negative. Logistic regression analysis was performed using the group with normal Papanicolaou test results and HPV-negative status as the reference group. Women with ASC-H who were HPV positive had a significantly increased risk of CIN ≥2 lesions, whereas no significant increase was observed in patients with ASC-H and HPV-negative status.

Conclusion.

If the result of the HPV test was negative, the risk of CIN ≥2 lesions in Korean women with ASC-H cytology was low. Reflex HPV testing should be an option for the management of women with cytology showing ASC-H to decrease unnecessary colposcopic biopsies, which are expensive and invasive.

Implications for Practice:

Current American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines recommend universal colposcopy for the management of women with atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) on cytology, regardless of human papillomavirus (HPV) test results. The present study suggested that HPV cotesting in patients with ASC-H cytology can provide more detailed and useful information regarding the risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions and the need for further treatment. When the result of the HPV test was negative, the risk of CIN lesions of grade ≥2 in women with ASC-H cytology was low. Consequently, reflex HPV testing, rather than immediately performance of invasive and expensive colposcopy with biopsy, should be an option for the management of women with ASC-H.