bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomal Annexin II Promotes Angiogenesis and Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Maji Sayantan , Chaudhary Pankaj , Akopova Irina , Nguyen Phung M. , Hare Richard J. , Gryczynski Ignacy , Vishwanatha Jamboor K.
Published: October 2016

Tumor-derived exosomes are emerging mediators of tumorigenesis and tissue-specific metastasis. Proteomic profiling has identified Annexin II as one of the most highly expressed proteins in exosomes; however, studies focused on the biological role of exosomal Annexin II (exo-Anx II) are still lacking. In this study, mechanistic insight was sought regarding exo-Anx II and its function in angiogenesis and breast cancer metastasis. Multiple in vitro and in vivo techniques were used to study the role of exo-Anx II in angiogenesis. Using atomic force microscopy and Western blotting, exo-Anx II expression was characterized in normal and breast cancer cells. In addition, organ-specific metastatic breast cancer cells and animal models were used to define the role exo-Anx II in breast cancer metastasis. Results revealed that exo-Anx II expression is significantly higher in malignant cells than normal and premetastatic breast cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that exo-Anx II promotes tPA-dependent angiogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo analysis indicated that metastatic exosomes create a favorable microenvironment for metastasis, and exo-Anx II plays an important role in this process, as priming with Anx II-depleted exosomes reduces brain (∼4-fold) and lung (∼2-fold) metastasis. Upon delineating the mechanism, it was discovered that exo-Anx II causes macrophage-mediated activation of the p38MAPK, NF-κB, and STAT3 pathways and increased secretion of IL6 and TNFα. These data demonstrate an important role for exo-Anx II in breast cancer pathogenesis.

Implications: Exosome-associated Annexin II plays an important role in angiogenesis and breast cancer metastasis, which can be exploited as a potential biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 15(1); 93–105. ©2016 AACR.
Lysosome Inhibitors Enhance the Chemotherapeutic Activity of Doxorubicin in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Li Yuyin , Sun Yuejun , Jing Lifang , Wang Jianjun , Yan Yali , Feng Yajuan , Zhang Yueying , Liu Zhenxing , Ma Long , Diao Aipo
Published: October 2016

The lysosome inhibitors bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine have both lysosomotropic properties and autophagy inhibition ability, and are promising clinical agents to be used in combination with anticancer drugs. In order to investigate this combination effect, HepG2 cells were treated with bafilomycin A1, chloroquine, or/and doxorubicin, and their proliferative ability, induction of apoptosis, and the changes of lysosomal membrane permeabilization and mitochondrial membrane potential were studied. The results demonstrate that treatment with bafilomycin A1 or chloroquine alone at a relatively low concentration promotes the inhibitory effect of doxorubicin on cell growth and apoptosis. Further studies reveal that bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine promote lysosomal membrane permeabilization and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by doxorubicin. Our findings suggest that bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine potentiate the anticancer effect of doxorubicin in hepatic cancer cells and that supplementation of conventional chemotherapy with lysosome inhibitors may provide a more efficient anticancer therapy.
Incremental Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography to Predict Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Responders
Authors: Seo Yoshihiro , Ishizu Tomoko , Machino‐Ohtsuka Tomoko , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Machino Takeshi , Kuroki Kenji , Yamasaki Hiro , Sekiguchi Yukio , Nogami Akihiko , Aonuma Kazutaka
Published: October 2016

Background

Speckle tracking echocardiography (
STE
) is reported as a useful method to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
) responders. This study aimed to identify the incremental value of a
STE
parameter to predict
CRT
responders.

Methods and Results

We enrolled 171 patients from the Speckle Tracking imaging for the Assessment of cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (
START
) study.
CRT
responders were defined as patients with ≥15% reduction of left ventricular (
LV
) end‐systolic volume at 6 months post‐
CRT
. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, incremental values of
STE
were assessed by c‐statistics, net reclassification improvement (
NRI
)/integrated discrimination improvement (
IDI
), and decision curve analysis. Six parameters (left bundle branch block or right ventricular pacing, use of beta‐blocker, blood urea nitrogen ≤3.0 mg/dL,
LV
end‐systolic diameter ≤50 mm, mitral regurgitation index ≤40%, and
STE
parameter standard deviation of time from QRS onset to first peak on the circumferential strain curves [

T
SD

] ≥116 ms) were identified as the determinants. Compared to the multivariable logistic regression model without

T
SD

(model 1), that with

T
SD

(model 2) showed significant improvement to predict
CRT
responders: c‐statistic (0.86 vs 0.77;
P
<0.001),
NRI
=0.19,
P
<0.001, and
IDI
=0.17,
P
<0.001. The decision curve of model 2 was higher than that of model 1 at threshold probabilities ≥0.2. Based on model 2, a
START
score was constructed. Compared to the Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (
MADIT
‐
CRT
) score, the decision curve of the
START
score was higher than that of the
MADIT
‐
CRT
score at threshold probabilities ≥0.2.

Conclusions

Based on various statistical methods, this study revealed that
STE
had an incremental value to predict
CRT
responders.
Multiple Diffusion Models to Compare Saccadic and Manual Responses for Inhibition of Return
Authors: MacInnes W. Joseph
Published: October 2016

Cuing a location in space produces a short-lived advantage in reaction time to targets at that location. This early advantage, however, switches to a reaction time cost and has been termed inhibition of return (IOR). IOR behaves differently for different response modalities, suggesting that it may not be a unified effect. This letter presents new data from two experiments testing the gradient of IOR with random, continuous cue-target Euclidean distance and cue-target onset asynchrony. These data were then used to train multiple diffusion models of saccadic and manual reaction time for these cuing experiments. Diffusion models can generate accurate distributions of reaction time data by modeling a response as a buildup of evidence toward a response threshold. If saccadic and attentional IOR are based on similar processes, then differences in distribution will be best explained by adjusting parameter values such as signal and noise within the same model structure. Although experimental data show differences in the timing of IOR across modality, best-fit models are shown to have similar model parameters for the gradient of IOR, suggesting similar underlying mechanisms for saccadic and manual IOR.
A Combinatorial Model for Dentate Gyrus Sparse Coding
Authors: Severa William , Parekh Ojas , James Conrad D. , Aimone James B.
Published: October 2016

The dentate gyrus forms a critical link between the entorhinal cortex and CA3 by providing a sparse version of the signal. Concurrent with this increase in sparsity, a widely accepted theory suggests the dentate gyrus performs pattern separation—similar inputs yield decorrelated outputs. Although an active region of study and theory, few logically rigorous arguments detail the dentate gyrus’s (DG) coding. We suggest a theoretically tractable, combinatorial model for this action. The model provides formal methods for a highly redundant, arbitrarily sparse, and decorrelated output signal.To explore the value of this model framework, we assess how suitable it is for two notable aspects of DG coding: how it can handle the highly structured grid cell representation in the input entorhinal cortex region and the presence of adult neurogenesis, which has been proposed to produce a heterogeneous code in the DG. We find tailoring the model to grid cell input yields expansion parameters consistent with the literature. In addition, the heterogeneous coding reflects activity gradation observed experimentally. Finally, we connect this approach with more conventional binary threshold neural circuit models via a formal embedding.
Online Reinforcement Learning Using a Probability Density Estimation
Authors: Agostini Alejandro , Celaya Enric
Published: October 2016

Function approximation in online, incremental, reinforcement learning needs to deal with two fundamental problems: biased sampling and nonstationarity. In this kind of task, biased sampling occurs because samples are obtained from specific trajectories dictated by the dynamics of the environment and are usually concentrated in particular convergence regions, which in the long term tend to dominate the approximation in the less sampled regions. The nonstationarity comes from the recursive nature of the estimations typical of temporal difference methods. This nonstationarity has a local profile, varying not only along the learning process but also along different regions of the state space. We propose to deal with these problems using an estimation of the probability density of samples represented with a gaussian mixture model. To deal with the nonstationarity problem, we use the common approach of introducing a forgetting factor in the updating formula. However, instead of using the same forgetting factor for the whole domain, we make it dependent on the local density of samples, which we use to estimate the nonstationarity of the function at any given input point. To address the biased sampling problem, the forgetting factor applied to each mixture component is modulated according to the new information provided in the updating, rather than forgetting depending only on time, thus avoiding undesired distortions of the approximation in less sampled regions.
Description of the pupal exuviae of some species belonging to Orthocladius s. str. van der Wulp, 1874 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), with a new key to species of West Palaearctic region
Authors: ROSSARO BRUNO , CASALEGNO CARLOTTA
Published: October 2016

Some species belonging to the subgenus Orthocladius s. str. van der Wulp, 1874 known to occur in the West Palaearctic region (in Italy in particular) are reconsidered according to evidence from pupal exuviae. Male genitalia and larval characters are excluded in the present study and will be examined in future research. O. ticinoi Rossaro & Prato, 1991 is restored to the original status. O. marchetti Rossaro & Prato, 1991 is confirmed as a valid species. O. pinderi Rossaro & Prato, 1991 is confirmed to be a junior synonym of O. oblidens (Walker, 1856). O. pedestris Kieffer, 1909 and O. obumbratus Johannsen, 1905 are analysed for their differences. Diagnostic characters used up to now to identify Orthocladius s. str. species at the pupal stage are reconsidered and criticised, and new information about their distribution and a key to pupal exuviae of the known West Palaearctic species are given.
Arctic and East Asia Winter Climate Variations Associated with the Eastern Atlantic Pattern
Authors: Fan Songmiao , Yang Xiaosong
Published: October 2016

The wintertime Arctic temperature (T; surface–400 hPa) decreased from 1979 to 1997 and increased rapidly from 1998 to 2012, in contrast to the global mean surface air temperature. Here aspects of circulation variability that are associated with these temperature changes are examined using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and ERA-Interim products. It is found that the Nordic–Siberia seesaw of meridional winds near 70°N is associated with two-thirds of the variance of the Arctic winter mean T, possibly contributing to the cooling and warming trends. It is suggested here that the seesaw accounts for much of the difference in Arctic amplification between observations and climate models. Growth of sea ice in winter is hindered by southerly winds over the Nordic region (0°–60°E). Through modulation of the wind seesaw, the eastern Atlantic (EA) pattern is found to be significantly associated with Arctic and East Asia winter climate variations. In one phase of the EA pattern, a midlatitude North Atlantic ridge anomaly is associated with a poleward shift of the mean storm track, a weakened eddy-driven jet over Eurasia, and above-normal sea level pressure (SLP) over Siberia, most significantly in the region to the northwest of Lake Baikal. The EA pattern is associated with two-thirds of the variance of winter-average SLP over Siberia.
NEXRAD Quantitative Precipitation Estimations for Hydrologic Simulation Using a Hybrid Hydrologic Model
Authors: Cho Younghyun , Engel Bernard A.
Published: October 2016

A hybrid hydrologic model (lumped conceptual and distributed feature model), Distributed-Clark, is introduced to perform hydrologic simulations using spatially distributed NEXRAD quantitative precipitation estimations (QPEs). In Distributed-Clark, spatially distributed excess rainfall estimated with the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method and a GIS-based set of separated unit hydrographs are utilized to calculate a direct runoff flow hydrograph. This simple approach using few modeling parameters reduces calibration complexity relative to physically based distributed (PBD) models by only focusing on integrated flow estimation at watershed outlets. Case studies assessed the quality of NEXRAD stage IV QPEs for hydrologic simulation compared to gauge-only analyses. NEXRAD data validation against rain gauge observations and performance evaluation with model simulation result comparisons for inputs of spatially distributed stage IV and spatially averaged gauged data for four study watersheds were conducted. Results show significant differences in NEXRAD QPEs and gauged rainfall amounts, with NEXRAD data overestimated by 7.5% and 9.1% and underestimated by 15.0% and 11.4% accompanied by spatial variability. These differences affect model performance in hydrologic applications. Rainfall–runoff flow simulations using spatially distributed NEXRAD stage IV QPEs demonstrate relatively good fit [direct runoff: Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency ENS = 0.85, coefficient of determination R2 = 0.89, and percent bias (PBIAS) = 3.92%; streamflow: ENS = 0.91, R2 = 0.93, and PBIAS = 1.87%] against observed flow as well as better fit (ENS of 3.7% and R2 of 6.0% increase in direct runoff) than spatially averaged gauged rainfall for the same model calibration approach, enabling improved estimates of flow volumes and peak rates that can be underestimated in hydrologic simulations for spatially averaged rainfall.
Representing Multiple Scales in the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Modeling System: Design of Multiple Sets of Movable Multilevel Nesting and the Basin-Scale HWRF Forecast Application
Authors: Zhang Xuejin , Gopalakrishnan Sundararaman G. , Trahan Samuel , Quirino Thiago S. , Liu Qingfu , Zhang Zhan , Alaka Ghassan , Tallapragada Vijay
Published: October 2016

In this study, the design of movable multilevel nesting (MMLN) in the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) modeling system is documented. The configuration of a new experimental HWRF system with a much larger horizontal outer domain and multiple sets of MMLN, referred to as the “basin scale” HWRF, is also described. The performance of this new system is applied for various difficult forecast scenarios such as 1) simulating multiple storms [i.e., Hurricanes Earl (2010), Danielle (2010), and Frank (2010)] and 2) forecasting tropical cyclone (TC) to extratropical cyclone transitions, specifically Hurricane Sandy (2012). Verification of track forecasts for the 2011–14 Atlantic and eastern Pacific hurricane seasons demonstrates that the basin-scale HWRF produces similar overall results to the 2014 operational HWRF, the best operational HWRF at the same resolution. In the Atlantic, intensity forecasts for the basin-scale HWRF were notably worse than for the 2014 operational HWRF, but this deficiency was shown to be from poor intensity forecasts for Hurricane Leslie (2012) associated with the lack of ocean coupling in the basin-scale HWRF. With Leslie removed, the intensity forecast errors were equivalent. The basin-scale HWRF is capable of predicting multiple TCs simultaneously, allowing more realistic storm-to-storm interactions. Even though the basin-scale HWRF produced results only comparable to the regular operational HWRF at this stage, this configuration paves a promising pathway toward operations.
The effect of acid activation and calcination of halloysite on the efficiency and selectivity of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) uptake
Authors: Maziarz Paulina , Matusik Jakub
Published: October 2016

The present study investigated the efficiency and mechanisms of aqueous Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and As(V) adsorption on natural (H), calcined (HC), and acid-activated halloysite (HA). The XRD and FTIR measurements indicated that the aluminosilicate framework was not affected by high-temperature treatment, in contrast to acid activation, which led to structural changes mainly in the tetrahedral sheet. The sorption of cations on H sample was low, though it was most effective for As(V). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that removal of As(V) might be related to its reduction to As(III) involving oxidation of Fe(II) present in the mineral structure and/or iron minerals. The calcination enhanced halloysite sorption capacity for cations, while the As(V) sorption decreased. This was due to partial dehydroxylation and the subsequent formation of additional active sites. The acid treatment induced selective adsorption of Pb(II).
Rapidin situconversion of late-stage volcanic materials to halloysite implicated in catastrophic dam failure, Hawaii
Authors: Shaller Philip , Sykora David , Doroudian Macan , Jock Churchman G.
Published: October 2016

Ka Loko Dam, in Kauai, Hawaii, failed suddenly and catastrophically on March 14, 2006. The resulting breachwas marked by three topographic benches, the lowest of which exposed native volcanic deposits once resident in the dam foundation. These deposits were found to contain outcrops of a waxy, gel-like material that appeared to result fromin situweathering processes. This unusual material was found to be highly enriched in halloysite. Gravel-size pieces in the hydraulic fill of the embankment derived from these materials also exhibited significantin situweathering and significant halloysite content. Engineers and geologists generally recognize that bedrock materials weather progressively into soil constituents over ‘geological time’, and that this process is accelerated in tropical environments. Still, the strength, stiffness and durability of bedrock, earth and embankment materials are not expected to vary significantly over the geologically short life of a dam. In the case of Ka Loko Dam, however, the volcaniclastic sediments that comprise the local bedrock experienced substantialin situweathering over its geologically brief 115-year operational lifetime. Prolonged exposure to seepage of anoxic water weathered the sediments completely to saprolite, including weak, sensitive, fine, spherical halloysite.
Educating for Hope and Possibility in Troubled Times
Authors: SHAPIRO SVI
Published: October 2016

For the past thirty years we’ve frequently run articles about the relationship between our education system and the distortions in consciousness of Americans as reflected in our politics, economy, wars, poverty, and hatreds of various ‘demeaned others’ of society. In this special section we continue that discussion and give special thanks to Erik Gleibermann who helped us find some of those writers in this section who have not previously appeared in Tikkun magazine. Please note that you will also find other articles for this section that appear only on the homepage of our website www.tikkun.org. Those online-only writers include educator Robert Nash, among many others!
Classification of vascular malformations
Authors: Urban P. , Poetke M. , Philipp C. M. , Berlien H.-P.
Published: October 2016

With the term „hemangioma” different vascular anomalies are described. Here one has to discriminate the congenital vascular tumours from the vascular anomalies. But for a clear indication a definite classification is necessary. Basis is the actual ISSVA classification. In the latest version they have incorporated the embryological aspects of the Hamburg Classification. Especially in the vasculogenetic (″extratruncular″) malformations one found increasing genetic defects. Here is an overlap to the neuro-ectodermal syndromes. By this, common therapeutic strategies are in progress.
System Technoecology and Managed Nature-Technical Systems
Authors: Суздалева  , Suzdaleva A.
Published: October 2016

The result of the technogenic transformation of the environment is the formation of dynamic systems, denoted by the term «nature-technical systems». In the near future in these systems will exist not only people, but also most living organisms of the Earth. Therefore, the saving of favorable conditions in nature-technical systems becomes an increasingly actual task. The only possible way to solve this problem is to create special engineering systems — «ecological regulators». Ecological regulators at the regional level can serve as large hydroelectric power stations. They protect vast areas against abnormal droughts and floods. Ecological regulators of larger scale can be created during the installation of systems for interbasin freshwater resources transmission. The development of greenhouse effect causes a change in the rate of atmospheric fallout in different parts of the Earth. In some regions they decline catastrophically, somewhere else they increase abnormally. This causes bad harvests, hunger, the spread of epidemics and uncontrolled mass migrations. The disastrous droughts and floods also cause degradation of natural ecosystems. Managed nature-technical systems created on the base objects of interbasin water resources transmission at the same time will keep the geopolitical stability and conserve biodiversity in many regions. Successful implementation of these tasks, in practice, is impossible without the development of a reliable scientific-methodological basis, which includes a comprehensive study of the technical and environmental problems. This is the subject of study of the new scientific discipline — system technoecology.
Solid-Phase Biosorbents for Water Purification from Petroleum Hydrocarbons
Authors: Али-Элдиин - , Aly-Eldine M.A. , Лейкин  , Leykin Yu. , Черкасова  , Cherkasova T. , Мизиев  , Miziev M.
Published: October 2016

In the model solution of dodecane investigated sorbents with immobilized microbial

cells genus Pseudomonas (K-5-25, A-2) and Rhodococcus (EriA. 2-4m). Sorbents based

on non-woven fabrics made of polypropylene fibers (neutral) and the acrylonitrile

fibers containing in their structure of the group of primary and secondary amines, as

well as on natural material of the mineral from the group of hydrous layered structure.

The efficiency of the sorption and biocatalytic contributions to the study of the degree

of water purification. Such self-recovering system, combining physico-chemical and

biological removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from solutions with low concentrations

of trace and can operate in dynamic mode. Moreover, the sorbent performs one of the

most important functions of biological systems, providing delivery and accumulation

of oil components from the liquid phase, immobilized cells and carry out selfregeneration

biosorbent. Analysis of the comparative effectiveness of these processes

with the use of a kinetic model of the results obtained on the solid-phase sorbent with

immobilized cells and the initial sorbent without cells, allowed us to determine the

degree of physical and chemical removal of dodecane from an aqueous emulsion and

the degree of biodegradation, as in liquid, and in solid phase sorption material. The

most efficient biological system has shown itself on the basis of non-woven material

acrylonitrile, allowing up to 8 days to reduce the concentration of dodecane to the

level of maximum permissible concentration and below.
Physical Modeling of Non-Stationary Fire Whirls by Burning of Solid Fuel Pellets
Authors: Дермер  , Dermer P. , Вараксин  , Varaksin A.
Published: October 2016

The results of experimental study of wall-free non-stationary fire vortices are presented. The generation of vortical structures occurred by the burning of pellets of urotropine (hexamethylenetetramine) located on the underlying surface (sheet of aluminum). Unlike most previous research experiments the mechanical twisting devices and the shear air stream to get fire vortex structures were not used. It was assumed that the generation of fire whirls occurred due to the instability of the combustion process. Experimental data on the conditions of fire whirls generation (number of pellets, generation start time and thermal power) and their integral parameters (life time, height and diameter) have been received.
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: October 2016

Nikki Welyczko, Teacher Fellow and Principal Lecturer for Adult Nursing at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading bacteria from the Indonesian Marine Environment
Authors: YETTI ELVI , THONTOWI AHMAD , YOPI YOPI
Published: October 2016

Yetti E, Thontowi A, Yopi. 2016. Polyaromatic hydrocarbon degrading bacteria from the Indonesian Marine Environment.Biodiversitas 17: 857-864. Oil spills are one of the main causes of pollution in marine environments. Oil degrading bacteria play an important role for bioremediation of oil spill in environment. We collected 132 isolates of marine bacteria isolated from several Indonesia marine areas, i.e. Pari Island, Jakarta, Kamal Port, East Java and Cilacap Bay, Central Java. These isolates were screened for capability to degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Selection test were carried out qualitatively using sublimation method and growth assay of the isolates on several PAHs i.e. phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene, fluorene, naphtalene, phenotiazine, and pyrene. The fifty-eight isolates indicated in having capability to degrade PAHs, consisted of 25 isolates were positive on naphthalene (nap) and 20 isolates showed ability to grow in phenanthrene (phen) containing media. Further, 38 isolates were selected for dibenzothiophene (dbt) degradation and 25 isolates were positive on fluorene (flr). On the other hand, 23 isolates presented capability to degrade in phenothiazine (ptz) and 15 isolates could grow in media with pyrene (pyr). Based on homology analysis of partial 16S rDNA gene, we obtained six taxonomy classes of PAH degrading bacteria, namely Î±-Proteobacteria (31%), Î³-Proteobacteria (43%), Firmicutes Bacilli (12%), Actinobacteria; Micrococcales (9%), Actinobacteria; Propionibacteriales (2%), and Bacteroidetes; Flavobacteriia (3%). In this research, we obtained diverse PAH degrading bacteria from marine areas.
Promoting design probes in interior design and in the user-centred analysis of a space in the context of Finnish higher education
Authors: Kärnä-Behm Jaana
Published: October 2016

Probing is a new, playful co-design method that enables future users to participate in a design process in variant design contexts. This article is based on a case study of applying and developing the probing method as a part of studies of interior design in higher education in craft and design. The article reports probing processes of the university-level students (N=72), training to become textile teachers, and their reflections on the method. The data on the case were collected during two interior design courses held in a single institution in 2014 and 2015. The results outline the students’ processes from the point of view of participation, spaces chosen as well as their reflections. After the students experienced the probing process, they suggested ideas for its application in teaching design in different educational degrees as well as applications in other contexts.
Cluster With Flo-Star Max Claw With Crossing Milk Connection Pipes
Authors: Luberański Adam , Wiercioch Marian , Szlachta Józef , Krzyś Aleksander , Skalska Danuta
Published: October 2016

Improvement of mechanical milking in the aspect of cow's udder health and maintaining correct milking parameters is possible through e.g. constant improvement of the structure of clusters. A cluster with a specific claw with crossing milk connection pipes Flo-Star Max with liners with a round profile of the barrel of DK1X. The objective of the paper was to analyse usefulness of this type of the sitructure of the machine for mechanical milking of cows. Measurements of simulated milking were carried out in a laboratory to the upper milking pipeline at variable mass intensity of liquid flow within 0-8 kg·min−1, for four penetrations of artificial teats of 100, 75, 62, 50 mm at the systemic negative pressure values within 50 to 44 kPa, simultaneous and alternating pulsation and during real milking of cows in a cowshed. Using a multivariate analysis of variance, the impact of independent variables of an experiment on the values of average vacuum of suction, vacuum fluctuations in cycle, average drop of vacuum in a cycle were proved. Analysis of the machine operation in a milking parallel parlour in real mechanical milking conditions and difficulties in placing a machine on the cow's udder as well as violent milk flow were reported and the milk flow of 3.5 kg·min−1 was exceeded with its characteristic balancing in the rhythm of a pulsator.
New Mixed Kernel Functions of SVM Used in Pattern Recognition
Authors: Huanrui Hao
Published: October 2016

The pattern analysis technology based on kernel methods is a new technology, which combines good performance and strict theory. With support vector machine, pattern analysis is easy and fast. But the existing kernel function fits the requirement. In the paper, we explore the new mixed kernel functions which are mixed with Gaussian and Wavelet function, Gaussian and Polynomial kernel function. With the new mixed kernel functions, we check different parameters. The results shows that the new mixed kernel functions have good time efficiency and accuracy. In image recognition we used SVM with two mixed kernel functions, the mixed kernel function of Gaussian and Wavelet function are suitable for more states.
Research on the Distribution System Simulation of Large Company’s Logistics under Internet of Things Based on Traveling Salesman Problem Solution
Authors: Hui Liu , Min Chen
Published: October 2016

This paper is research on the distribution system’s simulation of large company’s logistics under Internet of Things (IoT) based on traveling salesman problem solution. The authors claim that the real-time traffic synergy is better than traditional distribution strategy in general, verifying and comparing the simulation results in different situations of goals and starting time distribution. The simulation method used in this paper makes the result more scientific and reliable. The simulation truly reflects the degree of influence of information synergy to improve the efficiency of logistics system. The information synergy had an obvious enhancing effect on system operation efficiency. Taking full advantage of the value of information and improving the information synergy to the best level have irreplaceable effect on system operation efficiency.
Processing Chinese relative clauses: An investigation of second-language learners from different learning contexts
Authors: Yao Qin , Renaud Claire
Published: October 2016

The goal of this study is to examine the processing of Chinese relative clauses (RCs) through a self-paced reading task and to determine whether the learning environment plays a role in the second-language (L2) acquisition of RCs. We investigated two types of RCs (subject vs. object RCs) along with two positions in which a RC can occur (modifying a matrix subject noun phrase [NP] vs. a matrix object NP). Eighteen native speakers of Chinese and twenty-one L2 learners at an intermediate proficiency level participated in the study. Ten learners were students learning Chinese in the US (i. e., in a foreign-language context), whereas the other eleven learners were students studying Chinese in China (i. e., in a study-abroad context). The comprehension of sentences containing a RC and reading times (RTs) on the RC and the head noun (the segment immediately following the RC) were analyzed. The results show distinct patterns for the learners and the native speakers. The accuracy data reveals that the L2 learners in China performed better than the L2 learners in the US. Additionally, the L2 learners in China exhibited a processing speed advantage to the L2 learners in the US. The RT data highlighted important asymmetries in the L2 learners in the US and the native speakers, while the results were flat for the L2 learners in China. Specifically, L2 learners in the US took longer to read object RCs than subject RCs while the opposite pattern was obtained for the L1 speakers. Moreover, matrix-object-modifying RCs revealed shorter RTs than matrix-subject-modifying RCs for L2 learners in the US, whereas the opposite pattern was found for the L1 speakers. These findings are discussed in light of the Linear Distance Theory and the Structural Distance Theory (e. g., O’Grady 1997.Syntactic development. Chicago: University of Chicago Press). Overall, these results seem to provide support to the assumption that changes in syntactic processing happen as a result of exposure to the language environment (Cuetos et al. 1996. Parsing in different languages. In Manuel Carreias, Jose E. Garcia-Albea & Nuria Sebastien-Galles (eds.),Language processing in Spanish, 145–187. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum; Frenck–Mestre 2002. An on-line look at sentence processing in the second language. In Roberto Heredia & Jeanette Altarriba (eds.),Bilingual sentence processing, 217–236. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers.).
The Impact of Minimum Wage Changes on Management in the Czech Republic
Authors: Uhrová Natalie , Skalka Petr
Published: October 2016

The extent of social security contributions paid by both employers and employees in the Czech Republic is considered one of the biggest problems of the Czech economy. At the same time, the minimum wage in the Czech Republic has been repeatedly changed in recent years and even months, and thus the aim of this paper is to identify and discuss possible consequent changes in managerial decisions in Czech firms that could be examined in further analyses. We suggest the hypothesis that Czech firms are lowering their costs via the substitution of employment agreements for employment contracts in order to avoid social security contributions paid by the employer.
Influence of Parameterization of Soil Processes on Meteorological Forecasts of Vertical Profiles
Authors: Duniec Grzegorz , Mazur Andrzej
Published: October 2016

Soil and atmosphere boundary layer (ABL) interact with each other and influence physical processes in soil and atmosphere. Quality of numerical weather forecast depends on good mapping of complex soil process (microphysics processes in soil, fluid dynamics in porous media, soil dynamics, water cycle in soil and soil-plant-water relation, thermal processes in the soil etc.) in parameterization soil schemes. Current parameterizations of soil physical processes in TERRA_ML (multilayer soil module of the COSMO meteorological model) were prepared 30 years ago for numerical model with poor resolution. Nowadays operationally numerical models work with much better resolution. So, previous parameterization must have been improved or prepared from the beginning if it is expected improvement quality of numerical weather forecast. The influence of changing parameterization of water flux through the soil for “bare soil” case on vertical meteorological profiles is presented in this paper. This influence can be seen not only in weather forecasts, but also in any areas where the results of meteorological model(s) are used, like decision support systems in emergency situations or modeling of dispersion of air pollutants.
Performance analysis of selected hypervisors (Virtual Machine Monitors - VMMs)
Authors: Graniszewski Waldemar , Arciszewski Adam
Published: October 2016

Virtualization of operating systems and network infrastructure plays an important role in current IT projects. With the number of services running on different hardware resources it is easy to provide availability, security and efficiency using virtualizers. All virtualization vendors claim that their hypervisor (virtual machine monitor - VMM) is better than their competitors. In this paper we evaluate performance of different solutions: proprietary software products (Hyper-V, ESXi, OVM, VirtualBox), and open source (Xen). We are using standard benchmark tools to compare efficiency of main hardware components, i.e. CPU (nbench), NIC (netperf), storage (Filebench), memory (ramspeed). Results of each tests are presented.
On Modelling AM/AM and AM/PM Conversions via Volterra Series
Authors: Borys Andrzej , Sieńko Wiesław
Published: October 2016

In this paper, we present the expressions, not published up to now, that describe the AM/AM and AM/PM conversions of communication power amplifiers (PAs) via the Volterra series based nonlinear transfer functions. Furthermore, we present a necessary and sufficient condition of occurrence of the nonzero values of AM/PM conversion in PAs. Moreover, it has been shown that Saleh’s approach and related ones, which foresee nonzero level of AM/PM conversion, are not models without memory. It has been also shown that using a polynomial description of a PA does not lead to a nonzero AM/PM conversion. Moreover, a necessary condition of occurrence of an AM/AM conversion in this kind of modelling is existence of at least one nonzero polynomial coefficient associated with its odd terms of degree greater than one.
Cyclotriphosphazene, an old compound applied to the synthesis of smart dendrimers with tailored properties
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie , Ouali Armelle , Hameau Aurélien , Laurent Régis , Rebout Cyrille , Delavaux-Nicot Béatrice , Turrin Cédric-Olivier , Moineau Chane-Ching Kathleen , Majoral Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2016

The versatile reactivity of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (N3P3Cl6) has been developed for the synthesis of specifically engineered dendrimers. Dendrimers are hyperbranched macromolecules built by concentric layers constituted of associated monomeric units. Many of the properties of dendrimers depend on the type of their surface (terminal) functions, which are generally all identical. For some specific purposes, it is desirable to have one function that is different at the level of the core. Hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene offers the possibility to differentiate the reactivity of one (or more) Cl from the others, for producing specifically engineered dendritic tools. These specific reactions on N3P3Cl6 have produced highly dense dendrimers, Janus dendrimers (two faces), tools for functionalizing materials, with uses as catalysts, as chemical sensors, for trapping CO2, for the culture of cells, or for imaging biological events. These properties will be emphasized in this review.
“The Good Start Method for English” or how to support development, prevent and treat risk of dyslexia in children learning English as a second language
Authors: Bogdanowicz Katarzyna M. , Bogdanowicz Marta
Published: October 2016

Children with developmental dyslexia and at its risk have difficulties in the acquisition of foreign languages, especially non-transparent English. The problems of such pupils concern various aspects of the language system but in particular relate to the ability to read and spell. The research literature dedicated to effective preventative methods and dyslexia treatment suggests that both children with dyslexia and at its risk need phonological awareness training and multi-sensory learning. It is also known that prevention and early treatment is more effective than therapeutic intervention used in older students. Experts in foreign language acquisition recommend that children have contact with longer oral texts and live language (e.g., poems and songs). A recently-published report on the methods of English language teaching in Polish primary schools shows that the lessons conducted there do not realise the majority of the aforementioned recommendations. As a consequence, they do not serve any pupils including those with dyslexia and at its risk. A method which meets most of the demands mentioned above is “The Good Start Method for English”. It is a new program of teaching the English language designed for five to seven-year-olds, which at the same time ensures support for the psychomotor development of children, leading to acceleration in learning progress.
Effect of Interset Rest Interval Length on Resistance Exercise Performance and Muscular Adaptation
Authors: Gonzalez Adam M.
Published: October 2016

AMONG SEVERAL OTHER RESISTANCE TRAINING PARAMETERS INCLUDING INTENSITY, VOLUME, AND FREQUENCY, INTERSET REST INTERVAL LENGTH HAS BEEN WIDELY INVESTIGATED. THIS ARTICLE WILL DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF INTERSET REST INTERVAL LENGTH ON RESISTANCE EXERCISE PERFORMANCE, THE ACUTE HORMONAL AND METABOLIC RESPONSE, AND TRAINING-INDUCED MUSCULAR ADAPTATION.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Rituximab therapy for Graves’ orbitopathy – lessons from randomized control trials
Authors: Stan Marius N , Salvi Mario
Published: October 2016

Rituximab (RTX) use in open-label series has been associated with very encouraging responses in patients with active and moderate-to-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). Recently, randomized controlled trials of RTX have been performed in such patients to answer the question of clinical efficacy and the safety profile of this agent. That data, reported separately, focused on Clinical Activity Score (CAS) and indicated in one trial a strong benefit of RTX in comparison with IV glucocorticoids, whereas the other trial noted the absence of a benefit by comparison with placebo. The outcome was reanalyzedpost hochere, using EUGOGO criteria, and the results were not significantly different. The authors comment further on the differences between the two trials regarding populations treated, methodology, analysis of outcomes and the adverse effect profile of RTX. The populations treated appear different with younger patients, lower TRAb and shorter duration of disease prevalent in the Italian trial, all elements favoring a better response. Smoking, usually diminishing a response, was also more prevalent in some patients. The combined outcome proposed by EUGOGO revealed similar results with CAS regarding RTX efficacy; yet, it might be a more comprehensive outcome. The adverse events of concern relate mainly to the risk of DON, which seems to be increased by the use of RTX in a certain subset of patients. Based on available data, a multicenter trial using the EUGOGO-proposed outcomes might be the next best step to define the role of RTX in GO therapy.
Diagnóstico primário dos fatores de risco coronariano em idosos vinculados à estratégia saúde da família no interior do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Radtke Micheli Beatriz , Wichmann Francisca Maria Assmann , Couto Analie Nunes
Published: October 2016

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de fatores de risco de doença coronariana em idosos de um município no interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: para a realização do presente estudo, utilizou-se a tabela de risco coronariano proposta pela Michigan Heart Association. Realizou-se um estudo com abordagem epidemiológica, observacional e com delineamento transversal em uma amostra calculada de 115 idosos, de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária média de 69,86 ±7,7 anos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva, através da média, desvio padrão e identificação do percentual da ocorrência do risco relativo, além disso, foi realizado o teste Mann-Whitney e o teste t pareado para comparação do risco coronariano entre as unidades de saúde e a frequência na dieta alimentar de alimentos ricos em gorduras saturadas e sódio. Resultados: o risco coronariano médio obtido foi de 31,23 ± 5,3 pontos, classificado pela Michigan Heart Association, como risco moderado. Não houve alteração significativa entre os sexos e as localidades, indicando que o risco coronariano é alto em todo território avaliado. A população apresentou dieta aterogênica, com consumo elevado de gordura saturada e sódio. De acordo com a ordem de prevalência, os fatores mais encontrados foram: percentual de gordura saturada na dieta, hereditariedade, sobrepeso, pressão arterial, sedentarismo e tabagismo respectivamente. Considerações finais: foram evidenciados casos de alto

risco, alertando para a necessidade da elaboração e inserção de políticas de promoção de saúde, a fim de minimizar as possibilidades de ocorrência de eventos coronarianos, sobretudo em uma população idosa.
Oficinas de artes visuais: empoderamento e desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais para adolescentes em situação de risco social
Authors: Bolzani Berliete , Tonello Maria Georgina Marques , Bittar Cléria Maria Lobo
Published: October 2016

Objetivo: desenvolver oficinas de artes visuais com adolescentes em situação de risco social, com ênfase na intervenção grupal, visando a criação de um espaço de troca de experiências, aproximação social e desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais, além de conhecer suas percepções sobre os trabalhos realizados nas oficinas. Método: estudo de natureza qualitativa, observacional e participante. Foram realizadas 30 oficinas uma vez por semana com um grupo de 18 adolescentes, de 11 a 15 anos, de ambos os sexos, assistidos por uma ONG. As atividades foram registradas em diário de campo, bem como os relatos, comentários, percepções e comportamento dos adolescentes, sobre as atividades realizadas e a impressão que estas lhes causavam. A transcrição destes relatos foi feita posteriormente, mantendo-se a fala original. Resultados: após a realização das oficinas, os adolescentes foram capazes de perceberem a si mesmos com mais assertividade, melhoraram sua autopercepção, foram capazes de identificar suas necessidades, seus limites e terem discernimento sobre o que podiam ou não fazer. Demonstraram maior interesse nos cuidados consigo e com sua aparência pessoal, além de terem modificado sua percepção em relação ao outro. Considerações finais: as oficinas proporcionaram melhora das habilidades sociais, no empoderamento, na autoestima, auxiliando-os a lidarem melhor com as situações do cotidiano. Trata-se de uma estratégia que está em consonância com os princípios da Promoção da Saúde, conforme preconiza a Organização Mundial da Saúde.
Força de Preensão Palmar e dispneia em pacientes portadores de Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica
Authors: Emmanouilidis Alessandra , Goulart Cássia Da Luz , Bordin Diogo Fanfa , Miranda Natacha Angelica da Fonseca , Cardoso Dannuey Machado , Silva Andréa Lúcia Gonçalves da , Paiva Dulciane Nunes
Published: October 2016

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre a disfunção muscular periférica de membros superiores e o nível de dispneia em portadores de Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC). Método: estudo transversal realizado com portadores de DPOC com estadiamento entre II e IV. A Força de Preensão Palmar (FPP) foi avaliada através de dinamômetro hidráulico. A dispneia foi mensurada pela escala Medical Research Council (MRC). Para análise estatística foi utilizado o Teste t Student e o teste ANOVA One-way (p