bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite time motion control for a launching platform based on sliding mode disturbance observer
Authors: Qiu Yang , Hu Jian , Lu Hui , Liu Long
Published: October 2016

A kind of launching platform driven by two permanent magnet synchronous motors which is used to launch kinetic load to hit the target always faces strong external disturbance such as the air current impulsion which would degrade their tracking accuracy greatly. In this article, the position control problem of a launching platform with strong disturbance is studied based on the finite time control technique. A sliding mode disturbance observer is proposed to observe the disturbance, based on which a finite time control technique is proposed for position loop. Rigorous mathematical analysis is given for the closed-loop system performance in the presence of disturbances. The experimental results show that this method not only makes the position tracking error of the closed-loop system converge faster but also makes the boundary of steady-state error smaller than that of the conventional proportional–integral–derivative control scheme and sliding mode control scheme, which means the closed-loop system has stronger anti-disturbance property.
Baseline correction of vibration acceleration signals with inconsistent initial velocity and displacement
Authors: Pan Chao , Zhang Ruifu , Luo Hao , Shen Hua
Published: October 2016

This study improves upon the traditional polynomial detrending method in order to correct the vibration acceleration signals with inconsistent initial velocity and displacement more rationally and efficiently. When numerical integration of recorded acceleration signals using assumed initial velocity and displacement values (which are generally inconsistent with real values) is performed, baseline shift or drift phenomenon can arise in velocity and displacement curves obtained. Baseline correction must be performed if an inconsistent acceleration signal is to be used in dynamic analyses. Polynomial detrending is generally used to remove unreasonable trends in time series, but the consistency among acceleration, velocity, and displacement has not received sufficient attention. The traditional polynomial detrending method is improved by purposefully removing the shifted trends in velocity and displacement. Two inconsistent vibration signals are selected to be corrected using both the traditional method and the improved method. It was found that the traditional method does not give a satisfactory correction result, but the improved method can correct the signal to be consistent. The improved detrending method is effective in making vibration signals have consistent acceleration, velocity, and displacement.
Study on rolling bearing fault diagnosis approach based on improved generalized fractal box-counting dimension and adaptive gray relation algorithm
Authors: Cao Yunpeng , Ying Yulong , Li Jingchao , Li Shuying , Guo Jian
Published: October 2016

Aiming at the nonlinear and nonstationary characteristics of bearing vibration signals as well as the complexity of condition-indicating information distribution in the signals, a novel rolling element bearing fault diagnosis approach based on improved generalized fractal box-counting dimension and adaptive gray relation algorithm was proposed in this article. First, an improved generalized fractal box-counting dimension algorithm was developed to extract the characteristic vectors of fault features from the bearing vibration signals, to offer more useful and distinguishing information imaging different bearing health status in comparison with traditional fractal box-counting dimension. After feature extraction by improved generalized fractal box-counting dimension algorithm, an adaptive gray relation algorithm, in which the concept of weight coefficient and adaptive distinguishing coefficient was introduced into the calculation of the relation degree, was employed to fulfill an intelligent bearing fault diagnosis. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can more effectively and accurately identify different bearing fault types as well as severities compared with the existing intelligent methods, and it can solve the learning problem with an extremely small number of samples.
A path planning strategy for searching the most reliable path in uncertain environments
Authors: Zhang Botao , Liu Yong , Lu Qiang , Wang Jian
Published: October 2016

A path planning method for searching the most reliable path in uncertain environments is proposed in this article. When a robot chases a target in a semi-structured workspace with hazards and uncertainty, which path it takes is of great matter as different paths can lead to diverse risks. To “enlighten” the robot on a wiser choice, a reliability-based topological map is built, in which it is possible to add uncertainty information such as threats and road condition to topological nodes. With this map, the robot is possible to minimize risks in carrying out a target search task. Further simulation and physical-world experiments indicate that the most reliable path method generates a path a bit longer, following which the robot encounters less risks.
Experimental evaluation of acceleration waveform replication on electrohydraulic shaking tables
Authors: Shen Gang , Zhu Zhencai , Li Xiang , Li Ge , Tang Yu , Liu Shanzeng
Published: October 2016

An electrohydraulic shaking table is an essential experimental facility in many industrial applications to real-time simulate actual vibration situations including structural vibration and earthquake. However, there is still a challenging area for its acceleration waveform replication because acceleration output responses of the electrohydraulic shaking table would not be as intended in magnitude and phase of an acceleration closed-loop system due to inherent hydraulic nonlinear dynamics of electrohydraulic servo systems. Thus, how to accurately and coordinately control parallel hydraulic actuators of the electrohydraulic shaking table is a critical issue; so, many control techniques have been developed to address the issue. Some currently used key techniques in this field are reviewed in the article, which are the objectives of academic investigations and industrial applications. The article reviews some new control algorithms for the electrohydraulic shaking table to obtain high-fidelity acceleration waveform replication accuracy.
An online real-time path compensation system for industrial robots based on laser tracker
Authors: Shi Xiaojia , Zhang Fumin , Qu Xinghua , Liu Bailing
Published: October 2016

Industrial robots have been widely used in many areas for the properties such as low cost, high flexibility and relatively large working space. The low absolute accuracy and low stiffness, however, limit the application in high precision areas. This article presents an approach for industrial robots that overcomes the inaccuracy of robotic path in offline programming. Robot Sensor Interface of KUKA robot controller makes the error compensation available. First, the compensation performance of the KUKA KR5 arc robot is investigated and the straight-line and circular arc path compensation strategies are proposed. Besides, an error compensation algorithm is proposed to generate the compensation values as well as to deal with the oscillation of real-time compensation. Finally, experimental results using a KUKA KR5 arc robot verify the correctness and accuracy of the approach.
Inspiring next generation of engineers through service-learning robotics outreach and mentorship programme
Authors: Ilori Olusoji , Watchorn Andrew
Published: October 2016

This article describes the organization of a service-learning robotics outreach and mentorship programme in an engineering department of a developing country. The programme is designed to tackle the problem of lack of integrative courses in engineering programmes and the lack of interest in science technology engineering and mathematics subjects among primary and secondary school students. Under the programme, a robotic team is formed consisting of undergraduate engineering students as mentors/coaches and primary and secondary school students as team members. The team members are taught how to design, build, and program robots to solve challenges by their mentors. The programme is intended to foster creative problem-solving abilities of students in science technology engineering and mathematics subjects at all levels of education in the context of a resource-constrained teaching and learning environment. The impacts of the programme are also reported.
Impact of dynamics of the frame on the performance of the positioning servosystem
Authors: Miková Ľubica , Gmiterko Alexander , Frankovský Peter , Hroncová Darina
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the issue of the impact of parasitic dynamics caused by vibroisolation on the performance of the positioning system in low- and high-frequency regions. Based on the simplified structure of the positioning system and passive vibroisolation system with one degree of freedom, a new structure of the positioning system is created taking into account the impact of vibroisolation system. By utilizing this structure of the positioning system based on the simulation, the impact of the ratio of the weight of the actuator to the frame weight and the damping factor on the performance of the positing system in low- and high-frequency regions is demonstrated.
A square root unscented Kalman filter for multiple view geometry based stereo cameras/inertial navigation
Authors: Xian Zhiwen , Lian Junxiang , Shan Mao , Zhang Lilian , He Xiaofeng , Hu Xiaoping
Published: October 2016

Exact motion estimation is one of the major tasks in autonomous navigation. Conventional Global Positioning System-aided inertial navigation systems are able to provide accurate locations. However, they are limited when used in a Global Positioning System-denied environment. In this paper, we present a square root unscented Kalman filter-based approach for navigation by using stereo cameras and an inertial sensor only. The main contribution of this work is the development of a novel measurement model by applying multiple view geometry constraints to the stereo cameras/inertial system. The measurement model does not require the three-dimensional feature position in the state vector of the filter, which substantially reduces the size of the state vector and the computational burden. To incorporate this nonlinear and complex measurement model, a variant of the square root unscented Kalman filter-based algorithm is also proposed. The root of the state covariance is propagated and updated directly in the square root unscented Kalman filter, thereby avoiding the decomposition of the state covariance and improving the stability of our algorithm. Experimental results based on a real outdoor dataset are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and the accuracy of the proposed approach.
Dynamic performance evaluation for a 3U

P

S-

P

RU parallel robot
Authors: Zhao Yongjie
Published: October 2016

This article deals with the methodology of the kinematic and rigid-body dynamic performance evaluation of the 3UPS-PRU (the underlined P denotes an actuating prismatic joint) parallel robot. The maximum input velocity index, the maximum driving torque index, and the maximum driving power index are formulated based on kinematic and rigid-body dynamic model, the theory of matrix norm and inequality. The physical meanings of the indices are the maximum input velocity, the maximum driving torque, and the maximum driving power, respectively, when the moving platform translates along the z-axis in the maximum linear acceleration amax, rotates about an arbitrary axis in the maximum angular acceleration αmax, translates along the z-axis in the maximum linear velocity vmax, and rotates about an arbitrary axis in the maximum angular velocity [Formula: see text]. Employing the worst-case criterion, the example of the kinematic and rigid-body dynamic performance evaluation of the 3UPS-PRU parallel robot is carried out using the presented indices. It is shown that the distribution trends of the maximum driving torque and the maximum driving power are roughly the same for the 3UPS-PRU parallel robot. The conclusions are provided at the end of the article.
Multi-target trapping in constrained environments using gene regulatory network-based pattern formation
Authors: Peng Xingguang , Zhang Shuai , Lei Xiaokang
Published: October 2016

Inspired by the morphogenesis of biological organisms, gene regulatory network-based methods have been used in complex pattern formation of swarm robotic systems. In this article, obstacle information was embedded into the gene regulatory network model to make the robots trap targets with an expected pattern while avoiding obstacles in a distributed manner. Based on the modified gene regulatory network model, an implicit function method was adopted to represent the expected pattern which is easily adjusted by adding extra feature points. Considering environmental constraints (e.g. tunnels or gaps in which robots must adjust their pattern to conduct trapping task), a pattern adaptation strategy was proposed for the pattern modeler to adaptively adjust the expected pattern. Also to trap multiple targets, a splitting pattern adaptation strategy was proposed for diffusively moving targets so that the robots can trap each target separately with split sub-patterns. The proposed model and strategies were verified through a set of simulation with complex environmental constraints and non-consensus movements of targets.
‘Some viewers may find the following images disturbing’: Visual representations of refugee deaths at border crossings
Authors: Lenette Caroline , Miskovic Natasa
Published: October 2016

The emotional reaction and outrage following the publication of photographs of Alan Kurdi who drowned while crossing borders in September 2015 highlighted the major impact visual representations of refugee deaths at border crossings can have on public opinions and political will. The impact of these photographs also shows that depictions of deaths as a result of border crossings are relatively rare in the media; analyses of such representations and their potential impact on policy are also neglected in the literature. This article offers a commentary on the key themes linked to visual representations of refugee deaths at border crossings by considering three recent examples, and argues for further interdisciplinary discussions on such images. It focuses on two points: that depicting refugees alone has a greater impact on viewers and is more likely to trigger sympathy or outrage; concurrently, that anonymity can reduce viewers’ ability to connect with the tragedy. This discussion adds to the body of literature on the links between media representations and policymaking, and on the mediation of human vulnerability through visual means. The themes outlined here have much currency in contemporary discussions on refugee deaths at border crossings.
Animation, Branding and Authorship in the Construction of the ‘Anti-Disney’ Ethos: Hayao Miyazaki’s Works and Persona through Disney Film Criticism
Authors: Hernández-Pérez Manuel
Published: October 2016

Walt Disney (1901–1966) is one of the most important figures in the history of cinema, but he may also be one of the most criticized. Adjectives referring to Disney in their different forms (‘Japanese Disney’, ‘Asian Disney’, ‘Disney from the Orient’, etc.), have also been applied to the analysis of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki (1941–). Disney’s legacy has been reviewed and examined through different theoretical lenses derived from cultural studies and film criticism. In contrast, scholarship and cultural criticism have decoded Miyazaki’s works in terms of auteurism. These approaches also emphasize similarities based on high quality of production and individual signatures while differentiating between ideological and cultural readings of each author’s legacy. In this construction of what has been referred to as ‘anti-Disney’, the most common strategies of classical auteurism act together, including the mythical construction of the creator’s persona through cultural criticism and other film paratexts. In order to better understand the role of authorship in animation, a distinction between brand, style and creator’s persona is suggested.
Cognition and fatigue in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis treated by subcutaneous interferon β-1a: an observational study SKORE
Authors: Benešová Yvonne , Tvaroh Aleš
Published: October 2016

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, which often causes progressive neurological disability. In addition to motor and sensory dysfunction, cognitive decline and fatigue are frequent manifestations of the disease. Fatigue is probably the most common symptom, with up to 90% of MS individuals reporting fatigue at some point. Cognitive impairment affects about 50% of patients and may be present at all MS stages. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate changes in cognition, fatigue, and disability status in 300 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients, treated with subcutaneous (sc) interferon (IFN) β-1a over 2 years.

Methods:

The study was designed as an observational, multicentre, prospective, single-arm, phase IV study carried out in 13 MS centres in the Czech Republic. Cognition status was assessed using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT), fatigue using the Fatigue Descriptive Scale (FDS), and disability using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), at baseline, and after 6, 12 and 24 months. The percentage of patients with changed versus stable cognition, fatigue status and disability was calculated at each time point and the changes in these scores were evaluated.

Results:

The proportion of patients with cognitive improvement was higher compared with those with a stable or decreased PASAT scores at all time points, and the average cognitive performance improved during the follow-up period. Also the proportion of patients with stable or improved fatigue and EDSS scores was higher compared with those in which FDS or EDSS scores declined, this was found at all time points of the analysed sample. However, the direct effect of IFN β-1a on cognition and fatigue cannot be concluded from this study.

Conclusions:

The results of this observational study have demonstrated a stable or improved cognitive performance, fatigue status, and disability level in the majority of RRMS patients treated with sc IFN β-1a over a two-year follow-up period, in a real life setting, in the Czech Republic.
Why integrating technology has been unsuccessful in Kuwait? An exploratory study
Authors: Alfelaij Bader
Published: October 2016

In Kuwait, unsuccessful attempts to use and integrate technology into classrooms and lecture halls are currently being witnessed in schools and higher education institutions. Such failure is believed to be the consequence of various challenges, such as cultural, technical and contextual challenges. In this exploratory study, the researcher has tried to shed some light on these and make recommendations on how to address them. In order to explore these challenges, the method of document analysis was applied, collecting data exclusively from documents related to the Kuwaiti context. These data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach and NVivo10. The results show that such challenges (i.e. cultural, technical and contextual challenges) exist in the Kuwaiti context and lead to the failure of E-learning projects. As a final point, a conclusion was drawn and some recommendations made and presented.
Impact of Panic on Psychophysiological and Neural Reactivity to Unpredictable Threat in Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Lieberman Lynne , Gorka Stephanie M. , Shankman Stewart A. , Phan K. Luan
Published: October 2016

Exaggerated anxious responding to unpredictable threat (U-threat) is a core feature of panic disorder (PD). However, it is unknown whether this abnormality is specific to the diagnosis of PD or would manifest along a continuum of panic symptomatology (PS). In addition, little is known about the neural processes underlying this abnormality among those high in PS. Finally, no studies have tested whether startle potentiation and limbic neural reactivity—commonly used indices of U-threat responsivity—are associated and therefore reflect common abnormalities. These questions were investigated in 42 adults with a range of PS. U-threat responding was measured twice during threat of shock—once with startle and once with functional magnetic resonance imaging. As hypothesized, PS positively predicted startle potentiation and dACC reactivity to U-threat. Startle potentiation and dACC activation to U-threat were positively associated. These results suggest a biobehavioral profile of aberrant responding to U-threat associated with PS.
Disputed Waters: India, Pakistan and the Transboundary Rivers
Authors: Ranjan Amit
Published: October 2016

Water disputes between India and Pakistan reflect the political relationship between the two countries since partition of British India in 1947. That partition broke the interdependent hydraulic system. In following decades, tensions between India and Pakistan have led to emergence of ‘water nationalism’ in both countries. In the past, many groups, in both countries, have made appeals to their respective government to scrap the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) of 1960, but no steps were taken in such direction by either of the two states. The IWT has survived two full wars (1965 and 1971), one limited war (1999) and a series of political-cum-military tensions (1987, 1989–90, 2002 and 2008) between India and Pakistan.
Unpacking Clinical Scholarship: Why Clinics Start and How They Last
Authors: Mkwebu Tribe
Published: October 2016

This article details a qualitative approach in which textual data from a selected batch of 91 papers on clinical legal education were analyzed to identify factors that have been influential in the establishment and sustainability of clinical programmes in different jurisdictions. A systematic approach to literature review was conducted between January 2014 and April 2014 to aid an understanding of clinical legal education in Zimbabwe. Textual data analysis from each article was given a thorough fracturing through the use of grounded theory’s coding system which identified 20 influential factors to consider in the creation and sustainability of clinical programmes. For the purposes of a critical discussion of the reviewed literature, 20 themes were arranged into three main thematic topics: ‘resource’; ‘relational’ and ‘contextual’, where ‘resource’ was selected as a core category around which a storyline was built. The review indicated that there were various positive and negative factors influencing the creation and sustainability of clinical programmes. Enabling factors were most frequently related to positive intervening conditions such as the availability of a healthy financial base upon which a clinical programme was built. Impeding factors were most frequently associated with negative intervening conditions such as resistance to clinical pedagogy. Literature review revealed a wealth of knowledge on key aspects to consider while founding a clinical programme. However, there are still critical knowledge gaps requiring our attention. To fill in the knowledge gaps, this article proposes that empirical research on clinical legal education should be underpinned by a systematic review of literature and grounded theory nexus. In this way, we should be able to systematically generate substantive theories grounded in both textual and empirical data. Such an approach should encourage us to be objective in narrating the benefits of clinical legal education and help us foster more and effective strategies on the creation and sustainability of clinical programmes.
Occipital Bony Abnormality and Multiple Strokes in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Blount Thomas J. , Larsen Paul D. , Thorell William E.
Published: October 2016

This study presents a case of a 15-year-old boy who had a right vertebral artery dissection with distal embolization from repeated trauma from an occipital bony spicule. The authors hypothesize that this bony spicule was contacting the left vertebral artery during head rotation, resulting in trauma to the vessel and formation of emboli which then showered distally, causing strokes in the posterior circulation of the brain. This specific phenomenon has previously been reported three times, only one of which was in pediatric literature. It is important for individuals to be aware of this rare anatomic cause of vertebral artery dissection in patients presenting with an odd constellation of symptoms related to strokes from vertebro-basilar system. Treatment options including early intervention with intravascular coil embolization are also discussed.
Weight Status and Physical Activity
Authors: Wang Helen , Blanco Estela , Algarín Cecilia , Peirano Patricio , Burrows Raquel , Reyes Marcela , Wing David , Godino Job G. , Gahagan Sheila
Published: October 2016

We tested the independent and combined influence of overweight/obesity and meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines (≥60 minutes per day) on cardiometabolic risk factors among healthy adolescents. We measured anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting lipids, and activity by accelerometer in 223 adolescents. They were categorized as overweight/obese versus normal weight and meeting the World Health Organization guidelines for MVPA per day. Adolescents were 16.8 years, 41% overweight/obese, 30% met MVPA guidelines, 50% low high-density lipoprotein, 22% high triglycerides, 12% high blood pressure, and 6% high fasting glucose. Controlling for sex, overweight/obese adolescents who did not meet MVPA guidelines had 4.0 and 11.9 increased odds for elevated triglycerides and systolic blood pressure, respectively, compared to normal weight adolescents who met MVPA guidelines. Overweight/obese and normal weight adolescents who met MVPA guidelines did not differ in cardiometabolic risk factors. Among overweight/obese adolescents, being physically active attenuated the likelihood of high triglycerides and systolic blood pressure.
International Human Rights Law and the Menace of Atrocities on Dalit Communities in India
Authors: Babar Aniruddha Vithal
Published: October 2016

Caste discrimination and atrocities on Dalit communities is a stigma on Indian society. By virtue of Article 17 of the Constitution of India, the evil practice of untouchability is abolished. However, menace of caste still exists largely in rural areas as well as in cities in various forms. The Supreme Court of India in Arumugam Sarvai vs State of Tamilnadu, (2011) 6 SCC 405 stated that, ‘A large section of Indian society still regards a section of their own countrymen as inferior.’ It is pertinent to note that as per the statistics published by the National Crime Record Bureau around 27,000 crimes against former untouchables are recorded yearly. The atrocities committed against Dalit communities are result of structural failure of government machinery. In addition to domestic protection available to Dalits, there are provisions in the International Human Rights Law too that address their issues.

In this article an attempt is made to analyze the elements of International Human Rights Law and Municipal Laws of India that concerns with the welfare and legal protection of Dalit communities. The purpose of this research is to show how India failed to meet her obligations under various international human rights conventions to secure Dalit rights.

This research work will debunk the state’s claims of compliance with international standards while protecting social–legal interest of Dalits. There are reports of atrocities and violence against Dalits that indicate that they are still society’s most vulnerable people in a ‘fragile’ state. This article will systematically reveal how international human rights norms were violated and how the situation of Dalits could be improved by improving the standards of the implementation of protective measures in conformity with international human rights law.
A statistical approach to detection of copy number variations in PCR-enriched targeted sequencing data
Authors: Demidov German , Simakova Tamara , Vnuchkova Julia , Bragin Anton
Published: October 2016

Background

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a common enrichment technique for targeted massive parallel sequencing (MPS) protocols. MPS is widely used in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics as the fast and accurate tool for the detection of short genetic variations. However, identification of larger variations such as structure variants and copy number variations (CNV) is still being a challenge for targeted MPS. Some approaches and tools for structural variants detection were proposed, but they have limitations and often require datasets of certain type, size and expected number of amplicons affected by CNVs. In the paper, we describe novel algorithm for high-resolution germinal CNV detection in the PCR-enriched targeted sequencing data and present accompanying tool.

Results

We have developed a machine learning algorithm for the detection of large duplications and deletions in the targeted sequencing data generated with PCR-based enrichment step. We have performed verification studies and established the algorithm’s sensitivity and specificity. We have compared developed tool with other available methods applicable for the described data and revealed its higher performance.

Conclusion

We showed that our method has high specificity and sensitivity for high-resolution copy number detection in targeted sequencing data using large cohort of samples.
Contralateral migration of oculomotor neurons is regulated by Slit/Robo signaling
Authors: Bjorke Brielle , Shoja-Taheri Farnaz , Kim Minkyung , Robinson G. Eric , Fontelonga Tatiana , Kim Kyung-Tai , Song Mi-Ryoung , Mastick Grant S.
Published: October 2016

Background

Oculomotor neurons develop initially like typical motor neurons, projecting axons out of the ventral midbrain to their ipsilateral targets, the extraocular muscles. However, in all vertebrates, after the oculomotor nerve (nIII) has reached the extraocular muscle primordia, the cell bodies that innervate the superior rectus migrate to join the contralateral nucleus. This motor neuron migration represents a unique strategy to form a contralateral motor projection. Whether migration is guided by diffusible cues remains unknown.

Methods

We examined the role of Slit chemorepellent signals in contralateral oculomotor migration by analyzing mutant mouse embryos.

Results

We found that the ventral midbrain expresses high levels of both Slit1 and 2, and that oculomotor neurons express the repellent Slit receptors Robo1 and Robo2. Therefore, Slit signals are in a position to influence the migration of oculomotor neurons. In Slit 1/2 or Robo1/2 double mutant embryos, motor neuron cell bodies migrated into the ventral midbrain on E10.5, three days prior to normal migration. These early migrating neurons had leading projections into and across the floor plate. In contrast to the double mutants, embryos which were mutant for single Slit or Robo genes did not have premature migration or outgrowth on E10.5, demonstrating a cooperative requirement of Slit1 and 2, as well as Robo1 and 2. To test how Slit/Robo midline repulsion is modulated, we found that the normal migration did not require the receptors Robo3 and CXCR4, or the chemoattractant, Netrin 1. The signal to initiate contralateral migration is likely autonomous to the midbrain because oculomotor neurons migrate in embryos that lack either nerve outgrowth or extraocular muscles, or in cultured midbrains that lacked peripheral tissue.

Conclusion

Overall, our results demonstrate that a migratory subset of motor neurons respond to floor plate-derived Slit repulsion to properly control the timing of contralateral migration.
Preclinical study of mouse pluripotent parthenogenetic embryonic stem cell derivatives for the construction of tissue-engineered skin equivalent
Authors: Rao Yang , Cui Jihong , Yin Lu , Liu Wei , Liu Wenguang , Sun Mei , Yan Xingrong , Wang Ling , Chen Fulin
Published: October 2016

Background

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) derivatives hold great promise for the construction of tissue-engineered skin equivalents (TESE). However, harvesting of ESCs destroys viable embryos and may lead to political and ethical concerns over their application. In the current study, we directed mouse parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) to differentiate into fibroblasts, constructed TESE, and evaluated its function in vivo.

Methods

The stemness marker expression and the pluripotent differentiation ability of pESCs were tested. After embryoid body (EB) formation and adherence culture, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were enriched and directed to differentiate into fibroblastic lineage. Characteristics of derived fibroblasts were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA. Functional ability of the constructed TESE was tested by a mouse skin defects repair model.

Results

Mouse pESCs expressed stemness marker and could form teratoma containing three germ layers. MSCs could be enriched from outgrowths of EBs and directed to differentiate into fibroblastic lineage. These cells express a high level of growth factors including FGF, EGF, VEGF, TGF, PDGF, and IGF1, similar to those of ESC-derived fibroblasts and mouse fibroblasts. Seeded into collagen gels, the fibroblasts derived from pESCs could form TESE. Mouse skin defects could be successfully repaired 15 days after transplantation of TESE constructed by fibroblasts derived from pESCs.

Conclusions

pESCs could be induced to differentiate into fibroblastic lineage, which could be applied to the construction of TESE and skin defect repair. Particularly, pESC derivatives avoid the limitations of political and ethical concerns, and provide a promising source for regenerative medicine.
Localization of human adipose-derived stem cells and their effect in repair of diabetic foot ulcers in rats
Authors: Shi Rongfeng , Jin Yinpeng , Cao Chuanwu , Han Shilong , Shao Xiaowen , Meng Lingyu , Cheng Jie , Zhang Meiling , Zheng Jiayi , Xu Jun , Li Maoquan
Published: October 2016

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an intractable diabetic complication. Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) frequently present with infected DFUs. In this study, a wound healing model on diabetic rat foot was established to mimic the pathophysiology of clinical patients who suffer from DFUs. Our study aimed to explore the localization of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) and the role of these cells in the repair of foot ulcerated tissue in diabetic rats, and thus to estimate the possibilities of adipose-derived stem cells for diabetic wound therapy.

Method

Sprague–Dawley rats were used to establish diabetic models by streptozotocin injection. A full-thickness foot dorsal skin wound was created by a 5 mm skin biopsy punch and a Westcott scissor. These rats were randomly divided into two groups: the hADSC-treated group and the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) control group. The hADSC or PBS treatment was delivered through the left femoral vein of rats. We evaluated the localization of hADSCs with fluorescence immunohistochemistry and the ulcer area and ulcerative histology were detected dynamically.

Result

The hADSCs had a positive effect on the full-thickness foot dorsal skin wound in diabetic rats with a significantly reduced ulcer area at day 15. More granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, cellular proliferation, and higher levels of growth factors expression were also detected in wound beds.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that hADSC transplantation has the potential to promote foot wound healing in diabetic rats, and transplantation of exogenous stem cells may be suitable for clinical application in the treatment of DFU.
Draft genome sequence of Micromonospora sp. DSW705 and distribution of biosynthetic gene clusters for depsipeptides bearing 4-amino-2,4-pentadienoate in actinomycetes
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Ichikawa Natsuko , Hosoyama Akira , Hamada Moriyuki , Harunari Enjuro , Ishikawa Arisa , Igarashi Yasuhiro
Published: October 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Micromonospora sp. DSW705 (=NBRC 110037), a producer of antitumor cyclic depsipeptides rakicidins A and B, together with the features of this strain and generation, annotation, and analysis of the genome sequence. The 6.8 Mb genome of Micromonospora sp. DSW705 encodes 6,219 putative ORFs, of which 4,846 are assigned with COG categories. The genome harbors at least three type I polyketide synthase (PKS) gene clusters, one nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene clusters, and three hybrid PKS/NRPS gene clusters. A hybrid PKS/NRPS gene cluster encoded in scaffold 2 is responsible for rakicidin synthesis. DNA database search indicated that the biosynthetic gene clusters for depsipeptides bearing 4-amino-2,4-pentadienoate are widely present in taxonomically diverse actinomycetes.
A human microRNA precursor binding to folic acid discovered by small RNA transcriptomic SELEX
Authors: Terasaka Naohiro , Futai Kazuki , Katoh Takayuki , Suga Hiroaki
Published: October 2016

RNA aptamers are structured motifs that bind to specific molecules. A growing number of RNAs bearing aptamer elements, whose functions are modulated by direct binding of metabolites, have been found in living cells. Recent studies have suggested that more small RNAs binding to metabolites likely exist and may be involved in diverse cellular processes. However, conventional methods are not necessarily suitable for the discovery of such RNA aptamer elements in small RNAs with lengths ranging from 50 to 200 nucleotides, due to the far more abundant tRNAs in this size range. Here, we describe a new in vitro selection method to uncover naturally occurring small RNAs capable of binding to a ligand of interest, referred to as small RNA transcriptomic SELEX (smaRt-SELEX). By means of this method, we identified a motif in human precursor microRNA 125a (hsa-pre-miR-125a) that interacts with folic acid. Mutation studies revealed that the terminal loop region of hsa-pre-miR-125a is important for this binding interaction. This method has potential for the discovery of new RNA aptamer elements or catalytic motifs in biological small RNA fractions.
Genomic variant annotation workflow for clinical applications
Authors: Thurnherr Thomas , Singer Franziska , Stekhoven Daniel J. , Beerenwinkel Niko
Published: October 2016

Annotation and interpretation of DNA aberrations identified through next-generation sequencing is becoming an increasingly important task. Even more so in the context of data analysis pipelines for medical applications, where genomic aberrations are associated with phenotypic and clinical features. Here we describe a workflow to identify potential gene targets in aberrated genes or pathways and their corresponding drugs. To this end, we provide the R/Bioconductor package rDGIdb, an R wrapper to query the drug-gene interaction database (DGIdb). DGIdb accumulates drug-gene interaction data from 15 different resources and allows filtering on different levels. The rDGIdb package makes these resources and tools available to R users. Moreover, rDGIdb queries can be automated through incorporation of the rDGIdb package into NGS sequencing pipelines.
HOW TO COMBAT CORRUPTION — A CIVIL SERVANTS´ VIEW
Authors: Pedersen Karin Hilmer , Pedersen Karin Hilmer , Johannsen Lars , Johannsen Lars
Published: October 2016

Presented article addresses the question from the point of civil servants’. Using a survey among Baltic civil servants, the authors assess their views on three types of anti-corruption instruments (awareness, punishment, extraordinary investigations rights) and question if the recommendation will change according to where they perceive corruption to be most critical. The article contains a short theoretical discussion about individual incentives to accept bribes linking these to policy recommendations. The authors conclude that reforms and ethical training are needed to promote professionalism and meritocracy among the civil servants as an important factor for curbing corruption. Conducted study shows that despite of the fact that penalties for civil servants are recognized as important tool for counteracting corruption, it should be strictly followed principle of legal state based on maintenance of rule of law emphasizing that tradeoffs with respect to civil rights are inacceptable.
LEGAL REGULATION OF MARRIAGE IN FACT IN RUSSIA AND THE USA
Authors: Назарова Анна , Nazarova Anna
Published: October 2016

This article is devoted to the analysis of legal regulation of marriage in fact in the Russian Federation and the United States. The purpose of this work is due to an increase in the number of marriage in fact and as a consequence the need for legal regulation of these relations. For a comprehensive study the author uses comparative legal method that takes into account the experience of not only Russia, but also foreign states. The author examines the legal regulation of marriage in fact in Russia and the United States; defines the legal norms, which is applied for the regulation of relations between the actual spouses, current Russian legislation and the legislation of the states of the USA. In the issue the researcher comes to the conclusion that neither in Russia, nor in the US states in the regulation of marriage in fact, special marriage and family provisions are not applied. At the same time the factual spouses are under legal protection. In Russia, the legal regulation of the relations developing between the actual spouses, no different from the regulation of corresponding relations of other persons. In some US states the actual spouses have special rights and duties, the scope of which is substantially less than the amount of the rights and duties of legal spouses.
THE DOCTRINE OF PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW: THE BELGIAN REALISM THEORY OF XVI CENTURY
Authors: Гетьман-Павлова Ирина , Getman-Pavlova Irina
Published: October 2016

The object of the present article is an attempt to restore the names of representatives of the XVI century Belgian School of Realism, who have been “unjustly forgotten” in modern Private International Law doctrine — Nicolas Everhard, Pieter Peck and Johannes a Sande. These scholars are the founders of the Belgian Realism theory of conflicts-of-laws which anticipated the classic Dutch “comity” doctrine and provided the framework for the Anglo-American doctrine of the regulation of international civil relations. The theory of Belgian realism was first outlined by Everhard, Peck and Sande and was formed on the theory of statutes — the only doctrine of Private International Law during 500 years. Belgian Realism is a stand-alone direction of the theory of statutes which triggered the process of a strongly territorial concept of conflict resolution between choice-of-law rules of different states. However, despite their outstanding contribution to the legal practice and doctrine of their time, aforementioned scholars are unknown in modern jurisprudence. The article concludes that Everhard, Peck and Sande developed the choice-of-law rules which are now adopted by modern legislation; moreover, their researches may serve to development of international comity doctrine, which has been adopted by modern Private International Law.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LATENT CRIME IN RUSSIA AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Квашис Виталий , Kvashis Vitaliy
Published: October 2016

The article considers the problems of Russian and foreign practice of crime registration, its nature, situation with the latent crime and the methodology of the latency calculation. Latency study is one of the areas of crime analysis, with the ultimate goal of improving the law enforcement practice. The comparative nature of this analysis enriches the content of scientific knowledge about these processes and its practical significance. Thus, it is forced to consider that the comparison of statistics of different countries is related to certain limitations, because different legal systems have different understanding of a number of crimes; in addition the specificity of the crime metering in the national statistics has some effects (hence the range of indicators and their comparability). Official data largely do not coincide with the actual crime. There is a significant layer of latency between them. It is hidden and concealed crimes which can not be metered properly. Its magnitude is influenced by many factors, without which it is impossible to give a reasonable assessment and forecast of the situation. In most developed countries the overall level of latency is much lower than in Russia; if it grows it is mainly due to the growth of the «natural» latency, when the population report to the police only about serious crimes. The data on latency in the UK, USA and Japan confirms it. In Russia, a higher latency is mainly related to a significant block of crimes covered up from the metering. So the real crimes are much more than registered crimes. As a result, we have unreal pattern, we have a construction created by the practice of registration and official statistics. The source of this vicious practice can be found in inappropriate criteria of efficiency of activity of internal affairs bodies.
RULES ON INCHOATE CRIME IN THE CRIMINAL LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: Некрасов Василий , Nekrasov Vasiliy
Published: October 2016

The article analyzes the issues of differentiation of responsibility and norm design technique on inchoate crime in the criminal legislation of the Republic of Belarus. The author examines the legislative definition of preparation for a crime, attempted crime and voluntary renunciation of criminal purpose. As a result of the study the author has found out the main methods and means of legislative technique, used by the Belarusian legislator. These are abstract and casuistic methods, the terminology of the criminal law and several others. Comparison of legal regulation of norms on unfinished crime in the Criminal code of the Republic of Belarus and the Criminal code of the Russian Federation has allowed to identify gaps made by the legislators of both countries in application of specific tools and techniques of legislative drafting. Court practice of the Republic of Belarus in cases of preparation for a crime and attempted crime also was analyzed in present article. The author has evidentiated the means of differentiation of the responsibility for committing inchoate crime, used by the Belarusian legislator. The definitions “inchoate crime” and “stage of the crime” were also analyzed in present study. As a conclusion the author has made the recommendations for improving the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on regulation of criminal responsibility for an inchoate crime.
ECONOMIC AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE LEGAL LIABILITY FOR VIOLATION OF THE RULES OF COMPETITION IN FRANCE
Authors: Терновая Ольга , Tyernovaya Olga
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the economic and legal aspects of the legal liability for the violation of the competition rules in the doctrine and the French legislation. Particular attention is paid to the economic aspects of the legal regulation of competitive relations and the practical application of the techniques of economic analysis by the French courts in disputes related to economic supervision. The role of the Competition Council in making decisions about the presence or absence of positive economic impacts of the transaction is noted. The question of delimitation of antitrust regulation by the norms of the French Commercial Code and acts of unfair competition by the rules of the French Civil Code is researched. The formed approaches to the definition of acts of unfair competition in the doctrine are analyzed. The attention is paid to the possibility of criminal liability of legal persons for violation of the rules of competition in accordance with French law.