bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bending the Pipeline? Executive Search and Gender Inequality in Hiring for Top Management Jobs
Authors: Fernandez-Mateo Isabel , Fernandez Roberto M.
Published: February 2016

We study the sources of women’s underrepresentation in hiring for top management jobs by focusing on the context of executive search. Using data that include proprietary information on 10,970 individuals considered by a search firm, we examine the sources of the low proportion of women placed in senior roles. Contrary to received wisdom, we find limited evidence that demand-side screeners strongly contribute to gender disadvantage in this setting. What gender differences exist tend to play out at the start of the hiring process and are driven both by supply-side and demand-side actors. Once considered for a position, women are no less likely than men to be hired—though they are slightly less likely to be interviewed by the search firm. Our findings highlight the theoretical importance of disentangling candidates’ “self-steering” behavior from the “pipeline bending” of hiring agents. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding gender inequality at upper echelons of the labor market.

This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations.
An Improved Integrality Gap for Asymmetric TSP Paths
Authors: Friggstad Zachary , Gupta Anupam , Singh Mohit
Published: February 2016

The asymmetric traveling salesperson path problem (ATSPP) is one where, given an asymmetric metric space (V, d) with specified vertices s and t, the goal is to find an s-t path of minimum length that passes through all the vertices in V.

This problem is closely related to the asymmetric TSP (ATSP), which seeks to find a tour (instead of an s-t path) visiting all the nodes: for ATSP, a ρ-approximation guarantee implies an O(ρ)-approximation for ATSPP. However, no such connection is known for the integrality gaps of the linear programming (LP) relaxations for these problems: the current-best approximation algorithm for ATSPP is O(ln n/ln ln n), whereas the best bound on the integrality gap of the natural LP relaxation (the subtour elimination LP) for ATSPP is O(ln n).

In this paper, we close this gap, and improve the current best bound on the integrality gap from O(ln n) to O(ln n/ln ln n). The resulting algorithm uses the structure of narrow s-t cuts in the LP solution to construct a (random) tree spanning tree that can be cheaply augmented to contain an Eulerian s-t walk.

We also build on a result of Oveis Gharan and Saberi and show a strong form of Goddyn’s conjecture about thin spanning trees implies the integrality gap of the subtour elimination LP relaxation for ATSPP is bounded by a constant. Finally, we give a simpler family of instances showing the integrality gap of this LP is at least 2.
Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Organizational Research: Applications of Synthetic Control Methodology in the U.S. Automobile Industry
Authors: Fremeth Adam R. , Holburn Guy L. F. , Richter Brian K.
Published: February 2016

We assess the utility of synthetic control, a recently developed empirical methodology, for applications in organizational research. Synthetic control acts as a bridge between qualitative and quantitative research methods by enabling researchers to estimate treatment effects in contexts with small samples or few occurrences of a phenomenon or treatment event. The method constructs a counterfactual of a focal firm, or other observational unit, based on an objectively weighted combination of a small number of comparable but untreated firms. By comparing the firm’s actual performance to its counterfactual replica without treatment, synthetic control estimates, under certain assumptions, the magnitude and direction of treatment effects. We illustrate and critique the method in the context of the U.S. auto industry by estimating (a) the effect of government intervention in Chrysler’s management from 2009 to 2011 on its sales volumes and (b) the impact of Toyota’s 2010 “acceleration crisis” on Camry sales.
Studying the Dependence of Layer-by-Layer Snow Density Variability Dynamics upon Intra-Snow Crystal Formation in Snow Cover Evolution
Authors: Tentyukov M. P.
Published: February 2016

Presentation of the results of testing a snow sampler with a controllable pitch designed for layer-by-layer snow pit studying. Demonstration of the snow cover structural features and diagenetic transformations typical for the winter of 2009-2010. Identification of the snow mass snow pack growth related to intra-snow crystal formation. Discussion of the mechanism of the process and its role in snow cover evolution. The results could be used for interpretation of the snow cover remote sensing data within zonal natural complexes–middle–taiga bilberry spruce forests.
Ein organisationstheoretischer Ansatz zur Erforschung diskursiver Prozesse im Management Coaching
Authors: Schulz Florian
Published: February 2016

Ausgehend von einer Problematisierung aktueller Entwürfe von Coaching innerhalb der interdisziplinären Organisationsforschung wird im vorliegenden Beitrag die Notwendigkeit betont den Kontext von Coaching stärker zu differenzieren, das Augenmerk auf die konstituierenden Prozesse zu richten sowie vermehrt kritische Fragen zu den Effekten der Intervention zu stellen. Ein prozessorientiertes Diskurskonzept wird vorgestellt, welches erlaubt diese Forderungen zu erfüllen sowie Coaching auf drei Prozessebenen zu betrachten: Coaching als Gespräch, als organisationale Intervention sowie als sozio-historisches Phänomen. Die konkreten Implikationen für die Forschung werden anhand von Beispielen aus einem empirischen Projekt illustriert. Damit leistet der Artikel insgesamt einen Beitrag zur Entwicklung eines alternativen theoretischen Verständnisses von Coaching, stellt methodische Möglichkeiten zur Erforschung der Prozesse dar und unterstreicht die organisationstheoretische Perspektive bei der empirischen Erforschung.
Conducting dusty fluid flow through a constriction in a porous medium
Authors: K R Madhura , M S Uma
Published: February 2016

The flow of an unsteady incompressible electrically conducting fluid with uniform distribution of dust particles in a constricted channel has been studied. The medium is assumed to be porous in nature. The governing equations of motion are treated analytically and the expressions are obtained by using variable separable and Laplace transform techniques. The influence of the dust particles on the velocity distributions of the fluid are investigated for various cases and the results are illustrated by varying parameters like Hartmann number, deposition thickness on the walls of the cylinder and the permeability of the porous medium on the velocity of dust and fluid phase.
Influence of thyroid hormones on nervous system development – brief review
Authors: Cisne Rafael , Justo Rayssa , Migowski Edimilson
Published: February 2016

The thyroid gland secretes important hormones for the overall development of organism, which include some related to tissue growth, as well as hormones that stimulate the O2 uptake in the cells and help the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore influence the body mass and activity level thereof, including the activities of nervous system. The thyroid gland is not essential for life, however their absence or hypofunction during fetal and neonatal life result in severe mental, physical and mental slowness, poor resistance to cold, as well as dwarfism. The hyperfunction of this gland leads to weight loss, nervousness, tachycardia, tremor and production of excess heat.
Evaluation of allelopathic activity of 178 Caucasian plant species
Authors: Mardani Hossein , Kazantseva Elena , Onipchenko Vladimir , Fujii Yoshiharu
Published: February 2016

Seeking for new plant species as the main resources of bioactive chemicals is one of the fundamental steps in biological production science. The main objective of this paper was to screen for the allelopathic activity of Caucasian plant species in order to select the strongest allelopathic species for future studies. Dried leaves of 178 plant species collected from the Teberda State Reserve in the Caucasus region were assayed by the Sandwich method for allelopathic activity, using Lactuca sativa (lettuce) as the test plant. To evaluate allelopathic activity, standard deviation (SD) and SD of variance (SDV) of radicle growth inhibition were calculated. The highest (100%) inhibition was observed for Artemisia austriaca Jacquin, followed by Oxalis acetosella L., Convallaria majalis L. and Polygonatum odoratum (Miller). Among plant families, members of the Fabaceae caused greatest inhibition of radicle growth. Plants classified as “poisonous” had the highest allelopathic activities, followed closely by those designated “medicinal”. Results of this study will guide the identification of novel phytotoxic chemicals useful in medicinal and/or industrial applications.
When Hostile Consumers Wreak Havoc on Your Brand: The Phenomenon of Consumer Brand Sabotage
Authors: Kähr Andrea , Nyffenegger Bettina , Krohmer Harley , Hoyer Wayne D.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, companies have been confronted with a new type of negative consumer behavior: consumers who have turned hostile and who are strongly determined to cause damage to the brand. Empowered by new technological possibilities, an individual consumer can now wreak havoc on a brand with relatively little effort. In reflection of this new phenomenon, the authors introduce the concept of consumer brand sabotage (CBS). On the basis of different underlying motives, a conceptual framework distinguishes CBS (a form of hostile aggression: harming the brand as dominant motive) from other forms of negative consumer behavior, such as customer retaliation and negative word of mouth (instrumental aggression: harming a brand is only a means to achieve other objectives, e.g., restoring equity). This framework adapts insights from aggression and appraisal theories as well as qualitative interviews with actual saboteurs to a consumer–brand relationship context in order to develop an improved theoretical understanding of the under-researched phenomenon of CBS. The authors analyze the mental escalation processes of individual consumers toward CBS and develop a road map for future research.
Modelling of absorption, distribution and physicochemical properties of AT1 receptor antagonists / Modelovanie absorpcie, distribúcie a fyzikálnochemických vlastnosti antagonistov AT1 receptorov
Authors: Ježko Pavol , Žufková Viera , Remko Milan
Published: February 2016

The theoretical chemistry methods were used to elucidate absorption, distribution and physicochemical properties of AT1 receptor antagonists and dual angiotensin II and endothelin A receptor antagonist (PS-433540). Computed partition coefficients (ALOGPS method) studied for drugs varied between 2.98 and 6.66. Neutral compounds are described as lipophilic drugs. Telmisartan is a drug with the highest lipophilicity. The neutral forms of the studied AT1 receptor antagonists are practically insoluble in water, and their computed solubilities is in interval between 2.04 and 22.65 mg/l (ALOGpS method). The calculated pKa values for tetrazolyle moiety are in the range 3.92-5.00 and for carboxylic moiety 3.12-5.50. Telmisartan (polar surface area = 72.95 A) and irbesartan (polar surface area = 87.14 A) belong to the AT1 receptor antagonists with increased absorption.
Presence of Nitrate and Nitrite in Well Water in Mureș County
Authors: Fogarasi Erzsébet , Fülöp Ibolya , Marcu Emanuela , Croitoru Mircea Dumitru
Published: February 2016

Objective: One of the most important sources of nitrite and nitrate anions, besides vegetables and meat products, is the drinking water. Presence of nitrite and nitrate in the water in higher concentrations than those set by EFSA (0.5 mg/l nitrite, 50 mg/l nitrate), may have toxicological significance. A quantitative determination of these ions in samples collected from several pleases from Mureș County was made.

Methods: Ninety-seven well water samples were tested from 12 different places from Mureș County. We used a simple HPLC-UV ion pair method for the determination of nitrite and nitrate concentrations. Sensitivity of the method enables the quantification for concentrations far below the MCL value.

Results: The highest amounts of nitrate and nitrite were measured in Sangeorgiu de Mureș and Cristești. Concentrations of nitrite and nitrate were exceeded in 4.12% and respectively 44.32% of the samples.

Conclusions: The high amounts of nitrites and nitrates existing in well water go beyond the expected extent. This pollution can become a health risk since this water is used in human nutrition especially in child nourishment.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Between Meals in a Cross-Sectional Study of a Health Oriented Adult Population
Authors: Nadasan Valentin , Gabos Gabriella , Tarcea Monica , Abram Zoltan
Published: February 2016

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of snacking and to explore the relationship between snacking and several demographic, anthropometric, functional and biochemical factors. Methods: The study included 756 individuals over 18 years of age from Medias, Romania. Demographics and data about snacking were collected by trained volunteers. Height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure were measured with standard equipment according to accepted procedures. Blood glucose and cholesterol were measured by experienced nurses using portable devices. Associations between variables were checked with the Pearson Chi-square test. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the association between binary variables. Results: About half of the subjects in the studied sample reported snacking less than 2 times / week, 34.5% between 3-4 times / week and 14.8% more than 4 times / week. Statistical analysis found that snacking was associated with gender (males being less likely to snack than females), ethnicity (non-Romanians being less likely to snack than Romanian ethnics), marital status of the subjects (not married people being less likely to snack than married people ), systolic blood pressure (people consuming more often snacks being less likely to have high systolic blood pressure values), and blood sugar level (people eating more frequently between meals being more likely to have higher blood glucose levels). Conclusions: Snacking was a widespread eating habit among the study participants and was significantly associated with gender, ethnicity, marital status, systolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
Morpho-Pathological Review on the Healing of Synthetic Vascular Grafts
Authors: Russu Eliza , Mureșan Adrian Vasile , Cordoș Bogdan Andrei , Copotoiu Constantin , Cotoi Ovidiu Simion
Published: February 2016

Objective: Tissue integration of vascular grafts partially depends on the host response to injury, which immediately begins after implantation and restoration of the circulation. In an infected environment, the inflammation changes the incorporation patterns. The aim of the study was to observe the tissue incorporation process, in a normal and an infected environment. Methods: We have created an experimental model by performing subfascial implantation of four types of vascular grafts, in rats (woven Dacron®, knitted Dacron®, silver coated Dacron® and expanded Polytetrafloroethylene - ePTFE) and by infecting some of them with three different bacterial strains. We have retrieved the noninfected grafts at two and four weeks after implantation, whilst the infected ones at one, two and three weeks. Results: Detailed microscopic appearences were analysed. The control and infected groups were compared. Statistical significance was calculated for various corelations. Conclusions: The morphopathological findings showed that the ePTFE graft’s structure was best preserved. Statistical significance existed between the bacterial strain and the degree of inflammation. The silver coated Dacron® was not shown to be superior to the knitted Dacron®. The poorest incorporation was the one of the woven Dacron®.
The Degree of Satisfaction of Medical Students Regarding Simulation Based Teaching Methods in Anesthesia and Intensive Care
Authors: Moldovan Cosmin , Szederjesi Janos , Azamfirei Leonard
Published: February 2016

Background: Anesthesia and Intensive Care is a teaching subject that arguably benefits the most from the use of simulation based methods in education. The availability of technically advanced complex simulators allows instructors to develop training scenarios that can be deeply integrated within the teaching curriculum. Aim: The present study aimed to assess whether the students undergoing Anesthesia and Intensive Caresimulation training are satisfied with the perceived educational outcome. Material and method: We carried out a retrospective transversal study in which we analyzed 256 feedback forms received from medical students between October 2014 and June 2015. The forms contained 5 fixed questions that required rating a certain parameter with grades from 1 to 5. Results: The simulation sessions used in Anesthesia and Intensive Care training were well perceived by students, over 90% of whom considered that these training session are useful from a professional and career development point of view. Conclusion: Based on the students’ perception, simulation training sessions in Anesthesia and Intensive Care can be further developed and integrated with the clinical practical content of this subject.
Medical Students’ Acceptance of Online Assessment Systems
Authors: Petrisor Marius , Marusteri Marius , Simpalean Dan , Carasca Emilian , Ghiga Dana
Published: February 2016

Objective: The increased use of computers in education lead to computerized assessments, especially web-based assessment systems The aim of this study is to evaluate students’ acceptance of being evaluated using an online web-based assessment system. Methods: A transversal study was performed where a sample of students that used and were accustomed to an online assessment system were asked to fill in a short questionnaire and evaluate its use. Results: The questionnaire items responses show students’ preference for online assessment, as opposed to other assessment forms, like oral examination or classical pen and paper examination. Also it is noticeable the increase in the student number that prefer the online assessment as we move up through one year of study to the next. Conclusions: The study revealed a high level of acceptance for the online multiple choice questions test as an assessment method. Students’ opinion is that online tests are better suited for knowledge assessment and are more objective.
New RP-HPLC Method for Separation of Naja haje haje Venom and Studies of its Bactericidal Effect
Authors: Gâz Florea Şerban Andrei , Ciurca Diana , Mare Anca , Man Adrian , Cordoş Bogdan , Grama Anda-Lavinia , Muntean Daniela-Lucia
Published: February 2016

Background: Snake venom is a complex mixture of biologically active substances. Some peptides and proteins from snake have already demonstrated their therapeutically potential. The venom of Naja haje, an Elapidae member, has been analyzed from this point of view. Understanding the fully biochemical role of its enzymes has determined the scientists to find new separation and identification methods.

Objective: Our goal was to develop an optimal HPLC analytical method for separation and identification of Naja haje snake venom components, known for its neurotoxic activity. In addition, we wanted to find out if crude snake venom could inhibit the development of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures. Materials and Method: Analysis of venom was performed on a HPLC system using a C16 column with UV detection at 210 nm. The analysis was done using two mobile phases, containing different concentrations of acetonitrile and trifluoroacetic acid aqueous solution at different pH values. An elution gradient was set at a flow of 0.60 mL/min. Bactericidal activity was quantified by measuring inhibition diameter around an aseptically disk filled with crude venom using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results: An optimal HPLC analytical method has been developed by changing different parameters such as the pH value of mobile phase A or the elution gradient. The best resolution were obtained at a pH value of 7.4, in gradient varying from 5% to 45% in mobile phase B. Microbiological studies of the venom showed that Gram-positive bacteria growth was inhibited by crude venom, while on Gram-negative bacteria growth no effect was observed. Inhibition zone is dose-dependent and fresh crude venom is with 30% more potent than venom freeze and kept at -55°C. Conclusions: A comprehensive catalog of venom composition may serve as a starting point for studying structurefunction correlations of individual toxins for the development of new research tools and drugs of potential clinical use.
Multiparasitic Infection (Hydatid Cyst of the Spleen and Ascaris Lumbricoides Infestation) Mimicking an Acute Surgical Abdomen – Case Report
Authors: Molnar Călin , Vizitiu Alexandru , Deak Karoly , Russu Cristian , Tudor Adrian , Suciu Bogdan , Stolnicu Simona , Hulub Marius , Molnar Claudiu
Published: February 2016

Hydatid cyst involving the spleen is a rare clinical condition (0.5-4%). We report a case of multi-parasitic infection in a 62 year old female (hydatid cyst and ascaris lumbricoides infestation), confirmed during surgery. The purpose of the paper is to emphasize on the rare association of the two parasitic infections, affecting two different organs (spleen and jejunum). The combined symptomatology of the two parasites could mimic an acute surgical abdomen.
Investigating the Possibility to Individualize Asthma Attack Therapy Based on Attack Severity and Patient Characteristics
Authors: Sárkány Zoltán , Sárkány Kinga , Horváth A.
Published: February 2016

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate with the help of a computerized simulation model whether the treatment of an acute asthma attack can be individualized based on the severity of the attack and the characteristics of the patient. Material and Method: A stochastic lung model was used to simulate the deposition of 1 nm - 10 μm particles during a mild and a moderate asthma attack. Breathing parameters were varied to maximize deposition, and simulation results were compared with those obtained in the case of a severe asthma attack. In order to investigate the effect of height on the deposition of inhaled particles, another series of simulations was carried out with identical breathing parameters, comparing patient heights of 155 cm, 175 cm and 195 cm. Results: The optimization process yielded an increase in the maximum deposition values of around 6-7% for each type of investigated asthma attack, and the difference between attacks of different degree of severity was around 5% for both the initial and the optimized values, a higher degree of obstruction increasing the amount of deposited particles. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the individualization of asthma attack treatment cannot be based on particles of different size, as the highest deposited fraction in all three types of attacks can be obtained using 0.01 μm particles. The use of a specific set of breathing parameters yields a difference between a mild and a moderate, as well as a moderate and a severe asthma attack of around 5%.
Inferior Vena Cava Hypoplasia Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis – Case Presentation
Authors: Nyulas Tiberiu , Blendea Ciprian , Rat Nora , Barcan Andreea , Korodi Szilamer , Bajka Balazs
Published: February 2016

Introduction: We present the case of a patient suffering from inferior vena cava hypoplasia complicated with Phlegmasia cerulean dolens. Imaging techniques allow precise diagnosis of inferior vena cava hypoplasia, providing essential structural details on the degree of damage of the vena cava and for the other branches. Case presentation: A 58 years old, obese and diabetic male patient presented with intense pain in the lower limbs, with the onset 24h before presentation. The patient presented generalized edema, cyanosis and functional impotence. Angio CT examination revealed hypoplasia of the inferior vena cava, with extensive DVT (deep vein thrombosis). In emergency conditions, with the agreement of the patient, we initiated the thrombolytic therapy (streptokinase for 72h) associated with anticoagulants (heparin). The evolution was favorable: a significant reduction in leg circumference was recorded, together with pain relief and reduction of local inflammation in the lower limbs. Conclusion: Severe cases of inferior vena cava hypoplasia complicated with deep vein thrombosis can present a good prognosis if appropriate treatment with anticoagulants and thrombolytics is initiated in time.
The solutions of time and space conformable fractional heat equations with conformable Fourier transform
Authors: Çenesiz Yücel , Kurt Ali
Published: February 2016

In this paper our aim is to find the solutions of time and space fractional heat differential equations by using new definition of fractional derivative called conformable fractional derivative. Also based on conformable fractional derivative definition conformable Fourier Transform is defined. Fourier sine and Fourier cosine transform definitions are given and space fractional heat equation is solved by conformable Fourier transform.
Analytical and numerical results of fractional differential-difference equations
Authors: Khan Najeeb Alam , Riaz Fatima
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we examine the fractional differential-difference equation (FDDE) by employing the proposed sensitivity approach (SA) and Adomian transformation method (ADTM). In SA the nonlinear differential-difference equation is converted to infinite linear equations which have a wide criterion to solve for the analytical solution. By ADTM, the FDDE is converted into ordinary differential-difference equation that can be solved. We test both the techniques through some test problems which are arising in nonlinear dynamical systems and found that ADTM is equivalently appropriate and simpler method to handle than SA.
Erweiterung Komplexer Netzwerke zur dynamischen Modellierung und Analyse von großen, verkoppelten Systemen
Authors: Geiger Andreas , Kroll Andreas
Published: February 2016

Komplexe Netzwerke stellen eine Möglichkeit dar, große, verkoppelte Systeme zu modellieren
und zu analysieren. Für die Analyse werden dabei statistische Maße verwendet, welche auf den
Modellgraphen, bestehend aus Knoten und Kanten, angewandt werden. Nachteil einer solchen
Modellierung und Analyse ist jedoch das Ausblenden des dynamisch bedingten Verhaltens eines
Systems, welches jedoch für die Regelungstechnik eine wesentliche Bedeutung besitzt. Der
Beitrag stellt einen Ansatz vor, Komplexe Netzwerke so zu erweitern, dass das
regelungstechnisch relevante, dynamische Verhalten analysiert werden kann. Bei der
Modellierung werden dabei Kantengewichte verwendet, welche das dynamische Verhalten auf eine
einfache Art und Weise beschreiben. Der Ansatz wird am Beispiel der qualitativen Analyse des
Inverse-Response-Verhaltens vorgestellt und an einer Fallstudie demonstriert.
Random forests in non-invasive sensorimotor rhythm brain-computer interfaces: a practical and convenient non-linear classifier
Authors: Steyrl David , Scherer Reinhold , Faller Josef , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: February 2016

There is general agreement in the brain-computer interface (BCI) community that although non-linear classifiers can provide better results in some cases, linear classifiers are preferable. Particularly, as non-linear classifiers often involve a number of parameters that must be carefully chosen. However, new non-linear classifiers were developed over the last decade. One of them is the random forest (RF) classifier. Although popular in other fields of science, RFs are not common in BCI research. In this work, we address three open questions regarding RFs in sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) BCIs: parametrization, online applicability, and performance compared to regularized linear discriminant analysis (LDA). We found that the performance of RF is constant over a large range of parameter values. We demonstrate – for the first time – that RFs are applicable online in SMR-BCIs. Further, we show in an offline BCI simulation that RFs statistically significantly outperform regularized LDA by about 3%. These results confirm that RFs are practical and convenient non-linear classifiers for SMR-BCIs. Taking into account further properties of RFs, such as independence from feature distributions, maximum margin behavior, multiclass and advanced data mining capabilities, we argue that RFs should be taken into consideration for future BCIs.
Assessing the eligibility of a non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurement technique for application during total intravenous anaesthesia
Authors: Huhle Robert , Siegert Joachim , Wonka Fred , Schindler Christoph , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Koch Thea , Morgenstern Ute , Theilen Herman
Published: February 2016

Objective: To assess the eligibility for replacement of invasive blood pressure as measured “within” the arterial vessel (IBP) with non-invasive continuous arterial blood pressure (cNIP) monitoring during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), the ability of cNiP to track fast blood pressure changes needs to be quantified. A new method of statistical data analysis is developed for this purpose.

Methods: In a pilot study on patients undergoing neurosurgical anaesthesia, mean arterial pressure MAPIBP measured with IBP was compared to MAPCNP measured by the CNAP Monitor 500 in ten patients (age: 63±13 a). Correlation analysis of changes of device differences ΔeMAP=ΔMAPCNP-ΔMAPIBP with changes of MAPIBP (ΔMAPIBP) during intervals of vasoactivity was conducted. An innovative technique, of linear trend analysis (LTA) applied to two signals, is described to perform this analysis without a priori knowledge of intervals of vasoactivity.

Results: Analysis of ΔeMAP during vasoactivity revealed that ΔMAPCNP systematically underestimated ΔMAPIBP by 37%. This was confirmed in the complete data set using LTA technique showing a systematic, yet patient specific, underestimation in tracking ΔMAPIBP (16…120%).

Conclusion: The proposed LTA technique is able to detect systematic errors in tracking short-term blood pressure changes otherwise masked by established analysis. LTA may thus be a useful tool to assess the eligibility of cNIP to replace IBP during TIVA.
Comparative analysis of prostate cancer specific biomarkers PCA3 and ERG in whole urine, urinary sediments and exosomes
Authors: Hendriks Rianne J. , Dijkstra Siebren , Jannink Sander A. , Steffens Martijn G. , van Oort Inge M. , Mulders Peter F.A. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: February 2016

Background: PCA3 and ERG are mRNA-based prostate cancer (PCa) specific biomarkers that can be detected in urine. However, urine is a complex substrate that can be separated in several fractions. In this study we compared the levels of PCa-specific biomarkers (PCA3 and ERG) and KLK3 as prostate-specific reference gene in three urine substrates–whole urine, urinary sediment (cell pellet) and exosomes–and evaluated the influence of performing a digital rectal examination (DRE) prior to urine sampling.

Methods: First-voided urine samples were prospectively obtained before and after DRE from 29 men undergoing prostate biopsies. The urine was separated in whole urine, cell pellet and exosomes and the biomarker levels were measured with RT-qPCR.

Results: PCa was identified in 52% (15/29) of men. In several samples the mRNA levels were below the analytical limit of detection (BDL). The biomarker levels were highest in whole urine and significantly higher after DRE in all substrates. In PCa patients higher levels of PCA3 and ERG were found in all urine substrates after DRE compared to non-PCa patients.

Conclusions: This is the first study in which urinary PCa-specific biomarker levels were compared directly in three separate urine fractions. These results suggest that whole urine could be the urine substrate of choice for PCa-diagnostics based on analytical sensitivity, which is reflected directly in the high informative rate. Moreover, the significant positive effect of performing a DRE prior to urine sampling is confirmed. These findings could be of influence in the development of PCa-diagnostic urine tests.
An International Standard for holotranscobalamin (holoTC): international collaborative study to assign a holoTC value to the International Standard for vitamin B12 and serum folate
Authors: Thorpe Susan J. , Rigsby Peter , Roberts Graham , Lee Anne , Hamilton Malcolm , Craig David
Published: February 2016

Background:

Investigation of possible B12 and folate deficiencies requires measurement of these vitamins in serum. There is evidence that holotranscobalamin (holoTC), the active portion of B12 available to cells, is a more specific marker of early B12 deficiency than total B12. The availability of immunoassays for holoTC prompted an international collaborative study to assign a holoTC value to the World Health Organization (WHO) 1st International Standard (IS) for vitamin B12 and serum folate, 03/178.

Methods:

The IS, 03/178, and three serum samples with different holoTC levels were assayed by 12 laboratories in eight countries using manual and automated immunoassays for holoTC; one laboratory additionally performed an in-house assay. Fourteen sets of data were analysed.

Results:

Overall, the IS, 03/178, and the three serum samples demonstrated assay linearity and parallelism. An overall geometric mean (GM) holoTC value of 106.8 pmol/L was obtained for 03/178, with an inter-laboratory geometric coefficient of variation (GCV) of 10.5%. There was a reduction in inter-laboratory variability when the holoTC levels in the serum samples were determined relative to the IS with an assigned holoTC value rather than to the assays’ calibration. Accelerated degradation studies showed that 03/178 was sufficiently stable to serve as an IS for holoTC.

Conclusions:

The WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization endorsed the proposal to assign a holoTC value of 107 pmol/L to 03/178, corresponding to 0.107 pmol per ampoule, for use as the 1st IS for vitamin B12, serum folate, and holoTC.
A practical approach to non-spectral interferences elimination in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Krejčová Anna , Černohorský Tomáš , Bendakovská Lenka
Published: February 2016

Matrix effects and practical possibilities of reducing accompanying non-spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were studied for microconcentric Micromist, concentric and V-groove nebulizers (VGN) coupled with two cyclonic spray chambers of different sizes. The effect of a wide scale of interferents and mixtures thereof in the concentration range of up to 2 mass % (Na, Ca, Ba, La, urea) or up to 20 vol. % (nitric acid) on the analysis of Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn was investigated in terms of their analytical recovery and Mg(II) 280.27 nm/Mg(I) 285.29 nm line intensity ratio. Recoveries of ionic lines were lower than those of atomic lines (37–102 %) depending on the matrix concentration. The Mg(II)/Mg(I) ratios were found to be 12–15 and they slightly decreased as the matrix load increased. Exceptional behavior of pure La matrix, steeply lowering the recoveries and Mg(II)/Mg(I) ratios was observed. A Micromist nebulizer coupled with a small inner volume spray chamber provided the highest recoveries (94–102 %), lowest matrix effects across the matrix loads and, compared to others, the least significant dependence without worsening of the analytical characteristics (recoveries, signal background ratios and the Mg(II)/Mg(I) ratios) across the studied matrices.
Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics as tools in cancer therapy
Authors: Rodríguez-Vicente Ana E. , Lumbreras Eva , Hernández Jesus M. , Martín Miguel , Calles Antonio , Otín Carlos López , Algarra Salvador Martín , Páez David , Taron Miquel
Published: February 2016

Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics (PGx) are rapidly growing fields that aim to elucidate the genetic basis for the interindividual differences in drug response. PGx approaches have been applied to many anticancer drugs in an effort to identify relevant inherited or acquired genetic variations that may predict patient response to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. In this article, we discuss the advances in the field of cancer pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics, driven by the recent technological advances and new revolutionary massive sequencing technologies and their application to elucidate the genetic bases for interindividual drug response and the development of biomarkers able to personalize drug treatments. Specifically, we present recent progress in breast cancer molecular classifiers, cell-free circulating DNA as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in cancer, patient-derived tumor xenograft models, chronic lymphocytic leukemia genomic landscape, and current pharmacogenetic advances in colorectal cancer. This review is based on the lectures presented by the speakers of the symposium “Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics as Tools in Cancer Therapy” from the VII Conference of the Spanish Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics Society (SEFF), held in Madrid (Spain) on April 21, 2015.
Effects of the introduction of pre-treated wastewater in a shallow lake reed stand
Authors: Dinka Mária , Kiss Anita , Magyar Norbert , Ágoston-Szabó Edit
Published: February 2016

Reed stands may be employed in the amelioration of water quality or even in the treatment of wastewater. In this study, the nutrient concentrations of (i) the above- and below-ground Common Reed (Phragmites australis) biomass, and (ii) surface and interstitial water were analyzed in a natural stand used in wastewater treatment. The reed stand was located in Hungarian part of Lake Fertő/Neusiedler See, by the shore near Fertőrákos Bay. The nitrate, phosphate and dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations of surface water were found to be higher on the inlet side of the reed stand compared to the outlet. The N and P concentrations in the above-ground biomass and P concentrations in the below-ground biomass increased after the introduction of pre-treated wastewater. The inter-annual differences in the characteristics of sediment interstitial water and in the nutrient content of reed tissues were assessed using statistical methods. The samples taken before and after the introduction of the pre-treated wastewater in the parcel formed different clusters. The results of the study provide further evidence that the nutrient retention capacity of natural stands ofP. australismay be employed in the treatment of wastewater while protecting and preserving the valuable natural assets of the lake.
The Czech language of Jews in Přemyslid Bohemia of the eleventh to fourteenth century
Authors: Dittmann Robert
Published: February 2016

The contribution discusses aspects of the language of Czech Jewry residing in Prague during the Přemyslid reign. The author shows that their vernacular was basically identical with contemporary Prague Czech. The corpus of Canaanite, i.e., Slavic, especially Old Czech glosses in Hebrew script is remarkable for its orthography, phonology, lexicology and grammar. The author discusses the linguistic situation with respect to multilingualism, Slavic interpretation of the glosses, their functions and features and several sociolinguistic aspects such as archaisation, place names in communication and name giving.
Romani in the Czech sociolinguistic space
Authors: Eckert Eva
Published: February 2016

The study was prompted by the question of whether Romani, the language of the dominant and traditional minority, is acceptable as a language in the profile of a bilingual living in the Czech Republic. It outlines the situation of Romani in the Czech sociolinguistic space and argues for its rehabilitation so that it could be studied, taught, maintained in a community, and used to represent its speakers. This is necessary in order to raise its prestige, positively affect its speakers’ identity and in turn stimulate an attitudinal shift and social change. Obstacles to Romani rehabilitation are related to it being framed by Czech culture, which is driven by a standard language ideology rendering Romani a stigmatized language. Romani speakers distance themselves from Romani dialects and the ethnolect as expressions of social and economic disadvantage. Recent research has established that Romani has shown signs of language shift.
Modeling of battery life optimal charging strategies based on empirical mobility data
Authors: Schoch Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Battery electric vehicles (EVs) have a more limited range and longer
refueling, i. e. charging times accompanied by battery aging as
conventional vehicles. Initial field studies about the behavior of EV
users also have identified the presence of range anxiety, which is
expressed by frequent recharging. Battery aging is a non-linear
process with numerous interactions, but generally pronounced around
higher state of charge (SoC) levels. Therefore, range anxiety
potentially provokes elevated battery degradation due to the resulting
operating conditions. Based on 2966 empirical driving
profiles, I analyze different user groups as well as the effect of
different charging strategies in a simulation-based analysis. In
comparison to charging strategies, for instance as fast as possible
(AFAP) charging or critical SoC charging (such that the next trip is
feasible), I calculate the degradation optimal charging pattern based
on a realistic battery cell aging model. The model is derived from
accelerated aging tests of Li-NMC 18650 cells, but can be adjusted to
individual degradation parameters, in order to account for different
battery chemistries. Preliminary results show that degradation can be
reduced by up to 46% by the optimized charging strategy as
compared to AFAP or critical SoC charging.
Building power demand forecasting
Authors: Valgaev Oleg , Kupzog Friederich
Published: February 2016

Buildings acting as flexible loads have been often proposed to
mitigate the volatility of renewable energy sources. Thereby, an
accurate short-term demand forecast is indispensable for effective
demand side management. At the same time, standardized load profiles,
commonly used in the distribution grid, are inadequate for load
forecasting within building domain. For this PhD, project a novel
short-term forecasting model is proposed for that domain. It considers
not only residual load, but also scheduled demand response as well as
the PV-generation of the building. Moreover, it is not building
specific and is, therefore, suitable for area-wide application within
building domain.
Factors Favouring the Development of Clostridium Difficile Infection in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Grigorescu Bianca-Liana , Fodor Raluca Ştefania , Cioc Adrian Dan , Veres Mihaly , Orlandea Monica , Lăzescu Bogdan , Almasy Emoke
Published: February 2016

Clostridium difficile, an anaerobic, spore-forming, toxin-forming, gram-positive bacillus present in the bacterial flora of the colon is the principal cause of nosocomial diarrhoea in adults.

Aim: Assessment of favouring factors of Clostridium difficile infections as well as the interactions between them, in critically ill hospitalized patients undergoing complex medical and surgical treatments.

Material and Methods: A retrospective case-control study involving eighty patients admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the County Clinical Emergency Hospital Tîrgu-Mureş was conducted between January and October 2014. Patients aged eighteen years and over, who had undergone complex medical and surgical treatment, were divided into two subgroups. Group 1 included patients who developed diarrhoea but were not diagnosed as having a Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Group 2 included patients who developed diarrhoea due to CDI as indicated by a positive culture and the expression of exotoxin. The assessed parameters were age, length of stay (LOS), antibiotic spectrum, association with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) or H2-receptor antagonists, immunological status, the presence or lack of gastrointestinal tract surgery.

Results: The mean age was 64.6 years with an average LOS of 10 days. Fifty-six percent of patients came to the ICU from internal medicine wards and forty-three percent from surgical wards. 20.5% of them were immunosuppressed. Co-association of ceftriaxone and pantoprazole significantly increased the risk of CDI compared to co-administration of any other antibiotic or pantoprazole (p=0.01). The odds ratio for Pantoprazole together with any antibiotic versus antibiotic therapy alone was significantly higher (p=0.018) with a sevenfold increase in the risk of positive exotoxin increase.

Conclusions: Antibiotic use is associated with “no risk to develop CDI” in the first five days of administration. PPIs associated therapy increased the risk of CDI in first seventy-two hours regardless of the antibiotic type, and contributes to an active expression of CD exotoxin.
Generalized Poisson–Kac Processes: Basic Properties and Implications in Extended Thermodynamics and Transport
Authors: Giona Massimiliano , Brasiello Antonio , Crescitelli Silvestro
Published: February 2016

We introduce a new class of stochastic processes in

R

n

,

$${{\rm{\mathbb R}}^n}, $$

referred to as generalized Poisson–Kac (GPK) processes, that generalizes the Poisson–Kac telegrapher’s random motion in higher dimensions. These stochastic processes possess finite propagation velocity, almost everywhere smooth trajectories, and converge in the Kac limit to Brownian motion. GPK processes are defined by coupling the selection of a bounded velocity vector from a family of N distinct ones with a Markovian dynamics controlling probabilistically this selection. This model can be used as a probabilistic tool for a stochastically consistent formulation of extended thermodynamic theories far from equilibrium.
The problematic issue of grammatical gender in Arabic as a foreign language
Authors: Alkohlani Fatima A.
Published: February 2016

Many languages of the world have a grammatical gender system that divides all nouns into gendered categories. The gender assigned to a given noun requires gender agreement with associated items in the sentence, such as: determiners, adjectives, and demonstrative pronouns. Research in the area of grammatical gender acquisition has found that this grammatical category poses considerable difficulty for L2 learners. However, rarely was this area of difficulty the focus of L2 studies in Arabic. The present study focuses on the problematic issue of grammatical gender in Arabic as a foreign language. It examines advanced Arabic L2 learners’ written errors of gender assignment and agreement in the Arabic Learner Corpus (ALC) v2, compiled by Alfaifi, Atwel, and Hedaya (2014). Based on the classification and analysis of the errors, possible factors of the difficulty facing L2 learners in assigning the correct gender are discussed, and recommendations to reduce their effects are suggested.
Classification and quality criteria for Open Educational Resources in the field of foreign language learning
Authors: Krajcso Zita
Published: February 2016

Foreign language teachers use online repositories on everyday basis to find appropriate activities for their lessons. The question is: How can content providers support them in finding exactly what they need and in retrieving high quality resources?

This question has been discussed in the context of the European project “Open Discovery Space”. The answers are: a taxonomy of searching mechanism and quality criteria of online resources from the methodologic point of view. Correspondingly, this paper introduces a classification of digital resources according to the four skills (speaking, writing, reading, listening/watching) and two language use types (grammar, vocabulary), representing the changing paradigm of foreign language teaching and learning. Further the paper identifies quality criteria for designing online learning materials with regard to content, methodology, technic and design. Finally, the findings are illustrated by an example of a learning scenario.