bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of RDF Syntaxes for Semantic Web Development
Authors: Gryaznov Yevgeny , Rusakov Pavel
Published: March 2016

In this paper authors perform a research on possibilities of RDF (Resource Description Framework) syntaxes usage for information representation in Semantic Web. It is described why pure XML cannot be effectively used for this purpose, and how RDF framework solves this problem. Information is being represented in a form of a directed graph. RDF is only an abstract formal model for information representation and side tools are required in order to write down that information. Such tools are RDF syntaxes – concrete text or binary formats, which prescribe rules for RDF data serialization. Text-based RDF syntaxes can be developed on the existing format basis (XML, JSON) or can be an RDF-specific – designed from scratch to serve the only purpose – to serialize RDF graphs. Authors briefly describe some of the RDF syntaxes (both XML and non-XML) and compare them in order to identify strengths and weaknesses of each version. Serialization and deserialization speed tests using Jena library are made. The results from both analytical and experimental parts of this research are used to develop the recommendations for RDF syntaxes usage and to design a RDF/XML syntax subset, which is intended to simplify the development and raise compatibility of information serialized with this RDF syntax.
Obtaining and Visualization of the Topological Functioning Model from the UML Model
Authors: Ovchinnikova Viktoria
Published: March 2016

A domain model can provide compact information about its corresponding software system for business people. If the software system exists without its domain model and documentation it is time-consuming to understand its behavior and structure only from the code. Reverse Engineering (RE) tools can be used for obtaining behavior and structure of the software system from source code. After that the domain model can be created. A short overview and an example of obtaining the domain model, Topological Functioning Model (TFM), from source code are provided in the paper. Positive and negative effects of the process of TFM backward derivation are also discussed.
Geodesics in the Heisenberg Group
Authors: Hajłasz Piotr , Zimmerman Scott
Published: March 2016

We provide a new and elementary proof for the structure of geodesics in the Heisenberg group Hn.
The proof is based on a new isoperimetric inequality for closed curves in R2n.We also prove that the Carnot-
Carathéodory metric is real analytic away from the center of the group.
Numerical Analysis of Stress and Strain in Specimens with Rectangular Cross-Section Subjected to Torsion and Bending with Torsion
Authors: Faszynka Sebastian , Lewandowski Janusz , Rozumek Dariusz
Published: March 2016

The paper presents an analysis of the state of stress and crack tip opening displacement (strain) in specimens with rectangular cross-section subjected to torsion and combined bending with torsion. The specimens were made of the EN AW-2017A aluminium alloy. The specimens had an external unilateral notch, which was 2 mm deep and its radius was 22.5 mm. The tests were performed at constant moment amplitude MT
= MBT
= 15.84 N·m and under stress ratio R = −1. The exemplary results of numerical computations being obtained by using the FRANC3D software were shown in the form of stress and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) maps. The paper presents the differences of fatigue cracks growth under torsion and bending with torsion being derived by using the FRANC3D software.
Testing of Composite Panels Used as Components of a Freight Wagon by Thermovision
Authors: Wróbel Andrzej , Płaczek Marek , Buchacz Andrzej
Published: March 2016

In this paper research methods for detection of laminate panels damage were presented. The most common damage is: matrix cracking laminate interlayer damage to joints, connecting cracks, delamination and fiber breakage. The tested laminates will be used as assemblies and sub-assemblies of freight wagon. Other methods of modeling of machines by means of transducers are shown in Płaczek (2012, 2015) and Białas (2010). As part of the project authors were collaborated with specialists from other research centers and scientific research (Bocian and Kulisiewicz, 2013). As a part of future work the places where we will be able to replace the standard materials by parts made of laminate will be shown. Layered composites despite many advantages have also disadvantages. From last mentioned it is a relatively low resistance to transverse impact. When the laminate is used as a decorative element, its small damage is not a problem. The problems start when the composite satisfies more responsible tasks such as: is a part of the technical means for example of a railway wagon. Aspect of continuous monitoring of the technical state of the laminate is very important. Current technology provides numerous opportunities for non-destructive methods of technical inspections. In this paper method for testing of large areas, completely non-contact, based on the methods of thermography, was presented. It consists heating by using the composite tubes and examining it through a thermal imaging camera. Length of heating, and consequently the temperature to which the laminate is heated mostly were chosen experimentally. During the measurements, the camera measures the intensity of radiation, not temperature. Received thermogram is not always a precise representation of the actual temperature, because the camera does not reach only the radiation from tested object, but also reaches the radiation coming from the environment and reflected objects etc. As part of the research authors also we undertook other work related to Mechanical Engineering (Wróbel et al., 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015; Płaczek et al., 2014). Cooperation with other national and European centers has contributed to many publications of authors for example Tuma et al. (2013, 2014) and Jamroziak and Kosobudzki (2014).
Plastic Mechanisms for Thin-Walled Cold-Formed Steel Members in Eccentric Compression
Authors: Ungureanu Viorel , Kotełko Maria , Grudziecki Jan
Published: March 2016

The Eurocode 3 concerning thin-walled steel members divides members subjected to compression into four classes, considering their ductility. The representatives of the class C4 are short bars, for which the load-capacity corresponds to the maximum compression stresses less than the yield stress. There are bars prone to local buckling in the elastic range and they do not have a real post-elastic capacity. The failure at ultimate stage of such members, either in compression or bending, always occurs by forming a local plastic mechanism. This fact suggests the possibility to use the local plastic mechanism to characterise the ultimate strength of such members. The present paper is based on previous studies and some latest investigations of the authors, as well as the literature collected data. It represents an attempt to study the plastic mechanisms for members in eccentric compression about minor axis and the evolution of plastic mechanisms, considering several types of lipped channel sections.
Application of a SPH Coupled FEM Method for Simulation of Trimming of Aluminum Autobody Sheet
Authors: Bohdal Łukasz
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the applications of mesh-free SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) continuum method to the simulation and analysis of trimming process is presented. In dealing with shearing simulations for example of blanking, piercing or slitting, existing literatures apply finite element method (FEM) to analysis of this processes. Presented in this work approach and its application to trimming of aluminum autobody sheet allows for a complex analysis of physical phenomena occurring during the process without significant deterioration in the quality of the finite element mesh during large deformation. This allows for accurate representation of the loss of cohesion of the material under the influence of cutting tools. An analysis of state of stress, strain and fracture mechanisms of the material is presented. In experimental studies, an advanced vision-based technology based on digital image correlation (DIC) for monitoring the cutting process is used.
Low Cycle Fatigue of Steel in Strain Controled Cyclic Bending
Authors: Kulesa Anna , Kurek Andrzej , Łagoda Tadeusz , Achtelik Henryk , Kluger Krzysztof
Published: March 2016

The paper presents a comparison of the fatigue life curves based on test of 15Mo3 steel under cyclic, pendulum bending and tension-compression. These studies were analyzed in terms of a large and small number of cycles where strain amplitude is dependent on the fatigue life. It has been shown that commonly used Manson-Coffin-Basquin model cannot be used for tests under cyclic bending due to the impossibility of separating elastic and plastic strains. For this purpose, some well-known models of Langer and Kandil and one new model of authors, where strain amplitude is dependent on the number of cycles, were proposed. Comparing the results of bending with tension-compression it was shown that for smaller strain amplitudes the fatigue life for both test methods were similar, for higher strain amplitudes fatigue life for bending tests was greater than for tension-compression.
Clays valorization as corrosion inhibitors for E400 reinforcing steel
Authors: Gassama Diadioly , Fall Modou , Yade Ismaïla , Seck Serigne Massamba , Diagne Mababa , Diop Mouhamadou Bassir
Published: March 2016

The behavior of E400 steel, a constructional steel widely used in Senegal, was studied in aqueous NaCl solution in the presence of two types of clay: volcanic tuffs, and sedimentary montmorillonite. The protection efficiency of these compounds were electrochemically assessed (corrosion potential variation curves, polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) at various inhibitor contents. The results obtained showed that these inhibitors present an inhibitory efficacy of about 70% for an optimal concentration of 0.60% for the tuffs and 62% for a maximum content of 0.50% for montmorillonite.
Analiza Strukture Nezaposlenosti Visokoobrazovanih Kadrova u Republici Srpskoj i Mjere za Njezino Smanjenje / Analysis Of the Unemployment Structure of Highly Educated Personnel in the Republic of Srpska and Measures for its Reduction
Authors: Mastilo
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Ovaj rad ima za cilj da analizira strukturu nezaposlenih visokoobrazovanih kadrova u Republici Srpskoj. Kroz ovu strukturu analiziraćemo nezaposlenost viskokoobrazovanih kadrova, kao i slobodna radna mjesta po polu i zanimanjima u Republici Srpskoj, što će pokazati da više od 1/2 kadrova, nakon završenog fakulteta, završava na Zavodu za zapošljavanje. Ovim istraživanjem doći ćemo do podataka koji govore koliko vremenski traje nezaposlenost visokoobrazovanih kadrova na Zavodu za zapošljavanje, odnosno koliko dugo visokoobrazovani kadrovi čekaju svoj prvi posao. Detaljnije ćemo se baviti analizom nezaposlenosti po regijama u Republici Srpskoj. Nećemo izostaviti ni nadležne institucije u Republici Srpskoj koje su posrednici za uspostavljanje ravnoteže između visokoobrazovanih kadrova i tržišta rada. U ovom radu posebno će biti interesantno istražiti nezaposlenost visokoobrazovanih kadrova iz područja ekonomije. Problem nezaposlenosti u Republici Srpskoj naročito je izražen u zadnjih nekoliko godina (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. i 2014). On se produbljuje sve više zbog neusklađene upisne politike od strane nadležnog Ministarstva i nemogućnosti tržišta rada da apsorbuje kadrove u realnom i javnom sektoru. Nećemo se baviti samo analizom nezaposlenosti u Republici Srpskoj. Predložićemo i mjere za smanjenje nezaposlenosti visokoobrazovanih kadrova. Najprije konstatujemo da se današnje društvo širom svijeta suočava sa golemom nezaposlenošću, a u tom kontekstu kao ogroman problem nameće se nezaposlenost visokoobrazovanih kadrova u Republici Srpskoj, koja će biti u fokusu ovog rada.
Procesno Funkcionisanje Lokalne Samouprave / Process Operation of Local Self-Government
Authors: Jekić Cviko
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Lokalna uprava na našim prostorima, sa birokratskom i hijerarhijskom strukturom, sa nedovoljnom stručnošću, nedovoljnim znanjem i pretjeranim procedurama koje koristi u svom radu, nije u stanju da prati stvaranje novog društva i njemu prilagođenog privrednog ambijenta. Nedostatak korisničke i ciljne orijentacije, nizak nivo razumijevanja i korišćenja principa i mehanizama dobre uprave (korisnička orijentacija, efikasnost, participativnost, nepristrasnost, transparentnost, profesionalizam itd.) za posljedicu imaju slab kvalitet usluga.

Osjeća se potreba za većim promjenama i stvaranjem nove lokalne uprave koja će izvršavati osnovne upravne funkcije prema rastućim zahtjevima građana - korisnika i razvijati lokalnu zajednicu koja će biti konkurentna, i kao mjesto za život i kao mjesto za poslovanje.
Koncept E-Demokratije - Osnova I/Ili Poboljšanje Digitalnog Uređenja Društva / E-Democracy Concept – Basis And/Or Enhancement of Digital Organization of Society
Authors: Pilipović Dragoljub , Mirković Bogdan
Published: March 2016

Rezime

U ovom preglednom radu će se dati prikaz više elemenata elektronske demokratije (na dalje, e-elementi) i opisati njihovo mesto i uloga u okviru koncepta e-demokratije. Pored e-elemenata opisaće se i dva pojma gde se intenzivno koriste svi tipovi mobilnih uređaja.
Preduzetničko Okruženje i Konkurentnost u Bih i Srbiji / Business Environment and Competitiveness in Bih and Serbia
Authors: Mićić Jelena , Šarčević Marko
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Bosna i Hercegovina zajedno sa Srbijom pokazuje lošije ekonomske performanse od susjednih zemalja, dok evropski prosjek ostaje daleka i umnogome nedostižna kategorija. Razlozi ovakvog nezadovoljavajućeg stanja su mnogi, i ovim radom se želi osvijetliti preduzetnički aspekt ekonomske dinamike ovih zemalja u poređenju sa svjetskim, evropskim i regionalnim prosjekom. Koristićemo komparativnu, statističku, dinamičku i kognitivnu analizu i sintezu u cilju jasnijeg sagledavanja uzroka situacije u kojoj se nalazimo, kao i uočavanja potencijalnih komparativnih prednosti. Kroz predstavljanje pozicija BiH i Srbije u izvještajima Svjetskog ekonomskog foruma u odnosu na ponderisane prosjeke svijeta, Evrope i regiona, preko analize osnovnih parametara konkurentnosti i detaljne analize indikatora preduzetništva doći ćemo do značajnih zaključaka o najvažnijim manjkavostima i mogućim prednostima preduzetništva u BiH i Srbiji. Ove rezultate bi trebalo imati na umu prilikom kreiranja budućih ekonomskih mjera uz značajnu upotrebnu vrijednost sadašnjim i budućim preduzetnicima.
Menadžment i Liderstvo / Management and Leadership
Authors: Lukić Zoran , Mustafić Amela , Došenović Dragana
Published: March 2016

Rezime

Osnovna tema ovog rada jeste proces menadžmenta u preduzećima, sa posebnim fokusom na liderstvo, kao jednu od osnovnih funkcija, odnosno aktivnosti menadžera. Da bi se u organizaciji ostvarili postavljeni rezultati, neophodno je postojanje određenog broja ljudi koji će uspješno voditi preduzeće i ljude u njemu, a, samim tim, omogućiti i efikasno poslovanje. Upravo iz tog razloga svrha ovog rada jeste da opiše proces menadžmenta i liderstvo, kao i da ukaže na njihov značaj za postizanje pozitivnih rezultata poslovanja.

S obzirom na značaj i ulogu koju menadžeri i lideri imaju za funkcionisanje svake organizacije, u ovom radu izložiće se njihove sličnosti i razlike, odnosno sličnosti i razlike između procesa koje oni obavljaju u različitim organizacijama.

Na osnovu izvršene analize i provedenog istraživanja, u radu se došlo do brojnih zaključaka na osnovu kojih je dokazano da postoje značajne razlike između menadžmenta i liderstva. Da bi menadžer bio uspješan u obavljanju svojih poslova najčešće je potrebno da on bude i lider, čime se apostrofira značaj liderstva kao menadžerske aktivnosti za uspješno poslovanje i ostvarivanje ciljeva svake organizacije.
Wages Inequality in the Republic of Macedonia in a Post Crisis Period
Authors: Trpeski Predrag
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to show the distribution of net wages in the Republic of Macedonia and whether the great world economic crisis of 2008 has had an impact on the inequality in the distribution of wages. In this paper it is analyzed the level of inequality in the distribution of wages in Macedonia in 2008 as a year when the economic crisis started in the last quarter, in 2012 as the year in which GDP still has had a negative rate of economic growth and in 2014, when the economy maintained positive economic growth. In the three selected years the analysis is based on examination of the inequality in the distribution of the paid net wages.

In the paper, the analysis of inequality in the distribution of net wages is based on determining the distribution of frequencies, constructing the Lorenz curve and the Gini index calculation. The results show that there is a quite expressed inequality in the distribution of net wages in Macedonia, whereas the estimated Gini index is 27.98 in 2008, 26.76 in 2012 and 25.88 in 2014. Thus, it should be kept in mind that the inequality in the distribution of total income is higher and in the analyzed period the Gini index is greater than 40. This points the fact that Macedonia has the highest inequality in the distribution of income compared to all EU member states and candidate countries for EU membership.
Sectoral Structure Change Modeling of European Oil and Gas Producing Country’S Economy
Authors: Perepelkin Viacheslav Alexandrovich , Perepelkina Elena Viacheslavovna
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we consider identifying features of sectoral structuring within the national economy that has definite foreign trade product specialization. Examination of the sector-specific division methodology enabled identification of its strong association with certain sector dominance in the economy. It is against this background that we offer an explanation for the delay in transferring from the post-Soviet to the applicable international classification of economic structure elements in Russia and Belarus. We perform analysis of the three-component P-S-T model (primary, secondary, tertiary sector) using statistical and econometric methods and define properties of the sectoral shares dynamics in national economies of oil and gas producing countries. Analysis of the Russian and Norwegian economies’ intersectoral changes suggests that it is necessary for the government to develop and implement selective structural policy to overcome the existing structural disproportions.
Structure of the organic matter pool in Pinus sibirica dominated forests of Central Siberia
Authors: Koshurnikova Nataly N. , Verkhovets Sergey V. , Antamoshkina Olga A. , Trofimova Nataly V. , Zlenko Lyudmila.V. , Zhuikov Andrey V. , Garmash Anastasia A.
Published: March 2016

Organic matter pool and its distribution between growing stock, dead wood and windfall in upland and lowland Pinus sibirica dominated forests of Central Siberia (along the Yenisei River) is evaluated. The average growing stock is changing with advancing age from 163.9 ± 20.4 to 295.4 m3 ha−1 thus reaching its maximum in the mature forests (337.0 ± 19.6 m3 ha−1). According to the data collected, stock variation coefficient numbers display acceptable (growing stock: 14–28%) and high variability (windfall and dead wood: 63–85%). Windfall prevails in the structure of coarse woody debris (CWD) from 130.8 ± 18.5 to 171.7 ± 20.1 m3 ha−1, with the stocks greatly exceeding the amount of growing wood stock in middle-aged and declining stands in 1.4 and 2.1 times, respectively. The observations comply with common trend of deterioration of dark coniferous forests in Siberia.
Plant ecological groups and soil properties of common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) stand in Safagashteh forest, north of Iran
Authors: Pourbabaei Hassan , Adel Mohammad Naghi
Published: March 2016

In Safragashteh forest of Fuman in north of Iran, there is a hazel stand, which has grown naturally. The aim of this research was to evaluate the plant communities and soil characteristics in the area. This study included 50 ha of hazel protected area. A selective sampling method was utilized to record 30 400 m2 for tree and shrub layers, and sub-plots of 100 m2 for herbaceous species. Soil samples were collected at the 30 plots. We found three ecological species groups in the study area. Corylus avellana and Epimedium pinnatum in first group, Fagus orientalis, Asperula odorata, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Carex sp., Fragaria vesca and Viola sylvestris in second group, and Crataegus microphylla, Ilex spinigera, Primula heterochroma, Sedum stoloniferum and Vicia crocea in thirth group were the indicator species. Sand percent was significantly highest in Corylus avellana group, while clay, nutrients elements, pH and SP were significantly highest in the other groups. Biodiversity indices in Corylus avellana group were significantly less than other stands. We recommend to provide comprehensive conservation and management programs in order to protect of common hazel, associated plant species, and to prevent of human activities such as recreational use and livestock.
Green synthesis of 2-aryl benzothiazole heterogenous catalyzed by MoO3 nanorods
Authors: Dighore Nitin R. , Anandgaonker Priyanka , Gaikwad Suresh T. , Rajbhoj Anjali S.
Published: March 2016

The synthesis of MoO
Propagation of waves in the layer of a thermo-viscoelastic transversely isotropic medium
Authors: Gupta R.R. , Gupta R.R.
Published: March 2016

The article is presented to enhance our knowledge about the propagation of Lamb waves in the layer of a viscoelastic transversely isotropic medium in the context of thermoelasticity with GN theory of type-II and III. Secular equations for symmetric and skew-symmetric modes of wave propagation in completely separate terms are derived. The amplitudes of displacements and temperature distribution were also obtained. Finally, the numerical solution was carried out for cobalt and the dispersion curves, amplitudes of displacements and temperature distribution for symmetric and skew-symmetric wave modes are presented to evince the effect of anisotropy. Some particular cases are also deduced.
Elastic critical moment for bisymmetric steel profiles and its sensitivity by the finite difference method
Authors: Kamiński M. , Supeł Ł.
Published: March 2016

It is widely known that lateral-torsional buckling of a member under bending and warping restraints of its cross-sections in the steel structures are crucial for estimation of their safety and durability. Although engineering codes for steel and aluminum structures support the designer with the additional analytical expressions depending even on the boundary conditions and internal forces diagrams, one may apply alternatively the traditional Finite Element or Finite Difference Methods (FEM, FDM) to determine the so-called critical moment representing this phenomenon. The principal purpose of this work is to compare three different ways of determination of critical moment, also in the context of structural sensitivity analysis with respect to the structural element length. Sensitivity gradients are determined by the use of both analytical and the central finite difference scheme here and contrasted also for analytical, FEM as well as FDM approaches. Computational study is provided for the entire family of the steel I- and H - beams available for the practitioners in this area, and is a basis for further stochastic reliability analysis as well as durability prediction including possible corrosion progress.
Reflection and transmission at the boundary surface of modified couple stress thermoelastic media
Authors: Kumar R. , Kumar K.
Published: March 2016

In this paper the reflection and transmission at a plane interface in modified couple stress generalized thermoelastic solid half spaces in the context of Loard-Shulman (LS) and Green-Lindsay (GL) theories in welded contact are investigated. Amplitude ratios of various reflected and transmitted waves are obtained due to incidence of a set of coupled longitudinal waves and coupled transverse waves. It is found that the amplitude ratios of various reflected and transmitted waves are functions of the angle of incidence, frequency and are affected by the couple stress properties of the media. Some special cases are deduced from the present formulation.
Unsteady laminar mixed convection boundary layer flow near a vertical wedge due to oscillations in the free-stream and surface temperature
Authors: Roy N.C. , Hossain Md. A. , Hussain S.
Published: March 2016

The unsteady laminar boundary layer characteristics of mixed convection flow past a vertical wedge have been investigated numerically. The free-stream velocity and surface temperature are assumed to be oscillating in the magnitude but not in the direction of the oncoming flow velocity. The governing equations have been solved by two distinct methods, namely, the straightforward finite difference method for the entire frequency range, and the extended series solution for low frequency range and the asymptotic series expansion method for high frequency range. The results demonstrate the effects of the Richardson number, Ri, introduced to quantify the influence of mixed convection and the Prandtl number, Pr, on the amplitudes and phase angles of the skin friction and heat transfer. In addition, the effects of these parameters are examined in terms of the transient skin friction and heat transfer.
Damascenine induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in mice and in vitro assessed human erythrocyte toxicity
Authors: Bouguezza Yacine , Khettal Bachra , Tir Lydia , Boudrioua Souad
Published: March 2016

Nigella damascena seed is characterized by the presence of the major alkaloid, damascenine and its related metabolites. To our knowledge, no detailed subchronic toxicological assessment of damascenine (DA) has been reported. The present study evaluated the potential toxicity of DA in vivo after sub-chronic intraperitoneal (i.p) administration in mice and in vitro following human erythrocyte hemolysis. In vivo, a total of 48 adult male and female Swiss albino mice were used in a sub-chronic toxicity study. The mice received intraperitoneally two doses of DA (20 and 100 mg/kg) for 28 days. Food intake, body weight and central body temperature were measured during the experiment. After completion of drug treatment, biochemical and histological analyses were performed. No mortality was observed in any of the treatment groups of mice, showing no toxic effects during the study. Neither were biochemical parameters altered; no significant differences were observed concerning glucose, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine parameters. No histopathological alterations were found in kidney and liver structures. In vitro, we focused on the human erythrocyte hemolytic process in the presence of several concentrations of DA. High level concentration of 1 000 μg/ml of DA revealed normal cell shapes and absence of hemolysis and deformation.
Zinc asparaginate supplementation induces redistribution of toxic trace elements in rat tissues and organs
Authors: Skalny Andrey A. , Tinkov Alexey A. , Medvedeva Yulia S. , Alchinova Irina B. , Karganov Mikhail Yu. , Ajsuvakova Olga P. , Skalny Anatoly V. , Nikonorov Alexandr A.
Published: March 2016

The primary objective of the current study was the investigation of the influence of zinc asparaginate supplementation for 7 and 14 days on toxic metal and metalloid content in rat organs and tissues. Rats obtained zinc asparaginate in doses of 5 and 15 mg/kg/day for 7 and 14 days. At the end of the experiment rat tissues and organs (liver, kidney, heart, m. gastrocnemius, serum, and hair) were collected for subsequent analysis. Estimation of Zn, Al, As, Li, Ni, Sn, Sr content in the harvested organs was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at NexION 300D. The obtained data showed that intragastric administration of zinc significantly increased liver, kidney and serum zinc concentrations. Seven-day zinc treatment significantly affected the toxic trace element content in the animals’ organs. Zinc supplementation significantly decreased particularly liver aluminium, nickel, and tin content, whereas lead tended to increase. Zinc-induced changes in kidney metal content were characterized by elevated lithium and decreased nickel concentration. Zinc-induced alteration of myocardical toxic element content was multidirectional. Muscle aluminium and lead concentration were reduced in response to zinc supplementation. At the same time, serum and hair toxic element concentrations remained relatively stable after 7-day zinc treatment. Zinc asparaginate treatment of 14 days significantly depressed liver and elevated kidney lithium content, whereas a significant zinc-associated decrease was detected in kidney strontium content. Zinc supplementation for 14 days resulted also in multidirectional changes in the content of heart toxic elements. At the same time, significant zinc-associated decrease in muscle lithium and nickel levels was observed. Fourteen-day zinc treatment resulted in significantly increased serum arsenic and tin concentrations, whereas hair trace element content remained relatively stable. Generally, the obtained data indicate a significant redistribution of toxic metals in the animal organism under zinc supplementation.
Evaluation of miR-9 and miR-143 expression in urine specimens of sulfur mustard exposed patients
Authors: Khafaei Mostafa , Samie Shahram , Mowla Seyed Javad , Alvanegh Akbar Ghorbani , Mirzaei Behnaz , Chavoshei Somaye , Dorraj Ghamar Soltan , Esmailnejad Mostafa , Tavallaie Mahmood , Nourani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2016

Sulfur mustard (SM) or mustard gas is a chemical alkylating agent that causes blisters in the skin (blister gas), burns the eyes and causes lung injury. Some major cellular pathways are involved in the damage caused by mustard gas such as NF-κb signaling, TGF-β signaling, WNT pathway, inflammation, DNA repair and apoptosis. MicroRNAs are non-coding small RNAs (19–25 nucleotides) that are involved in the regulation of gene expression and are found in two forms, extracellular and intracellular. Changes in the levels of extracellular microRNAs are directly associated with many diseases, it is thus common to study the level of extracellular microRNAs as a biomarker to determine the pathophysiologic status. In this study, 32 mustard gas injured patients and 32 healthy subjects participated. Comparative evaluation of miR-9 and miR-143 expression in urine samples was performed by Real Time PCR and Graph Pad software. The Mann Whitney t-test analysis of data showed that the expression level of miR-143 and miR-9 had a significant decrease in sulfur mustard individuals with the respective p-value of 0.0480 and 0.0272 compared to normal samples, with an imbalance of several above mentioned pathways. It seems that reducing the expression level of these genes has a very important role in the pathogenicity of mustard gas injured patients.
Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity study of aqueous and hydro-methanol extracts of Spondias mombin L., Nymphaea lotus L. and Luffa cylindrical L. using animal bioassays
Authors: Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa Temitayo , Yekeen Olaide Maruf , Odusina Paul Olayinka , Ologun Taiwo Mary , Ogbaide Orezimena Michelle , Olaleye Olayinka Israel , Bakare Adekunle A.
Published: March 2016

Spondias mombin (Linn), Nymphaea lotus (Linn) and Luffa cylindrica (Linn) (syn Luffa aegyptiaca Mill) are plants traditionally used as food ingredients and in the management of diseases, including cancer, in Nigeria. Despite the therapeutic potentials attributed to these plants, reports on their genotoxicity are scanty. In this study, the genotoxicity of the aqueous and hydro-methanol extract of these plants was evaluated using mouse bone marrow micronucleus and sperm morphology assays. Antigenotoxicity was assessed by the bone marrow micronucleus test. The highest attainable dose of 5 000 mg/kg according to OECD guidelines was first used to assess acute toxicity of the aqueous and hydro-methanol extracts in Swiss albino mice. For each extract, there were five groups of mice (n=4/group) treated with different concentrations of the extract as against the negative and positive control group for the genotoxicity study. In the antigenotoxicity study, five groups of mice were exposed to five different concentrations of the extracts along with 60 mg/kg of methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), which was used to induce genotoxicity. The mice were administered 0.2 mL of extract per day for 10 days in the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity groups. Administration of each of the extracts at the concentration of 5 000 mg/kg did not induce acute toxicity in mice. At the concentrations tested, all the extracts, except aqueous S. mombin, increased micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. The aqueous and hydro-methanol extracts of N. lotus increased the frequency of aberrant sperm cells. All the extracts were also able to ameliorate MMS induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells of the exposed mice. The results showed the potential of the extracts to induce somatic and germ cell mutation in male mice. The extracts also ameliorated the genotoxic effect of MMS.
Topics in the linguistics of lying: A reply to Marta Dynel
Authors: Meibauer Jörg
Published: March 2016

This paper replies to Marta Dynel’s review article “Intention to deceive, bald-faced lies, and deceptive implicature: Insights into
Working with Data: Two Empiricists’ Experience
Authors: Knittel Christopher R. , Metaxoglou Konstantinos
Published: March 2016

We propose a set of best practices on how to organize empirical research drawn from our experience. We offer some ideas on organizing, processing and analyzing data efficiently with an eye towards quality control, documentation, and replicability. Although these best practices are by no means unique, they have served us and colleagues well over the years. We hope they will be helpful to students and young economists in their research endeavors.
Right Atrial Thrombosis in the Fetus with Dilatation of the Right Atrium with in Utero Spontaneous Resolution - A Case Report with Neonatal Follow-Up
Authors: Płużańska Joanna , Jaguszewska Kinga , Binikowska Jolanta , Oleś Adam , Łukaszewski Maciej , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: March 2016

We present an extraordinary case of congenital enlargement of the right atrium diagnosed at 31 weeks of gestation. This case emphasizes the fact that timing of the detection of this particular cardiac malformation is of capital importance to tract the optimal treatment strategy in order to monitor further progression (in this case accompanying thrombosis) and prevent complications.
Civil Liability for Medical Malpractice. Damage Resulting from Doctor’s Negligence (Breach of Professional Duties)
Authors: Bączyk-Rozwadowska Kinga
Published: March 2016

Civil liability for medical malpractice may be attributed either to a doctor or a hospital when any of these persons’ acts or omissions cause injuries to a patient; it may be also the hospital’s liability for the damage caused by negligence of its staff (doctors and other personnel). The rules that govern this liability and the way of compensating the damage are different due to the grounds on which the doctor performs medical services and, in case of hospital’s liability, the relation between a doctor and a health care institution. A doctor who runs his private medical practice bears civil liability individually and is obliged to pay damages if any of his patient suffers injury in connection with the treatment. However, a doctor who acts as employee of a health care institution is protected by the provisions of the Labour Code and exempted from civil liability to a patient. On the other hand, a so-called independent contractor’s liability is joint and several with a hospital that has engaged him. However, case law seems to protect such doctors and treat them as hospital’s employees if certain premises are fulfilled (like de facto subordination of the doctor to the head of the ward).
Influence of Collaborative Reasoning discussions on metadiscourse in children’s essays
Authors: M. Latawiec Beata , Anderson Richard C. , Ma Shufeng , Nguyen-Jahiel Kim
Published: March 2016

Metadiscourse has been conceptualized as a means to organize discourse, convey interpersonal and evaluative meanings, as well as engage the reader or listener. Importantly, metadiscourse has been theorized to uncover thought mediation during the essay-composing process. This study compares the metadiscourse in the reflective essays of 180 fifth graders, who either participated in small-group discussions using an approach called Collaborative Reasoning (CR), or who did not. Comparative analysis involving six major categories and forty subcategories of metadiscourse revealed, among other findings, that CR-exposed writers better signaled illocutionary force of reasoning, made greater use of engagement imperatives/directives and common-good rather than self-centered attitude marking. CR writers organized their ideas in a more argument-befitting logical-temporal non-list-like structure. Control students made greater use of emphatics, more often introduced hypothetical scenarios, and more frequently linked propositions together with simple additive conjunctions. The findings suggest that CR students have greater concern for how readers will take their arguments and greater appropriation of argument-enhancing formal elements, thus revealing cross-modal transfer from oral to written discourse.
Contextual accommodation of formulaic intertexts in English press stories
Authors: Shie Jian-Shiung
Published: March 2016

Formulaic expressions are prefabricated chunks of language ubiquitous in everyday discourse and hence constitute an important aspect of communicative competence. They are frequently adopted or adapted to evoke intertextual associations that disrupt or defamiliarize the automatized formulaic frame, as in
Thermal behavior of benzobis(tetraethyldisilacyclobutene)
Authors: Naka Akinobu , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Ishikawa Mitsuo
Published: March 2016

The thermolysis of benzo[1,2:4,5]bis(1,1,2, 2-tetraethyl-1,2-disilacyclobut-3-ene) (1) in the presence of ethylene in an autoclave at 250 °C for 24 h afforded two products, compound2, consisting of one molecule of1and two ethylene molecules, and compound3, arising from two molecules of1and three molecules of ethylene in 60 and 20 % yields, respectively. The reaction of1with phenylacetylene at 150 °C for 24 h gave a mixture of regio-isomers4aand4b, arising from the insertion of the triple bond of phenylacetylene into two silicon–silicon bonds in1in 86 % combined yield. The reaction of1with 1-hexyne at 150 °C for 24 h again produced two regio-isomers5aand5bin 85 % combined yield.
NQR and X-ray crystal structure studies of cadmium halide complexes: [C(NH2)3]CdI3 and [4-ClC6H5NH3]3CdBr5
Authors: Gesing Thorsten M. , Lork Enno , Terao Hiromitsu , Ishihara Hideta
Published: March 2016

The crystal structures of [C(NH2)3]CdI3 (1) and [4-ClC6H5NH3]3CdBr5 (2) have been determined at 100 K: monoclinic, Cc, a = 828.75(3) pm, b = 1615.31(5) pm, c = 810.64(3) pm, and β = 106.5820(10)° for 1; monoclinic, P21
/c, a = 1486.93(5) pm, b = 794.31(3) pm, c = 2290.59(7) pm, and β = 99.6830(10)° for 2. The structure of 1 has an infinite chain of anions consisting of [CdI4] tetrahedra sharing two corners. The structure of 2 has an infinite chain of anions consisting of [CdBr6] octahedra sharing two corners in cis positions. In both structures, isolated cations are connected to the anion chains through weak hydrogen bonds Cd–X···H to result in three-dimensional network structures. In accordance with the crystal structures, three 127I (m = ±1/2 ↔ m = ±3/2), five 81Br, and three 35Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) lines were observed for 1 and 2. The NQR spectra reflect the anion chain structures and their weak hydrogen bonds. The MO calculations of the models [Cd5I16]6– for 1 and [Cd3Br16]10– for 2 estimate only about half the values for the NQR frequencies but give accurate electric field gradient directions.
Microglial Cells Prevent Hemorrhage in Neonatal Focal Arterial Stroke
Authors: Fernández-López David , Faustino Joel , Klibanov Alexander L. , Derugin Nikita , Blanchard Elodie , Simon Franziska , Leib Stephen L. , Vexler Zinaida S.
Published: March 2016

Perinatal stroke leads to significant morbidity and long-term neurological and cognitive deficits. The pathophysiological mechanisms of brain damage depend on brain maturation at the time of stroke. To understand whether microglial cells limit injury after neonatal stroke by preserving neurovascular integrity, we subjected postnatal day 7 (P7) rats depleted of microglial cells, rats with inhibited microglial TGFbr2/ALK5 signaling, and corresponding controls, to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Microglial depletion by intracerebral injection of liposome-encapsulated clodronate at P5 significantly reduced vessel coverage and triggered hemorrhages in injured regions 24 h after tMCAO. Lack of microglia did not alter expression or intracellular redistribution of several tight junction proteins, did not affect degradation of collagen IV induced by the tMCAO, but altered cell types producing TGFβ1 and the phosphorylation and intracellular distribution of SMAD2/3. Selective inhibition of TGFbr2/ALK5 signaling in microglia via intracerebral liposome-encapsulated SB-431542 delivery triggered hemorrhages after tMCAO, demonstrating that TGFβ1/TGFbr2/ALK5 signaling in microglia protects from hemorrhages. Consistent with observations in neonatal rats, depletion of microglia before tMCAO in P9 Cx3cr1GFP/+/Ccr2RFP/+mice exacerbated injury and induced hemorrhages at 24 h. The effects were independent of infiltration of Ccr2RFP/+monocytes into injured regions. Cumulatively, in two species, we show that microglial cells protect neonatal brain from hemorrhage after acute ischemic stroke.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe pathophysiological mechanisms of brain damage depend on brain maturation at the time of stroke. We assessed whether microglial cells preserve neurovascular integrity after neonatal stroke. In neonatal rats, microglial depletion or pharmacological inhibition of TGFbr2/ALK5 signaling in microglia triggered hemorrhages in injured regions. The effect was not associated with additional changes in expression or intracellular redistribution of several tight junction proteins or collagen IV degradation induced by stroke. Consistent with observations in neonatal rats, microglial depletion in neonatal mice exacerbated stroke injury and induced hemorrhages. The effects were independent of infiltration of monocytes into injured regions. Thus, microglia protect neonatal brain from ischemia-induced hemorrhages, and this effect is consistent across two species.
Top-Down-Mediated Facilitation in the Visual Cortex Is Gated by Subcortical Neuromodulation
Authors: Pafundo Diego E. , Nicholas Mark A. , Zhang Ruilin , Kuhlman Sandra J.
Published: March 2016

Response properties in primary sensory cortices are highly dependent on behavioral state. For example, the nucleus basalis of the forebrain plays a critical role in enhancing response properties of excitatory neurons in primary visual cortex (V1) during active exploration and learning. Given the strong reciprocal connections between hierarchically arranged cortical regions, how are increases in sensory response gain constrained to prevent runaway excitation? To explore this, we usedin vivotwo-photon guided cell-attached recording in conjunction with spatially restricted optogenetic photo-inhibition of higher-order visual cortex in mice. We found that the principle feedback projection to V1 originating from the lateral medial area (LM) facilitated visual responses in layer 2/3 excitatory neurons by ∼20%. This facilitation was reduced by half during basal forebrain activation due to differential response properties between LM and V1. Our results demonstrate that basal-forebrain-mediated increases in response gain are localized to V1 and are not propagated to LM and establish that subcortical modulation of visual cortex is regionally distinct.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTReciprocal connectivity among brain regions is a prominent feature of all sensory cortices. In primary visual cortex (V1), top-down signals from association areas aid in context-dependent perception of visual scenes by altering the response properties of individual neurons. Sensory-evoked responses in V1 are also highly dependent on subcortical neuromodulation pathways that regulate brain state. Here, with cell-type-specific resolution, we addressed how corticocortical and subcortical pathways interact to regulate responsiveness of V1. Our results provide insight into the rules and conditions governing activity propagation in reciprocally connected networks.
Adaptation Independent Modulation of Auditory Hair Cell Mechanotransduction Channel Open Probability Implicates a Role for the Lipid Bilayer
Authors: Peng Anthony W. , Gnanasambandam Radhakrishnan , Sachs Frederick , Ricci Anthony J.
Published: March 2016

The auditory system is able to detect movement down to atomic dimensions. This sensitivity comes in part from mechanisms associated with gating of hair cell mechanoelectric transduction (MET) channels. MET channels, located at the tops of stereocilia, are poised to detect tension induced by hair bundle deflection. Hair bundle deflection generates a force by pulling on tip-link proteins connecting adjacent stereocilia. The resting open probability (Popen) of MET channels determines the linearity and sensitivity to mechanical stimulation. Classically,Popenis regulated by a calcium-sensitive adaptation mechanism in which lowering extracellular calcium or depolarization increasesPopen. Recent data demonstrated that the fast component of adaptation is independent of both calcium and voltage, thus requiring an alternative explanation for the sensitivity ofPopento calcium and voltage. Using rat auditory hair cells, we characterize a mechanism, separate from fast adaptation, whereby divalent ions interacting with the local lipid environment modulate restingPopen. The specificity of this effect for different divalent ions suggests binding sites that are not an EF-hand or calmodulin model. GsMTx4, a lipid-mediated modifier of cationic stretch-activated channels, eliminated the voltage and divalent sensitivity with minimal effects on adaptation. We hypothesize that the dual mechanisms (lipid modulation and adaptation) extend the dynamic range of the system while maintaining adaptation kinetics at their maximal rates.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTClassically, changes in extracellular calcium and voltage affect open probability (Popen) through mechanoelectric transduction adaptation, and this mechanism is the only means of controlling the set point of the channel. Here, we further characterize the effects of extracellular calcium and voltage on the channel and for the first time determine that these manipulations occur through a mechanism that is independent of fast adaptation and involves the lipid bilayer. These data additionally demonstrate that effects onPopenare not enough to characterize adaptation and thus may clarify some of the discrepancies within the literature as to mechanisms underlying adaptation.