bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Bacteriophages for Growth Inhibition and Biofilm Reduction of Cronobactersakazakii
Authors: Lee Young-Duck
Published: June 2016

Cronobactersakazakii is a newly emerging high hazard pathogen, which causes encephalomeningitis and necrotic colitis. Recently, successful biocontrol of harmful microorganisms in several foods through the use of bacteriophages has been reported. In this study, bacteriophages were isolated from kimchi and sewages. Morphological analysis by TEM indicated that phages belonged to the Myoviridae family. In case of heat stability, KCES2 and ESP 2949-2 phages were susceptible to temperatures above 70°C. KCES2 and ESP 2949-2 phages inhibited the growth of C. sakazakii in culture broth. When KCES2 and ESP 2949-2 phages were applied to biofilm-formed C. sakazakii, C. sakazakii was efficiently reduced. Therefore, newly isolated KCES2 and ESP 2949-2 phage for C. sakazakii might effectively reduce C. sakazakii in various foods.
A Study On the Eating Habits and Food Preference of the Elderly in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province
Authors: Cha Gyung Hee , Kim Jinseon , Park Hee Ran , Park Han-Sul , Youn So Jung , Park Ji Hyun , Park Juan , Cho Hyung-Yong , Choi Mi-Jung , Shin Jung-Kue
Published: June 2016

To investigate the preference of food of the elderly for developing processed elderly food, this study was conducted from February 2014 to March 2014 by questionnaire including dietary behaviors, food preference, and frequency of food intake to 119 elderly (49 males and 70 female) who were more than 65 years old and living in Jeonju. Most subjects ate three meals regularly and most of the subjects’ favorite meal time was lunch. The duration time of one meal was 20 min (48.74%). The most preferred taste was delicate and sweet. The subject preferred cooked rice with multi-grains, kalguksu (hot noodle), and abalone porridge to other staple foods. Almost 50% of the subjects liked soybean paste soup and stew, and the ratio of elderly who liked Chinese cabbage kimchi was 72.3%. Preference for panfried foods leaned toward pan fried fish fillet and mung bean pancake. Most subjects preferred plant foods like vegetables, lettuce, and seaweeds. The elderly in Jeonju liked roasted pork, grilled yellow croaker, and stir-fried octopus. Cooked and seasoned vegetables (namul) were the most preferred type by the elderly. Preferences for dishes and food materials were not affected by sex and ages. Most subjects preferred eating out with Korean food. Preference for eating food was selected in grilled beef ribs, a pork cutlet, sushi·broiled eels, and Chinese noodles. Western Japanese and Chinese food were preferred by an elderly subject, who was male and who liked Japanese food more than female.
Diastatic Power and Chemical Composition in Malted Barley Prepared with Korean Covered Barley
Authors: Lee Mi-Ja , Kim Yang-Kil , Suh Woo-Duck , Choi Induck , Kim Hyun-Young , Kang Hyun-Joong , Kim Sun-Lim
Published: June 2016

Twenty four covered barley cultivars of Korea and subsequently produced malts were evaluated for quality characteristics, diastatic power (DP), and enzymatic actvity. Protein, amylase, starch and β-glucan content of covered barley cultivars were 8.2-12.8%, 4.2-19.1%, 47.9-59.7%, and 4.1-7.4%, respectively. The DP of malt during malting showed a maximum value in Day 4, when the bud length was 2.0-2.5 times longer than the length of the grain itself. α-Amylase activity was very low but increased significantly after Day 4, showing greatest activity on Day 6 (185.5-206.1 unit/g). β-Amylase activity increased as the malting progressed and a considerable amount was detected in barley grain on Day 6 (898.6-1591.6 unit/g). The potential diastatic power (PDP) of various cultivar grains ranged from 89.7 °L to 169.3 °L. The PDP of raw barley had strong correlation with β-amylase of raw barley (r=0.977, p<0.001) while the DP of malted barley was also correlated with the β-amylase activity of raw barley (r=0.654, p<0.001). Since the PDP of raw barley and the DP of malted barley are correlated (r=0.644, p<0.001), the PDP and β-amylase activity of raw barley are useful factors in predicting the DP of malted barley.
Parent Perceptions of Museum Participation: A Comparison Between Parents of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Antonetti Ana , Fletcher Tina
Published: June 2016

This study aims to add to the body of knowledge on the experiences of families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with the goal of promoting increased participation in community activities. Five factors associated with participation in activities at an art museum were explored, comparing families of children with and without ASD. These factors included both children's frequency of participation and parents' perceptions of the importance of community activities. The differences between groups were statistically significant. Parents of children without ASD reported their children's frequency of participation in museum activities was three times more than parents of children with ASD. Parents of children with ASD reported experiencing three times as many negative emotions associated with museum activities than parents of children without ASD.
Still Caught in the Continuum: A Critical Analysis of Least Restrictive Environment and Its Effect on Placement of Students With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Sauer Janet Story , Jorgensen Cheryl M.
Published: June 2016

The least restrictive environment (LRE) mandate of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has long been questioned as to whether it has fulfilled the original intent of the law. This advocacy brief provides an updated analysis of the flaws underlying the principle of LRE, a mandate that exists at the nexus of cultural beliefs about disability, the influence of the medical model on special education, and the misguided link between intensity of services and more restrictive environments. We review the origins of LRE; summarize research on the positive relationship between placement in general education and student outcomes; describe six flaws of LRE's grounding in the continuum model of educational placement that sanctions segregation; present data that illustrate little progress over time towards general education placement for students with intellectual disability, and outline some key court rulings about what constitutes the least restrictive environment. In summary, we suggest that segregation of students with intellectual disability results as much from the flawed underpinnings of the LRE principle itself as on the attitudes and practices of those who use LRE as a justification for segregation.
Supporting Students With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Postsecondary Education: The Motivations and Experiences of Peer Mentors
Authors: Griffin Megan M. , Mello Maria P. , Glover Carrie A. , Carter Erik W. , Hodapp Robert M.
Published: June 2016

Although peer-mentoring relationships are critical to including youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in postsecondary educational settings, little is known about the motivations and experiences of peer mentors. To investigate, we conducted a mixed-methods study in which 17 volunteer peer mentors completed the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) and participated in interviews about their motivations and experiences. On the VFI, participants were motivated to volunteer to express personal values and to enhance their own understandings; to a lesser extent, they volunteered to gain career-related experience. Interviews revealed 5 themes: (a) friendships, (b) personal growth, (c) community involvement, (d) experiences with people with disabilities, and (e) future careers related to people with disabilities. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The presidential platform on twenty-first century education goals
Authors: Tichnor-Wagner Ariel , Socol Allison Rose
Published: June 2016

As social and economic problems change, so do the goals of education reformers. This content analysis of presidential debates transcripts, state of the union addresses, and education budgets from 2000 to 2015 reveals the ways in which presidents and presidential candidates have framed education goals thus far in the twenty-first century. Using Labaree’s (1997) framework of competing goals in American education, we found that democratic equality, social efficiency, and social mobility made their way into education discourse. Democratic equality occurred most frequently, followed by social efficiency, then social mobility. Presidents also used these goals in concert, applying symbolic language of equity to promote education policy initiatives framed as bolstering economic growth, America’s global competitiveness, and the opportunity for individuals to achieve the American Dream. Implications for federal education policy trends and frameworks for understanding the education goals of U.S. presidents in the 21st century are discussed.
Słowo wstępne: W obliczu nadchodzącej fali reform szkolnictwa wyższego w Polsce. Argumentacja i wizja wspierająca najważniejsze kierunki zmian.
Authors: Kwiek Marek
Published: June 2016

Wstęp do numeru "Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego"
Dynamika „tworzenia-rynków” w szkolnictwie wyższym
Authors: Komljenovic Janja , Robertson Susan L.
Published: June 2016

W niniejszym artykule przedstawiamy wyniki badania tego, co wiele osób uznało za dobrze już opracowaną niszę, a mianowicie procesów i rezultatów czegoś, co najczęściej określa się mianem ‘urynkowienia’ sektora szkolnictwa wyższego. Podejmujemy tę kwestię w oparciu o przygotowane przez nas studium przypadku Newton University, w kontekście którego odsłaniamy gwałtowne rozpowszechnienie się wymiany rynkowej między administracyjnymi sekcjami  uniwersytetu i jego szerszym otoczeniem. Nasze podejście do procesu „tworzenia-rynku” rozwinięte zostało w dwóch (dialektycznie powiązanych ze sobą) krokach. Po pierwsze, rozpoznajemy zakres wymian rynkowych, wyłonionych w kontekście szerszych ideologicznych i politycznych przemian obszaru ładu instytucjonalnego szkolnictwa wyższego, których celem było uczynienie go bardziej konkurencyjnym wytwórcą wiedzy w skali globalnej, jak również sektorem usługowym. Po drugie, badamy sposoby, w jakie tworzenie rynków wymaga dużego nakładu mikro-pracy, takiej choćby jak zastosowanie szerokiego zakresu określonych ram czy narzędzi socjo-technicznych (Çalışkan, Callon 2009, 2010; Berndt, Boeckler 2012). Ujęte łącznie, wspomniane procesy tworzenia-rynku dokonują ponownego dopasowania i przekształcenia struktury, stosunków społecznych i podmiotowości w obrębie uniwersytetu i poza nim, w ten sposób z kolei konstytuując uniwersytet i sektor szkolnictwa wyższego w nowej formie.
Polski Współczynnik Wpływu a kultury cytowań w humanistyce
Authors: Drabek Aneta , Rozkosz Ewa A. , Hołowiecki Marek , Kulczycki Emanuel
Published: June 2016

W artykule omawiamy wzór na nowy polski wskaźnik bibliometryczny, tj. Polski Współczynnik Wpływu, z perspektywy nauk humanistycznych. Badaniom poddaliśmy dwa prestiżowe polskie czasopisma humanistyczne („Pamiętnik Literacki” i  „Diametros – An Online Journal of Philosophy”), aby sprawdzić poprawność założeń przyjętych dla Polskiego Współczynnika Wpływu. Przeanalizowaliśmy wszystkie artykuły opublikowane w latach 2004–2014 (odpowiednio: N = 850, N = 555) i wszystkie prace w nich zacytowane (odpowiednio: N = 21 805, N = 8 298). W interpretacji wyników przyjęliśmy założenie o odmiennej kulturze cytowań w różnych grupach nauk. Wyniki pokazują, że wzór na Polski Współczynnik Wpływu nie bierze pod uwagę najczęściej cytowanych źródeł w humanistyce, tj. książek i rozdziałów. Poza tym wiele cytowań nie zostanie uwzględnionych przy wyliczaniu Polskiego Współczynnika Wpływu ze względu na ich wiek, ponieważ będą brane pod uwagę prace co najwyżej pięcioletnie lub nowsze. Zbadaliśmy wiek cytowanych tekstów i pokazaliśmy, że większość z cytowań jest starsza niż 5 lat (odpowiednio: 84,2% oraz 73,2%). Nasza analiza pokazuje, że Polski Współczynnik Wpływu nie jest odpowiednim narzędziem do bibliometrycznej oceny czasopism humanistycznych w Polsce. Artykuł kończy dyskusja nad możliwościami ulepszenia tego nowego wskaźnika bibliometrycznego.
Determining Values Using Options Contracts
Authors: Seiglie Carlos , Xiang Jun
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a simple mechanism for allocating a single good in partnership dissolution. Since in the areas of probate, family, partnership and bankruptcy law the establishment of the value of assets is essential this mechanism can be useful. We illustrate its application for the case of determining the value of a house in a divorce proceeding. We show that when transactions costs are permitted, our mechanism shows a wider range of equilibrium outcomes than existing mechanisms such as Texas shootouts, implying it offers more equal and fair divisions. In addition, if private valuations of an asset are allowed, the proposed mechanism has an advantage based on the efficiency criterion compared to Texas shootouts.
Datengetriebene Modellierung des Bewohnerverhaltens in Ambient Assisted Living Umgebungen
Authors: Rodner Thorsten
Published: June 2016

Systeme aus dem Bereich Ambient Assisted Living unterstützen ältere Menschen auf vielfältige Weise in deren Alltag. In
diesem Kontext ist die Modellierung des Verhaltens von Bewohnern eines Smart Home eine mit vielen Herausforderungen
verbundene Aufgabe. Dieser Artikel stellt ein Verfahren vor, welches mittels Data-Mining entsprechende Modelle aus in der
Wohnung gesammelten Sensordaten generiert. Der Modellierungsprozess ist hoch automatisiert und erfolgt ohne den Bewohner
zu stören. Zudem werden von ihm Modelle in einer für Menschen unmittelbar und leicht zu verstehenden Form erzeugt.
Equisetum ×moorei Newman (Equisetaceae) – a ‘new’ nothotaxon in the Polish flora
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Sliwinska Elwira , Kruk Jerzy
Published: June 2016

To investigate present and historical distribution of Equisetum ×moorei in Poland and its habitat requirements, field studies at sites of potential occurrence of this hybrid taxon as well as literature and herbarium search were performed. As a results of these investigations, E. ×moorei was found at five contemporary and at a few historical localities in the present territory of Poland. Since the Equisetum populations near Olkusz (S Poland) showed phenotype similar, to some extent, to triploid hybrid E. ×ascendens, we performed nuclear DNA content analysis of these populations. However, it turned out that the investigated individuals belonged to a diploid taxon that can be ascribed to E. ×moorei.
Elevated bark temperature in unremoved stumps after disturbances facilitates multi-voltinism in Ips typographus population in a mountainous forest
Authors: Fleischer Peter , Fleischer Peter , Ferenčík Ján , Hlaváč Pavol , Kozánek Milan
Published: June 2016

The number of Ips typographus generations developed in a year might be indicative of its population size and of risk to Norway spruce forests. Warm weather and unremoved fallen trees after natural disturbances are thought of as key factors initiating large population increase. We studied I. typographus development in a spruce forest of the Tatra National Park, which was heavily affected by large-scale disturbances in the last decade. Repeated windthrows and consequent bark beetle outbreaks have damaged almost 20,000 hectares of mature Norway spruce forests, what is a half of the National Park forest area. Current I. typographus population size and its response to the environment and to forestry defense measures attract attention of all stakeholders involved in natural resource management, including public. In this paper we analyse the potential I. typographus population size in two consecutive years 2014 and 2015, which represented a climatologically normal year and an extremely hot year, respectively. We used bark temperature and phenology models to estimate the number of generations developed in each year. In 2014, the average bark temperature of standing living trees at study sites was 14.5 °C, in 2015 it increased to 15.7 °C. The bark temperature of fallen logs was 17.7 °C in 2014, and 19.5 °C in 2015. The bark temperature of standing living trees allowed to develop one and two generations in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The elevated bark temperature of fallen logs allowed to develop two generations in 2014 and three generations in 2015. The good match between the predicted and observed timing of each generation emergence as well as the large increase in the number of catches in pheromone traps in 2015 indicated a dramatic increase of the I. typographus population in the extremely warm year, especially at the unmanaged windthrown site.
Approaches to the talent management agenda in forestry companies
Authors: Vnoučková Lucie , Urbancová Hana , Smolová Helena
Published: June 2016

Professional literature and practice started to focus intensively on the field of talent management. A lack of talented individuals occurred in all sectors worldwide. The war for talents has not faded out, on the contrary, it has been intensifying. The aim of the paper is therefore to analyse the perception of opportunities for development and management of talents in forestry and to specify characteristics of employee/ talent support perception in surveyed companies. The analysis is based on a primary survey conducted in 101 forestry companies. The data were obtained through surveys in which one manager and one employee represented a single company. One-dimensional and multidimensional statistics were used to evaluate the data. The results showed that employees perceived developmental conditions in companies more positively than what was stated by managers and company representatives. The average difference in the perception was 8.5%; employees perceived the conditions better than company representatives. When negative phenomena were analysed, the perception was quite opposite. The average difference was 9.5%. The limit of the paper is the narrow focus on primary sector companies. The results may help surveyed companies in the primary sector to encourage managers and employees to participate in developmental programmes as their own initiative and willingness to take part in education and developmental activities was found.
Carex divisa in Slovakia: overlooked or rare sedge species?
Authors: Dítě Daniel , Eliáš Pavol , Melečková Zuzana
Published: June 2016

Historical and current occurrence of halophytic species Carex divisa was studied in Slovakia during 2003–2014. It is known only in the Podunajská nížina Lowland, SW Slovakia, where 19 sites were found in total including historical and recent locations. Recently, the number of records decreased markedly and we confirmed only 9 localities. Due to the sharp reduction in the number of sites and appropriate habitats, Carex divisa is re-evaluated as endangered (EN) plant species of the Slovak flora.
A direct synthetic route to fused tricyclic quinolones from 2,3-diaminoquinolin-4(1H)one
Authors: Mauriño-Reyes Enrique de J. , González-Rodríguez Edgar , Reyes-Rangel Francisco , Lira-Rocha Alfonso , Loza-Mejía Marco A.
Published: June 2016

Fused tricyclic heterocycles are useful compounds in many areas of chemistry. In this study, 2,3-diaminoquinolin-4(1H)one (5), a key intermediate for the preparation of tricyclic compounds, was prepared from isatoic anhydride in four steps with high yields under mild conditions and an easy workup, with most of the reactions carried out in aqueous medium. Compound 5 was transformed into a series of tricyclic fused products 8 and 9.
“Know thyself”: some personal reflections in teaching a subject on leadership and intrapersonal development
Authors: Wu Florence K.Y.
Published: June 2016

This article aims to provide insights gained from teaching a subject on leadership and intrapersonal development in the university setting. A teacher reflects upon the how her previous working experience influenced the teaching of the subject and the development of professionalism in the university setting. It is concluded that a teacher has to first understand and know oneself and this self-awareness benefits student learning.
Characterization and antioxidant capacity of sweet chestnut honey produced in North-West Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Flores Shantal , Escuredo Olga , Seijo Maria Carmen
Published: June 2016

In recent years, authentic foodstuffs have became a major requirement for consumers and producers worldwide. Honey has increased in popularity since it is associated with a natural diet, and because of honey’s authentic origin. The present study investigated the palynological characteristics, physicochemical parameters, total phenol content, flavonoid content, and radical scavenging activity of 41 sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) honeys from the northwestern part of Spain. These honeys were characterised by high values of electrical conductivity, pH, diastase content, and colour. All the samples showed a pollen combination of Castanea sativa-Rubus-Cytisus type-Erica. Fructose and glucose were 37.2% and 25.9%, while other sugars were less than 5%. Regarding the mineral content K, was the main with a mean value of 260.2 mg/100g. Other elements as Mg with a mean value of 17.1 mg/100g, Ca (mean value of 15.8 mg/100g) and P (mean value of 12.8 mg/100g) were well represented in this honey type. The phenol and flavonoid content were high (mean values of 129.8 mg/100g and 9.0 mg/100g, respectively). Multivariate statistical techniques showed the close relationship of colour, Mg, P, phenols, melezitose, and flavonoids, and the radical scavenging activity.
Reproductive potential and nesting effects of Osmia rufa (syn. bicornis) female (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Giejdasz Karol , Fliszkiewicz Monika , Bednárová Andrea , Krishnan Natraj
Published: June 2016

The red mason bee Osmia rufa is a solitary bee belonging to the family Megachilidae, and is prone to nest in aggregations. Each female builds a nest separately in pre-existing cavities such as holes in wood and walls or empty plant stems. This is done by successively setting the cells in a linear series. In this study, we elucidate the nesting behavior and the reproductive potential of a single O. rufa female. The reproductive potential of nesting females was evaluated after the offspring finished development. We observed that an individual female may colonize up to five nest tubes and build 5-34 cells in them (16 on an average). During the nesting time the number of cells decreased with the sequence of nest tubes colonized by one female, which built a maximum of 11 cells in the first occupied nest and 5 cells in the last (fifth nest). Our observations indicated that 40% of nesting females colonized one nest tube as compared to 7% colonizing five nest tubes. Furthermore, in subsequent nest tubes the number of cells with freshly emerged females gradually decreased which was the reverse with males. Thus, the sex ratio (proportion of male and female offspring) may change during the nesting period. The female offspring predominated in the first two nesting tubes, while in the subsequent three tubes male offspring dominated. We also cataloged different causes of reduction in abundance of offspring in O. rufa females such as parasitization or problem associated with moulting.
Efficiency of GC-MS method in detection of beeswax adulterated with paraffin
Authors: Waś Ewa , Szczęsna Teresa , Rybak-Chmielewska Helena
Published: June 2016

The efficiency of the gas chromatography - mass detector (GC-MS) technique for the detection of beeswax adulterated with paraffin, was evaluated. For this purpose, beeswax samples with paraffin additions (3, 5, 10, 30, 50%) were analysed. Since not enough is known about paraffin compositions, and since it is difficult to detect paraffin in beeswax, the aim of our research was also to compare the hydrocarbon composition of different types of paraffin. The analysis showed that the types of paraffin available on the market, differ qualitatively and quantitatively as far as their hydrocarbon compositions are concerned. In all kinds of paraffin, we found homologous series of n-alkanes that were much longer than those in beeswax. In beeswax, the amount of added paraffin that is possible to detect, differs and depends on the kind of paraffin used for adulteration. In this study, the minimum estimated percent that was detected using the GC-MS technique, was 3%. The adulteration is indicated by the presence of hydrocarbons containing over 35 carbon atoms in the molecule, and by the higher contents of n-alkanes (C20H42 - C35H72), in comparison to the concentration of these compounds determined in pure beeswax. We also presented the results of the quality control of commercial beeswax. Based on our results, it can be stated that beeswax adulteration is currently a problem.
Antiproliferative activity and apoptotic effects of Filipendula ulmaria pollen against C26 mice colon tumour cells
Authors: Mărgăoan Rodica , Zăhan Marius , Mărghitaş Liviu A. , Dezmirean Daniel S. , Erler Silvio , Bobiş Otilia
Published: June 2016

Honeybee collected pollen exhibits high nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits for the human diet and medicine. Pollen’s antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, and cardioprotective activity, depending on the floral origin, are well known. Recent studies proposed that pollen may also be an excellent cancer-fighting candidate, as pollen harbours high amounts of phenolic substances. In our study, Filipendula ulmaria pollen (bee collected) was methanol-water extracted and used to verify its in vitro pharmacological activities on C26 mice cancer tumour cells. Three different concentrations of the extract were tested in antitumour assays. Monitoring was done after 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Promising results were obtained for antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of the pollen extracts, with high efficiency for the highest concentration (1 mg/mL). For both activities, time and concentration-dependent effects were observed. Pollen extracts or bee collected pollen has a high potential as an antitumour agent for use in human medicine, because they are both rich in bioactive compounds.
Characteristics of Neoatherosclerosis Within Implanted Coronary Stents in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Benedek Edvin , Stănescu Alexandra , Orzan Marius , Rat Nora , Kovács István , Suciu Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2016

Introduction: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is traditionally associated with neointimal hyperplasia. However, recent studies have suggested that an underlying progression of the atherosclerotic process called neoatherosclerosis, different from intimal proliferation, could be involved in ISR development. In this study the aim was to compare the characteristics of the neoatheromatous plaque evidenced by Multislice Angio Computed Tomography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound (VH-IVUS) with the characteristics of de-novo lesions in native coronary vessels of patients with ISR. Material and methods: This is a prospective single-center pilot study in which patients presenting with acute chest pain and having at least one symptomatic bare-metal stent (BMS) restenosis at six months to one year after BMS implantation, were enrolled. The characteristics of the neointimal tissue developed within the implanted stents using Acio CT, OCT and VH-IVUS were studied. Results: In total, 27 patients with 38 coronary BMS were included in the study, in whom 27 ISR lesions and 43 lesions in native coronary vessels were identified. Angio CT examination revealed that atheromatous plaques responsible for ISR tend to have a larger volume compared with native lesions located in the same coronary vessel (plaque volume 91.2 mm3 for ISR vs. 60.4 mm3 for native vessels, p <0.0001). Additionally, they show more low density plaques compared to native coronary lesions located in the same coronary vessel (33.9 mm3 vs. 18.2 mm3 for the volume of the plaque with density <30 HU, p <0.0001). Plaques responsible for ISR exhibit a higher lipid content than native ones (41.1% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.05). OCT analysis indicated an irregular shaped vascular lumen in 44.4% of ISR lesions compared to 25.6% of de-novo lesions (p = 0.1). Conclusions: Neoatherosclerosis within the implanted coronary stents is associated with signs of plaque vulnerability to a significantly higher extent than the atheromatous plaques in native coronary arteries in patients with ISR presenting with an acute coronary syndrome.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue: Part 3 – An Elephant Never Forgets
Authors: Dougherty Mark
Published: June 2016

Forgetting is an oft-forgotten art. Many artificial intelligence (AI) systems deliver good performance when first implemented; however, as the contextual environment changes, they become out of date and their performance degrades. Learning new knowledge is part of the solution, but forgetting outdated facts and information is a vital part of the process of renewal. However, forgetting proves to be a surprisingly difficult concept to either understand or implement. Much of AI is based on analogies with natural systems, and although all of us have plenty of experiences with having forgotten something, as yet we have only an incomplete picture of how this process occurs in the brain. A recent judgment by the European Court concerns the “right to be forgotten” by web index services such as Google. This has made debate and research into the concept of forgetting very urgent. Given the rapid growth in requests for pages to be forgotten, it is clear that the process will have to be automated and that intelligent systems of forgetting are required in order to meet this challenge.
Role of collagen type IV in the pathogenesis of increased prenasal thickness in Down syndrome fetuses: sonographic and immunohistological findings
Authors: Maymon Ron , Mendlovic Sonia , Melcer Yaakov , Sarig-Meth Tal , Habler Lilian , Cuckle Howard , Vaknin Zvi
Published: June 2016

Objective:

The present study aims to compare the presence and localization of collagen type IV in the prenasal tissue of fetuses with and without Down syndrome (DS).

Methods:

Products of conception were obtained from mid-gestation uterine evacuations of 14 DS fetuses and 15 unaffected controls. Microdissection of the prenasal area and an analysis of the prenasal tissue specimens were performed by a single pathologist, blinded to the karyotype results. Immunohistological presence and localization of type IV collagen were analyzed in the basement membrane (BM), blood vessels, and stroma of the tissues.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in the presence and localization of antibodies for collagen IV in the blood vessels and stroma between the two groups. However, the presence and localization of type IV collagen in the BM of the prenasal skin were significantly higher in DS specimens compared to the control group (P=0.023). When combining both groups altogether, a significant correlation was found between the increased prenasal thickness (PT) and the high presence and location of collagen type IV, irrespective of the karyotype results (Spearman’s correlation; R=0.459; P=0.012).

Conclusion:

Using the immunohistochemistry technique, we were able to confirm the overexpression of collagen type IV in the BM of the prenasal area. This may explain the sonographic finding of increased PT seen mainly in DS fetuses.
Surrogate markers of insulin resistance in subjects with metabolic syndrome – data of the Berlin Aging Study II
Authors: Buchmann Nikolaus , Norman Kristina , Demuth Ilja , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: June 2016

Background: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic changes which is associated with insulin resistance (IR). Cutoff values for the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) – a surrogate marker of IR-to identify subjects with MetS are not established.

Methods: Cross-sectional data of 446 younger (53% women, 28±3 years old) and 1271 elderly study participants (52% women, 68±4 years old) without diabetes were available for the current analysis. MetS was defined according to the IDF/AHA/NHLBI (International Diabetes Federation/American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) criteria of 2009. Using receiving operating characteristics (ROC) analysis cutoff values for HOMA-IR were calculated above which participants with MetS could be identified with highest sensitivity and specificity. Finally, binary logistic regression models were calculated.

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 6.7% in young and 28.3% in elderly subjects. HOMA-IR cutoff values for the detection of MetS were HOMA-IR >1.88 (young subjects; sensitivity 80%, specificity 85.3%, positive predictive value 80%, negative predictive value 15%) and HOMAIR >1.98 (elderly subjects; sensitivity 73.6%, specificity 72.9%, positive predictive value 74%, negative predictive value 27%). In adjusted regression models [age, body mass index (BMI), sex, physical activity and age groups] subjects above these cutoff-values had odds of 5.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1–7.9] in elderly and 22.2 (95% CI: 7.0–70.5) in younger study participants to have MetS.

Conclusions: Cutoff values for HOMA-IR are not established in clinical practice; however, they could be used to identify subjects with MetS, even if a diagnosis of MetS cannot made based solely on HOMA-IR considering the negative predictive values.
Boundaries From Borders: Cross-Border Relationships in the Context of the Mental Perception of a Borderline – Experiences from Spanish-French and Polish-German Border Twin Towns
Authors: Markuszewska Iwona , Tanskanen Minna , Subirós Josep Vila
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the borderlands, in the context of the psychological perception of frontiers, were presented. The common relationships between different nationalities living in border twin towns was a principal point of analysis. During the investigation two main research questions were asked: Is a frontier a barrier or a bridge in the common relationships between nationalities living on both sides of the borderline? and Does the trans-border casual social integration stimulate openness to neighbours? The study was conducted in two double towns: la Jonquera (Els límits) - Le Perthus at the Spanish-French border and Słubice - Frankfurt-am-Oder at the Polish-German border. The data were gathered from surveys by questioning locals and visitors during street polling. The design of the questionnaire included three main groups of questions relating to: 1) the perception of the borderline and the role of the border twin towns, 2) the attitude towards neighbours and identification with the borderlands, and 3) the future of the borderline in the context of the twin towns existence and cross-border linkages. The results showed that the historical circumstances and cultural background play a crucial role in the current bilateral interrelations between nations sharing the common space of the twin towns. These two aspects of the borderland have an influence on the psychological perception of the border that creates mental boundaries in local societies. However, as the results proved, the necessity of living together pushed locals to be more open-minded, which as a consequence supported the establishment of social bonds.
Serum Levels of Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Casoinic F. , Sampelean D. , Buzoianu Anca D. , Hancu N. , Baston Dorina
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Oxidative stress is one of the key mechanisms responsible for disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of oxidative stress markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and test their relationships with clinical and biochemical patient characteristics, compared to patients with DMT2 without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and controls.

Materials and methods. In all, 60 consecutive patients with DMT2 and NASH, 55 with DMT2 without NAFLD, and 50 age-and-gender-matched healthy subjects participated in the study. The serum levels of protein carbonyls and 8-isoprostane were determined by ELISA methods, while the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by means of the spectrophotometric method. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were examined for all the subjects included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the independent predictive factors in the relationships investigated here.

Results. Patients with DMT2 and NASH displayed significantly higher serum levels of protein carbonyls (1.112 ± 0.42 nmol/dL), MDA (6.181 ± 1.81 ng/mL), and 8-isoprostane (338.6 ± 98.5 pg/mL) compared to patients with DMT2 without NAFLD, and controls. Results of multivariate logistic regression analyses indicate that in patients with DMT2 and NASH, the serum levels of oxidative stress markers were independently and positively associated with: HbA1c, duration of diabetes, the UKPDS cardiovascular risk score (for protein carbonyls); age, LDL-cholesterol (for 8-isoprostane); and triglycerides serum levels (for MDA).

Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the process of oxidative stress tends to increase in patients with DMT2 and NASH, compared to patients with DMT2 without NAFLD, and controls. This evidence suggests that an antioxidant therapy might prove useful in the treatment of patients with DMT2 and NASH.
EEG Abnormalities as Diagnostic and Prognostic Factor for Encephalitis
Authors: Gavrilovic Aleksandar , Drakulic Svetlana Miletic , Matic Tatjana Boskovic , Vesic Katarina , Aleksic Dejan , Toncev Slavco , Gavrilovic Jagoda
Published: June 2016

The aim of the study is to examine whether EEG abnormalities in patients with encephalitis might be prognostic and diagnostic factors for final epilepsy outcome and/or be correlated with the severity of the disability.

The most frequent causes of encephalitis were HSV, WNV, INF V, MTB, St PN, St AU. There was a highly statistically significant positive correlation between the severity of the EEG abnormalities at the beginning of the disease (r = 0.410, p <0.01) and the ultimate outcome.

Electroencephalography in the early stages of encephalitis shows diagnostic and prognostic significance and, in combination with the overall severity of the clinical picture, could contribute to the diagnosis and assessment of outcomes and, ultimately, the correction of treatment and faster recovery of patients. This is particularly true for viral encephalitis.
Possible Uses of Data from Hospital Discharge Reports
Authors: Kocic Sanja , Vasiljevic Dragan , Radovanovic Snezana , Radevic Svetlana , Vukomanovic Ivana Simic , Mihailovic Natasa
Published: June 2016

Almost all countries in the world keep some form of hospital discharge report (HDR). Although there are many variations, every report contains such data as patient demographics, the main cause of hospitalization, comorbidities, the length of stay in hospital and outcome. The advantages of using data obtained from HDRs are numerous: The data from HDRs are already collected in a designated centre and thus easily available and relatively cheap; HDRs contain information for many previous years; they are sometimes more reliable than data obtained through any other method; and finally, they provide a large and representative database. HDRs databases can be connected with other databases using a unified patient identification number. The limitations of using data obtained through HDRs are as follows: inconsistencies in defining and coding diagnoses and applied procedures, common underestimations of comorbidity, limited possible applications in specific studies and partial coverage of inpatient institutions. The prediction that in the future, a growing number of diagnostic and treatment procedures will be performed on an outpatient basis will also limit the use of HDRs. When electronic recordkeeping becomes a practice, we may assume that these data will no longer be needed. There is no perfect model for collection and processing data regarding hospitalized patients. HDRs, with their advantages and disadvantages, currently represent the best way to perceive the size, type, quality and efficiency of the health care services provided to patients at the secondary and tertiary level.
Encopresis in Children: An Overview of Recent Findings
Authors: Vuletic Biljana
Published: June 2016

The term ‘encopresis’, derived from ancient Greek ἐγκόπρησις / egkóprēsis, which means stool, was first introduced in 1926 by Weissenberg to describe the loss of stool in underwear as the faecal equivalent of enuresis. The soiling of underwear is defined as the accidental passage of very small amounts of faeces into underpants. Quantitatively, the content of stool between encopresis and soiling is difficult to determine, and it is especially difficult for parents assess it. Therefore, a new term was adopted – faecal incontinence – that encompasses both encopresis and soiling.

Faecal incontinence is defined as the discharge of faeces in socially awkward situations at least once per month in children ≥ 4 years old. In approximately 95% of cases, faecal incontinence in children is not organic in origin, but instead appears as a functional gastrointestinal disorder. In 80% of children with functional faecal incontinence, the symptoms are associated with functional constipation. The remaining 20% of the cases involve no signs of faecal retention and are defined as non-retentive functional faecal incontinence.

This paper aims to present the latest findings within this area of paediatric gastroenterology.
Ranks of permutative matrices
Authors: Hu Xiaonan , Johnson Charles R. , Davis Caroline E. , Zhang Yimeng
Published: June 2016

A new type of matrix, termed permutative, is defined and motivated herein. The focus is upon identifying
circumstances under which square permutative matrices are rank deficient. Two distinct ways, along
with variants upon them are given. These are a special kind of grouping of rows and a type of partition in
which the blocks are again permutative. Other, results are given, along with some questions and conjectures.
Investigation on the Film Cooling Performance of Diffuser Shaped Holes with Different Inclination Angles
Authors: Zhai Ying-Ni , Liu Cun-Liang , He Yi-Hong , Zhou Zhi-Xiang
Published: June 2016

Film cooling performances of laidback hole and laidback fan-shaped hole have been investigated using transient liquid crystal measurement technique. For film cooling of laidback hole, the increase of inclination angle reduces the film cooling effectiveness under small blowing ratio, while produces better film coverage and higher film cooling effectiveness under larger blowing ratios. Heat transfer coefficient is higher in the upstream region of laidback hole film cooling with large inclination angle, while laidback hole with small inclination angle has relatively higher heat transfer coefficient in the downstream region. The increase of inclination angle reduces the film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient of laidback fan-shaped hole film cooling, especially in the upstream region. Increase of inclination angle is beneficial to the thermal protection of laidback hole film cooling under large blowing ratio. Film hole with large inclination angle has larger discharge coefficient due to smaller aerodynamic loss in the hole.
Magnetic Field and Slip Effects on the Flow and Heat Transfer of Stagnation Point Jeffrey Fluid over Deformable Surfaces
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: June 2016

The Mhd slip flow and heat transfer of stagnation point Jeffrey fluid over deformable surfaces are the state of the art of this article. Following an analytical approach, the existence, uniqueness, and possible multiplicity of the physical solutions affected by several physical parameters are investigated. Particularly, magnetic interaction and slip factor are shown to much influence the structure of the solutions regarding both momentum and thermal boundary layers. The presented exact solutions not only provide a clear understanding of fruitful physical mechanisms present in this nonlinear flow problem but they have also merits in calculations by means of numerous numerical schemes aiming to explore further complex phenomena.
Hypoglycemic activity of Gleditsia caspica extract and its saponin-containing fraction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: El Awdan Sally A. , Abdel Jaleel Gehad A. , Saleh Dalia O. , Abdel Basset Marawan , Melek Farouk R. , Kassem Iman A.A. , Badawi Manal
Published: June 2016

The fruits of Gleditsia species (Fabaceae) have been known in traditional medicine as a saponin-rich herbal medicine. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the total methanolic extract of Gleditsia caspica (MEGC) and its saponin-containing fractions (SFGC) on hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg body weight) was used to induce hyperglycemia in male albino rats. MEGC (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) and SFGC (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered to the diabetic rats daily for 14 days. The anti-diabetic drug gliclazide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a positive control. Blood samples were collected from overnight fasted rats for the evaluation of the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities. The levels of glucose, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were increased significantly, whereas the levels of α-amylase, insulin and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased in the experimental diabetic rats. Pancreas and liver of the diabetic rats exhibited significant changes in the histopathology, morphology and DNA content. Administration of MEGC or SFGC led to a decrease in the levels of glucose, TG, TC and MDA. In addition, the levels of α-amylase, insulin and GSH were increased in MEGC and SFGC treated diabetic rats. Also, the histopathological and morphological changes, as well the changes in DNA were significantly reversed by the extracts. Thus, MEGC and SFGC exhibited potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in STZ- induced diabetic rats.
SLC26A11 (KBAT) in Purkinje Cells Is Critical for Inhibitory Transmission and Contributes to Locomotor Coordination
Authors: Rahmati Negah , Vinueza Veloz Maria Fernanda , Xu Jie , Barone Sharon , Rodolfo Ben Hamida Nahuel , Schonewille Martijn , Hoebeek Freek E. , Soleimani Manoocher , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: June 2016

Chloride homeostasis determines the impact of inhibitory synaptic transmission and thereby mediates the excitability of neurons. Even though cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) receive a pronounced inhibitory GABAergic input from stellate and basket cells, the role of chloride homeostasis in these neurons is largely unknown. Here we studied at both the cellular and systems physiological level the function of a recently discovered chloride channel, SLC26A11 or kidney brain anion transporter (KBAT), which is prominently expressed in PCs. Using perforated patch clamp recordings of PCs, we found that a lack of KBAT channel in PC-specific KBAT KO mice (L7-KBAT KOs) induces a negative shift in the reversal potential of chloride as reflected in the GABAA-receptor-evoked currents, indicating a decrease in intracellular chloride concentration. Surprisingly, bothin vitroandin vivoPCs in L7-KBAT KOs showed a significantly increased action potential firing frequency of simple spikes, which correlated with impaired motor performance on the Erasmus Ladder. Our findings support an important role for SLC26A11 in moderating chloride homeostasis and neuronal activity in the cerebellum.