A Projection Pursuit Algorithm for Preference Data

2018

In the framework of preference rankings, the interest can lie in finding which predictors and which interactions are able to explain the observed preference structures. The last years have seen a remarkable owering of works about the use of decision tree for clustering preference vectors. As a matter of fact, decision trees are useful and intuitive, but they are very unstable: small perturbations bring big changes. This is the reason why it could be necessary to use more stable procedures in order to clustering ranking data. In this work, following the idea of Bolton (2003), a Projection Pursuit (PP) clustering algorithm for preference data will be proposed in order to extract useful inform…

Turnaround strategies for severe crises. Surviving a bankruptcy procedure

2018

A renewed interest on business turnaround (BT) has aroused, given the high number of firms which have suffered struggles during the Great Recession. This research focuses on declining firms that suffer the most severe financial distress, bankruptcy, and are also willing to survive and restore their performance. When facing a viability-threatening decline, firms must reverse it by implementing turnaround strategies. Drawing on BT literature, several questions were asked: Is the turnaround framework suitable for bankrupt firms? Are turnaround strategies effective in providing survival and recover performance of the bankrupt firms? Does the intensity of the response impact the turnaround outco…

Tuberculosis en el Departamento de Salud Valencia-Doctor Peset. Aportación de los métodos de microbiología molecular

2018

La tuberculosis (TB) se mantiene como problema importante de salud pública a pesar de la disminución progresiva de su incidencia en nuestro medio. Los programas de control deben incluir objetivos de mejora en detección precoz de pacientes bacilíferos y la eficacia y rapidez de los métodos de rutina microbiológica para identificación y sensibilidad de Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, detectando cepas multirresistentes (MDR-TB) de forma rápida y sencilla. En este trabajo se describe el modelo de funcionamiento del Servicio de Microbiología en la detección y control de las TB del Departamento de Salud Valencia- Dr. Peset en los últimos once años, calculando la evolución de tasas de incidenc…

Elements d'una (possible) lògica sofística

2018

La rellevància del pensament sofista per als problemes contemporanis no admet cap dubte. Alguns estudiosos han fet contribucions a la nostra comprensió dels contextos culturals en què els sofistes van viure i van treballar, incloent-hi una exposició de principis generals que van definir les seves estratègies i pràctiques argumentatives. El nostre objectiu és examinar aquestes estratègies i pràctiques per tal de seleccionar alguns elements d'una (possible) lògica sofística.

Applied Mathematics versus Fluid Dynamics The Catalytic Role of Richard von Mises (1883–1953)

2018

This paper investigates scientific, institutional, and political conflict and collaboration between two different disciplines in the first part of the 20th century: applied mathematics and fluid dynamics. It argues for the catalytic role of Richard von Mises (1883–1953) in this process and analyzes the reasons for von Mises’s considerable fame in the former and limited posthumous reputation in the latter field. I argue that von Mises’s contributions to fluid dynamics and aerodynamics suffered chiefly from two somewhat interconnected deficiencies compared to the work of his principal competitors. There was, on the one hand, von Mises’s methodological preference for applied mathematics as opp…

Were Prestigious Independent Directors Responsible for the Subprime Crisis?

2018

We study the independence ratio, as well as the prestige, reputational incentives, experience, and financial expertise of independent directors for 767 U.S. banks from 2000 to 2015, to concentrate on causes of the subprime crisis: short-termism, poor monitoring, and excessive risk-taking. We find that higher independence ratios decrease the monitoring quality of the board, increase short-term incentives for the CEO, and promote greater subprime risk-taking. Our results thereby suggest that, while official responses to the subprime crisis claim that banks were not independent enough, rising independence ratios following Enron and Sabanes Oxley were a major contributing cause of the subprime …

Mono-DMSO ligated cobalt nitrophenylcorroles: electrochemical and spectral characterization

2018

Four mono-DMSO ligated cobalt corroles with one or three meso-nitrophenyl substituents on the macrocycle were synthesized and investigated as to their electrochemical and spectroscopic properties in CH2Cl2 and DMSO. Comparisons are made between redox reactions of the five-coordinate DMSO adducts in the current study and earlier examined five- and six-coordinate cobalt corroles with pyridine axial ligands which were characterized in a variety of nonaqueous electrochemical solvents. The binding of carbon monoxide (CO) is also investigated.

Figure S2 from Species' ecological functionality alters the outcome of fish stocking success predicted by a food-web model

2018

Changes in the adult whitefish biomasses in response to increased whitefish stocking (Wht250 [light blue]; Wht300 [black]; Wht350 [dark blue]) compared to the whitefish baseline (Wht200 [light gray]). Dashed lines indicate the time point when fishing was introduced to the simulations.

Planar Bragg Grating Sensor for the Detection of CFC-11

2018

We demonstrate the fabrication of a highly sensitive opto-chemical sensor system based on cyclodextrin derivative functionalized planar Bragg gratings for an online in-situ detection and measurement of the environmentally harmful propellant trichlorofluoromethane in real-time.

Norovirus: The Burden of the Unknown

2018

Human noroviruses (HNoVs) are primarily transmitted by the fecal-oral route, either by person-to-person contact, or by ingestion of contaminated food or water as well as by aerosolization. Moreover, HNoVs significantly contribute to foodborne diseases being the causative agent of one-fifth of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. As a consequence of globalization, transnational outbreaks of foodborne infections are reported with increasing frequency. Therefore, in this review, state-of-the-art information regarding molecular procedures for human norovirus detection in food as well common food processing technologies have been summarized. Besides, the purpose of this chapter is to consolidate bas…

A dual channel sulphur-containing a macrocycle functionalised BODIPY probe for the detection of Hg(II) in a mixed aqueous solution

2018

We report herein the synthesis and chromo-fluorogenic behaviour of a new probe 1 containing a boron-dipirromethene (BODIPY) unit electronically connected with a dithia-dioxa-aza macrocycle. Acetonitrile and water-acetonitrile 95:5 v/v solutions of the probe showed an ICT band in the visible zone and are nearly non-emissive. When acetonitrile was used as solvent, addition of Hg(II) and trivalent metal cations induced an hypsochromic shift of the absorption band and moderate emission enhancements. A highly selective response was obtained when using competitive media such as wateracetonitrile 95:5 v/v. In this case only Hg(II) induced a hypsochromic shift of the absorption band and a marked em…

Additional file 1: of Atypical pathogens in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a worldwide perspective

2018

Table A: Tables with testing frequencies for specific atypical pathogens across continents (A1: Testing frequencies for C. pneumoniae across continents; A2: Testing frequencies for M. pneumoniae across continents; A3: Testing frequencies for L. pneumophila across continents).- Brief description of the data: a table in three parts reporting data about frequency of testing for different atypical pathogens across different continents. (DOC 50â kb)

Association between urinary incontinence and frailty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2018

Purpose: Urinary incontinence (UI) and frailty are common geriatric syndromes. Although literature increasingly supports a relationship between these two conditions, no systematic review and meta-analysis has been performed on this topic. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential association between UI and frailty, through a meta-analytic approach. Methods: A systematic search in major databases was undertaken until 15th March 2018 for studies reporting the association between UI and frailty. The prevalence of UI in people with frailty (vs. those without) was pooled through an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with a random-effects model. The other outcomes were sum…

Advancing stem cells: New therapeutic strategies for treating central nervous system disorders

2018

In this special issue, we explore new methods and knowledge to improve stem cell transplantation in diseases and conditions such as stroke, PD, and depression. Advancing the conventional idea regarding cell replacement in stem cell therapy, stem cells may also transfer healthy mitochondria to diseased ischemic neurons in stroke and improve the therapeutic time window of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in a conjunctive therapy for stroke, and human Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hWJ-MSCs) may rely mainly on trophic factor secretion to induce neuroprotective effects. In addition, trophic factors such as neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic …

Additional file 9: of SWATH-MS based quantitative proteomics analysis reveals that curcumin alters the metabolic enzyme profile of CML cells by affec…

2018

Figure S4. Effects of Curcumin on HIF-1α activity, IPO7 expression and miR22 expression in LAMA84 cells. a Assay of the transcriptional activity of HIF-1α showing that in LAMA84 cells curcumin induced a reduction of HIF-1α activity compared to control cells. The reported values are the mean of three independent experiments. b qPCR (left panel) and representative Western blot (right panel) show that in LAMA84 cells curcumin treatment did not affect HIF-1α at both mRNA and protein level. The values (FOI: Fold of Induction) in the histogram are normalized against GAPDH and are the mean ± SD of three independent experiments. c qPCR demonstrates that in LAMA84 cells curcumin induced a decrease o…

Recent developments and applications of the chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed allylboration of carbonyl compounds

2018

The 50-year-old allylboration reaction has seen dramatic developments since the dawn of the new century after the first catalytic asymmetric versions came into play. In the past decade alone, several methodologies capable of achieving the desired homoallylic alcohols in over 90% ee have been developed. This review focuses on the chiral Brønsted acid catalyzed allylboration reaction, covering everything from the very first examples and precedents to modern day variations and applications.1 Introduction2 Early Developments3 Synthetic Applications4 Variants5 Computational Contribution6 Conclusions

Role of anthropometric factors, self-perception, and diet on weight misperception among young adolescents: a cross-sectional study

2018

Adolescence overweight and obesity have increased considerably, and the misperception of their weight status could reduce the efficiency of intervention programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of misperception and to assess the relationship between weight perception and anthropometric parameters, self-perception, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. A total of 1643 young adolescents (11–16 years old) were surveyed in a cross-sectional investigation during two scholastic years (period October–May of 2012–2013 and 2013–2014) in 15 secondary schools of Sicily, southern Italy. Data on demographic information, anthropometric characteristics (bio…

Stable carbon isotopic composition of peat columns, subsoil and vegetation on natural and forestry-drained boreal peatlands.

2018

We studied natural and forestry-drained peatlands to examine the effect of over 34 years lowered water table on the δ13C values of vegetation, bulk peat and subsoil. In the seven studied sites, δ13C in the basal peat layer was 1.1 and 1.2 ‰ lower than that of the middle-layer and surface layer, respectively. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the δ13C values of the basal and surface peat layers, possibly due to carbon (C) recycling within the peat column. In the same mire complex, natural fen peat δ13C values were lower than those of the nearby bog, possibly due to the dominance of vascular plants on fen and the generally larger share of recycled C in the fens than in the…

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Patients Treated with Nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine…

2018

Background. High neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown to be a predictor of poor outcomes in various malignancies, including pancreatic cancer. Methods. We assessed 70 consecutive pts with histologically confirmed mPC who received chemotherapy with nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine at two different European oncologic centers between January 2012 and November 2015. Variables assessed for prognostic correlations included age ≥ 66, sex, Karnofsky PS score, primary tumor site, baseline CA19.9 level ≥ 59xULN, 12-week decrease of the CA19.9 level ≥ 50% from baseline, basal bilirubin level, baseline NLR, biliary stent implantation, and liver metastasis. Survival analyses were generated according…

A randomized multicentre trial to compare revascularization with optimal medical therapy for the treatment of chronic total coronary occlusions

2018

Aims: The clinical value of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic coronary total occlusions (CTOs) is not established by randomized trials. This study should compare the benefit of PCI vs. optimal medical therapy (OMT) on the health status in patients with at least one CTO.Method and results: Three hundred and ninety-six patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized, multicentre, open-label, and controlled clinical trial to compare the treatment by PCI with OMT with a 2:1 randomization ratio. The primary endpoint was the change in health status assessed by the Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) between baseline and 12 months follow-up. Fifty-two percent of patients have …

Histopathological comparison of healing after maxillary sinus augmentation using xenograft mixed with autogenous bone versus allograft mixed with aut…

2018

To compare the clinical and histologic outcomes of two different grafting materials (allograft and xenograft) when combined with autogenous bone and covered with a collagen membrane for sinus augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A parallel case series of fourteen patients in need of a unilateral sinus augmentation was evaluated in this study. Seven patients received a graft composed by autologous cortical bone (ACB) and anorganic bovine bone in a ratio of 1:1; the other seven patients received ACB mixed with an allograft in the same ratio. Bone biopsies were obtained 6 months after sinus augmentation at the time of implant placement. Comparative histomorphometrical, histopathological, and im…

Motor Resonance Mechanisms during Action Imitation in Depression

2018

Objectives Major depressive disorder has been associated with impairments in social cognition. However, studies exploring the processing of social information focused on facial discrimination. The aim of this study was to better characterize the sensorimotor mechanisms underlying motor resonance in depressed patients. Method Twenty-three right-handed patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for unipolar depression were compared to 14 matched healthy controls. In a simple imitation paradigm, the kinematic features of movements in natural condition were compared to those of motions performed after the observation of a moving dot. Reaction time and pointing velocity were considered to evaluate if the …

Factors reducing omalizumab response in severe asthma

2018

Background: Despite adding Omalizumab to conventional therapy, several severe asthmatics still show poor disease control. We investigated the factors that may affect a reduced Omalizumab response in a large population of severe asthmatics. Methods: 340 patients were retrospectively evaluated. FEV1%, FVC%, Asthma Control Test (ACT), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), possible step-downs/step-ups of concomitant therapies, exacerbations, disease control levels, ICS doses and SABA use, observed at the end of treatment, were considered as a response to Omalizumab. Results: Age was an independent risk factor for a reduced response concerning FEV1%, FVC%, ACT and for a lower asthma control. O…

Koniec wojny na Śląsku : rok 1945 : studia i materiały

2018

Jewropejsʹka intehracija u sferi ocinky wpływu nadowkiłla : ocinka wpływu na dowkiłla: miżnarodni standarty,doswid inszych krajin i peredumowy dozapr…

2018

Metafizyka światła. Recenzja: Junko Theresa Mikuriya. "Historia światła. Idea fotografii". Tłum. Piotr Nowakowski. Kraków: Universitas, 2018, ss. 220

2018

Miles Christianus e Heroina Christiana come modelli personali nella tradizione culturale polacca dal XVI al XVIII secolo

2018

One of the most significant influences upon the process of creation of male/female spirituality was exerted by role models characteristic for the culture of Counter-Reformation. Among these models, the ones that occupied the most influential position were Miles Christianus and Heroina Christiana shaped in response to domestic and foreign dangers to which the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was exposed. The article focuses predominantly upon the discussion of social pedagogy build around the propaganda of spiritual struggle. In this respect, a significant role was played by soldiers prayer-bookspublished predominantly in 17th cent., mainly Żołnierskie nabożeństwo [Soldier’s religious service]…

Kariera wojskowa Jana Kazimierza Sapiehy

2018

The article presents the military career of Jan Kazimierz Sapieha – Starost of Babruysk, cavalry captain, deputy hetman and Grand Hetman of Lithuania, as well as Field Marshal in the Russian Army. In 1698, when he was 19–25 year old, he was appointed for the post of cavalry captain of an „Armoured” banner in the Lithuanian Army. In this way he commenced his military service, although his being in command of the troop was greatly titular. His active military service did not begin until in 1704 when he took over the command of cavalry of the national levy in the battle group of Sapiehas’ army, operating in Samogitia. For two years, with varying success, he performed the duties of the Deputy H…

Drugie stwierdzenie Pentarthrum huttoni Wollaston, 1854 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Cossoninae) w Polsce

2018

Verbindungen mit der gewalttätigen Weltgeschichte. Geschichtliche Energien und politische Ausgleichshaltungen im Werk des Schlesiers August Kahlert u…

2018

Recenzja książki Tomasza Nieboraka pt. "Tworzenie i stosowanie prawa rynku finansowego a proces ekonomizacji prawa"

2018

Wykonanie kary pozbawienia wolności w systemie dozoru elektronicznego - analiza i ocena zmian z perspektywy stabilności i realiów prawa karnego

2018

Effect of nanoaquacitrates on physiological parameters of Fodder Galega infected with phytoplasma

2018

The laboratory experiments have been found that so aking seeds Galega orientalis L. (Fodder galega) in nanoaquacitrates solutions of Mn (10 and 20 mg/dm 3), Mo (4 mg/dm3) and Mg (2 and 4 mg/dm3), has been lead to germination energy rise, while Mn( 10 and 20 mg/dm3) and Mo (4 mg/dm3) concentrations has been influenced germinating ability. At the same time, the soaking seeds in solution of nanoaquacitrates Mn (20 mg/dm3) had the biggest stimulatory effect on the accumulation 7 daily sprouts mass (on 18%). It has been shown that s oaking seeds in nanoparticles Mn and Mo solutions leads to the increase of catalase activities (especially under the influence of manganese) and peroxidase activitie…

Lokalne światy : badania socjologiczne w lokalnych społecznościach Opolszczyzny

2018

Oikeus kaupunkiin

2018

Sofokles 4-tragediaa

2018

Arvostelu teoksesta SOFOKLES: Traakhiin neidot, Aias, Filoktetes, Elektra (näytelmien suomennokset: Tua Korhonen, Tommi Nuopponen, Vesa Vahtikari), Teos 2018, 457 s. nonPeerReviewed