Finite-size scaling for non-linear rheology of fluids confined in a small space

We perform molecular dynamics simulations in order to examine the rheological transition of fluids confined in a small space. By performing finite-size scaling analysis, we demonstrate that this rheological transition results from the competition between the system size and the length scale of cooperative particle motion.Comment: 4pages, 8 figure

Oscillating epidemics in a dynamic network model: stochastic and mean-field analysis

An adaptive network model using SIS epidemic propagation with link-type-dependent link activation and deletion is considered. Bifurcation analysis of the pairwise ODE approximation and the network-based stochastic simulation is carried out, showing that three typical behaviours may occur; namely, oscillations can be observed besides disease-free or endemic steady states. The oscillatory behaviour in the stochastic simulations is studied using Fourier analysis, as well as through analysing the exact master equations of the stochastic model. By going beyond simply comparing simulation results to mean-field models, our approach yields deeper insights into the observed phenomena and help better understand and map out the limitations of mean-field models

An analysis of integrative outcomes in the Dayton peace negotiations

The nature of the negotiated outcomes of the eight issues of the Dayton Peace Agreement was studied in terms of their integrative and distributive aspects. in cases where integrative elements were Sound, further analysis was conducted by concentrating on Pruitt's five types of integrative solutions: expanding the pie, cost cutting, non-specific compensation, logrolling, and bridging. The results showed that real world international negotiations can arrive at integrative agreements even when they involve redistribution of resources tin this case the redistribution of former Yugoslavia). Another conclusion was that an agreement can consist of several distributive outcomes and several integrative outcomes produced by different kinds of mechanisms. Similarly, in single issues more than one mechanism can be used simultaneously. Some distributive bargaining was needed in order to determine how much compensation was required. Finally, each integrative formula had some distributive aspects as well

Turner syndrome and associated problems in turkish children: A multicenter study

Objective: Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder caused by complete or partial X chromosome monosomy that manifests various clinical features depending on the karyotype and on the genetic background of affected girls. This study aimed to systematically investigate the key clinical features of TS in relationship to karyotype in a large pediatric Turkish patient population. Methods: Our retrospective study included 842 karyotype-proven TS patients aged 0-18 years who were evaluated in 35 different centers in Turkey in the years 2013-2014. Results: The most common karyotype was 45,X (50.7%), followed by 45,X/46,XX (10.8%), 46,X,i(Xq) (10.1%) and 45,X/46,X,i(Xq) (9.5%). Mean age at diagnosis was 10.2±4.4 years. The most common presenting complaints were short stature and delayed puberty. Among patients diagnosed before age one year, the ratio of karyotype 45,X was significantly higher than that of other karyotype groups. Cardiac defects (bicuspid aortic valve, coarctation of the aorta and aortic stenosi) were the most common congenital anomalies, occurring in 25% of the TS cases. This was followed by urinary system anomalies (horseshoe kidney, double collector duct system and renal rotation) detected in 16.3%. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was found in 11.1% of patients, gastrointestinal abnormalities in 8.9%, ear nose and throat problems in 22.6%, dermatologic problems in 21.8% and osteoporosis in 15.3%. Learning difficulties and/or psychosocial problems were encountered in 39.1%. Insulin resistance and impaired fasting glucose were detected in 3.4% and 2.2%, respectively. Dyslipidemia prevalence was 11.4%. Conclusion: This comprehensive study systematically evaluated the largest group of karyotype-proven TS girls to date. The karyotype distribution, congenital anomaly and comorbidity profile closely parallel that from other countries and support the need for close medical surveillance of these complex patients throughout their lifespan. © Journal of Clinical Research in Pediatric Endocrinology

Dextranomer/Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer (Dx/HA) Has no Effect on Bacterial Growth in Culture Media With or Without Antibiotic Discs

Introduction: Endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral refl ux (VUR) by subureteral injection of biocompatible polymers is an established treatment option for refl ux. Dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer(Dx/HA) has gained wide popularity for treating VUR. We decided to investigate the antibacterial activity of Dx/HA and its interaction with antibiotics in in-vitro conditions. Materials and Methods: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis suspensions were inoculated into Mueller-Hinton agar media and 30 μl of Dx/HA was inoculated in 5 mm diameter pits and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. At the end of the incubation period, inhibition zones around the discs were measured. Expansion of the inhibition zones towards the pits which contained Dx/HA was considered as synergism. Dx/ HA was inoculated into pits made in Mueller-Hinton agar medium without antibiotic discs but containing suspensions of bacteria. These media were incubated under the same circumstances and same measurements were done. All experimental procedures were performed twice. Increase in bacterial zone diameters for ≥ 5 mm was inoculated was regarded as signifi cant for each agent. Results: Dx/HA caused no difference in bacterial growth either with or without antibiotic discs as determined by inhibition zones in the culture media. Conclusion : Dx/ha will not contribute to UTI if it is used for the treatment of VUR in cases either with or without infection

Methanogens, sulphate and heavy metals: a complex system

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-established technology used for the treatment of wastes and wastewaters with high organic content. During AD organic matter is converted stepwise to methane-containing biogasa renewable energy carrier. Methane production occurs in the last AD step and relies on methanogens, which are rather sensitive to some contaminants commonly found in wastewaters (e.g. heavy metals), or easily outcompeted by other groups of microorganisms (e.g. sulphate reducing bacteria, SRB). This review gives an overview of previous research and pilot-scale studies that shed some light on the effects of sulphate and heavy metals on methanogenesis. Despite the numerous studies on this subject, comparison is not always possible due to differences in the experimental conditions used and parameters explained. An overview of the possible benefits of methanogens and SRB co-habitation is also covered. Small amounts of sulphide produced by SRB can precipitate with metals, neutralising the negative effects of sulphide accumulation and free heavy metals on methanogenesis. Knowledge on how to untangle and balance sulphate reduction and methanogenesis is crucial to take advantage of the potential for the utilisation of biogenic sulphide as a metal detoxification agent with minimal loss in methane production in anaerobic digesters.The research was financially supported by the People Program (Marie Curie Actions) of the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 under REA agreement 289193

Testing promising genes for pre-selection for drought tolerance in potato

30th International Horticultural Congress (IHC) / 2nd International Symposium on Root and Tuber Crops - Value Added Crops for the Next Generation -- AUG 12-16, 2018 -- Istanbul, TURKEYPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is sensitive to drought mainly due to its fibrous root system. With the global climate change, the yield loss in potato cultivation caused by drought is expected to reach 30% over the following years. A breeding approach to increase the tolerance of potato to drought stress requires a long time, quite laborious and expensive, mainly due to limitations in a controlled drought treatment in the field conditions, high heterozygosity nature of the plant and genotype x environment (GxE) interaction. A pre-selection in the laboratory for the promising drought tolerant lines is a requirement to disentangle these obstacles. However, the complexity and multigenic nature of the drought stress response mechanism restrains the identification of molecular markers to be used in pre-selection purposes. Here, we used a novel approach and investigated the possibility of using the gene expression under controlled conditions for pre-selection of drought tolerant potato cultivars. For this purpose, we analyzed next generation sequencing results of 'Unica' (tolerant) and 'Russet Burbank' (sensitive) potato cultivars to 23 days of drought treatment and selected genes with contrasting expression levels under stress/control conditions. Control expression levels of five promising genes [plastidial pyruvate kinase 4 (XM_006360110.1), cryptochrome-2 (XM_006354425.1), cytosolic L-ascorbate peroxidase 1 (XM_006366063.1), early responsive to dehydration 15 (HG975443.1) and GAST1 (XM_006338257.1)] were tested by RT-PCR approach in a different set of potato genotypes with defined drought tolerance index evaluated in an independent field drought experiment to test their efficiency in pre-selection of drought tolerance potential. Although the results indicated the potential of plastidial pyruvate kinase 4 for detecting tolerant potato genotypes, it appears that the differentiation of tolerance and sensitivity potential by a simple RT-PCR approach still requires investigation of a large set of genes together.Int Soc Hort SciScientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [214O600]This project study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) with project number 214O600

Health inequities: lower socio-economic conditions and higher incidences of intestinal parasites

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Intestinal parasitic infections affect child health and development and slow down growth, while reducing adults' productivity and work capacity. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the incidences of intestinal parasitic infections and the socio-economic status of two near primary school children in Manisa, a western city of Turkey.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 352 children were involved a questionnaire study from a private school (Ülkem Primary School – ÜPS, 116 children) and a community-based school (Şehzadeler Primary School – ŞPS, 236 children). Of these, stool samples could be obtained from a total of 294 students; 97 (83.6%) from ÜPS, and 197 (83.5%) from ŞPS. The wet mount preparations of the stool samples were examined; samples were also fixed in polyvinyl alcohol and examined with modified formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation and trichrome staining techniques. Data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 10.0. The chi-squared test was used for the analytic assessment.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The percentages of the students found to be infected with intestinal parasites, were 78 (39.6%) and 13 (13.4%) in ŞPS and ÜPS, respectively. Totally 91 (31.0%) of the students from both schools were found to be infected with at least one intestinal parasite. <it>Giardia lamblia </it>was found to be the most common pathogenic intestinal parasite and <it>Blastocystis hominis </it>was prevalent independently from the hygienic conditions. The factors which significantly (<it>p </it>< 0.05) increase the incidence of intestinal parasites were uneducated and unemployed mother, lower social status of father, living in crowded houses with insufficient indoor spaces, using the tap water as drinking water, and living at shanty areas.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Intestinal parasitic infections in school children were found to be a public health problem that increased due to lower socio-economic conditions. We conclude that organization of education seminars including the topics such as prevention of the infectious diseases, improving general hygienic conditions, and application of supportive programs for the parents may be suggested not only to reduce intestinal parasitic infections, but also to elevate the socio-cultural levels.</p