Serum Lipid Studies in Multiple Sclerosis

Peer Reviewe

Fixed point results for generalized cyclic contraction mappings in partial metric spaces

Rus (Approx. Convexity 3:171–178, 2005) introduced the concept of cyclic contraction mapping. P˘acurar and Rus (Nonlinear Anal. 72:1181–1187, 2010) proved some fixed point results for cyclic φ-contraction mappings on a metric space. Karapinar (Appl. Math. Lett. 24:822–825, 2011) obtained a unique fixed point of cyclic weak φ- contraction mappings and studied well-posedness problem for such mappings. On the other hand, Matthews (Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 728:183–197, 1994) introduced the concept of a partial metric as a part of the study of denotational semantics of dataflow networks. He gave a modified version of the Banach contraction principle, more suitable in this context. In this paper, we initiate the study of fixed points of generalized cyclic contraction in the framework of partial metric spaces. We also present some examples to validate our results.S. Romaguera acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain, grant MTM2009-12872-C02-01.Abbas, M.; Nazir, T.; Romaguera Bonilla, S. (2012). Fixed point results for generalized cyclic contraction mappings in partial metric spaces. Revista- Real Academia de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas Y Naturales Serie a Matematicas. 106(2):287-297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13398-011-0051-5S2872971062Abdeljawad T., Karapinar E., Tas K.: Existence and uniqueness of a common fixed point on partial metric spaces. Appl. Math. Lett. 24(11), 1894–1899 (2011). doi: 10.1016/j.aml.2011.5.014Altun, I., Erduran A.: Fixed point theorems for monotone mappings on partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. article ID 508730 (2011). doi: 10.1155/2011/508730Altun I., Sadarangani K.: Corrigendum to “Generalized contractions on partial metric spaces” [Topology Appl. 157 (2010), 2778–2785]. Topol. Appl. 158, 1738–1740 (2011)Altun I., Simsek H.: Some fixed point theorems on dualistic partial metric spaces. J. Adv. Math. Stud. 1, 1–8 (2008)Altun I., Sola F., Simsek H.: Generalized contractions on partial metric spaces. Topol. Appl. 157, 2778–2785 (2010)Aydi, H.: Some fixed point results in ordered partial metric spaces. arxiv:1103.3680v1 [math.GN](2011)Boyd D.W., Wong J.S.W.: On nonlinear contractions. Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 20, 458–464 (1969)Bukatin M., Kopperman R., Matthews S., Pajoohesh H.: Partial metric spaces. Am. Math. Monthly 116, 708–718 (2009)Bukatin M.A., Shorina S.Yu. et al.: Partial metrics and co-continuous valuations. In: Nivat, M. (eds) Foundations of software science and computation structure Lecture notes in computer science vol 1378., pp. 125–139. Springer, Berlin (1998)Derafshpour M., Rezapour S., Shahzad N.: On the existence of best proximity points of cyclic contractions. Adv. Dyn. Syst. Appl. 6, 33–40 (2011)Heckmann R.: Approximation of metric spaces by partial metric spaces. Appl. Cat. Struct. 7, 71–83 (1999)Karapinar E.: Fixed point theory for cyclic weak $${\phi}$$ -contraction. App. Math. Lett. 24, 822–825 (2011)Karapinar, E.: Generalizations of Caristi Kirk’s theorem on partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. 2011,4 (2011). doi: 10.1186/1687-1812-2011-4Karapinar E.: Weak $${\varphi}$$ -contraction on partial metric spaces and existence of fixed points in partially ordered sets. Math. Aeterna. 1(4), 237–244 (2011)Karapinar E., Erhan I.M.: Fixed point theorems for operators on partial metric spaces. Appl. Math. Lett. 24, 1894–1899 (2011)Karpagam S., Agrawal S.: Best proximity point theorems for cyclic orbital Meir–Keeler contraction maps. Nonlinear Anal. 74, 1040–1046 (2011)Kirk W.A., Srinavasan P.S., Veeramani P.: Fixed points for mapping satisfying cylical contractive conditions. Fixed Point Theory. 4, 79–89 (2003)Kosuru, G.S.R., Veeramani, P.: Cyclic contractions and best proximity pair theorems). arXiv:1012.1434v2 [math.FA] 29 May (2011)Matthews S.G.: Partial metric topology. in: Proc. 8th Summer Conference on General Topology and Applications. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 728, 183–197 (1994)Neammanee K., Kaewkhao A.: Fixed points and best proximity points for multi-valued mapping satisfying cyclical condition. Int. J. Math. Sci. Appl. 1, 9 (2011)Oltra S., Valero O.: Banach’s fixed theorem for partial metric spaces. Rend. Istit. Mat. Univ. Trieste. 36, 17–26 (2004)Păcurar M., Rus I.A.: Fixed point theory for cyclic $${\phi}$$ -contractions. Nonlinear Anal. 72, 1181–1187 (2010)Petric M.A.: Best proximity point theorems for weak cyclic Kannan contractions. Filomat. 25, 145–154 (2011)Romaguera, S.: A Kirk type characterization of completeness for partial metric spaces. Fixed Point Theory Appl. (2010, article ID 493298, 6 pages).Romaguera, S.: Fixed point theorems for generalized contractions on partial metric spaces. Topol. Appl. (2011). doi: 10.1016/j.topol.2011.08.026Romaguera S., Valero O.: A quantitative computational model for complete partial metric spaces via formal balls. Math. Struct. Comput. Sci. 19, 541–563 (2009)Rus, I.A.: Cyclic representations and fixed points. Annals of the Tiberiu Popoviciu Seminar of Functional equations. Approx. Convexity 3, 171–178 (2005), ISSN 1584-4536Schellekens M.P.: The correspondence between partial metrics and semivaluations. Theoret. Comput. Sci. 315, 135–149 (2004)Valero O.: On Banach fixed point theorems for partial metric spaces. Appl. Gen. Top. 6, 229–240 (2005)Waszkiewicz P.: Quantitative continuous domains. Appl. Cat. Struct. 11, 41–67 (2003

Stable Isotope Records from Mount Logan, Eclipse Ice Cores and Nearby Jellybean Lake. Water Cycle of the North Pacific Over 2000 Years and Over Five Vertical Kilometres: Sudden Shifts and Tropical Connections

Three ice cores recovered on or near Mount Logan, together with a nearby lake record (Jellybean Lake), cover variously 500 to 30 000 years. This suite of records offers a unique view of the lapse rate in stable isotopes from the lower to upper troposphere. The region is climatologically important, being beside the Cordilleran pinning-point of the Rossby Wave system and the Aleutian Low. Comparison of stable isotope series over the last 2000 years and model simulations suggest sudden and persistent shifts between modern (mixed) and zonal flow regimes of water vapour transport to the Pacific Northwest. The last such shift was in A.D. 1840. Model simulations for modern and “pure” zonal flow suggest that these shifts are consistent regime changes between these flow types, with predominantly zonal flow prior to ca. A.D. 1840 and modern thereafter. The 5.4 and 0.8 km asl records show a shift at A.D. 1840 and another at A.D. 800. It is speculated that the A.D. 1840 regime shift coincided with the end of the Little Ice Age and the A.D. 800 shift with the beginning of the European Medieval Warm Period. The shifts are very abrupt, taking only a few years at most.Trois carottes de glace prélevées à proximité du mont Logan, combinées à une coupe stratigraphique du lac Jellybean, couvrent une période comprise entre 500 et 30 000 ans. Elles renseignent sur les taux de changement de la composition isotopique de la troposphère. La région étudiée est importante au niveau climatologique puisqu’elle est au point de convergence des ondes de Rossby et de la dépression des Aléoutiennes. La comparaison entre la composition isotopique depuis 2000 ans et les résultats des simulations suggère des changements brusques et persistants entre les régimes de transport de vapeur d’eau modernes et zonaux dans le nord-est du Pacifique, où le dernier changement s’est produit en 1840 de notre ère. Les simulations indiquent que les changements de flux correspondent aux changements de régime, avec un flux zonal avant ca 1840 pour passer au type moderne ensuite. Les forages à 5,4 et 0,8 km d’altitude montrent un changement en A.D. 1840 et un autre en l’an 800. On présume que ces changements de régime coïncident respectivement avec la fin du Petit Âge Glaciaire et le début de la période médiévale chaude, ces changements s’étant produits en quelques années seulement

PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs and Pesticides in Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oils

The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (marker and dioxin-like congeners), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (EPA 15 + 1), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (14 predominant congeners) and pesticides (74 compounds) in various cold-pressed vegetable oils. Poppy seed oil, rapeseed oil, sesame seed oil, pumpkinseed oil, hempseed oil, linaire oil, borage oil and evening star oil were investigated. Results of this study revealed that concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs and PAHs were low in majority of the investigated samples. However, high concentrations of organophosphorus insecticides were found. Chlorpyrifos methyl and pirimiphos methyl were the pesticide residues most commonly found in the studied oils. Concentration of 15 + 1 EPA PAHs was within the 17.85–37.16 μg kg−1 range, concentration of (marker) PCBs varied from 127 to 24,882 pg g−1, dioxin-like TEQ values were below 0.1 pg TEQ g−1. Concentration of PBDEs was below LOQ in most cases

Arms Racing, Military Build-Ups and Dispute Intensity: Evidence from the Greek-Turkish Rivalry, 1985-2020

Arms races are linked in the public conscience to potential violence. Following gas discoveries in eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Turkey nearly came to blows in August 2020 and both states have enacted military expansion plans, further risking escalation. We present a novel approach to study the effect of military build-ups on dispute intensity, using monthly data on Turkish incursions into Greek-claimed airspace. Because airspace claims feature strongly in the dispute, these contestations represent an appropriate measure of the intensity with which Turkey pursues the conflict. Theoretically, we suggest that bilateral factors drive this intensity. We argue that increased Greek military capabilities deter incursions whereas increased Turkish military capabilities fuel them. Results from time-series models support the second expectation. Consequently, the study provides a novel methodological approach to studying interstate conflict intensity and shines new light on escalation dynamics in the Greek-Turkish dispute

A multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment versus standard NHS Speech and Language Therapy versus control in Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 145,519 people in the UK. Speech impairments are common with a reported prevalence of 68%, which increase physical and mental demands during conversation, reliance on family and/or carers, and the likelihood of social withdrawal reducing quality of life. In the UK, two approaches to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) intervention are commonly available: National Health Service (NHS) SLT or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®). NHS SLT is tailored to the individuals’ needs per local practice typically consisting of six to eight weekly sessions; LSVT LOUD® comprises 16 sessions of individual treatment with home-based practice over 4 weeks. The evidence-base for their effectiveness is inconclusive. Methods/design: PD COMM is a phase III, multicentre, three-arm, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. Five hundred and forty-six people with idiopathic PD, reporting speech or voice problems will be enrolled. We will exclude those with a diagnosis of dementia, laryngeal pathology or those who have received SLT for speech problems in the previous 2 years. Following informed consent and completion of baseline assessments, participants will be randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to no-intervention control, NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® via a central computer-generated programme, using a minimisation procedure with a random element, to ensure allocation concealment. Participants randomised to the intervention groups will start treatment within 4 (NHS SLT) or 7 (LSVT LOUD®) weeks of randomisation. Primary outcome: Voice Handicap Index (VHI) total score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include: VHI subscales, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39; Questionnaire on Acquired Speech Disorders; EuroQol-5D-5 L; ICECAP-O; resource utilisation; adverse events and carer quality of life. Mixed-methods process and health economic evaluations will take place alongside the trial. Assessments will be completed before randomisation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. The trial started in December 2015 and will run for 77 months. Recruitment will take place in approximately 42 sites around the UK. Discussion: The trial will test the hypothesis that SLT is effective for the treatment of speech or voice problems in people with PD compared to no SLT. It will further test whether NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® provide greater benefit and determine the cost-effectiveness of both interventions. Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ID: 12421382. Registered on 18 April 2016

A multicentre, randomised controlled trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment versus standard NHS Speech and Language Therapy versus control in Parkinson’s disease: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract: Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects approximately 145,519 people in the UK. Speech impairments are common with a reported prevalence of 68%, which increase physical and mental demands during conversation, reliance on family and/or carers, and the likelihood of social withdrawal reducing quality of life. In the UK, two approaches to Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) intervention are commonly available: National Health Service (NHS) SLT or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®). NHS SLT is tailored to the individuals’ needs per local practice typically consisting of six to eight weekly sessions; LSVT LOUD® comprises 16 sessions of individual treatment with home-based practice over 4 weeks. The evidence-base for their effectiveness is inconclusive. Methods/design: PD COMM is a phase III, multicentre, three-arm, unblinded, randomised controlled trial. Five hundred and forty-six people with idiopathic PD, reporting speech or voice problems will be enrolled. We will exclude those with a diagnosis of dementia, laryngeal pathology or those who have received SLT for speech problems in the previous 2 years. Following informed consent and completion of baseline assessments, participants will be randomised in a 1:1:1 ratio to no-intervention control, NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® via a central computer-generated programme, using a minimisation procedure with a random element, to ensure allocation concealment. Participants randomised to the intervention groups will start treatment within 4 (NHS SLT) or 7 (LSVT LOUD®) weeks of randomisation. Primary outcome: Voice Handicap Index (VHI) total score at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include: VHI subscales, Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39; Questionnaire on Acquired Speech Disorders; EuroQol-5D-5 L; ICECAP-O; resource utilisation; adverse events and carer quality of life. Mixed-methods process and health economic evaluations will take place alongside the trial. Assessments will be completed before randomisation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. The trial started in December 2015 and will run for 77 months. Recruitment will take place in approximately 42 sites around the UK. Discussion: The trial will test the hypothesis that SLT is effective for the treatment of speech or voice problems in people with PD compared to no SLT. It will further test whether NHS SLT or LSVT LOUD® provide greater benefit and determine the cost-effectiveness of both interventions. Trial registration: International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry, ID: 12421382. Registered on 18 April 2016

The influence of bioflavonoids on the quality of food products. Part II. Bioflavonoids from grapefruits as natural ingredients prolonging the shel-life of meat.

Zbadano możliwości wykorzystania bioflawonoidów pochodzących z grejpfruta jako naturalnych substancji przedłużających trwałość mięsa mielonego. Wykazano, że dodatek bioflawonoidów w ilości akceptowanej sensorycznie wynoszącej 0,5% w stosunku do masy mięsnej (96 mg bioflawonoidów), wpływał korzystnie zarówno na jakość mikrobiologiczną mięsa powodując ograniczenie wzrostu niekorzystnej mikroflory, jak również poprawiał walory sensoryczne przygotowanych z niego dań gotowych, na przykładzie produktów smażonych. Akceptowany sensorycznie w smażonych wyrobach z mięs mielonych dodatek bioflawonoidów. przedłużał średnio 1,5 krotnie trwałość badanego mięsa. Dlatego leż bioflawonoidy z grejpfruta powinny znaleźć zastosowanie w przemyśle spożywczym jako naturalnie substancje przedłużające trwałość żywności.The possibilities of using grapefruit bioflavonoid as natural substances prolonging the shelf-life of minced meat have been examined. It has been proved that bioflavonoid additive in sensorically accepted amount equaling 0,5% in relation to the meat weight (96 mg of bioflavonoids) advantageously influenced both the microbiological quality of meat by limiting the growth of disadvantageous flora as well as improved the sensoric qualities of dishes prepared with their additive on the example of fried products. Sensorically accepted level of bioflavonoid additive in fried meat products prolonged the constancy of examined pork meat of 1,5 times on average. Therefore, grapefruit bioflavonoids should be used in food industry as natural substances prolonging the shelf-life of foods