Rate of forgetting is independent of initial degree of learning

It is commonly assumed that the rate of forgetting depends on initial degree of learning. Hence, comparison of forgetting across groups is usually carried out equating initial performance. However, these matching procedures add confounding variables. In four experiments, following Slamecka and McElree (1983, Exp 3), we challenge this assumption through manipulating initial acquisition by varying the number of presentations of the material and studying the effect on rate of subsequent forgetting. A set of 36 sentences was presented either visually or auditorily. Different participants were exposed to the material two, four or six times. Forgetting was measured by means of a cued recall test at three time-intervals (30 s, 1 day and 1 week in experiments 1 and 2; 30 s, 1 day, and 3 days in experiments 3 and 4). A different subset of 12 sentences was tested at each delay. The outcome of these experiments showed that the initial acquisition depends on number of learning trials. However, the rate of forgetting proved to be independent of initial acquisition. This pattern remains constant across modalities of presentation and of the number of learning trials. The conclusion is that forgetting does not depend on initial acquisition.

Hypertetrahedral arrangements

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a complete hypertetrahedral arrangement $${\mathcal {A}}$$ A in $${\mathbb {P}}^{n}$$ P n . We address two basic problems. First, we describe the local freeness of $${\mathcal {A}}$$ A in terms of smaller complete hypertetrahedral arrangements and graph theory properties, specializing the Mustaţă–Schenck criterion. As an application, we obtain that general complete hypertetrahedral arrangements are not locally free. In the second part of this paper, we bound the initial degree of the first syzygy module of the Jacobian ideal of $${\mathcal {A}}$$ A .

Association of the location and initial degree of malignant central airway stenosis with the risk of severe restenosis after interventional bronchoscopy

Background Therapeutic bronchoscopy is one of the effective methods in the treatment and management of malignant central airway stenosis (MCAS). However, restenosis after therapeutic bronchoscopy frequently occurs and severe restenosis (SR) can be life-threatening. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the risk factors for SR after therapeutic bronchoscopy. Methods The data of 233 consecutive cases with MCAS who were subjected to therapeutic bronchoscopy between 2015 and 2020 at a tertiary hospital were collected. Patients were divided into SR group and non-SR during 6 months after therapeutic bronchoscopy. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for SR. Results SR during 6 months after therapeutic bronchoscopy occurred in 39.5% (92/233) of patients. The location and the initial degree of MCAS were associated with SR, as assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05). The risk of SR after therapeutic bronchoscopy in the left main bronchus, right main bronchus, and right intermediate bronchus increased, compared to the risk when of MCAS was located in the trachea (OR (95% CI) of 8.821 (1.850-25.148), 6.583 (1.791–24.189), and 3.350 (0.831–13.511), respectively). In addition, the initial degree of MCAS was positively associated with an increased risk of SR (OR 1.020; 95% CI 1.006–1.035). Conclusions MCAS located in the left main bronchus, right main bronchus and right intermediate bronchus, as well as the higher initial degree of MCAS were independent risk factors for SR during 6 months after therapeutic bronchoscopy.

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF COMPLEX TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS ACCORDING TO THE CHANGES IN THE ACTIVITY OF BLOOD SERUM ENZYMES

Introduction. The mechanisms of generalized periodontitis (GP) development and methods of its treatment remain obscure, so it is important to study changes in the activity of enzymes responsible for maintaining homeostasis, as well as the inclusion of medicines that regulate them into the complex treatment. Aim of research is to study the influence of comprehensive treatment in patients with GP on the dynamics of the activity of indicator blood serum enzymes in different observation periods. Methods. There were examined 29 people with a healthy periodontium and 143 patients with GP aged 19-45 years, somatically healthy, before, immediately after the treatment, after 6 and 12 months. Patients were divided into subgroups with chronic (A) and acute (B) course: IA and IB – the initial degree; IIA and IIB – the I degree; IIIA and IIIB – the II degree. The activity of lactate-dehydrogenase (LDG), arginase and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDG) in blood serum has been studied. In addition to the basic periodontal therapy, the microalgal medicine Spirulina platensis was prescribed endogenously, and the paste with the same amount of spirulina powder and enterosorbent and 0.05% chlorhexidine bigluconate solution was exogenously prescribed. Results. In patients with IA and IB subgroups, LDG activity has increased in 1.37- and 1.48-times (p1 <0.01; p1 = 0.001). Under the influence of treatment, it has decreased in all patients, especially after 6 months – in 1.33- and 1.50-times (p2<0.001), but after 12 months it has been increased more (p2> 0.05; p2 <0.05). Arginase activity in IA and IB subgroups has reduced in 1.23- and 1.31-times (p1<0.05; p1=0.005). Due to the therapy, it has increased immediately, after 6 and 12 months, respectively in 1.23- and 1.26-times; in 1.21- and 1.25-times, and in 1.20-1.23-times (p2<0.05; p2> 0.05; p1> 0.05). In subgroups IA and IB, SDG activity has increased in 1.15- and 1.17-times (p1> 0.05), and after the treatment it has decreased immediately in 1.14- and 1.16-times (p2 <0.05); later it increased, but differed slightly from the norm (p1> 0.05). LDG activity in subgroups IIA and IIB has increased in 1.38- and 1.54-times (p1 <0.01; p1=0.001). After the treatment in subgroup IIA, it has decreased in 1.21-times immediately and after 6 months (p2<0.005), and a year later it has increased (p2>0.05; p1>0.05); in subgroup IIB it has decreased in 1.33-, 1.39- and 1.24-times (p2<0.05; p2<0.01; p2 <0.05 and p1> 0.05). In subgroups IIA and IIB, arginase activity has reduced in 1.32-times (p1=0.001). Immediately after the treatment in subgroup IIA, it has increased in 1.21-times (p2=0.005), and subsequently decreased (p2> 0.05). In the IIB subgroup, its increasing was 1.31-, 1.27- and 1.25-times (p2 <0.05), and the difference with the norm was insignificant. SDG activity in subgroups IIA and IIB has increased in 1.18- and 1.24-times (p1 <0.05; p1=0.01). After the treatment, it has decreased at all terms in both subgroups similarly: 1.13- and 1.16-times; 1.17- and 1.17-times; 1.12- and 1.10-times (p2 <0.05; p2 <0.05; p2> 0.05) and it differed slightly from normal one. The largest increase in LDG activity was found in subgroups IIIA and IIIB – 1.45- and 1.62-times (p1≤0.001). As a result of therapy immediately, after 6 and 12 months it has decreased in 1.18- and 1.20-times; 1.26- and 1.23-times; 1.13- and 1.15-times (p2 <0.05; p2 <0.05; p2> 0.05; p1> 0.05). In subgroups IIIA and IIIB, arginase activity has reduced in 1.32- and 1.37-times (p1≤0.005). Treatment has increased the indices in group IIIA in 1.22-, 1.22- and 1.18-times (p2<0.05), and in group IIIB it immediately increased in 1.25-times and then decreased (p2 <0.05; p2> 0.05). The activity of SDG in IIIA and IIIB subgroups has increased in 1.31-times (p1=0.001). Under the influence of therapy in subgroup IIIA, it has decreased immediately, after 6 and 12 months in 1.17-, 1.22- and 1.13-times (p2 <0.05; p1> 0.05), and in subgroup IIIB it initially decreased, but after a year it has increased (p2>0.05) and the difference with healthy people became significant. The altered indices of activity of enzymes studied in patients with GP did not exceed the reference values, but showed a violation of the enzyme system, which was regulated by the treatment. Prior to therapy, reliable (p<0.05-0.005) strong correlations were found between these parameters: LDG with SDG (r> 0.71) and arginase with SDG (r> -0.90). After the treatment, they were not found, six months later one correlation has restored, and a year later – both have restored, which indicates the necessity for the maintenance of endogenous therapy after six months. Conclusion. GP is accompanied by significant (p1<0.05-0.001) changes in the enzymes activity in the blood: in LDG and SDG, it is increased, and in arginase – it is reduced. Comprehensive treatment has regulated these disorders, especially immediately and after 6 months (p2<0.05-0.001). The activity of LDG and SDG of the initial and the I degree immediately and after 6 months and arginase at the initial degree after 6 and 12 months became the closest to norm. In the GP of the II degree, the data of healthy people were not achieved, but the difference with them was insignificant (p1> 0.05).

Waldschmidt constant of certain sets of points with 3 supporting lines in projective plane

The paper shows values of the initial degree and Waldschmidt constant for some special cases including severalcases of ten points with three supporting lines in projective plane. These constants represent the complexity of optimal solutions in repeated path problems that have many applications in computer science, informatics theory and telecommunications.

Radiographic analysis of the effects of first metatarsal rotation in hallux valgus surgery

Objective: To evaluate whether the initial degree of metatarsal rotation interferes with the surgical correction of severe hallux valgus. Methods: A retrospective study was performed using weight-bearing AP radiographs to measure first metatarsal rotation based on the shape of the lateral edge of the metatarsal head and the hallux valgus (HVA) and intermetatarsal (IMA) angles. Participants were then classified into two groups. Those with less rotational deformity were placed in the negative pronation group, while those with greater rotational deformity were placed in the positive pronation group. Mean HVA and IMA correction were calculated and compared between groups. Participants underwent the modified Lapidus procedure with correction of pronation. Results: Data were collected for 26 feet with hallux valgus. The negative and positive pronation groups contained 14 and 12 feet, respectively. Successful surgical correction of pronation was observed in 11 of the 12 feet, which were ultimately classified in the negative pronation group based on postoperative radiographs. The negative pronation group showed a mean difference of 15.05o in the HVA and 4.20o in the IMA. The positive pronation group showed a mean difference of 14.22o in the HVA and 3.2o in the IMA. These values did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusion: The initial degree of pronation does not affect the degree of angular correction as long as metatarsal rotation is also addressed. Level of Evidence IV; Diagnostic Studies; Case Series.

Initial degree and Waldschmidt constant of zero schemes and properties

We give a short survey about evaluation of initial degree and Waldschmidt constant of zero schemes in projective space. We show main and updated results, some related conjectures and new computations of initial degree and Waldschmidt constant

PECULIARITIES OF DENTAL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS AND THEIR SEX PARTNERS

Patients with bacterial vaginosis are diagnosed with chronic generalized inflammatory and inflammatory-dystrophic periodontal diseases, such as chronic catarrhal gingivitis, periodontitis of initial and first severity. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of the treatment of inflammatory and inflammatory-dystrophic periodontal diseases in women with bacterial vaginosis and their sexual partners. Materials and methods. 28 heterosexual couples aged 18-45 years took part in the survey. Clinical dental examination was performed at the time of treatment and 3 months after completion of treatment. Green-Vermilion indices, RMA (in Parma modification), complex periodontal index according to Leus (KPI), Svrakov's number were determined. Both groups of patients were examined for the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae in the oral cavity by PCR testing. The therapeutic course was the same for all groups of patients. General therapy included: "Fluconazole" 50 mg 1 time per day (7 days), "Clindamycin" 150 mg every 6 hours (5 days), starting from the 3rd day of antibiotics - probiotic "Symbiter acidophilus concentrated "(21 days), Calcium-D3-Nycomed 1 tab. during dinner 30 days. Local treatment included: oral baths of the drug "Stomatophyte" after morning and evening hygienic procedures (7 days), application of "Metrogil-dent" on the gums (7 days), the drug "Lizak" 1 tab. keep in the mouth until complete dissolution every 6 hours (5 days), after the use of "Stomatophyte" and "Metrogil - dent" - application of "Symbiter omega" on the gums in silicone caps at night (21 days). Results. In women, chronic generalized catarrhal gingivitis was detected in 10.71%, chronic generalized periodontitis of the initial degree in 64.29% and chronic generalized periodontitis of the I degree in 25%. In men who are carriers of pathogens of BV, chronic generalized catarrhal gingivitis was found in 7.14%, chronic generalized periodontitis of the initial degree in 60.71% and chronic generalized periodontitis in grade 32.1. General and local dental treatment of women with bacterial vaginosis and their sexual partners showed a positive objective dynamics of dental status. Thus, after 3 months of clinical and laboratory observations, there were no complaints, the state of oral hygiene improved significantly. If before the treatment the Green-Vermilion index in general in women with BV was 1.323 ± 0.035 points, then after 3 months it was equal to 1.032 ± 0.021. A similar dynamics was determined in men: from the starting index of 1.336 ± 0.041, the Green-Vermilion index decreased to 1.048 ± 0.036. 3 months after treatment, the PMA of patients decreased by 49.03%, in men - by 51.95%, no significant difference between the indicators of groups I and II was registered, while the difference between the results in the middle of groups I and II is significant . According to the KPI index, women had a significant difference between baseline and post-treatment outcomes of 1.98 points, while men had a score of 2.01 points. No significant difference was found between the results of groups I and II both before and after treatment. A similar positive dynamics characterizes the indicator - Srakov's number, according to this indicator before treatment and after differences between groups was not detected. The significant difference between the indicators in the group of women and men was 2,789 and 2,831, respectively. Before treatment and after the detection rate in the oral cavity, Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae did not have a significant difference between the group of men and women, but there was a clear difference between the parameters obtained at the initial examination and 3 months after treatment in the middle and second groups. Thus, Gardnerella vaginalis was detected less by 67.87% and 61.59%, Atopobium vaginae - by 65.79% and 58.65% in women and men, respectively. Conclusions. The developed and patented treatment regimen for patients with bacterial vaginosis contributes to the regression of inflammatory phenomena, improves oral hygiene, and is suitable for the treatment of women with this comorbidity and for the treatment of their sexual partners. The dynamics of reducing the percentage of detection of bacterial vaginosis pathogens corresponded to the dynamics of the clinical picture of periodontal disease in both women with bacterial vaginosis and men who were their sexual partners, which once again confirms the equal effectiveness of treatment for both gender groups.

The Form of the Qur’an

This chapter considers the history of the Qur’anic text from its origins until its final presentation as a fixed text, with a particular focus on research questions. It briefly considers how this text moves from a pre-revelation phase (the Preserved Tablet) to a post-revelation phase of a spoken and written Qur’an. We see an initial degree of allowable variation in the time of the Prophet being reduced by caliphal decree at the time of ʿUthmān. This first standardization is followed by a second, concerning mainly spelling, in the time of ‘Abd al-Malik. Over the next two centuries, local traditions become solidified into the commonly accepted readings of today, while other non-standard variants maintain a limited presence only in the literature.