bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diet composition of the Morocco dentex: Dentex maroccanus Valenciennes, 1830 (Teleostei: Sparidae) in the central Turkish Aegean Sea
Authors: Bayhan Bahar , Sever Tuncay Murat , Heral Oğulcan
Published: June 2017

This study examined the stomach contents of 230 individuals out of 439 samples obtained from commercial fishermen between January 2013 and March 2014 from a trawler using trawl bags with a full cod-end mesh size of 44 mm.

It was found that 216 samples were full and the stomach fullness index was estimated at 93.9%. The varying diet composition of the species was determined by estimating the percentage numerical composition (N%), frequency of occurrence (F%), gravimetric composition (W%) and the index of relative importance (IRI%). Diversity (Shannon index), richness (Margalef index) and similarity (Bray-Curtis index) of the catches in different seasons were calculated using the Biodiversity Professional (Version 2) software.

Three major groups were identified in the catches: Crustacea, Mollusca and Teleostei. At least 17 different prey groups were identified. With regard to the diversity of consumed prey, the winter (1.204), autumn (1.079) and spring (1.000) seasons were characterized by a medium level of diversity, summer (0.699) – by a low level of diversity. However, the richness of prey does not show seasonal differences. As indicated by the Bray-Curtis index, the highest similarity between the prey groups was observed between the autumn and winter seasons, at 81.61%.
New records of Conrad’s false mussel Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Conrad, 1831) in the Vistula Delta
Authors: Brzana Radosław , Janas Urszula , Borecka Anna
Published: June 2017

Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Conrad, 1831) is native to the western Atlantic coast of North America. It has been reported in many regions outside its home range, including the Gulf of Gdańsk (the southern Baltic Sea). Although the conditions in the area seem to be favorable for the species, there have been no reports about its presence elsewhere in the gulf. However, the data probably did not reflect its actual distribution in the region, as the species can be easily misidentified for other bivalves living in the area, and it prefers hard substrates, which have not been studied as extensively as soft substrates. Our study was aimed at determining the actual distribution of M. leucophaeata in the Gulf of Gdańsk, the Vistula Delta and the Vistula Lagoon. The results showed that the species was not widely distributed in the Gulf of Gdańsk and was absent in the Vistula Lagoon. The only new records come from the Vistula Delta where the abundance of M. leucophaeata was up to 69 ind. m-2, i.e. significantly higher than in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Individuals found in the Vistula Delta were also significantly larger, with the length of shells reaching 22-23 mm, which is considered to be the maximum for the species.
Luticola frequentissima Levkov, Metzeltin & Pavlov – morphological and ecological characteristics of a population from Southern Poland
Authors: Noga Teresa , Stanek-Tarkowska Jadwiga , Kochman-Kędziora Natalia , Rybak Mateusz , Peszek Łukasz , Poradowska Anita
Published: June 2017

This paper presents first polish site of Luticola frequentissima Levkov, Metzeltin & Pavlov, with morphological and ecological characteristics. The species was found in samples collected from flowing waters and soils within the area of the Bieszczady National Park and the Magura National Park. In south-eastern Poland a low number of Luticola frequentissima cells occurred in small shaded streams. It was most frequently observed in aerophitic places (shallow and drying watercourses) and in soils. In the studied samples, apart from those cells with typical dimensions, much smaller and narrower cells with a higher number of striae were found in comparison to those in the currently available literature.
P450 catalysed dehydrogenation
Authors: Wong Siew Hoon , Bell Stephen G. , De Voss James J.
Published: June 2017

Cytochrome P450s belong to a superfamily of enzymes that catalyse a wide variety of oxidative transformations. Hydroxylation is one the most thoroughly investigated of all identified P450-catalysed reactions whilst dehydrogenation has been relatively much less explored to date. P450-catalysed dehydrogenation is often found to occur with hydroxylation and thus, it was initially suspected to be a stepwise process consisting of hydroxylation and subsequent dehydration to yield the final olefin product. This theory has been proven to be invalid and the olefin was shown to be the direct product of a P450-catalysed reaction. This interesting reaction plays a vital role in the metabolism of xenobiotics and the biosynthesis of endogenous compounds, including a number of steroids. A number of well-known examples of P450 mediated dehydrogenation, including those in the metabolism of valproic acid, capsaicin and 3-methylindole and those in the biosynthesis of plant and fungal sterols are discussed in this review.
Long term hydrothermal effect on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber doped epoxy composites
Authors: Saha Sunirmal , Bal Smrutisikha
Published: June 2017

The influence of water absorption on the mechanical and thermo-mechanical behaviour of carbon nanofibre (CNF) doped epoxy composites was investigated. When immersed in seawater for a long interval of 6 months, all the composite specimens endured saturation whilst weight change of composites was periodically monitored after removal of travelling specimens from a water-beaker. The equilibrium water content and the diffusion coefficient of all composites were evaluated with the help of Fick’s law of diffusion. The results demonstrated a general reduction in flexural modulus and strength, hardness, storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg
) for seawater exposed specimens due to absorption of seawater as compared to their unexposed specimens. After-effects of water absorption such as plasticisation, swelling of epoxy polymer, interfacial damages and micro-cracks, were marked as the main reasons behind the deterioration of properties. However, among all, the least degradation in properties was observed in the nanocomposite with 0.75 wt.% CNFs loading. Such trivial degradation in properties is due to formation of strong interface of CNFs with the epoxy polymer. The experimental findings were further confirmed by the microstructures of fractured specimens using field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Technology Concept of TLP Platform Towing and Installation in Waters with Depth of 60 m
Authors: Dymarski Czesław , Dymarski Paweł , Żywicki Jędrzej
Published: June 2017

The article is part of the design and research work conducted at the Gdansk University of Technology, Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship Technology, in cooperation with a number of other research centres, which concerns offshore wind farms planned to be built in the Polish zone of the Baltic sea in the next years. One of most difficult tasks in this project is building suitable foundations for each power unit consisting of a tower and a wind turbine mounted on its top. Since the water regions selected for building those wind farms have different depths, there was need to study different possible technical variants of this task, with the reference to both the foundation structures themselves, and the technology of their transport and setting, or anchoring. The article presents the technology of towing, from the shipyard to the setting place, and installation of the foundation having the form of a floating platform of TLP (Tension Leg Platform) type, anchored by tight chains to suction piles in the waters with depth of 60 m.
Total Ship Operability –Review, Concept and Criteria
Authors: Ghaemi M. Hossein , Olszewski Henryk
Published: June 2017

The ship operability can be understood and analysed in different manners, and its quality is described using different indexes by different authors. Practically, there is no general and widely accepted description of total ship operability in the literature, nor in the rules of classification societies, which would include both seakeeping and manoeuvrability characteristics of a ship, and simultaneously take into account all ship subsystems and, what is most important, comfort and safety of people on board. The aim of this paper is to propose a general definition of total ship operability and name, adjust, describe and justify criteria which should be considered in the ship operability analysis, as well as to provide a relevant algorithm paving the road for further investigation on total ship operability determination.
Multi-Criteria Optimisation of Liquid Cargo Transport According to Linguistic Approach to the Route Selection Task
Authors: Guze Sambor , Neumann Tomasz , Wilczyński Przemysław
Published: June 2017

The main aim of the paper is to present the possibility of use of the multi-criteria optimization method Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to liquid cargo transportation by sea. Finding the optimal solution is not simple. There are many factors influencing the shipping process. In the case of liquid cargo, the most important thing is the safety of the crew, ship, and environment. Therefore, the Mathematical Theory of Evidence is introduced and used to determine the optimal path in terms of time and safety of transport. Moreover, the details of liquid cargo transport process are described with particular attention to ship to ship operations. Besides, the basic concept of the AHP method, steps of the algorithm are introduced. Finally, the multicriteria optimization of the transport of the liquid cargo from the Persian Gulf to Port of Gdansk is done. It is based on the experts′ opinions.
The Analyzes of PDOP Factors for a Zigbee Ground – Based Augmentation Systems
Authors: Janowski Artur , Rapinski Jacek
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the analysis of PDOP factors for a ZigBee ground - based augmentation systems. It presents the idea of such a system followed by the results of assessment of application in Gdansk Marina. The results of the experiment show that the application of ZigBee can significantly improve PDOP value in harsh measurement environment. The analysis shows that it is possible to select an optimal location of ground-based transceiver on the basis of predicted trajectory and obstructions measured with laser scanning.
Internet Photogrammetry for Inspection of Seaports
Authors: Paszotta Zygmunt , Szumilo Malgorzata , Szulwic Jakub
Published: June 2017

This paper intends to point out the possibility of using Internet photogrammetry to construct 3D models from the images obtained by means of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). The solutions may be useful for the inspection of ports as to the content of cargo, transport safety or the assessment of the technical infrastructure of port and quays. The solution can be a complement to measurements made by using laser scanning and traditional surveying methods. In this paper the authors recommend a solution useful for creating 3D models from images acquired by the UAV using non-metric images from digital cameras. The developed algorithms, created and presented software allows to generate 3D models through the Internet in two modes: anaglyph and display in shutter systems. The problem of 3D image generation in photogrammetry is solved by using epipolar images. The appropriate method was presented by Kreiling in 1976. However, it applies to photogrammetric images for which the internal orientation is known. In the case of digital images obtained with non-metric cameras it is required to use another solution based on the fundamental matrix concept, introduced by Luong in 1992. In order to determine the matrix which defines the relationship between left and right digital image it is required to have at least eight homologous points. To determine the solution it is necessary to use the SVD (singular value decomposition). By using the fundamental matrix the epipolar lines are determined, which makes the correct orientation of images making stereo pairs, possible. The appropriate mathematical bases and illustrations are included in the publication.
The Influence of Water and Mineral Oil On Volumetric Losses in a Hydraulic Motor
Authors: Śliwiński Pawel
Published: June 2017

In this paper volumetric losses in hydraulic motor supplied with water and mineral oil (two liquids having significantly different viscosity and lubricating properties) are described and compared. The experimental tests were conducted using an innovative hydraulic satellite motor, that is dedicated to work with different liquids, including water. The sources of leaks in this motor are also characterized and described. On this basis, a mathematical model of volumetric losses and model of effective rotational speed have been developed and presented. The results of calculation of volumetric losses according to the model are compared with the results of experiment. It was found that the difference is not more than 20%. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that this model well describes in both the volumetric losses in the motor supplied with water and oil. Experimental studies have shown that the volumetric losses in the motor supplied with water are even three times greater than the volumetric losses in the motor supplied with oil. It has been shown, that in a small constant stream of water the speed of the motor is reduced even by half in comparison of speed of motor supplied with the same stream of oil.
Grandchildren as Support and Care Providers to Disabled Older Adults in China
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Xu Ling
Published: June 2017

Increased life expectancy in China implies that adults increasingly survive long enough to see their grandchildren reach adulthood and take on elevated importance—even as smaller family size reduces the number of children and grandchildren available. This article examined the prevalence with which older adults received support and care from grandchildren and the family conditions under which the likelihood of this assistance is enhanced. The data for our analysis derived from the 2014 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, limited to 13.4% of respondents (n = 1,551) who reported requiring personal assistance to perform daily activities. Logistic regression revealed that grandparents were more likely to receive assistance from grandchildren when they had no son available or had daughters who did not provide assistance. Results were consistent across urban and rural regions. These findings support the compensatory or substitution role of grandchildren as sources of support and care for their grandparents within a gendered family system. Implications for policies and services serving older people in China are discussed.
Normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy long term (NIPEC-LT) in the management of peritoneal surface malignancy, an overview
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: June 2017

Background

Peritoneal metastases from gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancer is of increasing interest to surgical and medical oncologists because of newly recognized benefits of treatment. In contrast to prior outcomes, prolonged disease-free survival and cure have been reported.

Methods

To date, the benefits are to use complete surgical removal of the peritoneal metastases combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivered in the operating room. To supplement the local-regional control, normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy used long term (NIPEC-LT) and delivered by an intraperitoneal port has been explored.

Results

In three high grade malignancies with the preponderance of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC treatment failures within the peritoneal space, NIPEC-LT has been favorably reported in the oncology literature. In ovarian cancer and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma the NIPEC-LT is used an adjuvant treatment in an attempt to preserve a surgical complete response of CRS. In gastric cancer, NIPEC-LT is given as a neoadjuvant treatment with responders going on to radical surgical resection. Responses are monitored by laparoscopy.

Conclusions

This overview highlights benefits of NIPEC-LT in three diseases where benefits from CRS and HIPEC have been recognized but that local-regional failures persist. Improved results with NIPEC-LT have been reviewed for ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Cross section measurements of 75As(α,xn)76,77,78Br and 75As(α,x)74As nuclear reactions using the monitor radionuclides 67Ga and 66Ga for beam evaluation
Authors: Breunig Katharina , Spahn Ingo , Hermanne Alex , Spellerberg Stefan , Scholten Bernhard , Coenen Heinz H.
Published: June 2017

For the production of the medically interesting radionuclides 76Br and 77Br cross sections of α-particle induced reactions on arsenic, leading to the formation of 76,77,78Br as well as to the non-isotopic impurity 74As, were measured from their thresholds up to 37 MeV. Sediments of elemental arsenic were used as targets and irradiated, using the established stacked-foil technique. In order to remove discrepancies of the existing literature data, the cross section ratios of the monitor nuclides 67Ga/66Ga were used for determination of the α-particle energies as well as the effective beam current through all the stacks, thus inferring the experimental cross sections. Compared with the available excitation functions the new data indicate slightly divergent curve shapes. In the case of 76Br the excitation function seems to be shifted to somewhat lower α-particle energies, and also the maximum cross section of the formation of 77Br tends to be slightly lower compared with the curve recommended to date. In the case of a re-evaluation, these new data should be taken into account, as they may contribute to enhance the accuracy of the excitation functions.
Effects of synthesis conditions on ion exchange properties of α-zirconium phosphate for Eu and Am
Authors: Wiikinkoski Elmo W. , Harjula Risto O. , Lehto Jukka K. , Kemell Marianna L. , Koivula Risto T.
Published: June 2017

Three zirconium phosphate products A, B and C, made through different synthesis routes, were investigated for their europium and americium ion exchange properties utilizing radiotracers 152Eu3+ and 241Am3+. Aim of this investigation was to see how material properties change based on different synthesis, and how does the changes effect on trivalent Eu and Am uptake and affinities on the materials. Ultimate goal of an ongoing research is to create inorganic exchanger suitable for separation of trivalent actinides and lanthanides. Powder X-ray diffraction showed that all three products had same α-zirconium phosphate crystal structure. The P:Zr ratio determined by microscope X-ray microanalysis was also the same for all products: 2.43±0.05. However, infrared absorbance, material acidity, particle morphology, and Eu and Am distribution coefficients differed significantly between products. The intensities of the strong IR absorption at approximately 960 cm−1, attributed to vibrations of the orthophosphate group, were in descending order B>C>A. Material acidity showed the same descending order B>C>A. First acidity constants pK
a1 were 2.3 for product B, 3.1 for C and 3.5 for A. Unit cell volumes increased in the reverse order: B<C<A. Distribution coefficients (K
D), studied for pH 0 to 3 nitric acid media, varied remarkably. For any given pH the K
D descended in the order A>C>B for both Eu and Am. Separation factors, defined as K
D(Eu): K
D(Am), were from 4 to 41 for product A, from 5 to 15 for B, and from 3 to 7 for C. Selectivity coefficients (k
M/H, M=Eu, Am) and sorption strength decreased along with increasing ZrP product acidity. Metal binding coefficients (k
M) had high values, up to 109, especially in ZrP C and A, while the selectivity coefficients were low, 10−5 to 10−1, because they relate to the third power of the low pK
a1. It was observed that for ZrPs there are strong interdependencies between acidity of the product, unit cell volume, IR absorption, K
D, k
M/H and k
M. Finally, it can be concluded that the ion exchange properties of α-ZrP products can be modified considerably by varying their synthesis conditions, perhaps to tailor specific actinide/lanthanide separations.
Removal of uranium from ammonium nitrate solution by nanofiltration
Authors: Wang Runci , Yuan Zhongwei , Yan Taihong , Zheng Weifang
Published: June 2017

Two types of nanofiltration membranes were tested to remove uranium dissolved in ammonium nitrate solution, and the influence of operating parameters as transmembrane pressure, tangential velocity and feed temperature was investigated. Experimental results showed NF270 membrane can reject more than 96% uranium and allow most (90% min) ammonium nitrate solution passed by, and with a permeate flux of 60 L/(m2·h). Nanofiltration seems to be a promising technology for the removal of uranium and recovery of ammonium nitrate simultaneously.
Bathroom adaptation to meet the expectations of the client suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as an example of occupational therapy process
Authors: Derbich Jolanta
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis is a disease attacking the central nervous system. It develops when the myelin sheaths of nerve fibres, glial cells and immune cells are damaged [3]. The aim of this study was to present the project of adapting a bathroom to the needs and expectations of a person with MS and to show its implementation.

Method: A direct interview with an MS client was conducted with COPM questionnaire (often used in occupational therapy) and medical documentation was analysed.

Case study: Tadeusz (the client) was a 46-year-old man. He was diagnosed with MS when he was 43 years old. However, the first symptoms occurred two years earlier. In 2007 he underwent magnetic resonance and spine puncture examinations. The results confirmed a primary progressive type of MS. Identification of the client’s problem: the need of independence while washing, shaving and bathing. Tadeusz was not able to take a shower by himself because of the fear of losing balance and falling down in the bathroom. The weakness of the left hand muscles and the lack of support rails made it impossible to use the bathroom independently. During several meetings with the client, a plan of adapting his bathroom (fixing handrails and a wooden step) was developed and the manner of using these devices was practised.

Conclusions: Two weeks after the bathroom adaptation was finished, it was assessed together with the client. It was concluded that the adaptation meets his expectations and the aim is being gradually achieved. In the reassessment process, an improvement by 3 points was noted. The “task performance” and “satisfaction” criteria were given 7 points (in the scale from 1 to 10) by the client. However, in the first assessment he evaluated these criteria by giving them 4 points each.
The Treatment of Geographical Dialect in Literary Translation from the Perspective of Relevance Theory
Authors: Szymańska Izabela
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses problems involved in the translation of literary works that apply linguistic varieties, especially geographical dialects. It surveys selected approaches to the functions of dialects in literature and to the strategies of dealing with linguistic variation in translation, arguing that the understanding of the issue may be deepened and systematized by applying notions drawn from relevance theory. The use of dialect in literary texts is interpreted as a communicative clue and the translators’ approach to its rendering is described with reference to the cognitive environment of the recipients and the balance of processing effort and communicative gain. Examples are drawn from the Polish translations of The Secret Garden by F.H. Burnett, the oldest coming from 1917 and the newest from 2012, which highlight the translators’ changing assumptions on the recipients’ cognitive environment reflected in the choice of the strategy of dialect rendition.
The frequency of bone fractures among patients with chronic kidney disease not on dialysis: two-year follow-up
Authors: Figurek Andreja , Vlatkovic Vlastimir , Vojvodic Dragan , Gasic Branislav , Grujicic Milorad
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Renal osteodystrophy is a severe complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that increases morbidity and mortality in these patients. Mineral and bone disorder starts early in CKD and affects the incidence of bone fractures. The aim of this study was to observe the frequency of diverse bone fractures in patients with CKD not on dialysis.

Methods. This cohort study included 68 patients that were followed during the two-year period. The patients were divided into two cohorts: one that developed bone fractures and the other that did not. There were 35 (51.5%) men and 33 (48.5%) women. The mean age of patients ranged 62.88±11.60 years. During follow-up serum values of chronic kidney disease – mineral and bone indicators were measured. The methods of descriptive and analytical statistics were used in order to analyze obtained data.

Results. During this two-year follow-up seven patients developed bone fractures. Among them, females dominated (6 patients) compared to males (only 1 patient). The most common were fractures of forearm. The mean level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) at the beginning of the monitoring was higher in the group of patients with bone fractures (165.25 ± 47.69 pg/mL) in regard to another group (103.96 ± 81.55 pg/mL). After two-year follow-up, this difference became statistically significant at the level p < 0.05. Patients that developed bone fractures had higher FRAX (Fracture Risk Assessment) score compared to another group.

Conclusion. In our study, about 10% of patients had bone fractures in the two-year follow-up period. Patients who developed fractures had a higher PTH level and FRAX score.
Does Foreign Ownership Increase Firms’ Productivity? Evidence from Firms Listed on Amman Stock Exchange
Authors: Tayem Ghada
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of foreign ownership on the production efficiency of firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange using hand-collected, firm-level data. Arab countries have been performing poorly in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in comparison to other developing countries, and hence, they may be missing out on growth and development opportunities. Jordan, however, has been one of the most successful Arab countries in attracting FDI inflows relative to its economic size. Therefore, Jordan offers an ideal setting to examine the benefits of foreign ownership in the region. However, this study fails to find evidence supporting the notion that foreign ownership enhances production efficiency. This finding calls into question the economic viability of investment incentives designed to attract foreign investors.
Global clotting assays - monitoring the effect of by-passing agents in haemophilia patients with inhibitors
Authors: Șerban Margit , Poenaru Dan , Cernat Laura , Savescu Delia , Pătrașcu Jenel , Schramm Wolfgang , Ursu Emilia , Mihailov Delia , Jinca Cristian , Ioniță Ioana , Arghirescu Smaranda
Published: June 2017

The development of FVIII/FIX inhibitor alloantibodies represents a severe complication requiring specific laboratory evaluation for establishing a life-saving therapy regimen. Our preliminary study aimed at elaborating a laboratory strategy for monitoring the effectiveness of Activated Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (APCC) and recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) in haemophiliacs with inhibitors, by checking the reliability and clinical value of three complementary assays: clotting-time based coagulometry, thrombelastography (TEG) and thrombin generation assay (TGA). The investigations were performed on 7 patients with severe haemophilia A with high titer inhibitors treated for 12 episodes of severe bleedings, 5 of them for surgical interventions. After the administration of bypassing agents (BPAs) the clotting-time based assay brought changes only on prothrombin (p<0.01), potentially signaling a thrombotic risk, without any impact on the global hemostasis. TEG displayed prompt significant improvement only after rFVIIa (90μg/kg). TGA revealed significantly improved values for peak and velocity index, time to peak and start tail after both BPAs. Despite some disparities between biological hemostatic phenotype and clinical response to therapy, we concluded that TEG and TGA are the only current exploratory assays, expressing the quality of haemostatic control, representing a real support for a personalized, adapted therapy in hemophilia with inhibitors.
Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome after successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia: case report and literature review
Authors: Cîrstea Mihaela , Coliță Adriana , Ionescu Bogdan , Ghiaur Alexandra , Vasilescu Didona , Dobrea Camelia , Jardan Cerasela , Dragomir Mihaela , Gheorghe Anca , Várady Zsofia , Lupu Anca Roxana
Published: June 2017

In the 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification the term therapy-related myeloid neoplasia (t-MN) defines a subgroup of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprising patients who develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS-t) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML-t) after treatment with cytotoxic and/or radiation therapy for various malignancies or autoimmune disorders. We report the case of a 36 year old patient with t-MN (t-MDS) after achieving complete remission (CR) of a PML-RARA positive acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) at 32 months after diagnosis. Initially classified as low risk APL and treated according to the AIDA protocol - induction and 3 consolidation cycles - the patient achieved a complete molecular response in September 2013 and started maintenance therapy. On follow-up PML-RARA transcript remained negative. In January 2016 leukopenia and thrombocytopenia developed and a peripheral blood smear revealed hypogranular and agranular neutrophils. Immunophenotyping in the bone marrow aspirate identified undifferentiated blast cells that did not express cytoplasmic myeloperoxidase. The cytogenetic study showed normal karyotype. The molecular biology tests not identified PMLRARA transcript. A diagnosis of t-MDS (AREB-2 - WHO 2008) was established. Treatment of AML was started with 2 “3+7” regimens and 1 MEC cycle. Two months from diagnosis, while in CR, an allogeneic HSCT from an unrelated HLA compatible donor was performed after myeloablative regimen. An unfavorable clinical evolution was followed by death on day 9 after transplantation. The occurrence of t-MNs during CR of APL represents a particular problem in terms of follow-up and differential diagnosis of relapse and constitutes a dramatic complication for a disease with a favorable prognosis.

This work was supported by the grants PN 41-087 /PN2-099 from the Romanian Ministry of Research and Technology
Easily Available Blood Test Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Progression in High-Risk Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Martha Orsolya , Porav-Hodade Daniel , Bălan Daniel , Tătaru Octavian Sabin , Sin Anca , Chibelean Călin Bogdan , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin
Published: June 2017

Introduction: The inflammatory response surrounding the tumour has a major importance in the oncologic outcome of bladder cancers. One marker proved to be useful and accessible is NLR (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio). The objective of the study was the analysis of NLR as a prognostic factor for recurrence and progression in pT1a and pT1b bladder cancers.

Material and Methods: Retrospective study, with 44 T1a/T1b bladder cancer patients. Each patient underwent transurethral resection. NLR was considered altered if higher than 3, average follow-up period was of 18 months.

Results: The mean age of the patients included was 73 years (IQR 64 - 77). Most of the patients had NLR<3 (30 patients). In total 29/44 (65.9 %) patients presented recurrence and 15/44 (34.1 %) patients were identified with T2 or higher stage progression during the follow-up period (average 18 months).We found no statistically significant association between NLR>3 and other clinic and pathologic factors. Progression-free survival (PFS) Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower PFS in the NLR>3 group, with a p=0.001 value. A total of 64.3% of patients had shown progression in the NLR>3 group and 20% in the NLR<3 group. Mean NLR was 2.67 (IQR 1.88-3.5); 2.50 (IQR 1.89-2.87) in patients that did not present any progression during the follow-up and 3.20 (IQR 1.73-5.80) in those with progression (p=0.09), ROC 0.655. Mean NLR was 2.14 (IQR 1.61-2.77) in patients that did not experience a recurrence during the follow-up and 2.76 (IQR 2.1-4.31) in those with recurrence, ROC 0.671 (p=0.06). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that stage T1b and NLR represent independent prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusion: High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio retained a statistically significant value, as an independent prognostic factor for bad prognosis of T1 bladder tumors. NLR represents a biomarker that could support a clinical decision making in case of high-risk on-muscle invasive bladder cancer.
The arbre-tree sign: Pictures and words in counterpoint in the Cours de linguistique générale
Authors: Joseph John E.
Published: June 2017

In his three courses of lectures on general linguistics given between 1907 and 1911, Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913) sometimes drew diagrams and figures on the chalkboard to add a visual dimension to the novel and challenging theoretical concepts he was laying out. Those which the editors redrew for inclusion in the Cours de linguistique générale (1916) – in some cases with significant changes – have had a surprisingly strong impact on readers ever since. If Saussure hoped that the drawings would clear up ambiguities in his verbal text, he might have been disappointed; for while they extend a hand to students and readers to guide them into his conceptual world via the stepping-stones of the semi-familiar, accessible and concrete, they have opened up whole new realms of ambiguity, and strengthened the ones already present in the verbal text. This article examines seven of the illustrations or sets of illustrations in the CLG and the various interpretations to which they have given or could give rise, treating these not as erroneous but as contrapuntal to the text when the two appear to be in contradiction.
Adaptability, stability, productivity and genetic parameters in slash pine second-generation families in early age
Authors: Pagliarini M.K. , Kieras W.S. , Moreira J.P. , Sousa V.A. , Shimizu J.Y. , Moraes M.L.T. , Furlani E. , Aguiar A.V.
Published: June 2017

The study was conducted to estimate the stability, adaptability, productivity and genetic parameters in Slash pine second-generation half-sib families, considering phenotypic traits in early age. Forty-four families from a first generation seed orchard in Colombo-PR, Brazil, were used in this study. Two progenies tests were established in a randomized complete block design. The first test was implemented in March 2009 in Ribeirão Branco, São Paulo state, containing 40 blocks, one tree per plot, 44 treatments (progenies) and 6 controls. Another test was implemented in Ponta Grossa, Paraná state, using the same experimental design and number of plants per plot, and with 24 treatments, 32 blocks. The growth traits evaluated were total height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and wood volume, within five years. The form traits evaluated were stem form, branch thickness, branch angle, number of branches, fork and fox tail five years after planting. Deviance analysis and estimates of stability, adaptability, productivity and genetic parameters were performed using the methods of best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) and residual maximum likelihood (REML). There was significant variation among progenies for growth and form traits. Considerable genetic variation was detected mainly for wood volume. High coefficients of genetic variation and heritability showed low environmental influence on phenotypic variation, which is important for the prediction of genetic gain by selection. Crosses between different progenies individuals groups will be prioritized for obtaining heterotics genotypes and increase the probability of obtaining high specific combining ability.
Numerical Approach in Recognition of Selected Features of Rock Structure from Hybrid Hydrocarbon Reservoir Samples Based on Microtomography
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz Dominik , Zhao Yufeng , Konietzky Heinz , Wejrzanowski Tomasz , Maksimczuk Michał
Published: June 2017

The study employs numerical calculations in the characterization of reservoir sandstone samples based on high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography. The major goals were to determine porosity through pore size distribution, permeability characterization through pressure field, and structure impact on rock strength by simulation of a uniaxial compression test. Two Miocene samples were taken from well S-3, located in the eastern part of the Carpathian Foredeep. Due to the relation between sample size and image resolution, two X-ray irradiation series with two different sample sizes were performed. In the first approach, the voxel side was 27 μm and in the second it was up to 2 μm. Two samples from different depths have been studied here. Sample 1 has petrophysical features of conventional reservoir deposits, in contrast to sample 2. The approximate grain size of sample 1 is in the range 0.1-1.0 mm, whereas for sample 2 it is 0.01-0.1 mm with clear sedimentation lamination and heterogenic structure. The porosity, as determined by μCT, of sample 1 is twice (10.3%) that of sample 2 (5.3%). The equivalent diameter of a majority of pores is less than 0.027 mm and their pore size distribution is unimodal right-hand asymmetrical in the case of both samples. In relation to numerical permeability tests, the flow paths are in the few privileged directions where the pressure is uniformly decreasing. Nevertheless, there are visible connections in sample 1, as is confirmed by the homogenous distribution of particles in the pore space of the sample and demonstrated in the particle flow simulations. The estimated permeability of the first sample is approximately four times higher than that of the second one. The uniaxial compression test demonstrated the huge impact of even minimal heterogeneity of samples in terms of micropores: 4-5 times loss of strength compared to the undisturbed sample. The procedure presented shows the promising combination of microstructural analysis and numerical simulations. More specific calculations of lab tests with analysis of variable boundary conditions should be performed in the future.
The Impact of the Low Throw Fault on the Stability of Roadways in a Hard Coal Mine
Authors: Małkowski Piotr , Ostrowski Łukasz , Bachanek Piotr
Published: June 2017

Ensuring roadways stability in hard coal mines is one of the main challenges faced by engineers. A changeable geological structure have caused the roadway’s conditions to vary, thus influencing its stability. One of the causes of those changes is the presence of a previously undiscovered fault zone (small faults crossed the roadway) within which a significant convergence or support deformation may occur.

The paper presents the impact of low throw faults on the degree of convergence of roadways. Convergence is determined for two roadways in the hard coal mine. A special measuring stations have been installed in one of the roadways, and they have carried out constant measurements for 15 months. In the other roadway, the degree of convergence has been determined on the basis of an on-site verification and comparison of the measurements obtained and the initial values, based on the roadway’s records.

On the basis of the obtained convergence results, the impact of a single fault and the entire fault zone on the roadway stability has been determined. The impact of a single, low throw fault results in a 30% higher vertical convergence than in the case of roadways free of geological disturbance. In the roadway section located in the fault zone, vertical convergence is 4 times higher than in the case of sections free of disturbance impact. The floor heaving constitutes ca. 90% of vertical convergence both for roadway sections situated within the faulted zones and for sections free of the influence of any additional factors.
The Semantics and Pragmatics of the Conditional in al-Fārābī’s and Avicenna’s Theories
Authors: Chatti Saloua
Published: June 2017

In this paper, I examine al-Fārābī's and Avicenna's conceptions of the conditional. I show that there are significant differences between the two frames, despite their closeness. Al-Fārābī distinguishes between an accidental conditional and two “essential” conditionals. The accidental conditional can occur only once and pragmatically involves succession. In the first “essential” conditional, the consequent follows regularly the antecedent; pragmatically it involves likeliness. The second “essential” conditional can be either complete or incomplete. Semantically the former means “if and only if”; pragmatically it means “necessarily if and only if”. The latter is expressed by ‘if, then’ and means entailment; pragmatically, it involves necessity and the inclusion of the antecedent into the consequent. As to Avicenna, he rejects explicitly al-Fārābī’s complete conditional and distinguishes between the luzūm (real implication) and what he calls ittifāq. He quantifies over situations (or times) to express the various conditionals. The two universals A
C and E
C are expressed by “In all situations, if…, then…”, while the two particulars I
C and O
C are expressed by “In some situations, if…, then..”. This gives them a modal connotation, and makes the universals close to strict implications. Pragmatically, A
C presupposes the truth of the antecedent, but there is no such presupposition in E
C, while what is presupposed in both I
C and O
C is a (possible) conjunction.

Despite these differences, in both systems, the conditional is not truth functional, unlike the Stoic conditional.
Assertions and Conditionals: A Historical and Pragmatic Stance
Authors: Chiffi Daniele , Di Giorgio Alfredo
Published: June 2017

The assertion candidate expresses a potential logical-linguistic object that can be asserted. It differs from both the act and the product of assertion; it needs not to be actually asserted and differs from the assertion made. We investigate the medieval origins of this notion, which are almost neglected in contemporary logic. Our historical analysis suggests an interpretation of the assertion candidate within the system of logic for pragmatics.
Common wintering of black kites (Milvus migrans migrans) in Greece, and new data on their wintering elsewhere in Europe
Authors: Literák Ivan , Horal David , Alivizatos Haralambos , Matušík Hynek
Published: June 2017

Black kites of the nominal subspecies Milvus migrans migrans breed in the Western Palearctic and in Central Asia, while the European population is relatively small. The birds winter mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. Until 2000 winter observations of black kites were rare in Greece, and also within the tri-point border area of Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. At that time regular wintering of black kites started there. These data and evidence from recent local literature as well as from a number of unpublished data obtained throughout European countries and reviewed in this paper corroborate the impression that numbers of black kites wintering in Europe and the whole Mediterranean area including Turkey are increasing. The reasons considered are climate warming in the area and some negative changes in sub-Saharan Africa in the traditional wintering grounds of black kites. Notes about the wintering of black/red kite hybrids are also added.
Combined Flow Control of Positively Bowed Blade and Vortex Generator Jet on a Compressor Cascade
Authors: Li Longting , Song Yanping , Chen Fu
Published: June 2017

A combined flow control method based on positively bowed blade and endwall vortex generator jet (VGJ) was performed to a compressor cascade under three kinds of inlet conditions. The results show that the endwall VGJ can further decrease the total losses in positively bowed cascades. At 0° incidence with zero inlet boundary layer, the separation type in the positively bowed blade is open, with the VGJ, the loss reduction is 2.7 %. As the inlet boundary layer thickens at 0° incidence, the separation region increases with the separation type keeping unchanged, the loss reduction increasing to 11.73 %. As the incidence rises to +7° with zero inlet boundary layer, the separation type converts into closed and the flow separation is the severest in the three cases, with the VGJ, however, the loss reduction is just 7.4 %, which means that the control effect of endwall VGJ not only depends on the size of separation region but also relies on the type of separation mode. If the separation type is open, as the size of separation region expands, the control effectiveness of endwall VGJ increases; if the separation type converts into closed with the further aggravation of flow field, that control effect will decrease.
Tertullian’s Adversus Marcionem and Middleplatonism
Authors: Moreschini Claudio
Published: June 2017

The most recent research on Tertullian and his polemic against Marcion has been, above all, dedicated to three problems of great importance: (1) how the biblical text of Marcion can be reconstructed from Tertullian (which is connected to the problem of the chronological order of the canonical gospels), (2) on the biblical text that Tertullian himself had used, and (3) on the position of Marcion in Christian culture and in Greco-Roman culture of the second century. The present article will try to define Tertullian’s literary, philosophical, and theological interests in relation to the culture of his time. Tertullian had, in fact, a pagan education (that of the Second Sophistic), in which rhetoric and philosophy coexisted: Nevertheless, he was a Christian sophist who wanted to enhance the theology of his religion by making use of the Middle Platonic philosophy of his time.
Silence is difficult: On missing elements in bilingual grammars
Authors: Laleko Oksana , Polinsky Maria
Published: June 2017

Near-native speakers (heritage speakers and adult second language learners alike) experience difficulty in interpreting and
producing linguistic constructions that contain morphologically null elements. We dub this phenomenon the Silent Problem.
The bulk of literature on the Silent Problem in near-native speakers has concentrated on the identification and interpretation of null
pronominals. In this paper we expand our understanding of the Silent Problem in three ways. First, we show that the range of the
problem extends well beyond the grammar of null pronominals. Second, we argue that the various manifestations of the Silent
Problem all follow from a typical aspect of near-native grammars: difficulty in recovering missing elements that have discourse
antecedents. Third, although heritage and second language speakers show similar difficulties in the recovery of discourse-licensed
silent elements, the two speaker populations differ in their evaluation of zero-marked forms in contrastive contexts. We account
for this difference by the fact that heritage speakers differ from second language speakers in the comprehension of contrastive
material. This comprehension requires good control of the interface between syntax and information structure (including prosodic
knowledge), and heritage speakers have an advantage over second language learners in that area.