bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of certain endothelial biomarkers during the acute phase and convalescence in patients with different severity of mediterranean spotted fever
Authors: Baltadzhiev Ivan G. , Murdjeva Mariana A.
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne disease caused by Rickettsia conorii subspp. conorii. It is transmitted by the bite of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Modified by the rickettsial invasion, the micro-vascular endothelium acquires an activated inflammatory phenotype and initiates secretion of cytokines and expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and chemoattractans.

AIM: This study aims at investigating the alterations in the soluble cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and chemokine MCP-1 levels in patients with MSF of varying severity in the acute and convalescence stage in order to assess their diagnostic and prognostic value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The soluble forms of cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) - sЕ- selectin and sР-selectin, the intercellular (sICAM-1) and vascular (sVCAM-1) adhesion molecules as well as the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were studied in the sera of 80 patients with MSF. The presence of MSF was confirmed serologically by indirect fluorescence assay (IFA). In order to study disease dynamics, serum samples from 80 patients were drawn on day 1 following the onset of rash; in 60 patients (part of the surveyed 80) a second sample was taken in the convalescence period - 14 days post hospital discharge. The investigation was focused on mild, moderate and severe forms of MSF. Enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay was used for sCAMs determination (Quantikine IVD colorimetric ELISA).

RESULTS: Overall, in the acute stage, patients presented with increased levels of sЕ-selectin, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and MCP-1, whereas sР-selectin level was decreased. The levels of sЕ-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAМ-1 were significantly elevated in mild, moderate and severe forms of the disease with sE-selectin level exhibiting a plateau tendency and sICAM and sVCAM levels demonstrating an upward trend from mild towards severe MSF forms. MCP-1 level was elevated only in severe MSF. In all forms of MSF, in the convalescence period, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and МСР-1 concentration returned to reference levels whereas sE-selectin level persisted elevated. In the convalescence stage, sP- selectin concentration also showed an upward tendency, which in severe forms of MSF slightly exceeded the level in controls. sP-selectin levels correlated directly with platelet count, whereas sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels showed a reverse correlation. sE-selectin, sICAM-1 and MCP-1 levels directly correlated with aminotransferase activity (ALT and/or AST).

CONCLUSION: The soluble forms of CAMs reflect the endothelial inflammatory potential. There is evidence that endothelium activation is more potent in severe forms of MSF. Assessment of the endothelial response in the course of the disease is an important predictor of the outcome, the choice of therapeutic approach and disease prognosis.
Soluble e-cadherin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Tsalikidis Christos , Papachristou Fotini , Pitiakoudis Michael , Asimakopoulos Byron , Trypsianis Grigorios , Bolanaki Eleni , Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Simopoulos Constantinos
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: Modifications in E-cadherin (E-Cad) expression are associated with dedifferentiation, progression, metastases and poor prognosis in many types of tumors. The aim of the present study was to identify a potential association of the pre- and post-operative soluble E-Cad levels (sE-Cad) with the clinicopathological parameters of patients with gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum sE-Cad levels were determined in 99 gastric cancer patients and 78 healthy volunteers using ELISA.

RESULTS: Levels of sE-Cad were significantly increased in gastric cancer patients compared with these levels in healthy controls (p < 0.001). For the evaluation of the diagnostic significance of sE-Cad the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.835, while the optimal cut-off point of 9.9 μg/mL was determined to classify gastric cancer patients, which yielded sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 80.8% and accuracy of 76.3%. Poor differentiation (p = 0.009) and the presence of distant metastases (p < 0.001) were the two significant independent prognostic determinants for high sE-Cad levels in multivariate linear regression analysis. The preoperative levels of sE-Cad also proved helpful in classifying patients according to the choice treatment (curative versus palliative) (AUC, 0.656); when the optimal cut-off point was set at 17.60 μg/mL, the sensitivity was 57%, the specificity was 83% and accuracy was 75%. Survival was shorter in patients with increased sE-Cad (median, 7 months vs 39 months, p = 0.0002), although multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated a marginal prognostic significance of sE-Cad for survival (adjusted HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 0.93 to 3.02, p = 0.072).

CONCLUSIONS: Serum sE-Cad levels could be considered as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in gastric cancer patients as well as a tool to select a treatment approach. The prognostic value of sE-Cad on overall survival requires further study.
Laparoscopic exploration of bile ducts in patients with calculosis. indications, methods and first results
Authors: Dimov Rosen S. , Kantchev Rangel I. , Boev Boris G. , Ivanov Todor I. , Apostolov Ilia A. , Hinov Anton G. , Stoilova Maria V. , Cheshmedzhiev Nedelcho M. , Mitev Kamen D. , Spassov Youri , Dimova Rositsa Cv.
Published: March 2014

INTRODUCTION: In the last few years there has been a resurgence of laparoscopic exploration of the common bile duct as an alternative to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the primary method for diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract calculosis. AIM: The aim of this study was to clarify the indications and methods for performing laparoscopic bile duct exploration, based on our experience in the field and data from the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic exploration and stone extraction from the common bile duct (CBD) in the surgical ward of Kaspela Hospital, Plovdiv over the period January 2011 to January 2012. The diagnostic and therapeutic modalities used in the study included laboratory tests, ultrasound study, CT, ERCP, digital cholangiography, clamp and balloon stone extraction, primary suture and choledochoduodenostomy.

RESULTS: Stone extraction was successfully performed in 8 patients using the transcystic approach through an incision used in the cholangiography. The procedure failed in the remaining four patients and we used here 2-cm longitudinal choledochotomy. In two patients the control cholangiography following the extraction of stones demonstrated complete clearance of the biliary tree and free passage of contrast agent from bile duct to duodenum (patent ampulla of Vater). In these two patients we performed a primary closure of the choledochotomy with a single interrupted suture (“ideal choledochotomy”). In two patients from the choledochotomy group, the control cholangiography showed the presence of residual stones or fragments trapped above the sphincter of Oddi with no contrast medium in the duodenum. In these cases we completed this procedure with latero-lateral choledochoduodenostomy by Flërken. All patients had a smooth postoperative course with no recorded complications. The average hospital stay was 5 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic exploration of the biliary ducts in calculosis is an efficient, safe and reliable method to manage this serious complication of gall-stone disease in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. The results of its application are comparable and in some cases even better than those of ERCP used as a therapeutic procedure as regards clearance of the CBD and the complications involved in these two procedures.
Surgical management of metastatic tumors of the cervical spine
Authors: Davarski Atanas N. , Kitov Borislav D. , Zhelyazkov Christo B. , Raykov Stefan D. , Kehayov Ivo I. , Koev Ilyan G. , Kalnev Borislav M.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: To present the results from the clinical presentation, the imaging diagnostics, surgery and postoperative status of 17 patients with cervical spine metastases, to analyse all data and make the respective conclusions and compare them with the available data in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study analysed data obtained by patients with metastatic cervical tumours treated in St George University Hospital over a period of seven years. All patients underwent diagnostic imaging tests which included, separately or in combination, cervical x-rays, computed tomography scan and magnetic-resonance imaging. Severity of neurological damage and its pre- and postoperative state was graded according to the Frankel Scale. For staging and operating performance we used the Tomita scale and Harrington classification.

RESULTS: Seven patients had only one affected vertebra, 4 patients - two vertebrae, one patient - three vertebrae, 2 patients - four vertebrae, and in the other 3 patients more than one segment was affected. Surgery was performed in 12 patients. One level anterior corpectomy was performed in 6 patients, three patients had two-level surgery, and one patient - three-level corpectomy; in the remaining 2 cases we used posterior approach in surgery. Complete corpectomy was performed in 4 patients, subtotal corpectomy was used in 6 patients and partial - in 2 patients. Anterior stabilization system ADD plus® (Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG, Ulm, Germany) was implanted in 2 patients; in 8 patients anterior titanium plate and bone graft were used, and in 1 patient - posterior cervical stabilization system.

CONCLUSIONS: Because of the pronounced pain syndrome and frequent neurological lesions as a result of the cervical spine metastases use of surgery is justified. The main purpose is to maximize tumor resection, achieve optimal spinal cord and nerve root decompression and stabilize the affected segment.
Insight into reimbursement decision-making criteria in Bulgaria: implications for orphan drugs
Authors: Iskrov Georgi G. , Raycheva Ralitsa D. , Stefanov Rumen S.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: This article’s objective is to critically assess the Bulgarian legislation on health technology assessment (HTA). It analyses how innovative therapies and orphan drugs in particular would respond to the regulators’ decision-making criteria for reimbursement.

MATERIALS AND МETHODS: The study features critical analysis of current decision-making criteria for drug reimbursement in Bulgaria, as well as hypothetical scenario planning for orphan medicinal products.

RESULTS: The approval for inclusion into the Positive Drug List (PDL) (which is a must for reimbursement) has been reorganised into an assessment scoring system with decisionmaking criteria (presence of therapeutic alternative, clinical effectiveness, safety, pharmacoeconomics and societal value) divided into weighted indicators. An explicit threshold has been set - a medicinal product must score 60 points at least to be included in PDL. Under the currently defined reimbursement decision-making criteria a hypothetical middle- of-the-road scenario planning shows that an orphan drug would score 20 points for therapeutic alternative, 28 for clinical effectiveness and 12 for safety. It would take no points for pharmacoeconomics and societal value. This leaves the orphan drugs with a total score of 60 points, making the final outcome of real-life assessment and decision-making heavily dependent on small fluctuations.

CONCLUSIONS: The current reimbursement decision-making framework in Bulgaria seems to be generalised and not sufficiently transparent. It is unable to precisely assess innovative health technologies. The availability of a therapeutic alternative emerges as a key reimbursement decision-making criterion for orphan drugs, as these innovative products nominally provide the first medicinal therapy alternative to rare diseases.
A rare case of multiple rattlesnake bites
Authors: Iliev Yanko T. , Kristeva Sasha A. , Prancheva Maria G.
Published: March 2014

The rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a venomous viper inhabiting the southeastern parts of the United States. It is not found in the Balkans and Europe habitats. Subjects of the species are grown and seen in museums, exhibitions and terrariums, and sometimes in private collections. This may generate potentially toxic exposures to the venom in accidental contact. Acute poisoning with rattlesnake poison in Bulgaria is exotic, rare and even casuistic.

The venom of the rattlesnake exhibits neuropathic, proteolytic and hemolytic activities. Antivenom is not currently easily available in Bulgaria - it is not usually stored in hospitals because it is very rarely used and therefore rather expensive. We present a case of multiple envenomation (two different occasions) of one and the same person who kept rattlesnakes in a private terrarium. Local toxic syndrome was observed with burning and stinging pain at bite site combined with limited hemorrhage and necrosis. The hemolytic reaction and the local toxic results were successfully managed without resorting to any specific antidotal therapy.
Steam coal supplies for power generation – the concept of a mathematical model
Authors: Kamiński Jacek , Saługa Piotr
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Ze względu na ukształtowaną historycznie strukturę paliwową wytwarzania energii elektrycznej w Polsce, podstawowym surowcem energetycznym wykorzystywanym do generacji energii elek- trycznej pozostaje węgiel kamienny i brunatny. Odzwierciedleniem takiej struktury wytwarzania jest odpowiednia struktura kosztów produkcji energii elektrycznej, w której przeważającym składnikiem są koszty pozyskania paliw. Celem artykułu jest opracowanie wstępnej koncepcji modelu matema- tycznego, którego zastosowanie ma prowadzić do redukcji kosztów pozyskania surowców ener- getycznych przedsiębiorstwa energetycznego. |Punktem wyjścia jest analiza kosztów paliwowych w sektorze wytwarzania energii elektrycznej na węglu kamiennym, a następnie analiza ilości po- zyskiwanego węgla oraz jego kosztów na przykładzie dwóch koncernów energetycznych, bazujących przede wszystkim na węglu energetycznym. Koncepcja budowy modelu zakłada jego otwartą architekturę, która pozwoli na dostosowanie zarówno samych założeń modelowych, jak i danych wejściowych do modelu w zależności od zmieniających się warunków rynkowych. Uwzględniono specyficzne uwarunkowania krajowego sektora paliwowo-energetycznego, między innymi konieczność spełnienia wymogów jakościowych węgla spalanego w poszczególnych blokach, możliwe źródła podaży, ze szczegółowym uwzględ- nieniem spółek węglowych zlokalizowanych w Polsce, oraz potencjalne źródła importowe. Założono również możliwość elastycznego doboru rozdzielczości czasowej modelu, w zależności od wymogów zarządczych. Zgodnie z zaproponowaną metodyką, dalsze prace nad modelem matematycznym optymalizującym proces zakupu surowców energetycznych koncernu energetycznego, poświęcone będą transpozycji modelu konceptualnego do postaci matematycznej modelu, a następnie jego imple- mentacji w środowisku modelowania.
Vitrified metallurgical wastes after zinc and lead production from the dump in Ruda Śląska in the aspect of mineralogical and chemical studies
Authors: Jonczy Iwona , Huber Miłosz , Lata Lesia
Published: March 2014

Streszczenie

Odpady hutnicze zc względu na korzystne parametry techniczne są często wtórnie wykorzy- stywane w gospodarce, głównie do produkcji różnego rodzaju kruszyw. Wprowadzenie odpadów- hutniczych do środowiska determinuje konieczność poznania ich składu mincralogiczno-chcmicz- nego, na podstawie którego można ocenić zawartość w odpadach metali ciężkich, ich powiązania zc składnikami odpadów', a tym samym możliwości uwalniania i migracji metali do środowiska. W artykule scharakteryzowano skład mineralny i chemiczny zeszklonych odpadów' hutniczych po produkcji cynku i ołowiu zc starego zwałowiska w' Rudzic Śląskiej, odniesiono się również do wcześniej prowadzonych badań odpadów' stalowniczych. Stwierdzono, żc dominującym składnikiem odpadów- jest szkliwo, w otoczeniu którego występują wytrącenia metaliczne oraz drobne krystality faz krzemianowych. Stosunkowa niska zaw'artość metali ciężkich w' badanych odpadach w' połączeniu zc słabym ich zwietrzeniem (pomimo długoletniego składow'ania na zwałowisku), jak również nie- wielka wymywalność metali, stwarzają perspektywy wykorzystania badanych odpadów' hutniczych np. w drogownictwie jako jeden z kompozytów' do produkcji kruszyw'.
Primary school teachers' views on a holistic approach to facilitating the acquisition of musical cultural values
Authors: Badjanova JeĮena
Published: March 2014

Recent tendencies in education highlight the need to align the system of general education in Latvia with the tenets of sustainability. In keeping with this broad target orientation, this paper re-examines international and Latvian experiences and perspectives on the application of a holistic approach to the content of primary education. This review of good practice is set against the backdrop of different theories and approaches concerned with the essence and principles of holism. More specifically, the paper addresses the issue of ensuring successful acquisition of musical cultural values in primary school via a holistic approach. In this regard, the latter is construed as movement towards the new that facilitates positive attitudes towards musical cultural values among learners and is both physically and spiritually nurturing. The paper proposes a theoretically and empirically grounded model for the usage of a holistic approach with a view to enabling acquisition of musical cultural values in primary school. The gradual development of the model is traced in the course of theoretical and empirical inquiry, the latter involving a survey and an interview with five experts
Gaussian and Non-Gaussian operations on non-Gaussian state: engineering non-Gaussianity
Authors: Olivares Stefano , Allevi Alessia , Bondani Maria
Published: March 2014

Multiple photon subtraction applied to a displaced phase-averaged coherent state, which is a non-Gaussian classical state, produces conditional states with a non trivial (positive) Glauber-Sudarshan Prepresentation. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate that, despite its simplicity, this class of conditional states cannot be fully characterized by direct detection of photon numbers. In particular, the non-Gaussianity of the state is a characteristics that must be assessed by phase-sensitive measurements. We also show that the non-Gaussianity of conditional states can be manipulated by choosing suitable conditioning values and composition of phase-averaged states.
Foreign Accents in Polish: Non-native Speakers’ and Native Listeners’ Views
Authors: Szpyra-Kozłowska Jolanta , Radomski Marek
Published: March 2014

As in recent years a growing number of foreigners have been settling in Poland and learning our language, Poles have found themselves in a fairly new situation of being increasingly exposed, both in direct contacts and through the media, to their mother tongue pronounced with a variety of foreign accents. In a series of studies (Szpyra- Kozłowska and Radomski 2012, in press, Szpyra-Kozłowska 2013b) we have undertaken an examination of how such accents are perceived and evaluated by Polish listeners. The issues that have come under scrutiny so far concerned identification of the speakers’ origin, evaluation of different accents in terms of their intelligibility, degree of accentedness and acceptance, establishing the major perceptual properties of several accents and examining their salience.

In the present paper we focus on the participants of communication which involves accented Polish, i.e. non-native speakers and native listeners, and their views on this phenomenon. We examine them in two questionnaire studies, one administered to 40 foreign learners of Polish and the other one to 80 native listeners. Thus, our study sets itself the following goals:

to examine what attitudes Poles take towards Polish-speaking foreigners and their accents in particular (Questionnaire 2);

to juxtapose these opinions with foreign learners’ experience of Poles’ reactions to accented Polish (Questionnaire 1);

to draw implications for the phonetic training of foreigners who undertake to learn Polish.
The Mid-Winter Assemblage And Diversity Of Bird Populations At Patlakhawa Protected Forest, Coochbehar, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Asitava , Adhikari Shuvadip , Barik Anandamay , Mukhopadhyay Subhra Kumar
Published: March 2014

We compared avian community structure of six contrasting habitat types at Patlakhawa Protected Forest of Dooars of West Bengal. During three weeks of the mid-winter studies 154 bird species representing 41 families were recorded. Of the 154 recorded species, 22 were observed in grasslands, 22 in swamp forest, 46 in riverine forest, 52 at miscellaneous plantation areas, 43 at forest edges and 51 at wetlands. The Shannon-Wiener general diversity indices varied among the habitats and ranged from 2.323 to 3.458. Richness (5.813-11.410), evenness (0.406-0.641) and dominance (0.042-0.128) indices also varied considerably among the study locations. The highest diversity, the lowest dominance and a very high evenness were characteristics of miscellaneous plantations. Grasslands showed highest evenness and considerably high species diversity. The lowest avian evenness and diversity were recorded in wetlands and swamp forests. Insectivorous birds were most numerous (53), followed by carnivorous (40), omnivorous (29) and frugivorous (15) birds. Winter appeared to be the best time for niche occupancy at the Himalayan foothills for assemblages of either winter migrants and visitors or altitudinal and passage migrants, as about 30% of all encountered species were migrants. 96 bird species were observed to occur at any one of these habitat types showing high habitat fidelity. Mixed avian foraging assemblages that varied in species number and compositions were observed and they contain 11 to 17 species. Avifaunal niche diversity and richness in different habitats of Patlakhawa Protected Forest during mid-winter envisaged its importance from conservation point of view.
Implementation of chemometric techniques for evaluation of antioxidant properties of Camellia sinensis extracts
Authors: Ronowicz Joanna , Kupcewicz Bogumiła , Budzisz Elżbieta
Published: March 2014

In this study, antioxidant properties of commercial green teas and dietary supplements containing Camellia sinensis extracts were evaluated. Extracts were examined using two antioxidant assays (DPPH· radical method and ABTS·+ cation radical method). A Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to evaluate the total polyphenol content in the extracts. In order to compare and characterize the investigated Camellia sinensis extracts, chemometric techniques based on fingerprint chromatograms, antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content were applied. Application of chemometric methods allowed for reduction of multidimensionality of the data set and grouped the samples into differentiable clusters. The relationship between the antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content was also assessed. The results indicated that extracts with the higher polyphenolic content exhibited the stronger antiradical activity against both DPPH· radicals and ABTS·+ cation radicals. The multivariate calibration technique (such as a tree regression algorithm) can be a useful tool for rapid determining the antioxidant activity of a herbal product based on its fingerprint chromatogram
Synthesis and antiproliferative activity in vitro of new 2-aminobenzimidazole derivatives. Reaction of 2-arylideneaminobenzimidazole with selected nitriles containing active methylene group
Authors: Nowicka Anna , Liszkiewicz Hanna , Nawrocka Wanda , Wietrzyk Joanna , Kempińska Katarzyna , Dryś Andrzej
Published: March 2014

A series of pyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole and α-cyanocinnamic acid derivatives have been synthesized in the reactions of Schiff bases 2–7 with selected nitriles containing an active methylene group: malononitrile 8–12, cyanoacetamide 13–16, benzyl cyanide 17–21, benzoylacetonitrile 22–24, cyanoacetate methyl ester 25–28 and benzylacetamide 29. The structures 8–29 were confirmed by the results of elementary analysis and their IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR and MS spectra. The products 8–29 of various chemical structure pyrimido[1,2-a] benzimidazole 8–12, 14–16, 17–21, 23–24, 26 and α-cyanocinnamic acid derivatives 13, 22, 25, 27, 28 were obtained, which are of interest for biological studies or which can be substrates for further synthesis. The selected compounds 10, 13, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23–25 and 28 were screened for their antiproliferative activity in vitro against neoplastic and normal cell lines. The most active two compounds were: 2-(o-bromophenylene)-3-cyano-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (24) and 3-cyano-4-phenyl-2-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,2-dihydropyrimido[1,2-a]benzimidazole (23). However, similarly like cisplatin used as the control, they showed no selectivity towards cancer cells, by inhibiting proliferation of normal mouse fibroblasts in similar manner.
Wong’s equations in Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Storchak Sergey
Published: March 2014

Wong’s equations for the finite-dimensional dynamical system representing the motion of a scalar particle on a compact Riemannian manifold with a given free isometric smooth action of a compact semi-simple Lie group are derived. The equations obtained are written in terms of dependent coordinates which are typically used in an implicit description of the local dynamics given on the orbit space of the principal fiber bundle. Using these equations, we obtain Wong’s equations in a pure Yang-Mills gauge theory with Coulomb gauge fixing. This result is based on the existing analogy between the reduction procedures performed in a finite-dimensional dynamical system and the reduction procedure in Yang-Mills gauge fields.
Electrical characterization of polymer matrix — TiO2 filler composites through isothermal polarization / depolarization currents and I–V tests
Authors: Stavrakas Ilias , Triantis Dimos , Hloupis George , Moutzouris Konstantinos
Published: March 2014

Specimens of polymer matrix — ceramic TiO2 filler composites were prepared. The contribution of the filler content on the electrical conductivity and energy storage properties of the samples was examined. I–V and Isothermal Polarization/Depolarization Current (IPC/IDC) measurements were conducted. Dc conductivity values directly calculated from the I–V curves exhibited excellent agreement with corresponding values derived from the IPC/IDC recordings. Standard models were employed for fitting the IPC/IDC data. In specific, the short and the very long depolarization times were fitted by use of power laws of different slopes, while the intermediate depolarization times were fitted as a sum of three exponential decays. The present study reveals a strong dependence of the depolarization and polarization processes, as well as of the dc conductivity, on the filler concentration.
Successfulness of Slovenian Economomic Transition?
Authors: Prijon Lea
Published: March 2014

At the beginning of nineties, countries from so-called communist block had experienced transformation process from socialist regime to a democratic one, and transformation from centrally planned economy into a free market economy. Many countries had gone through process of transition, but it had different results and effects on individual countries and societies. The success of transition is strongly linked with country’s history and cultural bases; it depends on country’s openness to specific reforms and on the approach of transition (shock therapy or gradualism). Slovenia was initially seen as a country with the best starting position at the beginning of transition, compared to other countries that went through the same process. However, today Slovenia is facing problems regarding economic system, political system, civil society etc. Today’s situation in Slovenia seems to be much worse than it is in some other transition countries with worse starting position. The purpose of the article will be to examine Slovenian transition compared to other countries and detaching factors that disabled its full development.
The Public and the Political – Concepts Reactivated by the Crisis
Authors: Stena Ján
Published: March 2014

The paper commences with a survey of classical concepts of public/ness. It pursues two intellectual traditions - the ones created by the political philosophy and legal sciences, as well as those created by sociology and psychology. Consequently, the paper provides a survey of inspirations present in the main contemporary concepts of the public (Arendt, Habermas). All this together forms a basis for an attempt to find terminological solutions suitable for contemporary research, both theoretical and empirical. The paper results in thoughts on the revitalisation of the public and the political. It concludes with a hypothesis about the penetration of the social into the political.
Seasonal Changes In Species Diversity And Dominance Structure In Communities Of Oribatid Mites (Sarcoptiformes, Oribatei) In Megalopolis Green Areas
Authors: Shevchenko O. S. , Kolodochka L. A.
Published: March 2014

Species complexes of oribatid mites in soil and litter in 10 plots in green areas of different parts of Kyiv city in April-September 2011 were studied. In total, 107 species of 76 genera of 44 families of oribatids were found. Trends of seasonal fluctuations of species diversity and dominance structure of oribatids in studied plots were assessed.
A Review of the Subfamily Rhyssinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: Varga A.
Published: March 2014

The subfamily Rhyssinae is recorded from the Ukrainian Carpathians for the first time. Rhyssa kriechbaumeri Ozols, 1973 is a new record for Ukraine. A key to species of the Ukrainian Carpathians is provided. Seasonal dynamics and high-altitude zone distribution of the Rhyssinae are discussed.
Mining Flies of the Genus Ophiomyia (Diptera, Agromyzidae) of Eastern Ukraine and Adjacent Territories: Review of the Species Without a Fasciculus
Authors: Guglya Yu. A.
Published: March 2014

Mining flies of the genus Ophiomyia Braschnikov, 1897 occurring in the eastern part of Ukraine and some bordering regions are reviewed. In this paper, twelve species without fasciculus in both females and males, are described and figured, including Ophiomyia adunca Guglya, sp. n. and O. vanyushai Guglya, sp. n. Information on distribution, host plants and bionomics of each species is provided. A key to species of Ophiomyia known to occur in Ukraine is compiled.
Breeding Biology of Blackheaded Wagtail, Motacilla feldegg (Passeriformes, Motacillidae, Motacillinae), in Rostov Oblast of Russia
Authors: Muraviev I. V. , Artemieva E. A.
Published: March 2014

Species-specific features of blackheaded wagtail, Motacilla feldegg Michahelles, 1830, breeding biology were identified in the Rostov oblast of Russia. A tendency to current species range shift is traced.
Ruff , Philomachus pugnax (Aves, Charadriiformes), Migration in Western Ukraine
Authors: Strus Iu.
Published: March 2014

In the paper we discuss migration dynamics, biometry and stopover ecology of Ruff (Philomachus pugnax Linnaeus, 1758) in the Cholgini ornithological reserve. Also the observations, made in other regions of the western Ukraine, were used in the analysis. Th e base materials for this paper were collected during 1995-2012 by West-Ukrainian ornithological station, by conducting regular bird counts, ringing and taking measurements of migrating waders using standard methods. During Ruff spring migration two major waves of passage occured: the first one is from the end of March till early April and the second - from the end of April to the end of May. Th e average number of a flock was equal 12 individuals. In the autumn passage dynamics of two waves can also be seen. Th e fist wave is observed in July with the peak in the middle of month. Second wave occurs in August and in fist two decades of September, with maximum bird numbers in the end of August. Th e passage dynamic of Ruff in the Cholgini reserve is very similar to the dynamic in other continental staging sites. Significant difference was found in the wing length between the adult and juvenile Ruff s. Th e potential flight range of juvenile females was 3236 km, juvenile males - 2380 km, adult females - 2740 km.
New Prey Fishes in Diet of Black Sea Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus (Mammalia, Cetacea)
Authors: Gladilina E. V. , Gol’din P. E.
Published: March 2014

We report 7 new prey fishes in diet of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) and the first records of 9 prey items from their stomach contents: herring (Alosa sp.), sand smelt (Atherina sp.), horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus), picarel (Spicara flexuosa), Mediterranean sand eel (Gymnammodytes cicerellus), Atlantic stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber), garfish (Belone belone), gobies (Gobiidae indet.) and blennies (Blenniidae indet.). Th e Atlantic stargazer was recorded as a prey species for the common bottlenose dolphin for the first time. Th e horse mackerel and the picarel, formerly recorded in the diet of Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins, now were frequently found in the examined Black Sea dolphins. Th e list of prey fishes for Black Sea bottlenose dolphins now includes 23 items, with many small pelagic and demersal fishes, and it is similar to that of Mediterranean dolphins. Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is still an important prey species, as 50-70 years ago, whereas turbot (Psetta maeotica), not recorded by us, could lose its importance due to population decline. As before, red mullet (Mullus barbatus) is recorded in winter feeding. Feeding on mullets (Mugilidae) is not a universal trait, and it is possibly restricted to local geographical areas.
Soluble HLA-G Serum Levels Depend on Allergy Type and IgE Levels
Authors: Ciprandi Giorgio , DeAmici Mara
Published: March 2014

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by Th2 polarized immune response. Soluble HLA (sHLA) molecules play an immunomodulatory activity. Two different studies evidenced that both patients with seasonal AR (SAR) and patients with perennial AR (PAR) had higher sHLA-G levels than normal controls. The aim of this study was to compare sHLA-G serum levels in SAR and PAR patients, also considering allergen-specific IgE. One hundred sixty-eight AR patients were enrolled, 94 with SAR and 74 with PAR. A group of 116 healthy subjects was considered as control. sHLA-G and allergen-specific IgE serum levels were determined by immunoenzymatic method. SAR patients had significantly higher levels of sHLA-G than PAR patients (p = 0.0194). sHLA-G was moderately related to allergen-specific IgE both in SAR (r = 0.497) and in PAR patients (r = 0.584). The present study provides evidence that sHLA-G serum levels depend on the type of allergy and are related to allergen-specific IgE serum levels. These findings may suggest that sHLA-G could be a biomarker of allergic reaction.
The production of 238–242Pu(n,γ)239–243Pu fissionable fluids in a fusion-fission hybrid reactor
Authors: Günay M.
Published: March 2014

In this study, the effect of spent fuel grade plutonium content on 239–243Pu was investigated in a designed hybrid reactor system. In this system, the fluids were composed of a molten salt, heavy metal mixture with increased mole fractions 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80-1 – 5 % SFG-Pu, 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80-1 – 5 % SFG-PuF4, 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80-1 – 5 % SFG-PuO2. Beryllium (Be) is a neutron multiplier by (n,2n) reactions. Thence, a Be zone of 3 cm thickness was used in order to contribute to fissile fuel breeding between the liquid first wall and a 9Cr2WVTa ferritic steel blanket which is used as structural material. The production of 238–242Pu(n,γ)239–243Pu was calculated in liquid first wall, blanket and shielding zones. Three-dimensional nucleonic calculations were performed by using the most recent version MCNPX-2.7.0 Monte Carlo code and nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.0.
Can mechanical stresses noticeably influence the diffusion of hydrogen in zircaloy?
Authors: Sauer G.
Published: March 2014

The diffusion of hydrogen in zircaloy under the influence of mechanical stresses is investigated. The governing equations are derived from the chemical potential of hydrogen including the contribution due to hydrostatic stresses. The obtained differential equation is converted to a system of algebraic equations by applying the finite element method and the weighted residual procedure. The equations are used to study the hydrogen diffusion in a fuel rod cladding tube with an axial crack and in a strip plate. It is demonstrated that the hydrogen tends to flow towards the areas of positive hydrostatic stress gradients where it precipitates in hydrides when the solubility limit is exceeded. The precipitation is itself a mechanism enhancing the transport to these areas by weakening the effect of the diffusion driven by concentration differences. The presented method can readily be applied to the diffusion of other species in metals.
Polyoxotungstates in Molecular Boxes of Purine Bases
Authors: Kulikov Vladislav , Meyer Gerd
Published: March 2014

Three new compounds, (GuaH)4[W10O32](H2O)4 (1), (ThbH)3(H3O)[(W10O32](H2O)7.5 (2) and (ThbH)2[W6O19](H2O)2 (3) (GuaH = guaninium, thbH = theobrominium) were synthesized in acidified acetonitrile solutions. The polyoxotungstates in all of these compounds are surrounded by an organic matrix consisting of protonated purine bases and water molecules. The distinctive structural arrangement of the aromatic organic cations around the polyoxoanions parallel to their faces is reminiscent of nanosized boxes. The results of IR spectroscopy are consistent with previously reported results for polyoxotungstates and neat organic compounds. The polyoxoanions are reduced to tungsten(IV) oxide upon heating over 400 °C in an intramolecular redox reaction.
A Proposal for Typical Artificial Light Sources for the Characterization of Indoor Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Minnaert Ben , Veelaert Peter
Published: March 2014

There are currently no international norms which define a method for characterizing photovoltaic solar cells for indoor applications. The current standard test conditions are not relevant indoors. By performing efficiency simulations based on the quantum efficiency of typical solar cells and the light spectra of typical artificial light sources, we are able to propose the first step for developing a standard by determining which light sources are relevant for indoor PV characterization and which are not or are redundant. Our simulations lead us to conclude that indoor light sources can be divided into three different categories. For the characterization of photovoltaic solar cells in indoor environments, we propose that solar cells be measured under one light source from each group.
Genetic Profiling for Risk Reduction in Human Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Puckelwartz Megan , McNally Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern affecting over 80,000,000 people in the U.S. alone. Heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm disorders, atherosclerosis and aneurysm formation have significant heritable contribution. Supported by familial aggregation and twin studies, these cardiovascular diseases are influenced by genetic variation. Family-based linkage studies and population-based genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have each identified genes and variants important for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The advent of next generation sequencing has ushered in a new era in the genetic diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, and this is especially evident when considering cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of heart failure. Cardiomyopathy is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by morphologically abnormal heart with abnormal function. Genetic testing for cardiomyopathy employs gene panels, and these panels assess more than 50 genes simultaneously. Despite the large size of these panels, the sensitivity for detecting the primary genetic defect is still only approximately 50%. Recently, there has been a shift towards applying broader exome and/or genome sequencing to interrogate more of the genome to provide a genetic diagnosis for cardiomyopathy. Genetic mutations in cardiomyopathy offer the capacity to predict clinical outcome, including arrhythmia risk, and genetic diagnosis often provides an early window in which to institute therapy. This discussion is an overview as to how genomic data is shaping the current understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Time-Dependent Propensity Score for Assessing the Effect of Vaccine Exposure on Pregnancy Outcomes through Pregnancy Exposure Cohort Studies
Authors: Xu Ronghui , Luo Yunjun , Glynn Robert , Johnson Diana , Jones Kenneth , Chambers Christina
Published: March 2014

Women are advised to be vaccinated for influenza during pregnancy and may receive vaccine at any time during their pregnancy. In observational studies evaluating vaccine safety in pregnancy, to account for such time-varying vaccine exposure, a time-dependent predictor can be used in a proportional hazards model setting for outcomes such as spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery. Also, due to the observational nature of pregnancy exposure cohort studies and relatively low event rates, propensity score (PS) methods are often used to adjust for potential confounders. Using Monte Carlo simulation experiments, we compare two different ways to model the PS for vaccine exposure: (1) logistic regression treating the exposure status as binary yes or no; (2) Cox regression treating time to exposure as time-to-event. Coverage probability of the nominal 95% confidence interval for the exposure effect is used as the main measure of performance. The performance of the logistic regression PS depends largely on how the exposure data is generated. In contrast, the Cox regression PS consistently performs well across the different data generating mechanisms that we have considered. In addition, the Cox regression PS allows adjusting for potential time-varying confounders such as season of the year or exposure to additional vaccines. The application of the Cox regression PS is illustrated using data from a recent study of the safety of pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Differential Responses of Pinus massoniana and Taxus wallichiana var. mairei to Simulated Acid Rain
Authors: Hu Wen-Jun , Chen Juan , Liu Ting-Wu , Simon Martin , Wang Wen-Hua , Chen Juan , Wu Fei-Hua , Liu Xiang , Shen Zhi-Jun , Zheng Hai-Lei
Published: March 2014

Acid rain (AR), a serious environmental issue, severely affects plant growth and development. As the gymnosperms of conifer woody plants, Pinus massoniana (AR-sensitive) and Taxus wallichiana var. mairei (AR-resistant) are widely distributed in southern China. Under AR stress, significant necrosis and collapsed lesions were found in P. massoniana needles with remarkable yellowing and wilting tips, whereas T. wallichiana var. mairei did not exhibit chlorosis and visible damage. Due to the activation of a large number of stress-related genes and the synthesis of various functional proteins to counteract AR stress, it is important to study the differences in AR-tolerance mechanisms by comparative proteomic analysis of tolerant and sensitive species. This study revealed a total of 65 and 26 differentially expressed proteins that were identified in P. massoniana and T. wallichiana var. mairei, respectively. Among them, proteins involved in metabolism, photosynthesis, signal transduction and transcription were drastically down-regulated in P. massoniana, whereas most of the proteins participating in metabolism, cell structure, photosynthesis and transcription were increased in T. wallichiana var. mairei. These results suggest the distinct patterns of protein expression in the two woody species in response to AR, allowing a deeper understanding of diversity on AR tolerance in forest tree species.
Early Analysis of Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared Sensor Imagery of Volcanic Activity
Authors: Blackett Matthew
Published: March 2014

The Landsat-8 satellite of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission was launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in April 2013. Just weeks after it entered active service, its sensors observed activity at Paluweh Volcano, Indonesia. Given that the image acquired was in the daytime, its shortwave infrared observations were contaminated with reflected solar radiation; however, those of the satellite’s Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) show thermal emission from the volcano’s summit and flanks. These emissions detected in sensor’s band 10 (10.60–11.19 µm) have here been quantified in terms of radiant power, to confirm reports of the actual volcanic processes operating at the time of image acquisition, and to form an initial assessment of the TIRS in its volcanic observation capabilities. Data from band 11 have been neglected as its data have been shown to be unreliable at the time of writing. At the instant of image acquisition, the thermal emission of the volcano was found to be 345 MW. This value is shown to be on the same order of magnitude as similarly timed NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer thermal observations. Given its unique characteristics, the TIRS shows much potential for providing useful, detailed and accurate volcanic observations in the future.
Quorum Sensing Activity of Serratia fonticola Strain RB-25 Isolated from an Ex-landfill Site
Authors: Ee Robson , Lim Yan-Lue , Tee Kok-Keng , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: March 2014

Quorum sensing is a unique bacterial communication system which permits bacteria to synchronize their behaviour in accordance with the population density. The operation of this communication network involves the use of diffusible autoinducer molecules, termed N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). Serratia spp. are well known for their use of quorum sensing to regulate the expression of various genes. In this study, we aimed to characterized the AHL production of a bacterium designated as strain RB-25 isolated from a former domestic waste landfill site. It was identified as Serratia fonticola using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis and this was confirmed by 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. High resolution triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of S. fonticola strain RB-25 spent culture supernatant indicated the existence of three AHLs namely: N-butyryl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-(3-oxohexanoyl) homoserine-lactone (3-oxo-C6 HSL). This is the first report of the production of these AHLs in S. fonticola.
Time-Frequency Methods for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Pyayt Alexander , Kozionov Alexey , Mokhov Ilya , Lang Bernhard , Meijer Robert , Krzhizhanovskaya Valeria , Sloot Peter
Published: March 2014

Detection of early warning signals for the imminent failure of large and complex engineered structures is a daunting challenge with many open research questions. In this paper we report on novel ways to perform Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of flood protection systems (levees, earthen dikes and concrete dams) using sensor data. We present a robust data-driven anomaly detection method that combines time-frequency feature extraction, using wavelet analysis and phase shift, with one-sided classification techniques to identify the onset of failure anomalies in real-time sensor measurements. The methodology has been successfully tested at three operational levees. We detected a dam leakage in the retaining dam (Germany) and “strange” behaviour of sensors installed in a Boston levee (UK) and a Rhine levee (Germany).