bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Endre László
Published: January 2014

Occupational rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nose, which is characterised by intermittent or persistent symptoms, arising from causes and conditions attributable to a particular work environment and not from stimuli encountered outside the workplace. Its clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhoea, itching, nasal airflow limitation are very similar to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by other (classical) agents. Occupational allergic conjunctivitis is an IgE mediated disease, provoked by a substance in the air of the workplace. Its clinical signs (itching, tearing, conjunctival hyperaemia and oedema and, in some cases when the cornea is also involved, blurred vision, photosensitivity) are similar to other forms of allergic conjunctivitis. Risk factors (which in most of the cases occur in both diseases) include history of atopy, high concentration of the irritant agent and multiple irritant agents in the air of the workplace. Atopy has been associated with an increased risk of specific sensitisation to a variety of high molecular weight agents. For the diagnosis of occupational rhinitis and occupational allergic conjunctivitis objective investigations such as allergen specific provocations are necessary in addition to clinical and occupational history. Management of these occupational diseases needs environmental interventions (increasing ventilation, decreasing the time of exposure, substitution of the irritant agent). Medical treatment of occupational rhinitis is very similar to other allergic diseases: oral antihistamines, local (nasal) corticosteroids, combined (antihistamine plus membrane stabilizer) eyedrops. The most important step in medical treatment of occupational allergic conjunctivitis is the daily application of combined eyedrops (for example: olopatadine). Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(5), 170–175.
Efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with warfarin regarding time within the therapeutic range
Authors: Havasi Kálmán
Published: January 2014

Prevention of thromboembolism by lifelong anticoagulation is an important therapeutic goal in patients with atrial fibrillation according to recent guidelines. Major drawback of vitamin K antagonists are their narrow therapeutic range and interactions with other drugs and food. These have significant impact on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics requiring regular measurements of the international normalized ratio. Efficiency of the anticoagulant therapy depends considerably on time within the therapeutic range of prothrombin international normalized ratio. Time within the therapeutic range represents the percentage of time within the required range of prothrombin international normalized ratio. Prothrombin international normalized ratio outside the therapeutic range increases the risk of thromboembolism or bleeding according to whether it falls below or above the range. New oral anticoagulants do not require routine monitoring of anticoagulation. Their efficacy and safety are shown to be at least as good as or better than those of warfarin. In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation ARISTOTLE study revealed that antithrombotic effect of apixaban compared with warfarin is better and with lower bleeding risk irrespective of the quality of prothrombin international normalized ratio control. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(5), 177–181.
Amphibian intersex in suburban landscapes
Authors: Smits Adrianne P. , Skelly David K. , Bolden Susan R.
Published: January 2014

Within the last decade, reproductive abnormalities have been discovered in wild amphibian populations of multiple species and in a variety of regions in North America. Predominantly, these field studies have focused on agricultural landscapes. In this study, we worked in suburban environments based on preliminary evidence showing that amphibian populations can display surprisingly high frequencies of reproductive deformities, including intersex traits. Here, we report results from 28 suburban ponds located near onsite septic systems as well as those located in sewered neighborhoods. Caffeine, an indicator of domestic wastewater contamination, was detected in more than 70% of all ponds; prevalence of contamination was indistinguishable for ponds in sewered neighborhoods and those served by onsite septic systems. Among green frogs (Rana (=Lithobates) clamitans) collected from the same ponds, intersex was detected in each population; on average, one male in five showed evidence of intersex. This frequency was insensitive to wastewater treatment mode. Given prior findings that intersex is absent or rare in less developed landscapes, our results suggest that domestic wastewater contamination in suburban contexts may be more widespread than is generally appreciated and should be investigated as a contributor to intersex in wild amphibians. This hypothesis is consistent with abundant prior research on wild riverine and estuarine fish populations associating reproductive deformities with wastewater exposure.
Comparative Lipid Profiles of Milk Bank Breast Milk and Infant Formulas
Authors: Oleynik Anya , Eliseeva Tatiana , Vanderhoek Jack Y.
Published: January 2014

Lipid profiles of seven human breast milk samples obtained from milk banks and four infant formulas were compared in view of the potential food hypersensitivities of certain infants to human milk.The cholesterol (0.15-0.26 mM) content of the human samples was about 50% lower than that found in the infant formulas whereas the triglyceride (TG, 173-386 mM) contents of these products were found to be comparable.The major saturated fatty acid (SFA) and mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were 16:0 and 18:1 respectively. The major poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was 18:2 with other PUFA members of the C18, C20 and C22 families identified and quantified. Although conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was not detected in any infant formulas tested, no other major differences in the fatty acid patterns were found. However, the mean (13.6) of the ratio of n-6 PUFAs/n-3 PUFAs in the human milk samples was about 50% higher than that observed in the infant formula samples.Although our results indicate that there are small yet significant differences in cholesterol and CLA content and the ratio of n-6 PUFAs/n-3PUFAs, the lipid composition of milk bank breast milk and infant formulas is quite comparable.
Effective rough boundary parametrization for reaction-diffusion systems
Authors: Mocenni C. , Sparacino E. , Zubelli J.P.
Published: January 2014

We address the problem of parametrizing the boundary data for reaction-
diffusion partial differential equations associated to distributed systems
that possess rough boundaries. The boundaries are modeled as fast oscillating
periodic structures and are endowed with Neumann or Dirichlet boundary
conditions. Using techniques from homogenization theory and multiple-scale
analysis we derive the effective equation and boundary conditions that are
satisfied by the homogenized solution. We present numerical simulations that
validate our theoretical results and compare it with the alternative approach
based on solving the same equation with a smoothed version of the boundary.
The numerical tests show the accuracy of the homogenized solution to the
effective system vis a vis the numerical solution of the original
differential equation. The homogenized solution is shown undergoing dynamical
regime shifts, such as anticipation of pattern formation, obtained by varying
the diffusion coefficient.
Network Effects in Countries' Adoption of IFRS
Authors: Ramanna Karthik , Sletten Ewa
Published: January 2014

If the differences in accounting standards across countries reflect relatively stable institutional differences, why did several countries rapidly adopt IFRS in the 2003–2008 period? We test the hypothesis that perceived network benefits from the extant worldwide adoption of IFRS can explain part of a country's shift away from local accounting standards. We find that perceived network benefits increase the degree of IFRS harmonization among countries and that smaller countries have a differentially higher response to these benefits. Further, economic ties with the European Union are a particularly important source of network effects. The results, robust to numerous alternative hypotheses and specifications, suggest IFRS adoption was self-reinforcing during the sample period, which, in turn, has implications for the consequences of IFRS adoption.

Data Availability: Most data are available from public sources identified in the text; hand-collected data are available upon request.
Radionuclide x-ray fluorescence analysis of selected elements in agrimony tea samples with preconcentration
Authors: V. Mikušová , O. Lukačovičová , E. Havránek
Published: January 2014

The contents of selected elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg and Pb) in samples of loose tea of agrimony “Repikovy čaj” (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) were studied in this work. Identification and determination of the selected elements content were performed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry - the nuclear analytical method based on the interaction between low-energy gamma and X radiation and analysed substance. Solid form samples were pressed in tablets and directly analysed. Prepared infusions were analysed after the preconcentration of the elements using precipitation with thioacetamide and ammonium diethyldithiocarbamate with subsequent filtration of created precipitates through a nitrocellulose filter. Detection limits obtained from both methods were compared and their suitability for elemental analysis of plant preparations was discussed.
Somatic, mood, and vasomotor symptoms at midlife in relation to family structure and household workloads in Sylhet, Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmeen Taniya , Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Begum Khurshida , Chowdhury Osul , Muttukrishna Shanthi , Bentley Gillian R.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to test whether the frequencies of vasomotor, somatic, and emotional symptoms at midlife were associated with household composition or workloads. Patrilocal family arrangements are common in Bangladesh and, since mothers-in-law hold a position of power vis-à-vis their daughters-in-law, we hypothesized that living with a mother-in-law would increase the likelihood of symptoms at midlife, while living with a daughter-in-law would decrease likelihood of symptoms. We also hypothesised that women with high levels of household workloads would be more likely to report symptoms associated with midlife.

Women aged 35–59 living in Sylhet, Bangladesh, (n=157) participated in interviews and anthropometric measures. Symptom frequencies during the past two weeks were collected. Household workloads were computed as minutes spent in housework, caring for dependents, and cooking. Daily values were multiplied by times per week the activity was carried out. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between family composition, workloads, and symptoms.

Dizzy spells, nervous tension, lack of energy, aches/stiffness in joints, and trouble sleeping were most frequent. Hot flashes were reported by 46% of participants. Women spent more hours caring for dependents than cooking or doing housework. The likelihood of hot flashes increased with time spent in housework and cooking, with daughters in the household, and with chewing betel nut. Daughters-in-law in the household decreased the likelihood of hot flashes. The likelihood of nervous tension increased with peri-menopausal status, stress, and sons in the household, and decreased with more hours spent caring for dependents.

The frequency of somatic symptoms and depressed mood exceeded the frequency of hot flashes. Household composition and workloads were more important than menopausal status in explaining variation in symptom frequencies. After controlling for other variables, the presence of mothers-in-law did not increase the likelihood of reporting symptoms at midlife; however, the presence of a daughter-in-law reduced the likelihood of hot flashes, perhaps because of fewer hours spent on housework and cooking.
The effect of the R&D fi nancing reform on production of results in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vaněček Jiří
Published: January 2014

The Czech R&D underwent 2 major changes in the past 10 years. Evaluation of R&D institutions according to their results has been started in 2004 and the reform of the institutional financing has been announced in 2008. Starting from 2009, the institutional support has been distributed according to the evaluation. Our study analyses the impact of these changes on production of R&D results.

Throughout the whole analyzed period 1996-2011, the numbers of publications in journal indexed in Scopus and of EPO patent applications grew faster in the Czech Republic than in 8 other European countries. The fastest growth occurred in the period 2004-2007 after the start of evaluation, but it slowed down after the announcement of the financing reform in 2008. It indicates that financing reform did not have the expected positive impact on result production. The increase of result number was probably due to the fast growth of the R&D financing. It is possible, however, that acceleration of the growth of R&D results could have been partly due to the evaluation of the institutions. Another problem is quality of the results. Citation impact of the Czech publications is the lowest of all analyzed countries. Numbers of the newly concluded patent license contracts and the receipts from them do not increase and are the lowest of all analyzed countries. It is therefore clear that currently used instruments do not fulfill their role and new stimuli supporting the growth of the quality are needed.
Forecast changes for heat and cold stress in Warsaw in the 21st century, and their possible influence on mortality risk
Authors: Błażejczyk Krzysztof , Idzikowska Danuta , Błażejczyk Anna
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the results of research dealing with forecast changes in the frequency of occurrence of heat and cold stress in Warsaw (Poland) in the years 2001-2100, and the possible influence these may exert on mortality risk. Heat and cold stress were assessed by reference to the U niversal T hermal C limate I ndex (UTC I), for which values were calculated using meteorological data derived from the MPI-M-RE MO regional climate model, at a with spatial resolution of 25 × 25 km. The simulations used boundary conditions from the EC HAMP5 Global Climate Model, for SRES scenario A1B. Predictions of mortality rate were in turn based on experimental epidemiological data from the period 1993-2002. Medical data consist of daily numbers of deaths within the age category above 64 years (TM64+). It proved possible to observe a statistically significant relationship between UTC I and mortality rates, this serving as a basis for predicting possible changes in mortality in the 21st century due to changing conditions as regards heat and cold stress.
Demographic processes: past, present and future − selected issues
Authors: Frątczak Ewa Zofia
Published: January 2014

This papers refers to demographic processes in the period from the 19th century through to the present and tries to define what they will look like in the future. Demographic trends i.a. relating to fertility, mortality, migrations, the process of family-union-household formation and dissolution, and the process of population ageing, are described by the concepts of demographic transformations: first, second and third. The transformation of demographic trends has coexisted and will coexist with globalization processes, though the scope of the mutual influence changes over time. Despite the fact that it takes place in various geographical regions, the transformation of demographic trends is characterised by high cultural diversity and socio-economic development.
Two new species of the genus Suillia ROBINEAU-DESVOIDY, 1830 from southern Asia (Diptera: Heleomyzidae: Suilliinae)
Authors: Woźnica Andrzej J.
Published: January 2014

Two new species, Suillia niesiolowskii from India and Suillia incognita from China are described and illustrated.
The effect of PCB126, 77, and 153 on the intracellular mobilization of Ca+2 in bovine granulosa and luteal cells after FSH and LH surge in vitro
Authors: Mlynarczuk J. , Kowalik M.
Published: January 2014

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of persistent environmental pollutants that impair cattle reproduction. Among other effects, PCBs can disturb the intracellular mobilization of Ca+2 in several cell types. Hence, it is possible that they disrupt the transduction of intracellular signals generated from gonadotropin (FSH/LH) receptors. In steroidogenic ovarian cells, a defect in Ca+2 mobilization may have a detrimental influence on two important processes: the secretion of steroids (E2 or/and P4) and their morphological and functional differentiation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of PCBs: 126 (dioxin-like) 77 (ambivalent) and 153 (estrogen-like) and a mixture of PCBs (Aroclor 1248) on these processes. Bovine granulosa and luteal cells were incubated for 72 hrs with PCBs (100 ng/ml), followed by Fura 2AM dye, and the fluctuations in intracellular Ca+2 mobilization after FSH/LH treatment were determined using an inverted microscope coupled with a CCD camera. The intensity and area of fluorescence excited by UV light were detected in the green spectrum of visible light. Aroclor 1248 and PCBs 153 and 77 significantly decreased (P < 0.01-0.001) the effect of FSH on intracellular Ca+2 mobilization in granulosa cells. In luteal cells, the most effective PCB on this process was PCB 77. The results revealed adverse effects of PCBs on the mobilization of intracellular Ca+2. Moreover, the estrogen- like congeners were found to more effectively disturb this process than the dioxin-like PCB 126. Hence, it is possible for PCBs to have a negative influence on reproductive processes by affecting calcium mobilization.
Treatment of cyathostominosis with ivermectin and its influence on selected blood biochemical parameters
Authors: Raś-Noryńska M. , Sokół R.
Published: January 2014

Infections caused by nematodes of the subfamily Cyathostominae affect nearly 100% of pastured horses. Despite of an absence of pronounced symptoms, cyathostominosis can have very serious health consequences. The aim of this study was to monitor changes in total protein levels and concentrations of selected microelements and macroelements in the blood of horses before and after ivermectin treatment. In healthy horses infected by the studied parasites, total blood protein levels were below the physiological norm, but iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations were within normal limits. Ivermectin treatment reduced the number of excreted parasite eggs (FEC) by 100%, and dead parasites were observed in feces. Decreased iron (Fe) concentrations and an insignificant increase in total blood protein levels were reported. A progressive decline in iron levels was observed when parasite eggs reappeared in feces 60 days after treatment. Iron loss takes place as a result of bleeding from the large intestine when adult nematodes affected by the drug are removed from intestine and fourth-stage larvae leave parasitic nodules in the intestinal wall. A drop in iron levels could be an indirect indicator of the severity of cyathostominosis.
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) as an aetiological factor of mastitis in cows
Authors: Bochniarz M. , Wawron W. , Szczubiał M.
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the proportions of individual coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species in clinical and subclinical mastitis. The material consisted of 100 CNS isolates obtained from 223 milk samples collected from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis. Coagulase- negative staphylococci constituted 44.8% of all isolated microorganisms. CNS were isolated from the mammary gland secretions of 86 cows from farms in the Lublin region (Poland). Clinical mastitis was found in 20 whereas subclinical mastitis in 66 study cows (23.3% and 76.7%, respectively). The symptoms of clinical mastitis were mild. The clinical forms of mastitis concerned mainly the first or second lactation.Subclinical mastitis was most commonly observed during the second lactation. Four CNS species (S. xylosus, S. chromogenes, S. haemolyticus and S. sciuri ) were isolated from clinical and subclinical mastitis. S. xylosus was the commonest CNS species isolated from cows with clinical mastitis whereas S. chromogenes was the most prevalent one in subclinical mastitis cases. The three CNS species (S. warneri, S. hominis and S. saprophyticus) caused only subclinical mastitis.
First report on equine herpesvirus type 4 isolation in Poland – evaluation of diagnostic tools
Authors: Ploszay G. , Rola J. , Larska M. , Zmudzinski J.F.
Published: January 2014

Upper respiratory tract infections are still a serious problem in breeding and racing horses. The most common virological factors are EHV1 and EHV4, which are both a major cause of secondary infections. High EHV4 seroprevalence in Polish horses indicates a high transmission rate of this pathogen among horses and increases the need for proper diagnostics. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable laboratory diagnostic scheme for upper respiratory tract infections and to describe the first isolation of EHV4 in Poland. Twenty one nasal swabs collected from young horses under the age of 2 years showing clinical signs of equine rhinopneumonitis were tested with duplex PCR for simultaneous detection and differentiation between EHV1/EHV4. Positive samples were then subjected to virus isolation in Vero cells. Additionally, real-time PCR was developed which allowed viral copy numbers to be quantified and enabled defining that a DNA load below 103 copies per 1 ml of the sample reflected latent infection or decline of the disease. However, the sensitivity of traditional PCR proved to be sufficient in the diagnostic of the lytic infections and allowed identification of 10 EHV4 infected horses from which 3 strains were successfully isolated in cell culture. Another four EHV4 positive results were obtained by real-time PCR; but, a high Ct (threshold cycle) and a low virus DNA copy number suggested a latent infection. This report describes the first successful isolation of EHV4 from Polish horses.
Characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter isolated from pig and cattle carcasses in Poland
Authors: Wieczorek K. , Osek J.
Published: January 2014

A total of 70 Campylobacter isolates recovered from 114 cattle and 177 pig carcasses at the slaughterhouse level were characterized by the presence of 7 putative virulence genes and antimicrobial susceptibility using the microbroth dilution method and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The prevalence of Campylobacter was 14.9% and 29.9% in cattle and pig samples, respectively. The majority of cattle carcasses were contaminated with C. jejuni (64.7%), whereas pig carcasses were mainly positive for C. coli (77.4%). Most of the strain, irrespective of origin, possessed at least one pathogenic gene marker tested, mainly flaA and cadF genes responsible for motility and adherence to host epithelial cells, respectively. Several isolates also possessed the cdtA and cdtB genes responsible for the production of cytolethal distending toxin. Antibiotic profiling showed that campylobacters were most frequently resistant to quinolones (nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, total 57.1% of isolates) followed by streptomycin (52.9%, only C. coli strains) and tetracycline (51.4%). Resistance to erythromycin was demonstrated only in 4 C. coli strains of pig origin. None of the isolates, irrespective of origin, was resistant to gentamycin. Multi-resistance patterns, defined as resistance to antimicrobials of at least two different classes, were observed among 65.4% of the isolates, mainly C. coli recovered from pig carcasses.
An electrophoretic characterization of iron-transporting proteins in Mannheimia haemolytica A1
Authors: Puchalski A. , Urban-Chmiel R. , Dec M. , Wernicki A.
Published: January 2014

Iron-regulated outer membrane proteins (IROMPs) in Mannheimia haemolytica A1, which function as a receptor for complexes containing iron ions, are induced by iron deficiency in the growth environment of the bacteria. Densitometric analysis of SDS-PAGE separation showed expression of IROMPs of 71, 77, and 100 kDa in the case of bacteria grown in a medium with 2,2-dipyridyl. The electrophoregrams obtained in 2-DE separations confirmed the presence of protein fractions with these molecular weights and isoelectric points ranging from 5.4 to 6.4. The results of the study also confirmed the ability of M. haemolytica A1 proteins involved in iron uptake to induce a protective immune response. In Western blot with serum from convalescent calves naturally infected with M. haemolytica A1, distinct reactions were obtained for IROMPs of 71, 77, and 100 kDa.
The effect of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) on the proliferative response of blood lymphocytes and the phagocytic activity of blood monocytes and granulocytes in calves
Authors: Wójcik R. , Małaczewska J. , Siwicki A.K. , Miciński J. , Zwierzchowski G.
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HMB on selected indicators of immunity in calves. The experiment was performed on 14 calves aged 30±2 days, divided into two equal groups of control (group I) and experimental (group II) animals. The feed administered to experimental group calves was supplemented with HMB at 40 mg/kg BW, whereas control calves were administered standard farm-made feed without supplementation. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein immediately before the experiment (day 0) and on experimental days 15, 30 and 60 to determine the following parameters of immunity: proliferative response of LPS- and ConA-stimulated lymphocytes (MTT), respiratory burst activity (RBA) and potential killing activity (PKA) of phagocytes. The results revealed a significant increase in RBA and MTT values in calves administered HMB in comparison with the control group throughout the experiment. In the group of animals receiving HMB, an increase in PKA values was noted only on day 30.
Banking Governance and Risk: The Case of Tunisian Conventional Banks
Authors: Rachdi Houssem , Trabelsi Mohamed Ali , Trad Naama
Published: January 2014

Banks are in the business of taking risks. The 3 pillars of Basel II capital accord highlight the crucial role of informative risk disclosures in enhancing market discipline. The specific role and responsibilities of the board of directors or supervisory boards in banking institutions continue, however, to fuel debate. Findings of the literature are often inconclusive. The main contribution of this study is examining how board characteristics affect risk in banking industry. We explore this relationship by using many econometric approaches. The empirical analysis based on a sample of 11 Tunisian conventional banks over the period 2001-2011 reports the following results when using GLS RE: small and dual functions boards are associated with more insolvency risk but have no significant effect on credit and global risks. The presence of independent directors within the board generates an increase in global risk but has no significant effect on insolvency and credit risks. A lower CEO ownership has no significant effect with all measures of risks. Finally, banking capitalization is associated with more insolvency risk, and small size banks assume lower credit risk. These findings are performed by using a GMM in system approach
FACTUAL APPROACH IN DECISION MAKING – THE PREREQUISITE OF SUCCESS IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Authors: Kučerová Marta , Škůrková Lestyánszka Katarína
Published: January 2014

In quality management system as well as in other managerial systems, effective decisions must be always based on the data and information analysis, i.e. based on facts, in accordance with the factual approach principle in quality management. It is therefore necessary to measure and collect the data and information about processes. The article presents the results of a conducted survey, which was focused on application of factual approach in decision making. It also offers suggestions for improvements of application of the principle in business practice. This article was prepared using the research results of VEGA project No. 1/0229/08 “Perspectives of the quality management development in relation to the requirements of market in the Slovak Republic”.
BEGA – ANDROID-BASED BEERGAME SIMULATION SOFTWARE FOR INTERACTIVE TRAINING AND INNOVATION
Authors: Lestyánszka Škůrková Katarína , Szander Norina
Published: January 2014

The supply chain management challenges and inventory holding problems can easily be demonstrated by the widely known BeerGame simulation. In the Szabó-Szoba R&D Laboratory, we developed an android-based software application for tablets and smart phones for the purpose of having an adaptable, entertaining and effective program which can provide a real life experience to the participants about the nature of the bullwhip effect. Having an appropriate and comprehensive performance measurement system with the critical parameters and KPIs is inevitable for finding the right solutions - We used four perspectives of the Balanced Scorecard method. The innovative force of our research is based on the trainings: the discussion on outcomes and the team learning. The purpose of the current development is to build a new feature in the software: an artificial client can substitute one or more players in the supply chain, which makes decisions by using genetic algorithms.
Calreticulin affects cell adhesiveness through differential phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1
Authors: Czarnowski Arthur , Papp Sylvia , Szaraz Peter , Opas Michal
Published: January 2014

Cellular adhesion to the underlying substratum is regulated through numerous signaling pathways. It has been suggested that insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) is involved in some of these pathways, via association with and activation of transmembrane integrins. Calreticulin, as an important endoplasmic reticulum-resident, calcium-binding protein with a chaperone function, plays an obvious role in proteomic expression. Our previous work showed that calreticulin mediates cell adhesion not only by affecting protein expression but also by affecting the state of regulatory protein phosphorylation, such as that of c-src. Here, we demonstrate that calreticulin affects the abundance of IRS-1 such that the absence of calreticulin is paralleled by a decrease in IRS-1 levels and the unregulated overexpression of calreticulin is accompanied by an increase in IRS-1 levels. These changes in the abundance of calreticulin and IRS-1 are accompanied by changes in cell-substratum adhesiveness and phosphorylation, such that increases in the expression of calreticulin and IRS-1 are paralleled by an increase in focal contact-based cellsubstratum adhesiveness, and a decrease in the expression of these proteins brings about a decrease in cell-substratum adhesiveness. Wild type and calreticulin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were cultured and the IRS-1 isoform profile was assessed. Differences in morphology and motility were also quantified. While no substantial differences in the speed of locomotion were found, the directionality of cell movement was greatly promoted by the presence of calreticulin. Calreticulin expression was also found to have a dramatic effect on the phosphorylation state of serine 636 of IRS-1, such that phosphorylation of IRS-1 on serine 636 increased radically in the absence of calreticulin. Most importantly, treatment of cells with the RhoA/ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, which among its many effects also inhibited serine 636 phosphorylation of IRS-1, had profound effects on cell-substratum adhesion, in that it suppressed focal contacts, induced extensive close contacts, and increased the strength of adhesion. The latter effect, while counterintuitive, can be explained by the close contacts comprising labile bonds but in large numbers. In addition, the lability of bonds in close contacts would permit fast locomotion. An interesting and novel finding is that Y-27632 treatment of MEFs releases them from contact inhibition of locomotion, as evidenced by the invasion of a cell’s underside by the thin lamellae and filopodia of a cell in close apposition.
New Axymyiidae (Insecta: Diptera) from the Mesozoic of East Siberia
Authors: Blagoderov Vladimir A. , Lukashevich Elena D.
Published: January 2014

The new species of Axymyiidae Juraxymyia krzeminskii sp. n. and Sinaxymyia szadziewskii sp. n. from the Lower Cretaceous beds of Transbaikalia and Juraxymyia evae sp. n. from the Lower Cretaceous beds (Upper Jurassic not excluded) of Yakutia are described.
The oldest fossil biting midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Purbeck Limestone Group (Lower Cretaceous) of southern Great Britain
Authors: Borkent Art , Coram Robert A. , Jarzembowski Edmund A.
Published: January 2014

The oldest fossil Ceratopogonidae, Archiaustroconops besti sp. n., dated at 142 million years old, is described from the Purbeck Limestone Group of Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom. Represented by a single wing, it belongs to a lineage within the family, indicating that the fossil subfamily Lebanoculicoidinae, the earliest lineage, may be expected in even earlier deposits. The wing, like those of all early fossil Ceratopogonidae is small, less than 1 mm in length.
Description of a new species Eopseudopomyza szadziewskii sp. n. and redescription of E. kuehnei HENNIG, 1971 from Eocene Baltic amber (Diptera: Pseudopomyzidae)
Authors: Hoffeins Christel , Woźnica Andrzej J.
Published: January 2014

Eopseudopomyza szadziewskii sp. n. is described from Baltic amber. A series of Eopseudopomyza kuehnei is examined and the male is described for the first time. A key to the fossil species is presented. The taxonomic position and relationship of the genus Eopseudopomyza HENNIG, 1971 within the Pseudopomyzidae is discussed.
Morphology of the first instar larvae of two species of Taxigramma PERRIS, 1852 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae: Miltogramminae)
Authors: Szpila Krzysztof , Pape Thomas
Published: January 2014

The first instar larva is described for two species of the kleptoparasitic miltogrammine genus Taxigramma PERRIS: T. albina (ROHDENDORF) and T. karakulensis (ENDERLEIN). Using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, modifications of thoracic and abdominal segments, anal region, spiracular field, posterior spiracles and details of the cephaloskeleton. The first instar larvae of T. albina and T. karakulensis exhibit substantial modification of their morphology by presence of large antennal dome, partial reduction of the antennal basal ring, lack of oral ridges, lack of dorsal bridge, strong modification of spinulation and lack of hair-like spines around the spiracular field. These character states may be treated as apomorphies in comparison with the plesiomorphic ground plan defined for larvae of saprophagous calyptrate flies.
Institute of clean technologies for mining and utilization of raw materials for energy use – a new potential of research in Ostrava
Authors: Dombek Václav
Published: January 2014

A year ago, in Ostrava, one of the major RDI (Research and Development for Innovation) projects was initiated in the Moravian-Silesian Region, called the Institute of Clean Technologies for Mining and Utilization of Raw Materials for Energy Use. During the first year, many of the top and often unique research laboratories and workplaces were built with a budget of over CZK200m, such as “Workplace of Electron Microprobe”, „Workplace of Tomographic Methods“, “Workplace of Hydrochemistry and Hydrobiology”, “Workplace of Thermal, Hydraulic and Mechanical (THM) Processes in Rocks”, “Workplace of Water Jet”, “Isotope and GCTOF Laboratory” and many others. This laid the basis for various research programmes with truly extraordinary extent and impact not only on the Czech industry but also economy of other EU member states.
Application of discriminate analysis to prediction of company future economic development
Authors: Sousedíková Radmila , Dvořáček Jaroslav , Savič Igor
Published: January 2014

The paper takes into account applications of discriminate analysis as regards prediction of future economic development of companies. An assumption of multivariate normality of discriminators has been tested and outliers identified. An outlier reduction of original data files brings data distribution closer to multivariate normality, and substantially improves discriminate function classification abilities
POLESKIE ITINERARIUM JÓZEFA IGNACEGO KRASZEWSKIEGO / JÓZEF IGNACY KRASZEWSKI’S ITINERARY IN POLESIE
Authors: Chomiuk Aleksandra
Published: January 2014

This is an analysis of the representation of the region of Polesie in Jozef Ignacy Kraszewski’s Reminiscences of Volhynia, Polesie and Lithuania. The analysis embraces both the topographical and ethnographic content of this 19th-century survey as well as the functioning of its narrator in his double role of a reliable observer and a creator of a certain vision of the represented world.
PÓŹNY ANTYK – DWIE SYNTEZY LITERACKIE (AECJUSZ, OSTATNI RZYMIANIN TEODORA PARNICKIEGO I PRZEMIJA POSTAĆ ŚWIATA HANNY MALEWSKIEJ) / THE WANING OF CLASSICAL WORLD IN TWO EPIC NOVELS: TEODOR PARNICKI’S ÆTIUS, THE LAST OF THE ROMANS AND HANNA MALEWSKA’S THE FASHION OF THIS WORLD PASSETH AWAY
Authors: Hajduk Jacek
Published: January 2014

This is a comparative study of two 20th-century historical novels set in the late antiquity, Teodor Parnicki’s Ætius, the Last of the Romans and Hanna Malewska’s The Fashion of This World Passeth Away. Drawing their inspiration from St Augustine’s De civitate dei, their authors found their fictions on a clear and coherent historiosophicsystem. Such an approach to the past seems to be characteristic feature of the modernist historical novel.
Village et urbanisation. Problèmes sociologiques
Authors: Rambaud Placide
Published: January 2014

Village and Urbanization: Sociological Problems.

After discussing the different connotations of the term "urbanization" (e.g. population size and density, diffusion of attitudes and behavior, differentiation of social groups, etc.), the author defines it as a process of differentiation within a society. Three kinds of prescientific ideologies of urbanization may influence town-village relations, and because they may deform any analysis of the situation, they must be understood. Urbanization is considered in terms of space and includes all the complementary or conflictual relations existing between two socially differentiated groups of two spatial units, the town and the village. Urbanization can be economic (affecting production, exchange and consumption), cultural (such as the school system, the "folklorization" of local cultures) or political (the remodeling of territorial units: the commune, the department, the region). The creation and modeling of a space where a group can express itself is called urbanism; at the village level, the form it previously took is being changed or copied and deprived of its functions by urbanization. Finally, the author presents a typology of urbanization processes and characterizes urbanization not only by diversification, domination and organic and functional solidarity but also by development. Village urbanization is only part of town development, the constant reorganization of social spaces in all their dimensions.
Une nouvelle classification des exploitations agricoles françaises
Authors: Lenco Michel
Published: January 2014

A New Classification for French Farms.

After acknowledging the increasing need for a classification of different farm types according to systems of production and taking into consideration technological and socio-economic structures, the author mentions the criteria and methods used in previous classificatory experiences and comments on their short-comings. He then discusses the kind of data necessary for a more objective and more scientific classification and explains the techniques used to analyze statistical information obtained on a sample of 6 000 farms. One of the tables accompanying this article gives the results of this classification, based on types of labor (part-time, full-time; family, hired) and principal forms of animal and/or plant production (cereals, green vegetables, dairy cattle, fowl, etc.). Several maps indicate the geographical distribution of another sample of 20 000 farms classified according to the 15 systems of production distinguished by the author.
L'endettement du paysan et le crédit rural en Thailande
Authors: Lelart Michel
Published: January 2014

Peasant Indebtedness and Rural Credit in Thailand.

In all the developing countries where most of the population is rural, the peasants are much indebted and their indebtedness is growing. It is often difficult to know and explain this situation. The author has used an exceptional documentation in order to study this problem in Thailand. He has calculated the peasant indebtedness by the number of the families in debt and the average debt of each one. This situation is explained by the difference between the resources and the needs of the peasants, but the less poor families borrow as much as the most unprovided. The peasants have not many possibilities to borrow: co-operatives are still embryonary; banks prefer the most efficient sectors; Government has not really faced this problem. Usury may be growing and ruin the weak stability of the thai agriculture, slowly but surely.
Pouvoir et patrimoine au travers des appareils d'encadrement de deux départements : le Calvados et la Corrèze
Authors: Alphandéry Pierre , Bitoun Pierre
Published: January 2014

Power and Patrimony: Social Control Devices in two Départements, the Calvados and the Corrèze.

The 5th Republic is reinforcing its means of organizing and containing agricultural producers. These social devices take specific forms in the different French provinces. The main resources in the Département of the Calvados, in Normandy, are breeding and cereal growing; tenant farming largely predominates. Here the social devices used by landowners have remained unified. Initially devised by the cereal producers, they have also, since 1960, intensified the production of milk and meat. Hence the changes that are affecting the system of production in these areas. In the Département of the Corrèze, in Central France, the social structures set up to organize and contain the peasantry have steadily intensified the political and agricultural trade-union bipolarity within this area of mixed farming and breeding. These structures are ill-adapted to an area which has not kept up with the various changes in French agriculture, and diversified strategies must therefore be adopted. that are affecting the system of production in these areas. In the Département of the Corrèze, in Central France, the social structures set up to organize and contain the peasantry have steadily intensified the political and agricultural trade-union bipolarity within this area of mixed farming and breeding. These structures are ill-adapted to an area which has not kept up with the various changes in French agriculture, and diversified strategies must therefore be adopted.
Riziculteurs à temps partiel. Deux problèmes de l'agriculture japonaise
Authors: Berque Augustin
Published: January 2014

Part-Time Rice-Farmers. On Two Issues for the Japanese Agriculture.

Agriculture in Japan has been characterized in recent years by a sharp decline of winter crops (such as wheat) and overproduction of rice on the one hand, and a high rise of part-time farming on the other hand. Overproduction of rice is the effect of a public system in which rice is paid at a higher price to the producer than it is by the consumer. The extraordinary diffusion of part-time farming is explained by some political, economical and cultural peculiarities of the Japanese society. All of these factors are intertwined and account for the failure of past agricultural policies. The new policy is a global one, which attempts at the same time to reorganize production (promotion of winter crops), management (collective use of large machinery) and consumption (promotion of rice food).
Un exemple d'intervention de l'État : le financement public de l'agriculture
Authors: Cloarec Jacques
Published: January 2014

Public Financing in Agriculture as an Example of State Intervention.

The analysis, over a twelve-year period (1962-1974), of the main kinds of public financing in the French agriculture, leads to the reconstitution of an agricultural policy. Does this policy correspond to the one proposed by the official rules and statements since the adoption of the Bill of orientation, in 1960?

As a matter of fact, it occurs that the agricultural policy revealed by the analysis had the purpose, if not the effect, to go along with a selective process of concentration in agriculture. The Unions, implied in the management of credits, subventions and indemnities by concertation, are bound to deal with a contradiction: they have to take upon themselves the defense of all farmers while they take part in the application of measures which result in the elimination of a number of them.
Intégration de l'agriculture et décomposition de la société dans une région reculée : le cas de la Piège (Aude)
Authors: Kayser Bernard , Cohou Michel
Published: January 2014

Cet article, résultat des observations réalisées sur le terrain par une équipe de la RCP 257 du CNRS, analyse l'évolution économique et sociale de huit communes de la Piège, petite région de collines à 70 km au sud-est de Toulouse. En quinze ans, la restructuration agraire s'y est achevée. Les paysans pauvres traditionnels ont disparu et une nouvelle paysannerie moyenne, résolument moderniste, différenciée d'ailleurs en son sein, cœxiste avec les propriétaires de quelques grands domaines. La vie active se concentre donc dans les fermes dispersées, tandis qu'elle agonise dans les villages dévorés par l'exode. La gestion collective de l'espace a disparu, faisant place à la confrontation individuelle de l'exploitant avec l'écosystème à son échelle, une confrontation qui se traduit par une « artificialisation » sans cesse accrue du système de production, avec sa cascade de coûts et de risques.
Les landes de Lanvaux aujourd'hui. Un révélateur des transformations de l'imaginaire paysan
Authors: Eizner Nicole
Published: January 2014

Les landes de Lanvaux, traditionnellement liées à la vie des paysans, ne le sont plus car remembrement, mécanisation, bref agriculture moderne, ont marginalisé ces terres. De ce fait, la perception, la représentation de la lande se trouve transformée. Son rôle dans l'imaginaire et son rôle symbolique changent eux aussi. Contes et légendes sont oubliés. Par contre naît une passion locale pour l'archéologie (les landes contiennent des vestiges mégalithiques, gaulois, romains), comme si l'agriculteur contemporain, à l'instar de son cousin urbain, avait besoin de récupérer des racines, un passé, de compenser la « politique de table rase » liée au mode de développement de l'économie.