bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal concentrations in the sediment profiles of the anthropogenically transformed plociduga reservoir
Authors: Skwierawski Andrzej , Sidoruk Marcin
Published: May 2014

The aim of the present study was to determine the level of contamination of the bottom deposits in the former lake Plociduga in Olsztyn by selected heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd). Today Plociduga is a transformed wetland ecosystem, surrounded by urbanized areas (residential housing, industrial development). The main point sources of pollution are the outlets of two storm water drains. The study was conducted in 2009. Samples of bottom deposit cores were collected in two separate parts (northern and southern) of the former lake. The study revealed very high concentrations of lead, zinc and chromium in the uppermost layer of the sediments in the part of the ecosystem fed by rainwater. The concentrations of the analyzed elements were substantially lower in deeper sediment layers and in the samples collected in the southern part of the ecosystem, not exposed to the direct pollutant inflow. The accumulation of heavy metals in the surface layers of bottom deposits is indicative of the poor ecological condition of the investigated ecosystem and increased human pressure resulting from progressive urbanization.
The evaluation of the influence on the environment as an instrument of sustainable development management
Authors: Nowak Maciej J.
Published: May 2014

The procedure of assessing the project’s influence on the environment during which, inter alia, the compliance of the implemented project (eg concerning technical infrastructure, linear investments, or processes that affect the forms of nature) with the requirements of the environmental protection is verified, constitutes an environmental management instrument. Especially the environmental authorities leading or consulting this procedure may apply different limits and concepts of the action. At the same time they are limited by legal determinants. The aim of this article is to identify the most significant organizational problems that have arisen during the application of this procedure at the level of regional directors of environmental protection throughout the country. As a part of the study to fulfill the aim of the research, an analysis of all cases conducted by them was carried out. This led to a dispute and a consequence in the form of an appeal against the issued decision on the environmental conditions and the outcome of the appeal by the Director General of Environmental Protection. This article has verified the substantive scope of the issues, the ways to resolve conflicts and their impact on the regional and national development. Based upon these results, the proposals for changes of the environmental management system have been formulated.
On-demand Bandwidth and Stability Based Unicast Routing in Mobile Adhoc Networks
Authors: Basarkod P. I. , Manvi S. S.
Published: May 2014

Characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) such as lack of central coordination, dynamic topology and limited resources pose a challenging problem in quality of service (QoS) routing. Providing an efficient, robust and low overhead QoS unicast route from source to destination is a critical issue. Bandwidth and route stability are the major important QoS parameters for applications where long duration connections are required with stringent bandwidth requirements for multimedia applications. This paper proposes an On-demand Bandwidth and Stability based Unicast Routing scheme (OBSUR) in MANET by adding additional QoS features to existing Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) protocol. The objective of the OBSUR is to provide QoS satisfied, reliable and robust route for communicating nodes. The scheme works in following steps. (1) Each node in the network periodically (small regular intervals) estimates bandwidth availability, node and link stability, buffer availability, and stability factor between nodes. (2) Construction of neighbor stability and QoS database at every node which is used in route establishment process. (3) The unicast path is constructed by using route request and route reply packets with the help of route information cache, and (4) route maintenance in case of node mobility and route failures. Simulation results show that there is an improvement in terms of traffic admission ratio, control overhead, packet delivery ratio, end to end delay and throughput as compared to Route Stability Based QoS Routing (RSQR) in MANETs.
Transformation of methane in peatland environments
Authors: Stępniewska Zofia , Goraj Weronika
Published: May 2014

Wetlands and particularly peatlands are the main natural source of methane. Data indicate that 10-45% of methane emission comes from these sources. Methane emission from wetlands is the result of the balance between methanogenesis and methanotrophic processes and is actively affected by the wetland plant community composition. There are many factors affecting the balance of CH4: for instance, vegetation has a strong effect on CH4 emissions from wetland ecosystems by influencing methane production, consumption and transport in the soil. The effects of plants on methane fluxes may be mediated by: molecular diffusion, internal transport through plant aerenchyma tissues and ebullition. Methane is formed in the process of methanogenesis under anaerobic conditions. It may then be emitted into the atmosphere directly from the soil or by internal transport through the plant. Alternatively, it may undergo methane oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria, both free-living in the root zone and associated with the host plant in symbiosis. Sphagnum moss is of particular importance for this processes as it contains methanotrophic bacteria in its endophytic system. Methanotrophic bacteria live inside the dead hyaline cells or on the surface of Sphagnum leaves and are able to oxidise methane produced in the soil during methanogenesis, making peatlands a natural biofilter for methane, one of the main greenhouse gases
Chemical constituents of ethanol extract of leaves and molluscicidal activity of crude extracts from vitex trifolia linn.
Authors: Jangwan Jeet S. , Aquino Rita P. , Mencherini Teresa , Picerno Patrizia , Singh Raghubir
Published: May 2014

β-sitosterol and two triterpenoids: ursolic acid acetate and platanic acid have been isolated from ethanolic extract of Vitex trifola leaves. β-sitosterol was previously isolated from the leaves, stem and seeds of Vitex trifolia. Ursolic acid acetate has been isolated for the first time in this plant species. Platanic acid has been reported for the first time in Vitex trifolia and even in the family of this plant: Verbenaceae. These compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods including 1D-1HNMR, 13CNMR, ESIMS and 2D-NMR (HSQC, HMBC, COSY) experiments and confirmed by comparison of their NMR data with those from the literature. A preliminary molluscicidal test for ethanol, chloroform and n-hexane extracts of leaves of Vitex trifolia against Biomphalaria alexandrina adult snails showed that ethanol extract of leaves with LC50 value 26.42 mg/l (27.92 mg/l - 24.99 mg/l) was more effective than n-hexane extract with LC50 value 35.48 mg/l (43.81 mg/l - 28.72mg/l) and chloroform extract with LC50 value 46.77 mg/l (53.59 mg/l - 43.81 mg/l) after 24 h exposure.
Effects of Body Mass Index and Full Body Kinematics on Tennis Serve Speed
Authors: Wong Francis Kh , Keung Jackie Hk , Lau Newman Ml , Ng Douglas Ks , Chung Joanne Wy , Chow Daniel Hk
Published: May 2014

Effective training to improve serve speed is important for competitive tennis players. The purposes of this study were to investigate the effects of anthropometric factors and whole body kinematics of elite players on ball speed and to propose possible training strategies for improving the quality of tennis serves. Body and racket kinematics of tennis serves of 12 male elite Hong Kong players were investigated. The tennis serve was divided into four phases: I) Back-Swing Phase, II) Lead-Leg-Drive Phase, III) Forward-Swing Phase, and IV) Follow-Through Phase. It was shown that racket-side knee range of motion during phases II and III (r=0.705; p<0.05), racket-side knee peak extension velocity during phase II (r=0.751; p<0.01), racket-side hip peak extension velocity during phase II (r=0.657; p<0.05), racket-side shoulder range of motion in the coronal plane during phase III (r=0.616; p<0.05), racket-side elbow peak extension velocity during phase III (r=0.708; p<0.01) and body mass index (r=0.577; p<0.05) were significantly correlated with ball speed. Body mass index and the identified kinematic parameters that were significantly correlated with ball speed could be used as training guidelines for coaches and players to improve serve speed. Players should pay particular attention in training to increasing the extension velocity and range of motion of the identified joints.
Effect of Fatigue Upon Performance and Electromyographic Activity in 6-RM Bench Press
Authors: Tillaar Roland van den , Saeterbakken Atle
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue during one set of 6-RM bench pressing upon the muscle patterning and performance. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age 22.5±2.0 years, stature 1.82±0.07 m, body mass 82.0±7.8 kg) conducted a 6-RM bench press protocol. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were measured in each repetition during the 6-RM bench press. Total lifting time increased and the velocity in the ascending movement decreased (p≤0.001). However, the kinematics in the descending phase deferred: the time decreased and velocity increased during the 6-RM (p≤0.001). Generally, muscles increased their EMG amplitude during the six repetitions in the ascending movement, while only three of the seven measured muscles showed an increase over the six repetitions in the descending part in 6-RM bench pressing. It was concluded that the bench pressing performance decreased (lower barbell velocities and longer lifting times) with increasing fatigue in the 6-RM execution. Furthermore EMG increased in the prime movers and the trunk stabilizers (abdominal and spine), while the antagonist muscle (biceps) activity was not affected by fatigue during the lifting phase in a single set of 6-RM bench pressing
Swimming Stroke Mechanical Efficiency and Physiological Responses of 100-m Backstroke with and without the use of paddles
Authors: Messinis Spilios , Beidaris Nikos , Messinis Spyros , Soultanakis Helen , Botonis Petros , Platanou Theodoros
Published: May 2014

The use of swimming aids during training contributes to greater swimming efficiency by the improvement of the swimming specific power of the athlete. The purpose of this study was to compare the swimming stroke technical characteristics and the physiological responses of swimming 100-m backstroke, with and without the use of paddles at maximum and sub-maximum intensities at the same swimming speed. Eight swimmers competing at the national level participated in this study. The measurements took place at 4 different sessions. At every session, each participant swam individually one 100-m backstroke swimming trial with or without paddles at the same speed and two levels of intensity (100% and 85% of maximum speed). The results revealed lower stroke length, greater stroke number and gliding length without the use of swimming paddles at both intensities. Βlood lactate concentration (10.03±2.96 vs. 5.85±2.23 mmol/l) and Rating of Perceived Exertion (17.43±2.07 vs. 12±2.82) were greater without the use of swimming paddles only at 100% of maximum speed. Thus, swimming backstroke with paddles compared to unaided swimming, at a similar speed, showed a greater efficiency at maximal but not at sub-maximal intensity.
Relationship Between Performance Characteristics and the Selection Process in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Lago-Peñas Carlos , Rey Ezequiel , Casáis Luis , Gómez-López Maite
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study was to establish the anthropometric and physical profiles of elite young soccer players according to their playing position, and to determine their relevance for the selection process. One hundred and fifty-six young male soccer players participated in the study. Players were classified into the following groups: Goalkeepers (n=16), Central Defenders (n=26), External Defenders (n=29), Central Midfielders (n=34), External Midfielders (n=28), and Forwards (n=23). Anthropometric variables of participants (body height, body mass, body mass index, 6 skinfolds, 4 diameters, and 3 perimeters) were measured. Participants performed the Yo-Yo test, sprint tests (30 m flat sprint and Balsom agility test) and 2 jump tests (countermovement jump and the Abalakov test). At the end of the season, the technical staff of the club selected some of the players to continue playing on the same team and the rest were not selected. The results show that heavier and taller outfield players performed better in vertical jumps and sprint tests, whereas leaner outfield players performed better in the Yo-Yo test. Fat percentage of selected players was lower than that of the non-selected ones. The rest of the body components were similar in the selected and non-selected players within each playing position. Moreover, the selected players performed slightly better than the non-selected players in the physical test, but these differences were not statistically significant.
Relationship Between Break-Time Physical Activity, Age, and Sex in a Rural Primary Schools, Wales, UK
Authors: Escalante Yolanda , Backx Karianne , Saavedra M.
Published: May 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the physical activity during the break-times of primary school children in rural areas, and its relationship with age and sex. 380 children (192 boys and 188 girls; age=9.5±1.1 years) participated in the study. Break-time physical activity in the morning and lunch breaks was measured by accelerometry. An ANOVA was used to determine differences by sex in each age group, together with the respective confidence intervals and effect sizes. The results showed that 8-year-olds performed more physical exercise than 11-year-olds during the two breaks (p=0.005). For the boys, the 8-year-olds did more physical activity than the 10-year-olds, while, for the girls, those aged 8 and 9 years did more PA than girls aged 11 years (p<0.001). The only difference between boys and girls was for the 10-year-olds (p=0.043), with the boys doing more physical activity. Teachers might find it useful to take these findings into account to design physical activity programmes aimed at increasing the playground physical activity of older children.
The Art of Stopping when it’s Time to Stop. A Philosophical Approach to the Daoist Notion of Wú wéi
Authors: Budriūnaitė Agnė
Published: May 2014

One of the most significant current discussions in Chinese philosophy is the problem of interpreting the notion of wú wéi. As one of the popular concepts of ancient Chinese thought, wú wéi was used and differently interpreted in various philosophical schools from the very beginning. In this article, the Daoist notion of wú wéi will be explored as the “art of stopping when it’s time to stop”, taking the philosophical approach and appealing to the text of the Zhuangzi. The critical investigation into the sinological literature allows us to reveal several different contemporary attitudes towards wú wéi as the aim, process, and ground for the “ideal” human existence
Latin America through the Literary Looking-Glass, And What Bolaño Found There
Authors: Stramskas Arnoldas
Published: May 2014

This article provides a broad overview of social, economic, and cultural politics in Latin America, especially concentrating on what became known as the Latin American literary “boom” in the 1960s and 1970s, and the region’s political context - colonial past, neocolonial/neoliberal present, the role of intellectuals within the state and cultural affairs. The second part focuses on Roberto Bolaño - the writer who put Latin American literature on the world map which has not been seen since the boom years - and his novel The Savage Detectives. The aim of this article is to demonstrate that literature not only shares common elements and possible intentions with social and political critique, but that it can also be an effective form of social and political criticism. In such a case, Bolaño’s work may be read not as inferior fictional account but as a complex, intersectional investigation of socioeconomic as well as ontological condition in Latin America that other modes of inquiry may overlook.
The zebrafish as a model to study the inflammasome
Authors: Angosto Diego , Mulero Victoriano
Published: May 2014

Our knowledge about the inflammasome and the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing receptor (NLR) family has increased enormously during recent years due to studies in transgenic and mutant mouse models. Although the mouse provides many advantages for deciphering the mechanisms involved in inflammasome activation and its role in immunity, other animal models, such as the zebrafish may be complementary, especially for the in vivo visualization of inflammasome activation. Indeed, the zebrafish has emerged as an excellent model to study a wide variety of diseases due to its unique advantages, including its transparency and easy genetic manipulation. Here we briefly discuss the evolutionary aspects of the inflammasome and consider the use of the zebrafish to study the inflammasome complementary to the widely used mouse model.
Selected physico-mechanical characteristics of cryogenic and ambient ground turmeric
Authors: Barnwal Pradyuman , Mohite Ashish M. , Singh Krishna K. , Kumar Pankaj
Published: May 2014

In this communication, selected physicomechanical characteristics of ground turmeric (cv. Prabha) were investigated for cryogenic and ambient grinding conditions of turmeric at different moisture contents (4, 6, 8 and 10% w.b.). A cryogenic grinder (Model: 100 UPZ, Hosokawa Alpine, Germany) and a micro pulverizer (hammer mill) were used for cryogenic and ambient grinding, respectively. The ground turmeric was graded in three grades viz. Gr-I, Gr-II and Gr-III with a sieve shaker using BSS Nos. 40, 85 and pan, respectively. Tap densities for cryogenic and ambient ground turmeric decreased from 678.7 (Gr-I) to 546.7 kgm-3 (Gr-III) and from 642.3 (Gr-I) to 468.6 kgm-3 (Gr-III), respectively, with the moisture increase. The angle of repose for cryogenic and ambient ground turmeric increased linearly from 26.85 (Gr-I) to 34.0° (Gr-III) and from 23.10 (Gr-I) to 28.06° (Gr-III), respectively with the increase in moisture content. The static coefficient of friction was the highest on plywood surface followed by mild steel sheet and galvanized iron sheet. The cryoground samples were found better in colour. Thermal conductivity of cryo-ground samples was higher than that of ambient ground samples. These physico-mechanical characteristics of cryogenic and ambient ground turmeric will be helpful for packaging, handling, and storage.
State-Space Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon Stock
Authors: Ogunwole Joshua O. , Timm Luis C. , Obidike-Ugwu Evelyn O. , Gabriels Donald M.
Published: May 2014

Understanding soil spatial variability and identifying soil parameters most determinant to soil organic carbon stock is pivotal to precision in ecological modelling, prediction, estimation and management of soil within a landscape. This study investigates and describes field soil variability and its structural pattern for agricultural management decisions. The main aim was to relate variation in soil organic carbon stock to soil properties and to estimate soil organic carbon stock from the soil properties. A transect sampling of 100 points at 3 m intervals was carried out. Soils were sampled and analyzed for soil organic carbon and other selected soil properties along with determination of dry aggregate and water-stable aggregate fractions. Principal component analysis, geostatistics, and state-space analysis were conducted on the analyzed soil properties. The first three principal components explained 53.2% of the total variation; Principal Component 1 was dominated by soil exchange complex and dry sieved macroaggregates clusters. Exponential semivariogram model described the structure of soil organic carbon stock with a strong dependence indicating that soil organic carbon values were correlated up to 10.8m.Neighbouring values of soil organic carbon stock, all waterstable aggregate fractions, and dithionite and pyrophosphate iron gave reliable estimate of soil organic carbon stock by state-space.
Locating Pd in Transformers through Detailed Model and Neural Networks
Authors: Nafisi Hamed , Abedi Mehrdad , Gharehpetian Gevorg B.
Published: May 2014

In a power transformer as one of the major component in electric power networks, partial discharge (PD) is a major source of insulation failure. Therefore the accurate and high speed techniques for locating of PD sources are required regarding to repair and maintenance. In this paper an attempt has been made to introduce the novel methods based on two different artificial neural networks (ANN) for identifying PD location in the power transformers. In present report Fuzzy ARTmap and Bayesian neural networks are employed for PD locating while using detailed model (DM) for a power transformer for simulation purposes. In present paper PD phenomenon is implemented in different points of transformer winding using threecapacitor model. Then impulse test is applied to transformer terminals in order to use produced current in neutral point for training and test of employed ANNs. In practice obtained current signals include noise components. Thus the performance of Fuzzy ARTmap and Bayesian networks for correct identification of PD location in a noisy condition for detected currents is also investigated. In this paper RBF learning procedure is used for Bayesian network, while Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is employed for training of Fuzzy ARTmap network for locating PD in a power transformer winding and results are compared.
Advanced Control Strategy for Single–Phase Voltage–Source Active Rectifier with Low Harmonic Emission
Authors: Blahník Vojtĕch , Peroutka Zdenĕk , Talla Jakub
Published: May 2014

This paper introduces the advanced control of single-phase voltage-source active rectifier. This control provide direct control of trolley-wire current and active damping of low-frequency disturbances at the converter ac side. Our proposed control strategy combines PR controller with feed-forward model and low-frequency harmonic compensator based on resonant controllers. Achieved experimental results show excellent converter behavior, where converter is fed by strongly distorted supply voltage.
Autochthonous Versus Allochthonous Organic Matter in Recent Soil C Accumulation Along a Floodplain Biogeomorphic Gradient: An Exploratory Study
Authors: González Eduardo , Cabezas Álvaro , Corenblit Dov , Steiger Johannes
Published: May 2014

The mechanisms controlling soil succession in floodplains remain much less studied than in uplands due to the complexity that flooddriven erosion and sedimentation bring into soil development processes. The amount of organic matter and C generally grows with soil ageing and is controlled by multiple and interacting allogenic and autogenic factors, but to what extent the production of organic matter by in situ vegetation contributes to soil formation in floodplains remains unknown. The objective of this work was to explore the importance of autochthonous organic matter versus allochthonous organic matter in organic C accumulation of floodplain forest soils along a vegetation succession and hydrogeomorphic connectivity gradient. Physicochemical analyses of sediment collected after one single flood event in a large Mediterranean floodplain (Middle Ebro, a 9th order regulated river reach in NE Spain) were used to estimate the proportion of organic C found in the topsoil (first 10 cm) samples of young (<25 yr), mature (25-50 yr) and old (>50 yr) floodplain forests that had an allochthonous (i.e., % of organic C deposited by floods) or autochthonous (i.e., % of organic C produced in situ by vegetation) source. Results of this exploratory study showed that the accumulation of autochthonous organic C in the floodplain topsoil only occurred in floodplain forests older than 50 year-old, but even then, it was more than six-fold less abundant than that with an allochthonous origin. Moreover, a linear mixed effect model showed that, although autochthonous organic C accumulation was mainly explained by the forest structure, a small proportion of it was also controlled by an allogenic factor, the groundwater table depth. Then, groundwater table depth variations could be partly controlling autochthonous organic matter production and decomposition in this Mediterranean floodplain. Although flow regulation and embankment has dramatically limited the hydrogeomorphic dynamics of the river, allogenic overbank sedimentation during flood events still controls floodplain soil succession and organic C accumulation in the floodplain.
Crossing the frontiers. Peer coaching and self-managing in the process of the professional development in multicultural environment
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Grzegorz , Fischer John M.
Published: May 2014

Our effort focuses on the development of a process of cross-cultural peer coaching through which we have sought to grow as reflective practitioners and strengthen authentic conversations between two individuals, from Poland and the United States. By building a theoretical framework around peer coaching, intercultural interaction, and auto-ethnography we have worked to make explicit our development as educators working to enrich the process of the organizational learning and to make education more open, democratic and human. As Kottler [1997] claims, it is possible to find stages that a tourist goes through during the process of recognizing and knowing another culture that was used to mirror the sensation of the professional growth. The findings shed light on how peer coaching might be strengthened, as well as the development of an observation protocol to structure such reflective and, ultimately, life changing work.
Phenomenological Study of Employee Perceptions of Managerial Behaviors as Personal Enactments of Organizational Culture
Authors: Michalak Joanna Małgorzata , Ristino Robert J.
Published: May 2014

Using a phenomenological methodology, this research study examines the phenomenon of organizational culture through the perceptions of those who experience it. Rather than studying how organizational culture affects organizational behavior and success, the researchers focus on employee perceptions of culture as a consequence of experiences with managerial behaviors as personal enactments of culture. The notion of personal enactments is drawn from the work of Edgar Schein. Schein [1985] has identified three levels of organizational culture: artifacts, values and beliefs. Among artifacts, Schein identifies the personal enactments of organizational values by senior managers as one of the more important. The researchers derived the data describing these personal enactments from 20 volunteer subjects reporting in self-administered questionnaires their experiences with managerial behaviors. Respondent perceptions are described in their own words, conveying their understandings, feelings, emotions and behaviors. Responses are categorized into units of relevant meaning, organized into clusters of similar meaning and then into themes. From these themes the researchers draw some insights and understanding of how system actors both live and experience culture in an organizational setting.
Associations of Resistin Levels with Resistin Gene Polymorphism and Metabolic Syndrome in Thais / Asocijacija Nivoa Rezistina Sa Polimorfizmom Gena Za Rezistin I Metaboličkim Sindromom Kod Tajlanđana
Authors: Suriyaprom Kanjana , Tungtrongchitr Rungsunn , Namjuntra Pisit
Published: May 2014

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical constellation comprising risk factors associated with developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Resistin has been suggested as a linkage between obesity, inflammation and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate resistin concentrations and hematological-biochemical parameters in MS subjects and controls, and to determine whether two resistin gene (RETN) polymorphisms (-420C>G & +299G>A) are linked to resistin levels and MS among Thais.

Methods: This case-control study was performed with 322 Thai volunteers: 160 MS subjects and 162 controls. Anthropometric parameters and hematological-biochemical variables were determined. The RETN -420C>G (rs1862513) and +299G>A (rs3745367) polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP technique.

Results: The resistin levels of the MS group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Resistin levels were positively correlated with anthropometric parameters and WBC count in the MS group. According to RETN -420C>G polymorphism, MS subjects with the G allele (CG/GG) (3.9 mg/L) had significantly higher resistin con- centrations than in subjects with the CC genotype (2.4 mg/L); with regard to RETN +299G>A polymorphism, carriers with the A allele (GA/AA) (3.8 mg/L) had significantly higher resistin levels than subjects with the GG genotype (2.7 mg/L), after adjusting for potential covariates. How - ever, the RETN -420C>G and +299G>A poly morphisms were not found to be associated with MS, hematologicalbiochemical parameters and anthropometric variables.

Conclusions: These findings suggest resistin levels are linked with MS and the RETN -420C>G and +299G>A polymorphisms have impacted the circulating resistin concentrations. However, these two RETN polymorphisms pro - bably do not influence susceptibility to MS among Thais.
Antenatal Treatment with Glucocorticoids and the Hypotalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Authors: Manojlović-Stojanoski Milica , Ristić Nataša , Singh Sandra , Milošević Verica
Published: May 2014

Fetal development is a critical period in the life cycle which is why the placenta provides a structural and physiological barrier that protects the fetus from the outer fluctuations and inner disturbances. A variety of influences from the environment, however, might induce fetal overexposure to glucocorticoids that target the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and influence the fetal growth trajecto-r y. Development of the HPA axis starts in the early stages of pregnancy, but the timing of HPA axis maturation and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in relation to birth is highly species-specific. The functional state of the fetal HPA axis plays a key role in the maturation of many organs necessary for intrauterine development and existence after birth. A functional HPA axis in near-term fetuses provides an adequate response to stress and also affects the timing of parturition. Due to their potent effect on the maturation of fetal tissues, synthetic glucocorticoids are used in human pregnancy at risk of preterm delivery. Dexamethasone and betamethasone, as the ones most commonly used, cross the placental enzymatic barrier (11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 – 11b-HSD2) and have 25-fold higher affinity to the GR than endogenous glucocorticoids, stimulating many aspects of fetal maturation. Despite the numerous positive effects, exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during fetal development may result in intrauterine growth retardation and fetal programming of the HPA axis function which is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and psychiatric disorders manifested later in life. Long-term consequences indicate the need for the implementation of new studies that will provide a better understanding of the link between glucocorti-coid overexposure during fetal development and adverse outcomes in adulthood.
Stem-Base Disease in Winter Durum and Common Wheat Cultivation in the Years 2009–2011
Authors: Gala Dorota , Gorczyca Anna , Oleksy Andrzej , Kołodziejczyk Marek
Published: May 2014

The occurrence of stem-base diseases in two cultivars of winter wheat were evaluated in a 3-year experiment, using two agrotechnology levels. The two cultivars evaluated were durum wheat of the Komnata cultivar and common wheat of the Ostka Strzelecka cultivar. The highest intensity was noted in the occurrence of two diseases of the complex, i.e. Fusarium foot rot and eyespot. The examined cultivars were characterized by a similar susceptibility to these diseases. There was an observed difference - a slightly higher susceptibility by the Komnata as opposed to the Ostka Strzelecka cultivar - but it was not significant statistically. Significant differentiation in infestation was noted for other experimental factors like cultivation season and the agrotechnology level. Intensification of the occurrence of both stem-base diseases in the experimental seasons did not affect the mean amount and quality of the yield obtained in the experiment.
Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei virulence frequency and the powdery mildew incidence on spring barley in the Wielkopolska province
Authors: Tratwal Anna , Bocianowski Jan
Published: May 2014

Powdery mildew caused by fungi Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei is one of the most common barley diseases in Polish meteorological conditions. The powdery mildew fungus is made up of different races and forms that are highly specialized. Barley cultivars might be resistant to a certain race of the mildew fungus, but susceptible to another race. Development of the disease is rapid in temperatures from 12 to 20°C, and in humid weather. The aim of the two-year experiment was to assess B. graminis f. sp. hordei virulence frequency and powdery mildew occurrence on five spring barley cultivars. Virulence frequency of the pathogen depended on place and term of exposition. The occurrence of powdery mildew on spring barley cultivars depended on virulence frequency of the pathogen and weather conditions.
The risk as a measure of ecological safety in watercourses
Authors: Bondar-Nowakowska Elżbieta , Hachoł Justyna
Published: May 2014

The study analyses possibilities of PHA (Preliminary Hazard Analysis) usage in ecological risk assessment conducted within technical risk assessment. The analysis was performed based on results obtained in a study performed between 2007 and 2013 in natural and modified lowland Lower Silesian watercourses. The object of the study was communities of hydromacrophytes being good indicators of the water ecosystem quality. The research constituted a base for the determination of ecological risk factors i.e. the probability of hazard occurrence and its effects. It allowed for the acquisition of the risk classification matrix which included three levels - low, medium and high.
The Knot Spectrum of Confined Random Equilateral Polygons
Authors: Diao Y. , Ernst C. , Montemayor A. , Rawdon E. , Ziegler U.
Published: May 2014

It is well known that genomic materials (long DNA chains) of living organisms are often packed compactly under extreme confining conditions using macromolecular self-assembly processes but the general DNA packing mechanism remains an unsolved problem. It has been proposed that the topology of the packed DNA may be used to study the DNA packing mechanism. For example, in the case of (mutant) bacteriophage P4, DNA molecules packed inside the bacteriophage head are considered to be circular since the two sticky ends of the DNA are close to each other. The DNAs extracted from the capsid without separating the two ends can thus preserve the topology of the (circular) DNAs. It turns out that the circular DNAs extracted from bacteriophage P4 are non-trivially knotted with very high probability and with a bias toward chiral knots. In order to study this problem using a systematic approach based on mathematical modeling, one needs to introduce a DNA packing model under extreme volume confinement condition and test whether such a model can produce the kind of knot spectrum observed in the experiments. In this paper we introduce and study a model of equilateral random polygons con_ned in a sphere. This model is not meant to generate polygons that model DNA packed in a virus head directly. Instead, the average topological characteristics of this model may serve as benchmark data for totally randomly packed circular DNAs. The difference between the biologically observed topological characteristics and our benchmark data might reveal the bias of DNA packed in the viral capsids and possibly lead to a better understanding of the DNA packing mechanism, at least for the bacteriophage DNA. The purpose of this paper is to provide information about the knot spectrum of equilateral random polygons under such a spherical confinement with length and confinement ratios in a range comparable to circular DNAs packed inside bacteriophage heads.
A New Species of Cyclopogon (Orchidaceae, Spiranthoideae) from Colombia
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta
Published: May 2014

Cyclopogon antioquiensis Szlach. & Kolan., a new species from Colombia, is described and illustrated. The differences between C. antioquiensis and similar species are briefly discussed and a key to the species of Cyclopogon subg. Cyclopogon is given. Information about the ecology and distribution of the new species is provided.
Typification of Chrysanthemum zawadzkii (Asteraceae)
Authors: Szeląg Zbigniew , Kobiv Yuriy
Published: May 2014

The name Chrysanthemum zawadzkii Herbich is typified by the illustration published in the protologue, and epitypified by the specimen collected in 1832 by F. Herbich in the Pieniny Mts, Western Carpathians, and stored at the herbarium of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (LW). The original spelling of the species epithet is clarified.
Mycena Juniperina (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), New for the Polish and Central European Mycobiota
Authors: Halama Marek , Chachuła Piotr , Rutkowski Ryszard
Published: May 2014

Mycena juniperina Aronsen was collected in March 2013 in the Origano-Brachypodietum association from trunks of living Juniperus communis in the Pieniny Mts (S Poland). The species is described and illustrated based on Polish specimens, its ecology and general distribution are outlined, and it is compared with similar species: M. meliigena (Berk. & Cooke) Sacc., M. pseudocorticola Kühner, and others.
Personal Qualities of Effective Sport Psychologists: A Sports Physician Perspective
Authors: Chandler Charlotte , Eubank Martin , Nesti Mark , Cable Tim
Published: May 2014

Previous literature within applied sport psychology offers little detailed discussion regarding the personal qualities of sport psychology practitioners and the impact of these qualities on practice. This paper presents an exploration of the views of sport physicians regarding the personal characteristics and qualities of applied sport psychologists deemed necessary for effective practice. Five UK-based physicians and one Head of Medical Services, working in a range of elite and professional sports, were interviewed about their experience and perceptions of working with sport psychologists. The interview transcripts were content analysed and trustworthiness criteria applied. Four key themes emerged from the data, labelled ‘Personal qualities’, ‘Relationship Building’, ‘Professionalism in Practice’, and ‘Similarities between Psychologist and Physician’. The findings within each theme offered interesting insights into the impact of personal qualities on effective sport psychology practice. This study extends the existing literature on sport psychologists’ characteristics and effectiveness and offers new insights into their personal qualities and how these interact with the practice environment. The findings supported the growing emphasis within the field on the importance of the person behind the practitioner. Suggestions are offered with reference to the need to consider how literature from counselling psychology and medical training could assist the development of practice and education and training in sport psychology.
Paul’s Use Of The Psalms. Beyond Midrash
Authors: Stafford John K.
Published: May 2014

The Psalms are the most cited portions of Scripture in the New Testament. This paper investigates Paul’s use of the Psalms and seeks to answer the concern that his citation strategy is both arbitrary and self-serving. Inasmuch as it has sometimes been concluded that Paul, in midrashic fashion, forced his citations to say something contrary to a more natural reading. This paper suggests that Paul uses citation criteria very carefully. Preliminary results point to the use of texts that lie well within their natural reading, yet exegeted in such a way that the resulting exegesis is folded back into the text as the apostle cites it. Thus rather than citing texts arbitrarily, Paul uses great skill and sophistication in selecting and utilising texts with exegetical precision. In so doing, Paul is not using midrash but may actually be developing a characteristically Christian approach to the citation of sacred text
Assessment of medical personnel knowledge about the function of transplant coordinator with reference to current Polish legislation
Authors: Watrakiewicz-Hurko Olga , Belowska Jarosława , Sienkiewicz Zofia , Dykowska Grażyna , Gotlib Joanna
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Initially, a transplant coordinator assisted in the process of removal and transplantation of organs. The most important rule in the Polish legislation is the Act of July 17th, 2009, amending the Act on removal, preservation, and transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs. Professional qualifications of a transplant coordinator are specified by the Regulation of the Minister of Health of December 4th, 2009 on detailed conditions of removal, preservation, and transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs. Aim. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical personnel about the function of a transplant coordinator with reference to the current Polish legislation. Material and methods. The study was conducted in April 2013 among 100 selected health professionals (25 physicians, 62 nurses, and 13 persons representing other medical professions) with the use of a questionnaire comprising 42 close-ended simple choice questions and one multiple-choice question. They were referring to various aspects associated with the legal axiology of transplantation, procedure of organ donation, and tasks of a donation coordinator, as well as one open-ended question about the age of respondents. Results. Statistically significant differences between the occupational groups were found in relation to questions about legal and medical aspects. As many as 21 nurses (34%), 26 physicians (92%), and 6 persons representing other medical professions (46%) (p<0.000) provided the correct answer to a question referring to determination of death, and 19 nurses (31%), 7 physicians (28%), and 5 persons representing other medical professions (p<0.021) answered correctly to a question about the key premise to determine brain death. Conclusions. 1. The knowledge of medical personnel about the function of a transplant coordinator and the legal provisions concerning brain death determination needs to be supplemented. 2. There is a need of constantly supplementing knowledge of medical personnel about the clinical aspects of transplantation
A case of collision in principles of language description?
Authors: Wagner Roland
Published: May 2014

In the article, I deal with an apparent case of incoherence within the framework of Functional Generative Description (FGD) in treating certain reflexive constructions. According to the principle that differences between valency frames are constitutive for establishing different lexical units (e.g., Žabokrtský and Lopatková, 2007), the occurrences of vnímat in (i) Vnímá syna jako soka and (ii) Sám se vnímá jako síla ochraňující divadlo have to be assigned to two different lexical units, as there is a difference in the formal marking of the Effect-argument (jako+accusative case in (i), jako+nominative case in (ii)). On the basis of the commutation test (e.g., Panevová, 2008) which identifies the reflexive clitic se in (ii) as an object-clitic, both occurrences of vnímat have to be, however, assigned to the same lexical unit as the only difference between vnímá syna in (i) and vnímá se in (ii) consists in the lexical filling of the object position. In the main part of the text, I review two different strategies to remedy the conflict between the two principles. I point out certain implications of both strategies and conclude by pleading for a solution within the framework of Modified Valency Theory (Karlík, 2000a)
Segmentation of hepatic vessels from MRI images for planning of electroporation-based treatments in the liver
Authors: Marcan Marija , Pavliha Denis , Music Maja Marolt , Fuckan Igor , Magjarevic Ratko , Miklavcic Damijan
Published: May 2014

Introduction. Electroporation-based treatments rely on increasing the permeability of the cell membrane by high voltage electric pulses delivered to tissue via electrodes. To ensure that the whole tumor is covered by the sufficiently high electric field, accurate numerical models are built based on individual patient geometry. For the purpose of reconstruction of hepatic vessels from MRI images we searched for an optimal segmentation method that would meet the following initial criteria: identify major hepatic vessels, be robust and work with minimal user input.

Materials and methods. We tested the approaches based on vessel enhancement filtering, thresholding, and their combination in local thresholding. The methods were evaluated on a phantom and clinical data. Results.

Results show that thresholding based on variance minimization provides less error than the one based on entropy maximization. Best results were achieved by performing local thresholding of the original de-biased image in the regions of interest which were determined through previous vessel-enhancement filtering. In evaluation on clinical cases the proposed method scored in average sensitivity of 93.68%, average symmetric surface distance of 0.89 mm and Hausdorff distance of 4.04 mm.

Conclusions. The proposed method to segment hepatic vessels from MRI images based on local thresholding meets all the initial criteria set at the beginning of the study and necessary to be used in treatment planning of electroporation- based treatments: it identifies the major vessels, provides results with consistent accuracy and works completely automatically. Whether the achieved accuracy is acceptable or not for treatment planning models remains to be verified through numerical modeling of effects of the segmentation error on the distribution of the electric field.