bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment – Current State
Authors: Krška Zdeněk , Šváb Jan , Hoskovec David , Ulrych Jan
Published: December 2015

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents permanent and ever rising issue worldwide. Five-year survival does not exceed 3 to 6%, i.e. the worst result among solid tumours. The article evaluates the current state of PDAC diagnostics and treatment specifying also development and trends. Percentage of non-resectable tumours due to locally advanced or metastatic condition varies 60–80%, mostly over 80%. Survival with non-resectable PDAC is 4 to 8 months (median 3.5). In contrast R0 resection shows the survival 18–27 months. Laboratory and imaging screening methods are not indicated on large scale. Risk factors are smoking, alcohol abuse, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus. Genetic background in most PDAC has not been detected yet. Some genes connected with high risk of PDAC (e.g. BRCA2, PALB2) have been identified as significant and highly penetrative, but link between PDAC and these genes can be seen only in 10–20%. This article surveys perspective oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, microRNA. Albeit CT is still favoured over other imaging methods, involvement of NMR rises. Surgery prefers the “vessel first” approach, which proves to be justified especially in R0 resection. According to EBM immunotherapy same as radiotherapy are not significant in PDAC treatment. Chemotherapy shows limited importance in conversion treatment of locally advanced or borderline tumours or in case of metastatic spread. Unified procedures cannot be defined due to inhomogenous arrays. Surgical resection is the only chance for curative treatment of PDAC and depends mainly on timely indication for surgery and quality of multidisciplinary team in a high-volume centre.
Review of the Ordovician stratigraphy and fauna of the Anarak Region in Central Iran
Authors: Popov Leonid E. , Hairapetian Vachik , Evans David H. , Pour Mansoureh Ghobadi , Holmer Lars E. , Baars Christian
Published: December 2015

The Ordovician sedimentary succession of the Pol-e Khavand area, situated on the northern margin of the Yazd block, has important differences from those in other parts of Central Iran. It has been established that the presumably terminal Cambrian to Lower Ordovician volcano-sedimentary Polekhavand Formation, exposed in the Pol-e Khavand area, has non-conformable contact with greenschists of the Doshakh Metamorphic Complex. The succeeding, mainly siliciclastic Chahgonbad Formation contains low to moderately diverse faunal assemblages, including brachiopods, cephalopods, trilobites and tentaculitids. The Darriwilian age of the lower part of the formation is well established by the co-occurrence of brachiopod genera Camerella, Phragmorthis, Tritoechia and Yangtzeella. The associated rich cephalopod fauna is different from the Darriwilian cephalopod associations of the Alborz terrane and may show some affinity with warm water faunas of North China and South Korea. It is likely that the Mid Ordovician fauna recovered from the lower part of the Chahgonbad Formation settled in the area sometime during a warming episode in the late Darriwilian. By contrast the low diversity mid Katian brachiopod association includes only three taxa, which occur together with the trilobite Vietnamia cf. teichmulleri and abundant, but poorly preserved tentaculitids questionably assigned to the genus Costatulites. This faunal association bears clear signatures linking it to the contemporaneous cold water faunas of the Arabian, Mediterranean and North African segments of Gondwana. Four brachiopod species recovered from the Chahgonbad Formation, including Hibernodonta lakhensis, Hindella prima, Lomatorthis? multilamellosa and Yangtzeella chupananica are new to science.
Forecasting Mortality using Imputed Data: The Case of Taiwan
Authors: Luo Sheng-Feng , Teng Huei-Wen , Lee Yu-Hsuan
Published: December 2015

Mortality forecasting plays an essential role in designing welfare policies and pricing aged-related financial derivatives. However, most prevailing models do not perform well in mortality forecasting particularly for the elder people. Indeed, the problem of missing category for the elderly is a typical feature in developing countries, because people are shorter-lived in earlier times and hence the mortality is recorded up to fewer age categories. For example, in Taiwan, the mortality is recorded up to an age of 95 before 1997, but as the improvement of life expectancy, the mortality is recorded up to an age of 100 afterwards. This paper proposes several approaches for data imputation to alleviate this systematic missing data problem of the mortality data. Motivated by Lee, and Carter. 1992. “Modelling and Forecasting the Time Series of US Mortality.” Journal of the American Statistical Association 87:659–71 and Renshaw, and Haberman. 2006. “A Cohort-Based Extension to the Lee-Carter Model for Mortality Reduction Factors.” Insurance: Mathematics and Economics 38:556–70, we employ factor models, in which age, period, and cohort are employed as useful effects. Simulation study and an empirical study using mortality data of Taiwan demonstrate the improvement in forecasting using a suitable data augmentation technique.
Influence of Machine Exploitation Effectiveness on Furniture Production Quality Level
Authors: Stasiak-Betlejewska Renata , Prístavka Miroslav , Czajkowska Agnieszka , Tóth Marián
Published: December 2015

One of the most important factors determining the company‘s capacity to produce high quality products is the level of machinery operation effectiveness. Companies having modern machinery are characterized by high productivity. To obtain a high quality product, the equipment should be properly used, without any failure, which contributes significantly to the exploitation level increase. The modernity level and the exploitation effectiveness level for chosen machine producing furniture components in relation to the product quality level were analysed in the paper. As a result of the research findings analysis, proposals for corrective actions with regard to machinery maintenance and production processes were presented.
Directional representation of data in Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Grala-Michalak Jolanta
Published: December 2015

Sometimes feature representations of measured individuals are better described by spherical coordinates than Cartesian ones. The author proposes to introduce a preprocessing step in LDA based on the arctangent transformation of spherical coordinates. This nonlinear transformation does not change the dimension of the data, but in combination with LDA it leads to a dimension reduction if the raw data are not linearly separated. The method is presented using various examples of real and artificial data.
Evaluation of the usability of single extractors in chemical analysis of composts using principal component analysis
Authors: Jakubus Monika , Graczyk Małgorzata
Published: December 2015

The usability of various single extractors in the chemical analysis of composts was evaluated using principal component analysis. Ten different single extractors were used to determine the contents of microelements obtained in the chemical extraction of four different composts. It was found that principal component analysis is a satisfactory statistical method enabling the comparison of different solutions in terms of efficiency of extraction of microelements from composts of different composition. The results showed that 1mol dm-3 HCL and 10% HNO3 solutions had the highest extraction strength, and 0.01mol dm-3 CaCl2 and 1mol dm-3 NH4NO3 the lowest.
Optical investigations of ZnO layers affected by some selected gases in the aspect of their application in optical gas sensors
Authors: Struk P. , Pustelny T. , Gołaszewska K. , Borysiewicz M.A. , Piotrowska A.
Published: December 2015

The paper presents the results of investigations of zinc oxide (ZnO) layers as a potential sensing material, being affected by certain selected gaseous environments. The investigations concerned the optical transmission through thin ZnO layers in wide spectral ranges from ultraviolet to the near infrared. The effect of the gaseous environment on the optical properties of zinc oxide layers with a thickness of ~ 400 nm was analyzed applying various technologies of ZnO manufacturing. Three kinds of ZnO layers were exposed to the effect of the gaseous environment, viz.: layers with relatively slight roughness (RMS several nm), layers with a considerable surface roughness (RMS some score of nm) and layers characterized by porous ZnO structures. The investigations concerned spectral changes in the transmission properties of the ZnO layers due to the effect of such gases as: ammonia (NH3), hydrogen (H2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the atmosphere of synthetic air. The obtained results indicated the possibility of applying porous ZnO layered structures in optical gas sensors.
Positive time-varying continuous-time linear systems and electrical circuits
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: December 2015

The positivity of time-varying continuous-time linear systems and electrical circuits are addressed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of the systems and electrical circuits are established. It is shown that there exists a large class of positive electrical circuits with time-varying parameters. Examples of positive electrical circuits are presented.
Pyramidal ceramic armor ability to defeat projectile threat by changing its trajectory
Authors: Stanislawek S. , Morka A. , Niezgoda T.
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a numerical study of a multilayer composite panel impacted by an AP (Armor Piercing) 14.5×114 mm B32 projectile. The composite consists of alternating layers of hard ceramic and a ductile aluminum alloy. While the alloy layer consists of typical plate, ceramics confront projectiles in the form of ceramic pyramids. The studied models are compared with a reference structure, which is a standard double layer panel.

The problem has been solved with the usage of modeling and simulation methods as well as a finite elements method implemented in LS-DYNA software. Space discretization for each option was built with three dimensional elements ensuring satisfying accuracy of the calculations. For material behavior simulation, specific models including the influence of the strain rate and temperature changes were considered. A steel projectile and aluminum plate material were described by the Johnson-Cook model and a ceramic target by the Johnson-Holmquist model.

The obtained results indicate that examined structures can be utilized as a lightweight ballistic armor in certain conditions. However, panels consisting of sets of ceramic prisms are a little easier to penetrate. Despite this fact, a ceramic layer is much less susceptible to overall destruction, making it more applicable for the armor usage. What is most important in this study is that significant projectile trajectory deviation is detected, depending on the impact point. Such an effect may be utilized in solutions, where a target is situated relatively far from an armor.
Optimization of process parameters of friction stir welded AA 5083-O aluminum alloy using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Jannet S. , Mathews P. Koshy , Raja R.
Published: December 2015

A methodology was exhibited to create the experimental model for assessing the Ultimate Tensile Strength of AA 5083-O aluminum compound which is broadly utilized as a part of boat building industry by Friction Stir Welding (FSW). FSW process parameters, such as: tool rotational speed, welding speed, and axial force were optimized for better results. FSW was completed considering three-component 3-level Box Behnekn Design. Response surface Methodology (RSM) was implemented to obtain the relationship between the FSW process parameters and ultimate Tensile Strength. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) procedure was utilized to check the aptness of the created model. The FSW process parameters were additionally streamlined utilizing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to augment tensile strength. The joint welded at a rotational speed of 1100 rpm, a welding speed of 75 mm/min and a pivotal energy of 2.5 t displays higher tensile strength compared with different joints in comparison with other joints.
Single web camera robust interactive eye-gaze tracking method
Authors: Wojciechowski A. , Fornalczyk K.
Published: December 2015

Eye-gaze tracking is an aspect of human-computer interaction still growing in popularity,. Tracking human gaze point can help control user interfaces and may help evaluate graphical user interfaces. At the same time professional eye-trackers are very expensive and thus unavailable for most of user interface researchers and small companies. The paper presents very effective, low cost, computer vision based, interactive eye-gaze tracking method. On contrary to other authors results the method achieves very high precision (about 1.5 deg horizontally and 2.5 deg vertically) at 20 fps performance, exploiting a simple HD web camera with reasonable environment restrictions. The paper describes the algorithms used in the eye-gaze tracking method and results of experimental tests, both static absolute point of interest estimation, and dynamic functional gaze controlled cursor steering.
Design of simultaneous input-shaping-based SIRMs fuzzy control for double-pendulum-type overhead cranes
Authors: Qian D. , Tong S. , Yang B. , Lee S.
Published: December 2015

Overhead cranes are extensively employed but their performance suffers from the natural sway of payloads. Sometime, the sway exhibits double-pendulum motions. To suppress the motions, this paper investigates the design of simultaneous input-shaping-based fuzzy control for double-pendulum-type overhead cranes. The fuzzy control method is based on the single input-rule modules (SIRMs). Provided the all the system variables are measurable, the SIRMs fuzzy controller is designed at first. To improve the performance of the fuzzy controller, the simultaneous input shaper is adopted to shape the control command generated by the fuzzy controller. Compared with other two control methods, i.e., the SIRMs fuzzy control and the convolved input-shaping-based SIRMs fuzzy control, simulation results illustrate the feasibility, validity and robustness of the presented control method for the anti-swing control problem of double-pendulum-type overhead cranes.
Projection Methods for Ill-Posed Problems Revisited
Authors: Kindermann Stefan
Published: December 2015

We consider the discretization of least-squares problems for linear ill-posed operator equations in Hilbert spaces. The main subject of this article concerns conditions for convergence of the associated discretized minimum-norm least-squares solution to the exact solution using exact attainable data. The two cases of global convergence (convergence for all exact solutions) or local convergence (convergence for a specific exact solution) are investigated. We review the existing results and prove new equivalent conditions when the discretized solution always converges to the exact solution. An important tool is to recognize the discrete solution operator as an oblique projection. Hence, global convergence can be characterized by certain subspaces having uniformly bounded angles. We furthermore derive practically useful conditions when this holds and put them into the context of known results. For local convergence, we generalize results on the characterization of weak or strong convergence and state some new sufficient conditions. We furthermore provide an example of a bounded sequence of discretized solutions which does not converge at all, not even weakly.
Genetic variability of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in maternal regions of provenance
Authors: Przybylski Paweł , Matras Jan , Sułkowska Małgorzata
Published: December 2015

The analysis of chosen selected Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), populations representing different seed regions: 107 (Międzyzdroje), 305 (Woziwoda), 206 (Strzałowo), 208 (Białowieża), 504 (Bolesławiec), 606 (Józefów) were performed using 10 isoensyme markers: Gdh (E.C.1.4.1.2), Sdh-A, Sdh-B (E.C.1.1.1.25), Pgd-B (E.C.1.1.1.44), Mdh-A, Mdh-C (E.C.1.1.1.37), Got-A, Got-B, Got-C (E.C.2.6.1.1), Dia-C (E.C.1.8.1.4). There were calculated following genetic parameters: allelic frequencies, observed and expected heterozygosities, and Wright’s fixation indexes. In populations, the results of analysis indicated presence of rare alleles. In all study populations, the average effective number of alleles per locus was 1.46 and was lower than expected number of alleles per locus of 1.93. The results for the effective number of alleles of the population per locus were as follows: Strzałowo and Białowieża 1.54, Bolesławiec 1.48, Jozefów 1.44, Świnoujście 1.42, Woziwoda 1.35. Average observed heterozygosity in the studied populations was calculated at the level of 0.26 and it was lower than the expected heterozygosity at 0.28. For populations, the level of heterozygosities were as follow: Strzałowo 0.35, Bolesławiec and Białowieża 0.25, Józefów 0.27, Świnoujście 0.23, Woziwoda 0.26. In particular loci level of heterozygosity was different, as the most heterozygous Mdh-C locus was estimated, while minimum Got-C.

Significant differences in allele frequency of Hardy-Weinberg deviation equilibrium were found in 10 cases: Strzałowo (Got-C), Bolesławiec (Got-B), Białowieża (Got-B, Gdh), Józefów (Mdh-C), Międzyzdroje (Got-B, Got-C, Mdh-C), Woziwoda (Got-C, Gdh). All studied populations had a lower effective number of alleles per locus (Ne) comparing to the observed number of alleles (Na). Wright’s fixation indices were negative for populations: Strzałowo (-0.09), Józefów (-0.03), Międzyzdroje (-0.01) and positive for: Białowieża (0.12), Woziwoda and Bolesławiec (0.07). The extremely high Wright’s fixation index (0.12) was observed for Białowieża population.
Canopy recovery of pedunculate oak, Turkey oak and beech trees after severe defoliation by gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar): Case study from Western Hungary
Authors: Csóka György , Pödör Zoltán , Nagy Gyula , Hirka Anikó
Published: December 2015

We investigated the canopy recovery of 3 tree species (pedunculate oak, Turkey oak, European beech) at two locations in the Veszprém county (Western Hungary) after severe defoliation by gypsy moth caterpillars in the spring of 2005. The Turkey oak has evidently the best recovery potential, and it almost completely replaced the lost foliage in 4 months. The pedunculate oak and beech needed 2 years to reach the same level of recovery. The pedunculate oak suffered from a heavy infection ofMicrosphaera alphitoidesafter defoliation and it probably slowed down its recovery. Neither the presence ofAgrilus biguttatusin the oak plot nor the appearance ofAgrilus viridisin the beech plot was observed during the study period. Population density of the buprestidCoraebus floerentinusshowed a considerable increase in the oak plot, but remained under the damage level. Neither other harmful appearance of other pests nor significant tree mortality were observed within 4 years from the defoliation. These results provide information for the evaluation of longer term influences of the gypsy moth defoliation and may support the decisions concerning pest control.
Structure, development and health status of spruce forests affected by air pollution in the western Krkonoše Mts. in 1979–2014
Authors: Král Jan , Vacek Stanislav , Vacek Zdeněk , Putalová Tereza , Bulušek Daniel , Štefančík Igor
Published: December 2015

The structure and health status of waterlogged or peaty spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) forests in the summit parts of the Krkonoše Mts. in the Czech Republic were studied in 1979–2014. The objective was to evaluate the stand structure, dead wood, trend of the health status and productivity on four permanent research plots (PRP) in relation to air pollution (SO2 and NOx concentrations) and climatic conditions (temperatures and precipitation amounts). Stand structure was evaluated on the base of the measured parameters of individual trees on PRP. The health status of trees was evaluated according to foliage, and their vitality was assessed according to their radial growth documented by dendrochronological analyses. The radial growth was negatively correlated with SO2 and NOx concentrations. Stand dynamics during the observation period was characterised by increased tree mortality, the presence of dead wood and reduction of stand density from 1983 to 1992, while the most severe impairment of health status and stand stability occurred in 1982–1987. The foliage mass of living trees has been gradually increasing since 1988, but no pronounced improvement of tree vitality was documented after the decrease in SO2 concentration. However, particularly physiologically weakened spruce trees were attacked by the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus). The process of forest damage is manifested not only by foliage reduction but also by symptoms of various necroses on the assimilatory organs. In terms of climatic data, the weather in April had the most important effect on radial growth. Diameter increment showed positive statistically significant correlation with temperature in growing season, but the precipitation effect was low.
Cambrian magmatism, Variscan high-grade metamorphism and imposed greenschist facies shearing in the Central Sredna Gora basement units (Bulgaria)
Authors: Lazarova Anna , Naydenov Kalin , Petrov Nikolai , Grozdev Valentin
Published: December 2015

Gneisses from the deep structural levels of the European Variscan Belt are well exposed in the Central Sredna Gora in Bulgaria. In general, migmatites predominate, but unmigmatized domains (or domains with incipient migmatization) are also documented in this area. This paper presents new structural, petrographic and U-Pb isotope geochronological data from such an unmigmatized part of the Variscan high-grade metamorphic basement (the Koprivshtitsa Unit). A predominant part of this unit represents an alternation of metagranitoids and metabasites. The protolith crystallization age of the metagranitoids is constrained at 491.5 ± 7.6 Ma by U-Pb laser ablation method on zircons. This age coincides with the previously available Late Cambrian protolith ages of metabasic rocks that crop out within the adjacent migmatitic unit. The Korpivshtitsa Unit comprises also lesser orthogneisses with Late Neoproterozoic protoliths. Based on the available local and regional paleogeographic reconstruction schemes, we suggest that the Upper Cambrian magmatic rocks intruded Upper Neoproterozoic crust during the initial opening stages of the Rheic Ocean or a related basin. Subsequently, both were involved in the Variscan high-grade deformation. The contact of the Koprivshitsa Unit with the migmatitic part of the metamorphic complex coincides with a north-vergent greenschist facies thrust zone – the Chuminska Shear Zone. The exact time of the shearing is still not well constrained but it clearly postdates the Variscan high-temperature metamorphism of the gneisses.
Orthopyroxene-enrichment in the lherzolite-websterite xenolith suite from Paleogene alkali basalts of the Poiana Ruscă Mountains (Romania)
Authors: Nédli Zsuzsanna , Szabó Csaba , Dégi Júlia
Published: December 2015

In this paper we present the petrography and geochemistry of a recently collected lherzolite-websterite xenolith series and of clinopyroxene xenocrysts, hosted in Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene basanites of Poiana Ruscă (Romania), whose xenoliths show notable orthopyroxene-enrichment. In the series a slightly deformed porphyroclastic-equigranular textured series could represent the early mantle characteristics, and in many cases notable orthopyroxene growth and poikilitic texture formation was observed. The most abundant mantle lithology, Type A xenoliths have high Al and Na-contents but low mg# of the pyroxenes and low cr# of spinel suggesting a low degree (< 10 %) of mafic melt removal. They are also generally poor in overall REE-s (rare earth elements) and have flat REY (rare earth elements+ Y) patterns with slight LREE-depletion. The geochemistry of the Type A xenoliths and calculated melt composition in equilibrium with the xenolith clinopyroxenes suggests that the percolating melt causing the poikilitization can be linked to a mafic, Al-Na-rich, volatile-poor melt and show similarity with the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene (66–72 Ma) subduction-related andesitic magmatism of Poiana Ruscă. Type B xenoliths, with their slightly different chemistry, suggest that, after the ancient depletion, the mantle went through a slight metasomatic event. A subsequent passage of mafic melts in the mantle, with similar compositions to the older andesitic magmatism of Poiana Ruscă, is recorded in the pyroxenites (Fe-rich xenoliths), whereas the megacrysts seem to be cogenetic with the host basanite. The Poiana Ruscă xenoliths differ from the orthopyroxene-enriched mantle xenoliths described previously from the Carpathian-Pannonian Region and from the Dacia block.
Finite Element Dynamic Analysis Of Non-Uniform Beams On Variable One-Parameter Foundation Subjected To Uniformly Distributed Moving Loads
Authors: Abiala I.O. , Gbadeyan J.A.
Published: December 2015

A general numerical analysis theory capable of describing the behaviour of a non-uniform beam resting on variable one parameter (Winkler) foundation under a uniform partially distributed moving load is developed. The versatile numerical solution technique employed is based on the finite element and Newmark integration methods. The analysis is carried out in order to evaluate the effect of the following parameters (i) the speed of the moving load (ii) the span length of the beam (iii) two types of vibrating configurations of the beam (iv) the load’s length and (v) the elastic foundation modulus, on the dynamic behaviour of the non-uniform beam resting on the variable one-parameter foundation. Numerical examples which showed that the above parameters have significant effects on the dynamic behaviour of the moving load problem are presented.
Plane Strain Deformation In A Thermoelastic Microelongated Solid With Internal Heat Source
Authors: Ailawalia P. , Sachdeva S.K. , Pathania D.S.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study the two dimensional deformation due to an internal heat source in a thermoelastic microelongated solid. A mechanical force is applied along an overlaying elastic layer of thickness h. The normal mode analysis has been applied to obtain the exact expressions for the displacement component, force stress, temperature distribution and microelongation. The effect of the internal heat source on the displacement component, force stress, temperature distribution and microelongation has been depicted graphically for Green-Lindsay (GL) theory of thermoelasticity.
Numerical Study Of The Heat Transfer Phenomenon Of A Rectangular Plate Including Void, Notch Using Finite Difference Technique
Authors: Deb Nath S.K. , Peyada N.K.
Published: December 2015

In the present study, we have developed a code using Matlab software for solving a rectangular aluminum plate having void, notch, at different boundary conditions discretizing a two dimensional (2D) heat conduction equation by the finite difference technique. We have solved a 2D mixed boundary heat conduction problem analytically using Fourier integrals (Deb Nath et al., 2006; 2007; 2007; Deb Nath and Ahmed, 2008; Deb Nath, 2008; Deb Nath and Afsar, 2009; Deb Nath and Ahmed, 2009; 2009; Deb Nath et al., 2010; Deb Nath, 2013) and the same problem is also solved using the present code developed by the finite difference technique (Ahmed et al., 2005; Deb Nath, 2002; Deb Nath et al., 2008; Ahmed and Deb Nath, 2009; Deb Nath et al., 2011; Mohiuddin et al., 2012). To verify the soundness of the present heat conduction code results using the finite difference method, the distribution of temperature at some sections of a 2D heated plate obtained by the analytical method is compared with those of the plate obtained by the present finite difference method. Interpolation technique is used as an example when the boundary of the plate does not pass through the discretized grid points of the plate. Sometimes hot and cold fluids are passed through rectangular channels in industries and many types of technical equipment. The distribution of temperature of plates including notches, slots with different temperature boundary conditions are studied. Transient heat transfer in several pure metallic plates is also studied to find out the required time to reach equilibrium temperature. So, this study will help find design parameters of such structures.
Effects of teicoplanin on cell number of cultured cell lines
Authors: Kashkolinejad-Koohi Tahere , Saadat Iraj , Saadat Mostafa
Published: December 2015

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with a wide variation in human serum half-life. It is also a valuable alternative of vancomycin. There is however no study on its effect on cultured cells. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of teicoplanin on cultured cell lines CHO, Jurkat E6.1 and MCF-7. The cultured cells were exposed to teicoplanin at final concentrations of 0–11000 μg/ml for 24 hours. To determine cell viability, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was performed. At low concentrations of teicoplanin the numbers of cultured cells (due to cell proliferation) were increased in the three cell lines examined. The maximum cell proliferation rates were observed at concentrations of 1000, 400, and 200 μg/ml of teicoplanin for CHO, MCF-7 and Jurkat cell lines, respectively. Cell toxicity was observed at final concentrations over 2000, 6000, and 400 μg/ml of teicoplanin for CHO, MCF-7 and Jurkat cell lines, respectively. A dose-dependent manner of cell toxicity was observed. Our present findings indicated that teicoplanin at clinically used concentrations induced cell proliferation. It should therefore be used cautiously, particularly in children, pregnant women and patients with cancer.
Protective effect of Cupressus sempervirens extract against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Koriem Khaled M. M. , Gad Islam B. , Nasiry Zayenab K.
Published: December 2015

Cupressus sempervirens (C. sempervirens) belongs to the family Cupressaceae. It is widspread in Northern Africa, Greece, Turkey, North America, Cyprus and Syria. Cupressuflavone is the major ingredient of the plant leave extract. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiulcerogenic activity of the extract of C. sempervirens leaves in gastric ulcer tissues induced by indomethacin. The results of the present study revealed that indomethacin significantly decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, while it increased significantly lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels in gastric tissue. Furthermore, indomethacin decreased p53 expression, while it increased bcl-2 expression in gastric tissue. Pretreatment with 5%, 10% & 20% of the LD50 of C. sempervirens and cupressuflavone of indomethacin-treated rats restored all the above parameters to approach normal values. C. sempervirens at the highest dose was more effective than the two lower doses. C. sempervirens proved more potent than cupressuflavone. In conclusion, C. sempervirens exerted antiulcerogenic activity and the effect was dose-dependent and related to the cupressuflavone ingredient of the plant leave extract.
Endothelium and the effect of activated neutrophils on arterial smooth muscle
Authors: Bauer Viktor , Sotnikova Ruzena
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to analyze the involvement of the endothelium in the effects of neutrophils (PMNL) on phenylephrine-pre-contracted isolated rings of the rat thoracic aorta and to compare their effects with those of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Activated PMNL-induced contraction of the precontracted aorta was prevented by the blockade of NO-synthase and by endothelium removal. In the endothelium-free preparations, the effect of PMNL reappeared in the presence of sodium nitroprusside. The effect of ONOO− and HOCl significantly differed from that of activated PMNL both in the presence and absence of the endothelium. It is therefore likely that neither ONOO− nor HOCl generated by transformation of superoxide anion radical (O2
•−) produced by PMNL is involved in their action. Reduction of the relaxant effect of nitric oxide derived from the endothelium by O2
•− seems to be the keystone mechanism in generation of PMNL-induced contraction.
Leptin And Ghrelin – The New Old Players In Obesity And Depression
Authors: Sandeva Rositsa V. , Mihaylova Stanislava M. , Sandeva Gergana N.
Published: December 2015

The participation of the anorexigenic peptide leptin and the orexigenic peptide ghrelin in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and obesity is well studied. In this review, we are taking a look at the structure, anatomical expression, regulation, receptors and physiological functions of these two neuropeptides. Leptin is produced almost exclusively in adipose tissue. It acts on the brain and is a key element in long-term regulation of energy balance. Leptin suppresses appetite and reduces body weight. Besides its central effects, important aspects of its action on peripheral tissues have been discovered recently: direct regulation of immune cells, pancreatic beta cells, adipocytes and muscle cells. Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand for the active form of the growth hormone receptor (GHS-R1a) and stimulates food intake and growth hormone secretion. We focus on the role of leptin and ghrelin in central nervous system neural mechanisms that are associated with depression. Studying new aspects of these two neuropeptides aims to expand our knowledge of the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches to diseases with which they are associated: obesity, depression, type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, and more.
Correlations Between Acute Ischemic Stroke And Its Associated Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Arabadzhieva Daniela Y. , Kaprelyan Ara G. , Slavov Zdravko D. , Georgieva Zhaneta T. , Tsukeva Aleksandra Zh.
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between some cardiovascular diseases and acute ischemic stroke. A total of 258 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age 70.59±7.22 years) were examined. The presence of eight cardiovascular diseases and pathological conditions was analyzed: arterial hypertension, hypertensive heart, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, effort angina pectoris, coronary atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Data were statistically processed by variation and correlation analysis. Most male and female patients presented with four accompanying cardiovascular diseases (27 or 20.93% and 31 or 24.03% of the cases, respectively). There were two groups of four variables each - with a relatively strong and a moderate, as well as with a weak correlation (r<0.4), to the presence of acute ischemic stroke in the corresponding patients. Ischemic heart disease was strongly associated with effort angina pectoris (r=0.667) and to a lesser extent - with coronary atherosclerosis (r=0.470), whereas myocardial infarction was associated with coronary atherosclerosis (r=0.604) and ischemic heart disease (r=0.378), respectively. Arterial hypertension was moderately related to hypertensive heart (r=0.300). In conclusion, there were relatively close associations between acute ischemic stroke and these heart diseases. These patients should strictly and regularly be followed up by general practitioners.
Occupational Risk And Health Status Of Workers In The Production Of Heat
Authors: Kuneva Tanja P. , Stoyneva Zlatka B. , Medjidieva Daniela G. , Apostolova Diana B. , Kuzmov Shiboy N. , Oncheva Gergina N. , Toncheva Reny T. , Boyadzhieva Vladimira V. , Bozhinova Kristina V.
Published: December 2015

The health status of 1515 workers employed in heat production was investigated. The subjects studied were divided in four groups according to occupation and occupational risk factors: vibration, noise, dust, metal aerosols, overloading of the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous system, and organic solvents. The control group included 152 administrative staff members. High prevalence of socially significant diseases – cardiovascular, endocrine and metabolic was detected in all the groups surveyed. The frequency of diseases of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system was 2.7 times higher than that in the control group. Statistically reliable higher prevalence of lung diseases in the studied risk groups was found, especially in the group of welders and chemists: 45.3% и 17.4% respectively, as compared to 4.3% in the controls. These finding corresponded to the occupational risk. The following occupation diseases were diagnosed: pneumoconiosis in 26.6% and toxic pneumofibrosis in 5.1% of electric welders. As regards the group of chemists, toxic pneumofibrosis was found in 6.5%. toxic effects of irritants - in 6.5 %, and chronic intoxication with organic radicals - in 0.7 % of them. Occupational auditory neuritis was diagnosed in 1% of the turbine operators and crane operators. The relative share of workers with peripheral nervous system pathology (radiculopathies, polyneuropathies, distal sympathetic neuropathy, mononeuropathy) was reliably higher than that in the control group, and the frequency increased among the workers with more than ten years of service and older than 40.
Experimental Study On The Development Of Tolerance And Withdrawal Syndrome To Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures In Rats Treated With Retigabine
Authors: Apostolova Elisaveta G. , Kokova Vesela Y. , Peychev Lyudmil P.
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study was to evaluate seizure liability in rats against the convulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) during a 14-day treatment with retigabine (RTG). The seizure liability was also studied on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after the abrupt determination of its administration. Male Wistar rats were divided in groups of 10 and treated orally for 14 days (1st – 6th group with distilled water, and 7th – 12th group with retigabine (RTG) at a dose of 60 mg/kg bw The tolerance to the anticonvulsant effect of RTG was studied using subcutaneous injection of PTZ (120 mg/kg bw) on the 1th and 14th day. To determine the possible neuronal hyperexcitability on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after termination of drug administration, a lower dose of PTZ (65 mg/kg bw) was used. According to our results there was no change in the anticonvulsant activity of RTG during the whole period of treatment. The study on withdrawal syndrome showed slightly decrease of the effect on the first day after the last treatment, but with no significant difference to the controls. The anticonvulsant effect of RTG on the 2nd and 3rd day was close to that in the control group. Our results showed no development of tolerance on subchronic treatment with RTG. There was no significant change in the neuronal hyperexcitability on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd day after the termination of treatment. Based on these results we can suggest that RTG has no potential to develop withdrawal syndrome.
Translation, Adaptation And Validation Of The Bulgarian Version Of The SIDAED Questionnaire
Authors: Kuzmanova Rumyana N. , Stefanova Irina Z. , Velcheva Irena V. , Stambolieva Katerina I.
Published: December 2015

The aim of the study is the translation, adaptation and validation of Side effects of antiepileptic drugs questionnaire in Bulgarian language (SIDAED-BG) in order to use it for objective monitoring of patients with epilepsy. One hundred and thirty one patients (mean age 40.13±13.37 years) took part in the investigation. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were tested by Cronbach's α and ICC estimations. The convergent construct validity was evaluated by estimating the correlation of SIDAED-BG with the QOLIE-89 and the discriminant validity - by evaluation of the difference between SIDAED-BG scores and clinical parameters such as type of epilepsy using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The Cronbach's α of the total scale was 0.93. The test-retest reliability was higher and determined the strong positive correlations between the first and second examination. The SIDAED-BG questionnaire showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.37 to 0.86) and the scores significantly correlated with other questionnaires such as QOLIE-89 and showed a good discriminative validity between groups with different levels of self-assessed adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs. The Bulgarian version of SIDAED is a reliable and valid tool in assessing the patient-reported adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs and their impact on the patient's outcome.
Exploring the Barriers of Public Digital Cultural Resources Integration in China: A Survey
Authors: Xiao Ximing , Wanyan Dengdeng
Published: December 2015

In recent years, stronger collaboration between China’s public cultural institutions had led to the creation of several public digital cultural resources integration projects, yet certain factors have still hindered the development of the digital integration. In this study, the potential impeding factors were found via literature research and interviews. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the opinions of employees at China’s public cultural institutions regarding these factors. It can be concluded from the survey that the barriers are the institutions’ lack of willingness and capacity to cooperate, segmented management systems, lack of management for the integration projects, intellectual property problems, insufficient policy support, lack of unified standards, lack of diverse sources of funding, and lack of awareness by governments and institutions. The solutions are also discussed.
Librarians Outside of Libraries: The Experiences of Library and Information Science Graduates Working Outside of Libraries
Authors: Fraser-Arnott Melissa A.
Published: December 2015

This article explores the professional experiences of library and information science (LIS) graduates who pursue non-library roles. The changes impacting the LIS profession make this an important topic as Masters of Library and Information Science programs are increasingly marketing their programs as preparing students for a wide range of professional opportunities. In particular, this article explores some of the types of non-library roles pursued by LIS graduates, the transferable competencies that allow LIS graduates to transition into these work roles, how these professionals develop the skills and competencies that they need to transfer into new employment opportunities, and the desired career paths and career planning activities of LIS graduates working in non-library roles. These data were collected in a grounded theory study involving 20 LIS graduates working in a range of non-library roles. This research may help LIS educators to better prepare their students for diverse career opportunities and LIS program administrators to promote their programs to a wider range of potential students.
Observations on the postnatal growth and development of captive Ethiopian hedgehogs, Paraechinus aethiopicus, in Qatar
Authors: Abu Baker Mohammad A. , Mohedano Ivan , Reeve Nigel , Yamaguchi Nobuyuki
Published: December 2015

The postnatal growth and development of the Ethiopian hedgehog (
Impact of the activities of local government on the quality of life of households, in the opinion of the inhabitants, of the border commune, Hanna
Authors: Siedlecka Agnieszka
Published: December 2015

The issue of quality of life is an interdisciplinary issue. Non-economic and economic factors influence its level. The aim of the study is a subjective assessment of the quality of life for residents of the border commune of Hanna and to assess the impact of investment in the commune on its level.

The article attempts to answer the following question. What types of investment affect the quality of life of residents to the greatest extent? In order to achieve these objectives, surveys were conducted for the period January – April 2014. The samples for the research were not made by randomised choice, but instead used the snowball method. The results indicated that the subjective assessment of the quality of life for residents is high. It can be said that in the opinion of the respondents, quality of life has not changed significantly over the past five years. Respondents recognize the affect that the important role of the commune’s activities has on the quality of life of households; particularly investments from EU funds.
Colacium Minimum (Euglenophyta), A New Epiphytic Species For Asia
Authors: Wołowski Konrad , Duangjan Kritsana , Peerapornpisal Yuwadee
Published: December 2015

Colacium minimumFott & Komárek, known so far from a few localities in Central Europe (Czech Republic), is reported here for the first time from Asia (Thailand). This epiphytic species was found growing on eight taxa of loricated euglenoids. The process of surface colonization ofTrachelomonasEhrenb. andStrombomonasDeflandre taxa byC. minimumin natural populations is briefly discussed and originally documented using LM and SEM.
Mallomonas Camerunensis Sp. Nov. (Chrysophyceae, Stramenopiles) From A Shallow Puddle In The Guineo-Congolian Rainforest (Cameroon)
Authors: Piątek Jolanta
Published: December 2015

A new silica-scaled chrysophyte species, Mallomonas camerunensis J. Piątek, is described and illustrated from a shallow puddle in the Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Cameroon. This species belongs to section Papillosae and series Papillosa. It is similar to other Mallomonas species placed in Papillosa, such as M. binocularis Siver, M. calceolus D. E. Bradley, M. delanciana Siver, M. kalinae Řezáčová, M. papillosa K. Harris & D. E. Bradley, M. paxillata (D. E. Bradley) L. Ş. Péterfi & Momeu, M. rasilis Dürrschm. and M. tropica Dürrschm. & Croome, but differs from them in several morphological characters warranting recognition as a distinct species. The dome of M. camerunensis is clearly delimited and ornamented with papillae and ribs. The scales lack an anterior submarginal rib, while the posterior rim and V-rib are smooth and unornamented. The shield is thickly ornamented with papillae (18–22 papillae per scale width). The species is described and illustrated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Native and non-native uses of English modal particles. The case of "surely" and "for sure"
Authors: Rozumko Agata
Published: December 2015

It has frequently been noted that non-native speakers of English find it difficult to express their views with the appropriate degree of conviction. However, many of the problems which non-native speakers have with specific modal expressions are still waiting to be identified. The aim of this paper is to compare native and non-native (student) uses of two English epistemics: "surely" and "for sure". The students' uses are mostly examined with reference to PICLE (the Polish subsection of the International Corpus of Learner English), while native uses are analyzed on the basis of two corpora of texts written by native speakers of English available at the PICLE website, the British National Corpus, and scholarly publications concerning the two particles. The study demonstrates that Polish students tend to wrongly assume the functions of surely and for sure to be identical with the functions of the Polish expression "na pewno" (a literal equivalent of "for sure" with a broader range of uses). In consequence, they use the challenging and pressure-building particle "surely" in contexts which require neutral epistemic adverbs, such as "clearly". They also tend to put "for sure" in positions characteristic of epistemic adverbs, and use it in formal discourse.