bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural, optical and electrical characterization of CBD synthesized CdO thin films: influence of deposition time
Authors: Das M.R. , Mukherjee A. , Mitra P.
Published: September 2017

Cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films were grown on glass substrates by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method for different deposition times using cadmium acetate as cationic precursor. The structural and optical characterization was carried out using XRD, TEM, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer measurements. Structural analyses with XRD confirmed cubic structure of the CdO. Average particle size estimated from Rietveld refinement method of XRD pattern corresponded well with TEM measurement. The optical band gap varied between 2.35 eV to 2.48 eV with deposition time and an increase in optical band gap with decreasing film thickness was observed. The AC electrical conduction behavior of the CdO film was investigated as a function of temperature as well as frequency. The conductivity measurements indicated localized conduction and hopping of carriers between localized states. The value of real part of dielectric constant was found to decrease with frequency and increase with temperature. The Nyquist plots at different temperatures showed the existence of both grains and grain boundaries contributing to conduction mechanism.
Moving to Need: The Effect of Federal Contracts on Service Provider Location
Authors: Never Brent , Westberg Drew
Published: September 2017

Place matters, particularly when one considers human services. Proximity to individuals served is particularly important in those human services dedicated to people with low mobility or elevated fears of difference. Our project aims to explore the location decisions of job placement and training nonprofits at a national level. Relying on four separate data sets - 990 data from the National Center of Charitable Statistics, federal contracting from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, and American Community Survey data at the census tract level - we analyze nonprofit movement from 2008–2012 and assess the impact of federal contracts on the prevalence to move. This analysis finds that federal contracts played a powerful but double-edged role in redistributing job placement and training agencies. First, federal contracts seem to have helped nonprofits move to ‘better’ neighborhoods post-recession. Second, and somewhat contradictory, we also find that post-recession these same agencies were located in far worse neighborhoods than non-contracted counterparts that also moved during the recession.
The Road Network in the Longue Durée: A Reading Key of the History of Territories
Authors: Watteaux Magali
Published: September 2017

The historical study of routes has long remained confined to the great Roman roads, to the modern royal roads and to the medieval pilgrimage routes. For fifteen years, the French school of Archaeogeography has revisited this research field in great depth, following the first intuitions of the archaeologist Eric Vion. The innovative idea ‒ at least because it leads to a questioning of our methods ‒ is to consider the current road network as the starting point of the analysis. It is the true object of research for the historianarchaeologist because it represents a solid legacy whose logic one must unravel. Because this story is closely integrated with urban, political and economic matters, the study of this inherited road network represents a precious reading key to understanding the history of the territories in the longue durée. In the frame of this paper, we propose to recall these methodological advances and to present a case study in Brittany, around the small town of Chateaugiron. By this example, we want to show that the archaeogeographical analysis and interpretation offer a scientific narrative based on the paradigms of complexity and resilience to contemporary societies in charge of our territories.
The Teotihuacan Anomaly: The Historical Trajectory of Urban Design in Ancient Central Mexico
Authors: Smith Michael E.
Published: September 2017

The ancient Mexican city of Teotihuacan had the most aberrant design of any city in ancient Mesoamerica. I examine similarities and differences between the design of Teotihuacan and other Mesoamerican cities. During the Preclassic period, a set of common Mesoamerican planning principles emerged. The designers of Teotihuacan rejected most of these principles in favor of a new and radical set of planning concepts. After the fall of Teotihuacan, subsequent urban planners ignored the Teotihuacan principles and returned to ancient Mesoamerican planning ideas. Elements of the Teotihuacan plan did not resurface until the Mexica of Tenochtitlan revived them for a specific goal. The historical sequence of central Mexican city layouts highlights the anomalous character of Teotihuacan’s principles of urban design within the canons of ancient Mesoamerican urbanism.
The Shapiro-Stiglitz Model with Non-constant Marginal Utility
Authors: Wu Joseph S. K. , Ho Chi Pui
Published: September 2017

The Shapiro-Stiglitz model plays an important role in the employment theory. Woodford pointed out the theoretic limitation of the linear worker's utility function in that model. He questioned the model's implication of the secular decline in the unemployment rate when such rate was in fact trendless. He proposed to resolve this by allowing diminishing marginal utility of income. In this paper, the Shapiro- Stiglitz model is generalized using a nonlinear utility function implicit in the Stiglitz Efficiency-wage paper, thus linking these two well-known models. The nonlinear utility function in this generalized model not only allows for diminishing marginal utility of income but also allows for the analysis of parameters representing various factors affecting the secular unemployment rate. In particular, we can specify the condition under which the diminishing marginal utility can cause such rate to be trendless.
Informality: the Doorstep of the Legal System
Authors: Russo Francesco Flaviano
Published: September 2017

Many entrepreneurs work informally because it is costly to start and run a business legally. Using a dynamic model of industry equilibrium, I show that the costs of the legal system can explain the cross country variability of the size of the informal economy. The model implies that the business start-up costs are more important than taxes and labor market regulations. Small, less productive, entrepreneurs, facing high entry costs, start informally, waiting to become more productive before legalizing. Informality is often the doorstep of the legal system.
From the Logic of Elimination to the Logic of the Gift: Towards a Decolonial Theory of Tlingit Language Revitalization
Authors: Geiger William A.
Published: September 2017

In this article, Tlingit language revitalization is approached through theories of decolonization, critiques of colonialism, and philosophies of liberation. Instructional programs for the endangered Tlingit language are urgently necessary, but the residual structures of colonialism make the successful implementation and reception of such programs extremely difficult. Patrick Wolfe’s notion of the “logic of elimination” is used to demonstrate the persistent nature of colonialism in the Tlingit context. Through that lens, the dispossession of Tlingit territory, culture, and language by the settler-colonial system can be viewed as ongoing processes rather than concluded past events. Concrete examples are used to demonstrate the empirical effects of colonial elimination campaigns in the Tlingit context. The work of Nelson Maldonado-Torres is also enlisted, as he articulates a notion of decolonization predicated on “the logic of the gift.” I bring together these “logics” of (de) colonization to advance a speculative theory of revitalization as a movement from the logic of elimination to the logic of the gift. This has implications for language revitalization in general and Tlingit language revitalization in particular. I argue that revitalization must begin in an affirmation of the Tlingit language based on critical, militant, and loving acts of listening.
Theory and Praxis in Community Based Language Development: preliminary findings from applications of the Guide for Planning the Future of Our Language
Authors: Eberhard David M.
Published: September 2017

This study will provide a critique of preliminary results obtained from the application of the ‘Guide for Planning the Future of Our Language’ (Hanawalt, Varenkamp, Lahn, & Eberhard 2015) in minority speech communities. This recent methodological tool was developed to enable and empower minoritized language groups to do their own language planning and to control their own language development. The tool is based on a theoretical approach to community based language development known as the ‘Sustainable Use Model’, or the SUM (Lewis & Simons 2016). The paper will begin with a brief introduction to the theoretical framework of the SUM. Next it will describe the basic structure of the ‘Guide for Planning the Future of Our Language’, and then ‘follow along’ as it is applied in various communities and workshops with mother tongue speakers. These applications were conducted by the author and others in 84 languages in Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Sao Tome e Principe, and Venezuela. This will be the first report of its kind on the broad applications of this rapidly growing methodology.
Why Did the Buddhists Adopt Sanskrit?
Authors: Eltschinger Vincent
Published: September 2017

Western scholarship has long wondered about the reasons that led the Buddhists, or, to be more precise, specific sectarian components of the Indian Buddhist communities (most conspicuously the [Mūla]sarvāstivādins), to abandon the Middle Indic vernaculars as their scriptural, scholarly and probably vehicular language, to turn to Sanskrit, the celebrated and elitist language of Brahmanical scriptures (first and foremost the Veda), ritual, and culture. The fact is all the more intriguing that insistent Buddhist traditions traced to the Buddha himself, apparently a champion of regional languages, a prohibition to use Sanskrit or, at least, to emulate Brahmanical linguistic behavior. The present paper presents a partly new hypothesis concerning one aspect of this important sociolinguistic phenomenon by looking into the legitimations provided by these Buddhists for studying (Sanskrit) grammar
Astral Karate as a Phenomenon of Late-Soviet Esoteric Underground
Authors: Panin Stanislav
Published: September 2017

The article concentrates on the history of Astral Karate, its doctrine and sources. Astral Karate was a late-Soviet eclectic spiritual movement based on esoteric interpretations of martial arts and yoga. The term “Astral Karate” had spread in the 1980s thanks to spiritual leader and underground esoteric author Valery Averianov who called himself Guru Var Avera. On one hand, the movement reflected global tendencies, such as growing interest in Eastern cultures and spirituality, that characterized esoteric groups in the USSR as well as in the USA and Europe during this period. On the other hand, esoteric groups in the Soviet Union developed in isolation from European and American esoteric currents and under unique ideological and legal pressures. The combination of these factors contributed to the originality of late-Soviet esoteric currents and therefore makes Astral Karate an important object of academic inquiry, which helps us to understand the specifics of Soviet spirituality and its further developments in post- Soviet states
Is there Verification in Theology?
Authors: Allen Paul L.
Published: September 2017

Critical realism (CR) has served as a benchmark in science-theology dialogue as a way of determining similar rational structures in these disciplines. One implication has been that Theology has a parallel form of verification to that of the natural sciences. However, defenders of CR in Theology have not clarified how this might be the case and so critics of CR have noted numerous alleged shortfalls in thinking of Theology objectively from a pragmatist perspective. This paper describes some of these criticisms, especially the more nuanced perspective of J. Wentzel van Huyssteen, whose concern for hermeneutics and epistemology is well suited to CR. Taking several cues from the theory of retroduction in the work of philosopher of science Ernan McMullin and the philosopher theologian Bernard Lonergan, this paper proposes a more explanatory form of CR that takes hermeneutical issues seriously while also retaining a cognitive focus on judgment. It is the capacity to judge, in the form of verified theories in science and theological doctrines, where a true parallel exists between theology and the natural sciences. The paper ends by noting a number of themes in Lonergan’s magnum opus Method in Theology, where theological doctrines are capable of being explanatorily true whilst remaining subject to revision, analogous to the status of verified theories in the natural sciences.
Effect of deoxynivalenol on the levels of toll-like receptors 2 and 9 and their mRNA expression in enterocytes in the porcine large intestine: a preliminary study
Authors: Dąbrowski M. , Jakimiuk E. , Gajęcka M. , Gajęcki M.T. , Zielonka Ł.
Published: September 2017

Deoxynivalenol (DON), one of the most prevalent mycotoxins in the world, and is capable of inducing immune disorders in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feed contaminated with DON on the number of TLR2- and TLR9-positive cells and their mRNA expression in the porcine large intestine. The experiment was conducted on two equal groups of pigs (n=4). The experimental group (E) was administered feed contaminated with DON (1008 μg/kg of feed) for 6 weeks, and the control group (C) was administered non-contaminated feed over the same period of time. A decrease in the expression of TLR2 mRNA was noted in the cecum. The percentage of TLR9-positive enterocytes increased in the ascending colon and decreased in the cecum. The results of this study indicate that DON can modify the local immune response by changing the expression of TLRs.
Cytokine profiles of dendritic cells (DCs) during infection with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV)
Authors: Iwan E. , Szczotka M. , Kocki J.
Published: September 2017

BLV is an agent of enzootic bovine leukaemia (EBL), an infectious disease affecting cattle worldwide. BLV infection has been associated with immune system disorders and discrepancies in the cytokine network. The significance of dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of BLV infection is largely unknown, but considering their fundamental role in immune response it may be crucial. DCs precursors were isolated with the use of immunomagnetic beads from BLV-infected and BLV-free cows. From these precursors cultures of monocyte derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) were generated with the use of a cytokine cocktail (IL-4 and GM-CSF). Additionally, parallel DCs from BLV-negative animals were infectedin vitro.The level of cytokines: IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70) was determined in DC cultures: infectedin vitro, originating from naturally infected cattle and BLV-free cattle. The investigation showed significant changes in almost all analyzed populations of BLV-infected DCs. Cytokine profiles of blood MoDCs indicated activation of these groups during infection. In the case of spleen MoDCs and lymph node MoDCs a decrease in production of IL-12(p40) and IL-12(p70) in favour of IL-6 and IL-10 was noted, suggesting promotion of BLV infection development.
Impact of production technology on morphological lesions in the gills of commercial rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)
Authors: Strzyżewska-Worotyńska E. , Szarek J. , Babińska I. , Gulda D.
Published: September 2017

The most popular rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792) production technologies include both an extensive method with the flow through system (FTS) and an intensive method with the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Their impact on the fish was evaluated with a morphological assessment of the gills, as these are organs susceptible to environmental changes. Trout of 350 – 500 g body mass were caught for trial in spring and autumn, with 36 fish originating from 3 fish farms with the FTS system and an equal number from 3 RAS fish farms (n = 6). The fish were macroscopically examined and the gills were investigated microscopically (haematoxylin and eosin staining). Hypertrophy and hyperplasia were most commonly detected, amounting to 89% of all structural abnormalities. These lesions were slightly more common in the FTS, especially in autumn, whereas the changes to the blood vessels in the gills were observed more frequently in the rainbow trout from the RAS system than in the fish obtained from the FTS technology (the difference was statistically significant). The morphological lesions in the mucous cells of the gills were detected at a comparable severity regardless of the technology or production season. The predominantly low values of the histopathologic indices, which described the microscopic lesions in the gills of fish from the FTS and RAS systems, showed that the examined organ was most often free of lesions or demonstrated only minor morphological damage regardless of the production technology.
Determination of tigecycline in turkey plasma by LC-MS/MS: validation and application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Jasiecka-Mikołajczyk A. , Jaroszewski J.J.
Published: September 2017

Tigecycline (TIG), a novel glycylcycline antibiotic, plays an important role in the management of complicated skin and intra-abdominal infections. The available data lack any description of a method for determination of TIG in avian plasma. In our study, a selective, accurate and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of TIG in turkey plasma. Sample preparation was based on protein precipitation and liquid-liquid extraction using 1,2-dichloroethane. Chromatographic separation of TIG and minocycline (internal standard, IS) was achieved on an Atlantis T3 column (150 mm × 3.0 mm, 3.0 μm) using gradient elution. The selected reaction monitoring transitions were performed at 293.60 m/z → 257.10 m/z for TIG and 458.00 m/z → 441.20 m/z for IS. The developed method was validated in terms of specificity, selectivity, linearity, lowest limit of quantification, limit of detection, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, carry-over effect, extraction recovery and stability. All parameters of the method submitted to validation met the acceptance criteria. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 0.01-100 μg/ml. This validated method was successfully applied to a TIG pharmacokinetic study in turkey after intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg at various time-points.
Evaluation of intra-testicular injections of calcium chloride and 4-vinylcyclohexene 1,2 monoepoxide for chemical sterilization in guinea pigs
Authors: Sen C.C. , Yumusak N. , Faundez R. , Temamogullari F. , Taskin A.
Published: September 2017

This study was aimed at investigating the use of intra-testicular calcium chloride (CaCl2) and 4-vinylcyclohexene 1,2-monoepoxide (VCM) injections as a side effect-free alternative method for the control of reproduction in guinea pigs. Fifty male guinea pigs were randomly assigned to five groups. In all groups, the chemical agents were injected into both testes in 1% lidocaine hydrochloride. While Groups I, II and III were administered with a single dose (0.25 mL) of sterile physiological saline, 15 mg/100 g CaCl2, and 240 mg/kg VCM, respectively, Group IV and V received a daily dose of 15 mg/100 g CaCl2, and 240 mg/kg VCM for 3 days, respectively. On day 90 post-administration, all animals were weighed and later decapitated under ether anaesthesia. Blood and tissue (testis, liver, hypophysis and adrenal gland) samples were taken. Sperm samples from the cauda epididymis were examined for spermatological parameters. Blood was used for hormone analyses and tissue samples were examined histopathologically (haematoxylin-eosin) and immunohistochemically (Tunel staining). The epididymal sperm count decreased in all treatment groups. Excluding 2 animals, Group V displayed azoospermia. When compared to the control group, Group V displayed the highest prolactin and lowest testosterone levels, and Group III showed the highest testosterone level. Histopathological examination revealed no intoxication finding. Chemical castration with VCM may be a good alternative to surgical castration as it enables mass sterilization without postoperative risks in guinea pig.
Withdrawal of cefoperazone with milk after intramammary administration in dairy cows – prospective and retrospective analysis
Authors: Burmańczuk A. , Grabowski T. , Błądek T. , Kowalski C. , Dębiak P.
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to carry out retrospective and prospective comparative analyses of the pharmacokinetics of CEF after single intramammary (IMM) administration in cows. The prospective study (study A) was conducted on 9 dairy cows of the Polish Black-White race with clinical mastitis during the lactation period. Milk samples were collected at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 84 h after single IMM administration of 250 mg of CEF to one quarter. Drug concentrations in milk samples were determined by HPLC-MS/MS technique and the results of the pharmacokinetic analysis were compared to those obtained in previous studies based on the microbiological (study B) and HPLC-UV methods (study C and D). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated based on adapted two-compartment model of drug distribution. One of the findings of the comparison of the analysed investigations is that the CEF kinetics determined with the microbiological method is consistent with the results obtained by the authors of this paper. Both studies yielded similar results of the key pharmacokinetic parameters related to the level of the drug distribution to tissues and elimination half-life. In the pharmacodynamic analysis, the observations in all four studies were entirely consistent and have shown lower values of T>MIC90 in healthy animals and significantly higher values in infected dairy cows. The comparison of studies A, B, C, and D revealed that the time of complete CEF wash-out of 90.90% varied and amounted to 5.7, 8.0, 2.2, and 2.2 days after administration of the drug, respectively.

It was confirmed that not only the type of the analytical method but also correct sampling have a significant impact on determination of the correct value of the drug half-life after IMM administration. The comparative analysis of studies in which the milk yield was high and low allows a conclusion that this parameter in the case of CEF has no significant effect on T>MIC90.
Expression and immunological evaluation of elongation factor Tu of Streptococcus suis serotype 2
Authors: Xia X.J. , Wang L. , Cheng L.K. , Shen Z.Q. , Li S.G. , Wang J.L.
Published: September 2017

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is considered as a major pathogen that causes sepsis and meningitis in piglets and humans, but knowledge of its antigenic proteins remains limited so far. The surface-related proteins of pathogens often play significant roles in bacterium-host interactions and infection. Here, we obtained the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) gene of Streptococcus suis and constructed the recombinant expression plasmid successfully. The target recombinant plasmid was then expressed in Escherichia coli and the immuno-protection of the recombinant protein was subsequently evaluated as well. The EF-Tu gene of Streptococcus suis is 1197 bp in length, encodes 398 amino acids. The target recombinant EF-Tu (rEF-Tu) protein can recognize the antiserum of Streptococcus suis and can provoke obvious humoral immune responses in rabbits and conferred protection to rabbits against Streptococcus suis ear-vein challenge, implying that the EF-Tu may be used as an attractive candidate antigen for a component of subunit vaccine.
Pathological findings in low-field magnetic resonance imaging of the canine spine – a study of 112 patients
Authors: Holak P. , Głodek J. , Mieszkowska M. , Jałyński M. , Zhalniarovich Y. , Adamiak Z.
Published: September 2017

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of choice in diagnosing nervous system disorders. This paper presents the results of a study where selected segments of the canine spine were examined by low-field MRI in 112 patients. Images of pathological changes were obtained in spin echo (SE), fast spin echo (FSE) and hybrid contrast enhancement (3D HYCE) sequences. The cervical region of the spinal cord (C1-C5) was examined in 32 patients, the cervicothoracic region (C6-Th2)- in 14 patients, the thoracolumbar region (Th3-L3) – in 23 patients, and the lumbosacral region (L4-S3) – in 43 patients. The results were used to determine the incidence of pathological changes in different sections of the canine spine, such as intervertebral disc disease (IDD), disc desiccation, syringomyelia and changes characterized by higher uptake of the contrast medium. Intervertebral disc disease was diagnosed in 52.7% of patients and it was the most common abnormality. Disc dehydratation without protrusion or extrusion was noted in 23.2% of animals. Pathological changes with increased uptake of the contrast medium and indicative of neoplastic growth were observed in 13.4% of patients and syringomyelia was diagnosed in 9.82% of the examined animals. The proposed sequences revealed the presence of above abnormalities.
The animal-dependent risk factors in canine osteosarcomas
Authors: Sapierzyński R. , Czopowicz M.
Published: September 2017

Canine osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant neoplastic tumor, which develops from the primitive mesenchymal stem cell, that has or can acquire the capacity to produce neoplastic osteoid with possible neoplastic bone formation. Predisposition of some dog breeds to OSA indicates genetic background of oncogenesis. The aim of the study was to characterize animal-dependent risk factors for canine osteosarcoma development in Poland. The study was conducted on canine patients diagnosed cytologically or histopathologically as having OSA, and data on age, breed, sex, as well as tumor location and character were recorded. No sex predisposition to OSA was observed, mongrels were significantly underrepresented. Large and giant dogs accounted for 47% and 35% of all pedigree dogs, respectively, and both proved predisposed to OSA. A vast majority of OSA developed in the skeleton (appendicular skeleton was more commonly affected than axial skeleton), soft tissues were affected less often. Rottweiler dogs are strongly predisposed to OSA, suggesting that the genetic background is involved in the tumor development, and indicates that dogs of this breed are a promising object for further studies on OSA pathogenesis.
Serum amyloid A protein (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and selected hematological and biochemical parameters in wild mares before and after parturition
Authors: Krakowski L. , Bartoszek P. , Krakowska I. , Olcha P. , Piech T. , Stachurska A. , Brodzki P.
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to evaluate physiological changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in mares in perinatal period. Blood samples were collected from 24 pregnant Polish Konik breed mares which were divided into two groups. The first group (Group – I, n=12) comprised mares living in the wild, in the reserve. The second group (Group – II, n=12) consisted of mares kept in stables. The blood was collected 2 weeks prior to the parturition, then 24 hours after the delivery, and then at the 7th and 21st day after foaling. When comparing the two groups before the parturition, no significant differences in terms of WBC, RBC, and Hb were found, however, there was a significant difference in MCV, MCH, LYM, NEU and SEG NEU (p≤0.05). In Group II, 24 hours after the parturition and at the 21st day after foaling, a significant raise in WBC, NEU and SEG NEU (p≤0.05) was detected. No significant differences in serum concentrations of proteins such as TP, Alb or Glb were observed. As to acute phase proteins, significant rise in SAA and Hp (p≤0.05) was found in the two examined groups 24 hours after the parturition. Yet, this rise remained within physiological range. The study revealed a certain degree of fluctuations in hematological parameters, in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins and total proteins in the mares in the perinatal period. However, these changes remained still within physiological ranges and thus they do not indicate potential susceptibility to disorders of perinatal period.
Improvement of dairy cow embryo yield with low level laser irradiation
Authors: Palubinskas G. , Žilaitis V. , Antanaitis R.
Published: September 2017

The goal of this study is to estimate the effects of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on the superovulatory response according to the number of corpora lutea (CL), follicles (F) and the embryo yield. In recent years, while searching for new, more efficient and organic methods to improve superovulatory response and embryo yield with respect to the conventional methods, low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) is a more sensitive and less costly technology that can be used to improve animal reproduction, namely, artificial insemination and the embryo production system. The dairy-cow donors were treated for superovulation with Pluset®, at any time during the oestrus cycle, and the total dose per donor was 700 IU. The first group of the donors (n=25), test group (TG), was irradiated on the sacroiliac area for 180 seconds per day, from the 1st to 11th superovulatory treatment (ST) days in a row, with LLLI in the 870-970-nm wavelength, 65.93 J/cm dose, frequencies in the 20-2000 Hz range and pulse durations commonly in the range of about 1 second. For the second control group (CG) (n=25), the ST was performed without LLLI. After the ST, The mean number of CL in the right side ovaries in the TG was 25.43% (p<0.05) greater than in those of the CG. The number of total recovered and transferable embryos was greater in the TG compared with the CG by 28.97% (p<0.05) and 15.8% (p>0.05), respectively. With respect to conventional methods, LLLI can be used to improve the superovulatory response and embryo yield as a supplementary environment and animal-friendly method of treatment.
Effect of feeding with bilberry fruit on the expression pattern of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons in normal and diabetic rats
Authors: Matysek M. , Mozel S. , Szalak R. , Zacharko-Siembida A. , Obszańska K. , Arciszewski M.B.
Published: September 2017

αCaMKII, widely occurring in the central nervous system, plays a significant role in cognitive processes. It is well known that diabetes is a risk factor that may trigger brain atrophy, cognitive dysfunction and finally lead to memory loss. Antioxidants richly present in bilberry fruits are believed to have significant effects on diabetes-related brain dysfunctions mainly due to their abilities to modulate neurotransmitter release that lead to reduction of the negative impact of free radicals on cognitive processes. The aim of the present research was to immunohistochemically investigate the expression patterns of αCaMKII in hippocampal neurons from non-diabetic, diabetic and diabetic rats fed with an extract of bilberry fruit. The obtained results show that in comparison to the control group, in diabetic rats hippocampal neurons immunoreactive (ir) to αCaMKII were swollen and the lengths of the neuronal fibres were reduced. Further study shows that in diabetic rats fed with bilberry fruit, αCaMKII-positive nerve fibres were significantly longer when compared to the groups of diabetic and control rats. Additionally, we observed statistically significant changes in the average larger diameter of αCaMKII-ir hippocampal neurons between groups of diabetic rats (with vs. without supplement of bilberry fruit). The results of the present work suggest that antioxidants present in bilberry fruits influence the morphology of and possibly exhibit beneficial and neuroprotective effects on hippocampal neurons during diabetes. It is likely that changes in the appearance of αCaMKII-expressed hippocampal neurons may reflect the diabetes-evoked rise in Ca2+ level in the cerebral nerve terminals. The present research extends our knowledge of preventive mechanisms for cognitive dysfunctions occurring in the brain during diabetes.
Evaluation of in-feed larch sawdust anti-inflammatory effect in sows
Authors: Tzika E.D. , Tassis P.D. , Papatsiros V.G. , Pferschy-Wenzig E.M. , Siochu A. , Bauer R. , Alexopoulos C. , Kyriakis S.C. , Franz C.
Published: September 2017

The study aimed to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory activity of larch sawdust as feed supplement in lactating sows’ diet and its possible effect on the prevalence of Postpartum Dysgalactia Syndrome under field conditions. In a Greek farrow-to-finish pig farm, fifteen sows were randomly and equally allocated to a negative control group (NC group), a positive control group (PC group), and a treatment group (LT group). The animals of the first two groups received 99% basic diet and 1% corn starch, while LT group animals received 99% basic diet and 1% larch sawdust. The whole trial period lasted 35 days (7 days prior to farrow – day of weaning). At parturition day, animals of the PC group received 2 ml of an anti-inflammatory drug intramuscularly (meloxicam, Metacam®, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica), while the animals of both other groups, received 2 ml of normal saline. Results showed insignificant differences among experimental groups for parameters such as post-partum rectal temperature and piglets performance. On the contrary, a significant increase of mean milk lactation index was observed in LT and PC groups on the 4th day of lactation period, when compared with NC group (p=0.014). Additionally, mean IL-6 concentrations in blood in the LT group showed a tendency for reduction when compared with those found in NC, and insignificant difference (p>0.05) when compared with those observed in PC group 24 hours postpartum. Moreover, the respective TNFα mean level in the LT group at 24 and 72 hours after parturition was similar to that found in PC group, respectively) and significantly lower than that determined in the NC group (p=0.003, p=0.024. The results suggest a possible anti-inflammatory effect of larch sawdust in sows.
Survivin expression in correlation with apoptotic activity in canine lymphomas
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Urbańska K.
Published: September 2017

Survivin regulates cell cycle and mitosis and has antiapoptotic properties. Because of its dual function survivin has been the subject of much research focusing on its role in tumorigenesis and the relationship between survivin expression and apoptotic and/or proliferative activity in many types of human tumor including non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. Such studies have not been conducted in canine lymphomas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of survivin in canine lymphomas of low (5/25) and high (20/25) grades in relation to apoptotic markers (apoptotic index and index of caspase-3). Survivin was found in all examined lymphomas. Most tumors (18/25) showed survivin expression in 10%-25% of positive cells. Only in single cases was lower (0-10% positive cells, 1/25) or higher (25%-50% and >50% positive cells, 5/25 and 1/25, respectively) survivin expression. No significant differences between mean values of either index of survivin or apoptotic index was found between low and high grade lymphomas. However, such a difference among lymphoma grades was shown regarding the caspase-3 index. No correlation between the survivin index and either the apoptotic index or caspase-3 index was found, irrespective of the method of quantification: in whole specimens or in areas of low and high survivin expression. Positive correlation was consistently noted only between both apoptotic markers. The results indicate that survivin is commonly expressed in canine lymphomas. It seems that survivin does not exhibit anti-apoptotic activity in canine lymphomas. Lack of correlation between survivin expression and apoptotic markers could indicate its potential role in cell cycle activation in lymphoma cells.
Direct effect of hypothalamic neuropeptides on the release of catecholamines by adrenal medulla in sheep – study ex vivo
Authors: Wrońska D. , Kania B.F. , Błachuta M.
Published: September 2017

Stress causes the activation of both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and sympatho-adrenal system, thus leading to the release from the adrenal medulla of catecholamines: adrenaline and, to a lesser degree, noradrenaline. It has been established that in addition to catecholamines, the adrenomedullary cells produce a variety of neuropeptides, including corticoliberine (CRH), vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OXY) and proopiomelanocortine (POMC) – a precursor of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The aim of this study was to investigate adrenal medulla activity in vitro depending, on a dose of CRH, AVP and OXY on adrenaline and noradrenaline release. Pieces of sheep adrenal medulla tissue (about 50 mg) were put on 24-well plates and were incubated in 1 mL of Eagle medium without hormone (control) or supplemented only once with CRH, AVP and OXY in three doses (10−7, 10−8 and 10−9 M) in a volume of 10 μL. The results showed that CRH stimulates adrenaline and noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. The stimulating influence of AVP on adrenaline release was visible after the application of the two lower doses of this neuropeptide; however, AVP reduced noradrenaline release from the adrenal medulla tissue. A strong, inhibitory OXY effect on catecholamine release was observed, regardless of the dose of this hormone. Our results indicate the important role of OXY in the inhibition of adrenal gland activity and thus a better adaptation to stress on the adrenal gland level.
Diagnosis of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus infection in dairy goats by ELISA, PCR and Viral Culture
Authors: Panneum S. , Rukkwamsuk T.
Published: September 2017

For preventive and control strategies of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) infection in dairy goats, performance of the available diagnostic tests was described as one of the most important and necessary aspects. The study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic test performance, including PCR, ELISA and viral culture, for CAEV infection in dairy goats in Thailand. Blood samples of 29 dairy goats from five low- to medium-prevalence herds and one very low-prevalence herd were collected for PCR and ELISA methods. The performance of these two diagnostic methods was evaluated by comparing with cytopathic effects (CPE) in the co-cultivation of CAEV and primary synovial cells. Results indicated that sensitivity, specificity were, respectively, 69.6%, 100%, for PCR; and 95.7%, 83.3% for ELISA. The PCR assay tended to have lower sensitivity and higher specificity than ELISA. When multiple tests were applied, parallel testing provided sensitivity and specificity of 98.7% and 83.3%, while series testing showed sensitivity and specificity of 66.6% and 100% respectively. These results indicated that combination of ELISA and PCR provided some advantages and possibly offered optimal methods to detect CAEV-infected goats. Kappa value of the agreement between PCR and ELISA test was 0.34, indicating fair agreement. Regarding the possibility of antigenic variation between CAEV strains used in both PCR and ELISA assays, the actual circulating CAEV strain should be reviewed in order to develop and enhance the diagnostic tests using the CAE viral antigens derived from specific local strains of Thailand.
The diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle having natural theileriosis
Authors: Gunes V. , Onmaz A.C. , Keles I. , Varol K. , Ekinci G.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic importance of coagulation parameters in cattle with natural theileriosis. Nine Holstein cross-breed cattle with theileriosis as infected group and 6 healthy Holstein cattle as control group were used in the present study. Mean fibrinogen level, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were not statistically different when control and infected groups compared, except for the D-dimer concentration. Quantitative D-dimer concentrations were determined by immune-turbidimetric assay. D-dimer values increased significantly (p<0.05) in infected group (631.55 ± 74.41 μg/L) compared to control group (370.00 ± 59.94 μg/L). D-dimer sensitivity and specificity were also determined at cut-off concentrations (372 μg/L). Sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer values were determined to be 88.89% and 83.33%, respectively. D-dimer is thought to be important indicator in the evaluation of the prognosis in theileriosis cases. Analysis of D-dimer values before and after treatment in controlled case studies were suggested in future studies to enlighten the issue.
Immunohistochemical characterization of the jugular (superior vagal) ganglion in the pig
Authors: Sienkiewicz W. , Dudek A. , Zacharko-Siembida A. , Marszałek M.
Published: September 2017

The study was carried out on three 4-month old female pigs. All the animals were deeply anesthetized and transcardially perfused with 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (pH 7.4). Left and right superior vagal ganglia (SVG) were collected and processed for immunofluorescence labeling method. The preparations were examined under a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope equipped with adequate filter block.

Neurons forming SVG were round or oval in shape with a round nucleus in the center. The majority of them (52%) were medium (M) (31-50 μm in diameter) while 7% and 41% were small (S) (up to 30μm in diameter) or large (L) (above 50 μm in diameter) in size, respectively.

Double-labeling immunofluorescence revealed that SVG neurons stained for CGRP (approx. 57%; among them 37%, 9% and 54% were M, S and L in size, respectively), SP (14.5%; 72.4% M, 3.4% S, 24.2% L), VACHT (26%; 63% M, 24% S and 13% L), GAL (14%; 57% M, 29% S, 14% L), NPY (12%; 53% M, 12% S, 35% L), Met-Enk (5%; 40% M, 6% S and 54% L), PACAP (15%; 52% M, 24% S and 24% L), VIP (6.3%; 67% M, 8% S and 25% L), and NOS-positive (6%; 31% M and 69% L). The most abundant populations of intraganglionic nerve fibers were those which stained for CGRP or GAL, whereas only single SP-, PACAP- or Met-ENK-positive nerve terminals were observed.
Effects of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) supplementation on ATP content of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa (AI)
Authors: Lecewicz M. , Kordan W. , Kamiński S. , Majewska A.M. , Strzeżek R.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PAF supplementation in semen extender on ATP content in cryopreserved bull spermatozoa used for artificial insemination at different time intervals. Cryopreserved semen was treated with different concentrations of PAF: 1×10−5M, 1×10−6M, 1×10−7M, 1×10−8M and 1×10−9M at 37°C. In the present work we showed that content of ATP in cryopreserved semen supplemented with 1×10−9M PAF was statistically significantly higher at 90 and 120 minutes of incubation in comparison to the control group (p≤0.05). Present study indicates the potential influence of PAF on ATP content in male spermatozoa via it’s protective role towards mitochondria metabolic activity.
The Efficiency of Synthetic Sex Pheromones in Sexual Arousal Stimulation in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Dzięcioł M. , Niżański W. , Jezierski T. , Szumny A. , Godzińska E.J. , Ochota M. , Stańczyk E. , Najder-Kozdrowska L. , Woszczyło M. , Pieczewska B.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of synthetic bitch sex pheromones (Eau’ De Estrus®, Synbiotics USA) for the stimulation of the reproductive reflexes in adult male dogs. In experiment I: anoestral bitches were applied synthetic (n=6) or natural (n=6) pheromones and their attractiveness was compared to the attractiveness of bitches in natural oestrus, In experiment II: swabs socked in natural estrual discharge or Eau D’Estrus were presented to male dogs and behavioral arousal (Exp. II a) and changes in blood flow in the penile artery reflecting erection (Exp. II b) were recorded. In experiment III the time dedicated for sniffing in experimental dogs was analyzed in relation to the type of attractant presented (natural estrual discharge or Eau D’Estrus). In all three experiments we observed the signs of sexual arousal, increased blood flow in the penile artery and increased time of sniffing only with natural pheromones. No signs of excitation or changes in penis perfusion were noted after the use of artificial pheromones. Our results did not support the suitability of Eau D’Estrus for male dog sexual stimulation.
Administrative Law Without Public Interest?
Authors: Sigismondi Giammarco
Published: September 2017

The recent evolution of administrative law has shown a gradual abandonment of a few notions considered central in the traditional description of the subject matter. Among these the notion of public interest stands out in a particular way.
A New Italian Family Law?
Authors: Tuccari Emanuele
Published: September 2017

The Italian private law landscape appears much clouded. Nevertheless, the sensation of turmoil is less significant with reference to family law, because it seems possible – after several reforms and the courts’ decisions – to identify a specific trend in this section of private law. This paper aims to examine the new trend of family law. In particular, the analysis of the latest reforms reveals a general shift to an individual dimension, offering not only a special focus on patrimonial issues and private interests, but also a relevant enlargement of children’s and parents’ fundamental rights. This “privatization process” gives rise to many doubts about the current role of family law in our legal system.
Labour Between Law and Literature: Historical Similarities and Critical Propositions on the Present
Authors: Toracca Tiziano
Published: September 2017

This paper aims to demonstrate that there is a fundamental similarity between Italian literary history and the most significant contributions to labour law which have been put forward between the end of the nineteenth century and today. My claim is that there is a homology between literary history and legal history. Moreover, I argue that many Italian novels of the last few decades have represented labour as a
Forgotten Man Indifferent Nation Contemporary National Storytelling and the Disoriented Citizen
Authors: Santi Mara
Published: September 2017

This paper focuses on how Italian narratives of the 2000s address the individual as a citizen of the nation-state. More specifically, it focuses on those narratives where writers or directors display issues of national importance and by doing so they deliberately intervene in the citizen’s pursuit of social identity. The aim of the paper is to point out how this impacts on national storytelling and how literature and film highlight and even exacerbate the crisis between citizen and state in the global era.