bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original Research. The Evaluation of Caries Severity Index and Dental Hypoplasia in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Results from a Romanian Medical Center
Authors: Bica Cristina , Ion Valentin , Mártha Krisztina , Esian Daniela , Chinceșan Mihaela , Monea Monica
Published: April 2017

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of cancer that most frequently affects children, and its treatment involves intensive chemotherapy, which might interfere with the normal development of dental tissues. The aim of our study was to measure the incidence of dental caries and enamel hypoplasia in children diagnosed with ALL treated according to the Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster-95 (ALL-BFM-95) protocol during the complete remission phase. Two groups of children between 8-12 years of age were investigated: Group 1 consisted of 36 children with ALL, and Group 2 of 58 control age-matched children. The decay-missing-filling index for the deciduous teeth (DMFT) and the presence of hypoplasia in the first permanent molars (MH) or in both incisors and molars (MIH) were recorded. The results were statistically analyzed and showed that there were no differences between the groups regarding the DMFT values (p >0.05), but there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of MH and MIH between groups (p <0.05). According to our results, chemotherapy was not responsible for the decay process, as there were no differences in DMFT indices between the groups, but the high incidence of MH and MIH in the ALL group indicates the need of a good dental care for these children in order to prevent future dental complications.
Characterisation of newly emerged isolates of classical swine fever virus in China, 2014–2015
Authors: Leng Chaoliang , Zhang Hongliang , Kan Yunchao , Yao Lunguang , Li Mingliang , Zhai Hongyue , Li Zhen , Liu Chunxiao , Shi Hongfei , Ji Jun , Qiu Reng , Tian Zhijun
Published: April 2017

Introduction: In 2014–2015, the epidemic of classical swine fever (CSF) occurred in many large-scale pig farms in different provinces of China, and a subgenotype 2.1d of CSF virus (CSFV) was newly identified.

Material and Methods: The phylogenetic relationship, genetic diversity, and epidemic status of the 2014–2015 CSFV isolates, 18 new CSFV isolates collected in 2015, and 43 other strains isolated in 2014–2015 were fully analysed, together with 163 CSFV reference isolates.

Results: Fifty-two 2014–2015 isolates belonged to subgenotype 2.1d and nine other isolates belonged to subgenotype 2.1b. The two subgenotype isolates showed unique molecular characteristics. Furthermore, the 2.1d isolates were found to possibly diverge from 2.1b isolates.

Conclusion: This study suggests that the Chinese CSFVs will remain pandemic.
Serum paraoxonase as an indicator for fatty liver in sheep
Authors: Cao Yu , Zhang Jiang , Yang Wei , Xia Cheng , Zhang Hong-You , Wang Yan-Hui , Xu Chuang
Published: April 2017

Introduction: A model of fatty liver in postpartum sheep was established to measure blood paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and other biochemical indicators, which were used to predict fatty liver in sheep.

Material and Methods: Sheep were assigned into two experimental groups: a fatty liver group (T, n = 10) and a healthy control group (C, n = 5). PON1 enzyme activity towards paraoxon as a substrate was quantified spectrophotometrically. The results were analysed by t-test and pearson correlation coefficient. Disease was predicted by binary logistic analysis, and diagnostic thresholds were determined by receiver operatingcharacteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: The activity of serum PON1 in group T was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) when compared with C group, and liver lipid content and the levels of serum BHBA, NEFA, and TG were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Thresholds were lower than 74.0 U/mL for PON1, higher than 0.97 mmol/L for β-hydroxybutyrate, higher than 1.29 mmol/L for non-esterified fatty acids, higher than 0.24 mmol/L for triglycerides, and lower than 71.35 g/L for total protein.

Conclusion: This study verified that PON1, BHBA, NEFA, TG, and TP could be used to predict the risk of fatty liver in sheep.
Regional differences of densitometric and geometric parameters of the third metacarpal bone in coldblood horses – pQCT study
Authors: Dzierzęcka Małgorzata , Jaworski Maciej , Purzyc Halina , Barszcz Karolina
Published: April 2017

Introduction:The aim of the study was to analyse selected densitometric and geometric parameters in the third metacarpal bone along the long axis in horses. The densitometric parameters included the cortical and trabecular bone mineral density, while the geometric parameters included the cortical, trabecular, and total areas, strength strain index X, strength strain index Y, and the polar strength strain index.

Material and Methods:The parameters were analysed using eight sections from 10% to 80% of the length of the bone. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used in the study. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Friedman analysis of variance andpost-hoctests.

Results:The proximal metaphyseal region showed the highest predicted resistance to bone fractures in the transverse (back-front) plane, the distal metaphyseal region had the highest predicted resistance to transverse and torsional fractures in the transverse (side-side) plane. The cross-sectional area and the shape of the cross-section of the cortical bone of the MCIII had the highest coefficient of variation. The density of the cortical bone was least variable.

Conclusions:The cortical area and cortical bone mineral density assumed the highest values in the diaphyseal region, while the highest total area, trabecular area and trabecular bone mineral density values were obtained in the metaphyseal proximal and distal region.
Greenhouse production analysis of early mission scenarios for Moon and Mars habitats
Authors: Schubert D.
Published: April 2017

The establishment of planetary outposts and habitats on the Moon and Mars will help foster further exploration of the solar system. The crews that operate, live, and work in these artificial constructions will rely on bio-regenerative closed-loop systems and principles, such as algae reactors and higher plant chambers, in order to minimize resupply needs and improve system resiliency. Greenhouse modules will play a major role in closing not only the oxygen, carbon-dioxide, and water supply loops, but also by providing fresh food for the crew. In early mission scenarios, when the habitat is still in its build-up phase, only small greenhouse systems will be deployed, providing a supplemental food strategy. Small quantities of high water content crops (e.g. lettuce, cucumber, tomato) will be cultivated, improving the crew’s diet plan with an add-on option to the pre-packed meals. The research results of a 400-day biomass and crew time simulation of an adapted EDEN ISS Future Exploration Greenhouse are presented. This greenhouse is an experimental cultivation system that will be used in an analogue test mission to Antarctica (2018-2019) to test plant cultivation technologies for space. The Future Exploration Greenhouse is a high-level analogue for cultivation systems of early mission scenarios on Moon/ Mars. Applying a net cultivation area of 11.9 m², 11 crops have been simulated. Biomass output values were tailored to a tray cultivation (batch) strategy, where 34 trays (0.4x0.6 m) have been integrated into the overall production plan. Detailed work procedures were established for each crop according to its production lifecycle requirements. Seven basic crew time requiring work procedures (e.g. seeding, pruning and training, harvesting, cleaning, post-harvesting) were simulated. Two cultivation principles were the focus of the analysis: The In-Phase Cultivation approach where all trays start at the same time, and the Shifted Cultivation approach, where trays start in a specific sequential manner. Depending on the approach, different biomass output patterns emerged and were analysed with respect to crew consumption, crop shelf-life, and the risk of food spoilage. Crew time estimates were performed with respect to the overall production process, which resulted into 208.9 min per day for the planned cultivation area. When applying normal terrestrial work-times, this equates to approximately 50% of a crew member day for system operation. Biomass and crew time results were analysed in relation to each other, creating specific productivity factors for each crop type. This way, future mission planning, crop selection, and greenhouse design studies can better tailor the implementation challenges of small greenhouse modules into the habitat infrastructure.
Cases Report. Missed Diagnoses in Prenatal Evaluation by Ultrasound: A Retrospective Analysis of four Cases from a Tertiary Center for Fetal Malformations
Authors: Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: April 2017

Four cases of missed prenatal diagnosis by an experienced ultrasonographer and a fetal cardiologist from a tertiary teaching hospital are presented: 3-mm peri-membrane ventricular septal defect; hypoplastic aortic arch requiring prostin infusion after delivery; esophageal atresia with tracheal fistula; and right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. Freezed frames and cine loops of the prenatal ultrasound scans indicated that the missed anomalies were not visible in midgestation, suggesting that in the future, repeat ultrasound scans should be performed before delivery to reduce the occurrence of such diagnostic errors.
Case report. Longitudinal Echo Monitoring in Fetus with Phenotypical Marfan Syndrome, Helpfull for Perinatal Management - Case Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Wójtowicz Anna , Krekora Michał , Słodki Maciej , Gentillon Hugues , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: April 2017

It was the second pregnancy of an otherwise healthy married couple. The fetus (male) had detailed echocardiography monitoring in the second half of the pregnancy due to progression of cardiomegaly, and echocardiographic features of congestive heart failure. Marfan syndrome was suspected based on cardiac anomalies. For the first time, the rupture of aneurysm of aortic sinus Valsalva was documented. Despite transplacental treatment with digoxin there was fetal demise at the 34th week of gestation and postmortem newborn phenotype confirmed prenatal diagnosis.

Marfan Syndrome is a rare genetic anomaly which can be diagnosed prenatally by detailed echocardiography, usually with bad prognosis (just opposite to “benign” case diagnosed later on in life span). The most common prenatal cardiac manifestations are cardiomegaly with signs of cardiac insufficiency. We present the case with new echocardiographic features.
Disability as desubjectification. Autoethnography of depression
Authors: Krasowska Agata
Published: April 2017

Disability is a label and a significant ‘identity marker’. The objective of the article is a response to an autoethnographic question: how is disability constructed socially. The main character is Irmina who fulfills the definition criteria of disability as she is mentally ill. Irmina writes her diary at a mental institution where she stays during her treatment. She makes notes systematically and guides us through her mind (disabled?) describing situations she comes across. She refers to the matter of medicalization, bio-authority, standards, normality, illness, sexuality, desubjectification by disability and aspects of being a person. The elaboration makes physiotherapists sensitive to the issues of the world experienced (Lebenswelt) by people with various types of depression.
Polish adaptation of the Iowa Satisfaction with Anaesthesia Scale
Authors: Dyk Danuta , Ozga Dorota , Gutysz-Wojnicka Aleksandra , Lewandowski Bogumił , Wojtaszek Marek
Published: April 2017

Introduction. The paper presents the adaptation of the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale to the conditions in Polish hospitals.

Methods. The process of cultural adaptation of the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale was divided into three stages. The first stage was to formulate the Polish version of the ISAS. Secondly, the scale was used in the group of patients who were diagnosed with a maxillofacial injury and underwent surgical procedure. The final stage evaluated the psychometric features of the Polish version of the ISAS.

Results. 195 questionnaires were completed correctly and they were subject to further analysis. The questionnaires were collected from patients residing at the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinical Ward who were operated under a general anaesthesia due to a maxillofacial trauma. The average result of the satisfaction with anaesthesia in a studied group was 0.77 (scale from -3 to +3) M=2, SD=2.41. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient calculated for 11 multiple choice questions was 0.598. It would be possible to increase the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient if question no. 1 (I vomited or felt nauseous) was eliminated from the test (maximum 0.601). Every item on the scale had significant influence on the general result (p=0.0001).

Conclusions. Polish version of the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale meets the criteria of the psychometric equivalence with the original version. It is necessary to continue research using Polish version of the ISAS to provide a constant verification of reliability and accuracy of the research tool.
Beyond the Standards of Health Care for the Elderly
Authors: Pabiś Małgorzata , Kuncewicz Dorota
Published: April 2017

Aim. The objective of the study was discussion of the important aspects of care for the elderly, to whom the standards of geriatric care do not apply.

Material and methods. In accordance with the designed goal, the analysis included selected literature concerning: the quality of health care standards for the elderly, complex model of geriatric care from the qualitative aspect, institutional care and psychological aspect of the seniors’ stage of life.

Results. Standards of care for the elderly differ from each other by the area they refer to and way and level of specificity of reports. The recommendations by the World Health Organization are very general, while the standards by the Polish team of geriatricians and gerontologists present very detailed recommendations. In turn, in the Charter for the Elderly, the authors draw attention to the fact that not only medical services influence the process of treatment of an elderly person, but also: economic, social, and family conditions in which he/she lives. Taking care for an elderly person by the family is an ideal solution. However, when this is not possible, this function is taken over by care institutions. The institutional care, as perceived by the elderly, should be a substitute of family life - this is a specific expression of the desire that the care for an elderly person should not be brought down to service, but should also consider the relational aspect of caring. Unfortunately, this aspect is relatively consequently omitted in standards. In relation to this absence, the relational aspect of care is handled more comprehensively in the presented article.
Vulnerable GPU Memory Management: Towards Recovering Raw Data from GPU
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Diao Wenrui , Liu Xiangyu , Li Zhou , Zhang Kehuan , Liu Rui
Published: April 2017

According to previous reports, information could be leaked from GPU memory; however, the security implications of such a threat were mostly over-looked, because only limited information could be indirectly extracted through side-channel attacks. In this paper, we propose a novel algorithm for recovering raw data directly from the GPU memory residues of many popular applications such as Google Chrome and Adobe PDF reader. Our algorithm enables harvesting highly sensitive information including credit card numbers and email contents from GPU memory residues. Evaluation results also indicate that nearly all GPU-accelerated applications are vulnerable to such attacks, and adversaries can launch attacks without requiring any special privileges both on traditional multi-user operating systems, and emerging cloud computing scenarios.
Air temperature variability in the vertical profile over the coastal area of Petuniabukta, central Spitsbergen
Authors: Ambrožová Klára , Láska Kamil
Published: April 2017

A two-year-long data set of air temperature from four different altitudes above Petuniabukta, central Spitsbergen, was analysed in order to assess the near-surface temperature lapse rates and the relative frequency of air temperature inversion occurrence. From August 2013 to July 2015, air temperatures at adjacent altitudes in Petuniabukta were strongly correlated. The near-surface lapse rates in all three layers differed significantly both from the average lapse rate in the international standard atmosphere (0.65°C 100 m−1) and the lapse rate calculated by linear regression. A pronounced annual cycle was detected in the lowermost air layer (from 23 to 136 m a.s.l.) with a variable near-surface lapse rate in the winter months, while an annual cycle was not apparent in the air layers above 136 m a.s.l. The lowermost layer was also characterized by a notable daily cycle in near-surface lapse rate in spring and autumn. Air temperature inversions occurred in up to 80% of the study period in the air layer below 136 m a.s.l., with the relative frequency being much lower in the other two air layers. The air temperature inversions lasted as long as 139 hours. A case study revealed that one of the strongest air temperature inversions was connected to an area of lower pressure gradients at the 850-hPa pressure level.
Export Margins, Price and Quantity of Belarus’s Export Growth
Authors: Otamurodov Shavkat , Zhu Shujin , Haq Ihtisham ul , Zhong Tenglong
Published: April 2017

This paper examines the sources of Belarus’s export growth and decomposes export growth into extensive and intensive margins. This study also aims to determine export margins for intermediate and final goods and to determine the price and quantity components of the intensive export margin. In order to achieve the desired objectives, we use two methods for decomposing export growth, the count method and the export shares method. We analyse Belarus's export growth using export data at the HS-6 digit level for the 2004-2014 period. Our results show that Belarus's exports grew mainly due to growth in the price margin during the studied period 2004-2014. However, the extensive margin was important in export growth to some extent. Comparing the growth rate across final and intermediate goods reveals that although the share of final products in Belarus’s exports is not very big (18.9% in 2014), the average annual growth in exports of final products is higher than that of intermediate goods. Our investigation also shows that Belarus produces a wide range of commodities, but the share of the most of these commodities is not large; its exports depend on a restricted range of commodities. Moreover, most of the commodities are exported to Russia and Ukraine. Our results give us reason to assume that finding new markets for their new products is one of the main challenges for developing countries wishing to increase their exports by an extensive margin. This has important implications for how policy makers promote the trade and diversification of exports.
Status of water pollution in relation to industrialization in Rajasthan
Authors: Rajput Ritu Singh , Pandey Sonali , Bhadauria Seema
Published: April 2017

India is a large and densely populated country; its economy is largely agricultural. Making the best use of the country’s manpower has always posed a challenge. Industrialization could become a dominant component of the economy and displace agriculture. Traditional livelihoods of occupational groups are threatened by the practice of disposing untreated industrial waste into rivers and bodies of water. These uncontrolled disposals impact local natural resources with negative long-term effects. Industrialization is the development of intellectual and financial trade that changes a predominantly rustic culture into a modern one. Many industrial units discharge wastewater locally without treatment. Many industries directly discharged their waste into lakes, rivers and ocean. Water contamination impacts the environment. Pesticides, chemical, waste oil and heavy metals are regularly transported into their waters. Humans and other living organisms can accumulate heavy metals from industrial discharges in their tissues. Industrial waste may be reactive, corrosive, flammable, or toxic. When untreated sewage is emptied into rivers, it causes diseases like typhoid, dysentery and cholera. Natural elements and plant supplements like nitrate and phosphates stimulate growth of algae on the water surface. The algae reduce the oxygen in the water and cause eutrophication. It is harmful to the water ecosystem. In Rajasthan proper, there are a number of sites bordering rivers and lakes where the pace of industrialization has proceeded far beyond the ability of regulators to establish and enforce meaningful limits on the amount of point source pollution permitted to the various industrial complexes, which include cement, chemical, fertilizer, textile, mining, quarrying, dyeing and printing facilities. The scale of the problem is obvious to the casual observer, but actual documentation of the total impact remains to be done.
An Evaluation of Material Properties Using EMA and FEM
Authors: Ďuriš Rastislav , Labašová Eva
Published: April 2017

The main goal of the paper is the determination of material properties from experimentally measured natural frequencies. A combination of two approaches to structural dynamics testing was applied: the experimental measurements of natural frequencies were performed by Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) and the numerical simulations, were carried out by Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The optimization methods were used to determine the values of density and elasticity modulus of a specimen based on the experimental results.
Application of Numerical Simulation for the Verification of Design of Clamping a Workpiece in Jaws
Authors: Oravcová Jarmila , Riečičiarová Eva
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with the use of the numerical computer oriented method for the analysis and verification of the design of workpiece clamping. The inaccuracies of the positioning in clamping locating points were simulated using the FEM software ANSYS. The influence of inaccuracies in the positions of contact locating points on the displacements of the workpiece characteristic points and their position in clamped removable jaws was examined. The reaction forces in the contact locating points were also computed and analyzed.
On Stability Criterion of 4-th Order Quasilinear Differential Equations with Quasiderivatives
Authors: Palumbíny Oleg
Published: April 2017

This paper deals with stability in the Liapunov sense of the 4-th order quasilinear differential equations with quasiderivatives. An asymptotic stability criterion is derived. An illustrative example is added.
Preparation and Cluster Analysis of Data from the Industrial Production Process for Failure Prediction
Authors: Németh Martin , Michaľčonok German
Published: April 2017

This article is devoted to the initial phase of data analysis of failure data from process control systems. Failure data can be used for example to detect weak spots in a production process, but also for failure prediction. To achieve these goals data mining techniques can be used. In this article, we propose a method to prepare and transform failure data from process control systems for application of data mining algorithms, especially cluster analysis.
Inverting Matrix Using a Graph in the Theory of Dynamic Systems
Authors: Masárová Renáta , Pavlíková Soňa
Published: April 2017

To obtain the transfer equation in dynamic system theory, we need to calculate an inverse matrix. In this work we show both the classic methods and the methods used in automation theory of inverse matrix calculation. However, they are both time consuming and difficult. In the second section, we will show a simpler method. We will define how to create a graph for a given matrix and how to invert it. The matrix for the inverse graph is inverse of the original. We illustrate this method on an example and compare it to a classic solution.
The Influence of Internal Structures in Fused Deposition Modeling Method on Dimensional Accuracy of Components
Authors: Milde Ján , Morovič Ladislav
Published: April 2017

The paper investigates the influence of infill (internal structures of components) in the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method on dimensional and geometrical accuracy of components. The components in this case were real models of human mandible, which were obtained by Computed Tomography (CT) mostly used in medical applications. In the production phase, the device used for manufacturing, was a 3D printer Zortrax M200 based on the FDM technology. In the second phase, the mandibles made by the printer, were digitized using optical scanning device of GOM ATOS Triple Scan II. They were subsequently evaluated in the final phase. The practical part of this article describes the procedure of jaw model modification, the production of components using a 3D printer, the procedure of digitization of printed parts by optical scanning device and the procedure of comparison. The outcome of this article is a comparative analysis of individual printed parts, containing tables with mean deviations for individual printed parts, as well as tables for groups of printed parts with the same infill parameter.
3D Model Optimization of Four-Facet Drill for 3D Drilling Simulation
Authors: Buranský Ivan , Necpal Martin , Bračík Matej
Published: April 2017

The article is focused on optimization of four-facet drill for 3D drilling numerical modelling. For optimization, the process of reverse engineering by PowerShape software was used. The design of four-facet drill was created in NumrotoPlus software. The modified 3D model of the drill was used in the numerical analysis of cutting forces. Verification of the accuracy of 3D models for reverse engineering was implemented using the colour deviation maps. The CAD model was in the STEP format. For simulation software, 3D model in the STEP format is ideal. STEP is a solid model. Simulation software automatically splits the 3D model into finite elements. The STEP model was therefore more suitable than the STL model.
Some Considerations Regarding Efficiency of Electrical Energy Consumption
Authors: Matica L. M. , Kovendi Z. , Silaghi H. M. , Costea C.
Published: April 2017

The analyses concerning an electric consumer may consist in determination of several components of electric current, injected by this consumer, in the electric network. Regarding sequence negative and sequence zero components of electric current, the unbalanced electrical consumer is the cause of its presence. Regarding harmonic components of electric current, the non-linear consumer is the cause of its presence. The efficiency about electric energy consumption may be characterized by the values of those components; the paper describes several considerations regarding those components of electrical current and its flow.
Choice of Appropriate Control Values for Effective Analyses of Damage Detection
Authors: Venglár Michal , Sokol Milan
Published: April 2017

The article is devoted to a suitable choice of input parameters for the efficient running of a self-developed code used for damage detection. The code was prepared in Office Excel VBA, which used a non-destructive vibration-based method. The primary aim of the code is to determine the change in bending stiffness by using the FE model updating method, and the aim of the paper is to determine the effect of the input data on the bending stiffness calculations. The code was applied for a numerical model of a steel bar. The steel bar was a simply supported beam with a span of 3.5 m. The time of the calculations and precision of the identification were investigated. The values of the time consumption depend on the input values, the desired limit of the accepted error, and the length of the step in every iteration. Data from an experimental model was analysed. The model was made of wooden and plaster boards. The calculations were done in accordance with suitable input data from a parametric study.
Mechanism and Clinical Importance of Respiratory Failure Induced by Anticholinesterases
Authors: Ivosevic Anita , Miletic Natasa , Vulovic Maja , Vujkovic Zoran , Bursac Snjezana Novakovic , Cetkovic Slavko S. , Skrbic Ranko , Stojiljkovic Milos P.
Published: April 2017

Respiratory failure is the predominant cause of death in humans and animals poisoned with anticholinesterases. Organophosphorus and carbamate anticholinesterases inhibit acetylcholinesterase irreversibly and reversibly, respectively. Some of them contain a quaternary atom that makes them lipophobic, limiting their action at the periphery, i.e. outside the central nervous system. They impair respiratory function primarily by inducing a desensitization block of nicotinic receptors in the neuromuscular synapse. Lipophilic anticholinesterases inhibit the acetylcholinesterase both in the brain and in other tissues, including respiratory muscles. Their doses needed for cessation of central respiratory drive are significantly less than doses needed for paralysis of the neuromuscular transmission. Antagonist of muscarinic receptors atropine blocks both the central and peripheral muscarinic receptors and effectively antagonizes the central respiratory depression produced by anticholinesterases. To manage the peripheral nicotinic receptor hyperstimulation phenomena, oximes as acetylcholinesterase reactivators are used. Addition of diazepam is useful for treatment of seizures, since they are cholinergic only in their initial phase and can contribute to the occurrence of central respiratory depression. Possible involvement of central nicotinic receptors as well as the other neurotransmitter systems – glutamatergic, opioidergic – necessitates further research of additional antidotes.
Physical Activity for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jakovljevic Vladimir , Djordjevic Dusica
Published: April 2017

Over the last decade, the quantity and quality of scientific literature examining the relationship between physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have significantly increased. Data from the literature now unequivocally show that physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors for CVD. It is believed that obesity, the prevalence of which has tripled over the last three decades, and physical inactivity among children are the main factors that will increase the prevalence of CVD in this century. The cardiovascular benefits of exercise are multifactorial and include important systemic effects on skeletal muscle, the peripheral vasculature, metabolism, and neurohumoral systems, as well as beneficial alterations within the myocardium itself. Thus, exercise does much more than change traditional risk factors, such as blood pressure, blood lipids, glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and overweight and obesity. Evidence from epidemiologic studies suggests that the preventive effects of PA may be achieved by 150 minutes of moderate PA a week, while increases in the intensity and volume of exercise lead to further health benefits. This dose–response gradient is curvilinear, with the largest gains from the first hour of weekly exercise. However, although much progress has been made in this field, existing studies performed on human subjects do not clearly show what type, intensity, and duration of exercise is most beneficial to cardiovascular fitness and metabolic optimization. Animal-based exercise studies may provide more information and help to elucidate the abilities of different training regimens to reduce the risk of CVD.
VEC-MSF models in Bayesian analysis of short- and long-run relationships
Authors: Pajor Anna , Wróblewska Justyna
Published: April 2017

The paper aims at developing new Bayesian Vector Error Correction – Stochastic Volatility (VEC-SV) models, which combine the VEC representation of a VAR structure with stochastic volatility, represented by either the multiplicative stochastic factor (MSF) process or the MSF-SBEKK specification. Appropriate numerical methods (MCMC-based algorithms) are adapted for estimation and comparison of these type of models. Based on data coming from the Polish economy (time series of unemployment, inflation, interest rates, and of PLN/EUR, PLN/USD and EUR/USD exchange rates) it is shown that the models and numerical methods proposed in our study work well in simultaneous modelling of volatility and long-run relationships.
Quantifying the Physical Response to a Contemporary Amateur Boxing Simulation
Authors: Finlay Mitchell J. , Greig Matt , Page Richard M.
Published: April 2017

Finlay, MJ, Greig, M, and Page, RM. Quantifying the physical response to a contemporary amateur boxing simulation. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1005–1012, 2018—This study examined the physical response to a contemporary boxing-specific exercise protocol (BSEP), based on notational analysis of amateur boxing. Nine male senior elite amateur boxers completed a 3 × 3-minute BSEP, with a 1-minute passive recovery period interspersing each round. Average (HRave) and peak (HRpeak) heart rates, average (V̇O2ave) and peak oxygen consumptions (V̇O2peak), blood lactate (BLa) concentrations, rating of perceived exertion, and both triaxial and uniaxial PlayerLoad metrics were recorded during the completion of the BSEP. Blood lactate concentration increased significantly in each round (Round 1 = 2.4 ± 1.3 mmol·L−1; Round 2 = 3.3 ± 1.7 mmol·L−1; Round 3 = 4.3 ± 2.6 mmol·L−1). Significantly lower HRave and HRpeak values were found in the first round (HRave: 150 ± 15 b·min−1; HRpeak: 162 ± 12 b·min−1) when compared with the second (HRave: 156 ± 16 b·min−1; HRpeak: 166 ± 13 b·min−1) and third (HRave: 150 ± 15 b·min−1; HRpeak: 169 ± 14 b·min−1). No significant differences were found in any of the V̇O2 or PlayerLoad metrics recorded during the BSEP. The BSEP based on notational analysis elicited a fatigue response across rounds, confirming its validity. The BSEP can be used as a training tool for boxing-specific conditioning with implications for reduced injury risk, and to assess the physical response to boxing-specific interventions. Moreover, the BSEP can also be manipulated to suit all levels of participants or training phases, with practical applications in performance monitoring and microcycle periodization.
The Age of Peak Marathon Performance in Cross-Country Skiing—The “Engadin Ski Marathon”
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: April 2017

Knechtle, B and Nikolaidis, PT. The age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing—the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1131–1136, 2018—The age of the best endurance performance has been well investigated in flat city running marathons. However, we have no knowledge about the age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing, which would be of great practical value for athletes and coaches. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the age of peak marathon performance in cross-country skiing. Participants were 162,991 men and 34,833 women competing between 1998 and 2016 in the “Engadin Ski Marathon.” We considered the fastest for both women and men, and all finishers in 1-year age intervals. The men-to-women ratio increased across ages (r
2 = 0.55, p < 0.0001). Men (44.27 ± 0.03 years, 15.73 ± 0.01 km·h−1) were 5.98 ± 0.07 years older and 2.14 ± 0.02 km·h−1 faster (p < 0.0001) than women (38.29 ± 0.06 years, 13.58 ± 0.01 km·h−1). Considering the fastest participants in 1-year age intervals, the fastest speed for men (30.33 km·h−1) was achieved at the age of 29 years, and for women (28.76 km·h−1) at the age of 24 years. Considering all participants, the fastest speed for men (17.69 km·h−1) was observed at the age of 18 years, whereas for women (15.76 km·h−1) it was at the age of 17 years. In summary, for athletes and coaches, the age of peak performance in cross-country skiers competing in a marathon distance was much younger and closer to the peak of aerobic capacity than what was found by previous studies in marathon road runners.
The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and allopregnanolone levels: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lundqvist Anette , Sandström Herbert , Bäckström Torbjörn
Published: April 2017

Objective

Large weight gain during pregnancy is a risk factor for complications for mother and fetus. Hunger and satiety are regulated in the hypothalamus, where the gamma-amino-butyric acid system (GABA) has an important role. Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, increases during pregnancy and is a potent GABA-A receptor modulating steroid. Allopregnanolone has been shown to induce overeating in rodents. The aim was to investigate whether there is a relationship between weight gain and allopregnanolone concentrations during pregnancy in humans.

Design

A longitudinal, cohort study.

Methods

Pregnant women (n = 56) were recruited in primary care in northern Sweden. Allopregnanolone concentrations in plasma were measured using radioimmunoassay and weight was measured in gestational weeks 12 and 35.

Results

Weight increase correlated significantly to allopregnanolone in late pregnancy increase (rs = 0.320; P = 0.016), indicating a positive relationship between weight increase and allopregnanolone increase. A positive relationship was also noted between allopregnanolone in the 35th gestational week and weight increase. Women who gained ≥11 kg during pregnancy showed higher allopregnanolone concentrations in week 35 and higher increase compared to women who increased <11 kg (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009 resp.). There was no difference in weight or allopregnanolone concentrations at the onset of pregnancy.

Conclusions

The results show a relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and increase in allopregnanolone concentrations.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Pathogenesis and management of hypoglycemia
Authors: Kittah Nana Esi , Vella Adrian
Published: April 2017

Glucose is the main substrate utilized by the brain and as such multiple regulatory mechanisms exist to maintain glucose concentrations. When these mechanisms fail or are defective, hypoglycemia ensues. Due to these robust mechanisms, hypoglycemia is uncommon and usually occurs in the setting of the treatment of diabetes using glucose-lowering agents such as sulfonylureas or insulin. The symptoms of hypoglycemia are non-specific and as such it is important to confirm hypoglycemia by establishing the presence of Whipple’s triad before embarking on an evaluation for hypoglycemia. When possible, evaluation of hypoglycemia should be carried out at the time of spontaneous occurrence of symptoms. If this is not possible then one would want to create the circumstances under which symptoms occur. In cases where symptoms occur in the post absorptive state, a 72-h fast should be performed. Likewise, if symptoms occur after a meal then a mixed meal study may be the test of choice. The causes of endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia include insulinoma, post-bariatric hypoglycemia and noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome. Autoimmune hypoglycemia syndrome is clinically and biochemically similar to insulinoma but associated with high levels of insulin antibodies and plasma insulin. Other important causes of hypoglycemia include medications, non-islet cell tumors, hormonal deficiencies, critical illness and factitious hypoglycemia. We provide an overview of the pathogenesis and management of hypoglycemia in these situations.
Programmed cell senescence: role of IL-6 in the pituitary
Authors: Sapochnik Melanie , Fuertes Mariana , Arzt Eduardo
Published: April 2017

IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple pathophysiological functions. As a key factor of the senescence secretome, it can not only promote tumorigenesis and cell proliferation but also exert tumor suppressive functions, depending on the cellular context. IL-6, as do other cytokines, plays important roles in the function, growth and neuroendocrine responses of the anterior pituitary gland. The multiple actions of IL-6 on normal and adenomatous pituitary function, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling indicate its importance in the regulation of the anterior pituitary. Pituitary tumors are mostly benign adenomas with low mitotic index and rarely became malignant. Premature senescence occurs in slow-growing benign tumors, like pituitary adenomas. The dual role of IL-6 in senescence and tumorigenesis is well represented in pituitary tumor development, as it has been demonstrated that effects of paracrine IL-6 may allow initial pituitary cell growth, whereas autocrine IL-6 in the same tumor triggers senescence and restrains aggressive growth and malignant transformation. IL-6 is instrumental in promotion and maintenance of the senescence program in pituitary adenomas.
Swainsonine Biosynthesis Genes in Diverse Symbiotic and Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Cook Daniel , Donzelli Bruno G G , Creamer Rebecca , Baucom Deana L , Gardner Dale R , Pan Juan , Moore Neil , Krasnoff Stuart B , Jaromczyk Jerzy W , Schardl Christopher L
Published: April 2017

Swainsonine—a cytotoxic fungal alkaloid and a potential cancer therapy drug—is produced by the insect pathogen and plant symbiont Metarhizium robertsii, the clover pathogen Slafractonia leguminicola, locoweed symbionts belonging to Alternaria sect. Undifilum, and a recently discovered morning glory symbiont belonging to order Chaetothyriales. Genome sequence analyses revealed that these fungi share orthologous gene clusters, designated “SWN,” which included a multifunctional swnK gene comprising predicted adenylylation and acyltransferase domains with their associated thiolation domains, a β-ketoacyl synthase domain, and two reductase domains. The role of swnK was demonstrated by inactivating it in M. robertsii through homologous gene replacement to give a ∆swnK mutant that produced no detectable swainsonine, then complementing the mutant with the wild-type gene to restore swainsonine biosynthesis. Other SWN cluster genes were predicted to encode two putative hydroxylases and two reductases, as expected to complete biosynthesis of swainsonine from the predicted SwnK product. SWN gene clusters were identified in six out of seven sequenced genomes of Metarhzium species, and in all 15 sequenced genomes of Arthrodermataceae, a family of fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm diseases in humans and other mammals. Representative isolates of all of these species were cultured, and all Metarhizium spp. with SWN clusters, as well as all but one of the Arthrodermataceae, produced swainsonine. These results suggest a new biosynthetic hypothesis for this alkaloid, extending the known taxonomic breadth of swainsonine producers to at least four orders of Ascomycota, and suggest that swainsonine has roles in mutualistic symbioses and diseases of plants and animals.
THE HERMENEUTICAL APPROACH TO TRANSLATION
Authors: Stolze Radegundis
Published: April 2017

Departing from the definition of translation as a personalized activity, the article discusses the problem of the understanding for translation purposes against the backdrop of hermeneutics. Comprehension is an ongoing process, guided by the hermeneutical circle of relevant knowledge and learning. Hermeneutical translation competence involves the readiness for self-critical reflection, the openness for constant learning, the ability to integrate new cognitive input, the courage for linguistic creativity, and an empathetic identification with the message.Translation via a hermeneutic approach implies great responsibility. We know that interpretation is somewhat subjective and incomplete, but readers assume that they receive the content of a translated text in as faithful a manner as possible. For this purpose the translator needs holistic dimensions of orientation in the text being presented. And for the translation as text production rhetorical aspects have to be observed. The task of translating is a complex integration of various dimensions.
THE ‘WHAT’S-IN-A-NAME’ QUESTION VIEWED THROUGH THE PRISM OF INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Boyko Lyudmila
Published: April 2017

As both cultural universals and ethnic markers, personal names provide a means to look at the issues of individual and cultural identity, with communicative practices in view. The paper treats personal names both as lexical units ‘in transit’ from one language (and culture) to another, and as a vulnerable constituent of the individual’s self, which requires special treatment in intercultural communication. Also addressed in the paper are some of the issues of cultural differences between the Russian and English ways of using anthroponyms, discrepancies between name formats, and current trends in name use.I am nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too? Then there’s a pair of us. Don’t tell – they’d banish us!Emily Dickinson
A HYBRID TRANSLATION THEORY FOR EU TEXTS
Authors: Sosoni Vilelmini
Published: April 2017

EU texts are produced by way of multilingual negotiation in a supranational multicultural discourse community, where there is no linguistically neutral ground and where the internationalisation of concepts and ideas is a sine qua non. As a result, they are idiosyncratic texts, reflecting specific textual features. Their translation in the current 23 official EU languages is equally idiosyncratic and challenging, to say the least, especially since it is shaped under the EU’s overwhelming cultural and linguistic diversity, the constraints of its policy of multilingualism, and the subsequent policy of linguistic equality which states that all languages are equal, or ‘equally authentic’ (Wagner, Bech, Martinez 2002, 7), and that translations are not really translations but language versions. In other words, in the framework of EU translation, the terms source text (ST) and target text (TT) cease to exist, while the prima facie illusory notion of ‘equivalence’ seems to resurface—though altered in nature—and dominate the translation practice. It thus goes without saying that in the case of EU texts and their translation a tailor-made theoretical framework is required where many classic concepts of Translation Studies (TS), such as ST, TT and equivalence need to be re-evaluated and redefined, and at the same time functionalist approaches and the postmodernist concepts of intertextuality, hybridity and in-betweenness need to come to the fore. The proposed translation theory for EU texts flaunts the feature inherent in their production, it is—just like them—hybrid.
HOW TO TRANSLATE A DREAM : PRAGMATIC ASPECTS OF PROMOTIONAL TEXT TRANSLATION
Authors: Smirnova Tatjana
Published: April 2017

The present article provides some insights into the issues concerning the translation of advertising slogans. Application of phonetic stylistic devices and the effects their usage cause are studied analyzing slogans in English, Latvian and Russian. The analysis is undertaken with an aim to consider the role of phonetic stylistic devices in operative texts, with the focus on advertising slogans, and to identify the most appropriate translation methods to be applied in the rendition of these devices in operative texts across the working languages to ensure the equivalence of the intended effect of the source and target message.