bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cracks of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) provenances in Western Latvia
Authors: Zeltiņš Pauls , Katrevičs Juris , Gailis Arnis , Maaten Tiit , Jansons Jurģis , Jansons Āris
Published: May 2017

Stem cracks are damaging for timber quality and can reduce the monetary value of a tree both directly and indirectly: serving as gateway for fungal infections. Aim of the study was to assess the influence of tree dimensions and seed origin on the frequency of stem crack for Norway spruce. The study was carried out in two contiguous provenance trials (material from 12 countries), established in 1972 and 1975 in Western Latvia. Stem cracking was assessed using five-score scale. Most of the affected trees (90%) had very light or light damage. There was no relation of diameter at breast height to incidence of stem cracks. Analysis revealed a significant provenance effect on occurrence of stem cracks. Russian provenances tended to have lower risk of stem cracking and relatively narrow variation within the region, while Baltic and Ukrainian origins had wide range of stem cracking, having best as well as worst provenances in terms of cracking. Overall it is possible to select fast growing provenances with relatively low incidence of stem cracks.
Water Management, Purification and Testing Techniques in Indo-Pak Landscapes in the Early Modern Period
Authors: Manzoor Suryyia , Iqbal Taniya
Published: May 2017

This article reviews water transportation, testing and purification techniques in a regional context - the Indo-Pak subcontinent, a southern region of Asia - during the early modern period. A brief history of comparative methodologies based on surveys and historical texts has been explored as evidence of the evolving types of water testing parameters between the sixteenth and the nineteenth centuries. This analysis also took under consideration the role of culture, beliefs as well as religious rituals in the selection of drinking water and how it has influenced the population living conditions, dominating the process of decision-making within a specific community.
The intensity and energy expenditure of exertions, restitution speed, and rate of perceived exertion after tournament matches in Polish futsal players
Authors: Wolański Paweł , Muracki Jarosław , Goliński Dawid , Nosal Jarosław , Bakońska-Pacoń Ewa , Murawska-Ciałowicz Eugenia
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Futsal is a very dynamic indoor team sport. Like in soccer, futsal players perform a number of efforts of different intensity during a match. In each match there are a few return substitutions to allow players to have some rest. The aim of the study was to assess the intensity and energy expenditure of single efforts and the dynamics of restitution after the efforts during successive futsal matches.

Methods

The study consisted in measuring the players’ (n = 11) heart rate (HR) during four matches: A, B, C, D. The HR measurement started during a pre-match warm-up and ended 5 min after the match.

Results

The highest intensity of single efforts was noticed in match A. It equalled 90.22 ± 4.90% HRmax and it was the highest in comparison with other matches (p < 0.05). The energy expenditure of efforts performed by players in the matches was 395.11 ± 118.70 kcal. The mean energy expenditure of a single effort was 16.33 ± 5.36 kcal/min. The highest energy expenditure was registered in match A, and it equalled 17.31 ± 4.71 kcal/min during a single effort on the pitch after a return substitution.

Conclusions

The intensity was very high, much higher than that of players’ efforts in 11-a-side soccer. It should be concluded that an appropriate reduction in the time players spend on the pitch during their successive efforts in one match and the consecutive tournament matches can result in reducing the decrease in the effort intensity.
Differences in physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern among boys and girls from selected european countries
Authors: Bergier Józef , Niźnikowska Ewelina , Bergier Barbara , Acs Pongrac , Salonna Ferdinand , Junger Jan
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the physical activity level, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern in 15–17-year-old boys and girls from Eastern European countries.

Methods

The research, carried out in 2015, involved 2145 secondary school adolescents, including 877 boys and 1268 girls (mean = 16.5, SD = 2.0). The results of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Health Behaviours Questionnaire were analysed.

Results

The questionnaire results allowed to conclude that boys were definitely more active than girls. A significant relationship between physical activity and the number of meals was found. Another significant relationship was observed between higher physical activity in boys who wanted to gain weight and in girls who wanted to lose weight.

Conclusions

Both boys and girls have positive attitudes towards their health with regard to their level of physical activity, nutritional behaviours, and body silhouette concern. A significant relationship was found in the interrelationship among the features considered, with simultaneous gender differentiation.
Energy expenditure and lactate concentration in sports dancers in a simulated final round of the standard style competition
Authors: Pilch Wanda , Tota Łukasz , Pokora Ilona , Głowa Mateusz , Piotrowska Anna , Chlipalska Olga , Zuziak Roxana , Czerwińska Olga
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To determine the energy expenditure in dancers and the nature of energy transformations which take place during a simulated final round of sports dance competition in standard style.

Methods

The study involved 6 sports dancing couples in highest dance classes (4 couples in S class, 2 couples in A class) according to WDSF (World Dance Sport Federation). There were two phases of the study. The first phase was to determine anthropometric indices, the second – to carry out a simulation of a tournament round in standard style. During a simulated final round of sports dance competition, heart rate (HR) and lactate concentration (La–) were measured, respiratory indicators were recorded (VO2, VCO2, RER), and energy expenditure was calculated.

Results

The VO2 values rated during each round differed statistically significantly between the group of men and women, (34.59 ± 3.82 ml • min–1 • kg–1 and 44.18 ± 4.34 ml • min-1 • kg–1; F = 41.07, p = 0.01). The mean respiratory exchange ratio was 1.08 ± 0.07 in men and 1.06 ± 0.07 in women. During a round, the lactate concentration increased, and at the end, after the last dance, it reached the value of 12.9 ± 2.1 mmol • l–1 in women and 13,3 ± 2.7 mmol • l–1 in men. The energy expenditure after the completed round in men was 16.6 ± 1.3 kcal • min–1 and was higher than in the group of women, 10.7 ± 1.0 kcal • min–1 (F = 3.67; p = 0.01). The highest energy expenditure in all subsequent dances was noted during quickstep.

Conclusions

The study results complement the knowledge on the intensity of dance effort and confirm that the dance effort during sports competition is one of the heavy forms of physical activity based on aerobic and anaerobic energy processes. Therefore, the periodization of dance couple training process should considerably take into account the implementation of training loads that would help building solid aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
Sexual and reproductive health priorities of adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria: findings from free-listing interviews
Authors: Iwelunmor Juliet , Blackstone Sarah , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Conserve Donaldson , Iwelunmor Patricia , Ehiri John E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Adolescent girls in Nigeria experience a disproportionately high burden of sexual and reproductive health disparities that affect their well-being. Yet, little is known about adolescent girls’ own unique perspectives of the sexual and reproductive health challenges they face, and possible solutions to these challenges.

Aims

To explore top sexual and reproductive health concerns of female adolescents in Nigeria and their perceptions regarding potential solutions to these issues.

Methods

Eighty adolescent girls attending two public secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria completed individual free-listing interviews. Items assessed their perceptions of the most important sexual and reproductive health issues and potential solutions to these issues at the individual and societal level. Data were analyzed using Anthropac 4.98 to sort the lists by item frequency as well as to determine Smith’s salience index (S).

Results

The top five sexual and reproductive health concerns identified by participants were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), followed by menstrual pain, vaginal infections, sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy. Adolescent girls stated that youth empowerment programs that provide access to skills-building opportunities and mentors was one potential strategy for addressing their sexual and reproductive health priorities. Other solutions identified were access to medical checkups, general health talks focused on their sexual and reproductive health concerns as well as access to health facilities and opportunities to build self-efficacy skills.

Conclusion

Adolescent girls in Nigeria need to be engaged in becoming powerful agents in improving their own sexual and reproductive health, and in crafting solutions that may be effective in enabling them to achieve their full potential and rights to health and well-being. The findings will be used to develop an intervention targeting the sexual and reproductive health priorities of adolescent girls in Lagos, Nigeria.
CFD-DEM Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Heat Transfer and Two-Component Flow in Fluidized Bed
Authors: Guo Feihong , Zhong Zhaoping
Published: May 2017

Based on the improved computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM), heat transfer and two-component flow of biomass and quartz sand have been studied from experiments and numerical simulation in this paper. During experiments, the particle temperature and moving images are respectively recorded by infrared thermal imager and high speed camera. With the increase of the velocity, the mixing index (MI) and the cooling rate of the particles are rising. Due to larger heat capacity and mass, the temperature of biomass drops slower than that of quartz sand. Fictitious element method is employed to solve the incompatibility of the traditional CFD-DEM where the cylindrical biomass are considered as an aggregation of numerous fictitious sphere particles arranged in certain sequence. By the comparison of data collected by infrared thermal imager and the simulated results, it can be concluded that experimental data is basically agreement with numerical simulation results. Directly affected by inflow air (25℃), the average temperature of particles in the bed height area (h >30 mm) is about 3 degrees lower than that of the other heights. When the superficial gas velocity is larger, the fluidization is good, and the gas temperature distribution is more uniform in the whole area. On the contrary, bubbles are not easy to produce and the fluidization is restricted at lower superficial gas velocity. Gas-solid heat transfer mainly exists under the bed height of 10 mm, and decreases rapidly on fluidized bed height. The mixing index (MI) is employed to quantitatively discuss the mixing effectiveness, which first rises accelerate, then rising speed decreases, finally tends to a upper limit.
Potential Use of Tuna (Thunnus albacares) by-product: Production of Antioxidant Peptides and Recovery of Unsaturated Fatty Acids from Tuna Head
Authors: Oliveira Dayse , Bernardi Daniela , Drummond Fernanda , Dieterich Fabiana , Boscolo Wilson , Leivas Carolina , Kiatkoski Elaine , Waszczynskyj Nina
Published: May 2017

Tuna by-products were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with Alcalase (enzyme to substrate ratio 1 : 200 w/w; 60 °C; pH 6.5, 120 min) rendering a tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH) with 9.24 % degree of hydrolysis (DH). The antioxidant capacity of TPH determined by the methods of ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) were similar and 10 times lower than the result obtained by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The total amino acid profile indicated that 42.15 % are composed of hydrophobic amino acids and 7.7 % of aromatics, with leucine being found in the highest quantity (17.85 %). The fatty acid profile of the oil recovered by centrifugation of the TPH – as determined by a gas chromatograph – was characterized by a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (39.06 %), mainly represented by the fatty acids ω3, docosahexaenoic acid (27.15 %) and eicosapentaenoic acid (6.05 %). The simultaneous recovery of unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant peptides can add value to tuna by-products, assisting in the efficient management of fishing industry waste.
Evaluation of Mass Transfer Properties in Convective Drying of Kiwi and Eggplant
Authors: Guine Raquel P. F. , Brito Mariana F. S. , Ribeiro Jéssica R. P.
Published: May 2017

The present work aimed at studying the mass transfer properties of two plant foods, kiwi (a fruit) and eggplant (a vegetable). For this convective drying experiments were conducted at different temperatures (from 50 to 80 ºC) and an air flow rate of 0.5 m/s, using slices with 6 mm thickness for both products. For the mathematical modelling two different methods were used, one based on the thin layer model and the other based on the Fick’s second law of diffusion. The results obtained allowed concluding that different methodologies allowed to obtain different values of the mass transfer properties, so care must be taken when choosing an appropriate calculation method. Regarding the values of diffusivity and mass transfer coefficient, in all cases they were found to increase with increasing operating temperature. Both the activation energy and the activation energy for convective mass transfer were similar for kiwi and for eggplant, indicating that both foods behave in a very similar way when exposed to the drying conditions tested.
Characteristics of Pores as Measured by Porosimetry and Microscopy Considering Spaghetti as a Model System
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Shafiur , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Al-Amri Issa S.
Published: May 2017

Open pore porosity of spaghetti was measured by helium (He) gas pycnometer and mercury (Hg) porosimetry and it was observed as 0.025 and 0.023, respectively. Pore size distribution curve from mercury porosimetry indicated two sharp crests, at alternate position of 59±8 μm and 6.4±0.9 μm diameter pore; while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed two types of pores, first class was cracks and second one was holes. The average width of the cracks (channel) and diameters of holes were determined as 3.6±1.5 µm and 1.0±0.3, respectively. The moisture sorption isotherm of spaghetti was measured by dynamic sorption method and modeled by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAM) models. The values of BET monomolecular layer were observed as 3.24 and 5.91 kg water/kg dry solids, respectively for adsorption and desorption cycles.
The comparative effectiveness of noticing in language learning
Authors: Cosgun Ögeyik Muhlise
Published: May 2017

The Noticing Hypothesis holds that input does not become intake during language learning unless it is noticed. The hypothesis has been tested and evaluated in many empirical studies for more than two decades, either supported or criticized. This study shares the findings on the comparative effectiveness of noticing treatments gathered and evaluated from various empirical studies that were carried out in different countries. The results of the studies reflect the potentials of noticing treatments in second language/foreign language -L2- instruction/learning and touch upon the validity of the Noticing Hypothesis. The results of the reviewed studies also showed that noticing through output oriented tasks generates higher level of perception of L2 knowledge.
Vocabulary acquisition and young learners: Different tasks, similar involvement loads
Authors: Silva Breno , Otwinowska Agnieszka
Published: May 2017

Laufer and Hulstijn (2001) suggest that the motivational-cognitive construct ofinvolvementmay explain and predict different levels of effectiveness for vocabulary-learning tasks. Drawing on their original work and on later research on theinvolvement load hypothesis(ILH), this study set out to compare the effectiveness of carefully-designed tasks for incidental vocabulary acquisition in children. Thirty-eight EFL elementary-level 10-year-olds from a public school in Warsaw, Poland, participated in the experiment. Divided into three groups, the participants performed three different sequences of tasks, each sequence inducing similar levels of involvement load. In order to measure receptive lexical learning and retention of meaning and spelling, the children were tested with an orthography test, an L2-L1 translation test, and a multiple-choice test immediately after the treatment, and one week later. In support of the ILH, the MANOVA results showed no significant differences between the treatments (irrespective of them being input- or output-based) in any of the test measurements, either in the immediate or in the delayed posttest. We discuss the results in light of the ILH, and outline some limitations and possible implications for pedagogy.
Vowel quality alternation in Dinka verb derivation: The Agar variety
Authors: Andersen Torben
Published: May 2017

In Dinka, a predominantly monosyllabic and highly fusional Western Nilotic language, vowel quality alternation in the root plays a major and systematic role in the morphology of verbs, together with alternations in vowel length, voice quality, and tone. Earlier work has shown that in the inflection of simple, i.e., underived, transitive verbs, the vowel quality alternation conforms to a vowel height gradation system with three vowel grades. The present article shows that this vowel gradation system is also operative in the morphology of derived verbs with a transitive root, but with certain modifications. These include a different distribution of the vowel grades and interaction with a shift in voice quality, to breathy voice.
Prefixal vowel length in Lulamogi: A stratal account
Authors: Hyman Larry M.
Published: May 2017

Over the past several decades there has been recurrent skeptism concerning cyclic derivations in phonology, one of the most central tenets of traditional generative and lexical phonology and morphology. In this paper I draw on original data from Lulamogi, a previously almost unstudied Bantu language of Uganda, to show that the most insightful analysis of some rather unusual vowel length alternations requires either cyclicity or global reference to internal morphological structure, specifically the difference between stem vs. prefix V+V sequences. After documenting the vowel length properties in some detail I consider several analyses, opting for a stratal account which neatly mirrors the traditional Bantu stem, word, and phrasal domains.
Pluralization, feminization and pitch accent in Djibouti Somali nouns
Authors: Lampitelli Nicola
Published: May 2017

The goal of this paper is to present newly collected data of Djibouti Somali and show how it offers insight into the architecture of nouns. Djibouti Somali, like Standard Somali, is characterized by the presence of inflectional classes. Building on my own fieldwork material, I discuss both the empirical statements and the theoretical implications that emerge from the observation of three aspects of noun inflection: (1) pluralization strategies, (2) the position of pitch accent with respect to gender and (3) the opposition between Absolutive and Nominative case. In particular, the fact that Djibouti Somali uses mainly two suffixes to pluralize nouns, leads us to the hypothesis that the inflectional system of this variety consists of only two inflectional types. Basic non-derived nouns belong to what I call type A, whereas suffixed nouns belong to type B. This dichotomy is confirmed by the behavior of pitch accent with respect to both gender and syntactic case. Finally, I propose that the distinction between type A and type B can be accounted for, in the context of a formal analysis, by postulating the existence of a contrast between null vs. overt nominalizer.
Case Report. The Use of Endotoxin Adsorption in Extracorporeal Blood Purification Techniques. A Case Report
Authors: Hadade Adina N. , Breazu Caius M. , Ilie Iulian V. , Mitre Calin I.
Published: May 2017

Sepsis and septic shock are major healthcare problems, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC), which standardised the approach to sepsis, was recently updated. Strategies to decrease the systemic inflammatory response have been proposed to modulate organ dysfunctions. Endotoxin, derived from the membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, is considered a major factor in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Endotoxin adsorption, if effective, has the potential to reduce the biological cascade of Gram-negative sepsis.

We present a case of a 64-year-old man with severe Gram-negative sepsis, following purulent peritonitis secondary to rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma. To reduce the amplitude of the general effects of endotoxins we used a novel device, the Alteco® LPS Adsorber (Alteco Medical AB, Lund, Sweden), for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) adsorption.

The efficacy markers were: the overall haemodynamic profile, translated into decreased vasopressor requirements, the normalisation of the cardiac index, the systemic vascular resistance index combined with the lactate level and the reduction in procalcitonin (PCT) levels. A decrease in the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at twenty-four hours was demonstrated.

The clinical course following treatment was favourable for the days immediately following the treatment.This was attributed to the removal of endotoxin from the systemic circulation. The patient died one week after the endotoxin removal session, developing an ischemic bowel perforation with subsequent multiple organ failures.
Case Report. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Nivolumab Associated Pneumonitis
Authors: Schneider Thomas-Michael , Klenner Friederike , Brettner Franz
Published: May 2017

Background: Newly approved immunotherapeutic agents, like CTLA-4 inhibitors and antibodies against PD-1, are a promising therapeutic option in cancer therapy.

Case presentation: A 74-year-old man, with a history of advanced stage melanoma and treatment with ipilimumab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, was admitted to the hospital due to respiratory failure with hypoxemia and dyspnoea. He rapidly developed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which required treatment in the intensive care unit which included mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Computed tomographic imaging (CT) showed signs of a pneumonitis, with an ARDS pattern related to the use of PD-1 antibodies. Treating the patient with high-dose immunosuppressive steroids led to an overall improvement. He was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital and subsequently to his home.

Discussion and conclusion: This is a unique case report of a patient suffering a grade 4 adverse event under nivolumab who survived having been treated with ECMO. It highlights the possibility of associated adverse reactions as well as the use of ECMO in palliative care patients. ECMO can be of great success even in patients with malignancies, but careful decision making should be done on a case by case basis.
Semi-automated process of adaptation of platform dependent parts of embedded operating systems
Authors: Vojtko Martin , Krajčovič Tibor
Published: May 2017

Each year manufacturers develop new processors. As a reaction to this continuous development, the developers of software have to adapt their software to those new processors. As a minimal requirement, the code of an operating system has to be changed to enable the execution of other user applications. This change is a complicated process during which incompatible parts of an operating system have to be redesigned and missing parts have to be implemented. Complications arise when there is a need to adapt an operating system to completely different processor architecture. In this paper we present a novel adaptation process that has preconditions to reduce the impact of these complications. This process uses a file for the formal description of a processor, which is also described in this paper. The formal description could act as a standard for processor manufacturers and could allow the generation of a platform dependent code of an operating system. This paper presents concepts, definitions and ideas of the adaptation process and shows possible solutions for an automatic generation of code parts of an operating system.
Analysis of sensorless control of brushless DC motor using unknown input observer with different gains
Authors: Astik Mitesh B. , Bhatt Praghnesh , Bhalja Bhavesh R.
Published: May 2017

A sensorless control scheme based on an unknown input observer is presented in this paper in which back EMF of the Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) is continuously estimated from available line voltages and currents. During negative rotation of motor, actual and estimated speed fail to track the reference speed and if the corrective action is not taken by the observer, the motor goes into saturation. To overcome this problem, the speed estimation algorithm has been implemented in this paper to control the dynamic behavior of the motor during negative rotation. The Ackermans method was used to calculate the gains of an unknown input observer which is based on the appropriate choice of the eigenvalues in advance. The criteria to choose eigenvalue is to obtain a balance between faster convergence rate and the least noise level. Simulations have been carried out for different disturbances such as step changes in motor reference speed and load torque. The comparative simulation results clearly depict that the disturbance effects in actual and estimated responses minimizes as observer gain setting increases.
Numerical treatment of the spatio-temporal electromagnetic beam-wave packet
Authors: Šumichrast L’ubomír , Franek Jaroslav
Published: May 2017

Propagation of a two-dimensional spatio-temporal electromagnetic beam wave is analysed. In parabolic (paraxial) approximation the exact analytical results for a spatio-temporal Gaussian impulse can be obtained. For solution of the full wave equation the numerical simulation has to be used. The various facets of this simulation are discussed here.
Systematic Prediction of the Impacts of Mutations in MicroRNA Seed Sequences
Authors: Bhattacharya Anindya , Cui Yan
Published: May 2017

MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are involved in many important biological processes and the dysfunction of microRNA has been associated with many diseases. The seed region of a microRNA is of crucial importance to its target recognition. Mutations in microRNA seed regions may disrupt the binding of microRNAs to their original target genes and make them bind to new target genes. Here we use a knowledge-based computational method to systematically predict the functional effects of all the possible single nucleotide mutations in human microRNA seed regions. The result provides a comprehensive reference for the functional assessment of the impacts of possible natural and artificial single nucleotide mutations in microRNA seed regions.
Coaching Expatriate Managers
Authors: Cichosz Izabela
Published: May 2017

The motives for assigning a manager overseas are numerous. The responsibilities of these managers are: infiltrating new markets, supervising effective rapid growth of the company, technology transfer, management of cooperative partnership, conveying organizational values and norms, and building global communication ability. The process of acquiring the host country culture is very complicated and multifaceted. The paper addresses aspects of coaching expatriate managers.
Masculinity vs Femininity in Polish and Ukrainian Organisational Cultures
Authors: Szydło Joanna
Published: May 2017

One of the five cultural dimensions suggested by G. Hofstede, the dimension of masculinity and femininity, is very controversial. Defining cultures as feminine and masculine results in two issues. In the first, the content one, masculine cultures are characterised by “hard”, instrumental values, whereas feminine cultures by “soft” values whose core is the quality of interpersonal relations. In feminine cultures gender differences disappear, however, with the increase in the masculinisation of culture, the differences in the range of gender values grow. The article is of cognitive character. It shows the results of the research concerning the values and basic objectives in the range of dimensions of masculinity and femininity carried out in Polish and Ukrainian organizations.
The Monitoring of Protein Markers of Inflammation and Serum Lipid Concentration in Obese Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Sladoje Dragana Puhalo , Kisić Bojana , Mirić Dijana
Published: May 2017

Background: Obesity is one of the most common modern health problems worldwide. Proinflammatory cells accumulate in the adipose tissue of the obese, and the presence of a low level chronic inflammation in obesity is associated with the emergence of a range of metabolic disorders in cluding cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, fatty-liver disease, and others. Neutrophils are early parti - cipants in inflammatory processes. After the appropriate stimu lation, these cells release reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which leads to degranulation and secretion of myeloperoxidase and other enzymes. Myelo per oxidase and its reactive oxidants contribute to tissue damage during inflammatory processes in the human body. Methods: The study included 175 subjects who were, in com - pliance with the International Diabetes Federation criteria, divided into 3 groups: normal weight subjects (N=106), subjects with abdominal obesity (N=37) and the third group consisted of subjects with the metabolic syndrome (N=32). Results: By analyzing the myeloperoxidase enzyme activity (kU/L), and the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in the blood of all subjects, we detected their significantly higher activity and levels in subjects with the metabolic syndrome, as compared to normal weight subjects (p<0.001). Conclusion: Based on our results, we can conclude that the MPO activity in the serum progressively increases with obesity and the metabolic syndrome, which indicates that this prooxidant enzyme may play a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of the obesity and the metabolic syndrome related complications.
Is Oxidative Stress Associated with Activation and Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Authors: Yuksel Mahmut , Ates Ihsan , Kaplan Mustafa , Arikan Mehmet Fettah , Ozin Yasemin Ozderin , Kilic Zeki Mesut Yalin , Topcuoglu Canan , Kayacetin Ertugrul
Published: May 2017

Background: We aimed to determine the levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and paraoxonase1/arylesterase levels in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the relation be - tween these molecules and the activity index of the disease. Methods: Eighty IBD patients (ulcerative colitis (UC)/Crohn disease (CD) 40/40) and 80 control group participants were included in the study. Oxidative stress parameters were measured using the colorimetric method. As disease activity indexes, the endoscopic activity index (EAI) was used for UC and the CD activity index (CDAI) was used for CD. Results: In IBD patients, mean TAS (1.3±0.2 vs 1.9±0.2, respectively; p<0.001) and arylesterase (963.9±232.2 vs 1252.9±275, respectively; p<0.001) levels were found to be lower and TOS level (5.6±1.6 vs 4.0±1.0, respectively; p<0.001) and OSI rate (4.5±1.6 vs 2.2±0.8, respectively; p<0.001) were found to be higher compared to the control group. A strong positive correlation was found between EAI and TOS levels (r=0.948, p<0.001) and OSI rate (r=0.894, p<0.001) for UC patients. A very strong positive correlation was found between EAI and TOS levels (r=0.964, p<0.001) and OSI rate (r=0.917, p<0.001) for CD patients. It was found in a stepwise regression model that C-reactive protein, OSI and arylesterase risk factors were predictors of IBD compared to the control group. Conclusion: Increased oxidative stress level in IBD patients and the detection of OSI rate as an independent predictor for disease activity indexes lead to the idea that oxidative stress might be related to the pathogenesis of IBD.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Etiopathogenesis of Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy Disease
Authors: Kaplan Mustafa , Ates Ihsan , Yüksel Mahmut , Ozin Yasemin Ozderin , Akpinar Muhammed Yener , Topcuoglu Canan , Kayaçetin Ertuğrul
Published: May 2017

Background:The objective here is to examine the role of overall oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of gluten-sensitive enteropathy disease and its relationship with gluten free diet and autoantibodies.

Methods:Eighty gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients and 80 control group participants were included in the study. As oxidative stress parameters, we researched total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), paraoxonase-1 and arylesterase parameters in the serum samples of gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients.

Results:In comparison to the control group, gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients had lower TAS, paraoxonase-1 and arylesterase levels and gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients had considerable TOS and OSI levels. In contrast, patients who agreed to the gluten free eating routine had a higher OSI proportion and patients who did not conform to the gluten free eating regimen had a lower paraoxonase-1 level. An affirming reciprocation was de tected amidst TOS and OSI proportion and gluten-sensitive enteropathy autoantibodies and C-reactive protein levels and a negative correlation was found between arylesterase level and gluten-sensitive enteropathy autoantibodies.

Conclusions:We observed oxidative stress levels to be higher in gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients contrasted with the control group. Oxidative stress level showed differences in gluten-sensitive enteropathy patients depending on gluten diet content and autoantibody positivity. In point of fact, C-reactive protein and gluten-sensitive enteropathy autoantibodies are identified with oxidative anxiety parameters resulting in the possibility that oxidative stress might be successful in the gluten-sensitive enteropathy pathogenesis.
Alterations of HDL Particles in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Stefanović Aleksandra , Ristovski-Kornic Danijela , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena , Spasojević-Kalimanovska Vesna , Vekić Jelena , Miljković Milica , Paripović Dusan , Peco-Antic Amira , Jelić-Ivanović Zorana , Zeljković Aleksandra
Published: May 2017

Background: Unfavorable lipid profile presents one of most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in renal pathology. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) as enzyme which oxidizes lipoproteins and paraoxonase1 (PON1) as anti-oxidative enzyme have been involved in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. In the present study we sought to assess oxidative stress status, lipoprotein subclasses distribution as well as functionality of high density lipoprotein (HDL) trough MPO/PON1 ratio in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and children after renal transplantation. Methods: PON1 activity and oxidative stress parameters were measured spectrophotometrically, while MPO concentration was determined using immunoassay. Separation of lipoprotein subclasses was performed by vertical gradient gel electrophoresis in 19 children with different stage of CKD and 19 post-transplantation patients (PT). Results: CKD patients had increased MPO/PON1 ratio and higher prevalence of smaller HDL subclasses when compared to PT subjects. Also, there was a significant positive correlation between MPO level and MPO/PON1 ratio with relative proportion of smaller HDL subclasses. Conclusion: Children with CKD have impaired HDL distribution that is improved after kidney transplantation. Since that measurement of HDL distribution and functionality are not routinely available, MPO/PON1 ratio may be useful marker that could provide necessary information.
Molecular genetics of growth hormone deficient children: correlation with auxology and response to first year of growth hormone therapy
Authors: Khadilkar Vaman , Phadke Nikhil , Khatod Kavita , Ekbote Veena , Gupte Supriya Phanse , Nadar Ruchi , Khadilkar Anuradha
Published: May 2017

Background:

With the paucity of available literature correlating genetic mutation and response to treatment, we aimed to study the genetic makeup of children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency in Western India and correlate the mutation with auxology and response to GH treatment at end of 1 year.

Methods:

Fifty-three (31 boys and 22 girls) children with severe short stature (height for age z-score <−3) and failed GH stimulation test were studied. Those having concomitant thyroid hormone or cortisol deficiencies were appropriately replaced prior to starting GH treatment. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan was done in all. Genetic mutations were tested for inGH1, GHRH, LHX3, LHX4andPROP1, POU1F1andHESX1genes.

Results:

Mean age at presentation was 9.7±5.1 years. Thirty-seven children (Group A) had no genetic mutation detected. Six children (Group B) had mutations in the GH releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) gene, while eight children (Group C) had mutation in theGH1gene. In two children, one each had a mutation inPROP1andLHX3. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline height, weight and BMI for age z-score and height velocity for age z-score (HVZ). HVZ was significantly lower, post 1 year GH treatment in the group with homozygousGH1deletion than in children with no genetic defect.

Conclusions:

Response to GH at the end of 1 year was poor in children with the homozygousGH1deletion as compared to those withGHRHRmutation or without a known mutation.
The relationship between insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction in obese adolescents
Authors: Brar Preneet Cheema , Patel Payal , Katz Stuart
Published: May 2017

Background:

Insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction share a reciprocal relationship that links the metabolic and cardiovascular sequelae of obesity. We characterized the brachial artery reactivity testing (BART) and carotid artery-intima media thickness (CIMT) in adolescents categorized as obese insulin resistant (OIR) and obese not insulin resistant (ONIR). Lipoprotein particle (p) analysis and inflammatory cytokines in OIR and ONIR groups were also analyzed.

Methods:

Obese adolescents (n=40; mean body mass index [BMI] 35.6) were categorized as ONIR and OIR based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) calculation (≤or> than 3.4). Ultrasound measured conduit arterial function BART, microvascular function (post-ischemic hyperemia) and conduit artery structure CIMT.

Results:

BART did not differ according to IR status (mean±SD: 7.0±4.3% vs. 5.9±3.4% in ONIR and OIR, respectively, p=0.3, but post-ischemic hyperemia was significantly greater in the ONIR group (4.5±2.2 vs. 3.5±3, p=0.04). Atherogenic lipoprotein particles; large VLDL particles and small LDL particles were higher in the OIR compared to ONIR group.

Conclusions:

OIR adolescents demonstrate an inflamed atherogenic milieu compared to the ONIR adolescents. Microvascular function, but not conduit vessel structure or function, was impaired in association with IR.
Does body fat percentage predict post-exercise heart rate response in non-obese children and adolescents?
Authors: Jezdimirovic Tatjana , Stajer Valdemar , Semeredi Sasa , Calleja-Gonzalez Julio , Ostojic Sergej M.
Published: May 2017

Background:

A correlation between adiposity and post-exercise autonomic regulation has been established in overweight and obese children. However, little information exists about this link in non-obese youth. The main purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and heart rate recovery after exercise [post-exercise heart rate (PEHR)], a marker of autonomic regulation, in normal-weight children and adolescents.

Methods:

We evaluated the body composition of 183 children and adolescents (age 15.0±2.3 years; 132 boys and 51 girls) who performed a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill, with the heart rate monitored during and immediately after exercise.

Results:

A strong positive trend was observed in the association between BFP and PEHR (r=0.14; p=0.06). Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that our model explained 18.3% of the variance in PEHR (p=0.00), yet BFP accounted for only 0.9% of the variability in PEHR (p=0.16). The evaluation of the contribution of each independent variable revealed that only two variables made a unique statistically significant contribution to our model (p<0.01), with age contributing 38.7% to our model (p=0.00) while gender accounted for an additional 25.5% (p=0.01). Neither BFP (14.4%; p=0.16) nor cardiorespiratory endurance (5.0%, p=0.60) made a significant unique contribution to the model.

Conclusions:

Body fatness seems to poorly predict PEHR in our sample of non-obese children and adolescents, while non-modifiable variables (age and gender) were demonstrated as strong predictors of heart rate recovery. The low amount of body fat reported in non-obese young participants was perhaps too small to cause disturbances in autonomic nervous system regulation.
Member Corporations, Property Corporations, and Constitutional Rights
Authors: Ciepley David
Published: May 2017

Historically, a corporation was regarded as an artificial creation of law
possessing only what rights and powers its constituting charter confers upon it.
This “concession” or “grant” theory has been
eclipsed, especially in the United States, by the view that the corporation is a
mere association of natural persons, and that its rights are those of its
“members” and “owners,” the shareholders, who, as
persons and citizens, bring even constitutional rights to the corporation. This
associational view rests on a triple confusion. First, it confuses the
corporation (the rights-bearing corporate entity) with the corporate firm, which
is associational, leaving the impression that the corporation can be reduced to
natural persons. This underwrites the second confusion, that the business
corporation is a member corporation, with the shareholders as members, when in
fact it is a property corporation without members. The histories of the Dutch
and English East India Companies are drawn on to explain the origins of this
second confusion. Third, it confuses the member corporation with a partnership,
when it imagines that the rights of the corporation are simply those of its
individual shareholders. Instead, as maintained by the grant theory, a
corporation should only receive such rights as are conferred on it by charter or
statute on the basis of policy considerations.
Challenging Corporate Personhood Theory: Reclaiming the Public
Authors: Donyets-Kedar Ronit
Published: May 2017

The article aims is to show that the jurisprudence of corporate law, and
specifically the theory of corporate personhood, lacks almost any explanatory
power for legal doctrines and rules it is thought to inform. The article argues,
first, as a matter of theory, that the different models of corporate personhood
(the concession model, the aggregate theory and the real entity theory) do not
carry normative weight to inform significant, concrete legal conclusions; and
second, as a practical matter of legal doctrine, that the Supreme Court’s
rulings on corporate rights deploy the theoretical models of corporate
personhood interchangeably and inconsistently, to the effect that the same
theoretical models are being used to suit contradictory purposes. As
corporations are increasingly dominant in all aspects of social, political, and
economic life, the article argues that reformulating the theoretical foundations
that underlie corporate legal status has become especially urgent. The article
therefore calls to develop a new discourse for corporate jurisprudence, and
suggests that the central axis for this new discourse should be the substantive
influence of corporate power on shaping the public sphere.
The coordinators i and z in Polish: A cognitive-typological approach (PART 1)
Authors: Andrason Alexander
Published: May 2017

Developed within the frame of cognitive and typological linguistics, the present study examines the taxonomical status of the lexemes i and z in Polish. To achieve this aim, the author analyzes the compliance of the two forms with the prototype of coordinate-hood and the structure of their maps of polyfunctionality. The evidence demonstrates that i is a canonical instantiation of the category of coordinate-hood while z is less canonical. Additionally, the two lexemes yield different maps of polyfunctionality (with distinct prototypicality nuclei), which reflects their distinct diachronic and conceptual origin. The map of i radiates from the value of ‘also’ while the map of z radiates from a comitative sense.

This article - the first in a series of two - presents the framework underlying the research and introduces the empirical evidence related to the lexeme i.
Dimensions of intonation. Wiktor Jassem’s contribution to the studies on the melody of speech
Authors: Karpiński Maciej
Published: May 2017

Intonation is often considered the most problematic component of prosody. It may largely contribute to the meaning of an utterance and provide rich indexical information. The complexity of the intonationrelated phenomena, from the acoustic level up to the cognitive process of semiosis, resulted in a variety of conceptualisations and divergent theoretical approaches. In the present text, an attempt is made to sketch the late Wiktor Jassem’s contribution to intonation studies, starting from his early work on colloquial British English to the studies focused on the Polish language as well as his general perspective on prosody and on the methods of its exploration. Some of his unpublished contribution to research projects on various aspects of prosody is also acknowledged. The present overview is based both on available written materials (publications, references, reports, reviews) and the author’s personal communication with Wiktor Jassem and his collaborators.
Bone tunnel impaction reduced the tibial tunnel enlargement
Authors: Xu Huan , Zheng Rongzong , Ying Jinhe
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the bone tunnel impaction technique performed by dilators could dwindle the tibial tunnel enlargement after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring tendon using both extracortical suspensory fixation devices at femoral and tibial site.

Thirty-one consecutive patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with the hamstring autograft were enrolled in this research. Patients were randomly allotted to group A (bone tunnel impaction technique using dilators) or group B (regular extraction bone tunnel drilling).

Results

The average follow-up was 16.2 months. The mean femoral tunnel widening was 1.05 mm and 1.02 mm respectively in group A and B. The mean tibial tunnel widening was 0.61 mm and 1.08 mm respectively in group A and B. There was no statistical difference for tunnel enlargement between the two groups at the femoral site (P = 0.62) but significant difference at the tibial site (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Bone tunnel impaction technique leaded to a reduction of tibial bone tunnel enlargement after ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon using both extracortical suspensory fixation devices at femoral and tibial site.