bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIMULATION OF THE ACCIDENTAL POLLUTION AFTER THE EMERGENCY IN TO THE STORAGE OF ROCKET SOLID PROPELLANT
Authors: Biliaiev M. M. , Berlov A. V. , Shevchenko A. V.
Published: February 2015

Purpose. Development of the operational numerical model to compute contamination of the atmosphere over Pavlograd city in the case of solid rocket propellant ignition at the storage. Methodology. To simulate the toxic chemical dispersion (product of the solid rocket propellant firing) the equation of convective-diffusion transfer is used. This equation takes into account the toxic chemical dispersion in the atmosphere by wind and the atmosphere diffusion. To calculate the process of the indoor contamination in the case of the contaminated air infiltration a balance model is used. This model takes into account the ventilation flow rate, volume of the room, concentration of toxic chemical in the inlet air. To compute the ventilation flow rate the empirical model was used. The implicit change–triangle difference scheme was used for the numerical integration of the governing equation. FORTRAN language was used to develop code on the basis of the created numerical model. On the basis of the developed numeral model numerical experiment was carried out which allowed to estimate the level of atmosphere contamination in Pavlograd city. Findings. The operational model allows predicting quickly the hitting zone dimensions. The developed model was used to estimate risk of people toxic hitting in the residential districts of Pavlograd city. Originality. A numeral model allows to estimate the risk of toxic hitting of people in Pavlograd city in the case of an accident at the of solid rocket propellant storage. Practical value. The developed numeral model can be used for the quick estimation of risk for people in the city after toxic chemical release at the solid propellant storage. The developed numerical model solves the problem to assess the consequences for the population at ignition of solid rocket propellant in storage.
Effects of paste-to-voids volume ratio on performance of self-consolidating concrete mixtures
Authors: Wang Xuhao , Taylor Peter , Wang Kejin , Morcous George
Published: February 2015

A well-proportioned self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mixture can be achieved by controlling the aggregate system, paste quality and paste quantity. This study aims to apply a concept that is based on paste-to-voids volume ratio (Vpaste/Vvoids) to assess the performance of SCC mixtures. The relationship between excess paste theory and Vpaste/Vvoids was investigated. Tests were conducted on a large matrix of SCC mixtures that were designed for cast-in-place concrete construction. The mixtures were made with different aggregate types and sizes, and different cementitious materials. The workability, flow properties, compressive strength, shrinkage and surface resistivity of SCC mixtures were determined as indicators of SCC performance. Statistical analyses, response surface models and Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) tests, were conducted to relate the mix design parameters to the concrete performance. Test results revealed that slump flow of the SCC mixtures increased with Vpaste/Vvoids at a given viscosity. Strength increases with Vpaste/Vvoids up to a point (∼150%), after which the strength becomes independent of Vpaste/Vvoids. Vpaste/Vvoids has little effect on the shrinkage of SCC mixtures, or their surface resistivity. Statistical analysis is an efficient tool to identify the significance of influencing factors on concrete performance.
Why Do We Need Both Liquidity Regulations and a Lender of Last Resort? A Perspective from Federal Reserve Lending during the 2007-09 U.S. Financial Crisis
Authors: Carlson Mark , Duygan-Bump Burcu , Nelson William R.
Published: February 2015

During the 2007–09 financial crisis, there were severe reductions in the liquidity of financial markets, runs on the shadow banking system, and destabilizing defaults and near-defaults of major financial institutions. In response, the Federal Reserve, in its role as lender of last resort (LOLR), injected extraordinary amounts of liquidity. In the aftermath, lawmakers and regulators have taken steps to reduce the likelihood that such lending would be required in the future, including the introduction of liquidity regulations. These changes were motivated in part by the argument that central bank lending entails extremely high costs and should be made unnecessary by liquidity regulations. By contrast, some have argued that the loss of liquidity was the result of market failures, and that central banks can solve such failures by lending, making liquidity regulations unnecessary. In this paper, we argue that LOLR lending and liquidity regulations are complementary tools. Liquidity shortfalls can arise for two very different reasons: First, sound institutions can face runs or a deterioration in the liquidity of markets they depend on for funding. Second, solvency concerns can cause creditors to pull away from troubled institutions. Using examples from the recent crisis, we argue that central bank lending is the best response in the former situation, while orderly resolution (by the institution as it gets through the problem on its own or via a controlled failure) is the best response in the second situation. We also contend that liquidity regulations are a necessary tool in both situations: They help ensure that the authorities will have time to assess the nature of the shortfall and arrange the appropriate response, and they provide an incentive for banks to internalize the externalities associated with any liquidity risks.
Nitrogen, Stover, and Tillage Management Affect Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Continuous Corn
Authors: Sindelar Aaron J. , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Lamb John A. , Vetsch Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2015

Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in corn (Zea mays L.) is critical for optimizing yield and reducing environmental impact. Stover removal in continuous corn (CC) for biofuel production, coupled with reduced‐tillage systems, could alter NUE and residual soil nitrate‐N. Experiments were conducted in Minnesota over 3 yr to determine how N uptake, NUE, and residual soil nitrate‐N are affected by stover (remove and retain), tillage (chisel‐ [CT], strip‐ [ST], and no‐till [NT]), and fertilizer N (0, 45, 89, 134, 179, and 224 kg N ha−1) management. There was a linear response of grain and total aboveground N uptake to fertilizer N across stover management and tillage treatments. Stover removal increased recovery efficiency for ST and NT at fertilizer N rates ≤134 kg N ha−1, but did not enhance N recovery in plots fertilized at rates >134 kg N ha−1. Internal efficiency was 5% greater with stover removal with no fertilizer N, but did not change with fertilizer N application. Stover removal did not affect agronomic efficiency in CT but did enhance it in ST and NT at fertilizer N rates ≤134 kg N ha−1. Residual soil nitrate‐N to a depth of 1.2 m was 10 to 16 kg NO3–N ha−1 greater with stover removal at fertilizer N rates of 134 to 224 kg N ha−1. Greater residual soil nitrate‐N with stover removal indicates a need for judicious management of N when stover is removed in intensively‐managed Upper Midwestern CC systems.
A Laboratory Evaluation of Ammonia Volatilization and Nitrate Leaching following Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on a Coarse‐Textured Soil
Authors: Peng Xianlong , Maharjan Bijesh , Yu Cailian , Su Anyu , Jin Virginia , Ferguson Richard B.
Published: February 2015

In a series of field studies, differing rainfall patterns within the first month after N fertilizer application to a coarse‐textured soil significantly affected yields and N‐use efficiency of irrigated corn (Zea mays L.), and responses varied with N source. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate effects of N source with precipitation following N application to a coarse‐textured soil. Nitrogen sources included urea‐ammonium nitrate solution (UAN), UAN with additives of either nitrapyrin (2‐chloro‐6‐[trichloromethyl] pyridine) as a nitrification inhibitor or maleic‐itaconic acid copolymer as a urease and nitrification inhibitor, or polymer‐coated dry urea (PCU). These products were applied to soil in chambers from which ammonia (NH3) volatilization and nitrate (NO3−) leaching were measured over 31 d following fertilization. Precipitation events simulated rainfall frequencies and amounts that occurred in field studies in dry and wet conditions. Ammonia volatilization was lower in wet than dry conditions. Total NH3 loss for the dry precipitation regime ranged from 11 to 18% of applied N fertilizer for all treatments except PCU (<1%). In contrast, all treatments in wet conditions had low NH3 loss (<1% of applied N). However, substantial NO3− leaching occurred with wet conditions, comprising 48 to 66% of applied N for most treatments. Leaching loss was the greatest for UAN, followed by UAN with additives. For either dry or wet environments, losses of N from PCU to either NH3 volatilization or NO3− leaching were negligible.
Experimental Analysis on the Cyclic Response of Beam to Column Joints:
State-of-the-Art at Salerno University
Authors: Latour M. , Rizzano G.
Published: February 2015

Aiming to provide a contribution to the codification of design rules for dissipative joints to be applied to MRFs,
in last five years, a comprehensive experimental and analytical work dealing with the cyclic behaviour of beam-to-column
joints has been developed by the research group of the University of Salerno. In particular, the activity has regarded the
study of both classical and innovative typologies characterized by the same initial stiffness and resistance but by different
hysteretic behaviours due to the different source of energy dissipation supply imposed in the design process. In this paper,
the main results of such a study, performed at the laboratory of materials and structures of the University of Salerno, are
reported in order to provide an overview on the main mechanisms involved in the energy dissipation of partial-strength
connections. A particular attention is given to the design issues by presenting the procedures aimed at providing to the
joints adequate characteristics in terms of stiffness, resistance and ductility supply by hierarchically controlling the behaviour
of the single joint components. Furthermore, the results of tested joints (classical and innovative) are compared in
terms of hysteretic behaviour and energy dissipation supply in order to point out the advantages of the different connecting
systems.
Arhai’s Balkan folktronica: Serbian ethno music reimagined for British market
Authors: Medic Ivana
Published: February 2015

This article focuses on Serbian composer Jovana Backovic and her band/project
Arhai, founded in Belgrade in 1998. The central argument is that Arhai made a
transition from being regarded a part of the Serbian ethno music scene (which
flourished during the 1990s and 2000s) to becoming a part of the global world
music scene, after Jovana Backovic moved from her native Serbia to the United
Kingdom to pursue an international career. This move did not imply a
fundamental change of her musical style, but a change of cultural context and
market conditions that, in turn, affected her cultural identity.
The state of research on church chant in medieval Serbia
Authors: Peno Vesna
Published: February 2015

The Byzantine-musicological studies in Serbia during the last few decades
have been at an unsatisfactory level. The fact that Serbian musicologists
have not exhibited much interest in exploring this research area could be
somewhat justified by the fact that its scope for new studies might seem
limited. The efforts aimed towards reconstructing and ?resounding? the
medieval liturgical melodies based on the anagogic sources (the primary
sources - notated manuscripts are very deficient) seems, at first glance,
discouraging, even futile. Nevertheless, the conditions for systematic
research do exist, all the more because the current knowledge on music
paleography, rhythmic and scale characteristics of Byzantine church chant has
considerably changed the previous inquiry that had been limited to a few,
although very precious musical pieces of only three known Serbian
fifteenth-century composers - Ishaia, Nikola and Stefan. After a brief
account on the topics and issues that have, until now, been in the
scholarlyfocus, I draw attention to what has been done and what is currently
underway in the research on Serbian medieval chant, while also indicating the
areas that could be of greater interest for future explorations. I pay
special critical attention to certain conclusions and methodological methods
applied to the notated manuscripts that deal with liturgical music practice
in medieval Serbia. According to some new findings in the field of Byzantine
musicology, a new critical reading of available sources is necessary.
Becoming acquainted with the earlier false approaches and conclusions made in
haste and without particular evidence could be of significant help and serve
as an important impulse for young researchers to get involved with
explorations of Serbian music past.
Musical shaping of the nation: Ethno-symbolism of Mokranjac’s garlands
Authors: Milanovic Biljana
Published: February 2015

This article deals with Stevan Mokranjac?s fifthteen garlands (rukoveti),
which are commonly regarded as the national project in Serbian art music that
was accomplished through the producing of the tradition of the Serbian folk
song. The garlands are examined by employing the concept of ethno-symbolism,
theoretically associated with Anthony Smith. The elements of ethno-symbolism,
and especially those aspects of this theory through which the articulation of
a national identity activates connections with pre-modern myths,
recollections and collective symbols, have proven useful in contextualization
of folk material and its ethnological environment, with which the art work
establishes intertextual connections. With his project Mokranjac created a
rich network of ethno-symbols associated with the themes and motives of both
rural and semi-urban communities that were characterized by their
preservation of the model of patriarchal culture. Their strong attachment to
?ethno-history? as well as ?symbolic geography? produced various
?ethno-scapes?, which established an increasingly symbiotic context of a
?naturalized? community and ?historicized? nature and territory. Mokranjac
presented them as a representative sample in the process of legitimizing
national consolidation and homogenization through the folk song. These
aspects are observed in both textual and musical dimensions of Mokranjac?s
garlands. The connection between his fieldwork and his compositions is also
problematized. Mokranjac?s garlands are distinguished by their inclusiveness
and a constant blending of older and newer ethno-historical elements, with an
aim of constructing a unique tradition of national song, as an integral
time-and-space image of the nation. Through this dimension of collectivism we
can observe Mokranjac?s close connection to the patriarchal culture, as it
remained an important ethno-symbolist element in both the politics and the
poetics of his artistic project. At the same time, it provided a platform for
free invention when it came to the more advanced stages of composition, when
the patriarchal culture would be subjected to transfiguration by his
individual creative imperatives. Mokranjac?s Garlands were the first works in
Serbian music to emerge as results of an aesthetically rounded and
ideologically grounded compositional project, which facilitated their
canonization within the framework of Serbian art music.
The Impact of Audit Evidence Documentation on Jurors' Negligence Verdicts and Damage Awards
Authors: Backof Ann G.
Published: February 2015

Audit workpapers play a key role in auditor negligence trials, yet little is known about how workpaper documentation affects jurors' decision making. I investigate how auditors' documentation of their consideration of the alternative accounting treatments and their risk-based audit approach influence jurors' negligence verdicts and damage awards. I find that documentation of their consideration of the accounting alternatives increases the likelihood that auditors are found negligent because it increases jurors' perceptions of the foreseeability of the misstatement. However, when combined with documentation that explicitly links the audit risks to the work performed to address each risk, jurors award lower damage awards because they perceive auditors' actions prior to the negligent act as more compliant with the auditing standards. My results highlight the consequences of more complete documentation on jurors' evaluations of auditors and suggest the need for documentation policies that more effectively communicate the appropriateness of auditors' professional judgments.
The Female Audit Fee Premium
Authors: Hardies Kris , Breesch Diane , Branson Joël
Published: February 2015

This study investigates the existence of a female audit fee premium (i.e., higher audit fees for female audit engagement partners). We analyze 57,723 firm-year observations from Belgian firms that were audited by 93 female and 599 male audit partners during the period 2008–2011. The results suggest that client firms pay higher audit fees (by about 7 percent) to female auditors. The findings are confirmed by an array of robustness checks, including a propensity score matched sample, a Heckman two-stage procedure, an examination of a sample of clients that switched audit partners, and fixed effects models. The combined evidence in this study suggests the existence of a female audit fee premium. This fee premium may exist because of gender differences in knowledge, skills, abilities, preferences, and behavior or due to supply-side factors (e.g., a demand for diversity, gendered perceptions about audit quality, or client satisfaction).

Data Availability: The data are publicly available from the sources identified in the paper.
Broadening the Fraud Triangle: Instrumental Climate and Fraud
Authors: Murphy Pamela R. , Free Clinton
Published: February 2015

We survey a unique respondent group of fraud perpetrators, auditors who investigated fraud, and employees who witnessed fraud within organizations, to identify whether, and how, an instrumental organizational climate is associated with fraud. We define an instrumental climate as one in which employees make decisions in their own or the organization's best interests to the exclusion of ethical concerns. We find that 39 percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that an instrumental climate was present when fraud was perpetrated. This climate is associated with particular elements of the fraud triangle including motives such as a malevolent work environment and social incentives and pressures, as well as rationalizations that are primarily oriented toward others. One specific rationalization—helping the company—draws attention to the phenomenon of unethical pro-organizational behavior. Our results suggest that fraud has an important social dimension that is largely neglected by current fraud triangle interpretations.
Lessons from the Literature on the Theory of Technology Dominance: Possibilities for an Extended Research Framework
Authors: Triki Anis , Weisner Martin M.
Published: February 2015

This manuscript provides a detailed review of the extant literature on the Theory of Technology Dominance (TTD) (Arnold and Sutton 1998) and proposes a research framework for refinement of the predictions offered by the TTD. Based on the reviewed TTD studies and related decision aid research, additional factors that may affect users' tendency toward reliance or no reliance on the recommendation of an intelligent decision aid (DA) are identified and consolidated into a refined model. Following Arnold and Sutton's (1998) deductive-analytical approach, as well as Weber's (2003) four-step theory-building methodology, four additional factors (initial trust, confidence, built trust, and explanation) are identified and linked to the existing TTD framework via articulation of five novel propositions. As such, the present study makes a theoretical contribution to the information systems literature, as well as to the broader reliance literature and identifies possibilities for future inquiry into practice-relevant understanding of human-computer interactions.
Urinary Adiponectin Is an Independent Predictor of Progression to End-Stage Renal Disease in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Panduru Nicolae M. , Saraheimo Markku , Forsblom Carol , Thorn Lena M. , Gordin Daniel , Wadén Johan , Tolonen Nina , Bierhaus Angelika , Humpert Per M. , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the predictive value of urinary adiponectin (uADP) for the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) as well as for the principal determinants of uADP concentrations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

uADP was measured in 2,090 patients with type 1 diabetes followed for a median of 5.8 (4.4–6.9) years and in 111 subjects without diabetes. Progression was defined as a change in albuminuria (albumin excretion rate [AER]) to a higher stage or development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Various Cox regression and competing risk models were used to evaluate the predictive value of uADP for DN progression. The added predictive benefit to AER or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI), and other statistical indexes. The determinants of uADP were investigated by multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

uADP was an independent predictor of progression to ESRD (hazard ratio 1.60, P < 0.001) and was an even better predictor than AER (P = 0.04) or as good as eGFR (P = 0.79). Furthermore, uADP added a significant benefit when used together with AER (NRI 0.794, P = 0.03; IDI 0.115, P < 0.0001) or eGFR (NRI 0.637, P < 0.001; IDI 0.087, P < 0.0001). The common determinants of uADP were glycemic control, tubular injury, and AER.

CONCLUSIONS

uADP is a strong independent predictor of DN progression from macroalbuminuria to ESRD and adds a significant predictive benefit to current biomarkers in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Scalability of the mechanical properties of selective laser melting produced micro-struts
Authors: Bültmann Jan , Merkt Simon , Hammer Christine , Hinke Christian , Prahl Ulrich
Published: February 2015

Selective laser melting (SLM) is a manufacturing process that builds up metallic or ceramic parts layer by layer directly from 3D-computer-aided design data, offering, for example, the advantage of imposing little restrictions in terms of geometric complexity. One of the main challenges of the SLM process is to improve its efficiency by increasing the build rate of the process and thereby decreasing time and cost. One way of achieving this is increasing the applied laser power and beam diameter, thereby melting more volume in a shorter period of time. Another option of improving efficiency is reducing the volume of the material which has to be melted, made possible by the aforementioned limitless geometric freedom offered by the SLM process. Hereby, one can generate hollow parts for better exploitation and adaption of the volume to specific load cases. Large volumes can be replaced by lattice structures with a certain volume fraction, saving weight and production time by maintaining the stiffness of the structure. To ensure the mechanical properties of the new light-weight structures are comparable to the properties of conventional solid base material, several different lattice structures have already been investigated, all consisting of countless little struts. Therefore, here various formats of single- and multistruts have been built to investigate the scalability of the produced material's mechanical properties. This paper presents the results, which will be used for better prediction of mechanical properties of SLM manufactured lattice structures.
Absorption peaks depending on topology of the keyhole front and wavelength
Authors: Kaplan Alexander F. H. , Matti Ramiz S.
Published: February 2015

By high speed imaging, wavy patterns were observed at the keyhole front in Yb:fibre laser welding. Despite a regular appearance of downstreaming wave flow in the movies, deeper image analysis shows that the pattern structure is complex. The observed grayscale levels of the flow pattern are likely to correspond to a combination of temperature, topology, and emissivity of the keyhole front, in turn originating from variations of the beam absorption, temperature, boiling, ablation pressure, and melt acceleration across the keyhole surface. Bright domains can fluctuate on a time scale of 10–100 μs. For interpretation of the fundamental mechanisms, the evidence from high speed imaging analysis is accompanied by mathematical modeling of the absorption modulation, combining local absorptivity, and beam projection. The calculated results show that for a wide range of keyhole topology parameters, lasers with a wavelength of about 1 μm induce high absorption peaks at the wave shoulders while CO2-lasers have a more homogenizing behavior. Different regimes can be distinguished.
Effect of laser beam scanning mode on material removal efficiency in laser ablation for micromachining of glass
Authors: Wang Z. K. , Seow W. L. , Wang X. C. , Zheng H. Y.
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the influence of laser beam scanning mode on material removal efficiency through evaluation of cut-through time for a 5 mm length inside a glass substrate. The parameters related to the scanning mode covered scanning speed, focus position, number of lines and shifting pitch in one kerf, scanning under raster, merge or group mode, and scanning at fixed or nonfixed parameter mode. Picosecond, near infrared laser pulses were used to ablate a 700 μm thick, nonion exchanged Gorilla glass at fluence of 9.0 J/cm2 using a galvanometer scanner. It has been found that the optimal scanning speed for ablation without cracks and debris was above 200 mm/s, namely, only a few overlapped pulses in a single line scan. When ablation started from glass bottom, the ejected materials could efficiently escape from the ablation kerf and no ejected materials would disperse the laser energy deposition to the glass unlike ablation from the top surface. The cut-through time was 1.36 times and 24.5 times longer when focus was placed at the middle and top of the glass, respectively, compared to at bottom surface. The optimal number of lines was determined by the required kerf width of approximately half the glass thickness for high ablation efficiency. Ablated materials were not ejected out of the kerf efficiently at smaller kerf with fewer lines. Cut-through time was also increased at larger kerf with more lines due to more material removal. The optimal shifting pitch was found to be approximately a scanned line width which was close to the spot size in this study. Scanning under raster mode could achieve minimal cut-through time of 31.42 s. The cut-through time was increased by a factor of 1.51 times and 13.43 times, respectively, for merge and group mode. Merge and raster mode allowed layer by layer scanning with high material removal and the ablation was further enhanced by continuous line scanning in one ablation layer under raster mode. Ablation under fixed parameter mode could eliminate the call-procedure of laser parameters used in individual line scanning. The cut-through time was reduced by 86% compared to nonfixed parameter mode.
Wettability conversion of ultrafast laser structured copper surface
Authors: Long Jiangyou , Zhong Minlin , Fan Peixun , Gong Dingwei , Zhang Hongjun
Published: February 2015

The wettability of metal oxides is vital to many applications including water erosion, filtration, and bioimplantation. In this work, the authors studied the wettability conversion behavior of picosecond laser structured copper surfaces in different atmospheres. The copper surfaces showed hydrophilicity initially after being irradiated by a picosecond laser. However, when they were stored in ambient air, their contact angles increased over time and became highly hydrophobic finally. The storage atmosphere influenced this process greatly, the atmosphere rich in CO2 or O2 would restrain the wettability transition, but the organic-rich and vacuum atmosphere would accelerate it. Detailed surface chemical analysis revealed that the adsorption of organic matters from the air played an important role in this wettability conversion process.
Effect of parenteral administration of Selenium and vitamin E on health status of mammary gland and on selected antioxidant indexes in blood of dairy cows
Authors: Zigo F. , Farkasóvá Z. , Eleko J. , Lapin M. , Chripková M. , Czerski A.
Published: February 2015

This study focuses on the effect of parenteral administration of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E on concentration of Se in plasma and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the blood of dairy cows during peripartal period and their effect on the reduction of clinical mastitis. From a 220 individuals Holstein herd in a two-four lactation-gestation cycle the control group (C), 1st (D1) and 2nd (D2) experimental group were selected. Every group consisted of 15 cows in the last phase of the pregnancy. All cows were fed with the diet containing 0.1 mg of Se per kg/DM. The blood samples from vena jugularis were collected approximately 21 days before calving (control sampling), 3 days, 12 days and 21 days after calving. On the day of control sampling and 12 days before calving in D1 group, cows were injected subcutaneously in the sprescapular region with preparation Selevit inj. a.u.v. at the doses of 48.4 mg/head of Se, and 550 IU/head of α-Tocoferol (α-Toc). In D2 group, cows were injected by the same preparation only on 21th day before calving with the same doses of Se and α-Toc. The increase in the concentration of Se in the plasma and activity GPx in blood in D1 group on the 3rd day and 12th day after calving were determined. Increase in plasmatic concentrations α-Toc on 3rd day after calving and reduction of occurrence of clinical mastitis (13.3%) as compared with control group were found
Occurrence of reovirus infection in Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) in south western Poland
Authors: Woźniakowski G. , Samorek-Salamonowicz E. , Gaweł A.
Published: February 2015

During the summer 2012 an incidence of high mortality, above 44 percent, in two flocks of Muscovy ducklings in Poland was noted. The clinical signs included considerable weight loss and inability to walk.

During the post-mortem evaluations dehydration and enteritis, gouty kidneys as well as hemorrhagic liver and spleen lesions were found. The laboratory diagnosis included agar gel precipitation assay (AGP) as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription PCR for the presence of goose parvovirus (GPV), duck circovirus (DuCV), duck reovirus (DRV) and avian reovirus (ARV). Interestingly, the examinations performed by AGP showed partial reactivity of liver homogenates from Muscovy ducklings with chicken S1133 antiserum. The presence of duck reovirus RNA was also detected by real-time RT-PCR targeting the chicken reovirus sigma NS fragment, while the sequencing showed major similarity to chicken S1133, 1733, GX/2010/1 and TARV-MN2 reovirus strains. The virus sequence was also related to a previously isolated TH11 strain from Muscovy ducks in China.

Further study is needed in order to explain the particular epidemiology of the reovirus infection of Muscovy ducklings
Adhesion of Malassezia pachydermatis of different growth type to canine epithelial cells
Authors: Florek M. , Król J. , Staroniewicz Z. , Bażanów B.
Published: February 2015

This study focuses on the effect of parenteral administration of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E on concentration of Se in plasma and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the blood of dairy cows during peripartal period and their effect on the reduction of clinical mastitis. From a 220 individuals Holstein herd in a two-four lactation-gestation cycle the control group (C), 1st (D1) and 2nd (D2) experimental group were selected. Every group consisted of 15 cows in the last phase of the pregnancy. All cows were fed with the diet containing 0.1 mg of Se per kg/DM. The blood samples from vena jugularis were collected approximately 21 days before calving (control sampling), 3 days, 12 days and 21 days after calving. On the day of control sampling and 12 days before calving in D1 group, cows were injected subcutaneously in the sprescapular region with preparation Selevit inj. a.u.v. at the doses of 48.4 mg/head of Se, and 550 IU/head of α-Tocoferol (α-Toc). In D2 group, cows were injected by the same preparation only on 21th day before calving with the same doses of Se and α-Toc. The increase in the concentration of Se in the plasma and activity GPx in blood in D1 group on the 3rd day and 12th day after calving were determined. Increase in plasmatic concentrations α-Toc on 3rd day after calving and reduction of occurrence of clinical mastitis (13.3%) as compared with control group were found
Two fundamentals of mammalian defense in fungal infections: Endothermy and innate antifungal immunity
Authors: Biegańska M. J.
Published: February 2015

The environment of animals is inhabited by enormous fungal species, but only a few hundreds are pathogenic for mammals. Most of potentially pathogenic fungal species, excluding dermatophytes, seldom cause the disease in immunocompetent hosts. Data from literature indicate, that an immune system and endothermy are foundations for this mammalian relative resistance to fungal systemic infections. Stable and high temperature of the body restricts invasion and growth of potentially pathogenic fungi. Together with elevated metabolism it supports the effectiveness of mammalian immunity. The innate immunity is assigned to prevent the invasion of various microbes (including fungi) to the hosts’ organism. It consists of cellular receptors and several humoral factors as the Antimicrobial Peptides. If the physical barriers fail in stopping the invader, it is recognized as “alien” by multiple Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) like Toll Like Receptors (TLRs) expressed by cells of innate immunity and/ or C-type lectins. At the same time innate inflammation begins and the complement cascade is activated. These mechanisms are able to stop and clear some fungal infections. During existing infection the adaptive immunity is induced. This review aims to show the role of mammalian endothermy and to point the most important elements of innate antifungal immunity.
Effectiveness of training programmes used in two stables of thoroughbred race horses
Authors: Szarska E. , Cywińska A. , Ostaszewski P. , Kowalska A.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the training methods used in two stables and their effects on selected blood parameters and race results. A total number of 36 thoroughbred race horses was examined in two groups, trained by two trainers. Twenty-four horses (group A) were trained at Sluzewiec and the remaining twelve horses (group B) were kept and trained in a private stable. The experiment lasted for five months. The activities of CPK (creatine phosphokinase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and the concentration of LA (lactic acid) were determined. The speed was controlled and recorded by a Garmin GPS system. The analysis of the General Handicap rating demonstrated that the training methods used in stable A were more effective and resulted in better classification of these horses. Training methods in both stables were evaluated and compared on the basis of maximal speeds during training sessions and related post exercise LA concentrations. The main differences between training methods used in both stables concerned the workload and the time of work with the rider. Analysis of the values measured in individual horses from stable B have shown that AST and CK activities were high not only in all young, 2-year-old horses but also in three older ones. This seems to confirm the lack of balance and proper movement coordination in these horses, resulting in high activities of muscle enzymes.
Electroencephalography recording analysis in monitoring of canine idiopathic epilepsy treated with phenobarbital. Pilot study
Authors: Bocheńska A. , Kwiatkowska M. , Pomianowski A. , Monowid T. , Adamiak Z.
Published: February 2015

EEG recording is used in veterinary medicine as a diagnostic tool to support clinical diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy and to identify focal seizure activity. This retrospective study was designed to compare EEG procedures in 23 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy before and after phenobarbital treatment. Differences among standard deviations for particular bands were significant. During phenobarbital treatment the delta band decreased.
Salmonella spp. as a cause of mortality and clinical symptoms in free-living garden bird species in Poland
Authors: Krawiec M. , Pietkiewicz M. , Wieliczko A.
Published: February 2015

Some species of garden birds are considered to be sensitive to Salmonella (S.) spp. infections. The aim of this study was to determine the cause of mortality of six free-living birds in one private property in suburban area of Wrocław (Poland). In 2013 Poland experienced prolonged winter, with low temperatures and snow precipitations. During March and April, two dead individuals of the Eurasian siskin (Carduelis spinus) and four dead individuals of the Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) were found in proximity of the bird feeder. At the time of ringing procedure in the same area, faecal samples of all individuals belonging to these two species of birds were collected, regardless clinical symptoms. In total, twenty two faecal samples of birds belonging to both bird species were collected in the same property. All of them were Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium positive. The visible illness among European siskins and Greenfinches, caused by S. Typhimurium, suggests that both Eurasian siskin and Greenfinch may be potential reservoirs of Salmonella spp. Therefore they might play a role in transmission of zoonotic pathogens to other garden bird species or to people.
Modeling of Fracture Propagation in Concrete Structures Using a Constitutive Relation with Embedded Discontinuity
Authors: Pietruszczak Stanisław , Haghighat Ehsan
Published: February 2015

In this paper, the problem of modeling of mixed mode cracking in concrete structures is addressed within the context of a constitutive law with embedded discontinuity (CLED). This approach, which was originally developed for describing the propagation of localized deformation in a “smeared” sense, is enhanced here to model a discrete nature of crack propagation. The latter is achieved by coupling the CLED approach with the level-set method, which is commonly used within the framework of Extended Finite Element (XFEM). Numerical simulations of experimental tests conducted at Delft University, which involve four-point bending of a notched concrete beam under the action of two independent actuators, are presented. The results based on enhanced CLED approach are directly compared with XFEM simulations. The predictions from both these methodologies are quite consistent with the experimental data, thereby giving advantage to CLED scheme in view of its simplicity in the numerical implementation.
Effect of Trunk Support on Upper Extremity Function in People With Chronic Stroke and People Who Are Healthy
Authors: Wee Seng Kwee , Hughes Ann-Marie , Warner Martin B. , Brown Simon , Cranny Andy , Mazomenos Evangelos B. , Burridge Jane H.
Published: February 2015

Background

Trunk control is thought to contribute to upper extremity (UE) function. However, this common assumption in neurorehabilitation has not been validated in clinical trials.

Objective

The study objectives were to investigate the effect of providing external trunk support on trunk control and UE function and to examine the relationship between trunk control and UE function in people with chronic stroke and people who were healthy.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Methods

Twenty-five people with chronic stroke and 34 people who were healthy and matched for age and sex were recruited. Trunk control was assessed with the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and UE impairment and UE function were assessed with the UE subsection of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) and the Streamlined Wolf Motor Function Test (SWMFT), respectively. The TIS and SWMFT were evaluated, with and without external trunk support; the FMA-UE was evaluated without trunk support.

Results

With trunk support, people with stroke showed improvement from 18 to 20 points on the TIS, a reduction in SWMFT performance times from 37.20 seconds to 35.37 seconds for the affected UE, and improvement from 3.3 points to 3.4 points on the SWMFT Functional Ability Scale for the function of the affected UE. With trunk support, the SWMFT performance time for people who were healthy was reduced from 1.61 seconds to 1.48 seconds for the dominant UE and from 1.71 seconds to 1.59 seconds for the nondominant UE. A significant moderate correlation was found between the TIS and the FMA-UE (r=.53) for people with stroke.

Limitations

The limitations included a nonmasked assessor and a standardized height of the external trunk support.

Conclusions

External trunk support improved trunk control in people with chronic stroke and had a statistically significant effect on UE function in both people with chronic stroke and people who were healthy. The findings suggest an association between trunk control and the UE when external trunk support was provided and support the hypothesis that lower trunk and lumbar stabilization provided by external support enables an improvement in the ability to use the UE for functional activities.
Community Resilience and Social Memory
Authors: Wilson Geoff A.
Published: February 2015

The notion of ‘resilience’ is rapidly emerging as a research topic in its own right, with the notion of ‘social resilience’ rapidly gaining importance. Yet, due to the relative novelty of the research field, discussions about processes of social resilience are not yet fully developed, especially with regard to how the inbuilt ‘memory’ of a local community helps shape resilience pathways (social memory). Interlinkages between social memory and community resilience are the focus of this study, with emphasis on analysis of the importance of rites, traditions and social learning processes for shaping community resilience/ vulnerability.
Present Academic Status of the Department of Medicine in Different Medical Colleges of Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Sarmistha , Rahman Ridwanur , Ahasan HAM Nazmul , Jesmin Humayra , Siddique Ashfaque Ahmed , Islam Md. Aminul , Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal
Published: February 2015

Background: Medicine is said to be the father of Medical education. The clinical phase of education of a medical student should be done in an academically oriented hospital specially Medicine Department. Lack of adequate clinical exposure must leads to inadequate learning. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done to look into the present academic scenario of the department in different Medical Colleges of Bangladesh. Here the Medicine Department of all the Medical Colleges was included; of them 22 were government and 44 were private. The allied branches were excluded. The concerned department of all the Medical Colleges was offered a prestructured questionnaire. 27 of them replied; 13 were public & 14 were private. They were regarded as Code A & Code B respectively. Results: We found that the number of functioning unit is less than requirement in Code B(2.31). Though the student bed ratio is adequate; the number of midlevel teacher is much less in both the codes. Office secretary is lacking as well as the ward side minilab facility. Most of the conference rooms are shared. There is a great vacuum regarding the integrated teaching class. We also noted that the publication & presentation is much less in Code B. Conclusion: With the rapid growth of Medical education, the need for promoting ethical medical practice is mandatory. So the lacking of existing medical content should be fulfilled in an urgent manner.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22372 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 5-9
Multicentric Hyaline-Vascular Castleman Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Das Aparna , Tarannum Sanjana , Kona Tahera , Saha Santanu Kumar , Kahhar MA
Published: February 2015

Castleman disease is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder. Contrary to its closest differential of lymphoma, the disease tends to run a benign course. However the multicentric variety, which is usually of the plasma cell type, has a more sinister prognosis. It is commonly associated with HIV infection. We report a case of a 65 year old man presenting with recurrent episodes of swelling of the whole body and diarrhoea for 3 years. Physical examination revealed generalized lymphadenopathy with hepato-splenomegaly and ascites. Lymph node biopsy revealed histopathological changes consistent with hyaline-vascular type of Castleman disease (multicentric). He was HIV negative. Patient was treated with high dose corticosteroids and discharged with follow up advice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22402 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 48-50
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE): A Rare Case Report
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Bhuiyan Mamunur Rashid , Deb Sudip Ranjan , Kabir Ahmedul
Published: February 2015

Subacutesclerosingpanencephalitis(SSPE) is a late complication of measles virus infection. It presents with psychiatric manifestation, progressive dementia, myoclonic jerk and other focal neurological signs. The diagnosis is based upon characteristics clinical manifestation, the presence of characteristic periodic EEG discharge, and demonstration of raised antibody titer against measles in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. In our case patient presented with behavioral change, myoclonic jerk, characteristic EEG and elevated level of antibody both in serum and CSF.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22403 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 51-52
The Parameterized Complexity of the Rainbow Subgraph Problem
Authors: Hüffner Falk , Komusiewicz Christian , Niedermeier Rolf , Rötzschke Martin
Published: February 2015

The NP-hard RAINBOW SUBGRAPH problem, motivated from bioinformatics, is to find in an edge-colored graph a subgraph that contains each edge color exactly once and has at most \(k\) vertices. We examine the parameterized complexity of RAINBOW SUBGRAPH for paths, trees, and general graphs. We show that RAINBOW SUBGRAPH is W[1]-hard with respect to the parameter \(k\) and also with respect to the dual parameter \(\ell:=n-k\) where \(n\) is the number of vertices. Hence, we examine parameter combinations and show, for example, a polynomial-size problem kernel for the combined parameter \(\ell\) and ``maximum number of colors incident with any vertex''. Additionally, we show APX-hardness even if the input graph is a properly edge-colored path in which every color occurs at most twice.
Recent Advances in Proteomic Studies of Adipose Tissues and Adipocytes
Authors: Kim Eun , Kim Won , Oh Kyoung-Jin , Han Baek , Lee Sang , Bae Kwang-Hee
Published: February 2015

Obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with significantly increased levels of risk of a number of metabolic disorders. Despite these enhanced health risks, the worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Obesity is caused by the accumulation of an abnormal amount of body fat in adipose tissue, which is composed mostly of adipocytes. Thus, a deeper understanding of the regulation mechanism of adipose tissue and/or adipocytes can provide a clue for overcoming obesity-related metabolic diseases. In this review, we describe recent advances in the study of adipose tissue and/or adipocytes, focusing on proteomic approaches. In addition, we suggest future research directions for proteomic studies which may lead to novel treatments of obesity and obesity-related diseases.