bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear diffusion-based interpretation of induced microseismicity: A Barnett Shale hydraulic fracturing case study
Authors: Hummel Nicolas , Shapiro Serge A.
Published: August 2013

For the successful development and operation of hydrocarbon or geothermal reservoirs, knowledge of the hydraulic transport is of crucial importance. Because fundamental physical processes of borehole fluid injections are still insufficiently understood, gathering information about transport properties of rocks under field conditions is quite difficult. However, a substantial contribution in determining the permeability evolution can be obtained by understanding the distribution of induced seismicity in space and time. We have analyzed spatio-temporal characteristics of seismicity recorded during a hydraulic fracturing treatment in the Barnett Shale. In this study, we show that the fluid-rock interaction is nonlinear. To explain corresponding spatio-temporal features of induced seismicity, we considered pore pressure diffusion based on a power-law pressure dependence of permeability. A scaling approach was used to transform clouds of hypocenters of events obtained in a hydraulically anisotropic nonlinear medium into a cloud which would be obtained in an equivalent isotropic but still nonlinear medium. For this, we used a concept of a factorized anisotropic pressure dependence of permeability and found that it is in agreement with the microseismic data under consideration. We used a numerical modeling approach to generate synthetic seismicity by solving nonlinear diffusion equations. The pore-pressure field obtained from flow rates was calibrated with the pore-pressure field computed for injection pressures. This yielded an estimate of the uniaxial storage coefficient and permitted us to compute the permeability evolution inside the fracture stimulated reservoir. Following our modeling, we generated synthetic seismicity whose spatio-temporal features are similar to the ones observed in the case study. This indicates that a nonlinear diffusion with a pressure-dependent permeability seems to provide a reasonable model of the hydraulic-fracture stimulation under consideration. A power-law pressure dependence of stimulated permeability may be a more general characteristic for shales.
PMMA-based Stimuli-responsive Flexible Thin-films
Authors: Mathew Roshan Jesus , Raj Sarika , Dhesingh Ravi Shankaran
Published: August 2013

Low-cost flexible thin-films exhibiting stimuli-responsive properties were fabricated on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the base supporting material. Labeling of this transparent thermoplastic with Congo red diazo dye revealed its simultaneous pH-responsive and temperature-responsive abilities. UV, FT-IR, and film stability studies identified the role of the dye and the polymer in the flexible thin-film stimuli-responsive behavior. This film is promising for future applications.
Why do we need to age?
Authors: Baniahmad Aria
Published: August 2013

A key question remains: why do multicellular organisms have a limited lifespan? The aging process is considered to be a decline of keeping the molecular, cellular and organ structure and interactions upright. It is hypothesized here that an evolutionary force has actively selected for limited lifespan and prior to that there is the process of aging. Many theories exist, including the endocrine theory of aging and reproduction-based aging. Here, a hypothesis is deduced for the driving force of the evolution of aging and lifespan limitation.
Estrogen receptor beta and its selective ligands: an option for treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms?
Authors: Jarry Hubertus
Published: August 2013

In the human female, menopause is the permanent end of fertility, defined as occurring 12 months after the last menstrual period. During peri- and postmenopausal stages, the vast majority of women experience moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, which interfere with sleep and may be severe enough to affect quality of life. The only treatment approved by national health authorities is hormone therapy with estrogen alone or in combination with a progestagen. However, this therapeutic regimen is associated with severe side effects, such as stimulation of growth of breast cancer or cardiovascular events. Thus, there is a demand for efficient and safe alternative treatments for menopausal complaints.

After the discovery of estrogen receptor beta in many organs, and confirmation of its presence in the brain, many researchers raised the question of whether ERβ-specific ligands may be novel therapeutic agents for treatment of menopausal complaints with the desirable effects of estrogen but without increased risk of tumor incidence. This minireview will briefly summarize the relevance of estrogen receptor beta and its specific ligands for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with a focus on vasomotor menopausal symptoms. At present, estrogen receptor beta-selective ligands do not seem to be active in models of prevention or reversal of osteoporosis. However, data from animal experiments suggest that estrogen receptor beta-selective ligands might be safe therapeutics for the treatment of vasomotor menopausal symptoms.
Molecular triggers of neuroinflammation in mouse models of demyelinating diseases
Authors: Barrette Benoit , Nave Klaus-Armin , Edgar Julia M.
Published: August 2013

Myelinating cells wrap axons with multi-layered myelin sheaths for rapid impulse propagation. Dysfunctions of oligodendrocytes or Schwann cells are often associated with neuroinflammation, as observed in animal models of leukodystrophies and peripheral neuropathies, respectively. The neuroinflammatory response modulates the pathological changes, including demyelination and axonal injury, but also remyelination and repair. Here we discuss different immune mechanisms as well as factors released or exposed by myelinating glia in disease conditions. The spectrum of inflammatory mediators varies with different myelin disorders and has a major impact on the beneficial or detrimental role of immune cells in keeping nervous system integrity.
Cross-Examining Scripture
Authors: Hoffman David C.
Published: August 2013

This essay explores how rules for handling testimonial evidence were developed in the contexts of the British jurisprudence, epistemology and theological debate over the course of the eighteenth century, and shows how Thomas Paine appropriated these rules in The Age of Reason, his deistic manifesto.
From Elocution to New Criticism
Authors: Sloane Thomas O.
Published: August 2013

The similarity between elocution and New Criticism in method of analysis, or hermeneutics, seems patent: because elocutionists taught reading aloud, they necessarily considered a text word by word; New Critics revolutionized literary study through a similar if more sophisticated method of textual analysis, an approach which also necessitated a certain vocalizing of the words. And the two groups were curiously alike in their fumbling attempts to describe the nature of literature, its ontology, as a kind of experience. The progression from elocution to New Criticism actually forms an episode in the ongoing dispersal of rhetoric as an academic subject.
Does plant architectural complexity increase with increasing habitat complexity? A test with a pioneer shrub in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Silveira FAO , Oliveira EG
Published: August 2013

Understanding variation in plant traits in heterogeneous habitats is important to predict responses to changing environments, but trait-environment associations are poorly known along ecological gradients. We tested the hypothesis that plant architectural complexity increases with habitat complexity along a soil fertility gradient in a Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) area in southeastern Brazil. Plant architecture and productivity (estimated as the total number of healthy infructescences) of Miconia albicans (SW.) Triana were examined in three types of vegetation which together form a natural gradient of increasing soil fertility, tree density and canopy cover: grasslands (campo sujo, CS), shrublands (cerrado sensu strico, CE) and woodlands (cerradão, CD). As expected, plants growing at the CS were shorter and had a lower branching pattern, whereas plants at the CD were the tallest. Unexpectedly, however, CD plants did not show higher architectural complexity compared to CE plants. Higher architectural similarity between CE and CD plants compared to similarity between CS and CE plants suggests reduced expression of functional architectural traits under shade. Plants growing at the CE produced more quaternary shoots, leading to a larger number of infructescences. This higher plant productivity in CE indicates that trait variation in ecological gradients is more complex than previously thought. Nematode-induced galls accounted for fruit destruction in 76.5% infructescences across physiognomies, but percentage of attack was poorly related to architectural variables. Our data suggest shade-induced limitation in M. albicans architecture, and point to complex phenotypic variation in heterogeneous habitats in Neotropical savannas.
The orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of ‘Reserva Biológica de Una’, a hotspot in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, eastern Brazil
Authors: Nemésio A
Published: August 2013

The orchid-bee fauna of ‘Reserva Biológica de Una’ (REBIO Una), one of the largest Atlantic Forest remnants in southern Bahia, eastern Brazil, was surveyed for the first time. Baits with sixteen different scents were used to attract males of orchid bees. Eight hundred and fifty-nine males belonging to 26 species were actively collected with insect nets during 60 hours in January and February, 2009, and January, 2010. Euglossa avicula Dressler, 1982 and Euglossa milenae Bembé, 2007 have been recorded for the first time in the state of Bahia. It was found that REBIO Una has one of the most diverse and rich orchid-bee faunas of the entire Atlantic Forest domain and holds some rare species, such as Euglossa cyanochloraMoure, 1996.
Benthic insects of the El Tala River (Catamarca, Argentina): longitudinal variation of their structure and the use of insects to assess water quality
Authors: Colla MF , César II , Salas LB
Published: August 2013

The aim of this work was to determine the structure of the benthic entomofauna and its variation along the El Tala River (Catamarca, Argentina). Five sampling stations were established, considering the location of nearby housing with respect to the watercourse. The following variables were determined in situ: altitude, latitude and longitude, bedstream width, river depth, river-current speed, water and air temperatures. Benthic insects were collected with a square parcel sampler of 0.09-m2 area and 300-µm net opening and identified to the family level. Faunal density, richness, and diversity exhibited a longitudinal variation. From sampling Stations 1 (reference site) to 3, the number of orders and families decreased, whereas in sampling Station 4 those values increased and continued to do so through to Station 5 (downstream station). Station 5 showed the highest family richness (17) and the highest value for the Shannon-Wiener index (2.74) and the lowest value in Simpson's Dominance index (D = 0.22). These values could be explained because of the self-cleansing capabilities of the river downstream. The water quality of El Tala River is Class I (very clean and non-impacted), according to the results obtained from the application of the biotic Biological-Monitoring–Working-Party and Average-Store-per-Taxon indices.
Gonad maturation of Haemulon plumieri (Teleostei: Haemulidae) in Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Shinozaki-Mendes RA , Santander-Neto J , Silva JRF , Hazin FHV
Published: August 2013

To elucidate the reproductive cycle of any animal, it is first necessary to understand the development of the germ cells and how this process occurs throughout the reproductive tract. Thus, the aim of the present study was to understand the oogenesis and spermatogenesis, as well as the ovarian and testis maturation and type of spawning, of Haemulon plumieri. A total of 119 females and 136 males were analysed. Based on micro and macroscopic characteristics of gonads, the following stages of maturation for females were determined: immature, maturing, ripe, partially spawning, spawning and resting. For males, only the stages immature, maturing, ripe and spent were observed. We can conclude that the ovarian development occurs cyclically, in which the female can spawn more than two times during the reproductive season with the spawning “synchronous in more than two groups”. Since males do not present the “rest” stage after copulation, the maturation process is continuous.
Modelling the growth of tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816) in floodplain lakes: model selection and multimodel inference
Authors: Costa LRF , Barthem RB , Albernaz AL , Bittencourt MM , Villacorta-Corrêa MA
Published: August 2013

The tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, is one of the most commercially valuable Amazonian fish species, and in the floodplains of the region, they are caught in both rivers and lakes. Most growth studies on this species to date have adjusted only one growth model, the von Bertalanffy, without considering its possible uncertainties. In this study, four different models (von Bertalanffy, Logistic, Gompertz and the general model of Schnüte-Richards) were adjusted to a data set of fish caught within lakes from the middle Solimões River. These models were adjusted by non-linear equations, using the sample size of each age class as its weight. The adjustment evaluation of each model was based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the variation of AIC between the models (Δi) and the evidence weights (wi). Both the Logistic (Δi = 0.0) and Gompertz (Δi = 1.12) models were supported by the data, but neither of them was clearly superior (wi, respectively 52.44 and 29.95%). Thus, we propose the use of an averaged-model to estimate the asymptotic length (L∞). The averaged-model, based on Logistic and Gompertz models, resulted in an estimate of L∞=90.36, indicating that the tambaqui would take approximately 25 years to reach average size.
Biological aspects of Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) fed on different insect pests of maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench.)]
Authors: Silva RB , Cruz I , Zanuncio JC , Figueiredo MLC , Canevari GC , Pereira AG , Serrão JE
Published: August 2013

Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) occurs in several countries of South America and its mass rearing is important for biological control programmes. This work evaluated biological aspects of E. connexa larva fed on eggs of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) frozen for one day, fresh eggs of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), S. frugiperda newly-hatched caterpillars, nymphs of Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) and Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Duration of larva, pupa and larva to adult stages differed among prey offered, whereas the prepupa stage was similar. Larva, pupa, prepupa and larva to adult viabilities were equal or major of 87.5% in all prey, except for larva fed on newly-hatched larvae of S. frugiperda. Eriopis connexa has good adaptation to different prey corroborating its polyphagous feeding habit, which evidences the potential of this natural enemy for controlling corn and sorghum pests.
Noise spectra of K+ and NH4+ ions at over-limiting current in an electrochemical system with a cation exchange membrane
Authors: Oulmi K. , Bouhidel K. E. , Andreadis G. M.
Published: August 2013

The present work investigates the effect of the counter ion nature on the noise of the over-limiting current (Iov). Moreover, the electrochemical methods, current voltage curve (I–V) and the chronopotentiometry (V–t) measurements are applied. The over-limiting current is always accompanied by a neat electrical noise. It is a well accepted experimental phenomenon. The study of this noise may contribute to a better understanding of the Iov and the feasibility of electrodialysis operation at this current in terms of energy consumption. The electrical noise depends directly on the counter ion nature. The power spectral density of the membrane's potential fluctuation was obtained via Fourier analysis of the time series recorded during the transport of counter ions (K+ and NH4+). The spectra are evaluated above the limiting current indicating the differences between the K+ and the NH4+. It is found that the cation NH4+ presents a singular behaviour and the noise is minimal.
Disinfection of treated wastewater as an essential purification step for safe urban reuse: a comparative pilot study of UV- and ClO2-disinfection systems for urban reuse applications in China
Authors: Bischoff A. , Fan J. H. , Cornel P. , Wagner M. , Ma L. M.
Published: August 2013

Disinfection of wastewater is vital in addressing the potential health risks of urban water reuse. To compare the applicability of wastewater disinfection methods other than chlorine, identical pilot plants that used ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) dosing were installed at municipal wastewater treatment plants in Shanghai, China and Darmstadt, Germany. The investigation included public health and environmental aspects associated with the two disinfection methods. The results of the pilot-scale studies suggest that, in order to comply with Chinese water quality standards for urban water reuse, it is advisable to have a tertiary treatment before wastewater disinfection. Both methods were able to achieve a 4 log10 reduction in both total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli). There was no evidence for regrowth of E. coli. However, after an initial 3 log10 reduction, HPC increased within 48 h by more than 10-fold after UV irradiation as well as after low doses of ClO2. An increase in acute toxicity was detected after dosing with ClO2 but not after UV irradiation.
On the General Gauss-Markov Model for Experiments in Block Designs
Authors: Caliński Tadeusz
Published: August 2013

The main estimation and hypothesis testing results related to the Gauss- Markov model, in its general form, are recalled and the application of these results to the analysis of experiments in block designs is considered. Special attention is given to the randomization-derived model for a general block design, and for a proper block design in particular. The question whether the randomization-derived model can be considered as a particular general Gauss-Markov model is discussed. It is indicated that the former, as a mixed model, is in fact an extension of the general Gauss-Markov model. Thus, the analysis based on the randomization-derived model requires a more extended methodical approach. The present paper has been inspired by one of the last papers of Professor Wiktor Oktaba.
Comparison of clinical data based on limits of agreement
Authors: Grilo Luís M. , Grilo Helena L.
Published: August 2013

Two different medical measurement methods, which usually do not produce exactly the same results, are used to analyse the serum levels of folic acid in a blood sample. We assess the (dis)agreement of the available data in order to replace the old method (the reference method, which involves a lot of human intervention) with the new one (which uses mostly machines), without causing problems in clinical interpretation. The 95% limits of agreement are estimated, before and after a logarithmic transformation, and an appropriate use of regression and a nonparametric approach are also considered. The application of these different statistical techniques is very useful and easily interpreted by medical researchers, but the results obtained do not provide confidence that the new method can be used in place of the old one for clinical purposes.
On the relevance of the 3D retinal vascular network from OCT data
Authors: Serranho P. , Guimarães P. , Rodrigues P. , Bernardes R.
Published: August 2013

Abnormal patterns of the retinal vascular system have been associated with several heart and cerebral diseases. However, these correlations were obtained using 2D imaging of the eye fundus, disregarding information on the third component (depth) of the vascular system. In this paper, we show that the depth component is relevant and should not be disregarded in this analysis. In this way, the relevance of analysis of the retinal vascular network as a biometrical marker for the general health status of an individual can be increased.
On the small sample properties of variants of Mardia’s and Srivastava’s kurtosis-based tests for multivariate normality
Authors: Hanusz Zofia , Tarasińska Joanna , Osypiuk Zbigniew
Published: August 2013

The kurtosis-based tests of Mardia and Srivastava for assessing multivariate normality (MVN) are considered. The asymptotic standard normal distribution of their test statistics, under normality, is often misused for too small samples. The purpose of this paper is to suggest mean-and-variance corrected versions of the Mardia and Srivastava test statistics. Simulation studies evaluating both the true sizes and the powers of original and corrected tests against selected alternatives are presented and compared to the size and the power of the Henze-Zirkler test. The proposed corrected statistics have empirical sizes closer to a nominal significance level than the original ones. It is also shown that the corrected versions of the tests can be more powerful than the original ones.
The scale and the dynamics of permanent migration in rural and peri-urban areas in Poland – some problems
Authors: Biegańska Jadwiga , Szymańska Daniela
Published: August 2013

This article refers to the analysis and the evaluation of permanent migration as observed in rural areas of Poland, especially in peri-urban areas of the Polish cities between the years 1995 and 2011. The article covered all 2,173 rural and rural-urban (excluding urban parts) gminas in the country. In the article there were shown what are the migration volumes and dynamics in rural areas and what is the situation of large cities’ peri-urban areas in terms of permanent migration.
A more efficient match between firms’ demand, VET supply and human capital capacities through bottom-up, participative governance
Authors: Noguera Joan
Published: August 2013

One of the main challenges facing EU territories is the development of strategies to better adapt to changing global socio-economic trends. Lifelong education and training is a main strategic tool and a key component in the achievement of EU goals. One component of the lifelong education concept is Vocational Education and Training (VET), aimed at closing the gap between workers’ skills and qualification and changing demand in labour markets. Although local partnerships seem to be an adequate tool to implement VET strategies, some authors identify obstacles that can be attributed to bad practices. Thus, more evidence is needed to support the idea that local development and public-private partnerships are optimal organisational environments for the design and implementation of VET strategies and actions at local and sub-regional levels. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an analysis of the state of the art as regards local VET partnerships in Europe and to provide recommendations for the process of initiation and management of expert VET partnerships.
The Upper-Silesian conurbation on the path towards the “Silesia” metropolis
Authors: Szajnowska-Wysocka Alicja , Zuzańska-Żyśko Elżbieta
Published: August 2013

In its methodological context, the article, expands on the idea of the organization of the “Silesia” superstructure. The idea of establishing a common urban organism emerged with the local governments of the Upper Silesian conurbation cities and was dictated by the need to find a way to change the traditional image of the Silesian region and its post-industrial role in the economic space of the country, as well as Europe. Therefore, in 2009, the Metropolitan Association of Upper- Silesia, an association for the initial institutionalization of “Silesia”, was registered, because “Silesia” does not hold any administrative or legal force. Such an organizational “revolution” of the Upper Silesian conurbation initiated a wide social debate, in which the arguments of both supporters and opponents of such an enterprise in the Silesian region became apparent, together with misunderstandings related to the term “metropolis”, and the idea of establishing “Silesia”. Representatives of local governments chose the more prestigious term “metropolis” as if a complex metropolisation had taken place in the Upper Silesian conurbation. It would be adequate, however, to look only for the first features of metropolitan functions in this de-industrialized and restructured region, which are going to shape the longlasting metropolisation process under the influence of globalisation.
A Quantification of The Rhythmic Qualities of Salience and Kinesis
Authors: Lopes Eduardo , Gonçalves André
Published: August 2013

From a cognitive point of view, it is easily perceived that some music rhythmic structures are able to create saliences (i.e. pulses perceived as louder). Depending where in a metrical grid these salient pulses are located, a sense of stability or instability will arise. When instability is present in a rhythmic structure one will tend to psychological feel kinesis (i.e. a sense of motion). Salience and kinesis can then be identified as basic rhythmic qualities. Inspired by the theoretical construct Just in Time - an empirical based music theoretical construct for the analysis of rhythm - we decided to quantify some of its analytical output; more specifically the measure of salience and kinesis of a rhythmic sequence. We then developed a web-based tool that calculates the amount of salience and kinesis for a particular rhythmic sequence. We conclude this article pointing how this tool can be used in analysis and music education as well as other possible applications, and future research.
Somatotype Characteristics of Female Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / Характеристика Соматотипа Жен Щин, Больных Сахарным Диабетом Типа 2
Authors: Baltadjiev Atanas G.
Published: August 2013

The AIM of the present study was to determine the somatotype of females patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundreds and twelve female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were measured. The patients were of Bulgarian ethnicity and were divided into two age groups: Group 1: 40-60 years of age and Group 2: 61-80 years of age. The control group comprised healthy females of Bulgarian ethnicity without any metabolic, neoplastic, or other disease divided into age matched groups. Measurements obtained directly were height, body weight, biepicondylar width of humerus, biepicondylar width of femur, arm circumference in relaxed state, arm circumference in contracted state, and calf circumference. Skin folds: subscapular, suprailiac, over triceps and calf. Parameters calculated: the components of the Heath-Carter anthrpometric somatotype.

RESULTS: The mean somatotype of 40-60-year-old female diabetics was mesomorph endomorph, (meso 6.09; endo 6.59; ecto 1.57). The mean somatotype of 40-60-year-old female controls was mesomorphic endomorph (meso 5.65; endo 6.82; ecto 2.75). The mean somatotype of 61-80-year-old diabetic females was endomorphic mesomorph (endo-mesomorph), (meso 9.41; endo 5.39; ecto 1.55). The mean somatotype of 61-80-year-old female controls was mesomorph-endomorph (meso 6.70; endo 6.66; ecto 2.95). Between-age comparison of female diabetics: the endomorph component dominated in the group of 40-60-year-old patients, and the mesomorph component dominated in the group of 61-80-year-old patients. In both groups ectomorphy markedly lagged behind.

CONCLUSION: The mean somatotype of diabetic females aged 40-60 years is mesomoph-endomorph; it differs from the mesomorphic mesomorph somatotype of the control subjects. Endomorphy and mesomorphy dominate clearly, and ectomorphy significantly lags behind. This was the reason we get a distorted somatoplot with a sharp shift to endomorphy and mesomorhpy. The mean somatotype of diabetic women aged 60-80 years was endomorphic mesomorphy with the mesomorphy component leading. It differed from the somatotype of the controls, where mesomorphy and endomorphy scored equally (mesomorph-endomorph). The somatotype of female diabetics suggests that they have a relatively massive skeleton with well-developed muscles and greater body weight relative to height. Unlike the results of studies in other countries presenting with markedly dominating endomorphy, in our study the Bulgarian diabetic females presented with dominating mesomorphy.

This can be regarded as a peculiarity of the Bulgarian diabetic patients. The somatotype of the Bulgarian diabetic females is more favorable on the risk, course and prognosis of the disease.
Indomethacin Nanoparticles for Applications in Liquid Ocular Formulations / Наночастицы С Индометацином Для Применения В Жидких Лекарственных Формах Для Глаз
Authors: Andonova Velichka Y. , Georgiev George S. , Georgieva Ventsislava T. , Petrova Nadia L. , Kasarova Margarita
Published: August 2013

Studies in recent years have consistently shown that polymeric drug nanocarriers can be used in drug release and drug delivery systems to treat eye disorders. To achieve effective control over drug delivery, it is of crucial importance what kind of polymer and which method for drug inclusion in the nanoscale carrier we choose and what conditions are needed for the performance of this process.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to produce poly(vinyl acetate) nanoparticles with indomethacin incorporated in them, assess the effect of time for dialysis of the residual monomer and initiator on the degree of incorporation of indomethacin in the nanoparticles and on the kinetics of its release, to include them in ophtalmic formulations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poly(vinyl acetate) nanoparticles with indomethacin were obtained by emulsion radical polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of indomethacin (in situ inclusion) and the absence of emulsifier. To release the residual monomer and initiator (ammonium persulfate) the obtained latexes were dialysed for 6, 9, 18 and 23 hours and then the nanoparticles were freeze-dried. Structural analysis was performed by transmission electronic microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry. Release of indomethacin was observed using ultraviolet spectroscopy.

RESULTS: We proved the delayed release of indomethacin from the poly(vinyl acetate) nanocarrier and the lack of chemical interaction between the polymer and indomethacin. After 9-hour dialysis the initiator and the residual vinyl acetate were removed from the nanoparticles, while the entrapped indomethacin kept therapeutic concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS: Dialysis for more than 6 and no more than 9 hours is recommended to remove the residual monomer and initiator when preparing indomethacin nanoparticles by in situ radical emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate, for inclusion in liquid ocular formulations.
Apoptosis of granulocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood in rabbits infected with haemagglutinating and non-haemagglutinating antigenic variants of the RHD (rabbit haemorrhagic disease) virus
Authors: Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. , Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Deptuła W.
Published: August 2013

This paper attempts to study the dynamics of apoptosis of granulocytes and lymphocytes in peripheral blood in rabbits infected with haemagglutinating (Vt97, Triptis, Hartmannsdorf) and non-haemagglutinating (Pv97, 9905 RHDVa) antigenic variants of the RHD virus. The pathogenicity of those antigenic variants was also assessed by recording the mortality of the infected animals. The animals were infected with antigenic variants and blood was sampled at hour 0,4,8,12,24,36 p.i. and the percentage of apoptotic granulocytes and lymphocytes was measured with the use of flow cytometry. The results of the study showed that apoptosis is included during RHDV infection, as the number of apoptotic granulocytes and lymphocytes increases throughout the experiment; depending on the antigenic variant, apoptosis joins in at 4-8-12 h p.i. and lasts until 24-36 h p.i. Furthermore, the mortality of rabbits infected with the examined strains of RHD virus varied from 30% to 100%. This study performed for the first time in this manner, indicates the importance of apoptosis during infection with the RHD virus.
Chicken amyloid arthropathy: serum amyloid A, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide profile in acute phase (12th hour)
Authors: Sevimli A. , Bübül T. , Bulübül A. , Yaǧcı A.
Published: August 2013

Acute phase response (APR) is part of the early defense system, which is triggered by different stimuli including, infection, trauma, stres, inflammation and neoplasia. The APR complex is a reaction which induces homeostasis and recovery. In this research, serum amyloid A (SAA), interlaukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured 12 hours following injection. For this purpose, Thirty-two 5 weeks old laying chicken were allocated into four groups and intra-articular injections of Freund’s adjuvant were used to induce amylod arthropathy in Groups II, III and IV. Vitamin A in group II, and methylprednisolone in group IV were added to enhance and to reduce the severity of amyloidosis, respectively. At the end of the research, it was observed that TNF-α and NO increased significantly (P<0.05) in vitamin A and methylprednisolone groups whereas SAA decreased significantly (P<0.05) in all groups. It was also observed that IL-6 increased (P<0.05) in vitamin A group and decreased in all other gorups however, IL-1β decreased in vitamin A and methylprednisolone groups, while it was increased in the control group.

The results of this study suggest that there is a positive correlation between serum TNF-α levels in acute and chronic phase in chickens with amyloid arthropathy.
Quality of milk of cows in the first lactation vs. presence of anti-Ostertagia antibodies in their milk
Authors: Liedtke K. , Szteyn J. , Białobrzewski I. , Wiszniewska-Łaszczych A. , Bednarko-Młynarczyk E.
Published: August 2013

Invasions of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy cows may affect animals productivity. The most frequently detected internal parasite of dairy cattle is Ostertagia ostertagi. The objective of this study was to determine O. ostertagi invasion extensiveness in selected herds of dairy cattle, with special consideration to cows being in the first lactation, and to analyze the milk yield and contents of basic constituents of milk originating from sero-positive cows. Five herds of dairy cattle (403), with different populations of cows, were selected for the study. Invasion extensiveness in particular herds was determined and ranged from 11.9% to 27.27%. Cows being in the first lactation, the udder milk of which was shown to contain anti-O. ostertagi antibodies, were producing on average 470 kg of milk annually less than cows being in the same lactation period. The analysis of results did not confirm the statistical significance of this difference, likewise it did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in contents of fat, protein and dry matter. Despite a lack of the statistical significance a producer suffers great economic losses. The conducted study proves that the occurrence of O. ostertagi invasion in herds of dairy cattle is a global problem and that it affects cost-effectiveness of milk production.
Interleukin-1β stimulates early myogenesis of mouse C2C12 myoblasts: the impact on myogenic regulatory factors, extracellular matrix components, IGF binding proteins and protein kinases
Authors: Grabiec K. , Tokarska J. , Milewska M. , Błaszczyk M. , Gajewska M. , Grzelkowska-Kowalczyk K.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the study was to examine the mechanisms important for early myogenesis in mouse C2C12 myogenic cells exposed to interleukin-1β. Cyclin A and cyclin B1 were increased by interleukin-1β (1 ng/ml), but the level of cyclin D1 and total DNA content was unaffected. Fusion index and the rate of protein synthesis was increased in the presence of IL-1β, but these effects were limited to 3-day-treatment. IL-1β increased the level of MyoD, myogenin and MHC on the 3rd day of differentiation, without altering the content of the active form of myostatin, as well as it augmented the level of fibronectin, integrin β1 and full length 100 kDa form of ADAM12. IL-1β caused a decrease in IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-6 levels and a marked increase in IGFBP-5. The phosphorylation of PKB and ERK1/2 and the cellular content of p38 were elevated by IL-1β. We conclude that the myogenic effect of IL-1β was limited to the onset of myoblast fusion and was associated with: i) increase in the level of myogenic transcription factors i.e. MyoD and myogenin expression, ii) modification of extracellular matrix assembly and signaling, manifested by an increase in fibronectin, integrin-β1 and ADAM12 content, iii) drop in IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-6, and an increase in IGFBP-5, that could alter the local IGF-1 bioavailability, and iv) increase in phosphorylation of PKB and ERK1/2, and the expression of p38 kinase, leading to activation of intracellular pathways essential for myogenic differentiation.
Influence of microflora composition on safety and colour parameters of “kumpia wieprzowa” during ripening
Authors: Węsierska E. , Korzekwa K. , Foks S. , Mickowska B.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to define the influence of microbiological activity on the safety (microflora composition, biogenic amine amount) and colour of “kumpia wieprzowa” during the 3-month ripening period. The study included the amount of aerobic bacteria, yeast, lactobacilli rods, coagulase- negative cocci, pH and colour parameters as well as the content of nitrates (V) and (III), biogenic amines and amino acids. The lactobacilli and cocci constituted the predominant microflora of the ready-to-eat product (4.9-5.2 and 5.2-5.4 log cfu/g, respectively), although further mesophilic bacteria identification revealed the presence of numerous aerobic, aerotolerant and anaerobic species, mostly gram-positive, spore- and non-spore-forming. The absence of 2-phenylethylamine and putrescine and the low level of tryptamine (2.5 mg/kg) at the beginning of the ripening as well as the increase of tyramine and spermine amounts from 11.5 and 2.7 to 21.9 and 4.0 mg/kg, respectively during the treatment, denoted the good quality of raw meat used and dynamic growth of the desired acidifying and denitrifying microorganisms. The development of the coagulase-negative cocci population corresponded with the a* and C* colour parameters and the nitrate (III) content increase, the final result of which was 26.9, 27.5 as well as 19.4 mg/kg. The content of nitrates (V) and (III) was optimal to obtain a non-cured, safe and suitably coloured, long-term ripened meat product.
The serum protein electrophoretic pattern and acute phase protein concentrations in calves with chronic respiratory diseases
Authors: Tóthová Cs. , Nagy O. , Kováč G.
Published: August 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern and the concentrations of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen) in 28 calves with clinical signs of chronic respiratory diseases and 36 healthy calves as a control group. In sick calves we found significantly higher serum concentrations of total proteins (P<0.001), lower concentrations of albumin (P<0.001) and marked shift in the concentrations of the most of protein fractions with significantly higher values of α1-, β1-, β2-, and γ-globulins (P<0.001 and P<0.01). The affected calves had significantly higher values of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen as well (P<0.05, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively).
Effect of age and stage of lactation on whey protein content in milk of cows of different breeds
Authors: Król J. , Brodziak A. , Litwińczuk Z. , Litwińczuk A.
Published: August 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of age of cows, i.e. subsequent lactation and stage of lactation, on bioactive whey protein content in milk of dairy cows of six primary breeds kept in Poland. In all cases the significant correlations between lactoferrin concentration in milk and stage of lactation was stated. Its content gradually increased with the course of lactation but the changes in the content of this protein were highly dependent on breed of cows, what was indicated also by high interactions between breed and stage of lactation.
Prosthetic reconstruction of broken canine teeth in dogs with use of cast metal posts
Authors: Bladowski M. , Kotowicz-Gears A. , Choszcz D. , Pawelec M. , Wojtkiewicz J.
Published: August 2013

Prosthodontic treatment, especially restorations of fractured teeth in small animals, has been the subject of many veterinary dental analyses in relation to techniques of endodontic treatment, preparation and cementation, as well as the general principles of prosthodontic treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present a previously undescribed method of all-in-one crown and root prosthetic restoration of fractured teeth in large dogs, together with a thorough analysis of the drawbacks, which may help veterinary dentists to use an evidence-based approach when deciding on the type of treatment for their patients with tooth fractures.
Short-term whole body vibration exercise in adult healthy horses
Authors: Carstanjen B. , Balali M. , Gajewski Z. , Furmanczyk K. , Bondzio A. , Remy B. , Hartmann H.
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effect of whole body vibration exercise (WBVE) on clinical parameters and blood values in horses. Seven horses were exposed to a 10 min WBVE at a frequency of 15-21 Hz. Clinical parameters and venous blood samples were taken before and directly after WBVE. Acute short-term WBVE produced a decrease in serum cortisol (p=0.02) and creatine-kinase (p=0.02) values. Clinical parameters, hematology, fibrinogen, lactate, IGF-I, GGT, creatinine, myeloperoxidase activity and bone marker values were not significantly changed by WBVE. In adult sound horses WBVE was well tolerated and did not cause any sign of measured discomfort.
Modification of cardiac RYR2 gating by a peptide from the central domain of the RYR2
Authors: Faltinová Andrea , Zahradníková Alexandra
Published: August 2013

The effect of a domain peptide DPCPVTc from the central region of the RYR2 on ryanodine receptors from rat heart has been examined in planar lipid bilayers. At a zero holding potential and at 8 mmol L−1 luminal Ca2+ concentration, DPCPVTc induced concentrationdependent activation of the ryanodine receptor that led up to 20-fold increase of PO at saturating DPCPVTc concentrations. DPCPVTc prolonged RyR2 openings and increased RyR2 opening frequency. At all peptide concentrations the channels displayed large variability in open probability, open time and frequency of openings. With increasing peptide concentration, the fraction of high open probability records increased together with their open time. The closed times of neither low- nor high-open probability records depended on peptide concentration. The concentration dependence of all gating parameters had EC50 of 20 μmol L−1 and a Hill slope of 2. Comparison of the effects of DPCPVTc with the effects of ATP and cytosolic Ca2+ suggests that activation does not involve luminal feed-through and is not caused by modulation of the cytosolic activation A-site. The data suggest that although “domain unzipping” by DPCPVTc occurs in both modes of RyR activity, it affects RyR gating only when the channel resides in the H-mode of activity.
Firing temperature of a clay core sample in a bronze tripod from Daxinzhuang Site in China using TL techniques
Authors: Wu Youjin , Jin Zhengyao , Fan Anchuan , Fang Hui
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we studied the thermal history of a clay core sample from one leg of a bronze tripod unearthed at Daxinzhuang Site, Shandong, China. The properties of the luminescence signals of quartz depend on the maximum temperature at which the quartz was annealed in the past. We examined the feasibility of measuring the thermoluminescence (TL) sensitivity change of quartz for exploring the firing temperature of archaeological materials. The sensitization factor of the 110°C TL peak (S2/S1) and the ratio of the 210°C TL peak to the 110°C TL peak at different annealing temperatures were utilized to unveil the firing temperature in the clay core sample. The firing temperature of the clay core sample was approximately 700°C–800°C, proving the clay core has been fired. This result proved that the clay core has been fired by human agencies and indicated on the temperature of the clay core in drying and firing given by the foundry workers before the actual casting step.
The 'Underclass' Debate – A Discourse that Maligns People Living in Poverty
Authors: Michels Hans-Peter
Published: August 2013

The concept of an ‘underclass’ originates in the United States and is wide-spread in political and social science discourse today. Its power is most visible in discussions about deep cuts to social safety nets. The foundation of this discourse is the assigning of negative character traits and behaviours to poor people. This promotes the claim that they have brought negative consequences upon themselves and furthers the idea that poor people are personally responsible for their poverty. Discussion about an ‘underclass’ must be understood in the larger context of a comprehensive neoliberal ideological transformation, or ‘Newspeak’. Newspeak is implicitly based on the schema of a game in which everyone has the same chances, but which inevitably results in winners and losers.
The Minimal Context for Local Boundedness in Topological Vector Spaces
Authors: Voisei M.D.
Published: August 2013

The local boundedness of classes of operators is analyzed on different subsets directly related to the Fitzpatrick function associated to an operator. Characterizations of the topological vector spaces for which that local boundedness holds is given in terms of the uniform boundedness principle. For example the local boundedness of a maximal monotone operator on the algebraic interior of its domain convex hull is a characteristic of barreled locally convex spaces.
Fluctuations in the Energetic Properties of a Spark-Ignition Engine Model with Variability
Authors: Curto-Risso Pedro , Medina Alejandro , Calvo-Hernández Antonio , Guzmán-Vargas Lev , Angulo-Brown Fernando
Published: August 2013

We study the energetic functions obtained in a simulated spark-ignited engine that incorporates cyclic variability through a quasi-dimensional combustion model. Our analyses are focused on the effects of the fuel-air equivalence ratio of the mixture simultaneously over the cycle-to-cycle fluctuations of heat release (QR) and the performance outputs, such as the power (P) and the efficiency (QR). We explore the fluctuant behavior for QR, P and n related to random variations of the basic physical parameters in an entrainment or eddy-burning combustion model. P and n show triangle shaped first return maps, while QR exhibits a structured map, especially at intermediated fuel-air ratios. Structure disappears to a considerable extent in the case of heat release and close-to-stoichiometry fuel-air ratios. By analyzing the fractal dimension to explore the presence of correlations at different scales, we find that whereas QR displays short-range correlations for intermediate values of the fuel ratio, both P and n are characterized by a single scaling exponent, denoting irregular fluctuations. A novel noisy loop-shaped P vs. n plot for a large number of engine cycles is obtained. This plot, which evidences different levels of irreversibilities as the fuel ratio changes, becomes the observed loop P vs. n curve when fluctuations are disregarded, and thus, only the mean values for efficiency and power are considered.