bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ionocidium ‘Cerrado 101’: intergeneric orchid hybrid with high quality of blooming
Authors: Cardoso Jean Carlos
Published: October 2017

Orchids are considered one of the most important potted-flowering in the world. Oncidium genus, as well their hybrids group (OHGs) has used for the flower market as pot or cut flower.  However, some horticultural characteristics require improvements, e.g. the production of precocious cultivars, independent-season blooming or easy flowering induction, high quality and durability of flowers and variations in color of flowers, to compete with Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids, as other flower groups. Aiming this purpose there were used hand-crossing pollination between the Oncidium ‘Sweet Sugar’ and Ionopsis utricularioides, a Brazilian wild species, for evaluate the capacity of crossing and to select progenies with interest of use in floriculture as new cultivar. The seeds obtained from this cross were seeded on in vitro conditions, followed by acclimatization and cultivation on greenhouse conditions until de flowering time. One of the plants obtained presented interesting characteristics, as good and rapid vegetative development and high quality of blooming. This hybrid obtained from an intergeneric crossing resulted in a plant with vegetative and flower type characteristics and color similar of Oncidium female parent, but with larger number of ramifications in inflorescence and number of flowers (60% and 219,4%, respectively) than Oncidium parent (♀), and with more similarity with Ionopsis (♂). This hybrid cultivar, called Ionocidium ‘Cerrado 101’ is one more option of OHGs in this competitive market and can be used either for pot and also for cut orchid flowers production, main because it longer inflorescence (83 cm).
Recent Archaeological Investigations near the Native Village of Shaktoolik, Norton Sound, Alaska + Supplementary Appendix 1 (See Article Tools)
Authors: Darwent John , Darwent Christyann M. , Eldridge Kelly A. , Miszaniec Jason I.
Published: October 2017

Since the early 1950s, when J.L. Giddings completed his work at Cape Denbigh, archaeological investigations in the area of Shaktoolik, Alaska, have been limited. Here we report on renewed investigations in the region that have led to the identification of 134 house features, dating from AD 1100 to the early 1900s, at a site next to the village’s airport. This period spans one of continuity from the Nukleet archaeological culture to the ethnographic Yupiit, followed by a period of upheaval related to Russian trade and a smallpox epidemic that devastated the Indigenous population of the area. Inupiat from the north migrated to Shaktoolik and have occupied the area since the mid-1800s. Sixteen test units were excavated to understand the density of site occupation, extent of organic preservation, age of the deposits, and changes in subsistence over this 800-year period. The most recent Inupiat inhabitants built houses typical of mid 19th- to early 20th-century structures described for the northern Seward Peninsula, which were square, one-room structures with a single, long entrance tunnel. This house style replaced the previous Yup’ik-style multi-roomed structures replete with a labyrinth of tunnels used for defense and escape during inter-village conflict.
A Case of Pseudoaneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery Following Endoscopic Endonasal Pituitary Surgery: Endovascular Treatment with Flow-Diverting Stent Implantation
Authors: Karadag Ali , Kinali Burak , Ugur Omer , Oran Ismail , Middlebrooks Erik H. , Senoglu Mehmet
Published: October 2017

Internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery occurring in 0.4–1.1% of cases. Pseudoaneurysms can subsequently result in other complications, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, epistaxis, and caroticocavernous fistula with resultant death or permanent neurologic deficit. In this case, we illustrate endovascular treatment with a flow-diverting stent for an ICA pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic endonasal surgery for a pituitary adenoma in a 56-year-old male. Surgery was complicated by excessive intraoperative bleeding and emergent CT angiography confirmed an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm on the anteromedial surface of the ICA. The pseudoaneurysm was treated endovascularly with flow-diverting stent implantation only. Follow-up CT angiography after three months demonstrated occlusion of the pseudoaneurysm.
Endothelial dysfunction in experimental models of metabolic syndrome − effect of fructose
Authors: Kaprinay B. , Gáspárová Z. , Lipták B. , Frimmel K. , Sotníková R.
Published: October 2017

The aim of the work was to find an experimental model suitable for the study of endothelial dysfunction induced by MS. We used hypertriglyceridemic rats (HTG) that were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet of different composition and duration: a 6-week administration of standard diet with an addition of cholesterol and fat (HTGChol) and a three-month administration of the same diet with an addition of fructose (HTGCholF). We investigated the effect of different diets on aortic endothelial function. The standard diet fed Wistar (W) and HTG rats served as controls. Decision for addition of fructose to HTGChol was done based on in vitro experiments evaluating the effect of high concentration of saccharide in the incubation solution on aortic endothelial function. This intervention caused significant deterioration of relaxation induced by acetylcholine (ACh). While in HTGChol, we did not find significant differences in the function of the aorta compared to W or HTG rats, adding of fructose to high fat diet and prolonging its administration resulted in significantly impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. It seems that such a model is suitable for the study of endothelial dysfunction in MS and the effect of substances that may protect the endothelium.
Isolated pliosaurid teeth from the Albian–Cenomanian (Cretaceous) of Annopol, Poland
Authors: Madzia Daniel , Machalski Marcin
Published: October 2017

Brachauchenine pliosaurids were a cosmopolitan clade of macropredatory plesiosaurs that are considered to represent the only pliosaurid lineage that survived the faunal turnover of marine amniotes during the Jurassic- Cretaceous transition. However, the European record of the Early to early Late Cretaceous brachauchenines is largely limited to isolated tooth crowns, most of which have been attributed to the classic Cretaceous taxon Polyptychodon. Nevertheless, the original material of P. interruptus, the type species of Polyptychodon, was recently reappraised and found undiagnostic. Here, we describe a collection of twelve pliosaurid teeth from the upper Albian-middle Cenomanian interval of the condensed, phosphorite-bearing Cretaceous succession at Annopol, Poland. Eleven of the studied tooth crowns, from the Albian and Cenomanian strata, fall within the range of the morphological variability observed in the original material of P. interruptus from the Cretaceous of England. One tooth crown from the middle Cenomanian is characterized by a gently subtrihedral cross-section. Similar morphology has so far been described only for pliosaurid teeth from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Even though it remains impossible to precisely settle the taxonomic distinctions, the studied material is considered to be taxonomically heterogeneous.
Is the burnout syndrome associated with elder mistreatment in nursing homes: results of a cross-sectional study among nurses
Authors: Neuberg Marijana , Železnik Danica , Meštrović Tomislav , Ribić Rosana , Kozina Goran
Published: October 2017

As this issue has not yet been addressed in Croatia, our aim was to explore the presence of the burnout syndrome in nurses and see how it is related to their perception of elder mistreatment in nursing homes and extended care units. The burnout syndrome was assessed in 171 nursing professionals with a standardised Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) for three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). High EE was reported by 43.9 %, high DP by 22.2 %, and low PA by 39.8 % of the respondents. Their perception of elder abuse and neglect was investigated with two self-completion questionnaires. The answers suggest that elder mistreatment in Croatian nursing homes and extended care units is more common than expected: 55 % witnessed shouting at a resident in anger, 43 % insulting and swearing at a resident, 42 % force-feeding the resident, 39 % ignoring a resident when they called, and 38 % neglecting to turn or move a resident to prevent pressure sores. We also established associations between a number of questionnaire items on perceived abuse and neglect and the burnout syndrome dimensions and determined the items that predicted the type and level of burnout in our respondents. One way to avoid the pitfalls that lead to abuse and neglect is education in schools and at work. We believe our research could contribute to this end.
Accumulation of heavy metals from soil in medicinal plants
Authors: Glavač Nina Kočevar , Djogo Svetlana , Ražić Slavica , Kreft Samo , Veber Marjan
Published: October 2017

Medicinal plants accumulate heavy metals from contaminated soil, and their consumption can cause poisoning. Our objective was to determine the levels of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in four medicinal plant species (Achillea millefolium, Hypericum perforatum, Plantago lanceolata, and Urtica dioica) and their native soil, all sampled at a former smelter. The highest soil Cd, Pb, and Zn levels surpassed the maximum allowed limit 75-fold, 48-fold, and 14-fold, respectively. Their soil levels correlated with those in the plants, but this was not the case with Cu, Fe, and Mn. Heavy metal accumulation seems to depend on the plant species, yet even so, medicinal herbs should be cultivated and gathered only from controlled (uncontaminated) areas. Polluted areas should be monitored on a regular basis, while further research should investigate the connection between the heavy metal levels in the soil, their levels available for plants, and the levels extractable from plants.
Hanuš Jelínek’s Beginnings in Mercure de France
Authors: Servant Catherine
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to describe the beginnings of the cooperation between Hanuš Jelínek and the journal and publishing house Mercure de France. In March 1900, Jelínek published, under the pseudonym Jean Otokar, his first study ‘La Poésie moderne tchèque’ in the Parisian journal. For some time, the critic then wrote the column ‘Lettres tchèques’ (August 1900 – February 1903) in Mercure – after Alexandr Bačkovský (alias Jean Rowalski) and before William Ritter. The early origin of the ‘Lettres tchèques’ of Bačkovský and Jelínek as a result of the aesthetic affinity between literary and artistic modernism on the one hand and some French and Francophone circles of the time on the other has the merit of introducing the readers of an important French periodical to Czech production. These columns have their firm place in the history of Czech efforts to gain recognition in France and the French-speaking world.
Melancholy, Hanuš Jelínek and Miloš Marten
Authors: Kantoříková Jana
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to present the roles of Miloš Marten (1883–1917) in the Czech–French cultural events of the first decade of the 20th century in the background of his contacts with Hanuš Jelínek (1878–1944). The first part of the article deals with Marten’s artistic and life experience during his stays in Paris (1907–1908). The consequences of those two stays to the artist’s life and work will be accentuated. The second part takes a close look at Miloš Marten’s critique of Hanuš Jelínek’s doctoral thesis Melancholics. Studies from the History of Sensibility in French Literature. To interpretate Marten’s reasons for such a negative criticism is our main pursued objective. Such criticism results not only from the rivality between Czech critics oriented to France, but also from different conceptions of the role of critical method and the role of the critic and the artist in the international cultural politics. The third part concludes with the critics’ „reconciliation‟ around 1913 by means of the common interest in the work and personality of Paul Claudel.
Karel Havlíček in More Recent Scientific Literature
Authors: Píša Petr
Published: October 2017

Based on an analysis of monographs and the main scientific studies devoted to Karel Havlíček, the article aims to present the basic topics and directions of research on Karel Havlíček while drawing attention to professional desiderata. It deals with Havlíček’s monumental biography by Karel Kazbunda, which was not published until five decades after it was written, and other, smaller monographic publications on Havlíček. Among other things, the paper describes also other works analysing Havlíček’s other life, his work as a journalist and his involvement in the polemics against the book of poems České listy by Siegfried Kapper, and indicates new impulses for research brought by the editorial preparation and synoptic analysis of Havlíček’s correspondence.
The Effects of Trunk Cavity and Air-Gaps in the Acoustic Response of a Passenger Vehicle
Authors: Oktav Akın
Published: October 2017

The effects of additional cavities and air-gaps in the acoustic response of a passenger vehicle are investigated. It is observed that the cabin cavity and the trunk cavity of the passenger vehicle are connected through an aperture in the rear seat. In the trunk cavity of the vehicle, there are two more air-gaps which are designed as countermeasures to trunk lid slam noise. It is established that acoustic modes and acoustic eigenfrequencies of the vehicle are altered through the trunk cavity and its air-gaps. To develop an analytical solution, the actual acoustic cavity is simplified into a rectangular shape. In the analytical solution, the coupling of trunk and cabin cavities is considered. It is shown that the computational analysis results match well with the results of the analytical solution proposed. Further, the resonator effect of air-gaps present in the trunk cavity is examined.
The Research on Impulsive Events in Railway Noise Generated During Passage Through a Railroad Switch
Authors: Kukulski Bartłomiej , Wszołek Tadeusz
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the result of research on the impulsive components of a railway noise generated during passage through a railroad switch compared with a typical rail noise and evaluation of this phenomenon with particular emphasis on impulsive sounds. The study includes the analysis of the source of impulsive components in the railway noise, the methodology of measurement and data analysis. Spectral analysis of typical fragments passing through a railroad switch is given together with a proposal of additional indicators to assess the noise. Authors propose three descriptors of the impulsive noise such as spectral centroid, kurtosis and impulsiveness, and show that these descriptors can be useful in assessment of the impulsive noise generated during trains’ crossing.
Frequency Analysis of Noise Generated by Pneumatic Wheels
Authors: Warczek Jan , Burdzik Rafał , Konieczny Łukasz , Siwiec Grzegorz
Published: October 2017

The dominant sources of traffic noise, which are linked directly to the vehicle, are dependent on the speed. In terms of speed of 50-120 km/h the dominant source of noise is pneumatic wheels. The aim of the research was chosen to develop a method and experimental determination of the dominant frequency components of noise generated by the car tire. For the purpose of the study and on the basis of the analysis of the source data it was assumed that there is a relationship between the vibration of the tread elements and emitted noise, especially for low and medium frequencies. Thus, the target was set on the basis of the own method of research in the built measuring station. Based on the survey and the obtained results it can be stated that in the spectrum of the noise emitted by the tires the frequency components are dominant. Non-directional tire structure includes more frequency components which at the speed adopted in the studies are located at a greater frequency range than it is for the directional tire. In the case of a tire with a directional tread, acoustic emission energy is more associated with specific frequency components. The developed method provides results independent from the influence of the type of road surface on the acoustic emission while driving.
Transition Time of Ultrasonic Wave as a Tool of Quality Evaluation of Layered Polymer Composites
Authors: Szymiczek Małgorzata
Published: October 2017

Observation of behaviour phenomena of ultrasonic waves in an object allows for quality assessment, identification and location of discontinuity. Physical nature of acoustic processes is based on propagation of mechanical waves constituting a disturbance of equilibrium of the state of material. The acoustic process identified by selected characteristics can be a source of information about state of material, its structure, and properties, which is particularly important for systems exhibiting anisotropy properties, and such are layered polymer composites. They are special materials because their properties depend greatly on the manufacturing technology. Therefore, while conducting acoustic tests which use the influence of elastic properties and homogeneity of material structure for propagation of sound waves the adopted method of measuring characteristics which identifies propagation of ultrasonic wave phenomenon is of particular importance. The aim of the work was quality evaluation of layered polymer composites made by winding and press moulding by the method of echo and C-scan, using head Phased Array. Composites have been tested by thermal and fatigue degradation. Quality evaluation has been made based on the transition time of the ultrasonic wave and the bending strength.
Deposition of Polymer Sensor Films on SAW Surface by Electrospraying Technology
Authors: Jasek Krzysztof , Pasternak Mateusz , Grabka Michał , Neffe Sławomir , Zasada Dariusz
Published: October 2017

One of the most important problems with regard to the Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) gas sensors technology is the deposition of chemosensitive films exhibiting desirable chemical and physical properties. The electrospraying technology seems to be a very promising method of the film deposition in this case. It allows the chemosensitive layers to be obtained out of almost any chemicals and their mixtures in a controllable way. The process gives the possibility to generate specific films with properties unattainable if other methods were to be applied. For example, it allows to deposit solutions of polymers and suspensions of solids in polymer solutions which can degrade in the process of thermal evaporation deposition. The paper describes the results of experiments with electrospraying technique in order to obtain Nafion® films. The influence of the process parameters on film sensitivity has been studied.
Brain Drain Migration from Romanian Academia. The End of a Mirage
Authors: Panzaru Ciprian , Reisz Robert D.
Published: October 2017

The article is focused on the image of migration that Romanian academics transmit through the invisible curricula of the universities. These opinions are bound to become vectors of the future behaviour of graduates and legitimate a certain approach to brain drain. The goal of the research was to find how opinions and intentions on migration changed between 2000 and 2013 and what possible explanations can be found for these changes. The analysed data were collected in two sample surveys, one conducted in 2000 and another one in 2013. The results clearly show that there is an impressive change in the interest of Romanian academics to emigrate. Information and personal experience on migration and international mobility have become pervasive in the higher education system. Migration as a mirage, as a temptation not fully understood, does not exist anymore in Romanian higher education.
Palmaris Longus Muscle Variations: Clinical Significance and Proposal of New Classifications
Authors: Georgiev Georgi P. , Iliev Alexandar A. , Dimitrova Iva N. , Kotov Georgi N. , Malinova Lina G. , Landzhov Boycho V.
Published: October 2017

Background:The palmaris longus muscle is one of the most variable muscles in the human body and there have been numerous variations reported. The different palmaris longus variations are interesting not only from an anatomical point of view, but they could also have definite clinical significance.

Aim:The aim of this study was to examine the different types of variations of palmaris longus muscle in the Bulgarian population.

Materials and methods:Over a period of 15 years, 56 formol–carbol fixed human cadavers were studied to investigate the different variations of palmaris longus muscle (PLM).

Results:Various anatomical variations of PLM have been reported: absence (2.68%); reversed palmaris longus coexisting with an additional abductor digiti minimi muscle (0.89%); digastric (0.89%); palmaris longus with intermediate muscle belly (1.79%) and duplication (1.79%).

Conclusions:To reveal the wide variety of the types of palmaris longus muscle and their importance for clinical practice, we make a brief literature review concerning the different types of variations, their role in the median and ulnar neuropathy in the wrist or as structures simulating a soft tissue tumour and the application of palmaris longus tendon in plastic and reconstructive surgery as grafting material. We also present new systematic anatomical and clinical classifications of palmaris longus variations by dividing them into two simple groups.
Response to Pharmacological Treatment in Major Depression Predicted by Electroencephalographic Alpha Power – a Pilot Naturalistic Study
Authors: Kandilarova Sevdalina S. , Terziyski Kiril V. , Draganova Aneliya I. , Stoyanov Drozdstoy S. , Akabaliev Valentin H. , Kostianev Stefan S.
Published: October 2017

Background:Pharmacological treatment of depression is currently led by the trial and error principle mainly because of lack of reliable biomarkers. Earlier findings suggest that baseline alpha power and asymmetry could differentiate between responders and non-responders to specific antidepressants.

Aim:The current study investigated quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) measures before and early in treatment as potential response predictors to various antidepressants in a naturalistic sample of depressed patients. We were aiming at developing markers for early prediction of treatment response based on different QEEG measures.

Materials and methods:EEG data from 25 depressed subjects were acquired at baseline and after one week of treatment. Mean and total alpha powers were calculated at eight electrode sites F3, F4, C3, C4, P3, P4, O1, O2. Response to treatment was defined as 50% decrease in MADRS score at week 4.

Results:Mean P3 alpha predicted response with sensitivity and specificity of 80%, positive and negative predictive values of 92.31% and 71.43%, respectively. The combined model of response prediction using mean baseline P3 alpha and mean week 1 C4 alpha values correctly identified 80% of the cases with sensitivity of 84.62%, and specificity of 71.43%.

Conclusions:Simple QEEG measures (alpha power) acquired before initiation of antidepressant treatment could be useful in outcome prediction with an overall accuracy of about 80%. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that alpha power might be developed as a reliable biomarker for the prediction of antidepressant response.
A Technical Problem in Diagnosis Clarity of Solitary Spinal Cord Neurofibroma in an Eleven-month-old Boy
Authors: Poriazova Elena G. , Boykinova Oliana B. , Ivanov Ivan S. , Spasova Maria I. , Bozhilov Georgi B. , Kevorkyan Ani K. , Novakov Stoyan S.
Published: October 2017

Spinal neurofibroma is one of the rarest of the neoplasms involving the spinal cord or roots and occurs much less often than neurinoma, meningioma or glioma. The sixth pediatric case of solitary intramedullary tumor was described in 2013, according to B. Eljebbouri et al. We present a rare, difficult to diagnose and may-be the seventh pediatric case of solitary neurofibroma of the cauda equine in an 11-month-old infant. The patient underwent a laminectomy of T12, L1, L2 and L3, extirpation of intradural, intramedullary and extramedullary spinal cord tumor. The patient is fully recovered for 5 years of monitoring. Although rare, spinal neurofibromas in children should be diagnostically considered and radically treated for a favorable outcome.
The development of the market of qualified coal fuels in Poland
Authors: Stala-Szlugaj Katarzyna
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to discuss the changes that have been observed on the market of qualified coal fuels (the so-called eco-pea coal) over the last few years. These changes are related to the markets of both the producers and the products they offer. Qualified coal fuels are produced from selected lots of high-calorific coal. They are characterized by strictly defined repeatable physico-chemical parameters (low sulphur content, ash content, and agglomerating capacity) and they are dedicated for use in modern, low-emission retort boilers. On the basis of multiannual observations, five groups of producers of qualified coal fuels have been identified, broken down by the origin of utilized coal. Initially, the production of eco-pea coal in Poland was limited to domestic coal mining companies only. However, in response to the growing demand for these fuels, smaller businesses (mostly dedicated to trading coal from major coal mining companies) have also engaged in production of these fuels. A part of them started producing eco-pea coal under licenses from large coal mining companies, and some of them created their own blends as well. In the years 2007-2015, the whole hard coal mining industry’s eco-coal production was in the range of 0.4-1.1 million t/year. In terms of calorific value, almost all of the producer groups mainly offer eco-pea coal with values in the range of 24-26 MJ/kg. The ash content of the offered eco-pea coal is usually 5-10% Ai r, and sulphur content-in the range of 0.4-1.0%. The prices of eco-pea coal at fuel depots vary by region and are close to the price offers of coarse grain sizes. Compared to sales prices (ex-mine) of coarse grain sizes intended for the market of other domestic customers, they are usually higher by a dozen or so PLN/GJ. The growing number of eco-pea coal producers contributes to the increase in these fuels’ price range. The difference between maximum and minimum price offer is a dozen or so PLN/GJ. In the years 2009-2016, the prices of eco-pea coal produced on the basis of domestic coal were changing within a range of 12-33 PLN/GJ, and for the product based on imported raw material-between 12 and 31 PLN/GJ.
Development of kaolin production, reserves and processing in the Czech Republic in 1999–2015
Authors: Starý Jaromír , Pticen František , Jirásek Jakub , Sivek Martin
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to characterize and interpret the trends in reserves, resources, and in the mine production of crude kaolin and output of beneficiated kaolin between 1999 and 2015 in the Czech Republic. With nearly 1.2 billion tonnes of total resources, kaolin belongs to the key industrial minerals of the Czech Republic. With an annual output of about 3 to 4 million tonnes of crude kaolin and of around 0.6 million tonnes of beneficiated kaolin, the Czech Republic ranks among the top European and world kaolin producers. Mine production of crude kaolin has been relatively stable since 1997, while the output of beneficiated kaolin has been increasing gradually during the same period. The increased production and yield of beneficiated kaolin resulted from the use of progressive methods in kaolin processing, primarily high-intensity electromagnetic separation. The positive growth trend was not a reflection of the stability of the extractive sector and domestic industry, but it was the result of a pro-export orientation. The amount and share of exports are continuously increasing and constitute 80% of the entire kaolin production sector at the present time. The only exception occurred in 2005-2008, when exports declined by one-half as a result of the government´s export restrictions. The results of analyses were not optimistic for the Czech economy and indicated a sharp downturn in the domestic mining industry. Moreover, a similar situation exists in the case of other essential industrial minerals such as feldspar, clays, and silica sand.
Do sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of summer in children and adolescents provide an assurance of vitamin D sufficiency at the end of winter? A cohort study
Authors: Shakeri Habibesadat , Pournaghi Seyed-Javad , Hashemi Javad , Mohammad-Zadeh Mohammad , Akaberi Arash
Published: October 2017

Background:

The changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in adolescents from summer to winter and optimal serum vitamin D levels in the summer to ensure adequate vitamin D levels at the end of winter are currently unknown. This study was conducted to address this knowledge gap.

Methods:

The study was conducted as a cohort study. Sixty-eight participants aged 7–18 years and who had sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of the summer in 2011 were selected using stratified random sampling. Subsequently, the participants’ vitamin D levels were measured at the end of the winter in 2012. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine optimal cutoff points for vitamin D at the end of the summer to predict sufficient vitamin D levels at the end of the winter.

Results:

The results indicated that 89.7% of all the participants had a decrease in vitamin D levels from summer to winter: 14.7% of them were vitamin D-deficient, 36.8% had insufficient vitamin D concentrations and only 48.5% where able to maintain sufficient vitamin D. The optimal cutoff point to provide assurance of sufficient serum vitamin D at the end of the winter was 40 ng/mL at the end of the summer. Sex, age and vitamin D levels at the end of the summer were significant predictors of non-sufficient vitamin D at the end of the winter.

Conclusions:

In this age group, a dramatic reduction in vitamin D was observed over the follow-up period. Sufficient vitamin D at the end of the summer did not guarantee vitamin D sufficiency at the end of the winter. We found 40 ng/mL as an optimal cutoff point.
Association of cognitive-emotional regulation strategies to depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Mocan Andreia Ş. , Iancu Silvia Ş. , Băban Adriana S.
Published: October 2017

Aim. The present cross-sectional observational study aimed to investigate the relation between cognitive–emotional regulation strategies and depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetes patients in the context of sociodemographic and clinical factors, of diabetes distress, perception of illness consequences and previous depression.

Method. Multiple logistic regression was performed on the responses of 354 adults with type 2 diabetes (58.5% women; mean ± SD age: 61.14 ± 8.5 years; diabetes duration: 9.7 ± 6.4 years; BMI: 30.9 ± 5.3 kg/m2). Depressive symptoms were present in 16.9% and diabetes distress in 45.5%. Participants completed questionnaires on depression (BDI-II), cognitive-emotional regulation strategies (CERQ), diabetes distress (DDS), illness perceived consequences (IPQ-R).

Results. Of the cognitive–emotional strategies, lower positive reappraisal of diabetes (OR:0.49;CI:0.34-0.70) and increased catastrophizing (OR:2.08; CI:1.47-2.91) were found to increase the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms in the presence of higher diabetes distress (OR: 1.53; CI:1.07-2.19), increased negative perception of diabetes consequences (OR:2.02; CI:1.34-3.06) and the presence of previous depression (OR:4.18; CI:2.03-8.63).

Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report on cognitive-emotional regulation strategies in type 2 diabetes and provides evidence for the beneficial influence of positive reappraisal and adverse effect of catastrophizing on depressive symptoms in the context of diabetes distress, perceived consequences of diabetes and previous history of depression.
Causes of Early-Age Thermal Cracking of Concrete Foundation Slabs and their Reinforcement to Control the Cracking
Authors: Bilčík Juraj , Sonnenschein Róbert , Gažovičová Natália
Published: October 2017

This paper focuses on the causes and consequences of early-age cracking of mass concrete foundation slabs due to restrained volume changes. Considering the importance of water leaking through cracks in terms of the serviceability, durability and environmental impact of watertight concrete structures, emphasis is placed on the effect of temperature loads on foundation slabs. Foundation slabs are usually restrained to some degree externally or internally. To evaluate the effect of external restraints on foundation slabs, friction and interaction models are introduced. The reinforcement of concrete cannot prevent the initiation of cracking, but when cracking has occurred, it may act to reduce the spacing and width of cracks. According to EN 1992-1-1, results of calculating crack widths with local variations included in National Annexes (NAs) vary considerably. A comparison of the required reinforcement areas according to different NAs is presented.
Delivering a Gamespeed-Focused Speed and Agility Development Program in an English Premier League Soccer Academy
Authors: Jeffreys Ian , Huggins Sam , Davies Nick
Published: October 2017

SPEED AND AGILITY ARE HIGHLY PRIZED COMMODITIES IN SOCCER, BUT IT CAN BE ARGUED THAT WHAT IS CRUCIAL IS NOT SPEED AND AGILITY PER SE, BUT HOW THESE CAPACITIES ARE EXPLOITED IN THE GAME. OF THEMSELVES, SPEED AND AGILITY WILL BE INEFFECTIVE UNLESS THEY CAN BE COMBINED WITH THE ABILITY TO DEPLOY THESE CAPACITIES TO EFFECTIVELY PERFORM THE TASKS OF THE GAME. OPTIMIZING THESE CAPACITIES REQUIRES A SOPHISTICATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT ADDRESSES THE FULL GAMUT OF POTENTIAL CONSTRAINTS TO PERFORMANCE. THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES HOW SUCH A DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HAS BEEN SET-UP AT AN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE SOCCER ACADEMY.
Improved Artificial Bee Colony Optimization Approach in UWBOFDM for Frequency Offset Estimation
Authors: Eswaramoorthi R. , Singaravel G.
Published: October 2017

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is considered a crucial and fundamental potential approach because of its significance and role with regards to broadband wireless communication systems. The swarm intelligence optimization approach has been deployed to facilitate frequency offset optimization. An improved artificial bee colony (IABC) based optimization approach is proposed in this work that will enable ultra wideband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (UWBOFDM) system, which will then be deployed in the carrier frequency offset (CFO) joint estimation and also for sampling frequency offset (SFO). By proper selection of cyclic delay times, correlation existing between adjacent sub carriers, a joint estimation of both CFO and SFO has been derived by employing IABC. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the existing estimators, and this comparison is carried out by MATLAB7.2 simulation, which clearly depicts that the performance of the proposed algorithm is superior in terms of estimation accuracy. The performances are measured in terms of the mean square error (MSE), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and normalized mean square error (NMSE). The proposed approach considered for transmitter (t = 4) and receiver (r = 4) with SNR is 30 dB, which achieves MSE of about 0.35 %. Similarly, when (t = 2) and (r = 2), the proposed IABC approach achieves MSE of about 0.4 %, whereas particle swam optimization (PSO) and maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) methods achieve 0.42 and 0.44 % MSE values, respectively. On the other hand, considering (t = 4) and (r = 4) with SNR of 8 dB, the proposed approach achieves NMSE of about 0.0008 %. However, considering (t = 2) and (r = 2), the NMSE values of IABC approach, PSO, and MLE are observed to be 0.002, 0.008, and 0.08 %, respectively, for Channel Model 4 (CM4).
On the Mechanical Behavior of Granite Material With Particular Emphasis on the Influence From Pre-Existing Cracks and Defects
Authors: Saadati M. , Forquin P. , Weddfelt K. , Larsson P. L. , Hild F.
Published: October 2017

In this investigation, experiments were carried out in order to determine the mechanical properties of Bohus granite considering the influence from pre-existing cracks and defects. The experimental investigation aimed at a complete material characterization, for the purpose of mechanical analyses using advanced constitutive models, based on a variety of tests. In doing so, direct tensile and compression tests were performed to evaluate the stiffness and strength; quasi-oedometric tests were carried out in order to obtain the deviatoric and volumetric behavior of the material at different levels of hydrostatic pressure (up to 860 MPa); three-point bend tests were performed to evaluate the quasi-static strength of the rock and its distribution. Weibull statistics was then employed to describe the strength distribution. The intact specimens indicated a rather low scatter in the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength. However, specimens with large initial defects behaved differently. The failure mechanism in these specimens was not as brittle as the intact ones. The crack was opened on the tensile surface of such specimens during the three-point bend test at an early stage during loading, as demonstrated by digital image correlation results.
Laboratory Investigations of Cold Mix Asphalt for Cold Region Applications
Authors: Hasanuzzaman M. , Hashemian L. , Bayat A.
Published: October 2017

Cold mix asphalt (CMA) can be a quick, environmentally friendly, and low-cost option for utility-cut backfilling on urban streets and most highway agencies prefer it as a pothole patching and pavement surface repairing material over hot mix asphalt (HMA) during winter and wet seasons. However, applying poor quality CMA may result in premature patching and backfilling failures, reduce pavement’s integrity and longevity, and impair drivers’ safety. Additionally, CMA’s lack of stability and durability while exposed to heavy traffic, moisture, and freeze-thaw conditions may accelerate further deterioration. This paper focused on evaluating and comparing twelve CMAs through laboratory tests to determine properties that may cause poor performance in cold climatic regions. Taking into consideration the identified CMA distresses, this study conducted Marshall Stability and flow, indirect tensile strength (ITS), cohesion, and adhesiveness tests on nine proprietary and three conventional cold mixes, including both open- and dense-graded materials. Most mixes had low adhesion properties and high sensitivity to freeze-thaw cycles. An analysis of variance showed that aggregate grain size distribution and bitumen content had a significant effect on CMA’s performance.
Luciferase shRNA Presents off-Target Effects on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in Mouse Hippocampal Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Hasegawa Yuto , Mao Wenjie , Saha Sucharita , Gunner Georgia , Kolpakova Jenya , Martin Gilles E. , Futai Kensuke
Published: October 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) is a straightforward approach to study gene function from thein vitrocellular level toin vivoanimal behavior. Although RNAi-mediated gene knockdown has become essentially routine in neuroscience over the past ten years, off-target effects of short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) should be considered as the proper choice of control shRNA is critical in order to perform meaningful experiments. Luciferase shRNA (shLuc), targeting firefly luciferase, and scrambled shRNAs (shScrs) have been widely used as controls for vertebrate cell research. However, thorough validation of control shRNAs has not been made to date. Here, we performed thorough physiological and morphological studies against control shRNAs in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. As expected, all control shRNAs exhibited normal basal synaptic transmission and dendritic morphology. However, to our surprise, shLuc exerted severe off-target effects on voltage-gated ion channel function, while the shScr had no detectable changes. These results indicate that thorough validation of shRNA is imperative and, in the absence of such validation, that shScr is the best available negative control for gene knockdown studies.
Are the Neural Correlates of Consciousness in the Front or in the Back of the Cerebral Cortex? Clinical and Neuroimaging Evidence
Authors: Boly Melanie , Massimini Marcello , Tsuchiya Naotsugu , Postle Bradley R. , Koch Christof , Tononi Giulio
Published: October 2017

The role of the frontal cortex in consciousness remains a matter of debate. In this Perspective, we will critically review the clinical and neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the front versus the back of the cortex in specifying conscious contents and discuss promising research avenues.

Dual Perspectives Companion Paper:Should a Few Null Findings Falsify Prefrontal Theories of Conscious Perception?, by Brian Odegaard, Robert T. Knight, and Hakwan Lau
Molecular mechanisms of aluminium ions neurotoxicity in brain cells of fish from various pelagic areas
Authors: Sukharenko E. V. , Samoylova I. V. , Nedzvetsky V. S.
Published: October 2017

Neurotoxic effects of aluminum chloride in higher than usual environment concentration (10 mg/L) were studied in brains of fishes from various pelagic areas, especially in sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819), roach (Rutilus rutilus Linnaeus, 1758), crucian carp (Carasius carasius Linnaeus, 1758), goby (Neogobius fluviatilis Pallas, 1811). The intensity of oxidative stress and the content of both cytoskeleton protein GFAP and cytosol Ca-binding protein S100β were determined. The differences in oxidative stress data were observed in the liver and brain of fish during 45 days of treatment with aluminum chloride. The data indicated that in the modeling of aluminum intoxication in mature adult fishes the level of oxidative stress was noticeably higher in the brain than in the liver. This index was lower by1.5–2.0 times on average in the liver cells than in the brain. The obtained data evidently demonstrate high sensitivity to aluminum ions in neural tissue cells of fish from various pelagic areas. Chronic intoxication with aluminum ions induced intense astrogliosis in the fish brain. Astrogliosis was determined as result of overexpression of both cytoskeleton and cytosole markers of astrocytes – GFAP and protein S100β (on 75–112% and 67–105% accordingly). Moreover, it was shown that the neurotixic effect of aluminum ions is closely related to metabolism of astroglial intermediate filaments. The results of western blotting showed a considerable increase in the content of the lysis protein products of GFAP with a range of molecular weight from 40–49 kDa. A similar metabolic disturbance was determined for the upregulation protein S100β expression and particularly in the increase in the content of polypeptide fragments of this protein with molecular weight 24–37 kDa. Thus, the obtained results allow one to presume that aluminum ions activate in the fish brain intracellular proteases which have a capacity to destroy the proteins of intermediate filaments. The data presented display the pronounced neurotoxic effect of mobile forms of aluminum on both expression level and the metabolism of molecular markers of astrocytes GFAP and protein S100β. Aluminum ions induce integrated changes, the more important of which are a significant increase in final LPO products, an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity, a reactivation of glial cells in the brain. Integrated determination of the content and polypeptide fragments of specific astrocyte proteins in fishes brains coupled with oxidative stress data may be used as valid biomarkers of toxic pollutant effects in aquatic environments.
Истина патриотизма или патриотизм истины? Размышления о П. Чаадаеве
Authors: Aliaiev G. E.
Published: October 2017

Досліджене листування П. Я. Чаадаєва з метою більш змістовної експлікації його відомих положень про співвідношення між любов’ю до істини і любов’ю до батьківщини. Позиція Чаадаєва охарактеризована як «філософський консерватизм» (С. Франк). Виявлено, що, за певної еволюції поглядів, позиція філософа завжди ґрунтувалась на інтуїції християнської істини, істини Царства Божого, і це визначало його позитивне ставлення до універсалізму і негативне – до національної обмеженості. Систематизовані аргументи Чаадаєва, який стверджував, що національна ідея як така, у своїй обмеженості і протиставленні універсалізму, є реакційною ідеєю. У той же час встановлено, що універсалізм Чаадаєва не означав космополітизму, а являв собою патріотичну ідею. Показано, що патріотизм Чаадаєва – це любов до майбутнього своєї батьківщини, яка ґрунтується на з’ясуванні та подоланні її історичних помилок. Продемонстровано актуальність критики Чаадаєвим «псевдо-» або «квазі-» патріотизму.
Мислення у своїй споконвічності та поворотні механізми європейської свідомості (деструктивний досвід М. Ґайдеґґера по пошуку першовитоку європейського мислення)
Authors: Okorokov V. B.
Published: October 2017

Досліджується поворотний механізм свідомості у творчості М. Ґайдеґґера до першоджерела й споконвічності європейського мислення. Показується, що М. Ґайдеґґер не тільки творець і розробник екзистенціальної філософії, не тільки один з найвидатніших критиків європейської метафізичної культури мислення, але і один з тих європейських мислителів, який шукав шляхи подолання цих протиріч (насамперед метафізичності). Для цього аналізується, з одного боку, сам механізм зворотного руху Ґайдеґґера до першоджерел європейської думки (деструкція) і, з іншого боку – сутність його перевідкриття у сучасному просторі мислення такого споконвічного мислителя, як Геракліт. Хоча Ґайдеґґер до споконвічних мислителів відносить також Анаксімандра та Парменіда та перевідкриває їх для сучасної філософської думки, наше дослідження скоріше пов’язане із творчістю Геракліта, тому що, на наш погляд, саме в його творчості чітко прослідковуються поворотні механізми свідомості, тобто Геракліт повинен бути першопочатковим не тільки як «батько» логіки («логосності»), діалектики (способу мислення) і онтології (пошук буття природи), але й як «батько» феноменології (буття свідомості) і герменевтики (розуміння сутності буття природи).
До становлення школи істориків Університету Св. Володимира: В. Ф. Цих та О. І. Ставровський
Authors: Tarasenko O. O.
Published: October 2017

У статті досліджено період праці в Університеті Св. Володимира професора кафедри всесвітньої історії, декана, ректора Університету Св. Володимира Володимира Францовича Циха (1805–1837) та професора кафедри всесвітньої історії Олександра Івановича Ставровського (1811–1882). Проаналізовані  життєвий шлях, педагогічна й наукова діяльність та наукова спадщина В. Ф. Циха та О. І. Ставровського на основі вивчення історіографії про істориків із другої третини ХІХ ст. до початка ХХІ ст. включно. Аргументовано, що В. Ф. Цих та О. І. Ставровський своєю діяльністю в Університеті Св. Володимира започаткували перший період становлення школи істориків Університету Св. Володимира, який тривав від відкриття закладу у 1834 р. до середини ХІХ ст. Доведено, що В. Ф. Цих та О.І. Ставровський, які генерували традиції українського освітянського і наукового простору, були серед фундаторів української історичної освіти і науки, мають зайняти почесне місце серед викладачів і вчених України першої половини – середини ХІХ ст.