bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview and Trends in Automotive Gearboxes of Standard Powertrains
Authors: Achtenová Gabriela
Published: January 2017

In this article we present an overview and summarize trends in automotive gearboxes of standard powertrains. The majority of data used in the statistics are obtained from Catalogue de la Revue Automobile published in years 1995, 2000, 2005, 2012 and 2015. Observed statistical data gives overview about trends in technical parameter of automotive transmissions. Only “standard powertrains”, where the only energy source is the internal combustion engines are taken into account. The hybridization or electrification of powertrains was not an issue on the beginning of the study.
Can β-D-Glucan Protect Oat Seeds against a Heat Stress?
Authors: Havrlentová Michaela , Deáková Ľubomíra , Kraic Ján , Žofajová Alžbeta
Published: January 2017

Plants have evolved to live in environments where they are often exposed to different stress factors. Being sessile, they have developed specific mechanisms that allow them to detect precisely environmental changes and respond to complex conditions, minimizing damage while conserving valuable resources for growth and reproduction. The cell wall polysaccharide β-D-glucan observed in some species of Poales can determine responses to various environmental factors in specific plant developmental stages. It is located in the outer epidermal layer, at the place of stress attack and therefore its metabolism could relate to response of plant to environmental factors within moderate, physiological range. Putative protective role of β-D-glucan during heat stress was indicated through naked oats with higher content of β-D-glucan. It appeared that oats with higher β-D-glucan content are better adapted to stress conditions. The presented article discusses the β-D-glucan as a possible protective mechanism in oat during (heat) stress conditions.
Beta-1,3-Glucanase Activities in Wheat and Relative Species
Authors: Moravčíková Jana , Margetínyová Denisa , Gálová Zdenka , Žur Iwona , Gregorová Zuzana , Zimová Mária , Boszorádová Eva , Matušíková Ildikó
Published: January 2017

The (1,3)-β-D-glucan also referred to as callose is a main component of cell walls of higher plants. Many physiological processes are associated with the changes in callose deposition. Callose is synthesised by the callose synthase complex while its degradation is regulated by the hydrolytic enzymes β-1,3-glucanases. The latter one specifically degrade (1,3)-β-D-glucans. This work is aimed to study β-1,3-glucanase activities in the leaves of plants at two leaf stage in two diploids (Agilops tauschii, Triticum monococcum L.), four tetraploids (Ae. cylindrica, Ae. triuncialis, T. araraticum, T. dicoccum) and two hexaploids (T. aestivum L, T. spelta L.). The leaves were subjected to qualitative and quantitative β-1,3-glucanase activity assays. Our results showed that the total β-1,3-glucanase activities were variable and genotype dependent. No significant correlation between β-1,3-glucanase activities and ploidy level was observed. The gel activity assays revealed a single fraction of ~52 kDa Glu1 that was found in all genotypes. The Glu1 fraction corresponds to a single or two acidic Glu isoforms in dependence on genotype. However, none of the acidic Glu fractions can be assigned as a specific for di-, tetra- or hexaploid genotypes. A single basic GluF isoform was detected and found as present in all genotypes.
Natural Microflora of Raw Cow Milk and their Enzymatic Spoilage Potential
Authors: Pukančíková Lucia , Lipničanová Sabina , Kačániová Miroslava , Chmelová Daniela , Ondrejovič Miroslav
Published: January 2017

The aim of this work was to identify the main microbiota in raw cow milk from dairy farm of Slovakia and to describe the selected microorganisms responsible for thermostable protease and lipase production which can affected the quality of dairy products. The main bacterial classes identifying by MALDI-TOF MS were Gammaproteobacteria (62 %), Actinobacteria (19 %) and Bacilli (12 %). The dominant microbial genus of raw cow milk was Pseudomonas. From milk bacteria, the strain Lactococcus lactis and from the family Enterobacteriaceae, namely Enterococcus faecalis, Hafnia alvei, Citrobacter braakii and Raoultella ornithinolytica were observed in raw milk. The spoilage of milk products is caused by thermostable enzymes with lipolytic and proteolytic activity. Qualitative proteolytic and lipolytic activities were performed on skin milk agar and olive oil, respectively. From 16 identified microorganisms, only 8 strains (P. fragii, P. gessardii, P. lundesis, H. alvei, C. braakii, R. ornithinolytica, Kocuria rhizophila and Candida inconspicua) showed protease activity. Quantitative protease and lipase activities were determined by casein and olive oil, respectively. The highest both activities were measured for the genus Pseudomonas. While lipases produced by all isolated microbial species lose enzymatic activity at 77 °C for 30 – 40 min, almost proteases showed comparable activities during whole pasteurization experiment at selected experimental conditions (70 °C, 40 min).
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Spectral Properties of Copper(II) 2-Chloronicotinato Complexes with N-Heterocyclic Ligands
Authors: Miklovič Jozef , Valigura Dušan , Svoboda Ingrid , Moncol Ján , Mazúr Milan
Published: January 2017

The synthesis and characterization of nine new copper(II) complexes [Cu(2-Clnic)2L2] (where 2-Clnic is 2-chloronicotinate anion, L is imidazole – Im, benzimidazole – Bim, furo[3,2-c]pyridine – FP, 2-methylfuro[3,2-c]pyridine – MFP, or [1]benzofuro[3,2-c]pyridine – BFP), [Cu(2-Clnic)2(INA)] (where INA is isonicotinamide), [Cu(2-Clnic)2(4-py)]·H2O (where 4-py is 4-methylpyridine) and [Cu2(2-Clnic)4(IQ)2] (where IQ is isoquinoline) are reported. The characterizations were based on elemental analysis, infrared, electronic and EPR spectra. The dimeric character of [Cu2(2-Clnic)4(IQ)2] is assumed on the EPR spectrum and the other spectral methods. The crystal structure of the [Cu(2-Clnic)2(Bim)2] and [Cu(2-Clnic)2(FP)2] complexes have been determined by X-ray crystal structure analysis. Both complexes exhibit the hexacoordination coordination polyhedra around copper atom that lies in the crystallographic center of symmetry. The distorted tetragonal-bipyramidal (4+2) arrangement is in good agreement with spectral data that have suggested an asymmetric chelate coordination of the carboxylic group.
The Information and Data Protection Commissioner’s Effectiveness on Transparency
Authors: Asllani Dorina Ndreka
Published: January 2017

The new Albanian law of 2014 “On the Right of Information” fully reformed the existing system regarding the obligation of the public-administration institutions to make available public data to any interested party. Inspired by Western European countries’ models like the UK, Sweden, Spain, Germany, etc. it created the Information and Data Protection Commissioner. Considered a special form of external control, the new Institution has the obligation to guarantee the citizens’ right to access public data and, at the same time, to have their personal data protected.

The 2014 law makes considerable changes compared with the previous law by liberalizing the citizens’ access on public data, making it possible for anyone to request and obtain information considered public, without the need to explain their motives. Notwithstanding, the main novelty is the Information Commissioner, whose main role is to supervise, control and assist the new law implementation. Bearing this in mind, the aim of the paper is to analyze the activity of the Information Commissioner and its decision-making, in order to answer the question whether this new institution will be able to implement the new law and its ambitious objectives. The available data on complaints addressed to the Commissioner, their resolution’s modalities and the willingness of the Commissioner to decide when deemed necessary will help in assessing how effective the implementation of the new law and the new institution has been so far, considering that transparency is one of the main pillars of a responsible public administration.
Transparency and Trust in Government (2007–2014): A Comparative Study
Authors: Mabillard Vincent , Pasquier Martial
Published: January 2017

This article exposes contemporary approaches to transparency and trust. It explores the links between the two concepts in 10 countries between 2007 and 2014, using open-data indexes and access-to-information requests as proxies for transparency. So far, most studies have focused on conceptual models, specific aspects of transparency in particular case studies or have compared legal frameworks from different countries. Here, data about citizens’ requests to get access to administrative documents have been gathered. This dataset, combined with existing indexes on open data and government, has enabled us to establish a national ranking, particularly useful in a comparative perspective. Data about trust have been collected from reports published by international organisations. Key findings prove that there is no sharp decline of trust in government in all countries considered in this article. They also tend to show that transparency and trust in government are not systematically positively associated. Therefore, this article challenges the common assumption, mostly found in the normative literature, about a positive interrelation between the two, where trust in government is conceived as a beneficial effect of administrative transparency. Finally, it suggests that mis(trust) may be considered a key driver of transparency and would as such call for more transparency from public bodies.
Main Factors Determining the Slovak Tax System Performance
Authors: Burak Emil , Nemec Juraj
Published: January 2017

The main goal of this paper was to identify the main factors determining the performance of the Slovak tax system. For practical reasons, we decided to deal with all of the potentially relevant dimensions that can be included in the theme – from tax policy to tax administration. The paper is based on primary and secondary data; it combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. The primary data were collected in two rounds, with long-term research about the needs perceived by tax officials and with the “Delphi method”. The comparison of the opinions of tax officials and tax experts with the existing evidence serves as the basis for the paper’s conclusions and policy proposals. The research shows that the most important areas mentioned by tax officials and experts are relevant (to simplify tax collection, to decrease tax bureaucracy, to provide better information about the tax system to businesses and citizens and to improve tax administration services). However, the second most frequent answer by tax officials (to decrease the tax burden) is somewhat disputable – the research indicates the existence of some level of tax illusion, even at the level of tax administration professionals. The research also reveals the relatively low priority given to the need to increase the level of risk connected with tax evasion, which is surprising because the data clearly indicate a very high level of tax fraud in the country.
Between Two Places: Archaeology and Metal-detecting in Europe
Authors: Deckers Pieterjan , Lewis Michael , Thomas Suzie
Published: January 2017

Since the Valletta Convention (1992), the debate concerning non-professional archaeological
metal-detecting in Europe has been conducted largely at the level of individual legislations. Papers
in this Topical Issue take stock of current knowledge of and attitudes towards metal-detecting across
Europe; its nature and impact as well as the policies and approaches that arise from it within professional
archaeology and heritage management. With this collection of papers, the editors aim to stimulate a
more unified debate and, ultimately, a common understanding of ethics and best practices in relation to
metal-detecting that transcends national and jurisdictional boundaries in Europe.
Atticism: The Language of 5th-century
Oratory or a Quantifiable Stylistic
Phenomenon?
Authors: Bozia Eleni
Published: January 2017

This paper comparatively explores Atticism as it first appeared in fifth-century Greek oratory
and was later revived by Imperial Greek authors. Using Dionysius’ of Halicarnassus and his appreciations
of oratory and orators as a frame of reference and then expanding his inferences on works of Imperial era,
I attempt to parameterize Atticism as a phenomenon. Ultimately this study will apprise us of the usage of
Atticism in Imperial Roman oratory as well, as it then becomes obvious that Atticism has transcended the
boundaries of language and has transformed into a constructional rhetorical system. This paper employs
a unified node-based metric formulation for implementing various syntactical construction metrics,
indicative of the syntactical attributes of the sentences. The developed metrics were applied to annotated
texts of six authors, which were then comparatively examined using Principal Component Analysis.
Imitation of human expressions based on emotion estimation by mental simulation
Authors: Horii Takato , Nagai Yukie , Asada Minoru
Published: January 2017

Humans can express their own emotion and estimate the emotional states of others during communication. This paper proposes a unified model that can estimate the emotional states of others and generate emotional self-expressions. The proposed model utilizes a multimodal restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) —a type of stochastic neural network. RBMs can abstract latent information from input signals and reconstruct the signals from it. We use these two characteristics to rectify issues affecting previously proposed emotion models: constructing an emotional representation for estimation and generation for emotion instead of heuristic features, and actualizing mental simulation to infer the emotion of others from their ambiguous signals. Our experimental results showed that the proposed model can extract features representing the distribution of categories of emotion via self-organized learning. Imitation experiments demonstrated that using our model, a robot can generate expressions better than with a direct mapping mechanism when the expressions of others contain emotional inconsistencies.Moreover, our model can improve the estimated belief in the emotional states of others through the generation of imaginary sensory signals from defective multimodal signals (i.e., mental simulation). These results suggest that these abilities of the proposed model can facilitate emotional human–robot communication in more complex situations.
The technology of preparing green coating by conducting micro-arc oxidation on AZ91D magnesium alloy
Authors: Wang Sheng , Liu Pengcheng
Published: January 2017

Micro-arc oxidation was applied to AZ91D magnesium alloy by taking K2Cr2O7 as the colouring salt in the silicate system. It was shown that the green coating obtained through performing micro-arc oxidation on magnesium alloy consisted of Mg, Mg2SiO4, MgO, and MgCr2O4 based on analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Among which, MgCr2O4 was the colouring salt; there were something in the lamellar, pit, and convex forms found on the surface of the coating. The coating consisted of a porous, and a compact, layer from the outside to the inside. As demonstrated, the colour of the coating depended on the K2Cr2O7 concentration: it became gradually deeper with the addition of K2Cr2O7 and the increasing micro-arc oxidation time. The corrosion resistance and hardness of the green coating were greater than that of the matrix.
Graphene hydrogels with embedded metal nanoparticles as efficient catalysts in 4-nitrophenol reduction and methylene blue decolorization
Authors: Żelechowska Kamila , Kondratowicz Izabela , Gazda Maria
Published: January 2017

Synthesis and characterization of the graphene hydrogels with three different metallic nanoparticles, that is Au, Ag and Cu, respectively is presented. Synthesized in a one-pot approach graphene hydrogels with embedded metallic nanoparticles were tested as heterogeneous catalysts in a model reaction of 4-nitrophenol reduction. The highest activity was obtained for graphene hydrogel with Cu nanoparticles and additional reaction of methylene blued degradation was evaluated using this system. The obtained outstanding catalytic activity arises from the synergistic effect of graphene and metallic nanoparticles. The hydrogel form of the catalyst benefits in the easiness in separation from the reaction mixture (for example using tweezers) and reusability.
Thin-layer drying of sawdust mixture
Authors: Górnicki Krzysztof , Kaleta Agnieszka , Bryś Andrzej , Winiczenko Radosław
Published: January 2017

Drying behaviour of sawdust mixture was investigated in a convective dryer at 0.01 m/s and 25, 60, and 150°C air temperature. Sawdust mixture (60% of spruce and 40% of the second ingredient: beech, willow, ash, alder) and sawdust of spruce, beech, willow, alder and ash was used in the drying experiments. The sawdust mixture drying was affected by the drying of its ingredients. The experimental drying data were fitted to the theoretical, semi–theoretical, and empirical thin-layer models. The accuracies of the models were measured using the correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and reduced chi–square. All semi-theoretical and empirical models described the drying characteristics of sawdust mixture satisfactorily. The theoretical model of a sphere predicts the drying of sawdust mixture better than the theoretical model of an infinite plane. The effect of the composition of the sawdust mixture on the drying models parameters were also taken into account.
Improvement of the stainless steel electropolishing process by organic additives
Authors: Lochynski Pawel , Kowalski Maciej , Szczygiel Bogdan , Kuczewski Krzysztof
Published: January 2017

The influence of organic additives on the process of surface electropolishing of AISI 304 type steel was determined. Additives were selected in initial potentiodynamic tests pursuant to the plateau analysis on the current/potential curves. The assessment of the operational effectiveness of additives consisted in determining the relationship between surface gloss after electropolishing and the mass loss of the sample and in determining surface roughness. The applied electropolishing bath consisted of a mixture of concentrated acids: H3PO4 and H2SO4, and the following organic additives were used: triethylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether and glycerol. The best electropolishing result, i.e. low roughness and high gloss of stainless steel surface with a relatively low mass loss of the sample at the same time were obtained for baths containing triethanolamine.
Adsorption of Ni2+from aqueous solution by magnetic Fe@graphite nano-composite
Authors: Konicki Wojciech , Pelka Rafał , Arabczyk Walerian
Published: January 2017

The removal of Ni2+from aqueous solution by iron nanoparticles encapsulated by graphitic layers (Fe@G) was investigated. Nanoparticles Fe@G were prepared by chemical vapor deposition CVD process using methane as a carbon source and nanocrystalline iron. The properties of Fe@G were characterized by X-ray Diffraction method (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), BET surface area and zeta potential measurements. The effects of initial Ni2+concentration (1–20 mg L−1), pH (4–11) and temperature (20–60°C) on adsorption capacity were studied. The adsorption capacity at equilibrium increased from 2.96 to 8.78 mg g−1, with the increase in the initial concentration of Ni2+from 1 to 20 mg L−1at pH 7.0 and 20oC. The experimental results indicated that the maximum Ni2+removal could be attained at a solution pH of 8.2 and the adsorption capacity obtained was 9.33 mg g−1. The experimental data fitted well with the Langmuir model with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 9.20 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetics was found to follow pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamics parameters, ΔHO, ΔGO and ΔSO, were calculated, indicating that the adsorption of Ni2+onto Fe@G was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.
Experimental investigation of N2O formation in selective non-catalytic NOx reduction processes performed in stoker boiler
Authors: Krawczyk Piotr
Published: January 2017

Stoker fired boiler plants are common throughout Eastern Europe. Increasingly strict emission standards will require application of secondary NOx abatement systems on such boilers. Yet operation of such systems, in addition to reducing NOx emissions, may also lead to emission of undesirable substances, for example N2O. This paper presents results of experimental tests concerning N2O formation in the selective non-catalytic NOx emission reduction process (SNCR) in a stoker boiler (WR 25 type). Obtained results lead to an unambiguous conclusion that there is a dependency between the NOx and N2O concentrations in the exhaust gas when SNCR process is carried out in a coal-fired stoker boiler. Fulfilling new emission standards in the analysed equipment will require 40–50% reduction of NOx concentration. It should be expected that in such a case the N2O emission will be approximately 55–60 mg/m3, with the NOx to N2O conversion factor of about 40%.
Synthesis and antibacterial properties of Fe3O4-Ag nanostructures
Authors: Pachla Anna , Lendzion-Bieluń Zofia , Moszyński Dariusz , Markowska-Szczupak Agata , Narkiewicz Urszula , Wróbel Rafał J. , Guskos Niko , Żołnierkiewicz Grzegorz
Published: January 2017

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were obtained in the polyethylene glycol environment. An effect of precipitation and drying temperatures on the size of the prepared nanoparticles was observed. Superparamagnetic iron oxide Fe3O4, around of 15 nm, was obtained at a precipitation temperature of 80°C and a drying temperature of 60°C. The presence of functional groups characteristic for a polyethylene glycol surfactant on the surface of nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR and XPS measurements. Silver nanoparticles were introduced by the impregnation. Fe3O4-Ag nanostructure with bactericidal properties against Escherichia coli species was produced. Interesting magnetic properties of these materials may be helpful to separate the bactericidal agent from the solution.
Effect ofGluconacetobacter xylinuscultivation conditions on the selected properties of bacterial cellulose
Authors: Fijałkowski Karol , Żywicka Anna , Drozd Radosław , Kordas Marian , Rakoczy Rafał
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in the parameters of bacterial cultures and bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by four reference strains ofGluconacetobacter xylinusduring 31-day cultivation in stationary conditions. The study showed that the most visible changes in the analyzed parameters of BC, regardless of the bacterial strain used for their synthesis, were observed in the first 10–14 days of the experiment. It was also revealed, that among parameters showing dependence associated with the particular bacterial strain were the rate and period of BC synthesis, the growth rate of bacteria anchored to the cellulose fibrils, the capacity to absorb water and the water release rate. The results presented in this work may be useful in the selection of optimum culturing conditions and period from the point of view of good efficiency of the cellulose synthesis process.
Therapeutic potential of flavonoids in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhang Peng , Hölscher Christian , Ma Xun
Published: January 2017

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic event that can profoundly affect a patient’s life, with far-reaching social and economic effects. A consequential sequence of SCI is the significant neurological or psychological deficit, which obviously contributes to the overall burden of this condition. To date, there is no effective treatment for SCI. Therefore, developing novel therapeutic strategies for SCI is highly prioritized. Flavonoids, one of the most numerous and ubiquitous groups of plant metabolites, are the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine such asScutellaria baicalensisGeorgi (Huang Qin) orGinkgo biloba(Ying Xin). Accumulated research data show that flavonoids possess a range of key pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-cardiovascular disease, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. Based on this, the flavonoids show therapeutic potential for SCI diseases. In this paper, we will review the pharmacological properties of different types of flavonoids for the treatment of SCI diseases, and potential underlying biochemical mechanisms of action will also be described.
NIPAL4 mutation c.527C˃A identified in Romanian patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Maier Dalila , Florea Adrian , Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Zazgyva Ancuța , Cosgarea Rodica
Published: January 2017

Introduction: Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis is a non-syndromic ichthyosis, with a genetic background of mutations in 9 genes. This case series presents clinical and paraclinical particularities of 3 Romanian ARCI patients with NIPAL4 mutation c.527C>A.

Material and methods: Three Caucasian patients were investigated, two sisters and an unrelated female patient, aged 47, 49, and 42 respectively. Skin anomalies were recorded and documented photographically; peripheral blood samples were harvested for DNA extraction and gene analysis. Skin biopsies were used for histological assessment, electron microscopy, and evaluation of in situ transglutaminase 1 activity.

Results: All patients presented with generalized ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, normal hair shafts, and significant oral manifestations. Natural evolution was relatively stable in all cases, without phenotype changing. Medical treatment with retinoids in patients 1 and 2 resulted in normalisation of the skin condition.

Histological samples showed hyperkeratosis, acanthosisand perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in the dermis. Positive findings of transglutaminase 1 in situ activity excluded TGM1 deficiency. Direct sequencing of amplicons revealed one homozygous mutation in exon 4, a c.527C>A missense mutation.

Conclusions: This is the first report of the hotspot mutation NIPAL4 c.527C>A in Romanian autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis patients. The phenotype was similar to that reported in the literature, while transglutaminase 1 activity in situ assay detected differences in enzyme distribution between patients bearing the same mutation but different phenotypes. Based on the current data, NIPAL4 mutations are more frequent than TGM1 mutations in Romanian patients with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis.
Down-regulation of miRNA-30c predicts poor prognosis in Colorectal Cancer patients
Authors: Bin Liu , Zhang Meng , Lixia Liu , Aimin Zang , Hua Yang , Yanhong Shang , Yang Yang , Feng Gao , Bo Liu , Yonggang Zhang , Huiping Tian
Published: January 2017

Background: MiRNA-30c was a tumor suppressor in several human cancers, however, its association with clinicopathological features and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear.

Materials and Methods: The expression level of miRNA-30c in 192 pairs of colorectal cancer and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Quantitative RT-PCR, the association between miRNA-30c expression and clinical characteristics and prognosis were statistically analyzed.

Results: miRNA-30c was significantly lower in CRC tissues specimens compared with matched normal adjacent tissue (P<0.001). MiRNA-30c was positively correlated with tumor size (P=0.012), TMN stage (P=0.002) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.004). The univariate analysis showed CRC patients with low miRNA-30c had distinctly shorter overall survival (P<0.001) than patients with high miRNA-30c expression level. The multivariate analysis was performed and informed that low miRNA-30c expression (P<0.001) might be an independent prognostic predictor for poor prognosis.

Conclusion: miRNA-30c could predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer which is helpful to choose reasonable treatment measures.
Evaluation of Transcription Factor 7 like 2 polymorphisms and haplotypes in risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Saravani Ramin , Irani Zahra , Galavi Hamid Reza
Published: January 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disorder with different genetics and environmental factors. It is one of growing diseases in the world. Previous studies show association between Transcription Factor 7 Like2 (TCF7L2) and T2D. The current study set to evaluate the relation between TCF7L2 polymorphisms and T2D in Southeast Iran. The present case-control study was done on 250 T2D and 250 healthy controls (HCs). For genotyping polymorphisms TCF7L2 (rs11196205) and (rs4132670) Amplification-Refractory Mutation System-Polymers Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) was used. The results showed frequency rates of GC and CC genotypes increased in patients compared to controls (31% vs. 6% and 55% vs. 8%, respectively), showing a statistically significant difference (OR=2.67(1.37-5.21), P<0.05 and OR=3.31(1.92-5.71), P< 0.05, respectively). The C allele was associated with an increased risk of T2D, with the frequency of 28% and 11% in patients and controls, respectively (OR=3.11 (2.22-4.37), P< 0.05). Another Polymorphism of this gene TCF7L2 (rs4132670) was not associated with T2D. Furthermore, the haplotype analysis revealed that rs11196205C/rs4132670C and rs11196205C/rs4132670T are risk factors against T2D (OR=2.08 (1.49-2.86, P<0.05 and OR=1.72 (1.06-2.78) P<0.05, respectively). The findings demonstrated that TCF7L2 (rs11196205) genotypes GC, CC, and allele (C) confer risk for susceptibility to T2D.
Comparison of four chromatographic methods used for measurement of glycated hemoglobin
Authors: Nemes-Nagy Enikő , Fazakas Zita , Balogh-Sămărghițan Victor , Simon-Szabó Zsuzsánna , Dénes Lóránd , Uzun Cosmina Cristina , Fodor Márta Andrea , Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Reid Deborah , Higgins Trefor
Published: January 2017

This parameter’s results accuracy has a special importance in the management of diabetic patients since targets for optimal glycemic control are established using HbA1c values. Several error sources can influence the obtained value, some of them can be counteracted (ex. pipetting errors, storage), and others should be taken into consideration at the interpretation of the result (ex. presence of hemoglobin variants). The aim of this study was to compare four chromatographic methods regarding the costs and the influence of certain error sources on the accuracy of the result. Materials and methods: Samples and controls were analyzed using Variant I, Micromat II and In2it (Bio-Rad) systems, and the BIOMIDI reagent kit for HbA1c measurement. Results: Positive correlation could be observed comparing the results obtained using different methods, except the patients presenting elevated HbF. Pipetting errors modify the results up to 5% in case of Variant I, and up to 10% in case of Micromat II in the tested range. One day of improper storage at room temperature causes 3% deviation from the actual value using the Variant I analyzer and 5% in case of Micromat II and In2it equipment. As a conclusion, depending on the number of samples, automated chromatographic analyzers are the most appropriate equipments for the determination of HbA1c.
Occurrence of Several Viruses Infecting Wild Growing Stone Fruit Trees in Central Bohemia
Authors: Winkowska L. , Grimova L. , Rysanek P.
Published: January 2017

The phytosanitary status of wild growing stone fruit trees and shrubs was examined in surveys conducted in 2013 and 2014 in the region of Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. A total of 159 leaf samples were collected (42 cherries, 77 bird cherries, 10 cherry plums, 13 blackthorns, 2 round plums, 15 plums) and tested for the presence of Plum pox virus (PPV), Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Apple mosaic virus (ApMV), Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), and Cherry leafroll virus (CLRV) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Totally 28.3% of the investigated trees and shrubs were infected by at least one monitored virus. Mixed infection occurred in 5 out of 159 trees (3.1%). PPV was the most widespread virus (13.2% of samples), followed by PDV (11.3%). Contrary to these two most relevant viral pathogens, the incidence of CLRV and CVA was negligible in individually growing trees of the genus Prunus and ApMV, ACLSV, CGRMV, and CNRMV were not detected at all.
Changes of Some Biochemical Parameters in Rats Supplemented with High Doses of Zinc Lactate
Authors: Sloup V. , Jankovská I. , Langrová I. , Štolcová M. , Sloup S. , Nechybová S. , Peřinková P.
Published: January 2017

The experiment was conducted on 18 Wistar rats during a six-week period; 12 animals were given zinc lactate (120 mg/rat and week) in feed mixture and 6 control animals were fed a standard mixture for rats (ST-1). Sixteen biochemical parameters were measured from blood (serum) samples: total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), urea (UREA), glucose (GLU), triacylglycerols (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol (CHOL), creatinine (CREAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid (UA), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and trace elements such as Fe and Zn. When compared to the control group, we found that rats fed zinc lactate had higher concentrations of GLU, UA, UREA, Fe, Mg, Ca, TAG, TP, ALB, and ALP in the blood serum. Contrarily, the concentrations of AST, NEFA, CHOL, CREAT, P, and Zn were higher in the blood serum of control rats. Statistically significant differences between rats fed Zn and the control were found only in the concentrations of GLU, AST, ALP, UA, and P.
Nutritional Effects on Boar Taint in Entire Male Pigs: A Review
Authors: Urbanová D. , Stupka R. , Okrouhlá M. , Čítek J. , Vehovský K. , Zadinová K
Published: January 2017

Boar taint is one of topical problems in fattening pigs. It is caused by two main compounds — androstenone and skatole. Androstenone is a steroid feromone, which is synthesized and metabolized in liver and testes. Skatole is produced by intestinal bacteria by metabolization of trypthophan. Both these substances are metabolized by cytochrome P450 and the unmetabolized residues accumulate in adipose tissue. This review describes the possible nutritional effects on boar taint reduction. Skatole is the main component, which could be reduced by nutrition in entire male pigs. The presence in adipose tissue can be reduced by apoptosis of intestinal cells by raw potato starch. Another method is to influence the microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract by organic acids or fructooligosaccharides. Recently, attention has been directed towards the enzymatic system in the liver. There are a few possibilities of reducing skatole as well as androstenone by influencing the liver enzymatic system. They may be particularly affected by secondary plant metabolites and flavonoids. However, more research is required in this area to clarify physiological regularities and all the relationships in the metabolism detoxification from xenobiotic substances.
Evaluation of Active Management Applied to Meadows with Phengaris Butterflies Occurrence
Authors: Bubová T. , Kulma M. , Vrabec V.
Published: January 2017

In recent decades, changes in meadows maintenance have reduced the populations of endangered butterfly species Phengaris nausithous (Bergsträsser, 1779) and P. teleius (Bergsträsser, 1779). Currently, meadows are either abandoned or intensively used. Unfortunately, both these managements are considered unfavourable for grassland butterfly species. In this study, the effect of suitable meadow management on population sizes of both the above mentioned Phengaris species was investigated. The experiment was performed at the locality Dolní Labe (Děčín, Czech Republic). The most suitable models, based on the lowest values of Akaike’s information criterion corrected for small sample sizes, were selected using MARK statistical software. The results were subsequently compared with data obtained from this locality prior to the management application. Unexpectedly, no significant positive effects were found. To reach the desirable status, suitable management practices should be applied for long-term. To verify the management effect on the population size, the meadows were divided into three groups: (i) application of favourable management, (ii) mowing in inappropriate term, (iii) without management. Based on the statistical evaluation, the management application proved to be the most favourable option for both studied butterflies species.
Bioactive Enterococci Isolated from Slovak Ewes’ Lump Cheese
Authors: Lauková A. , Strompfová V. , Szabóová R. , Slottová A. , Tomáška M. , Kmeť V. , Kološta M.
Published: January 2017

Enterococci are widespread organisms; some of their properties are desired in dairy industry. They can produce antimicrobial proteinaceous substances (enterocins) linked to food biopreservation. This study focused on bioactive Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains from Slovak ewes’ lump cheeses to check genes encoding enterocins production and inhibition activity. The total counts of enterococci in ewes’ lump cheeses reached 5.95 ± 2.44 log CFU/g on average. Genotypization by PCR and identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry alloted 12 strains to the species Enterococcus faecium and 18 strains to the species E. faecalis. Enterococci were hemolytic phenotype free. Gelatinase negative strains were tested for the presence of enterocins genes. E. faecium and E. faecalis strains from Slovak ewes’ lump cheeses possessed mostly genes for enterocins P and A. Enterocin gene free E. faecalis EE29E3 inhibited indicator Enterococcus avium EA5 (inhibition zone > 10 mm); EE36E1inhibited Listeria innocua LMG 13568 (inhibiton zone 12 mm). Among E. faecium possessing enerocins genes, inhibition activity was only noted in EF27E4 strain (against E. avium EA5, Listeria monocytogenes CCM4699; inhibiton zone 10–22 mm). E. faecium EF27E4 was selected for more detailed studies in vitro aimed at its potential use in dairy industry.
Raising or Lowering?—A Case Study of Alethic ACQ in Chinese and Southeast Asian Languages
Authors: Cheng Gong , Yi Zhao-Hui , Xiong Jian-Guo
Published: January 2017

The present paper proposes a morphological lowering analysis for the structure associated with alethic ACQ, a postverbal morpheme capable of denoting the modality of ability and possibility in Chinese as well as many Southeast Asian languages. Built in the framework of distributed morphology, we suggest that ACQ is base-generated in a preverbal node as a modal element and lowers to a postverbal position during its derivation on the PF branch. We compare and contrast the proposed lowering account with the other model of analysis, the raising analysis, and demonstrate that the lowering account is superior both conceptually and empirically.
Intonation and Particles as Speech Act Modifiers: A Syntactic Analysis
Authors: Heim Johannes , Keupdjio Hermann , Lam Zoe Wai-Man , Osa-Gómez Adriana , Thoma Sonja , Wiltschko Martina
Published: January 2017

This study investigates how discourse particles and intonation contribute to the modification of speech act. In particular, it focuses on the interplay between the speaker’s and the addressee’s commitment toward the proposition in assertions, biased questions, and requests for confirmation. A syntactic analysis is proposed, in whichspeaker commitmentandcall on addresseeare represented as two functional projections of the speech act structure. Data from nontonal (Canadian English) and tonal languages (Cantonese and Medumba) are analyzed for cross-linguistic comparison. In Canadian English, the particle “eh” and rising intonation are associated with speaker commitment and call on addressee, respectively. In Cantonese, a single particle associates with these. In Medumba, the two positions are occupied by two distinct particles. This neo-performative approach toward speech act structure differs from Ross’s 1970 original insight by positing a high functional layer calledgrounding, rather than a higher matrix clause of the familiar type.
The Impact of the Variability of Precipitation and Temperatures on the Efficiency of a Conceptual Rainfall-Runoff Model
Authors: Sleziak P. , Szolgay J. , Hlavčová K. , Parajka J.
Published: January 2017

The main objective of the paper is to understand how the model’s efficiency and the selected climatic indicators are related. The hydrological model applied in this study is a conceptual rainfall-runoff model (the TUW model), which was developed at the Vienna University of Technology. This model was calibrated over three different periods between 1981-2010 in three groups of Austrian catchments (snow, runoff, and soil catchments), which represent a wide range of the hydroclimatic conditions of Austria. The model’s calibration was performed using a differential evolution algorithm (Deoptim). As an objective function, we used a combination of the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE) and the logarithmic Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (logNSE). The model’s efficiency was evaluated by Volume error (VE). Subsequently, we evaluated the relationship between the model’s efficiency (VE) and changes in the climatic indicators (precipitation ΔP, air temperature ΔT). The implications of findings are discussed in the conclusion.
A Monthly-Step Water Balance Model to Evaluate the Hydrological Effects of Climate Change on a Regional Scale for Irrigation Design
Authors: Herceg A. , Kalicz P. , Kisfaludi B. , Gribovszki Z.
Published: January 2017

Current and ongoing changes in the climate are typified by a rise in global temperatures. Climate change can have a dramatic impact on the water cycle. The aim of this paper was to develop a model based on Thornthwaite-type monthly water balance estimations. The main goals were to calibrate the model parameters using a remote sensing-based evapotranspiration dataset. The calibrated model was used for projection on the basis of four climate model datasets (remo, dmihirham5, smhirca.bcm, knmiracmo2). The four main projection periods were: 1980-2010, 2010-2040, 2040-2070, and 2070-2100. The advantage of this model is its robust structure. It can be applied if temperature and precipitation time series are available. The key parameter is the water storage capacity of the soil (SOILMAX), which can be calibrated using the actual evapotranspiration data available. If the physical properties of the soil are known, the maximal rooting depth is also projectable. The model can be primarily used at the catchment level or for areas without additional amounts of water from below. For testing the model, a mixed parcel of land that is used as a cornfield near Mosonmagyaróvár and a small, forest-covered catchment near Sopron were successfully used as the datasets. Furthermore, we determined the water stress with the calculation of the relative extractable water (REW), soil water deficit (SWD), and the water stress index (IS).
DPSIR Framework – A Decision – Making Tool for Municipalities
Authors: Majorošová M.
Published: January 2017

Many municipalities in Central Europe deal with the problem of invasive species in their natural ecosystems. Invasive vegetation eradicates native species and causes dense stands that damage the natural environment. This work shows how important it is to have an informative tool for municipalities to be successful in their struggles with invasive species. A Driver – Pressure – State – Impact - Response (DPSIR) framework is a decision - making tool, and this one is particularly applied to the species Fallopia japonica. Fallopia japonica is an extremely invasive and aggressive weed, and it is very often found in riverbank vegetation. This specific framework can be used as a tool for municipal managers to highlight all the problems with Fallopia japonica and define all the responses that should be provided by the municipalities. The work points out the steps that show how important it is to have a strategy or a clear concept of how to begin with such a serious issue as the presence of Fallopia japonica in riverbank vegetation and its eradication. This framework provides simple steps that cannot be excluded when a municipality start actions against Fallopia japonica. All the indicators used in the model are based on the information known about Fallopia japonica that are presented in the literature.
ANGPTL2 expression in the intestinal stem cell niche controls epithelial regeneration and homeostasis
Authors: Horiguchi Haruki , Endo Motoyoshi , Kawane Kohki , Kadomatsu Tsuyoshi , Terada Kazutoyo , Morinaga Jun , Araki Kimi , Miyata Keishi , Oike Yuichi
Published: January 2017

The intestinal epithelium continually self‐renews and can rapidly regenerate after damage. Dysregulation of intestinal epithelial homeostasis leads to severe inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, aberrant signaling by the secreted protein angiopoietin‐like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) causes chronic inflammation in a variety of diseases. However, little is known about the physiologic role of ANGPTL2 in normal tissue homeostasis and during wound repair following injury. Here, we assessed ANGPTL2 function in intestinal physiology and disease in vivo. Although intestinal development proceeded normally in Angptl2‐deficient mice, expression levels of the intestinal stem cell (ISC) marker gene Lgr5 decreased, which was associated with decreased transcriptional activity of β‐catenin in Angptl2‐deficient mice. Epithelial regeneration after injury was significantly impaired in Angptl2‐deficient relative to wild‐type mice. ANGPTL2 was expressed and functioned within the mesenchymal compartment cells known as intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts (ISEMFs). ANGPTL2 derived from ISEMFs maintained the intestinal stem cell niche by modulating levels of competing signaling between bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and β‐catenin. These results support the importance of ANGPTL2 in the stem cell niche in regulating stemness and epithelial wound healing in the intestine.
Three-Dimensional Genome Organization and Function in Drosophila
Authors: Schwartz Yuri B , Cavalli Giacomo
Published: January 2017

Understanding how the metazoan genome is used during development and cell differentiation is one of the major challenges in the postgenomic era. Early studies in Drosophila suggested that three-dimensional (3D) chromosome organization plays important regulatory roles in this process and recent technological advances started to reveal connections at the molecular level. Here we will consider general features of the architectural organization of the Drosophila genome, providing historical perspective and insights from recent work. We will compare the linear and spatial segmentation of the fly genome and focus on the two key regulators of genome architecture: insulator components and Polycomb group proteins. With its unique set of genetic tools and a compact, well annotated genome, Drosophila is poised to remain a model system of choice for rapid progress in understanding principles of genome organization and to serve as a proving ground for development of 3D genome-engineering techniques.