bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-dependent differences in the effect of early weaning on the chosen hormones secretion in sheep during the postnatal transition to puberty – Preliminary results
Authors: Cieślak M. , Chmielewska N. , Romanowicz K. , Młynarczuk J. , Wańkowska M.
Published: May 2015

The influence of early weaning on the cortisol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) secretion in lambs of both sexes and testosterone (T4) level in male lambs during the postnatal transition to puberty was investigated by radioimmunoassay. It was hypothesized that this influence is long-term and sexually dimorphic. Hence, the effect of weaning at 5 weeks of age in comparison with the weaning at 9 weeks of age on hormone concentrations in peripheral blood plasma of 5-, 9-, 12-, and 16-week-old lambs of both sexes was investigated. The cortisol concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in control and early weaned female lambs than in male lambs at investigated stages. Weaning at 5 weeks of age resulted in the lover (P<0.05) cortisol secretion in male lambs in contrast to the greater (P<0.05) cortisol secretion in female lambs at 16 weeks of age. Weaning at 5 weeks of age stimulated (P<0.001) the FSH secretion, but reduced (P<0.001) the LH, GH and T4 secretion in 16-week-old male lambs. In female lambs early weaning inhibited (P<0.05) the FSH secretion at 9 weeks of age, LH secretion after 9 weeks of age and GH secretion after 12 weeks of age. Thus, early weaning results in the sexually dimorphic stress reaction that is more potent and long-lasting in female in contrast to male lambs. This maternal deprivation stress contributes to the inhibition of LH and GH secretion in lambs of both sexes and T4 secretion in male lambs during the postnatal transition to puberty.
Biochemical parameters in Japanese quails Coturnix coturnix japonica infected with coccidia and treated with Toltrazuril
Authors: Sokół R. , Gesek M. , Raś-Noryńska M. , Michalczyk M. , Koziatek S.
Published: May 2015

The activity of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, albumin and cholesterol levels were determined in the blood serum of Japanese quails infected with coccidia and treated with Baycox (active ingredient: toltrazuril). Lower levels of AST and ALT activity were noted in treated birds regardless of the applied Baycox dose. The biochemical changes observed in the blood serum of Japanese quails point to coccidia-induced damage of digestive system tissues despite an absence of pronounced clinical symptoms. Significantly lower levels of AST activity and higher levels of LDH activity in treated birds indicate that coccidiosis treatment with toltrazuril contributed to the regeneration of digestive system tissues. An insignificant increase in cholesterol levels was noted, whereas the other serum biochemical parameters remained within the reference ranges.
Experimental laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in pigs
Authors: Holak P. , Matyjasik H. , Jałyński M. , Adamiak Z. , Przyborowska P.
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare laparoscopic pyloromyotomy methods involving the laparoscopic scalpel and the harmonic scalpel in pigs. The experiment was conducted on 4 subgroups of 12 animals subjected to laparoscopic-assisted pyloromyotomy with a surgical scalpel and the harmonic scalpel, as well as laparoscopic pyloromyotomy with Berci's laparoscopic scalpel and the harmonic scalpel. No postsurgical complications were observed. Four weeks after the surgery, the animals were sacrificed and autopsy was performed. In one animal peritoneal adhesions between the intestines and the mini-laparotomy incision were found. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy and laparoscopic-assisted pyloromyotomy performed in pigs enabled the selection of laparoscopic entry sites, instruments for pyloromyotomy and evaluation of the applied surgical procedures in animals. The results of this study indicate that the methods applied can be safely used in clinical practice in dogs and cats due to minimal post-operative complications and fast healing of laparoscopic incisions in comparison with classical surgical wounds, and that the harmonic scalpel is a safe surgical instrument.
Survivin expression in canine lymphomas in relation with proliferative markers
Authors: Sokołowska J. , Urbańska K. , Giziński S. , Wysocka A. , Cywińska A. , Lechowski R.
Published: May 2015

Survivin is a member of apoptosis inhibiting proteins family. Apart from its antiapoptotic activity it plays a critical role in regulating the cell cycle and mitosis. It is overexpressed in most human malignancies. While the prognostic significance of survivin expression is widely investigated in human non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, little is known about its expression in canine lymphomas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin in canine lymphomas in relation to proliferation markers (mitotic index and percentage of Ki67-positive cells). Survivin was found in all examined lymphomas belonging to 6 different morphological subtypes with nuclear immunoreactivity. In most of lymphomas (18/25) survivin expression ranged 10%-25% of positive cells. Only single cases had lower (0-10% positive cells, 1/25) or higher (25-50% and >50% positive cells, 5/25 and 1/25, respectively) index of survivin. Neither mitotic index nor proliferative index correlated with survivin expression when the values quantified randomly in whole specimens were compared. However, when survivin expression were quantified in selected tumor areas of low and high proliferation activity the high correlations between survivin expression and proliferation index were found. The results indicated that survivin is commonly expressed in canine lymphomas. Nuclear labelling together with the relation of its expression and proliferative activity in highly proliferative areas of neoplastic tissue suggest a potential role of survivin in cell cycle activation in canine lymphoma cells. However, further studies of the relation between expression of survivin and other proteins involved in cell cycle regulation are needed. Moreover, the results suggest that survivin may pose the therapeutic target in canine lymphomas.
Acid-base disorders in calves with chronic diarrhea
Authors: Bednarski M. , Kupczyński R. , Sobiech P.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze disorders of acid-base balance in calves with chronic diarrhea caused by mixed, viral, bacterial andCryptosporydium parvuminfection. We compared results obtained with the classic model (Henderson-Hasselbalch) and strong ion approach (the Steward model). The study included 36 calves aged between 14 and 21 days. The calves were allocated to three groups: I – (control) non-diarrheic calves, group II – animals with compensated acid-base imbalance and group III calves with compensated acid-base disorders and hypoalbuminemia. Plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl−, Cl2+, Mg2+, P, albumin and lactate were measured. In the classic model, acid-base balance was determined on the basis of blood pH, pCO2, HCO3−, BE and anion gap. In the strong ion model, strong ion difference (SID), effective strong anion difference, total plasma concentration of nonvolatile buffers (ATot) and strong ion gap (SIG) were measured.

The control calves and the animals from groups II and III did not differ significantly in terms of their blood pH. The plasma concentration of HCO3−, BE and partial pressure of CO2 in animals from the two groups with chronic diarrhea were significantly higher than those found in the controls. The highest BE (6.03 mmol/l) was documented in calves from group II. The animals from this group presented compensation resulted from activation of metabolic mechanisms. The calves with hypoalbuminemia (group III) showed lower plasma concentrations of albumin (15.37 g/L), Cl−(74.94 mmol/L), Mg2+(0.53 mmol/L), P (1.41 mmol/L) and higher value of anion gap (39.03 mmol/L). This group III presented significantly higher SID3(71.89 mmol/L), SID7(72.92 mmol/L) and SIG (43.53 mmol/L) values than animals from the remaining groups (P<0.01), whereas ATot(6.82 mmol/L) were significantly lower. The main finding of the correlation study was the excellent relationship between the AGcorrand SID3, SID7, SIG. In conclusion, chronic diarrhea leads to numerous water-electrolyte disorders. Characterization of acid-base disturbance in these cases suggests that classic model have some limitations. This model can not be recommended for use whenever serum albumin or phosphate concentrations are markedly abnormal.
A Method for Identification of Non-Coaxiality in Engine Shaft Lines of a Selected Type of Naval Ships
Authors: Grządziela Andrzej , Musiał Janusz , Muślewski D. Łukasz , Pająk D. Michał
Published: May 2015

A correctly designed machine is characteristic of low vibration values. However wear processes occur during its operation. They are accompanied by a lack of balance of its rotating parts and elements, which results in non-coaxiality of shafts. For this reason energy and dynamic load resulting from machine vibrations grows. In this case cause and effect are mutually connected by feedback, that inevitably leads to occurrence of a failure. This paper presents results of investigations carried out on the basis of vibration analysis of propulsion systems installed on 207P minesweepers. In view of specific features of their operation it is very important to ensure high level of reliability for them. For this reason was done an attempt to develop a method intended for identifying non-coaxiality of shaft line systems of engines propelling the ships. 16 characteristic features of recorded vibration signals were selected. As any of them has not satisfied criteria assigned to features which unambiguously determine state of reliability of shaft line systems, the investigations have been continued and as a result a novel method for non-coaxiality identification was proposed. The method consists in determining unserviceability clusters and assumes that characteristic features are of a concentrated character. This way a non-coaxiality of main engine shaft lines of 207P minesweepers could be detected. This paper presents the proposed method and results of its application to the case in question.
Biomedical Journals in Republic of Macedonia: the Current State
Authors: Polenakovic Momir , Danevska Lenche
Published: May 2015

Several biomedical journals in the Republic of Macedonia have succeeded in maintaining regular publication over the years, but only a few have a long-standing tradition. In this paper we present the basic characteristics of 18 biomedical journals that have been published without a break in the Republic of Macedonia. Of these, more details are given for 14 journals, a particular emphasis being on the journal Prilozi/Contributions of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Section of Medical Sciences as one of the journals with a long-term publishing tra-dition and one of the journals included in the Medline/PubMed database. A brief or broad description is given for the following journals: Macedonian Medical Review, Acta Morphologica, Physioacta, MJMS - Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, International Medical Journal Medicus, Archives of Public Health, Epilepsy, Macedonian Orthopaedics and Traumatology Journal, BANTAO Journal, Macedonian Dental Review, Macedonian Pharmaceutical Bulletin, Macedonian Veterinary Review, Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics, Contributions of the Macedonian Scientific Society of Bitola, Vox Medici, Social Medicine: Professional Journal for Public Health, and Prilozi/Contributions of the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Journals from Macedonia should aim to be published regularly, should comply with the Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals, and with the recommendations of reliable organizations working in the field of publishing and research. These are the key prerequisites which Macedonian journals have to accomplish in order to b? included in renowned international bibliographic databases. Thus the results of biomedical science from the Republic of Macedonia will be presented to the international scientific arena.
“Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics” - Facts, Editorial Policies, Practices and Challenges
Authors: Karanfilska Dijana Plaseska , Stefanovska Emilija Sukarova
Published: May 2015

The Balkan Journal of Medical Genetics (BJMG) is an international, open access journal that publishes scientific papers covering different aspects of medical genetics. It is published by the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts twice a year in both printed and electronic versions. BJMG is covered by many abstracting and indexing databases, including PubMed Central and Thomson Reuters.

Although there are many journals in the field of medical genetics, only a few come from regions outside Western Europe and North America. Being one of these few journals, BJMG aims to promote genetics and research on this topic in the Balkan countries and beyond. BJMG's ultimate goal is to raise the scientific quality and metrics of the journal and provide a better place for BJMG in the community of scientific journals.
Multinomial Logit Model Of Housing Demand In Poland
Authors: Głuszak Michał
Published: May 2015

When compared to mature housing markets, little has been done to understand the nature of demand on emerging housing markets in Central and Eastern Europe and to develop testable models for post-socialist economies. With the exception of Bazyl 2009 and Głuszak 2010, there is hardly any econometric evidence on factors behind housing tenure choices in Poland. The article focus mainly on: permanent (and current) income, household structure, lifecycle, and differences between local market characteristics. In the research, multinomial logistic regression is used to analyze factors that increase the probability of young households becoming homeowners.

The major objectives of the study are:

1)

estimation of housing demand at household level,

2)

discussion of factors increasing the probability of becoming homeowner,

3)

discussion of advantages and limitations of using classical qualitative response models to estimate housing demand.

The research is based on latest European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EUSILC) 2007-2010 dataset (panel of approx. 4,500 households).
The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Vascular Complications of Diabetes Mellitus - A High Priority Area of Investigation
Authors: Străchinariu Rodica Teodora
Published: May 2015

Endothelium, the inner layer of the vasculature, represents the interface between blood and organ systems and it is active in the process of contraction and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and in functions like secretion of vasoactive substances. Endothelial dysfunction is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. The function of the endothelium can be assessed by invasive and noninvasive methods. Endothelial cells produce vasoactive substances like endothelium derived relaxing factor, prostacyclin, nitric oxide, and endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factor. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hyperglycemia leads to cardiovascular damage through different pathways, including the polyol and hexosamine pathways, generation of advanced glycation end products, and activation of protein kinase C. Together with hyperglycemia induced mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, all these can promote the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. The oxidative stress induced by hyperglycemia promotes endothelial dysfunction with an important role in micro and macro vascular disease. Insulin-resistance could be independently predictive of cardiovascular disease. Life style modification and pharmacotherapy could possibly ameliorate the effect of insulin resistance
Unilateral extended suboccipital approach for a C1 dumbbell schwanoma
Authors: Gorgan R.M. , Neacşu Angela , Giovani A.
Published: May 2015

Craniovertebral junction tumors represent a complex pathology carrying a high risk of injuring the vertebral artery and the lower cranial nerves. Dumbbell C1- C2 schannomas are very rare tumors in this location. We present a case of a 66 years old male accepted for left laterocervical localized pain, headache and vertigo, with a large C1 dumbbell schwannoma extending in lateral over the C1 arch and displacing the C3 segment of the vertebral artery superiorly and anteriorly. Complete removal of the tumor was achieved using a far lateral approach. The approach is discussed with focus on the vertebral artery anatomy as the approach should give enough space to gain control of the artery without creating instability. Safe removal of C1 nerve root schwanomas can be achieved even if they compress and displace the vertebral artery by entering a fibrous tissue plane between the tumor and the vertebral artery.
Professional Training Programs of Masters in Adult Education at Universities of Germany
Authors: Hizhynska Tetiana
Published: May 2015

The German experience in professional training of teaching staff in adult education has been analyzed; it has been clarified that modern educational programs of Bachelor and Master specialties are based on the basic educational program offered by Adult Education Sectional Commission of Pedagogical Sciences in Germany (DGfE); value-targeted and organizational and semantic issues of Masters’ in Adult Education professional training in universities of Germany, defined according to andragogue profession’s modern roles and functions have been considered. The purpose of Masters’ in Adult Education professional training and the content of professional competencies have been revealed, the limits of andragogues’ academic education at the graduate level have been outlined. Based on the theoretical analysis of university reference books common features of Master’s programs of academic education in Adult Education / Continuous Education in universities of Germany have been found; the basic principles of the Master’s programs realisation in German universities have been indicated. Special attention is paid to research and justification of organisation and structural elements of Master’s programs in Adult Education / Continuous Education in Otto Friedrich University in Bamberg; the purpose and subject specialty have been revealed; the relation between theory and practical training has been established, the organization and the purpose of practical training abovementioned university have been described, professional prospects of graduates have been outlined.
TNF-α Gene Polymorphisms and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma in Romanian Population / Polimorfisme ale genei TNF-α în populația română cu glaucom primar cu unghi deschis
Authors: Simionescu Ruxandra , Cherecheanu Alina Popa , Voinea Liliana , Sfrenț-Cornățeanu Roxana
Published: May 2015

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) represents the most common form of a heterogeneous group of glaucomatous optic neuropathies which are a worldwide cause of irreversible blindness. Immune dysregulation and the genetic background are considered important risk factors. The influence on susceptibility to POAG of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was intensively studied, mostly on Asian population. We investigated the possible association of two TNF-α SNPs (-308G/A and -857C/T) with susceptibility to POAG and its clinical characteristics. A case-control association study of aforementioned TNF-α SNPs was performed on 197 POAG patients (divided into two subgroups: high-tension and normal-tension glaucoma - HTG/ NTG) versus 208 ethnically matched controls. This is the first study performed on Romanian population. No significant differences were found in terms of allelic frequencies, genotype distribution of the studied SNPs, or their haplotypes between POAG and healthy control groups. In the subgroup analysis, TT genotype of TNF-α -857T-allele was found to be associated with higher values of central corneal thickness (CCT) in NTG subgroup (p-value 0.032). In order to confirm the association between -857C/T SNP of TNF-α and CCT in NTG subgroup of POAG patients, additional studies on different populations should be performed.
Determination of Apixaban Levels in Human Plasma by a High-Throughput Liquid Chromatographic Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay / Determinarea rapidă a apixabanului în plasma umană prin cromatografie de lichide de înaltă performanță cuplată cu spectrometrie de masă în tandem
Authors: Țilea Ioan , Popa Daniela Saveta , Xantus Timea Szakács , Primejdie Daniela , Grigorescu Bianca , Țilea Brîndușa , Bocicor Andreea Elena , Varga Andreea
Published: May 2015

A high-throughput liquid chromatography method with detection by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the quantification of apixaban in human plasma. The separation was performed on a Gemini-NX column under isocratic conditions using a 33:67 (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and 1 mM ammonium formate in water at 40 ºC with a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The detection of apixaban was performed in multiple reaction monitoring mode (m/z 417.2 from m/z 460.2) with electrospray positive ionization. A single-step protein precipitation with methanol was used for plasma sample preparation. The method was validated with respect to selectivity, linearity (r > 0.994), intra-day and inter-day precision (CV < 14.4 %) and accuracy (bias < 9.5 %) over the range of 9.70 - 970.00 ng/mL plasma. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 9.70 ng/mL and the recovery was between 97.4 - 104.5 %. The method is fast, efficient, requires the processing of a small volume of plasma (50 μL), a short run-time (1 min) for chromatographic analysis, and a simple and rapid preparation of samples. It is very well suited for clinical therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies.
A mutual information estimator with exponentially decaying bias
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Zheng Lukun
Published: May 2015

A nonparametric estimator of mutual information is proposed and is shown to have asymptotic normality and efficiency, and a bias decaying exponentially in sample size. The asymptotic normality and the rapidly decaying bias together offer a viable inferential tool for assessing mutual information between two random elements on finite alphabets where the maximum likelihood estimator of mutual information greatly inflates the probability of type I error. The proposed estimator is illustrated by three examples in which the association between a pair of genes is assessed based on their expression levels. Several results of simulation study are also provided.
New Instruments and Methods for Analysing the Coal-Methane System
Authors: Skoczylas Norbert , Kudasik Mateusz , Wierzbicki Mirosław , Murzyn Tomasz
Published: May 2015

The authors of the present paper designed and constructed a prototype of an instrument which enables fully automated determination of the desorbable methane content and effective diffusion coefficient in underground conditions. Due to microprocessor analysis of the recorded data and the application of the mathematical model of the diffusion process, it is possible to automatically determine the amount of methane whose release from a coal sample occurred before the sample was placed within a measuring instrument. It is also possible to carry out follow-up extrapolation of the recorded data so the time duration needed to determine reliable results can be reduced. The instrument was tested and optimized, and a number of copies sufficient for performing underground tests were constructed. The concept of the instrument represents a totally new approach to the observation of gas release from a coal sample. Instead of short-period measurements, virtually the whole process of methane release from coal is registered and analysed. This is possibly due to the use of a grain fraction lower than one mm which is presently applied for the sake of evaluating the methane- bearing capacity and desorption intensity.
Self – Reported Depression, Anxiety and Evaluation of Own Pain in Clinical Sample of Patients with Different Location of Chronic Pain / Samoocenjena Depresivnost in Anksioznost Ter Evalvacija Lastne Bolečine V Kliničnem Vzorcu Pacientov Z Različno Lokacijo Kronične Bolečine
Authors: Rus Makovec Maja , Vintar Neli , Makovec Samo
Published: May 2015

Background. Depression, anxiety and chronic pain are frequent co-occurrent disorders. Patients with these mental disorders experience more intense pain that lasts for a longer time.

Method. Questionnaire with 228 variables was applied to 109 randomly chosen patients that were treated at an outpatient clinic for treatment of chronic pain of the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana from March to June 2013. 87 patients responded to the questionnaire (79.8%). Location of pain considering diagnosis was the criterion in the discriminant analysis (soft tissue disorders; headache; symptoms not elsewhere classified; back pain) and following summative scores as predictors: level of depression and anxiety (The Zung Self-Rating Depression/Anxiety Scale), evaluation of pain and perceptions of being threatened in social relations.

Results. Average age of participants was M = 52.7 years (SD 13.9), with 70.9% female, 29.1% male participants. 63% of respondents achieved clinically important level of depression and 54% clinically important level of anxiety. On univariate level, the highest level of depression and anxiety was found for back pain and the lowest for headache. No significant difference was found in evaluation of pain and perceptions of being threatened in social relations regarding location of pain. Self-evaluation of depression has, in the framework of discriminant analysis, the largest weight for prediction of differentiation between different locations of pain.

Conclusion. Different locations of pain have different connections with mood levels. The results of research on a preliminary level indicate the need to consider mental experience in the treatment of chronic pain
Key Determinants Influencing the Health Literacy of Pregnant Women in the Czech Republic / Ključne Determinante, Ki Vplivajo na Zdravstveno Pismenost Nosečnic na Češkem
Authors: Wilhelmova Radka , Hruba Drahoslava , Vesela Lenka
Published: May 2015

Background. Health literacy is a critical determinant of women’s and children’s health and therefore has immense consequences for the health of society as well. Evidence from epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies indicates that unhealthy lifestyles and risky behavioural habits of parents before conception and during pregnancy influence the etiology of various health defects. Decreasing primary risk factors, practicing physical wellness, monitoring physiological markers and preparing for labour, breastfeeding and newborn care should be the main parental responsibilities during the prenatal period.

Methods. Our study focused on specifying the main determinants of health literacy among 360 pregnant Czech women by using an anonymous questionnaire and selected anthropometric data of mothers. The criteria for study participation produced a sample representing 1.41% of Czech women in labour during a given 2012 reference period.

Results. Despite quite adequate knowledge of both risks and supporting factors for pregnancy and foetal development, the lifestyles of a majority of the women surveyed were far from optimum: only 30% reported good dietary and physical activity habits, 24% were active or passive smokers and one third of the women occasionally drank alcohol, more often among those who were university educated.

Conclusion. Our results have confirmed previously published data noting that health literacy and a healthier lifestyle of pregnant women are associated with a higher level of education (except for alcohol drinking) and with contact with a midwife (in some examined parameters) in prenatal courses
Newborn Screening in Slovenia / Presejanje Novorojencev V Sloveniji
Authors: Šmon Andraž , Grošelj Urh , Žerjav Tanšek Mojca , Biček Ajda , Oblak Adrijana , Zupančič Mirjana , Kržišnik Ciril , Repič Lampret Barbka , Murko Simona , Hojker Sergej , Battelino Tadej
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Newborn screening in whole Slovenia started in 1979 with screening for phenylketonuria (PKU). Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was added into the programme in 1981. The aim of this study was to analyse the data of neonatal screening in Slovenia from 1993 to 2012 for PKU, and from 1991 to 2012 for CH.

Methods. Blood samples were collected from the heels of newborns between the third and the fifth day after birth. Fluorometric method was used for screening for PKU, CH screening was done by dissociationenhanced lanthanide fluorescent immunoassay (DELFIA).

Results. From 1993 to 2012, from 385,831 newborns 57 were identified with PKU. 184 newborns out of 427,396 screened from 1991 to 2012, were confirmed for CH. Incidences of PKU and CH in the periods stated are 1:6769 and 1:2323, respectively.

Conclusions. Successful implementation of newborn screening for PKU and CH has helped in preventing serious disabilities of the affected children. Adding screening for new metabolic diseases in the future would be beneficial.
Cytogenetic and Molecular Genetic Characterization of Children with Short Stature / Citogenetska in Molekularno Genetska Opredelitev Nizke Rasti Pri Otrocih
Authors: Hovnik Tinka , Šmigoc Schweiger Darja , Kotnik Primož , Kovač Jernej , Battelino Tadej , Trebušak Podkrajšek Katarina
Published: May 2015

Background. The deficiency of SHOX gene (short stature homeobox-containing gene) has been recognized as the most frequent monogenetic cause of short stature. SHOX gene has been associated with short stature in Turner syndrome and Leri Weill dyschondrosteosis as well with non-syndromic idiopathic short stature. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SHOX deletions and mutations in a cohort of Slovenian children with short stature, and to delineate indications for routine SHOX gene mutation screening.

Methods and results. 40 selected subjects with idiopathic short stature were screened for entire SHOX gene deletion and for mutations in the SHOX gene coding region (exon 2 to 6), together with sequences flanking the exon-intron boundaries. FISH analysis on metaphase and interphase spreads revealed no entire gene deletion. Additionally, no pathogenic point mutations or smaller deletion/duplications were identified in this study group.

Conclusions. SHOX gene deletions and point mutations are not a common cause of idiopathic short stature in a cohort of Slovenian children with short stature. Therefore, the frequency of SHOX mutations must be much lower as expected based on the reported data.
Explaining Cognitive Phenomena with Internal Representations: A Mechanistic Perspective
Authors: Gładziejewski Paweł
Published: May 2015

Despite the fact that the notion of internal representation has - at least according to some - a fundamental role to play in the sciences of the mind, not only has its explanatory utility been under attack for a while now, but it also remains unclear what criteria should an explanation of a given cognitive phenomenon meet to count as a (truly, genuinely, nontrivially, etc.) representational explanation in the first place. The aim of this article is to propose a solution to this latter problem. I will assume that representational explanations should be construed as a form of mechanistic explanations and proceed by proposing a general sketch of a functional architecture of a representational cognitive mechanism. According to the view on offer here, representational mechanisms are mechanisms that meet four conditions: the structural resemblance condition, the action-guidance condition, the decouplability condition, and the error-detection condition.
How are Concepts of Infinity Acquired?
Authors: Trzęsicki Kazimierz
Published: May 2015

Concepts of infinity have been subjects of dispute since antiquity. The main problems of this paper are: is the mind able to acquire a concept of infinity? and: how are concepts of infinity acquired? The aim of this paper is neither to say what the meanings of the word “infinity” are nor what infinity is and whether it exists. However, those questions will be mentioned, but only in necessary extent.
Calculating particle density, bulk density, and total porosity of soil based on its texture
Authors: BROGOWSKI ZYGMUNT , KWASOWSKI WOJCIECH , MADYNIAK RENATA
Published: May 2015

This paper provides the verification of coefficients for the calculation of particle density, bulk density, and total porosity based on the texture of soils proposed by Brogowski (1990). The verified and supplemented coefficients for the calculation of particle density, bulk density, and total porosity permit obtaining credible results within the range of analytical errors. The proposed calculations of density and total porosity of soils can be used for the general description of soils. They cannot, however, replace exact scientific research on the physical state of soils.
Analiza stanu gleb w raportach o oddziaływaniu na środowisko wybranych obiektów gospodarki odpadami
Authors: KUŚMIERZ AGNIESZKA , KISIEL MONIKA
Published: May 2015

Streszczenie

Gleba jest jednym z elementów środowiska przyrodniczego, który często bywa narażony na zanieczyszczenia i degradację. Jednym z głównych źródeł zanieczyszczeń są obiekty gospodarki odpadami, wśród których dominują składowiska odpadów. W Polsce obiekty gospodarki odpadami są zaliczane do przedsięwzięć mogących potencjalnie znacząco oddziaływać na środowisko. Dla większości takich obiektów przeprowadzana jest ocena oddziaływania na środowisko, w ramach której sporządzany jest raport o oddziaływaniu na środowisko. Problematyka ochrony gleb jest jednak często w nim marginalizowana. Celem pracy była analiza jakości wybranych raportów o oddziaływaniu na środowisko obiektów gospodarki odpadami, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem przeprowadzonej w nich analizy stanu gleb, a także przedstawienie propozycji zakresu prac, niezbędnych do rzetelnej analizy oddziaływania obiektów gospodarki odpadami na gleby. Wyniki przeprowadzonej oceny wskazują na zróżnicowany poziom wykonania w zakresie przedstawienia oddziaływania inwestycji na gleby. Przeważają opracowania ocenione negatywnie jako niezadowalające.
Online cognitive training in healthy older adults:
a preliminary study on the effects of single versus multi-domain training
Authors: Walton Courtney C , Kavanagh Alexandra , Downey Luke A. , Lomas Justine , Camfield David A , Stough Con
Published: May 2015

It has been argued that cognitive training may be effective in improving cognitive performance in healthy older
adults. However, inappropriate active control groups often hinder the validity of these claims. Additionally there
are relatively few independent empirical studies on popular commercially available cognitive training programs.
The current research extends on previous work to explore cognitive training employing a more robust control
group. Twenty-eight healthy older adults (age: M = 64.18, SD = 6.9) completed either a multi-faceted online
computerised cognitive training program or trained on a simple reaction time task for 20 minutes a day over
a 28 day period. Both groups significantly improved performance in multiple measures of processing speed.
Only the treatment group displayed improved performance for measures of memory accuracy. These results
suggest improvements in processing speed and visual working memory may be obtained over a short period
of computerized cognitive training. However, gains over this time appear only to show near transfer. The use of
similar active control groups in future research are needed in order to better understand changes in cognition
after cognitive training.
Treatment of acute cerebral ischemia using animal models: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Peng-Fei , Zhou Yu , Fang Huang , Lin Sen , Wang Yan-Chun , Liu Yong , Xia Jun , Eslick Guy D. , Yang Qing-Wu
Published: May 2015

Background: There are numerous potential treatments assessed for acute cerebral ischemia using animal
models. This study aimed to assess the effect of these treatments in terms of infarct size and neurobehavioral
change. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine if any of these treatments provide a superior benefit
so that they might be used on humans. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using several electronic
databases for controlled animal studies using only nonsurgical interventions for acute cerebral ischemia.
A random-effects model was used. Results: After an extensive literature search, 145 studies were included in
the analysis. These studies included 1408 treated animals and 1362 control animals. Treatments that had the
most significant effect on neurobehavioral scales included insulin, various antagonists, including N-methyl-Daspartate
(NMDA) receptor antagonist ACEA1021, calmodulin antagonist DY-9760e, and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-
methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist YM872, and antiviral agents. Treatments providing
the greatest effect on infarct size included statins, sphingosine-1-phosphate agonist (fingolimod), alcohol,
angiotensin, and leukotrienes. Treatments offering the greatest reduction in brain water content included various
agonists, including sphingosine-1-phosphate agonist fingolimod, statins, and peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). Treatment groups with more than one study all had high heterogeneity (I2 > 80%),
however, using meta-regression we determined several sources of heterogeneity including sample size of the
treatment and control groups, the occlusion time, but not the year when the study was conducted. Conclusions:
Some treatments stand out when compared to others for acute cerebral ischemia in animals. Greater replication
of treatment studies is required before any treatments are selected for future human trials.
Clinico-functional study on the incidence of physical deficiencies in teenagers
Authors: Neculăeș Marius
Published: May 2015

This paper assesses the incidence of static disorders of the spine among teenagers. The study also aims at demonstrating the degree of correlation between functional evaluation of posture - through posturography - and the imagistic evaluation of the spine. The study sample comprised 250 teenagers aged between 12 and 18, who addressed to the medical clinic for a set of tests, including postural evaluation. The investigation comprised 250 teenagers aged between 12 and 18, who addressed the medical clinic for a set of tests, including postural evaluation. From among them, 63.20 % were male and 36.8% female; the age mean of the entire sample was 14.8. The statistical analysis conducted on the sample of posturally assessed subjects has found that the most common deviations are those manifested by vicious attitudes; the first are scoliotic attitudes, with 67.2% of the 84% of vicious attitudes encountered during the investigation.
Motivation in practicing Yoga & Pilates and satisfying the need for self-knowledge
Authors: Petracovschi Simona
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the type of motivation of Yoga and Pilates practitioners. These are believed to be two branches of fitness. To test the type of motivation that animate the practitioners, we used the Self Motivation Scale 28 (SMS 28), designed by Pelletier & al. and applied it to a group of 29 female practitioners of Yoga and 29 female practitioners of Pilates, along with a demographic survey. The results indicate that the objectives of the practitioners are muscle tone and correct posture and the main motivation is intrinsic knowledge.
Contemporary dimensions of sports sponsorship
Authors: Dumitru Iulian , Nichifor Florin
Published: May 2015

Marketing developed close relation with sponsorship since the beginnings of the industrial era of sports. The relation has transformed in a stable relation, the two forces - the sponsor and the sponsored - transforming into two companions of journey. The effort undertaken in this work was focused on analyzing the modern aspects of the partnership generated through sports sponsorship.The current issue and sport sponsorship has come a long way since the first action of its kind until now. Based on the presentation of new concepts on the development efforts in sport sponsorship, content provides a detailed analysis of the actual specifics of this type of activity. Analysis of influence vectors sponsorship process gives us a picture of the forces that can act on this. At the end of our research we focused attention on elements that empowers sports portfolio in terms of corporate interest, the potentiation commercial message and image association. This technique of promotional community for and through sports is maybe the one that manifests the most “laic” status among the promotional forms. This epithet implies a metaphorical approach given by the possibility of accomplishing some objectives that can have some more obvious “corporality” than in the case of the other forms of promotion used in the sports industry. Sports sponsorship has been an early ally of sports, and has remained a basic communicational technique. This fact is due to some determination in double sense: on the one hand, sport has adapted permanently to the dynamics of the range of sponsorship techniques and, on the other hand, the sponsorship tried to use the chameleon-like offer of the sports potential.
A Positive Prospective Trial of Antibiotic Therapy in Advanced Stage, Non-Bulky Indolent Lymphoma
Authors: Portlock Carol S , Hamlin Paul A , Gerecitano John F , Noy Ariela , Palomba Maria Lia , Walkley Janelle , Corcoran Stacie , Migliacci Jocelyn , Schoder Heiko , Papanicolaou Genovefa , Markowitz Arnold J
Published: May 2015

Background: We have prospectively studied a three month course of clarithromycin (substituted by Prevpac®, lansoprazole/ amoxicillin/ clarithromycin, in the first two wks when stool H pylori+) for non-bulky, advanced stage indolent lymphoma. These patients are often candidates for expectant monitoring and it is during this period that a window of opportunity may exist to identify and treat associated infections. Methods: All previously untreated patients with a new diagnosis of indolent lymphoma (FL and non-FL) meeting GELF criteria were treated with 12 weeks of clarithromycin. There were 32 evaluable patients, 4 of whom had stool H pylori. Results: At one month post-antibiotic therapy, we have observed lymphoma responses in 7 of 32 patients (21.9%). Two additional patients had objective response during followup (28.1% overall response). The median treatment free survival for antibiotic responders is 69.9 months and for non-responders, 30.6 months (p = 0.019). Conclusion: Three response patterns have been noted, perhaps suggestive of an immune-mediated response -- prompt PET negative; flair with delayed PET negative response; and gradual continuous improvement. This prospective study appears promising, may be a step toward developing a lymphoma prevention strategy by reducing “antigen drive,” and deserves further clinical/biological study. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00461084
Alien and invasive plant species in plant communities of floodplain forests of the Małopolska Upland / Obce oraz inwazyjne gatunki roślin w zbiorowiskach lasów łęgowych Wyżyny Małopolskiej
Authors: Koba Jacek
Published: May 2015

During the field studies on the floodplain forests of the Małopolska Upland carried out in 2009-2013, the author tried to determine which species of alien and invasive plants could be a threat to the stability of these vegetation communities. Efforts were also made to answer the question, which floodplain forests are particularly vulnerable to the penetration of alien species and in which layers of the forest plant community are the best conditions for the development of the individual alien plant species. During the research, a total number of 344 reléves were made, of which 90 recorded the presence of alien species. The most common were: Impatiens parviflora, Acer negundo and Padus serotina. The highest percentage of reléves involving alien species was found in the riverside floodplain forests of Salicetum albo-fragilis and Populetum albae.
Effect of nano-silicon particles application on salinity tolerance in early growth of some lentil genotypes / Wpływ nanocząstek krzemionki na tolerancję zasolenia we wczesnym rozwoju niektórych genotypów soczewicy
Authors: Sabaghnia Naser , Janmohammadi Mohsen
Published: May 2015

Twenty-five lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.) genotypes were studied to evaluate the effects of the SiO
Deviation from weak Banach–Saks property for countable direct sums
Authors: Kryczka Andrzej
Published: May 2015

We introduce a seminorm for bounded linear operators between Banach spaces that shows the deviation from the weak Banach-Saks property. We prove that if (X
Renormings of c0 and the minimal displacement problem
Authors: Piasecki Łukasz
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to show that for every Banach space (X, || · ||) containing asymptotically isometric copy of the space c
Dimer Coverings on Random Polyomino Chains
Authors: Xiao Chuanqi , Chen Haiyan
Published: May 2015

A polyomino chain is a planar square lattice that can be constructed by successively attaching squares to the previous one in two possible ways. A random polyomino chain is then generated by incorporating the Bernoulli distribution to the two types of attachment, which describes a zeroth-order Markov process. Let (ℜ
n
, p) be the ensemble of random polyomino chains with n squares, where p∈[0,1] is a constant. Then, in this paper, we determine the explicit expression for the expectation of the number of dimer coverings over (ℜ
n
, p). Our result shows that, with only one exception, i.e., p = 0, the average of the logarithm of this expectation is asymptotically nonzero when n → ∞.
Addressing the Problem of Poorly Preserved Zoological Specimens
Authors: Thomas Robert A. , Thomas Aimée K.
Published: May 2015

We present a new use for a poorly preserved turtle specimen that teachers can easily use in demonstrating vertebrate anatomy or adaptive herpetology at the high school or college level. We give special attention to illustrating the sigmoid flexure of the neck as certain turtles withdraw their heads. This ability is anatomically and biologically important in that it protects the turtle from predators and is one of the major anatomical radiations that occurred in turtle evolution. The lesson also demonstrates how turtles, whose anatomy is confined within a rigid compartment, have their organs arranged and how adaptive strategies overcome this spatial constraint.
Enhancing Learning Using 3D Printing
Authors: McGahern Patricia , Bosch Frances , Poli DorothyBelle
Published: May 2015

Student engagement during the development of a three-dimensional visual aid or teaching model can vary for a number of reasons. Some students report that they are not “creative” or “good at art,” often as an excuse to justify less professional outcomes. Student engagement can be low when using traditional methods to produce a model, but 3D printing gives both the teacher and the student new ways of experiencing classroom activities. The simple (and free) software offers students valuable skills, “professional” modeling results, a stronger understanding of the topic at hand, and new confidence.