bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modafinil/armodafinil in obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chapman Julia L. , Vakulin Andrew , Hedner Jan , Yee Brendon J. , Marshall Nathaniel S.
Published: February 2016

Modafinil is used internationally to treat residual sleepiness despite continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnoea (res-OSA). In 2011, the European Medicines Agency removed the indication based on an unfavourable risk–benefit profile in two trials for efficacy and all accumulated safety data. We performed a meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials of modafinil (or armodafinil) in res-OSA to quantify efficacy and safety.

We systematically searched and assessed studies from major databases, conferences and trials registries to find randomised, placebo-controlled trials of modafinil/armodafinil for ≥2 weeks in adult res-OSA treating sleepiness.

We analysed 10 of the 232 articles identified that met inclusion criteria (1466 patients). Modafinil/armodafinil improved the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (2.2 points, 95% CI 1.5–2.9) and the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test over placebo (3 min, 95% CI 2.1–3.8 min). Modafinil/armodafinil tripled adverse events and doubled adverse events leading to withdrawal but did not increase serious adverse events (hospitalisations or death).

Modafinil and armodafinil improve subjective and objective daytime sleepiness in res-OSA. We believe our analysis is a fairer analysis of the risk–benefit profile of this indication. Clinicians may want to use this data to balance the risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis with their patients.
Pulmonary artery size as a predictor of outcomes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Shin Stephanie , King Christopher S. , Puri Nitin , Shlobin Oksana A. , Brown A. Whitney , Ahmad Shahzad , Weir Nargues A. , Nathan Steven D.
Published: February 2016

IPF patients have heightened propensity for pulmonary hypertension, which portends a worse outcome. Presence of pulmonary hypertension may be reflected in an enlarged pulmonary artery. We investigated pulmonary artery size measured on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) as an outcome predictor in IPF.

We retrospectively reviewed all IPF patients evaluated at a tertiary-care centre between 2008 and 2013. Pulmonary artery and ascending aorta diameters were measured from chest HRCT with pulmonary artery:ascending aorta diameter (PA:A) ratio calculations. Outcome analysis defined by either death or lung transplant based on pulmonary artery size and PA:A ratio over 60 months was performed. Independent effects of different variables on overall outcomes were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

98 IPF patients with available HRCT scans had a mean pulmonary artery diameter and PA:A ratio of 32.8 mm and 0.94, respectively. Patients with a PA:A ratio >1 had higher risk of death or transplant compared with a PA:A ratio ≤1 (p<0.001). A PA:A ratio >1 was also an independent predictor of outcomes in unadjusted and adjusted outcomes analyses (hazard ratio 3.99, p<0.001 and hazard ratio 3.35, p=0.002, respectively).

A PA:A ratio >1 is associated with worse outcomes in patients with IPF. HRCT PA:A ratio measurement may assist in risk stratification and prognostication of IPF patients.
The lived experience with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Overgaard Dorthe , Kaldan Gudrun , Marsaa Kristoffer , Nielsen Thyge Lynghøj , Shaker Saher Burhan , Egerod Ingrid
Published: February 2016

The disease course in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is variable, but patients experience a progressive decline in lung function and increased symptom burden leading to death. Little is known about the patients' experience and their needs during the disease course or about the burden on family caregivers. Both patients and family caregivers face an altered life as the disease progresses. The aim of our study was to increase knowledge of life with IPF for patients and family caregivers.

This study had a qualitative descriptive design using in-depth dyadic interviews with IPF patients (n=25) and family caregivers (n=24). We used the five-step analysis from the framework method and analysed the data on three levels: the patient, the family caregivers and couple level.

The following six themes emerged as the main results: information and disclosure, reactional dyssynchrony, perpetual vigilance, emotional ambivalence, gradual and tacit role shift, and adapted coping strategies.

Our findings suggest that IPF patients need information at the time of diagnosis, but some issues should be paced as the disease progresses. A palliation plan was demanded by patients and their caregivers. Further efforts are required to provide palliative care to IPF patients starting at the time of diagnosis.
Natural history of sleep disordered breathing in prepubertal children transitioning to adolescence
Authors: Bixler Edward O. , Fernandez-Mendoza Julio , Liao Duanping , Calhoun Susan , Rodriguez-Colon Sol M. , Gaines Jordan , He Fan , Vgontzas Alexandros N.
Published: February 2016

Because there is a lack of agreed upon diagnostic criteria, it is critical to understand the natural history of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children in order to establish treatment strategies based on objective data.

The Penn State Child Cohort is a representative, general-population sample of 700 elementary school children at baseline, of whom 421 were reassessed 8 years later, during adolescence.

The remission of childhood apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) ≥2 events per h in adolescence was 52.9%. Using the higher threshold of AHI ≥5 events per h, remission was 100.0%, with 50.0% partially remitting to AHI 2– <5 events per h and the other half remitting to AHI <2 events per h. The incidence of adolescent AHI ≥2 events per h in those with childhood AHI <2 events per h was 36.5%, while the incidence of AHI ≥5 events per h in those with childhood AHI <5 events per h was 10.6%. This longitudinal study confirms that prepubertal OSA tends to resolve naturally during the transition to adolescence, and that primary snoring and mild sleep disordered breathing (SDB) do not appear to be strongly associated with progression to more severe SDB.

The key risk factors for SDB in adolescence are similar to those found in middle-aged adults (i.e.male sex, older age and obesity). Moreover, consistent with recent studies in adults, this study includes the novel cross-sectional finding that visceral fat is associated with SDB as early as adolescence.
A tetraspanin regulates septate junction formation in Drosophila midgut
Authors: Izumi Yasushi , Motoishi Minako , Furuse Kyoko , Furuse Mikio
Published: February 2016

Septate junctions (SJs) are membrane specializations that restrict the free diffusion of solutes through the paracellular pathway in invertebrate epithelia. In arthropods, two morphologically different types of septate junctions are observed; pleated (pSJs) and smooth (sSJs), which are present in ectodermally and endodermally derived epithelia, respectively. Recent identification of sSJ-specific proteins, Mesh and Ssk, in Drosophila indicates that the molecular compositions of sSJs and pSJs differ. A deficiency screen based on immunolocalization of Mesh identified a tetraspanin family protein, Tsp2A, as a newly discovered protein involved in sSJ formation in Drosophila. Tsp2A specifically localizes at sSJs in the midgut and Malpighian tubules. Compromised Tsp2A expression caused by RNAi or the CRISPR/Cas9 system was associated with defects in the ultrastructure of sSJs, changed localization of other sSJ proteins, and impaired barrier function of the midgut. In most Tsp2A mutant cells, Mesh failed to localize to sSJs and was distributed through the cytoplasm. Tsp2A forms a complex with Mesh and Ssk and these proteins are mutually interdependent for their localization. These observations suggest that Tsp2A cooperates with Mesh and Ssk to organize sSJs.
Problems of Definition and Use of Tolerance at Risk Management
Authors: Габриелов  , Gabrielov A. , Бархатов  , Barkhatov Vladimir , Удовин  , Udovin I.
Published: February 2016

Risk tolerance is a widely used concept which, however, has no unambiguous

definition. In this paper are considered key distinctions in "risk tolerance"

term understanding in the context of a company’s risk management

system. The authors have allocated factors influencing tolerance level, and

have analyzed main approaches to this tolerance definition. A review of

actual practice for risk tolerance use in Russian and foreign companies is

presented in this paper. At conclusion the authors have defined problems

related to tolerance use in projects’ and organizations’ risk management

system, and also have formulated further research directions in this area.
A Preliminary Report of Advisor Perceptions of Advising and of a Profession
Authors: Aiken-Wisniewski Sharon A. , Johnson Anna , Larson Joshua , Barkemeyer Jason
Published: February 2016

Practicing advisors may not agree, know, or understand that advising does not meet the scholarly definition of a profession. Through a phenomenological study, members of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising were invited to describe the position of academic advisor. The data gathered were used to address two research questions: “How do advisors describe the occupation of advising?” and “How do advisors describe a profession?” Answers to these questions provided a foundation to understand advisors' views of advising as an occupation, definition of their own career, and understanding of a profession as it relates to advising.
Intercultural Communication Competence: Advising International Students in a Texas Community College
Authors: Zhang Yi (Leaf)
Published: February 2016

Academic advising has long been considered a critical factor to student success. With a qualitative, phenomenological research design, this study was undertaken to better understand the lived experiences of academic advisors in communicating with international students in a community college context. Intercultural communication competence was used as a multidimensional construct to guide data collection and analysis used to assess the cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions of academic advisors' experiences with international students. The findings of the study provide important information on academic advisors' knowledge, attitudes, motivation, and skills in communicating with international students and offer implications for practice, policy, and future research.
Open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of fractures of the lateral humeral condyle with an early delayed presentation in children
Authors: Liu T. J. , Wang E. B. , Dai Q. , Zhang L. J. , Li Q. W. , Zhao Q.
Published: February 2016

Aims

The treatment of late presenting fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children remains controversial.

Methods

We report on the outcome for 16 children who presented with a fracture of the lateral humeral epicondyle at a mean of 7.4 weeks (3 to 15.6) after injury and were treated surgically.

Results

The mean follow-up was four years (1.1 to 8.9), at which time the mean age of the patients was 8.7 years (3.2 to 17.8). The mean Dhillon functional score improved from 3.3 to 5.6 and the mean overall scores improved from 5.6 to 8.5. A total of seven patients had a fishtail deformity and eight had partial lateral epiphyseal closure. None had avascular necrosis. MRI showed an abnormal cartilage signal, incongruence of the joint surface and partial premature closure of the lateral physis in four patients.

Discussion

Neither age at the time of injury, the time interval between injury and operation, nor the pre-operative function were correlated with the incidence of complications. These results support the use of internal fixation for children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Take home message: Open reduction and internal fixation yielded a satisfactory outcome within 16 weeks in children with a lateral humeral epicondylar fracture with a delayed presentation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:244–8.
Prediction of survival after surgery due to skeletal metastases in the extremities
Authors: Sørensen M. S. , Gerds T. A. , Hindsø K. , Petersen M. M.
Published: February 2016

Aims

The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model for predicting survival of patients undergoing surgery owing to metastatic bone disease (MBD) in the appendicular skeleton.

Methods

We included a historical cohort of 130 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 30 to 85; 76 females/54 males) who underwent joint arthroplasty surgery (140 procedures) owing to MBD in the appendicular skeleton during the period between January 2003 and December 2008. Primary cancer, pre-operative haemoglobin, fracture versus impending fracture, Karnofsky score, visceral metastases, multiple bony metastases and American Society of Anaesthesiologist’s score were included into a series of logistic regression models. The outcome was the survival status at three, six and 12 months respectively. Results were internally validated based on 1000 cross-validations and reported as time-dependent area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) for predictions of outcome.

Results

The predictive scores obtained showed AUC values of 79.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 65.6 to 89.6), 80.9% (95% CI 70.3 to 90.84) and 85.1% (95% CI 73.5 to 93.9) at three, six and 12 months.

Discussion

In conclusion, we have presented and internally validated a model for predicting survival after surgery owing to MBD in the appendicular skeleton. The model is the first, to our knowledge, built solely on material from patients who only had surgery in the appendicular skeleton. Take home message: Applying this prognostic model will help determine whether the patients’ anticipated survival makes it reasonable to subject them to extensive reconstructive surgery for which there may be an extended period of rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:271–7.
International metal-on-metal multidisciplinary teams
Authors: Berber R. , Skinner J. , Board T. , Kendoff D. , Eskelinen A. , Kwon Y-M. , Padgett D. E. , Hart A.
Published: February 2016

Aims

There are many guidelines that help direct the management of patients with metal-on-metal (MOM) hip arthroplasties. We have undertaken a study to compare the management of patients with MOM hip arthroplasties in different countries.

Methods

Six international tertiary referral orthopaedic centres were invited to participate by organising a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting, consisting of two or more revision hip arthroplasty surgeons and a musculoskeletal radiologist. A full clinical dataset including history, blood tests and imaging for ten patients was sent to each unit, for discussion and treatment planning. Differences in the interpretation of findings, management decisions and rationale for decisions were compared using quantitative and qualitative methods.

Results

Overall agreement between the orthopaedic centres and the recommended treatment plans for the ten patients with MOM hip implants was moderate (kappa = 0.6). Full agreement was seen in a third of cases, however split decisions were also seen in a third of cases. Units differed in their interpretation of the significance of the investigation findings and put varying emphasis on serial changes, in the presence of symptoms.

Discussion

In conclusion, the management of raised or rising blood metal ions, cystic pseudotumours and peri-acetabular osteolysis led to inconsistency in the agreement between centres. Coordinated international guidance and MDT panel discussions are recommended to improve consensus in decision making. Take home message: A lack of evidence and the subsequent variation in regulator guidance leads to differences in opinions, the clinical impact of which can be reduced through a multi-disciplinary team approach to managing patients with MOM hip implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:179–86.
Moose damage in National Forest Inventories (1986–2008) in Finland
Authors: Nevalainen Seppo , Matala Juho , Korhonen Kari , Ihalainen Antti , Nikula Ari
Published: February 2016

The occurrence of moose damage was studied using data from three National Forest Inventories (NFIs) accomplished between 1986 and 2008 in Finland. The combined data included a total of 97â390 young stands. The proportion of moose damage increased from 3.6% to 8.6% between the 8th NFI (1986â1994) and the 10th NFI (2004â2008). The majority (75%) of the damage occurred in Scots pine-dominated stands. The proportion of damage was higher in aspen-dominated stands than in stands dominated by any other tree species. The tree species mixture also had a clear effect on the occurrence of damage. Pure Scots pine stands had less damage than mixed Scots pine stands, and moose damage decreased linearly with the increasing proportion of Scots pine. Stands on mineral soil had more frequent moose damage than stands on peatlands. The fertility class of the site had no straightforward effect on the damage frequency. Artificially regenerated stands had more damage than naturally regenerated stands. Accomplished soil preparation measures and the need for thinning or clearing operations increased moose damage. High proportions of moose damage in young stands were found around the country. In the 10th NFI, the largest concentration of damage was found in southwestern Finland. Our study shows the temporal and spatial changes in the occurrence of moose damage and pinpoints some important silvicultural factors affecting the relative risk of young stands over a large geographical area.
Psychoacoustic Foundations of Contextual Harmonic Stability in Jazz Piano Voicings
Authors: McGowan James
Published: February 2016

While many written sources on tonal jazz harmony are implicitly aware of the fundamental differences between "stable" and "unstable" chords, little significant work has examined an improvising jazz pianist's harmonic options in terms of stability, or "consonance." For this article the author focuses on the vertical dimensions of this issue, providing a "harmonic dialects" model that accounts for variants in chordal membership of stable sonorities, and an outline of psychoacoustic phenomena that affect how various piano voicings are interpreted as stable or unstable in different contexts.
In Memoriam Steven Strunk (1943-2012)
Authors: Martin Henry
Published: February 2016

Editor Henry Martin remembers jazz music theory scholar, pianist, composer, friend, and former Journal of Jazz Studies editorial board member, Steven Strunk, who passed on February 20, 2012.
Terry Teachout's Pops
Authors: Cogswell Michael
Published: February 2016

Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum, Michael Cogswell reviews Terry Teachout's 2009 biography of Louis Armstrong, Pops.
Pops Prevails
Authors: Berger Ed
Published: February 2016

Journal of Jazz Studies Editor, Ed Berger, reviews Ricky Riccardi's 2011 biography of Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World: The Magic of Louis Armstrong's Later Years.
Alice and Bix
Authors: Haim Albert , Barry Chris
Published: February 2016

Just weeks before his death in the summer of 1931, Leon “Bix” Beiderbecke wrote to his parents that he was planning to marry a young lady named Alice O’Connell, mother’s maiden name Weiss. For years, aficionados and historians searched for her, hoping to learn more about Bix from one of the last people to know him.  But they met with failure.  Bix had the names of Alice’s father and mother reversed. We have identified the young woman as Alice Weiss, who, in 1931 was married to bassist Rex Gavitte and was listed in the 1930 U.S. Census as Alice Gavitte, head of the household, living in Astoria, Long Island, New York with her younger sister Veronica. With the help of members of the Weiss family and through research in public documents, we have been able to construct a fairly detailed biographical sketch for Alice. Alice kept Bix’s piano from the time he died in August 1931 until she died in 1982. We have traced Bix’s piano to its current owner and purchased it. It is currently on permanent loan to the Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archives in Davenport, Iowa.
Portrait of Cannonball: Cary Ginell's Walk Tall
Authors: Mallory Dustin
Published: February 2016

Review of Cary Ginell's Walk Tall: The Music and Life of Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.
Lonesome Roads and Streets of Dreams
Authors: Daniels Douglas Henry
Published: February 2016

Review of Lonesome Roads and Streets of Dreams: Place, Mobility, and Race in Jazz of the 1930s and '40s.
Giving Discographers Their Due
Authors: Berger Ed
Published: February 2016

A review of Bruce D. Epperson's More Important Than the Music: A History of Jazz Discography.
Umiędzynarodowienie badań naukowych – polska kadra akademicka z perspektywy europejskiej
Authors: Kwiek Marek
Published: February 2016

Prezentowany tekst analizuje umiędzynarodowienie polskiej kadry akademickiej z europejskiej perspektywy porównawczej i ilościowej, na podstawie rozległego materiału empirycznego, który obejmuje dane pierwotne pochodzące z dużej próby przedstawicieli kadry akademickiej 11 krajów Europy (Austrii, Finlandii, Niemiec, Irlandii, Włoch, Holandii, Norwegii, Polski, Portugalii, Szwajcarii i Wielkiej Brytanii). Nasze badania pokazują, że polska wspólnota akademicka jest dziś dość dobrze umiędzynarodowiona w obszarze dydaktyki i nieco gorzej w obszarze badań naukowych i publikacji. W tym drugim przypadku chodzi o grupę publikującą, której udział w całej kadrze jest niestety najmniejszy w 11 badanych krajach. Nie ma również istotnych różnic między Polską a porównywanymi krajami europejskimi w dziedzinie tych przekonań akademickich i (większości) działań akademickich, które bezpośrednio wiążą się z umiędzynarodowieniem. Polski system szkolnictwa wyższego jest mniej umiędzynarodowiony jedynie w kilku parametrach powiązanych z badaniami naukowymi i publikacjami, a same różnice nie są tak duże, jak można by przypuszczać. Polskie wzorce publikowania zagranicznego odpowiadają wzorcom europejskim – naukowcy z „twardych” obszarów nauki są bardziej umiędzynarodowieni niż ich koledzy z obszarów „miękkich” pod względem wszystkich najważniejszych parametrów związanych z publikowaniem i wzorzec ten nie różni się niczym od wzorców występujących w badanych krajach. Nasze badania pokazują też, że produktywność badawcza polskich naukowców (zgodnie z europejskimi wzorcami) jest silnie skorelowana z międzynarodową współpracą badawczą: średni wskaźnik produktywności badawczej dla polskich naukowców włączonych do współpracy międzynarodowej („umiędzynarodowionych”) jest wyższy niż ten sam wskaźnik dla naukowców nieprowadzących współpracy zagranicznej („lokalnych”) we wszystkich dziedzinach nauki (o 60-140%). Polscy naukowcy są średnio mniej umiędzynarodowieni pod względem badań niż wynosi średnia europejska, jednak wskaźnik produktywności badawczej polskich „umiędzynarodowionych” jest średnio dużo wyższy niż wskaźnik produktywności badawczej polskich „lokalnych”.
Uwarunkowania nierówności horyzontalnych w dostępie do szkolnictwa wyższego w Polsce
Authors: Czarnecki Krzysztof
Published: February 2016

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań nad statusem społeczno-ekonomicznym studentów kilku polskich uczelni różniących się pod względem prestiżu. Starano się w nim odpowiedzieć na pytanie: Co sprawia, że dana osoba wybiera studia na tej, a nie innej uczelni wyższej? Pytanie to ma szczególną wagę w kontekście polskiego systemu szkolnictwa wyższego, co do którego uzasadnione wydają się założenia o zróżnicowaniu jakościowym uczelni oraz wynikającym m.in. z umasowienia kształcenia na tym szczeblu zróżnicowaniu społecznym osób podejmujących studia na poszczególnych uczelniach. Dorobek badań nad nierównościami szans edukacyjnych wyraźnie sugeruje, że studenci uczelni o różnym poziomie prestiżu istotnie różnią się pod względem statusu społeczno-ekonomicznego. Potwierdzenie tej hipotezy w zgromadzonych danych pozwoliło na weryfikację kolejnej: można mówić o istnieniu horyzontalnych nierówności w dostępie do szkolnictwa wyższego w Polsce, czyli sytuacji, w której część osób podejmuje studia na uczelniach o niższym prestiżu z powodów innych niż przygotowanie szkolne (spełnianie kryteriów kwalifikacji). Interesujące przy tym jest nie tyle samo odnotowanie tego zjawiska, ile rozpoznanie jego zakresu oraz wywołujących go czynników, a także ich relatywnej siły. Mające temu służyć badanie ankietowe przeprowadzono w drugim kwartale 2015 r. na populacji polskich studentów I i II roku studiów I stopnia w dziedzinie nauk ekonomicznych na uczelniach publicznych i niepublicznych w Polsce.
15. Comparison of the Effect of a Standard Inclusion Level of Inorganic Zinc to Organic Form at Lowered Level on Bone Development in Growing Male Ross Broiler Chickens
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr , Kwiecień Małgorzata , Wawrzyniak Agata , Burmańczuk Natalia
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a standard inclusion level of inorganic zinc to organic form at lowered level on the bone development in growing male Ross 308 chickens, assessed on the basis of mechanical, geometric, and histomorphometric parameters of limb bone, and bone zinc content, as well as hormones of somatotropic axis. A total of 80 one-day-old male Ross broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 40 chickens each. The control group was fed with a corn-soybean meal basal diet providing the recommended zinc amount (100 mg×kg-1) from zinc oxide, and the experimental group was supplemented with glycinate chelate providing 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for Ross 308 broiler chicks. The mechanical and histomorphometric parameters and geometry of tibia were determined as well as the serum concentration of growth hormone, IGF-1, osteocalcin and leptin. The serum concentration of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Fe, P and zinc bone content were determined. The results showed that birds fed with the diet supplemented with organic zinc in the amount of 25% of the recommended amount did not exhibit weight and general growth disorders and had an unchanged concentration of growth hormone, leptin, and IGF-1. The serum concentration of Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, Fe, P did not differ between groups. The contents of zinc detected in bones in the controls and the group supplemented with the organic source did not differ as well. Although tibial mechanics and geometry remained unchanged, histomorphometry revealed a disproportionately large osteoporotic bone. The changes in tibial trabecular bone as a result of the diet supplemented with glycinate chelate only in 25% of the total requirement of the microelement recommended for Ross 308 broiler chicks seems to be insufficient for tibia development.
Food-Borne Pathogens and Contaminants in Raw Milk – A Review
Authors: Zastempowska Ewa , Grajewski Jan , Twarużek Magdalena
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present review is to highlight the threats to human health posed by consumption of milk and dairy products. The interest in drinking raw milk has been growing in some societies as many people believe it has health benefits. Raw milk is promoted as ‘health food’ despite the fact that it poses a realistic microbiological hazard for the consumers’ health or life. Food-borne disease outbreaks associated with Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli, Brucella melitensis, Mycobacterium bovis and tick-borne encephalitis virus have been traced to the consumption of raw milk, however, many other microorganisms that can be present in milk are considered as potential food-borne pathogens to humans. The other common causative agents in food-borne disease outbreaks are bacterial toxins produced by Bacillus, Clostridium and Staphylococcus spp. Some of the milk pathogens harbour antimicrobial resistant genes, which can be transferred to commensal bacteria. Most dangerous are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended spectrum beta lactamase/AmpC gene-carrying bacteria from the family of Enterobacteriaceae, which might negatively affect the treatment of infections in humans. Fungi are not considered as food-borne pathogens for humans, however their secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, constitute a potential threat to public health. Mycotoxins or their metabolites detected so far in milk samples include aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and its metabolites, fumonisins, de-epoxy-deoxynivalenol and cyclopiazonic acid.
Association of Gene Coding for Microsomal Triglyceride Transfer Protein (MTP) and Meat Texture Characteristic in Pig
Authors: Ropka-Molik Katarzyna , Podstawski Przemysław , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Tyra Mirosław
Published: February 2016

The microsomal triglyceride transfer protein via participation in transport of neutral lipids between membrane vesicle is essential for assembly of chylomicrons, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). In human and pigs, it has been confirmed that mutations within MTTP locus affected lipid-transfer activity of this protein. The aim of the present study was to establish potential influences of ENSSSCP00000009789.2:p.Leu840Phe polymorphism on a panel of meat texture parameters measured in two muscles: m. longissimus lumborum and m. semimembranosus. The research performed on 410 pigs showed that investigated missense polymorphism was associated with meat texture profile parameters – TPA (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, resilience, chewiness) as well as firmness and toughness estimated in loin muscle. In whole analyzed population, the meat of pigs with CC genotype was characterized by significantly the lowest value of TPA characteristic and this trend was also confirmed in two breeds (Puławska and Large White pigs). In turn, the results obtained for firmness and toughness parameters in longissimus lumborum were not consistent across the different populations studied. Our research, in connection with previous studies, indicated that the MTTP gene may be considered as a candidate gene responsible for pork quality traits and pinpointed a need for further analysis in order to select useful genetic markers associated with meat quality parameters.
Measuring Innovation in Mountain Destinations
Authors: Lencsésová Zuzana
Published: February 2016

Innovation is an important tool for increasing the competitiveness of businesses or tourism destinations. In the mountain destinations the innovation has to be implemented in accordance to the principles of sustainable development. It is therefore necessary to measure the innovation rate and to explain the influence of various innovations groups on the development of mountain destinations.

The aim of the paper is to explore the structure of innovations in the Slovak and Swiss mountain destinations and to find out their innovation rate. In the context of measuring the innovations, two fundamental approaches are explained. The innovations implemented in 34 Slovak and 29 Swiss mountain destinations in 2013 are analysed on the basis of the information published in annual reports, which were complemented by the interviews with the managers of mountain destinations. The identified innovations are classified into innovations groups and ranked. The innovation rate in the defined innovations groups and the comprehensive innovation rate for all mountain destinations are detected. The article also explains the connection between the innovation rate and the destination life cycle phase.
Calculation of available water supply in crop root zone and the water balance of crops
Authors: Haberle Jan , Svoboda Pavel
Published: February 2016

Determination of the water supply available in soils for crops is important for both the calculation of water balance and the prediction of water stress. An approach to calculations of available water content in layers of the root zone, depletion of water during growth, and water balance, with limited access to data on farms, is presented. Soil water retention was calculated with simple pedotransfer functions from the texture of soil layers, root depth, and depletion function were derived from observed data; and the potential evapotranspiration was calculated from the temperature. A comparison of the calculated and experimental soil water contents showed a reasonable fit.
Relationship between tree bark surface temperature and selected meteorological elements
Authors: Středa Tomáš , Litschmann Tomáš , Středová Hana
Published: February 2016

The results were obtained by measurements in 2014 and 2015 in an apple orchard in Starý Lískovec and Těšetice (South Moravia, Czech Republic, Central Europe) into fertile planting of apple trees. The results show that the bark surface temperature during the year slightly differs from the surrounding air temperature. In addition, it is in average a few tenths of a °C higher in the period before the onset of the vegetation and several tenths of a degree lower during vegetation. Causes of these differences appear to be associated with the flow of sap as well as with foliage. Although it can be reasonably assumed that the temperature of the bark surface on the south side will be significantly affected by the global radiation, our measurements did not demonstrate this dependency. It appears that the wind speed had significantly larger influence on the temperature differences in the non-vegetation period as at speeds over 3.5 m s−1, the drop of temperature is so significant that the bark surface is colder than the surrounding air. Comparison of the development of sums of daily and hourly effective temperatures above 10 °C has shown that where daily values do not show significant differences, hourly values differed so prominently that the calculated date of emergence of adult codling moth in the bark surface was approximately one week earlier than with the use of data for air temperatures.
Modes and Noise Propagation in Phase Space
Authors: Ben-Benjamin J. S. , Cohen L.
Published: February 2016

We show that phase space methods developed for quantum mechanics, such as the Wigner distribution, can be effectively used to study the evolution of nonstationary noise in dispersive media. We formulate the issue in terms of modes and show how modes evolve and how they are effected by sources.We show that each mode satisfies a Schrödinger type equation where the “Hamiltonian” may not be Hermitian. The Hamiltonian operator corresponds to dispersion relationwhere thewavenumber is replaced by the wavenumber operator. A complex dispersion relation corresponds to a non Hermitian operator and indicates that we have attenuation. A number of examples are given.
The analytical design method of railway route’s
main directions intersection area
Authors: Koc Wladysław
Published: February 2016

The paper presents a design method related to
railway track sections situated in a bend. In the method
advantage is taken of an analytical form of description by
using appropriate mathematical formulae. This may becomeparticularly
usefulwhen the investigations are based
on the data obtained from mobile satellite measurements.
In the paper attention is concentrated on an universal approach
creating an opportunity to diversify the type and
length of the transition curves in use. The design procedure
of the geometric lay-out is allocated to a particular local
system of coordinates to be followed by a special transfer
of the obtained solution to the national frame of space
references 2000. The adopted course of procedure together
with adequate theoretical relations has been provided. All
the study has been illustrated with calculation examples
based on data obtained from the railway line in operation.
Study of anti-cancer properties of green silver nanoparticles against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Rajawat Shweta , Kurchania Rajnish , Rajukumar Katherukamen , Pitale Shreyas , Saha Sonali , Qureshi M.S.
Published: February 2016

In the present work, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using an easy, simple, and environment-friendly method based on principles of green chemistry in the absence of a sophisticated laboratory, and their anti-cancer properties were studied. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using electrolytic deposition. As-synthesized nanoparticles were capped using black tea leaf extract. MTT assay was used to investigate anti-cancer activity. X-ray diffraction graphs show highly pure as-synthesized silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images show well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles, with an average size of 9 and 15 nm, corresponding to different values of parameters used in the synthesis. For the MCF-7 cancer cell lines, 100% growth inhibition is obtained. The 50% growth inhibition concentration values against MCF-7 cancer cell lines were obtained at 70- and 30-fold dilutions of colloidal silver of almost the same concentration, 178 μg/ml, for both configurations. Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized, and their morphology can be tuned using the electrolytic deposition method with black tea leaf extract as capping agent. Silver nanoparticles with an average size of 9 nm are more effective those with an average size of 15 nm. The synthesis method is faster, cheaper, and environment friendly and renders a treatment option that can have high accessibility, reduced harmful side effects, and increased economic benefits.
Simulation of CO2 enrichment and climate change impacts on soybean production
Authors: Fu Tongcheng , Ha Bokeun , Ko Jonghan
Published: February 2016

The potential doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration and associated changes in temperature and precipitation are crucial issues for agricultural productivity. The CROPGRO-Soybean model in decision support system for agro-technology transfer v4.5 to simulate soybean (Glycine max cv. Pioneer 93B15) grown in an elevated CO2 environment was calibrated and validated. Crop growth and yield data were obtained from a series of experiments conducted in central Illinois at the soybean free air CO2 enrichment facility from 2002 to 2006. The model was applied to simulate the possible impacts of climate change on soybean yield in the region for the future years of 2080-2100, centred on 2090. The model reproduced the measured soybean growth and yield well under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions. For the period from 2081 to 2100, soybean yield was projected to decrease due to elevated temperature but to increase due to elevated precipitation and CO2 concentration, achieving counterbalance. The adverse impacts of the warming conditions on soybean yield can be mitigated by late planting within an optimum planting range (day of year 145 to 152) as a management option, as well as by controlling genetic responses to thermal days in the reproductive stage.
Impact of temperature on the biological properties of soil
Authors: Borowik Agata , Wyszkowska Jadwiga
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the response of soil microorganisms and enzymes to the temperature of soil. The effect of the temperatures: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C on the biological properties of soil was investigated under laboratory conditions. The study was performed using four different soils differing in their granulometric composition. It was found that 15°C was the optimal temperature for the development of microorganisms in soil. Typically, in the soil, the highest activity of dehydrogenases was observed at 10-15°C, catalase and acid phosphatase – at 15°C, alkaline phosphatase at 20°C, urease and β-glucosidase at 25°C. The highest colony development index for heterotrophic bacteria was recorded in soils incubated at 25°C, while for actinomycetes and fungi at 15°C. The incubation temperature of soil only slightly changed the ecophysiological variety of the investigated groups of microorganisms. Therefore, the observed climate changes might have a limited impact on the soil microbiological activity, because of the high ability of microorganisms to adopt. The response of soil microorganisms and enzymes was more dependent on the soil granulometric composition, organic carbon, and total nitrogen than on its temperature.
Irrigation and fertigation scheduling under drip irrigation for maize crop in sandy soil
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud M. , El-Baroudy Ahmed A. , Taha Ahmed M.
Published: February 2016

Field experiments was conducted to determine the best irrigation scheduling and the proper period for injecting fertilizers through drip irrigation water in a sandy soil to optimize maize yield and water productivity. Four irrigation levels (0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2) of the crop evapotranspiration and two fertigation periods (applying the recommended fertilizer dose in 60 and 80% of the irrigation time) were applied in a split-plot design, in addition to a control treatment which represented conventional irrigation and fertilization of maize in the studied area. The results showed that increasing the irrigation water amount and the fertilizer application period increased vegetative growth and yield. The highest grain yield and the lowest one were obtained under the treatment at 1.2 and of 0.6 crop evapotranspiration, respectively. The treatment at 0.8 crop evapotranspiration with fertilizer application in 80% of the irrigation time gave the highest water productivity (1.631 kg m−3) and saved 27% of the irrigation water compared to the control treatment. Therefore, this treatment is recommended to irrigate maize crops because of the water scarcity conditions of the studied area.
Statistical modelling of agrometeorological time series by exponential smoothing
Authors: Murat Małgorzata , Malinowska Iwona , Hoffmann Holger , Baranowski Piotr
Published: February 2016

Meteorological time series are used in modelling agrophysical processes of the soil-plant-atmosphere system which determine plant growth and yield. Additionally, long-term meteorological series are used in climate change scenarios. Such studies often require forecasting or projection of meteorological variables, eg the projection of occurrence of the extreme events. The aim of the article was to determine the most suitable exponential smoothing models to generate forecast using data on air temperature, wind speed, and precipitation time series in Jokioinen (Finland), Dikopshof (Germany), Lleida (Spain), and Lublin (Poland). These series exhibit regular additive seasonality or non-seasonality without any trend, which is confirmed by their autocorrelation functions and partial autocorrelation functions. The most suitable models were indicated by the smallest mean absolute error and the smallest root mean squared error.
Partially Anticipated Monetary Policy Shocks – Are They Stabilizing or Destabilizing?
Authors: Offick Sven , Wohltmann Hans-Werner
Published: February 2016

This paper uses a dynamic framework of a small open economy to study the volatility effects of partially anticipated monetary policy shocks in which the public has imperfect information about the size and/or the timing of the future expansionary policy intervention. Our two main results are as follows: (i) Partially anticipated monetary policy shocks may be stabilizing, i. e. lead to a lower volatility than a fully anticipated monetary policy shock of the same form. (ii) However, we typically obtain a trade off in volatilities such that a simultaneous stabilization of inflation and output is not possible. If the public underestimates (overestimates) the size of the shock, output (inflation) may be stabilized. Our results imply that the central bank may have an incentive to withhold information from the public about the true central bank’s intention.
Spinal and Shoulder Girdle Range of Motion in Elite Female Volleyball Athletes
Authors: Hawrylak Arletta , Wojna Dorota , Chromik Krystyna
Published: February 2016

Introduction.
Doing asymmetric sports when one suffers from body asymmetry may cause body posture disorders. The aim of the study was to assess the spinal and shoulder complex mobility of professionally trained volleyball athletes compared to that of their peers who do not practise any sports.

Material and methods.
The study involved 60 participants divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 30 girls aged 14 years. The average height in the group was 176.37 ± 6.29 cm, and the average body mass was 64.53 ± 7.12 kg. Group 2 consisted of 30 girls aged 15.6 ± 1.12 years who did not practise any sports. The average body height in this group was 159.37 ± 3.33 cm, and the average body mass was 51.83 ± 4.03 kg. The dominant limb was defined on the basis of lateralization. The spinal range of motion was measured by means of a Saunders digital inclinometer, and the shoulder complex range of motion was examined using the goniometric method. Means and standard deviations were calculated, and Student’s t-test was applied in order to determine the differences between the two groups.

Results.
The differences in the values obtained in the two groups for the spinal range of motion in the sagittal plane were statistically significant only for the range of lumbar spine bending and extension. It was found that group 1 had a higher range of spine mobility in the frontal and transverse planes, and the differences were statistically significant in all the assessed ranges towards the dominant limb. An analysis of the shoulder girdle range of motion in the groups revealed that the differences were also statistically significant in all of the examined ranges.

Conclusion.
Professional volleyball practice can cause an increase in spine flexibility in most of its ranges, and the shoulder girdle range of motion in female volleyball players can exceed population norms, especially for the upper dominant limb.
Biomechanical Assessment of the Strength of Volleyball Players in Different Stages of the Training Macrocycle
Authors: Śliwa Marcin , Sacewicz Tomasz
Published: February 2016

Introduction.
In order to help volleyball players achieve superior results, their coaches are constantly seeking new training methods. One of the methods used to improve the effectiveness of the training that is being implemented is conducting tests which make it possible to assess the player’s locomotor system in terms of its motor and biomechanical functions. The aim of the study was to determine the torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles of volleyball players in three stages of the annual macrocycle.

Material and methods.
The study involved 14 volleyball players. Torque was assessed using the BIODEX System 4 Pro at the angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, in three periods of the annual training macrocycle.

Results.
After the preparatory training period, there was a statistically significant increase in the torque of the flexor and extensor muscles of the lower limbs, both for the lower velocity (p ≤ 0.02 for the right limb and p ≤ 0.024 for the left limb) and the higher one (p ≤ 0.03 for the right limb and p ≤ 0.034 for the left limb). After the preliminary round, statistically insignificant changes were found for the torque values obtained at both velocities.

Conclusions.
The study showed that frequent monitoring of players can help assess their strength capacity in a more reliable way. The results of such measurements carried out in different periods of the volleyball season can help evaluate the players’ strength at a given moment, verify and modify the training methods which are being used, and approach each player individually.