bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol misuse and gateway theory: a longitudinal study among adolescents in Switzerland
Authors: Barrense-Dias Yara , Berchtold André , Akre Christina , Surís Joan-Carles
Published: April 2016

Objective:

Adolescence is a transitory and exploratory stage during which risky behaviors such as substance use take place. This study aims to assess the characteristics and predictive risk factors of alcohol misuse among adolescents.

Methods:

A sample of 621 youths was followed from ages 14 to 16 years in Switzerland between spring 2012 (T0) and spring 2014 (T1). Participants were divided into two groups according to their alcohol misuse evolution: those who increased it (Misusers) and those who decreased or never experimented it (Non-misusers). The final sample consisted of 574 adolescents. At T0, participants reported demographic data, substance use data and emotional well-being. A multivariate regression was performed to assess the explanatory variables of alcohol misuse at T1 using Non-misusers as the reference category.

Results:

Alcohol misuse in the previous month increased dramatically from 2.4% (T0) to 29.2% (T1). At the bivariate level, alcohol misuse was associated with residence, use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Compared to Non-misusers, Misusers were significantly more likely to live in a rural area (aOR: 1.75 [1.1:2.8]), use cannabis (aOR: 3.2 [1.0:9.8]) and have consumed alcohol (aOR: 2.65 [1.6:4.3]) at T0.

Conclusion:

Alcohol misuse increases dramatically with age. However, the only demographic difference between groups was that young adolescents living in rural areas were more likely to misuse alcohol. Moreover, having consumed alcohol without drunkenness and using cannabis at age 14 years predicted alcohol misuse at age 16 years. This finding is in line with the reverse gateway theory, where cannabis use precedes the use of legal substances.
Effects of Network Capabilities on Firm Performance across Cultures
Authors: Papastamatelou Julie , Busch Rainer , Ötken Begüm , Okan Elif Y. , Gassemi Karim
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study is to identify key factors related to network capabilities that enhance the performance of Chinese, Turkish and German firms. Chinese (n = 107), Turkish (n = 129) and German (n = 109) MBA-students completed a questionnaire, based on an earlier version developed by Kenny [2009], which included questions on the respective firm, its performance and network capabilities. The predictors of firm performance varied by country: in China “information sharing” and “trust” were important, in Turkey “network coordination” and in Germany “human capital resources.” In addition, each country had its own specific drivers of firm performance. The findings of this paper should enhance understanding of the cross-cultural differences and assist managers when planning to join foreign corporations.
Cardiac Troponin I Is Increased in Patients with Polytrauma and Chest or Head Trauma. Results of A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Buonocore Ruggero , Mitaritonno Michele , Cervellin Gianfranco
Published: April 2016

Background: We performed a retrospective case-control study to assess the values of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in a large number of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with different types of trauma.

Methods: The study population consisted of all patients aged 18 years or older admitted to the local ED with all types of traumas over a 1-year period. Results of cTnI were compared with those of 125 consecutive blood donors and 25 non-cardiac chest pain ED patients.

Results: The final study population consisted of 380 trauma patients, 10 with isolated abdominal trauma, 99 with isolated trauma of the limbs, 49 with isolated chest trauma, 145 with isolated head trauma and 77 with polytrauma. The concentration of cTnI did not differ among the three study populations, but the frequency of measurable values was substantially higher in patients with trauma (63%) than in blood donors and non-cardiac chest pain ED patients (both 20%). The frequency of cTnI values above the 99th percentile of the reference range was significantly higher in trauma patients (20%) than in blood donors (0%) and noncardiac chest pain ED patients (8%). Increased cTnI values were more frequent after head trauma (21%), chest trauma (27%) and polytrauma (29%) compared to patients with abdominal (0%) or limbs trauma (8%).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the measurement of cardiac troponin may be advisable to identify potential cardiac involvement in trauma patients, especially in those with polytrauma and head or chest trauma.
Protective Role of Maternal P.VAL158MET Catechol-O-methyltransferase Polymorphism against Early-Onset Preeclampsia and its Complications
Authors: Krnjeta Tijana , Mirković Ljiljana , Ignjatović Svetlana , Tomašević Dragana , Lukić Jelena , Topalov Drina , Soldatović Ivan , Majkić-Singh Nada
Published: April 2016

Background: Up until now there have been contradictory data about the association between p.Val158Met catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism and risk of preeclampsia (PE). The goal of this study was to assess the potential correlation between p.Val158Met COMT polymorphism and risk of early-onset PE, risk of a severe form of early-onset PE, as well as risk of small-for-gestationalage (SGA) complicating PE.

Methods: The study included 47 early-onset PE patients and 47 control cases. Forty-seven early-onset PE patients were grouped by disease severity (33 patients with a severe form and 14 patients without severe features) and secondly by size for gestational age (12 patients with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and 35 patients with SGA size). p.Val158Met polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP analysis.

Results: Allele analysis showed significant difference in COMT allele distribution between early-onset PE and control group as well as early-onset PE SGA and controls (p=0.04057 and p=0.0411 respectively). A statistically significant distribution difference between the severe form and form without severe features of early-onset PE patients was not observed (p>0.05). The highest difference observed was in the allele recessive model where COMT MetMet genotype was associated with decreased risk of early-onset PE (OR=0.281; 95%CI=0.092-0.7836) and PE complications including severe early-onset PE (OR= 0.304; 95%CI=0.086-0.944) and SGA early-onset PE (OR=0.284; 95%CI=0.081-0.874).

Conclusions: COMT may be used as a candidate gene for early-onset PE and its severe form and SGA complications.
On the Clausewitzian Challenge in Eastern Europe
Authors: Bivainis Andrius
Published: April 2016

This article evaluates contemporary growing tensions to geopolitical changes in Eastern Europe. The current Eastern European geopolitical situation is labelled as a crisis that has been generated by the Ukrainian conflict for more than one year already. In light of the described crisis, the military option has been discussed as a meaningful political tool. This notion has provoked the necessity to evaluate growing tensions in the region through the lens of a traditional Clausewitzian challenge that should define a solution for effective force tasking aimed at the achievement of firm political goals. More than that, the analysis of this article is based on theoretical notions of neoclassical realism suggesting that foreign policy is dependent on international incentives and on domestic evaluations of political entities.
Turkey’s Security Dilemma on the Border with Syria: Situation Assessment and Perspectives of the Intervention
Authors: Dapkus Simonas
Published: April 2016

Employing the concept of the security dilemma, the article aims to assess the situation on the Turkey-Syria border and discusses perspectives of Turkey’s humanitarian intervention in northern Syria. In the first section of the article an analysis of Turkey’s foreign policy and its implications on Syria’s crisis is provided. The second section deals with arguments for and against the intervention. Later on, international law and military provisions are discussed as well as the possible implications of an intervention. The main thesis of this article is that if Turkey chose to solve its security dilemma by means of a humanitarian intervention, the UN Security Council’s approval would greatly enhance the chances of its success. Otherwise, unilateral intervention could even further diminish the possibility of finding a faster solution to the Syrian crisis and regional peace and stability in general.
Us and European Integration Prior to 1968
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: April 2016

This paper surveys the history of the United States policy towards European integration from 1945 up to 1968 before President Nixon came into office. Drawing on a detailed analysis of the documents mostly obtainable from the official websites of the US Department of State, the US National Archives, and the EU Historical Archives, the paper argues that it was the European geopolitical and economic context after the Second World War and the United States national interests which moulded this country’s pro-European integration policy. Thus, the paper will begin with an analysis of the search for global influence between the United States and the Soviet Union before examining how the United States redefined its core interests in recognition of the Soviet threat. Then, it will explore the role that the United States played in reconstructing Western European economy and defending it physically. Also, it is argued that the United States and Western Europe took concerted action together to create the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), European Economic Community (EEC), and the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), the very first supranational institutions which have made the European integration process irreversible. It will be concluded that the vitality of the European integration project depended on US economic and political capital for its success.
Unravelling the complex nature of the Upper Weichselian till section at Gdynia Babie Doły, northern Poland
Authors: Woźniak Piotr Paweł , Czubla Piotr
Published: April 2016

The complexity of glacial sequences may increase when these formed underneath ice sheets despite subsequent changes in their extent that are accompanied by alterations in the direction of the ice flow. Our aim was to determine whether or not changes in ice sheet dynamics during the Late Weichselian are also recorded in sediments formed north of the area of its fluctuating margin (i.e., where the ice sheet prevailed independent of such fluctuations). It is shown that in these areas such a record could have occurred, as documented by results of till studies at Babie Doły. The examination was carried out using several analyses: lithofacies properties of sediments, petrographic till composition (fine gravel fraction, indicator erratics), till matrix CaCO3 content, till fabric, as well as orientation of striae on the top surfaces of large clasts. In parallel, datings of sub- and supra-till sediments using the TL method were carried out. The basal till at Babie Doły represents almost the entire Upper Weichselian, but it can be divided into subunits whose features indicate different ice flow directions and debris supply. The lower subunit developed as a result of the palaeo-ice stream along the main axis of the Baltic Sea (from the north), expanding to areas adjacent to the depression of the Gulf of Gdańsk. The upper subunit developed when the influence of the palaeo-ice stream in the study area decreased, the main role having been taken over by the ice flowing from the northwest. The till analysed also shows considerable lateral variation, indicative of the mosaic nature of subglacial sedimentation. We consider the diversity of permeability of deposits over which the ice sheet extended to be the prime factor that determined such a situation.
Loess encounters of three kinds: Charles Lyell talks about, reads about, and looks at loess
Authors: Smalley Ian , Kels Holger , Gaudenyi Tivadar , Jovanovic Mladjen
Published: April 2016

Charles Lyell (1797–1875) was an important loess pioneer. His major contribution was to distribute information on the nature and existence of loess via his influential book ‘The Principles of Geology’. He was obviously impressed by loess when he encountered it; the initial encounter can be split into three phases: conversations about loess; confronting the actual material in the field; and reading about loess in the literature. Detail can be added to an important phase in the scientific development of the study of loess. Significant events include conversations with Hibbert in 1831, conversations and explorations with von Leonhard and Bronn in 1832, the opportunity to include a section on loess in vol. 3 of ‘Principles’ for publication in 1833, a substantial Rhineland excursion in 1833, the reporting of the results of this excursion in 1834, discussions at the German Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Bonn in 1835. Of all the people encountered perhaps H.G. Bronn was the most significant. Lyell eventually listed eleven people as relevant to the loess writings: Bronn, von Leonhard, Boue, Voltz, Steininger, Merian, Rozet, Hibbert, Noeggerath, von Meyer, Horner – of these Bronn, von Leonhard, Hibbert and Horner appear to have been the most significant, viewed from 2015.
Nonlinear Solution to a Non-Fourier Heat Conduction Problem in a Slab Heated by Laser Source
Authors: Noroozi Mohammad Javad , Saedodin Seyfolah , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: April 2016

The effect of laser, as a heat source, on a one-dimensional finite body was studied in this paper. The Cattaneo-Vernotte non-Fourier heat conduction model was used for thermal analysis. The thermal conductivity was assumed temperature-dependent which resulted in a non-linear equation. The obtained equations were solved using the approximate-analytical Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM). It was concluded that the non-linear analysis is important in non-Fourier heat conduction problems. Significant differences were observed between the Fourier and non-Fourier solutions which stresses the importance of non-Fourier solutions in the similar problems.
Atmospheric correction of APEX hyperspectral data
Authors: Sterckx Sindy , Vreys Kristin , Biesemans Jan , Iordache Marian-Daniel , Bertels Luc , Meuleman Koen
Published: April 2016

Atmospheric correction plays a crucial role among the processing steps applied to remotely sensed hyperspectral data. Atmospheric correction comprises a group of procedures needed to remove atmospheric effects from observed spectra, i.e. the transformation from at-sensor radiances to at-surface radiances or reflectances. In this paper we present the different steps in the atmospheric correction process for APEX hyperspectral data as applied by the Central Data Processing Center (CDPC) at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO, Mol, Belgium). The MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission program (MODTRAN) is used to determine the source of radiation and for applying the actual atmospheric correction. As part of the overall correction process, supporting algorithms are provided in order to derive MODTRAN configuration parameters and to account for specific effects, e.g. correction for adjacency effects, haze and shadow correction, and topographic BRDF correction. The methods and theory underlying these corrections and an example of an application are presented.
Mapping asbestos-cement roofing with the use of APEX hyperspectral airborne imagery: Karpacz area, Poland – a case study
Authors: Krówczyńska Małgorzata , Wilk Ewa , Pabjanek Piotr , Zagajewski Bogdan , Meuleman Koen
Published: April 2016

Asbestos and asbestos containing products are harmful to human health, and therefore its use has been legally forbidden in the EU. Since there is no adequate data on the amount of asbestos-cement roofing in Poland, the objective of this study was to map asbestos-cement roofing with the use of hyperspectral APEX data (288 bands at the spatial resolution of 2.7 m) in the Karpacz area (southwest Poland). A field survey constituted the basis for training and verification polygons in the classification process. A SAM classification method was performed with the following classification results: 62% producer’s accuracy, 73% user’s accuracy and an overall accuracy of 95%. The asbestos-cement roofing for buildings may be discriminated with a high classification accuracy with the use of hyperspectral imagery. The vast majority of the classified buildings were characterised by their small area (i.e. residential type buildings), which reduced the overall accuracy of the classification.
The application of APEX images in the assessment of the state of non-forest vegetation in the Karkonosze Mountains
Authors: Jarocińska Anna M. , Kacprzyk Monika , Marcinkowska-Ochtyra Adriana , Ochtyra Adrian , Zagajewski Bogdan , Meuleman Koen
Published: April 2016

Information about vegetation condition is needed for the effective management of natural resources and the estimation of the effectiveness of nature conservation. The aim of the study was to analyse the condition of non-forest mountain communities: synanthropic communities and natural grasslands. UNESCO’s M&B Karkonosze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve was selected as the research area. The analysis was based on 40 field test polygons and APEX hyperspectral images. The field measurements allowed the collection of biophysical parameters - Leaf Area Index (LAI), fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR) and chlorophyll content - which were correlated with vegetation indices calculated using the APEX images. Correlations were observed between the vegetation indices (general condition, plant structure) and total area of leaves (LAI), as well as fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR). The outcomes show that the non-forest communities in the Karkonosze are in good condition, with the synanthropic communities characterised by better condition compared to the natural communities.
Some observations on the synthesis and electrolytic properties of (Ba1-xCax) (M0.9Y0.1)O3, M = Ce, Zr-based samples modified with calcium
Authors: Dudek Magdalena , Lis Bartłomiej , Rapacz-Kmita Alicja , Gajek Marcin , Raźniak Andrzej , Drożdż Ewa
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the impact of partial substitution of calcium for barium in (Ba1-xCax) (M0.9Y0.1) O3, M = Ce, Zr on physicochemical properties of the powders and sintered samples was investigated. The powders, with various contents of calcium (x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1), were prepared by means of thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors containing EDTA. All of the BaCeO3-based powders synthesised at 1100 °C were monophasic with a rhombohedral structure, however, completely cubic BaZrO3-based solid solutions were obtained at 1200 °C. A study of the sinterability of BaZr0.9Y0.1O3 and BaCe0.9Y0.1O3-based pellets was performed under non-isothermal conditions within a temperature range of 25 to 1200 °C. The partial substitution of barium for calcium in the (Ba1-xCax) (M0.9Y0.1) O3, M = Ce, Zr solid solution improved the sinterability of the samples in comparison to the initial BaCe0.9Y0.1O3 or BaZr0.9Y0.1O3. The relative density of calcium-modified BaCe0.9Y0.1O3-based samples reached approximately 95 to 97 % after sintering at 1500 °C for 2 h in air. The same level of relative density was achieved after sintering calcium-modified BaZr0.9Y0.1O3 at 1600 °C for 2 h. Analysis of the electrical conductivity from both series of investigated materials showed that the highest ionic conductivity, in air and wet 5 % H2 in Ar, was attained for the compositions of x = 0.02 to 0.05 (Ba1-xCax)(M0.9Y0.1)O3, M = Zr, Ce. The oxygen reduction reaction on the interface Pt│BaM0.9Y0.1O3, M = Ce, Zr was investigated using Pt microelectrodes. Selected samples of (Ba1-xCax) (M0.9Y0.1)O3, M = Zr, Ce were tested as ceramic electrolytes in hydrogen-oxygen solid oxide fuel cells operating at temperatures of 700 to 850 °C.
Lasing Enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensing
Authors: Wang Xing-Yuan , Wang Yi-Lun , Wang Suo , Li Bo , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Dai Lun , Ma Ren-Min
Published: April 2016

The resonance phenomena of surface plasmons has enabled development of a novel class of noncontact, real-time and label-free optical sensors, which have emerged as a prominent tool in biochemical sensing and detection. However, various forms of surface plasmon resonances occur with natively strong non-radiative Drude damping that weakens the resonance and limits the sensing performance fundamentally. Here we experimentally demonstrate the first lasing-enhanced surface plasmon resonance (LESPR) refractive index sensor. The figure of merit (FOM) of intensity sensing is ~84,000, which is about 400 times higher than state-of-the-art surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. We found that the high FOM originates from three unique features of LESPR sensors: high-quality factor, nearly zero background emission and the Gaussian-shaped lasing spectra. The LESPR sensors may form the basis for a novel class of plasmonic sensors with unprecedented performance for a broad range of applications.
High-efficiency refractive index sensor based on the metallic nanoslit arrays with gain-assisted materials
Authors: Luo Linbao , Ge Caiwang , Tao Yifei , Zhu Lie , Zheng Kun , Wang Wei , Sun Yongxuan , Shen Fei , Guo Zhongyi
Published: April 2016

We have designed and investigated a three-band refractive index (RI) sensor in the range of 550–900 nm based on the metal nanoslit array with gain-assisted materials. The underlying mechanism of the three-band and enhanced characteristics of the metal nanoslit array with gain-assisted materials, have also been investigated theoretically and numerically. Three resonant peaks in transmission spectra are deemed to be in different plasmonic resonant modes in the metal nanoslit array, which leads to different responses for the plasmonic sensor. By embedding the structure into the CYTOP with proper gain-assisted materials, the sensing performances can be greatly enhanced due to a dramatic amplification of the extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) resonance by the gain medium. When the gain values reach their corresponding thresholds for the three plasmonic modes, the ultrahigh sensitivities in three bands can be obtained, and especially for the second resonant wavelength (λ2), the FOM=128.1 and FOM* = 39100 can be attained at the gain threshold of k =0.011. Due to these unique features, the designing scheme of the proposed gain-assisted nanoslit sensor could provide a powerful approach to optimize the performance of EOT-based sensors and offer an excellent platform for biological sensing.
K-ras gene mutation as an early prognostic marker of colon cancer
Authors: Szpon Łukasz , Stal Aleksander , Zawadzki Marcin , Lis-Nawara Anna , Kielan Wojciech , Grzebieniak Zygmunt
Published: April 2016

Due to increased colorectal cancer incidence there is a necessity of seeking new both prognostic and prediction factors that will allow to evolve new diagnostic tests. K-ras gene seems to be such a factor and its mutations are considered to be an early marker of progression of colorectal cancer.

was to find a correlation between K-ras gene mutation in patients with diagnosed colorectal cancer and selected clinical parameters.

A total of 104 patients (41 women and 63 men) with diagnosed colorectal cancer were included in this study. The average age of male group was 68.3 and in female group − 65.9. Samples were taken from paraffine blocks with tissue from diagnosed patients and K-ras gene mutation were identified. Afterwards the statistical analysis was made seeking the correlation between K-ras gene mutation incidence and clinical TNM staging system, tumour localisation, histological type, sex, age.

K-ras gene mutations were detected in 20.1% of all colorectal cancers. Significantly higher rate of K-ras gene mutations were diagnosed among patients classified at stage I (40%), stage IIC (50%) and stage IV (50%) according to the TNM classification.

The results of our study are compatible with other studies and indicate the correlation between K-ras gene mutation and colorectal cancer incidence. Identification of K-ras gene mutation may complement other diagnostic methods at early stage of colorectal cancer.
Rush sublingual immunotherapy in canine atopic dermatitis: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Fujimura M. , Ishimaru H.
Published: April 2016

Twenty dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) were treated with rush sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), with a 48 hour build-up phase and 6 months maintenance phase (treated by antigen once every 3-4 weeks). The canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI)-4 was evaluated before treatment (baseline) and after 6 months. An open, non-controlled, non-randomized pilot trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of rush SLIT for environmental allergen extracts (Dematophagoides pteronyssinus and D.farinae mix and other). Three dogs dropped out and 17 dogs finished the trial. CADESI-4 at baseline was 60.6±27.1 (range 17-107, n=17). After 6 months of SLIT treatment, CADESI-4 was 37.4±36.0 (range 5-152, n=17) (p <0.01), which was a 38.3% reduction. A significant improvement, defined as a CADESI-4 reduction of > 30%, was observed in 13 out of 17 dogs (76%). A moderate improvement, defined as a CADESI-4 reduction of ≦30%, was observed in 2 dogs (12%). In the other 2 dogs (12%), CADESI-4 worsened or showed no change. However, no severe adverse effects were observed during the trial.

Therefore, rush SLIT against environmental allergen extract for CAD showed effectiveness and safety as evidenced by the reduction of CADESI-4 after 6 months SLIT without severe adverse effects.
Modulation of virulence genes by the two-component system PhoP-PhoQ in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Tu Jian , Huang Boyan , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yuxi , Xue Ting , Li Shaocan , Qi Kezong
Published: April 2016

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) infections are a very important problem in the poultry industry. PhoP-PhoQ is a two-component system that regulates virulence genes in APEC. In this study, we constructed strains that lacked the PhoP or PhoQ genes to assess regulation of APEC pathogenicity by the PhoP-PhoQ two-component system. The PhoP mutant strain AE18, PhoQ mutant strain AE19, and PhoP/PhoQ mutant strain AE20 were constructed by the Red homologous recombination method. Swim plates were used to evaluate the motility of the APEC strains, viable bacteria counting was used to assess adhesion and invasion of chick embryo fibroblasts, and Real-Time PCR was used to measure mRNA expression of virulence genes. We first confirmed that AE18, AE19, and AE20 were successfully constructed from the wild-type AE17 strain. AE18, AE19, and AE20 showed significant decreases in motility of 70.97%, 83.87%, and 37.1%, respectively, in comparison with AE17. Moreover, in comparison with AE17, AE18, AE19, and AE20 showed significant decreases of 63.11%, 65.42%, and 30.26%, respectively, in CEF cell adhesion, and significant decreases of 59.83%, 57.82%, and 37.90%, respectively, in CEF cell invasion. In comparison with AE17, transcript levels of sodA, polA, and iss were significantly decreased in AE18, while transcript levels of fimC and iss were significantly decreased in AE19. Our results demonstrate that deletion of PhoP or PhoQ inhibits invasion and adhesion of APEC to CEF cells and significantly reduces APEC virulence by regulating transcription of virulence genes.
Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty in dogs
Authors: Holak P. , Matyjasik H. , Jałyński M. , Adamiak Z. , Jaskólska M.
Published: April 2016

This article describes clinical experiments involving laparoscopic pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty in six dogs diagnosed with hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed in three dogs, and pyloroplasty was carried out in the remaining three animals. The patients were operated on based on the authors’ previous experiences with experimental pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty in pigs. Pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty resulted in full recovery and complete subsidence of symptoms in all patients.
Polymorphism and expression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor II gene in cows infected with the bovine leukemia virus
Authors: Stachura A. , Brym P. , Bojarojć-Nosowicz B. , Kaczmarczyk E.
Published: April 2016

A single T>C nucleotide polymorphism (rs42686850) of bovine tumor necrosis factor receptor type II gene (TNF-RII) is located within a sequence with allele-specific affinity to bind E2F transcription factors, considered pivotal in the regulation of cell cycle and cell proliferation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of this SNP and BLV infection on the TNF-RII gene expression at the mRNA and protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We noted that analyzed TNF-RII gene polymorphism influenced the expression of the TNF-RII gene at the mRNA level but only in BLV-positive cows. Concurrently, no statistically significant association was found between gene polymorphism and TNF-RII expression at the protein level. However, we found a significant effect of BLV infection status on the amount of TNF-RII mRNA and the percentage of PBMC expressing TNF-RII. These results show an unclear effect of considered T>C polymorphism on TNF-RII gene expression in bovine leukocytes and they suggest the involvement of BLV in modifying the TNF-RII expression in BLV-infected cows potentially implying the EBL (Enzootic Bovine Leukosis) associated pathogenesis.
Detection of Helicobacter spp. in the saliva of dogs with gastritis
Authors: Jankowski M. , Spużak J. , Kubiak K. , Glińska-Suchocka K. , Biernat M.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to identify the species and determine the prevalence of gastric Helicobacter in the saliva of dogs with gastritis. The study was carried out on 30 dogs of different breeds, genders and ages, which were diagnosed with gastritis. The nested-PCR method was used to detect Helicobacter spp. in saliva. Helicobacter bacteria were found in the saliva samples of 23 (76.6%) dogs. Helicobacter heilmannii was the most commonly detected species of gastric Helicobacter spp. in canine saliva, and was found in 22 (73.3%) cases. The results indicate that gastric Helicobacter spp. occurs relatively frequently in dogs with gastritis. Moreover, the saliva of dogs with gastritis may be a source of Helicobacter spp. infection for humans and other animals. However, further studies are needed to confirm this finding as the PCR method does not distinguish active from inactive infections.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of apoptosis and proliferation in the mucous membrane of selected uterine regions in pre-pubertal bitches exposed to low doses of zearalenone
Authors: Stopa E. , Babińska I. , Zielonka Ł. , Gajęcki M. , Gajęcka M.
Published: April 2016

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi. Those biologically active compounds occur naturally and they include zearalenone (ZEN), a mycotoxin that contaminates plant material, including the ingredients used in the production of commercial dog food. The influence of monotonic, low-dose and long-term exposure to ZEN on pre-pubertal bitches has not been fully explored to date. This paper describes a 42-day experiment performed on clinically healthy female dogs aged approximately 70 days, with estimated body weight of 8 kg. The animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups (EI and EII) and a control group (C) of 10 animals each. Group EI received 50 μg ZEN/kg (of body weight) per os, group EII received 75 μg ZEN/kg BW per os, and the control group was administered placebo. The bitches were ovariohysterectomized at the end of the experiment (at around 112 days of age), and selected sections of the uterine wall were subjected to immunohistochemical analyses (TUNEL and PCNA). A shift towards higher apoptotic (AI) and proliferative index (PI) was observed, in particular in group EI. Higher AI and PI values were noted in the epithelium of all uterine regions analysed and in the uterine glands in the uterine horn proximal to the body of the uterus.
A review of paraoxonase 1 properties and diagnostic applications
Authors: Kulka M.
Published: April 2016

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an arylesterase associated with serum high density lipoprotein particles. Its name is derived from hydrolyzing one of several organophosphate compounds, namely paraoxon. Recent studies have shown that PON1 plays a protective role in diseases associated with oxidative stress such as atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Studies have demonstrated reduction-oxidative state changes involving PON1 in humans and laboratory animal models. Although there is less information about the role of this enzyme in veterinary medicine, new data suggest that PON1 might be a new oxidative stress marker in animal patients, similarly to humans.
Clarifying Limbo: Disentangling Indigenous Autonomy from the Mexican Constitutional Order
Authors: Sprague Ian Flannigan
Published: April 2016

In contrast to U.S. Federal Indian law, which has classified indigenous tribes as “domestic dependent nations” since the early 19th century, Mexican law has only recently begun to define the political and territorial autonomy of indigenous groups. This paper contrasts the Mexican approach to this problem to that of the United States, first describing Mexico’s 2001’s constitutional reforms and their failure to clarify the nature of tribal sovereignty. It then analyzes recent court cases that protect tribal political and territorial autonomy by applying rights to consultation contained in the International Labor Organization’s Indigenous and Tribal People’s Convention 169 (“ILO 169”) and the Mexican Constitution. It concludes by arguing that in spite of this effort by the courts, Mexican law still requires a comprehensive legislative or diplomatic resolution of the lack of clarity surrounding the political and territorial autonomy of its indigenous groups.
Exhaust Gas Temperature Measurements in Diagnostics of Turbocharged Marine Internal Combustion Engines Part II Dynamic Measurements
Authors: Korczewski Zbigniew
Published: April 2016

The second part of the article describes the technology of marine engine diagnostics making use of dynamic measurements of the exhaust gas temperature. Little-known achievements of Prof. S. Rutkowski of the Naval College in Gdynia (now: Polish Naval Academy) in this area are presented. A novel approach is proposed which consists in the use of the measured exhaust gas temperature dynamics for qualitative and quantitative assessment of the enthalpy flux of successive pressure pulses of the exhaust gas supplying the marine engine turbocompressor. General design assumptions are presented for the measuring and diagnostic system which makes use of a sheathed thermocouple installed in the engine exhaust gas manifold. The corrected thermal inertia of the thermocouple enables to reproduce a real time-history of exhaust gas temperature changes.
1. Spirituality of Music as a Factor of (Self) Instruction and of (Self) Education of Personality
Authors: Gagim Ion
Published: April 2016

The impetus for writing this article was the desire to “get to the bottom”, to “disentangle the essence” of what music education in terms of exploring the depth, the sacred sense of the relationship “man-music”, of the aspiration to examine this issue with the teacher's eyes - for all questions and all answers received contribute to the improvement of so-called education through music. In this article, the author expresses his position that, music education, by its essence, is far from the design made before, but in fact - far from the goal officially proclaimed. The music itself, as one of the most mysterious phenomena of this world. Its knowledge, its understanding, the assimilation and absorption of the cosmic and divine substance at the level of personal experience - this is music education in its highest sense. We consider them universal by nature and extent of aspects and levels of the spiritual, existential life of man in its deep forms. The author examines the experience acquired as a self-instruction (professionally) and self-education (personally) practice throughout life, in one of the highest areas of the human mind - in music. He had the chance to work especially in the field of music. He had the chance to experience music especially and he was able to devote his “self” to it.
5. Didactic Strategies for the Development of Professional Musical Hearing
Authors: Duţică Luminiţa
Published: April 2016

This study suggests an incursion into the issue of the development of professional musical hearing, which is divided into three major sections. Starting from the general to the particular, this approach starts with defining the field of reference - musical hearing, seen as a prerequisite in the training of future artists. Closely related to the curricula and textbooks from the pre-university vocational education, the subject Music Theory - Solfeggio - Dictation holds the conceptual and pragmatic frame on the basis of which we offered different solutions for the development of musical hearing. In this respect, I focused my research on the following typologies: melodic, polyphonic, harmonic, dynamic, timbral, with particular reference to the formation of internal hearing and sense of rhythm.
6. Brief History of Fixed do Solmization in Japan
Authors: Siromoto Tomoko
Published: April 2016

The Fixed DO solmization system which is used mainly in Latin language countries and the former USSR, was introduced to Japan by pianist Kiyohide Sonoda in the 1930s. The effectiveness was soon recognised in the out-school music education setting but the school music curriculum continued to use the Movable DO as the compulsory solmization system. Within a half century, however, Fixed DO naturally developed and not only pupils but teachers who had been taught in Fixed DO in their childhood became comfortable teaching and learning in Fixed DO. Subsequently, Movable DO in school textbooks has become very limited.
7. A Model of Integrality of Musical and Teaching Activities at the Lesson of Musical Education
Authors: Caliga Marina
Published: April 2016

In this article the author investigates and applies accumulated experience in music education through the methodological integrality of musical didactic activities at musical education lesson. In this regard, musical didactic activities are not only pedagogical acts of transmission of musical knowledge, but their mission is the living of sound messages, the discovery of self through art and student integration through musical didactic activities. Integrating through musical didactic activities, students discover, create, analyze, summarize, compare, apply, reflect, operating various mechanisms of musical didactic activities, becoming not only the receiver, but also the subject of musical works.
8. From Thales to Berio: Water as a Common Theme of Philosophy, Physics, and Music
Authors: Marisi Rossella
Published: April 2016

Listening to a music piece may trigger memories, give origin to reflections about the physical state of matter, and retrace the development of ancient philosophical thought. This article proposes an interdisciplinary path of active learning - encompassing music education, philosophy, biology, physics, and psychology - which can be realized, choosing an appropriate approach, in both primary and secondary schools.
9. The Concept of Nature and Its Applications in the Legal, Musical and Educational Fields
Authors: Marisi Flavia
Published: April 2016

The concept of nature changed over time, modifying the relationship between nature and man: in some cultures man and nature are considered as deeply connected, in others definitely separated. The leading ideas about nature are reflected in work pertaining to the legal, musical and educational fields. This study provides insights into these issues, trying to highlight specific analogies which connect the concept of nature and its application in the cited fields.
13. Enhancing Music Listening in Educational Context
Authors: Iuşcă Dorina
Published: April 2016

A growing body of research has shown the importance of music listening in psychological frameworks such as the construction of emotional and social identity. Nonetheless, the educational implications of this activity involve the way students use music listening for cultural development, cognitive processing and aesthetic reaction enhancement. The present study aims to review the relevant literature regarding how musical preference, a concept used mainly in music psychology, may be explored in educational contexts. Zajong’s (1968) theory of repeated exposure indicates that mere exposure to a stimulus is enough to create a favorable attitude towards it. This study investigates the experimental researches focused on the conditions where repeated exposure to academic music may generate the development of musical preference.
14. Distinctive Features of Music Education in Iaşi: An Overview after 155 Years
Authors: Vasiliu Laura Otilia
Published: April 2016

Over a century and a half after the establishment of the first state educational institution dedicated to music in Iaşi – the School of Music and Declamation (1860) – the distinctive features of music education and the social and cultural phenomena involved can be perceived and analyzed. This study provides arguments to support the following features: 1. the openness to assimilate a variety of pedagogic and cultural influences, both from Europe and from Romania; 2. the role played by leading personalities, musicians – professors, in rising performance levels and in perpetuating the project; 3. valorizing Romanian music traditions - liturgical songs of Byzantine origin and regional folklore - through education (specializations, courses, creative activities and music performance); 4. the constant involvement of music education in concerts and musical performances in Iaşi.
15. Antonin Ciolan – The Teacher, The Founder of Orchestras, The Master Conductor
Authors: Vasiliu Alex
Published: April 2016

The founder of a conducting style, who organised orchestras in two important musical centres in Romania (Iaşi and Cluj), “the partriarch of conductors”, respected and praised by George Enescu, Sergiu Celibidache or Erich Bergel, was a multilateral personality of exceptional merits as a teacher of orchestra, orchestra conducting, harmony and counterpoint; having founded several prestigious religious choral ensembles, organised and led musical teaching and concert institutes, Antonin Ciolan deserves to be brought to the awareness of more recent generations of researchers and audiences, as his historic achievements indicate.
1. Several Considerations on the Settlements and Buildings of the First Neolithic Period on Romanian Territory
Authors: Olaru Ioana-Iulia
Published: April 2016

This study will only deal with the Neolithic period which we distinguish from the Eneolithic one in the sense that in this period man only used tools made of stone and later on, in Eneolithic (Chalcolithic), he started using copper. In its first period, the Neolithic has new characteristics as a result of the progress of human communities; thus, as opposed to the Palaeolithic, man starts a new period with changed “clothes”. Firstly, man now starts to create and appreciate beauty as the Palaeolithic art did not have aesthetic purposes. But an important transformation regards the habitat, Neolithic settlements and buildings reflecting the increasing stability of communities, thus taking a step forward from Palaeolithic and their evolution to the higher levels of the future society, the Eneolithic one.
2. The Openness of the Visual Art Curriculum towards a New Visual Art Language
Authors: Aprotosoaie-Iftimi Ana-Maria
Published: April 2016

Visual art curriculum should allow a wide range of activities to develop children's imagination and creativity, to provide a balanced framework for the harmonious development of people who can cope with the massive ammount of images that invade our daily lives. Contemporary art develops a new language - a hybrid language - which for now remains unknown to the majority of the public and it is not integrated into the Arts curriculum. General frame analysis reveals that Fine Arts are studied only up to the 10th grade, except for the humanity profile and for the vocational arts profile. School curricula stipulate fine arts study up to mid twentieth century. Openness towards contemporary art and the language of art starting with the second half of the twentieth century is quite limited even if the curriculum allows a certain flexibility in the approach.
1. Challenges to Understanding Curriculum Development: Lessons from a Pedagogy Class with Arts Pre-Service Student-Teachers
Authors: Manea Mihaela Mitescu
Published: April 2016

The intent to structure valuable learning experiences, focusing on student-teachers’ exercise of pedagogical creativity and informed critical reasoning, may prove particularly challenging in the current national curriculum for pre-service teacher education. It is proposed here a reflective view of the challenges to arts pre-service student-teachers understandings of concepts and processes related to curriculum development; findings of previous empirical exploratory research questioning student-teachers conceptions of learning, and identity issues related to induction practices drawing heavily on apprenticeship models of learning feed into the proposed analysis. It is concluded on possible conceptual and methodological shifts towards understanding learning in teacher education.
4. Valorizations of Theoretical Models of Giftedness and Talent in Defining of Artistic Talent
Authors: Anghel Ionica Ona
Published: April 2016

Artistic talent has been defined in various contexts and registers a variety of meanings, more or less operational. From the perspective of pedagogical intervention, it is imperative understanding artistic talent trough the theoretical models of giftedness and talent. So, the aim of the study is to realize a review of the most popular of the theoretical models of giftedness and talent, with identification of the place of artistic talent and the new meanings that artistic talent has in each one. Research methodology requires a meticulous documentation and access to primary bibliographic sources. The investigation allowed us to notice that most of the models and theories of giftedness explain the phenomenon through its multidimensionality, and in this context the concept of talent is considered or component of giftedness (Feldhusen), or the concepts of giftedness and talent are discussed as synonymous (Tanenbaum, Renzulli, Heller), or the concepts of giftedness and talent are considered as distinct (Gagne). There are authors who approach the concept of giftedness without any mentioning of talent (Gardner, Sternberg). From the contribution of theoretical models of giftedness and talent to understanding of artistic talent we mention: Feldhusen describes the creative-artistic talent in the classification of the talents by their relationship with curriculum areas; Tanenbaum also carries a classification of talent by their contribution to society and considers the artists, the musicians, the actors and the writers as talents that beautifies the world, calling them “surplus talents”; Gagne, who discuss the phenomenon from the perspective of human skills development and who places the giftedness at the potentiality pole and the talent at the performance pole, includes the artistic talent on the list of various types of talents and explain the factors involved in its development; Heller, Ziggler provides explanations of talent development in the light of a new research in the field of expertise, and we can particularly apply to the artistic talent. The results of the present research are the starting point of a personal trail of understanding of artistic talent, indispensable for theoretical and/or applicative approaches of any researcher interested in the psycho-pedagogy of excellence.