bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of hexacarbonyl bis(μ2-2-methoxybenzenethiolato-κ2
S)pyridine(triphenylphosphane)dirhenium(I), C43H34NO8PS2Re2
Authors: Nkoe Pheello Isaac , Koen Renier , Brink Alice , Schutte-Smith Marietjie
Published: March 2016

C43H34NO8PS2Re2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 12.165(8) Å, b = 19.027(11) Å, c = 18.848(14) Å, β = 108.735(2)°, V = 4131(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0308, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0683, T = 100(2) K.
Crystal structure of 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-nitrophenyl)ethan-1-ol, C14H12ClNO3
Authors: Su Hongliang , Guo Xiaoxiong , Zhou Lunan , Du Zhenting
Published: March 2016

C14H12ClNO3, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 7.2044(6) Å, b = 24.975(2) Å, c = 7.8562(8) Å, β = 115.231(1)°, V = 1278.7(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0538, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1430, T = 298 K.
Crystal structure of 2-ethyl-1-tert-butyl 3-oxo-2-[phenyl(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)methyl]-1,2-pyrrolidinedicarboxylate, C24H34N2O7
Authors: Makhathini Sifiso. S. , Samipillai Marivel , Kruger Hendrik G. , Govender Thavendran , Naicker Tricia
Published: March 2016

C24H34N2O7, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.9562(8) Å, b = 10.7465(9) Å, c = 13.7925(11) Å, α = 95.143°, β = 109.970(3)°, γ = 112.229(4)°, V = 1242.62(18) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt
(F) = 0.0460, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1337, T = 173 K.
Crystal structure of 4-bromo-2-(8-(3-ethoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3,6-dioxa-2,7-diazaocta-1,7-dien-1-yl)phenol, C18H19BrN2O5
Authors: Dong Xiu-Yan , Liu Jia-Cheng
Published: March 2016

C18H19BrN2O5, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.0429(7) Å, b = 9.5752(11) Å, c = 11.8422(15) Å, α = 70.954(11)°, β = 72.691(8)°, γ = 84.794(8)°, V = 925.33(18) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt
(F) = 0.0511, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0876, T = 173 K.
Determinants of Entrepreneurial Intentions in ICT Industry: Gender and country of origin perspective
Authors: Pejić Bach Mirjana , Merkač Skok Marjana , Suša Dalia
Published: March 2016

Although many researchers agree that environmental and personal characteristics are important for becoming an entrepreneur, it is still not clear if their influence is equally significant. Numerous authors have pointed out unresolved matters regarding the relationship among innovativeness, gender, and entrepreneurial intensions. The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of gender and country of origin in relation to entrepreneurial intentions and innovative cognitive style. Research was conducted using a sample of students majoring in information and communication technologies from Croatia and Slovenia. The results revealed the influence of gender, country, attitudes toward entrepreneurship, and innovative cognitive style on entrepreneurial intentions.
Understanding Management Concepts through Development of their Tool Box: The case of total quality management
Authors: Ćwiklicki Marek
Published: March 2016

This paper offers an alternative approach to defining the management concept. The proposed methodology relies on the identification of tools supporting the given concept. The author assumed that the identification of tools’ evolution gives clearer insights into circumstances of constant development of—by its nature—a more general concept. The tools’ classification resembles a phylogenic tree and is based on the idea of an affinity diagram. To provide the proof for such reasoning, the total quality management (TQM) concept was chosen. This proposition can be useful for better understanding origins and the development of management thought. It clarifies relationships among methods constituting frameworks of quality management.
Application of the Böhm chamber for reference beta dose measurements and the calibration of personal dosimeters
Authors: Skubacz Krystian
Published: March 2016

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) currently used in personal and area dosimetry are often utilized to measure doses of ionizing radiation in fields with a more complex structure and therefore they should be calibrated in relation to different radiation types. The results of such calibration presented for UD-813 TLDs allowed for evaluation of their capability in relation to different radiation types like the beta and photon radiation of different energies and neutron radiation generated by the 241Am-Be source. The detector response for 60 keV photons was 10% higher than for the 662 keV gamma radiation of 137Cs. There were also response differences in relation to photon and beta radiation between detectors with an enhanced concentration of lithium 6Li and boron 10B and detectors containing a natural level of these isotopes. Measurements of the reference beta doses were performed with the help of the Böhm chamber. This method is relatively more complicated compared to determining the reference photon and neutron doses and is described thoroughly in this paper. The corrected current measured by the Böhm chamber for the chosen parameters was a linear function for an entire available range of the chamber depths. The percentage of errors related to the evaluated reference beta doses were below 2% despite a rather large number of corrections that should be taken into account. The calibration distances varied from 11 cm to 50 cm. For this range and beta particle energy, the absorption of radiation in the air was negligible and their attenuation had a predominantly geometric character.
The IOERT IntraLine accelerator – the development, current state, and future plans
Authors: Adrich Przemysław , Hanke Radosław , Kulczycka Ewa , Kosiński Konrad , Meglicki Bartosz , Misiarz Agnieszka , Pławski Eugeniusz , Staszczak Marcin , Swat Kaja , Syntfeld-Każuch Agnieszka , Wójtowicz Marek , Wysocka-Rabin Anna
Published: March 2016

Intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) is a cancer treatment method that combines oncologic surgery with electron beam radiotherapy. This method can reduce the duration of entire tumor treatment and increase its effectiveness. Moreover, shortening the treatment time significantly reduces the cost and accessibility of the therapy. As a result of interdisciplinary research, an innovative accelerator for IOERT, the IntraLine, was developed. In the course of this work, four patent applications were filed. Today, the work is half way through. In the near future, the device will be optimized. New mechanical design solutions will be developed. Mechanical optimization will significantly reduce the weight of the device. Accelerators control system, which today is in the demo phase, will also be significantly upgraded. This paper describes the stages of the IntraLine accelerator development, its current state and plans for the future R&D work, within the scope of our new Intra-Dose project.
Prediction of the cumulated dose for external beam irradiation of prostate cancer patients with 3D-CRT technique
Authors: Giżyńska Marta , Blatkiewicz Dorota , Czyżew Beata , Gałecki Maciej , Gil-Ulkowska Małgorzata , Kukołowicz Paweł
Published: March 2016

Nowadays in radiotherapy, much effort is taken to minimize the irradiated volume and consequently minimize doses to healthy tissues. In our work, we tested the hypothesis that the mean dose distribution calculated from a few first fractions can serve as prediction of the cumulated dose distribution, representing the whole treatment. We made our tests for 25 prostate cancer patients treated with three orthogonal fields technique. We did a comparison of dose distribution calculated as a sum of dose distribution from each fraction with a dose distribution calculated with isocenter shifted for a mean setup error from a few first fractions. The cumulative dose distribution and predicted dose distributions are similar in terms of gamma (3 mm 3%) analysis, under condition that we know setup error from seven first fractions. We showed that the dose distribution calculated for the original plan with the isocenter shifted to the point, defined as the original isocenter corrected of the mean setup error estimated from the first seven fractions supports our hypothesis, i.e. can serve as a prediction for cumulative dose distribution.
Synthesis of 11C-methionine through gas phase iodination using Synthra MeIPlus synthesis module
Authors: Kilian Krzysztof , Pękal Anna , Juszczyk Julia
Published: March 2016

A method of 11C-methionine synthesis using ‘bubbling’ method is presented. 11C-methionine was synthesized via 11C methylation from L-cysteine thiolactone (2 mg) in a 300 μL solution of 2:1:1 (v/v) 1 M NaOH, ethanol, and water at ambient temperature (85°C, 5 min). The radiochemical purity of radiotracer was higher than 99% and enantiomeric purity (L-11C-methionine) was 91.6 ± 0.4%. The final product met the requirements of European Pharmacopoeia monograph. The proposed 11C-methionine synthesis is a reliable tool for routine manufacturing in clinical applications and animal studies.
Application of instruments of nuclear physics to the calculation of theoretical dose distributions in various organs of the human body for beams used in hadrontherapy
Authors: Maliszewska Weronika , Sękowski Przemysław , Skwira-Chalot Izabela
Published: March 2016

The area of interests of nuclear physics are studies of reactions, wherein atomic nuclei of projectile collide with target nuclei. An amount of energy lost by projectile nucleus during its passing through the target is a major issue – it is important to know how charged particles interact with matter. It is possible to afford this knowledge by using theoretical programs that calculate energy loss applying the Bethe-Bloch equation. Hadrontherapy, which is a field of still growing interest, is based on the interactions of charged particles with matter. Therefore, there exists a need of creating a simple model that could be used to the calculation of dose distributions in biological matter. Two programs (SRIM, Xeloss), used to the calculation of energy loss by nuclear physicist, have been adapted to determine the dose distributions in analogues of human tissues. Results of the calculations with those programs for beams used in hadrontherapy (e.g. 1H, 12C) will be compared with experimental data available in references.
Accelerator and detector physics at the Bern medical cyclotron and its beam transport line
Authors: Auger Martin , Braccini Saverio , Ereditato Antonio , Häberli Marcel , Kirillova Elena , Nesteruk Konrad P. , Scampoli Paola
Published: March 2016

The cyclotron laboratory for radioisotope production and multi-disciplinary research at the Bern University Hospital (Inselspital) is based on an 18-MeV proton accelerator, equipped with a specifically conceived 6-m long external beam line, ending in a separate bunker. This facility allows performing daily positron emission tomography (PET) radioisotope production and research activities running in parallel. Some of the latest developments on accelerator and detector physics are reported. They encompass novel detectors for beam monitoring and studies of low current beams.
Analysis of dosimetric peaks of MgB4O7:Dy (40% Teflon) versus LiF:Mg,Ti TL detectors
Authors: Paluch-Ferszt Monika , Kozłowska Beata , Oliveira de Souza Susana , Freire de Souza Luiza , Nascimento Souza Divanizia
Published: March 2016

Magnesium tetraborate doped with dysprosium (MgB4O7:Dy) is known as a good thermoluminophor for personal dosimetry of gamma ray and X-ray radiation because of its high sensitivity and close tissue equivalence. This material can be produced by different routes. The sintered pastilles of magnesium tetraborate mixed with Teflon (40%) used in this work were manufactured at the Federal University of Sergipe, Department of Physics by the solid-state synthesis. Magnesium tetraborate was already used for high-dose dosimetry, exhibiting linearity for a wide range of doses. In this work, the authors examined its main characteristics prior to potential use of detectors in everyday dosimetry, comparing this material to a widely used LiF:Mg,Ti phosphor. The following tests influencing dosimetric peaks of MgB4O7:Dy were presented: (1) the shape of the glow curves, (2) annealing conditions and post-irradiation annealing and its influence for background of the detectors, (3) the choice of the heating rates at the read-out and (4) the threshold dose, that is, the lowest possible dose to be measured. Similar tests were performed with LiF:Mg,Ti detectors, produced and widely used in Poland. The results were compared and discussed.
New amino bisphosphonate compound for skeletal imaging: Comparison study with methylenediphosphonic acid (MDP) and (1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diyl) diphosphonic acid (HEDP)
Authors: Assaad Thaer
Published: March 2016

A novel bisphosphonate derivative (1-aminoethane-1,1-diyl)diphosphonic acid (AEDP) has been prepared and successfully labeled with 99mTc at high labeling yields. The in vivo biodistribution of 99mTc-AEDP has been investigated and compared with two reference compounds Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) and Tc-99m (1-hydroxyethylidene) diphosphonate (99mTc-HEDP). The biodistribution studies have demonstrated a high uptake of the radiotracer 99mTc-AEDP in the bone and a rapid clearance from the blood (such as the two technetium-labeled bone imaging agents in current use: 99mTc-MDP and 99mTc-HEDP). Additionally, the scintigraphic images of 99mTc-AEDP in normal rats have revealed high selective skeletal uptake.
Preliminary PM2.5 and PM10 fractions source apportionment complemented by statistical accuracy determination
Authors: Samek Lucyna , Stegowski Zdzislaw , Furman Leszek
Published: March 2016

Samples of PM10 and PM2.5 fractions were collected between the years 2010 and 2013 at the urban area of Krakow, Poland. Numerous types of air pollution sources are present at the site; these include steel and cement industries, traffic, municipal emission sources and biomass burning. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the concentrations of the following elements: Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, As and Pb within the collected samples. Defining the elements as indicators, airborne particulate matter (APM) source profiles were prepared by applying principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA) and multiple linear regression (MLR). Four different factors identifying possible air pollution sources for both PM10 and PM2.5 fractions were attributed to municipal emissions, biomass burning, steel industry, traffic, cement and metal industry, Zn and Pb industry and secondary aerosols. The uncertainty associated with each loading was determined by a statistical simulation method that took into account the individual elemental concentrations and their corresponding uncertainties. It will be possible to identify two or more sources of air particulate matter pollution for a single factor in case it is extremely difficult to separate the sources.
Evaluation of Scabiosa ochroleuca L. vitality after introduction on post-flotation wastes1
Authors: Muszyńska Ewa , Hanus-Fajerska Ewa
Published: March 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Scabiosa ochroleuca suitability for growth on heavy metals contaminated substrate obtained as a result of Zn–Pb ores exploitation and their processing. Three variants of cultivation were tested in vegetative hall conditions: post-flotation wastes (control), wastes enriched with either mineral fertilisation or with sewage sludge. The possibility of future direct use of the studied species on post-flotation settling pond was determined on the basis of biometric measurements and analysis efficiency of photosynthetic apparatus, that is, pigments content and chlorophyll a fluorescence. The results showed that untreated wastes negatively influenced on plants morphological and physiological status. On the contrary, the application of sewage sludge improved growth and development of cream scabious. Thus, not only the selection of proper plant material, tolerant to toxic levels of heavy metals and other hostile conditions, but also the waste treatment are crucial when metalliferous areas are to be reclaimed.
From cartography of the Universe to molecular cartography – the use of map projections
Authors: Pędzich Paweł
Published: March 2016

Map projections are very important in the compilation of various types of maps and spatial databases. Geographical information systems provide their users with the significant opportunities in the choice of map projections, coordinate systems, their definitions and transitions between them. The role of map projection can be considered depending on an objective, for which a map has to be used, user of this map and a form of its publication. The Internet, mobile devices and GIS caused that the map projections are used for two main purposes: data visualization and performing of calculations and analyses. The role of map projections is still important, despite the changes occurring in cartography. The rules for the applications of map projections developed over the centuries are still valid. However, the new rules resulting from the new functions of map projections are also created. The aim of this article, that is the author’s overview of map projections, is to illustrate the broad spectrum of applications for the map projections.
Effect of the thermoplastic masks on dose distribution in the build-up region for photon beams
Authors: Półtorak Michał , Fujak Edyta , Kukołowicz Paweł
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of thermoplastic masks material (Klarity Medical&Equipment Co., Guangzhou, China) with different diameters of holes (ϕ 0.25 cm and ϕ 0.40 cm) on the dose distribution in the build-up region for photon beams. Measurements were made for external radiation beams produced by the linear accelerator (TrueBeam, Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA) using the Markus parallel plane ionization chamber and the Unidos electrometer (both from PTW, Freiburg, Germany). Measurements were made in a solid water phantom for two photon energies 6 MV and 15 MV, at 90 cm source to skin distance, for four fields of 5 cm × 5 cm, 10 cm × 10 cm, 15 cm × 15 cm and 20 cm × 20 cm. Compared to the open field, the maximum dose with mask was closer to the surface of the phantom by about 1.4 mm and 1.2 mm for 6 MV and 15 MV X-Rays, respectively. The surface dose increase from 10% to 42% for 6 MV and from 5% to 28% for 15 MV X-Rays.
Dosimetric study of the protection level of the bone marrow in patients with cervical or endometrial cancer for three radiotherapy techniques - 3D CRT, IMRT and VMAT. Study protocol.
Authors: Jodda Agata , Urbański Bartosz , Piotrowski Tomasz , Malicki Julian
Published: March 2016

Background: The paper shows the methodology of an in-phantom study of the protection level of the bone marrow in patients with cervical or endometrial cancer for three radiotherapy techniques: three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, and volumetric modulated arc therapy, preceded by the procedures of image guidance.

Methods/Design: The dosimetric evaluation of the doses will be performed in an in-house multi-element anthropomorphic phantom of the female pelvic area created by three-dimensional printing technology. The volume and position of the structures will be regulated according to the guidelines from the Bayesian network. The input data for the learning procedure of the model will be obtained from the retrospective analysis of imaging data obtained for 96 patients with endometrial cancer or cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy in our centre in 2008-2013. Three anatomical representations of the phantom simulating three independent clinical cases will be chosen. Five alternative treatment plans (1 × three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, 2 × intensity modulated radiotherapy and 2 × volumetric modulated arc therapy) will be created for each representation. To simulate image-guided radiotherapy, ten specific recombinations will be designated, for each anatomical representation separately, reflecting possible changes in the volume and position of the phantom components.

Discussion: The comparative analysis of planned measurements will identify discrepancies between calculated doses and doses that were measured in the phantom. Finally, differences between the doses cumulated in the hip plates performed by different techniques simulating the gynaecological patients' irradiation of dose delivery will be established. The results of this study will form the basis of the prospective clinical trial that will be designed for the assessment of hematologic toxicity and its correlation with the doses cumulated in the hip plates, for gynaecologic patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Inflation Target and its Impact on Macroeconomy in the Zero Lower Bound Environment: the case of the Czech economy
Authors: Hloušek Miroslav
Published: March 2016

This paper uses a stochastic simulation of a DSGE model of the Czech economy to study the macroeconomic consequences of inflation target setting when interest rates are constrained by the zero lower bound. The distortions of this constraint depend non-linearly on the inflation target. For an inflation target of two percent the costs are negligible, but they increase steeply with lower target values. The largest impact is on the average values of output, consumption and investment; inflation is only slightly influenced. The volatility of all the variables considered increases significantly, but only for inflation targets that are close to zero. An inflation target of four percent does not bring additional benefits either in terms of lower volatility or in terms of higher average values.
The effect of the degree of foreign ownership on firms' performance
Authors: Hintošová Aneta Bobenič , Kubíková Zuzana
Published: March 2016

A large number of studies have compared the performance of foreign-owned and domestic firms. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the effect of the degree of foreign ownership on a firm's performance. We attempt to fill this gap in the literature by conducting research that distinguishes not only between domestic and foreign-owned firms, but also between wholly and partly foreign-owned firms. We also examine the possible non-linearity of the performance-ownership relationship. We divide the firms in our study into three groups by their ownership - domestic, foreign, and joint ventures. We use a regression analysis to explore whether foreign ownership influences the firms' performance, measured by several variables such as profitability, innovation performance (measured by gross expenditures on research and development activities), numbers of employees involved in research and development, production, value added, leverage and net working capital intensity. The results of our research indicate that there is a statistically significant difference in firms' performance as a result of foreign ownership in all variables except the number of research and development employees and leverage. Moreover, we show that foreign ownership and performance are linked by an inverted U-shaped relationship. A firm’s performance increases with greater foreign ownership up to the range of 61-65 %, and declines thereafter.
Increased Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Risk (Assessed by Findrisc Score) is Associated with Subclinical Atherosclerotic Markers in Asymptomatic Adult Population
Authors: Mitu Ovidiu , Mitu Florin , Leon Maria-Magdalena , Roca Mihai , Gherasim Andreea , Graur Mariana
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims. Risk score questionnaires for the screening of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) present high accuracy, especially the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC). The aim of the study was to assess the FINDRISC score and its correlations with multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in an asymptomatic urban population.

Material and Methods. In the current prospective study, 111 randomized asymptomatic subjects, aged 35-75, were evaluated. FINDRISC score, the cardiovascular and metabolic risk profile were evaluated. Multiple markers of subclinical atherosclerosis were assessed including carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Results. Mean age was 51.87 ± 10.64 years while FINDRISC score was 10.53 ± 4.53. 77% of the subjects were overweight and all parameters of obesity were well associated with FINDRISC score (p<0.001). This asymptomatic population was dyslipidemic (total cholesterol 212.79±44.99 mg/dl). DM risk correlated with age, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and glomerular filtration rate. Increased FINDRISC was associated with IMT (r=0.24, p=0.01), PWV (r=0.26, p=0.008) or LVMI (r=0.23, p=0.01).

Conclusions. This asymptomatic population was metabolically uncontrolled. Easily administered type 2 DM screening questionnaires should be routinely performed as increased risk score values are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.
The Impact of Anthropometric Measurements on Lipid Profile in Normal, Overweight and Obese Adults with Hypertension
Authors: Abdelhaq Abbes Mohamed , Karima Bereksi-Reguig , Mira Aissani , Ibrahim Chenaoui , Sami Bouguerra
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims: We investigated the association of anthropometric measurements with lipid profile in adult hypertensive patients with normal weight and overweight including obesity.

Materials and Method: This was a randomized study performed in Tiaret, Algeria, on 150 hypertensive patients aged 33-91 years. Patients were divided according to their body weight (normal weight vs. overweight and obesity) into two groups. Weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured to estimate the various categories of body weight. The blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) were analyzed.

Results: We found significant relations between body weight and blood pressure. Patients with normal weight had a normal blood pressure. However, a significant increase in blood pressure was observed in patients with overweight and obesity. Numerous significant relationship were disclosed for TC and LDL-c.

Conclusion: Lipid profile is related with weight status in hypertensive overweight/obese patients.
Comparative Evaluation of Several Simple Screening Tests for Risk of Neuropathic Ulcerations of Feet in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lasca Monica , Tăut Andreea Larisa , Vereşiu Ioan Andrei
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate three semi-quantitative screening methods used to predict ulceration risk in diabetic patients: 10 g Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SW), 128-Hz tuning fork and VibraTip® device.

Material and Method: This case-control study was carried out at the Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Department Cluj-Napoca and included 90 persons distributed into three groups: group A: 30 patients with diabetes mellitus and one or more active neuropathic ulcerations at one foot, group B: 30 patients with diabetes mellitus without ulceration and group C: 30 apparently healthy subjects. The subjects were examined by two independent examiners, using the three screening methods.

Results: The agreement kappa coefficient between the two examiners was high and statistically significant. The SW monofilament presented a sensitivity of 71.67% and a specificity of 91.67%. The 128 Hz tuning fork presented a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 89.17%. VibraTip® device recorded a sensitivity of 76.66% and a specificity of 77.5%.

Conclusions: The highest sensitivity is encountered at the use of VibraTip® device, and the highest specificity is presented by SW monofilament.
Data Regarding the Prevalence and Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes
Authors: Sandu Maria-Magdalena , Protasiewicz Diana Cristina , Firănescu Adela Gabriela , Lăcătuşu Elena Cristina , Bîcu Mihaela Larisa , Moţa Maria
Published: March 2016

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) represents one of the highest challenges in our century, due to the fact that in the last 20 years the number of patients with DM has doubled, at present affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide, both in developed countries and in developing ones, as well. One of the most serious consequences of this increase is the onset of type 2 DM in children, adolescents and young people, the main causes being an unhealthy lifestyle: unhealthy food, lack of physical exercise, which, most of the times, lead to obesity. Also, DM is often associated to micro and macrovascular complications, thus determining disabilities and high costs in the healthcare systems, respectively. DM is one of the main causes of death all over the world, a reason for which there are required prevention programs worldwide.
Meeting Report- EASD Postgraduate Course on Clinical Diabetes and Its Complications, 29 – 31 October 2015, Prague, Czech Republic
Authors: Stoica Roxana Adriana
Published: March 2016

Since 2005 the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) invests in the education of diabetologists and facilitates the implementation of patient care by organizing postgraduate courses in different countries. I attended at one of these courses that was held in Prague between 29 and 31 October 2015. The course consisted of six sessions of state of the art lectures entitled: type 1 diabetes update, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, special situations, therapy, complications and the last one, diabetes treatment- what is on the horizon?. These sessions alternated with interactive workshops held in parallel sessions. I consider that this experience helped me improve my practice skills. I had the opportunity to interact with doctors from other European countries and exchange our experience in the field of diabetes. I hope Romania will organize again such constructive EASD postgraduate courses on clinical diabetes.
A retrospective comparison of laminectomy and unilateral fenestration with foraminotomy on outcome of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Adam D. , Hornea Ioana , Burduşa Gina , Iftimie D. , Moisescu Cristiana
Published: March 2016

Background: Neural decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can be performed, besides conventional lumbar laminectomy, by many other surgical techniques.

Objective: The goal of this study is to analyze the results of laminectomy versus unilateral fenestration and foraminotomy with bilateral neural decompression in LSS patients.

Methods: A number of 58 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were divided into two groups: group A (no.=22) consists of patients that underwent a laminectomy procedure and group B (no.=36) of cases where unilateral fenestration with foraminotomy was used. Outcome was assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Two parameters were evaluated: level of pain with the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score and the ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) scale for functional improvement.

Results: The level of pain was reduced in both patient groups. Cases in group A maintained higher levels of back pain in the first postoperative month versus group B. Improvement was faster for those operated by unilateral approach. At 6 months and 1 year follow-ups, VAS values were very similar. All patients presented functional recovery evaluated with the ODI scale, that showed continuous improvement at 6 months and 1 year.

Conclusions: Bilateral decompression by unilateral approach is an efficient method that represents the first option of treatment for patients with lateral lumbar spinal stenosis with unilateral or predominantly unilateral symptoms. For patients with severe central stenosis, classic laminectomy remains the first surgical choice.
Myasthenia Gravis – a beginning with no end
Authors: Croitoru Cristina Georgiana , Turliuc Dana Mihaela , Danciu Florentina , Cucu A.I. , Turliuc S. , Costea Claudia Florida
Published: March 2016

Myasthenia gravis is one of the neurological diseases with a relatively recent history, full of mistakes, in which the British and German neurology schools have attempted to find answers when confronted with the unknown. The paper aims at making a historical account of the disease from its discovery in the 16th century, when the first case of myasthenia gravis was medically diagnosed, to the beginning of the 20th century, when the dawn of modern therapy started to show.
Intracranial arachnoid cyst: an institutional experience
Authors: Sharma Mukesh , Mittal R.S. , Bansal Rajeev , Sharma Achal
Published: March 2016

Aim: In this study, symptoms at presentation, indication for surgery, surgical treatment modalities, postoperative results and complications were studied.

Material and methods: We retrospectively compiled the details of patients with IAC from admission and operative records admitted through our OPD during the period between January 1995 and January 2015. Only those patients were admitted whose symptoms attributes to the cyst and asymptomatic patients were followed on OPD basis. This is a single institutional study.

Results: This study includes 56 patients of IAC who were operated. Posterior fossa cysts (62.5%) were found more commonly symptomatic. Headache (32%) was the most common symptom in a patient with IAC. Out of all, 24 patients presented with headache and underwent surgery subsequently; 20 showed satisfactory relief after surgery while four showed partial relief. Size of cyst was significantly reduced after surgery in 52 patients after 12 weeks but four patients, who underwent cystoperitoneal shunt, required re-operation as patients showed no decrease in size of cyst due to shunt malfunction. Head circumference was reduced following intervention in infant patients. Three patients who presented with visual field defects with IAC in sellar region showed improvement after endoscopic fenestration of cyst. One of the patient with cerebellopontine angle arachnoid was died immediately after marsupialization due to unexplained bleeding.

Conclusions: IAC is not an uncommon finding on imaging but only few are symptomatic. Patients with Intracranial arachnoid cyst should be treated only if the patient’s symptoms are attributable to the cyst.
Does the Students’ Preferred Pedagogy Relate to their Ethnicity : UK and Asian Experience
Authors: Winch Junko
Published: March 2016

An increasing number of international students, whose culture of teaching and learning practices are very different from UK students, are studying at British universities. This study investigates multicultural students’ preferences using two different teaching approaches in the 2009/2010 academic year, which is explained in the framework of this study. The study sample was two groups, a total of 34 students who were studying Japanese as a non-credited module. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using questionnaires. The results showed that students’ preferences in teaching and learning appeared to be altered and influenced by the British educational culture regardless of students’ previous educational culture. In addition, the sample participants’ preference of teaching and learning are categorised into three types based on the framework of the study. Those who are in the teaching profession in a multicultural learning environment are encouraged to take consideration of students’ previous educational culture. It is suggested to incorporate teaching and learning practices from non-Anglophone countries to the Anglophone originated teaching approach to capture different preferences of multicultural students, reflecting global international characteristics of teaching and learning environments.
State Education Policy in the Field of Adult Education in Germany
Authors: Hizhynska Tetiana
Published: March 2016

German experience of development and modernization of the field of adult education has been outlined in the paper. Historical development of the field and its recognition as an independent level in education have been considered. The aim of the field has been defined. It has been emphasized that the names of the field in Ukraine and Germany differ. It has been found out that Germany is a federal state with decentralized system of regulation for adult education where federation, states and municipal authorities cooperate. Based on studying literary and documentary sources the competences of states for legislation and initiatives in the field of adult education have been revealed. It has been stated that there is no legal support regulating the field of adult education in Germany. Based on the data of the conducted analysis it has become possible to find out that the state policy in the field of adult education is, first of all, is aimed at providing every citizen with the right to personality development and freedom to choose education institutions. The content of federal acts related to the field of adult education in Germany has been delivered. Theoretical generalization of main aspects of the field regulation due to states adult education / continuing education acts and educational leave acts has been performed.
‘Standing in Awe’: The Effects of Awe on Body Perception and the Relation with Absorption
Authors: van Elk Michiel , Karinen Annika , Specker Eva , Stamkou Eftychia , Baas Matthijs
Published: March 2016

The experience of awe is typically elicited in response to perceptually vast stimuli and is often characterized by feeling small and insignificant. In the present series of studies we aimed (1) to determine the effects of awe on body perception and (2) to elucidate the role of the personality trait of ‘absorption’ (i.e. the tendency to get fully immersed in one’s experiences) in relation to the feeling of awe. Across 4 different studies, involving both lab-based and field experiments, we found that feelings of awe are associated with smaller body size estimates. We also found that absorption is a strong predictor of feelings of awe: people scoring high on absorption tended to report overall stronger feelings of awe – irrespective of the experimental manipulation. In addition, experimentally manipulating absorption, by instructing participants to get fully absorbed in an external stimulus resulted in stronger feelings of awe. Thereby these findings illustrate that two key features underlying the experience of awe are changes in the perception of one’s body and a tendency to get absorbed in internal or external stimuli.
Comparison of 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT in localisation of tumours in ectopic ACTH syndrome
Authors: Goroshi Majunath R , Jadhav Swati S , Lila Anurag R , Kasaliwal Rajeev , Khare Shruti , Yerawar Chaitanya G , Hira Priya , Phadke Uday , Shah Hina , Lele Vikram R , Malhotra Gaurav , Bandgar Tushar , Shah Nalini S
Published: March 2016

Background

Localising ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) syndrome (EAS) tumour source is challenging. Somatostatin receptor-based PET imaging has shown promising results, but the data is limited to case reports and small case series. We reviewed here the performance of 68Ga-DOTANOC positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) in our cohort of 12 consecutive EAS patients.

Materials and methods

Retrospective data analysis of 12 consecutive patients of EAS presenting to a single tertiary care centre in a period between January 2013 and December 2014 was done. CECT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT were reported (blinded) by an experienced radiologist and a nuclear medicine physician, respectively. The performance of CECT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT was compared.

Results

Tumours could be localised in 11 out of 12 patients at initial presentation (overt cases), whereas in one patient, tumour remained occult. Thirteen lesions were identified in 11 patients as EAS source (true positives). CECT localised 12 out of these 13 lesions (sensitivity 92.3%) and identified five false-positive lesions (positive predictive value (PPV) 70.5%). Compared with false-positive lesions, true-positive lesions had greater mean contrast enhancement at 60s (33.2 vs 5.6 Hounsfield units (HU)). 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT was able to identify 9 out of 13 lesions (sensitivity 69.2%) and reported no false-positive lesions (PPV 100%).

Conclusion

CECT remains the first-line investigation in localisation of EAS. The contrast enhancement pattern on CECT can further aid in characterisation of the lesions. 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT can be added to CECT, to enhance positive prediction of the suggestive lesions.
Kašučių senųjų laukų archeologiniai tyrinėjimai
Authors: Nemickienė Rėda
Published: March 2016

Straipsnyje pristatomi Kašučių senųjų laukų archeologiniai tyrinėjimai ir jų metu gauti rezultatai. Trumpai apžvelgiami ir senųjų laukų teritorijoje vykdytų palinologinių bei geocheminių tyrimų rezultatai, aprašomi aptikti akmenys su dubenėliais. Kašučių senuosius laukus atrado ir juos tirti 1980–1981 m. pradėjo archeologas mėgėjas Ignas Jablonskis. XXI a. pradžioje Vilniaus universiteto Archeologijos katedros iniciatyva vykdytas antrasis Kašučių senųjų laukų tyrimų etapas. Tarpdalykiniuose ir tarptautiniuose tyrimuose dalyvavo ir Tartuuniversiteto archeologai, vadovaujami Valterio Lango, Kretingos muziejaus archeologas Julius Kanarskas, kiti tyrinėtojai.
Vilniaus Šv. Mikalojaus bažnyčios plytos – nuo jų ženklinimų iki geocheminių sąsajų
Authors: Sarcevičius Saulius , Taraškevičius Ričardas
Published: March 2016

Straipsnio autoriai pristato vizualųjį plytų ženklinimo, plytų dydžių analizės ir geocheminių tyrimų metodus, kurie buvo kompleksiškai pritaikyti tiriant Vilniaus Šv. Mikalojaus bažnyčios mūrus (plytas). Šių metodų pritaikymo tikslas – pateikti naujas galimybes spręsti senųjų mūrų chronologinius bei plytų gamybos technologinius klausimus.
Akvamanilės Lietuvoje ir Europoje
Authors: Ardavičiūtė Skaistė
Published: March 2016

Šis straipsnis nagrinėja iki šiol Lietuvos mokslininkų dėmesio nesulaukusius akvamanilių, rastų Lietuvoje, datavimo, formos, radavietės ir patekimo į Lietuvą klausimus. Taikant meninį stilistinį, komparatyvinį ir analitinį metodus, analizuojama akvamanilių funkcija ir jų reikšmė vėlyvųjų viduramžių krikščioniškajai visuomenei, akvamanilių atsiradimas Europoje, jų raida, tipologija ir pagrindiniai akvamanilių gamybos centrai, aprašomas naudotas gamybos būdas. Remiantis užsienio medžiaga ir atlikto tyrimo duomenimis buvo nustatyta, kad Vilniaus Žemutinės pilies akvamanilės fragmentai priklausė tai pačiai liūto formos akvamanilei, kuri buvo pagaminta XIII a. pabaigoje–XIV a. pirmoje pusėje Žemutinėje Saksonijoje, o Bartkuškyje rasta akvamanilė galėjo būti rasta visai ne Lietuvoje, o Taline.
Grafų Keyserlingkų ir kitų Lietuvos dvarininkų archeologiniai rinkiniai Kuršo provincijos muziejuje
Authors: Vasiliauskas Ernestas
Published: March 2016

Iki 1916 m. į Kuršo provincijos muziejų pateko Lietuvos bajorų senųjų giminių ir vokiečių tautybės dvarininkų aptiktų įvairių plačios chronologijos (4400/4200 m. pr. Kr.–XVI a. po Kr.) archeologinių radinių iš Kauno gubernijos (210 vienetų iš dvylikos vietovių, minimos dar dvi radavietės, daugiausia iš šiaurinės dalies, Žemaitijos). Aktyviausi XIX a. pabaigoje renkant dirbinius ir organizuojant tyrimus (jau Kuršo gubernijoje) buvo grafai Theodoras ir Otto Keyserlingkai (Malgūžės–Daunoravos atšaka). Kai kurie šių rinkinių turėjo antikvarinį pobūdį, nefiksuotos tikslesnės jų radimo aplinkybės (O. Keyserlingko akmeninių kirvelių rinkinys), tačiau kiti buvo detaliau metrikuoti (Alfredo von Behro Škilinpamūšio pilkapyno ir kt. radiniai). Tam tikrais atvejais ši informacija apie kai kuriuos objektus – Adakavą, Laukžemę, Lieporus, Moliūnus, Škilinpamūšį, Viekšnius (Kauno gubernija), Vecsaulės Čapanus, Jaunsvirlaukos Migalias (Kuršo gubernija) ir kt. – ar juose surinktus unikalius radinius yra vienintelė.
Septintasis Baltijos šalių ir Suomijos teorinės archeologijos seminaras (BASE-7) „Viešoji archeologija: praeities ir dabarties sąveika šiuolaikiniame globaliame pasaulyje“
Authors: Merkevičius Algimantas , Gudaitienė Gabrielė
Published: March 2016

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Studijos
Authors: Vasiliauskienė Violeta
Published: March 2016

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Occupational Safety and Health Measures in Micro‐scale Enterprises (MSEs) in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Jahangiri Mehdi , Rostamabadi Akbar , Malekzadeh Gholamreza , Sadi Amin Fahandej , Hamzavi Golnar , Rasooli Javad , Momeni Zahra , Ghaem Haleh
Published: March 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the extent of implementation of occupational safety and health measures in micro‐scale enterprises (MSEs) and to assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and accidents and its relationship with occupational safety and health measures provided in the MSEs.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 595 of MSEs. An index called the Safety and Health Requirement Index (SHRI) was created and used to calculate the percentage of provided occupational safety and health measures. The relationship between the SHRI and the occurrence of occupational accidents and injuries was investigated with the independent samples t‐test and one‐way ANOVA.

Results

The mean SHRI score was 60.43%, which was categorized into moderate level. Of the 30.9% of enterprises that had experienced accidents and injuries, the most common types of injuries were musculoskeletal disorders and cuts, and the least common types were pulmonary and hearing problems. Results of one‐way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant relationship between the mean SHRI score and industrial branch, enterprise size, and type of accident and injury. The independent samples t‐test showed that the occurrence of occupational accidents and injuries was not significantly influenced by provided health and safety measures in MSEs.

Conclusion

Given the high percentage of enterprises with very poor to poor levels for the SHRI and the high prevalence of occupational accidents and injuries among the studied MSEs, feasible protective strategies and job safety training programs are required to promote occupational health and safety in the studied MSEs.
Associations between anthropometric factors and peripheral neuropathy defined by vibrotactile perception threshold among industrial vibrating tool operators in Japan
Authors: Takemura Shigeki , Yoshimasu Kouichi , Tsuno Kanami , Fukumoto Jin , Kuroda Mototsugu , Miyashita Kazuhisa
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The effect of anthropometric factors on the fingertip vibrotactile perception threshold (VPT) of industrial vibrating tool operators (IVTOs) is not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between anthropometric factors and fingertip VPT.

Methods

We included for analysis two groups of IVTOs: Group 1, predominantly forestry workers (n=325); and Group 2, public servants (n=68). These IVTOs regularly received medical examinations to evaluate hand‐arm vibration syndrome. In the examination, measurements of their fingertip VPTs were taken before and after cold‐water immersion (10 minutes at 10°C for Group 1 and 5 minutes at 12°C for Group 2). Their body height and weight were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) was defined as a VPT �17.5 dB at 10 minutes after finishing immersion.

Results

In the univariate analysis, weight and BMI were associated with a decreased risk of PN in both Groups 1 and 2. The negative association between BMI and PN remained in the multivariate analysis consistently, but weight reached marginal significance only in the multivariate analysis without BMI in both the groups. Age was positively associated with PN consistently in Group 1 but not in Group 2. Years exposed to vibration showed positive association with PN only in the univariate analysis of Group 1.

Conclusions

Among IVTOs, factors reflecting body heat production, such as weight and BMI, were associated with a decreased risk of VPT‐defined PN, regardless of the task engaged.