bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The risk of metabolic syndrome and nutrition
Authors: Kuntsevich Aleksandr Konstantinovich
Published: January 2016

In the present literature review modern epidemiological studies the role of nutrition in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Were analyzed mainly work on the association of certain types of dietary intake of the population to the risk of metabolic syndrome in several Western and Asian countries. The purpose of these studies was to determine deemed "good" type and the "bad" type of food, risk assessment and exchange of metabolic disorders to determine the optimal dietary recommendations.  Application of factor and cluster analysis allowed in a number of studies to identify groups of products associated with a decrease in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to estimate the odds ratios of metabolic syndrome when compared with the "bad" diet.  A number of papers were obtained confirm the effectiveness of the Mediterranean diet in the prevention of metabolic disorders. Commitment to the traditional Western diet is associated with deterioration in health, compared with the recommended "healthy" diet.  Data from epidemiological studies nutrition and metabolic disorders associated with a number of diseases, may be useful in determining how the recommendations on the best type of feeding the population, so to identify ways to further research.
The relationship of quality of life of patients, body weight and comorbidities in different periods after surgical treatment of morbid obesity
Authors: Egiev Valeriy Nikolaevich , Mayorova Yuliya Borisovna , Zorin Evgeniy Aleksandrovich , Meleshko Anastasiya Vladimirovna , Orlovskaya Ekaterina Sergeevna
Published: January 2016

The main goal of any surgical intervention in morbid obesity is to improve the quality of life of patients which is considered directly related to the loss of excess body weight and a reduction in the incidence of related diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the interdependence of these indicators. In 2005-2013 we performed 457 operations of gastric banding (GB) and 198 - gastric bypass (GBP). After GB only body mass index (BMI) and quality of life index (QOL) had significant linear correlation, i.e., the higher the weight of the patient, the worse the quality of life. After GBP there was is a significant linear relationship only between the patient's body weight and dynamics of comorbidities, i.e. the higher the weight of the patient, the higher the level of comorbidity. The QOL of patients after GBP does not depend on the body weight or on the frequency of comorbidities.
The influence of longitudinal diffusion on the transport of dust particles emitted from a fixed source
Authors: Al-Mashrafi Khaled
Published: January 2016

The mathematical model for the diffusion of dust particles emitted from a fixed source in the presence of the longitudinal diffusion and absence of latitudinal and vertical diffusions, is investigated. The diffusion of dust particles in the atmosphere is governed by the atmospheric diffusion equation. In the previous paper [1], the general case of the time-dependent diffusion equation in the presence of a point source whose strength is dependent on time, was solved. The calculations showed that the diffusion parameters play an important role in the spread of the dust particles in the atmosphere. In the previous paper, we examined the model in the presence of vertical diffusion and absence of other diffusions to show that for small times, the dust spreads with a front that travels with the speed of the wind. In the current paper, the vertical and latitudinal diffusions are absent while the longitudinal diffusion is present. It is found that the solution depends on the source of time dependence. To study the nature of the solution, two special cases of the source are specified. In the both cases, it is found that there is no discontinuity front, and the dust particles spread slowly into the direction of the wind.
Notes from the Editors, January 2016
Authors: The Editors -
Published: January 2016

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Prabhat Patnaik's Review of the Month in this issue addresses problems of economic stagnation and imperialism in the context of explaining the current global crisis. Patnaik is part of a broad tradition of Marxian thought and heterodox economic analysis more generally that has long focused on issues of economic stagnation under monopoly capitalism. Such questions are now finally being taken up even by orthodox economists, but in ways that systematically ignore decades of contributions in this regard made by heterodox theorists. Ever since Larry Summers raised the issue of secular stagnation (referring back to Alvin Hansen's theory of the 1930s and '40s) at an IMF meeting in 2013, the question of stagnation has become part of a worldwide economic debate, moving issues that were once on the margins to center stage. This has resulted in a proliferation of mainstream economic treatments of the history of the secular stagnation concept in the 1930–1950s period, after which mainstream economists had essentially declared the issue dead.

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Social Movements and Progressive Governments: Building a New Relationship in Latin America
Authors: Harnecker Marta
Published: January 2016

The major element missing from Latin American politics in recent decades has been, with rare exceptions, the traditional workers' movement, beaten down by flexibilization, subcontracting, and other neoliberal measures.… The fall of the Berlin Wall and the defeat of Soviet socialism left the parties and social organizations of the left inspired by that model seriously weakened. At the same time, trade unions were hit hard by the weakening of the working class, part of the larger social fragmentation produced by neoliberalism. In that context, it was new social movements, and not the traditional parties and social organizations of the left, that rose to the forefront of the struggle against neoliberalism, in forms that varied widely from one country to another.… The situation in the 1980s and '90s in Latin America was comparable in some respects to the experience of pre-revolutionary Russia in the early twentieth century.… [M]any of the region's peoples said "enough" and started mobilizing, first in defensive resistance, then passing to the offensive. As a result, presidential candidates of the left or center-left began to triumph, only to face the following alternative: either embrace the neoliberal model, or advance an alternative project motivated by a logic of solidarity and human development.… [Consequently,] a major debate has emerged over the role that new social movements should adopt in relation to the progressive governments that have inspired hope in many Latin American nations.

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The Silvertown Strike: A Partisan History
Authors: Tully John
Published: January 2016

There is a concept in biology called "punctuated equilibrium": organisms can display little discernible change over long periods of time before sudden, sharp, and profound changes. Without wishing to give credence to teleological or determinist views, it does seem that human history is profoundly dialectical. Sharp change that bewilders an apologist for the status quo can inspire and give hope to those of us who believe that a better world is possible. We live in interesting but depressing times today. Neoliberal ideas are hegemonic. The old collectivist values of the labor movement have been submerged in a tide of market fundamentalism, summed up in Margaret Thatcher's claim that "there is no such thing as society; there are only individuals and families." When I began researching for my Silvertown book, it became apparent to me that a similar flood tide of liberalism had washed over much of nineteenth-century Britain. This portrayed the status quo as normal, natural, and inevitable, but the equilibrium was punctuated in the last decades of the century.

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The effect of frequency of occurrence of lexical items in incidental vocabulary learning
Authors: Vural Ersen
Published: January 2016

This study attempts to examine incidental vocabulary instruction in terms of learners’ frequency of encounter with target lexical items. A text containing target words with different occurrence frequencies was selected. Five frequency bands were created based on the occurrence frequencies of words. Subjects were asked to read the text guessing the meaning of the words with the help of contextual cues. Learners’ retention of unknown words from five frequency bands was measured using immediate and delayed post test. The test included three sections: a recognition test, a multiple choice test and a translation test. Correct answers were analysed to see whether there exists differences in retention of words from various frequency bands. 
Multi-region fuzzy logic controller with local PID controllers for U-tube steam generator in nuclear power plant
Authors: Puchalski Bartosz , Duzinkiewicz Kazimierz , Rutkowski Tomasz
Published: January 2016

In the paper, analysis of multi-region fuzzy logic controller with local PID controllers for steam generator of pressurized water reactor (PWR) working in wide range of thermal power changes is presented. The U-tube steam generator has a nonlinear dynamics depending on thermal power transferred from coolant of the primary loop of the PWR plant. Control of water level in the steam generator conducted by a traditional PID controller which is designed for nominal power level of the nuclear reactor operates insufficiently well in wide range of operational conditions, especially at the low thermal power level. Thus the steam generator is often controlled manually by operators. Incorrect water level in the steam generator may lead to accidental shutdown of the nuclear reactor and consequently financial losses. In the paper a comparison of proposed multi region fuzzy logic controller and traditional PID controllers designed only for nominal condition is presented. The gains of the local PID controllers have been derived by solving appropriate optimization tasks with the cost function in a form of integrated squared error (ISE) criterion. In both cases, a model of steam generator which is readily available in literature was used for control algorithms synthesis purposes. The proposed multi-region fuzzy logic controller and traditional PID controller were subjected to broad-based simulation tests in rapid prototyping software - Matlab/Simulink. These tests proved the advantage of multi-region fuzzy logic controller with local PID controllers over its traditional counterpart.
Stability of fractional positive nonlinear systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: January 2016

The conditions for positivity and stability of a class of fractional nonlinear continuous-time systems are established. It is assumed that the nonlinear vector function is continuous, satisfies the Lipschitz condition and the linear part is described by a Metzler matrix. The stability conditions are established by the use of an extension of the Lyapunov method to fractional positive nonlinear systems.
WYBRANE PROBLEMY ZUŻYCIA TRANSMISJI ŚMIGŁOWCA Mi-24
Authors: Gębura Andrzej , Zientalski Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Przedstawiono hipotezę wzajemnego destrukcyjnego oddziaływania zużytego łożyska górnego przekładni WR-24 na skrzynkę napędów śmigłowca Mi-24. Mi-24 jest jedynym eksploatowanym w Polsce śmigłowcem, w którym skrzynka napędu agregatów zamontowana jest poza przekładnią główną – pośrodku wału transmisji, pomiędzy główną skrzynią napędową a śmigłem ogonowym. Uszkodzenie kół zębatych w skrzynce napędu prądnic jest jednoznaczne z przerwaniem napędu śmigła ogonowego. Takie przerwanie powoduje natychmiastowe obracanie się kadłuba w kierunku odwrotnym do kierunku obrotu śmigła głównego. Wiąże się z tym także utrata siły nośnej oraz sterowności. Może to doprowadzić do katastrofy. Taki przypadek miał miejsce w styczniu 2011 roku w Afganistanie – obaj autorzy uczestniczyli w procesie jego badania. Autorzy, uwzględniając bardzo dobre, wręcz legendarne własności bojowe Mi-24 oraz swoje badania nad specyfiką zużywania się elementów transmisji, uważają, że dla tego właśnie śmigłowca w pierwszej kolejności powinny być uruchomione środki na opracowanie i wdrożenie systemu monitorowania zespołu napędowego. Autorzy do tego celu proponują zastosowanie metody FAM-C. Charakteryzuje się ona znaczną ergonomicznością. Za jej pomocą można śledzić jednocześnie wiele par kinematycznych, a więc także obserwować relacje między nimi.
Solutions Of The Mechanical Construction Used In A Range Of The WH Optoelectronic Gimbals
Authors: Konopacki Tomasz , Błaszczyk Janusz
Published: January 2016

The article presents the construction of a mechanical optoelectronic gimbal of the WH type, developed in the Air Force Institute of Technology, which is intended for unmanned aircraft systems. On the basis of the development of the gimbal, its basic equipment, essential elements, possible manner of assembly and solution related to the transmission of drives were presented.
STEROWANIE PROCESEM SZKOLENIA NA SYMULATORACH LOTNICZYCH W OPARCIU O CHARAKTERYZUJĄCE GO WIELKOŚCI
Authors: Barszcz Piotr , Wesołowski Mariusz , Blacha Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Lot samolotu bojowego przebiega w dynamicznie zmieniającym się otoczeniu, gdzie główną rolę w procesie podejmowania decyzji odgrywa odpowiednio przygotowany pilot, a szczególnie jego percepcja. W artykule przedstawiono analizy wykonane w oparciu o wyniki badań przeprowadzonych na określonej populacji podchorążych oraz pilotów, którzy wykonywali loty na symulatorach lotniczych. Badania prowadzono, mierząc czas reakcji na wprowadzane sytuacje awaryjne oraz określano liczbę popełnianych błędów. Na podstawie analizy korelacji cech charakteryzujących poziom wyszkolenia kandydata na pilota oraz wyszkolonego pilota, znając funkcje rozkładu prawdopodobieństwa tych cech, można szacować, jakie wyniki powinien osiągać podchorąży podczas wykonywania określonego ćwiczenia, aby system szkoleniowy dał zamierzone efekty podczas wykonywania zadań w samolocie, na którym docelowo będzie latał.
Management Of Trainings With Use Of Flight Simulators In Compliance With Characteristic Parameters Of Equipment
Authors: Barszcz Piotr , Wesołowski Mariusz , Blacha Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Flights conditions of combat aircrafts subject to dynamic changes in variable environment, where properly trained and skilled pilots, capable of perceiving stimuli from outside, play key roles in the decision-making process. The study discloses analyses that have been completed on grounds of survey results carried out for a specific population of cadets and pilots that had practiced on flight simulators. The surveys consisted in measurements of the human response time to artificially arranged emergency circumstances with counting of misbehaviour and errors. Then, upon analysis of correlation between skill features demonstrated by pilot candidates (cadets) and trained pilots and with consideration to functions of probability distribution of these features it is possible to estimate expected results that should be achieved by cadets for specific exercises to assess the training system as efficient and suitable to provide intended results when real tasks are assigned to trainees flying eventual aircrafts.
WYBRANE PROBLEMY WDRAŻANIA SYSTEMU ZARZĄDZANIA JAKOŚCIĄ W LOTNICTWIE WOJSKOWYM
Authors: Wesołowski Piotr Barszcz , Blacha Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

Właściwe zarządzanie jednostką organizacyjną oraz przekazywanie rzetelnej informacji o jej funkcjonowaniu to istotne czynniki, które mają wpływ na bezpieczeństwo wykonywanych operacji lotniczych. Zgodnie z decyzją Nr 400/MON Ministra Obrony Narodowej od 1 stycznia 2013 r. rozpoczęto wdrażanie do jednostek lotniczych „Systemu zapewnienia jakości w lotnictwie Sił Zbrojnych” [1]. Normy serii ISO 9000 wymuszają zmianę podejścia do problemu zarządzania jednostką organizacyjną. Analiza istotnych parametrów następuje już na wejściu, a nie tylko na wyjściu oraz jednocześnie wykorzystuje się działania zapobiegawcze i monitorowanie procesów w trakcie ich trwania.

Wdrożony system zarządzania jakością (SZJ) daje rozwiązania całościowe – wszystkie służby jednostki organizacyjnej pracują w jednym, spójnym systemie organizacyjnym i komunikują się poprzez jeden system informacyjny. System zarządzania jakością wymusza przestrzeganie ustalonych procedur działania i nie pozwala na „nieformalne obiegi” w zakresie zarządzania organizacją.
Selected Problems Of Incorporating A Quality Management System In The Air Force
Authors: Barszcz Piotr , Wesołowski Mariusz , Blacha Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

The proper management of an organisational unit and communication of reliable information about its functioning are important factors, which affect the safety of the executed aerial operations. According to decision no. 400/MON of the Minister of National Defence, the incorporation of the “Quality Assurance System in the Air Force” [1] commenced on 1 January 2013. The ISO 9000 series standards enforce a change in the approach to the problem of management of the organisational unit. The analysis of the important parameters takes place at the start, not only at the end, and uses simultaneously preventive actions and the monitoring of processes during their execution.

The incorporated Quality Management System (QMS) provides comprehensive solutions – all services of the organisational unit operate in a single, coherent organisational system and communicate via one information system. The Quality Management System enforces compliance with the specified conduct procedures and excludes “informal circulation” in the scope of the organisation management.
ZABEZPIECZENIE INFORMATYCZNE W ZARZĄDZANIU JAKOŚCIĄ PROCESU EKSPLOATACJI TECHNICZNEJ WOJSKOWYCH STATKÓW POWIETRZNYCH
Authors: Zieja Mariusz , Smoliński Henryk , Gołda Paweł
Published: January 2016

W artykule przedstawiono rolę zabezpieczenia informatycznego w zarządzaniu jakością procesu eksploatacji technicznej wojskowych statków powietrznych. Zaproponowano metodologię analizy statystycznej charakterystyk stanów dominujących na przykładzie analizy wskaźników skuteczności wykrywania uszkodzeń w obsługach technicznych. Wykazano, że właściwie przeprowadzona analiza statystyczna wskaźników charakteryzujących proces eksploatacji technicznej statków powietrznych jest zdolna ujawnić problemy występujące w realizacji tego procesu.
Information Technology Protection In Quality Management Of The Technical Operation Process Of Military Aircraft
Authors: Zieja Mariusz , Smoliński Henryk , Gołda Paweł
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the role of IT protection in the quality management of the technical operation process of military aircraft. The methodology of the statistical analysis of characteristics of the dominant states, on the basis of analysing the performance indicators of damage detection in technical services, was proposed. It was shown that a properly conducted statistical analysis of the indicators, which characterise the technical operation process of aircraft, is capable of disclosing the problems that occur during the implementation of this process.
Reasons for Inadequate Vaccination after Splenectomy
Authors: Tanasković Marko , Odalović Bozidar , Janković Slobodan , Hamzagić Nedim
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to analyze the reasons why the guidelines for post-splenectomy vaccination are not being followed. Considering that vaccination reduces the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy infection, it is important to determine the reasons for inadequate vaccination after splenectomy.

Our research was a qualitative study based on interviews with six surgeons, one general practitioner and three patients who underwent splenectomy, and on the review of patient’s medical charts and discharge summaries.

This study has shown that health care team and patients lack sufficient knowledge about postsplenectomy vaccination. In addition, the study has shown that splenectomy registers, medical bracelets and up-to-date vaccination cards still have not become part of our current practice.

Our study has shown that patient education and health care team education is crucial to follow the guidelines for post-splenectomy vaccination, which is similar to most other reports.

In order to increase the level of post-splenectomy vaccination, we need to upgrade the education of health care teams and patients. Moreover, we need to start using splenectomy registers, medical bracelets and up-to-date vaccination cards.
A current view of the diagnostics and treatment of phenylketonuria in Slovakia
Authors: Ürge Oto
Published: January 2016

An overview of the diagnostics and treatment of phenylketonuria in Slovakia is presented in this paper. The nature of diseases, incidence and prevalence in Slovakia, its genetic characteristics, current laboratory diagnostics and treatment options are defined. A new method of phenylketonuria screening in Slovakia, which has brought substantial improvement in early detection of the disease and shortening time for definitive diagnosis since 1995 as well as the importance of a tandem MS/MS (mass spectrometry) introduced in the diagnosis of inherited metabolic disorders, is presented. The current state of phenylketonuria treatment focusing on low-protein dietary treatment and supplementation of amino acid mixtures is analysed. The use of sapropterin, enzyme replacement therapy, large neutral amino acids supplementation and gene therapy are also discussed.
Genetics of alkaptonuria – an overview
Authors: Zatkova Andrea , Nemethova Martina
Published: January 2016

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is the first described inborn error of metabolism and a classical example of rare autosomal recessive disease. AKU patients carry homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations of the gene coding for enzyme homogentisate dioxygenase (HGD) involved in metabolism of tyrosine. The metabolic block in AKU causes accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) that, with advancing age of the patient, leads to severe and painful ochronotic arthropathy.HGDgene was mapped to chromosome 3q13.3 and is composed of 14 exons. In about 400 patients, 142 pathogenic variants were reported that are listed inHGDmutations database (http://hgddatabase.cvtisr.sk/). In this review, we summarise different aspects of AKU genetics and impact of theHGDvariants on enzyme function.
Toxocarosis of the organ of sight – the complex pathological and diagnostic problem
Authors: Kocięcki Jarosław , Kocięcka Wanda , Dmitriew Andrzej
Published: January 2016

Selected parasitological and epidemiological aspects of Toxocara spp. invasion were discussed. Pathomechanism of lesions and involvement of the organ of sight in toxocarosis were presented. It was stressed that pathological lesions may involve various structures of the eyeball. Moreover, the pattern of lesions may vary depending on the early or late stage of the invasion. Diagnostic techniques were presented, indispensable in confirmation of toxocarosis and establishing its duration. In diagnosis of the ocular form of toxocarosis the significance of differential diagnostic analysis was stressed, particularly essential in oligosymptomatic cases and upon coexistence of other diseases progressing with involvement of the organ of sight. This is important for further specialised management and in selection of an appropriate therapy.
Description of a new species of Chabaudus Inglis and Ogden, 1965 (Nematoda: Seuratoidea) from the frog Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis from Dehrandun, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Rizvi Anjum N. , Bursey Charles R. , Maity Pallab
Published: January 2016

Chabaudus dehradunensis sp. nov. (Nematoda: Seuratoidea) from the large intestine of the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae), from Dehrandun, India is described and illustrated. Chabaudus dehradunensis sp. nov. is the 6
Fertilization in the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis (Cyclophyllidea, Taeniidae)
Authors: Świderski Zdzisław , Miquel Jordi , Azzouz-Maache Samira , Pétavy Anne-Françoise
Published: January 2016

Fertilization in the taeniid cestode Echinococcus multilocularis with uniflagellate spermatozoa was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fertilization in this species occurs in the oviduct lumen or in the fertilization canal proximal to the ootype, where the formation of the embryonic capsule precludes sperm contact with the oocytes. Cortical granules are not present in the cytoplasm of the oocytes of this species, however, several large bodies containing granular material where frequently observed. Spermatozoa coil spirally around the oocytes and syngamy occurs by lateral fusion of oocyte and sperm plasma membranes. In the ootype, one vitellocyte associates with fertilized oocyte, forming a membranous capsule which encloses both cell types. In this stage, the spirally coiled sperm body adheres partly to the external oocyte surface, and partially enters into the perinuclear cytoplasm. The electron-dense sperm nucleus becomes progressively electron-lucent within the oocyte cytoplasm after penetration. Simultaneously with chromatin decondensation, the elongated sperm pronucleus changes shape, forming a spherical male pronucleus, which attains the size of the female pronucleus. Cleavage begins immediately after pronuclear fusion.
Seasonal pattern in parasite infracommunities of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and Hoplias malabaricus (Actinopterygii: Erythrinidae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Gonçalves Raissa Alves , Oliveira Marcos Sidney Brito , Neves Ligia Rigôr , Tavares-Dias Marcos
Published: January 2016

The present study investigated the effects of seasonal variation in parasites infracommunities of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus and Hoplias malabaricus from a tributary of Amazon River. For H. unitaeniatus and H. malabaricus, 11 parasite species were similar, and greatest parasite richness occurred during the rainy season. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis was the dominant parasite species for both hosts. In H. unitaeniatus, infection by Whittingtonocotyle caetei, Whittingtonocotyle jeju, Urocleidoides sp. and Anacanthorus sp. was higher during rainy season. Contracaecum sp., Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus, Nomimoscolex matogrossensis and Gorytocephalus spectabilis showed no seasonal pattern. For H. unitaeniatus, P. pillulare, Clinostomum marginatum and Argulus pestifer occurred only during dry season, while Trichodina sp., Dolops geayi, undetermined metacercariae and Posthodiplostomum sp. occurred only during the rainy season. In H. malabaricus, the prevalence of Urocleidoides eremitus was similar during the two seasons, but abundance was higher during the rainy season. Tetrahymena sp., C. marginatum, Dendrorchis neivai, undetermined metacercariae, Posthodiplostomum sp., Genarchella genarchella, Cystidicoloides sp., G. spectabilis, D. geayi, A. pestifer and Glossiphonidae gen. sp. occurred only during the dry season. However, Contracaecum sp. and P. (S.) inopinatus occurred during both seasons, but the prevalence of P. (S.) inopinatus was higher during the rainy season. Seasonal variation in this infection levels was due to the host’s feeding behavior and habits and the availability of infectious forms of parasites with heteroxenic life cycles. The non-seasonal fluctuation detected are likely a result of the parasites biology, highly variable nature of this tributary of Amazon River and low abundance of parasites.
Assessing the influence of geographic distance in parasite communities of an exotic lizard
Authors: Bezerra Castiele Holanda , Pinheiro Luan Tavares , Melo Gabriela Cavalcante de , Zanchi-Silva Djan , Queiroz Murilo de Souza , Anjos Luciano Alves dos , Harris David James , Borges-Nojosa Diva Maria
Published: January 2016

The decay of similarity between biological communities with increasing geographical distance is a well-established pattern in ecology, but there are more complex factors acting on host population connections that influence this association for parasite communities, such as parasites’ colonization ability and degree of connectivity between host populations. Here we aim to determine the helminth communities associated with different populations of the host lizard Hemidactylus mabouia, testing if the similarity of parasite communities decreases as the distance between them increases. For this, we collected samples of lizard populations in seven sites from Northeastern coast of Brazil and identified parasite species of helminths and pentastomids in each host, calculated the Sørensen indices of presence/absence and abundance of each pair of communities and related them to the geographical distance. We did not find a relationship of decaying similarity with increasing distance between the parasite communities of the host populations. This can be explained by factors such as the characteristics of the contact between the host populations, and by modes of transmission of most parasite species. Furthermore, it may be related to the exotic nature of the host in Brazil so that parasite communities have not reached equilibrium.
Diagnostic value of semi-purified antigens of hydatid cyst fluid in human cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Iraqi Wissal
Published: January 2016

Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is an infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The diagnosis of this disease has been problematic. Serological tests detecting antibodies against E. granulosus are the most popular and mainly use the crude Hydatid Cyst Fluid (HCF) or its components, Ag 5 and B. However, the diagnostic value of these tests is limited by the problems of specificity and/or sensitivity. The use of purified HCF antigens could be more helpful in the serodiagnosis of CE compared to the whole HCF. In the present study, we have evaluated the diagnostic value of semi-purified antigens using ELISA tests. Our results have shown that the 53 KDa antigen gave the best specificity (97.5%) and sensitivity (80%). We have also used Western Blot technique to analyze the serological profile against HCF. The results have confirmed that the most immunogenic component of HCF is the Ag 5.
A Solid State Pyranometer
Authors: Dumitrescu Anca Laura , Paulescu Marius , Ercuta Aurel
Published: January 2016

The construction of a solid state device-based pyranometer designated to broadband irradiance measurements is presented in this paper. The device is built on the physical basis that the temperature difference between two bodies of identical shape and external surface area, identically exposed to the incident radiation, but having different absorption and heat transfer coefficients (e.g. one body is painted white and the other is painted black), is proportional to the incident irradiance. This proportionality may be put in evidence if the two bodies consisting of identical arrays of correspondingly painted semiconductor diodes, due to the thermal behaviour of their p-n junction. It is theoretically predicted and experimentally confirmed that the voltage drop across a diode passed through a constant forward current linearly decreases with the temperature of the junction. In other words, a signal proportional to the irradiance of the light source may be obtained via conventional analog electronics. The calibration of the apparatus, as performed by means of a professional device (LP PYRA 03), indicates a good linearity.
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Map of Timisoara
Authors: Stefu N. , Solyom I. , Arama A.
Published: January 2016

There are many electromagnetic field (EMF) sources nowadays acting simultaneously, especially in urban areas, making the theoretical estimation of electromagnetic power at ground level very difficult. This paper reports on EMF maps built with measurements collected in Timisoara, at various radiofrequencies. A grid of 15×15 squares was built (approximate resolution 400m x 400m) and measurements of the average and maximum values of the electric field E, magnetic field H and total power density S at 0.9, 1.8 and 2.4 GHz were collected in every node of the grid. Positions of the nodes in terms of latitude and longitude were also collected. Maps were built presenting the spatial distribution of the measured quantities over Timisoara. Potential influences of EMF on public health are discussed.
The Effect of Particle Concentration on the Heating Rate of Ferrofluids for Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Malaescu I. , Marin C. N. , Bunoiu M. , Fannin P. C. , Stefu N. , Iordaconiu L.
Published: January 2016

The complex magnetic susceptibility χ(f) = χ′(f) - i χ″(f), of a ferrofluid sample with magnetite particles dispersed in kerosene and stabilized with oleic acid, over the range 0.1 GHz to 6 GHz, was determined. The initial sample has been successively diluted with kerosene (with a dilution rate of 2/3), thus obtaining further three samples. Using the complex magnetic susceptibility measurements of each sample, the frequency field and particle concentration dependencies of the heating rate of the ferrofluid samples, were analyzed. The results show the possibility of using the heating rate of ferrofluid samples with different particle concentrations, in hyperthermia applications.
Extended functional repertoire for human copper chaperones
Authors: Matson Dzebo Maria , Ariöz Candan , Wittung-Stafshede Pernilla
Published: January 2016

Copper (Cu) ions are cofactors in many essential enzymes. As free Cu ions are toxic, most organisms have highly specialized Cu transport systems involving dedicated proteins. The human cytoplasmic Cu chaperone Atox1 delivers Cu to P1B-type ATPases in the Golgi network, for incorporation into Cu-dependent enzymes following the secretory path. Atox1 homologs are found in most organisms; it is a 68-residue ferredoxin-fold protein that binds Cu in a conserved surface-exposed CXXC motif. In addition to Atox1, the human cytoplasm also contains Cu chaperones for loading of superoxide dismutase 1 (i.e. CCS) and cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria (i.e. Cox17). Many mechanistic aspects have been resolved with respect to how Cu ions are moved between these proteins. In addition to the primary cytoplasmic Cu chaperone function, all three cytoplasmic chaperones have been reported to have other interaction partners that are involved in signaling pathways that modulate cell growth and development. These new discoveries imply that humans have evolved a highly sophisticated network of control mechanisms that connect Cu transport with cell regulatory processes. This knowledge may eventually be exploited for future drug developments towards diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Application of SYBR Green I and TaqMan probe-based real-time PCRs for the identification of Listeria spp. and Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Kędrak-Jabłońska Agnieszka , Budniak Sylwia , Szczawińska Anna , Reksa Monika , Krupa Marek , Szulowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2016

The aim of the study was the application and comparison of real-time PCR methods based on the fluorescence of SYBR Green I intercalating dye and TaqMan probes for the detection of the 23S rDNA gene of Listeria spp. and the hlyA gene of Listeria monocytogenes. Five strains of L. monocytogenes and single strains of each of the species: L. ivanovii, L. innocua, L. grayi, L. welshimeri, and L. seeligeri were used for the experiments. Additionally, five strains of other species of bacteria were used for evaluation of the specificity of the tests. QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR and QuantiTect Probe PCR kits were selected for the study. In the first stage of the study, SYBR Green I real-time PCRs were performed under several methods, the first one allowing detection of the 23S rDNA gene and the remainder based on the amplification of the hlyA gene. In the next part, three varied in method TaqMan probe-based real-time PCRs allowing confirmation of strains belonging to Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were conducted. The observation of amplification curves in real-time PCR methods enabled the detection of both genes, and these methods demonstrated a significant sensitivity and high specificity. A high regression coefficient of 0.99 was found for all reactions. Specific amplification products were obtained for the 23S rDNA and hlyA genes, which confirmed the tested strains as Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes respectively. Isolates of other microbial species did not yield real-time PCR products.
Presence of Escherichia coli O157 and O157:H7 in raw milk and Van herby cheese
Authors: Sancak Yakup Can , Sancak Hakan , Isleyici Ozgur
Published: January 2016

The Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are currently considered important emerging pathogens threatening public health. Among Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7 strains have emerged as important human pathogens. This study was conducted to determine the presence of Escherichia coli O157 and O157:H7 in raw milk samples and Van herby cheese samples. For this purpose, 100 samples of raw milk were collected and 100 samples of herby cheese sold for consumption in Van province in Turkey were obtained from grocers and markets in order to detect the presence of Escherichia coli O157 and O157:H7. The method of E. coli O157 and O157:H7 isolation proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was used. E. coli O157 in raw milk and herby cheese samples was found in 11% and 6% of samples respectively, and E. coli O157:H7 was found in 2% of herby cheese samples. No E. coli O157:H7 was detected in raw milk samples. This study showed that raw milk was contaminated with E. coli O157 and herby cheese was contaminated with both E. coli O157 and E. coli O157:H7; therefore, herby cheese poses a serious risk to public health.
miRNAs as novel biomarkers in the management of prostate cancer
Authors: Filella Xavier , Foj Laura
Published: January 2016

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression posttranscriptionally and are part of the giant non codifying genoma. Cumulating data suggest that miRNAs are promising potential biomarkers for many diseases, including cancer. Prostate cancer (PCa) detection is currently based in the serum prostate-specific antigen biomarker and digital rectal examination. However, these methods are limited by a low predictive value and the adverse consequences associated with overdiagnosis and overtreatment. New biomarkers that could be used for PCa detection and prognosis are still needed. Recent studies have demonstrated that aberrant expressions of microRNAs are associated with the underlying mechanisms of PCa. This review attempts to extensively summarize the current knowledge of miRNA expression patterns, as well as their targets and involvement in PCa pathogenesis. We focused our review in the value of circulating and urine miRNAs as biomarkers in PCa patients, highlighting the existing discrepancies between different studies, probably associated with the important methodological issues related to their quantitation and normalization. The majority of studies have been performed in serum or plasma, but urine obtained after prostate massage appears as a new way to explore the usefulness of miRNAs. Large screening studies to select a miRNA profile have been completed, but bioinformatics tools appear as a new approach to select miRNAs that are relevant in PCa development. Promising preliminary results were published concerning miR-141, miR-375 and miR-21, but larger and prospective studies using standardized methodology are necessary to define the value of miRNAs in the detection and prognosis of PCa.
A novel intramolecular reversible reaction between the hydroxyl group and isobutenylene chain in a cyclophane-type macrocycle
Authors: Fang Le , Gong Wei-Tao , Dhinakaran Manivannan Kalavathi , Shang Li , Ning Gui-Ling
Published: January 2016

A novel Hg
Convenient amidation of carboxyl group of carboxyphenylboronic acids
Authors: Nowak-Jary Julia
Published: January 2016

The use of catalysts in the activation of carboxyl groups towards nucleophilic attack and the protection of other functional groups by suitable protecting groups are standard and necessary procedures in amide bond formation. In contrast to the usual methods, various new compounds, amides of APTES ((3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, 3-triethoxysilylpropylamine) and carboxyphenylboronic acids, as well as the amides of aniline and carboxyphenylboronic acids, were obtained in good yields by a one-step synthesis under mild conditions without using any coupling reagents or additional catalysts.
Design of extractive distillation process with mixed entrainer
Authors: Sazonova Aleksandra Yu. , Raeva Valentina M. , Frolkova Alla K.
Published: January 2016

The separation of two systems containing minimum boiling azeotropes (acetone-methanol and tetrahydrofuran (THF)-water) was performed using extractive distillation with a heavy boiling mixed entrainer consisting of two compounds. The entrainer constituents did not form new azeotropes with each other and with the components of the original mixture. An analysis of the mixed entrainer influence on the vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) and relative volatility provides an understanding of the cases in which the separation by extractive distillation (ED) in the presence of the mixed entrainer revealed energy benefits over their individual constituents. New results for application of the mixed entrainer monoethanolamine (MEA)-ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO)-glycerol for the separation of THF-water and acetone-methanol, respectively, are presented for the first time. The individual selective agents were chosen from the efficient entrainers discussed in the literature. The calculations were performed using the platform Aspen Plus 7.3. Different extractive distillation flowsheets are provided for the zeotropic mixed agents, viz. with two or three columns. For the ED of the binary mixtures investigated, the structures of the different separation schemes, the operating parameters of the columns, and the energy consumptions are presented and compared. The application of the mixed entrainer MEA-EG fed into the ED column with pre-mixing can be recommended, providing up to 1.7 % of energy saving for acetone-methanol separation. In the case of THF-water, the mixed entrainer DMSO-glycerol provides 0.8 % of energy saving. The separate inputs of the individual constituents of the mixed entrainer led to a significant increase in the energy consumptions of the flowsheet because of the third regeneration column, hence this flowsheet cannot be recommended for use in the separation of both mixtures.
President’s Column
Authors: Tarasova Natalia
Published: January 2016

I am grateful for this opportunity to wish members of IUPAC bodies, fellows, affiliate members, and our company associates a fruitful and healthy year in 2016. I am also grateful to the IUPAC family for its commitment to the chemical sciences. As I have mentioned in my Vice President Critical Assessment in Busan, chemistry is the music of nature, which, while playing with a limited number of elements, creates the infinite beauty of the Universe. To help society appreciate chemistry is one of the key goals of IUPAC. The momentum gained during the International Year of Chemistry (
Chemistry & War: How Chemistry Underpinned the Great War
Authors: Freemantle Michael
Published: January 2016

The First World War, also known as The Great War, was fought from late July 1914 to November 1918. It pitted the armies and industrial might of the Central Powers, notably Germany, against those of Britain, France, and other Allied Powers.
Clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics
Authors: García-González Xandra , Cabaleiro Teresa , Herrero María José , McLeod Howard , López-Fernández Luis A.
Published: January 2016

In the last decade, pharmacogenetic research has been performed in different fields. However, the application of pharmacogenetic findings to clinical practice has not been as fast as desirable. The current situation of clinical implementation of pharmacogenetics is discussed. This review focuses on the advances of pharmacogenomics to individualize cancer treatments, the relationship between pharmacogenetics and pharmacodynamics in the clinical course of transplant patients receiving a combination of immunosuppressive therapy, the needs and barriers facing pharmacogenetic clinical application, and the situation of pharmacogenetic testing in Spain. It is based on lectures presented by speakers of the Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenetics Symposium at the VII Conference of the Spanish Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics Society, held in April 20, 2015.
Solvent-fractionated sugar cane bagasse lignin: structural characteristics and electro-spinnability
Authors: Leite Rogério , de Almeida Yêda Medeiros B. , Sarmento Sandra Maria , Alves Kleber G.B. , de Melo Etelino Feijó , Souto-Maior Rosa Maria
Published: January 2016

Lignin is one of the most abundant macromolecules on Earth. Lignins are obtained as by-products from the paper industry and used mostly as fuel. Their diverse composition has limited the development of high added-value applications: however, because of their abundance and sustainable origin, there is a growing interest in using lignins as a raw material and as a replacement for oil derivatives. In order to use lignins in bio-refineries, several processes must be studied and standardized. Lignin fractionation using solvents is a promising process. In this study, lignin from sugar cane bagasse (L1) was fractionated with solvents, and the fractions were characterized to evaluate structural aspects relevant for the production of fibers. L1 was extracted into four fractions with toluene (E1), ethanol (E2), methanol (E3), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, E4). Fractions E2, E3, and E4, showed only slightly different molar masses and molar mass distribution, but have relevant differences in their structural characteristics and processability. The ethanol extract (E2) provided lignins with a more flexible structure, and electro-spinning resulted in the production of nanofibers with diameters between 60 and 120 nm; the methanol fraction (E3) produced nanospheres with diameters between 90 and 350 nm; the DMSO fraction (E4) covered only a surface with electro-spray. These results show the possibility of developing high added-value applications using fractions of lignin from distinct biomasses or from their combination.
Managing ‘Ordinary Heritage’ in Poland: Łódź and Its Post-Industrial Legacy
Authors: Pielesiak Iwona
Published: January 2016

It could be argued that cultural heritage in Poland, like in other post-socialist countries, is losing its importance due to modernisation, and that its preservation is in conflict with new investment. The situation is caused by several factors. Firstly, free use of private property is often more valued than the care for historical landscapes, which could be attributed to the consequences of the economic crisis. Secondly, there are legal shortcomings in spatial planning and heritage conservation systems. Thirdly, cooperation among politicians, urban planners and heritage protection officers is not efficient.

Since the transition period of the 1990s, historic relics have been exposed to multiple threats. The following case study of Łódź illustrates the general need for a change of approach towards cultural legacy management, especially in reference to more common heritage elements which are not under hard protection.