bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is there a role for ischaemic conditioning in cardiac surgery?
Authors: Candilio Luciano , Hausenloy Derek
Published: April 2017

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is the revascularisation strategy of choice in patients with diabetes mellitus and complex CAD. Owing to a number of factors, including the ageing population, the increased complexity of CAD being treated, concomitant valve and aortic surgery, and multiple comorbidities, higher-risk patients are being operated on, the result of which is an increased risk of sustaining perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) and poorer clinical outcomes. As such, new treatment strategies are required to protect the heart against PMI and improve clinical outcomes following cardiac surgery. In this regard, the heart can be endogenously protected from PMI by subjecting the myocardium to one or more brief cycles of ischaemia and reperfusion, a strategy called “ischaemic conditioning”. However, this requires an intervention applied directly to the heart, which may be challenging to apply in the clinical setting. In this regard, the strategy of remote ischaemic conditioning (RIC) may be more attractive, as it allows the endogenous cardioprotective strategy to be applied away from the heart to the arm or leg by simply inflating and deflating a cuff on the upper arm or thigh to induce one or more brief cycles of ischaemia and reperfusion (termed “limb RIC”). Although a number of small clinical studies have demonstrated less PMI with limb RIC following cardiac surgery, three recently published large multicentre randomised clinical trials found no beneficial effects on short-term or long-term clinical outcomes, questioning the role of limb RIC in the setting of cardiac surgery. In this article, we review ischaemic conditioning as a therapeutic strategy for endogenous cardioprotection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and discuss the potential reasons for the failure of limb RIC to improve clinical outcomes in this setting. Crucially, limb RIC still has the therapeutic potential to protect the heart in other clinical settings, such as acute myocardial infarction, and it may also protect other organs against acute ischaemia/reperfusion injury (such as the brain, kidney, and liver).
A Simulation of Natural Deduction and Gentzen Sequent Calculus
Authors: Kozhemiachenko Daniil
Published: April 2017

We consider four natural deduction systems: Fitch-style systems, Gentzen-style systems (in the form of dags), general deduction Frege systems and nested deduction Frege systems, as well as dag-like Gentzen-style sequent calculi. All these calculi soundly and completely formalize classical propositional logic.We show that general deduction Frege systems and Gentzen-style natural calculi provide at most quadratic speedup over nested deduction Frege systems and Fitch-style natural calculi and at most cubic speedup over Gentzen-style sequent calculi.
The impact and efficacy of surveillance in patients with sarcoma of the extremities
Authors: Cool P. , Cribb G.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

In this cross sectional study, the impact and the efficacy of a surveillance programme for sarcomas of the extremities was analysed.

Methods

All patients who had treatment with curative intent for a high-grade sarcoma and were diagnosed before 2014 were included and followed for a minimum of two years.

Results

Of the 909 patients who had a review appointment in 2014, 131 were under review for a high-grade sarcoma of the extremities following treatment with curative intent. Of these patients, three patients died of disease, two patients died of other causes, 12 are alive, with disease, and 114 have no evidence of disease. The surveillance programme accounts for 14% of all review appointments. Four of five patients (80%) who developed local recurrence identified the recurrence themselves. Chest radiographs are adequate in identifying metastatic disease and 11 (73%) of metastases were diagnosed during a routine follow up visit. However, the chance of cure is small and only two patients were referred for a metastatectomy. Of these only one survived for more than two years. The mean time for developing metastatic disease and local recurrence was 2.0 and 3.9 years respectively. Once identified, the mean time to death was 2.1 years for patients with metastatic disease.

Conclusions

Surveillance of sarcoma patients makes up a substantial amount of the workload of a sarcoma unit. The chance of cure following identification of local recurrence or metastatic disease, however, is small. Alternative methods of surveillance that allow better evaluation of the patient’s needs are recommended. Cite this article: P. Cool, G. Cribb. The impact and efficacy of surveillance in patients with sarcoma of the extremities. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:224–230. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2016-0253.R1.
Moral panics and social work: A response to David Pilgrim
Authors: Smith Mark , Cree Vivien E. , Clapton Gary
Published: April 2017

In his article ‘Child sexual abuse, moral panics and emancipatory practice’ (Pilgrim, 2017), David Pilgrim seeks to use our book, Revisiting moral panics (Cree et al, 2015), to construct a straw man, which needs to be knocked down to preserve his own particular view of child sexual abuse. There are many problems in the way he does so, which we address in this response.
Embracing complexity in Food, Design and Food Design
Authors: Biderman Jonathan Leroy
Published: April 2017

Food Design depends on development of a comprehensive, shared understanding of both Design and Food. This article argues that this emerging, multidisciplinary field must wrestle with several contentious and nuanced issues on the way to establishing itself as a field of inquiry and a community of practice. First, before we can talk about Food Design, we must understand what we mean by ‘design’ and by ‘food’, the latter being a particularly broad, complex and context-variable landscape. Second, the many fields that come to the design table have different sets of values, vocabulary and premises that present a challenge to interdisciplinary collaboration. And third, the universality, diversity and importance of food require that Food Design takes the broadest possible perspective on the food system and be deliberate about seeking out and including every voice and stakeholder in the conversation. There are all sorts of ways that design decisions may affect food and eating behaviour no matter how far removed from food the decisions may seem, and it is the responsibility of a discipline calling itself Food Design to be explicit in its awareness of that. This article concludes with several illustrative examples of the complexity of Food Design.
Accesibilidad espacial de los servicios de prevención y control del cáncer-cervicouterino en San Luis Potosí
Authors: Terán-Hernández Mónica
Published: April 2017

OBJETIVO. Diseñar un método de planeación espacial del sector salud que pueda usarse cotidianamente en San Luis Potosí (SLP), acorde a las necesidades y condiciones técnicas y financieras del gobierno del estado y de los gobiernos locales. El método debe ser sencillo (acorde a las capacidades técnicas de los planificadores, sin matemáticas complicadas), y viable en términos financieros (esto es, debe evitarse trabajar con bases de datos que impliquen mantenimiento y actualizaciones con costos elevados). MÉTODOS. Deriva de la perspectiva de la geografía de la salud, que entre una de sus líneas de investigación estima la accesibilidad a los servicios médicos. Para ello se utilizó un método de interacción espacial como un indicador de la dimensión territorial del acceso potencial a los servicios de salud en tres escalas de desagregación: localidad, municipio y jurisdicción. RESULTADOS. El 73.29% de las usuarias potenciales a los servicios que ofertan las unidades médicas (UM) tiene una accesibilidad muy desfavorable, principalmente al sureste de la entidad. La distribución espacial de la oferta no se corresponde con la distribución espacial de la demanda. CONCLUSIONES. Los resultados del método evidencian la variación socioespacial del acceso a estos servicios. Se propone incorporar la accesibilidad espacial como un indicador de la dimensión territorial en salud porque permite diferenciar áreas desfavorecidas, reorganizar espacialmente los servicios, y con ello se podría atender esta disparidad que debe ser corregida por los planificadores del sector salud.
A Method for Optimizing Height Threshold When Computing Airborne Laser Scanning Metrics
Authors: Gorgens Eric Bastos , Valbuena Ruben , Rodriguez Luiz Carlos Estraviz
Published: April 2017

In airborne laser scanning (ALS), a reference height threshold is employed for computation of height and density metrics, which are used as auxiliary variables for predicting forest attributes. Lacking consensus, practitioners employ different criteria to
define a height threshold, which is applied to all the metrics collectively. In this paper, we propose a change of paradigm in ALS metric computation: height thresholds must be optimized for each metric individually, instead of applying a single one for all them. We present an optimization
method based on the maximal information coefficient (MIC), which is applied for each metric, one-by-one. Results showed how a bad choice of height thresholds damages the predictive potential of most metrics. While increasing thresholds strengthened height metrics' relationship to volume, it
weakened for density metrics, and therefore choosing different thresholds makes sense.
Identification Of Unpaved Roads in a Regional Road Network Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Brooks Colin N. , Dean David B. , Dobson Richard J. , Roussi Christopher , Carter Justin F. , VanderWoude Andrea J. , Colling Tim , Banach David M.
Published: April 2017

An accurate inventory of unpaved road network length and condition within a county, state, or region is important for efficient use of resources to manage and maintain this critical transportation asset. Object-based classification techniques provide a cost-effective way to identify
unpaved roads within a local agency's road network when the road type (i.e., paved versus unpaved) attribute is missing. We present a Trimble eCognition® algorithm using four band optical aerial imagery and object-based classification to classify roads as paved or unpaved. The ruleset
evaluates relationships between bands and allows separation and segmentation of unpaved roads from other pavement classes. The algorithm is applied to unincorporated areas of a six county region in Southeastern Michigan. Tree shadows on roads and the spectral similarity of road construction
materials pose challenges to classification accuracy. An accuracy assessment of the classification indicated that the algorithm works well with overall classification accuracy between 82 and 94 percent.
Lecturas y libros de texto: La lectura en las clases de Historia: diferentes modalidades y concepciones.
Authors: Benchimol Karina
Published: April 2017

Por las características del conocimiento histórico, la lectura asume una gran importancia, y enseñar a leer en la disciplina es relevante para que los estudiantes aprendan Historia. En este artículo se presenta un análisis didáctico sobre el papel que desempeña la lectura en clases de tres profesores de Historia de escuela secundaria. Se considera qué función desempeña la lectura de los textos en las clases y se relaciona lo que se hace en las aulas con las concepciones de los docentes sobre el papel de la lectura en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje de la Historia.Los análisis que se desarrollan pertenecen a una investigación que tiene como objetivos conocer las concepciones de los profesores sobre el papel de la lectura en la enseñanza y en el aprendizaje de la Historia y caracterizar los supuestos sobre la lectura involucrados en las propuestas didácticas. Se han observado clases en escuelas secundarias públicas y se han realizado entrevistas a los profesores para conocer su perspectiva acerca de la enseñanza de la Historia, sus concepciones sobre el papel de la lectura en ello y el aprendizaje de la Historia así como sobre lo acontecido en las clases observadas.
On a product of universal hyperalgebras
Authors: Chaisansuk Nitima , Šlapal Josef
Published: April 2017

We introduce and study a new operation of product of universal hyperalgebras which lies, with respect to set inclusion, between the cartesian product of the hyperalgebras and the cartesian product of their idempotent hulls. We give sufficient conditions for the validity of the first exponential law and a weak form of the second exponential law for the direct power of universal hyperalgebras with respect to the product introduced.
A Criterion for linear independence of infinite products
Authors: Hančl Jaroslav , Kolouch Ondřej , Novotný Lukáš
Published: April 2017

Using an idea of Erdős the paper establishes a criterion for the linear independence of infinite products which consist of rational numbers. A criterion for irrationality is obtained as a consequence.
A note on “The nearest symmetric fuzzy solution for a symmetric fuzzy linear system”
Authors: Malkawi Ghassan , Ahmad Nazihah , Ibrahim Haslinda
Published: April 2017

This paper provides accurate approximate solutions for the symmetric fuzzy linear systems in (Allahviranloo et al:[1]).
A multi-dimensional FBSDE with quadratic generator and its applications
Authors: Rotenstein Eduard
Published: April 2017

We consider, in the Markovian framework, a multi-dimensional forward - back - ward stochastic differential equation with quadratic growth for the generator function of the backward system. We prove an existence result of the solution and we use this result for pricing and hedging of contingent claims that depend on non-tradeable indexes by portfolios consisting in correlated risky assets.
Positive solutions for singular nonlocal boundary value problems involving integral conditions with derivative dependence
Authors: Yan Baoqiang , O’Regan Donal , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: April 2017

In this paper using a fixed point theory on a cone we present some new results on the existence of multiple positive solutions for singular nonlocal boundary value problems involving integral conditions with derivative dependence.
An Investigation Concerning the Impact of Climate Changes on the Water Equilibrium in the Egyptian Nile Delta
Authors: Ashour Mohamed A. , Aly Tawab E. , Eldegwee Yousra A.
Published: April 2017

In such problematic water situation in Egypt, control and saving of the available limited quantity takes great importance from both technical and national points of view. In addition to all the well-known traditional reasons of the problem such as pollution, over usage, and bad traditions of dealing with water, a new very important reason is added nowadays, called “Climate Changes” which has a direct impact on sea water rising, that causes a serious attack of the salt water to the fresh water especially in River Deltas., Not only the surface water, but also the ground water. Since that process proved some acceleration, several investigations have recently considered the worst impacts of climate change and sea water level rise on sea water intrusion. Most of them have revealed the severity of such problem, and the significance of the land movement of the dispersion zone under the sea water level rise situation. In this paper, we try to introduce a technical review and study for the most popular studies concerning our topic, and its most important conclusions, as an approach for preparing the Ph.D. thesis about the Nile Delta water equilibrium in the light of the expected Mediterranean Sea water level rise. Nile Delta, which located between Damietta Branch on the East, and Rosetta Branch on the west, occupies about 20000 square kilometers of the most rich, productive land in Egypt. About 50% of Egyptian population live in that area, agriculture is the main human activities on them, so water is the prime factor in their life, and their agriculture investments. The great amount of this investment depends on the ground water, which faces a serious challenge due to, two reasons, first, is the overuse, and over pumping, while the second is the attack of the salt water due to the Mediterranean Seawater level rise, because of the climate changes. These two reasons must be overcome, if the first reason can be controlled by law, and technical roles, the second reason needs intensive studies and investigations concerning the interaction between seawater and fresh ground water.
A Landsat 8 OLI Satellite Data-Based Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Variations of Lake Sevan Phytoplankton Biomass
Authors: Tepanosayn Garegin , Muradyan Vahagn , Hovsepyan Azatuhi , Minasyan Lilit , Asmaryan Shushanik
Published: April 2017

The Sevan is one of the world’s largest highland lakes and the largest drinking water reservoir to the South Caucasus. An intensive drop in the level of the lake that occurred over the last decades of the 20th century has brought to eutrophication. The 2000s were marked by an increase in the level of the lake and development of fish farming. To assess possible effect of these processes on water quality, creating a state-ofthe- art water quality monitoring system is required. Traditional approaches to monitoring aquatic systems are often time-consuming, expensive and non-continuous. Thus, remote sensing technologies are crucial in quantitatively monitoring the status of water quality due to the rapidity, cyclicity, large-scale and low-cost. The aim of this work was to evaluate potential applications of the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) to study the spatio-temporal phytoplankton biomass changes. In this study phytoplankton biomasses are used as a water quality indicator, because phytoplankton communities are sensitive to changes in their environment and directly correlated with eutrophication. We used Landsat 8 OLI (30 m spatial resolution, May, Aug, Sep 2016) images converted to the bottom of atmosphere (BOA) reflectance by performing standard preprocessing steps (radiometric and atmospheric correction, sun glint removal etc.). The nonlinear regression model was developed using Landsat 8 (May 2016) coastal blue, blue, green, red, NIR bands, their ratios (blue/red, red/green, red/blue etc.) and in situ measurements (R2=0.7, p<0.05) performed by the Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA in May 2016. Model was applied to the OLI images received for August and September 2016. The data obtained through the model shows that in May the quantity of phytoplankton mostly varies from 0.2 to 0.6g/m3. In August vs. May a sharp increase in the quantity of phytoplankton around 1-5 g/m3 is observable. In September, very high contents of phytoplankton are observed for almost entire surface of the lake. Preliminary collation between data generated with help of the model and in-situ measurements allows to conclude that the RS model for phytoplankton biomass estimation showed reasonable results, but further validation is necessary.
Estimating Trends of Mean Monthly Ozone Emission in Urbanised Areas of Malaysia
Authors: Olaniyia Akeem Olawale , Abdullaha Ahmad Makmom , Ramlia Mohammad Firuz , Mandea Hosea Kato , Babarinsab Deborah
Published: April 2017

A 21 year (1992 – 2012) daily ozone emission data of a highly urbanised district in Malaysia was analysed with the aim of estimating the trend of ozone emission and relating this trend to the socio – economic and climatic characteristics of the area. Daily ozone emission dataset used in this study were obtained from the World Ozone and Ultraviolet Data Centre (WOUDC). The data were aggregated to obtain the mean monthly emission data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to describe the datasets. Trend of the ozone emission was estimated with the use of MANN - KENDALL test. The magnitude of the trend was derived by the use of ordinary least-square fitting and the significance of trend was also tested with the use of MANN-KENDALL tool. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that the highest ozone emission occurred during the south western monsoon (May to August) period and these mean monthly ozone emission differed significantly over the study period. The trend analysis indicated a yearly decrease of between 0.069 ppt to 9.45 ppt for all the months except for the month of June when the predicted ozone concentration increased between 0.403 ppt and 0.414 ppt over 2020 to 2100. Furthermore, the results indicated that the ozone emission datasets yielded good estimates (predictive power of over 90%) with polynomial regression model. It could be concluded that the results of this study provided useful evidence for the importance of the climatic factors such as ambient air temperature, relative humidity on ozone formation. More so, this study could be useful in developing baseline information for assessing the health impact of ozone emission and for urban airshed modelling.
Rainfall Variability and Trend Analysis of Multiannual Rainfall in Romanian Plain
Authors: Nouaceur Zeineddine , Murărescu Ovidiu , Murătoreanu George
Published: April 2017

The IPCC climate models predict, for the Central Europe, are for climate changes, being seen variability of temperature, with a growing trend of 1-2,5° C (with 1° C for alpine zone – Carpathians and 2-2,5° C for plains). Current observations in the Romanian plain are not consistent, with an existence of a multiannual variability of temperature and precipitations depending on cyclonal and anti-ciclonal activity. The research is based on calculation of reduced centered index, also the graphical chronological method in information processing (MGCTI) of „Bertin Matrix” type, to show current trends of the spatio-temporal variability of precipitation in the context of global climate change. These are in line with the movement of air masses in Europe in general, and implicitly in Romania, with particular regard to the southern region of the country where the Romanian Plain. The variability of short-term global climate is generally associated with coupling phases of oceanic and atmospheric phenomena including El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). While El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects climate variability in the world, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is the climate model dominant in the North Atlantic region. The latter cyclic oscillation whose role is still under debate could explain the variability of rainfall in much of the, central Europe area, and support the hypothesis of a return of the rains marking the end of years of drought in Romanian plain. Faced with such great changes that today affect the central Europe region and given the complexity of spatial and temporal dimensions of the climatic signal, a more thorough research of causes and retroactions would allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms behind this new trend.
An effective medium ratio obeying meta-atom for multiband applications
Authors: Hossain M. J. , Faruque M. R. I. , Islam M. T. , Islam S. S.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, an effective medium ratio obeying, negative refractive index, compact meta-atom was designed, manufactured and tested for operation in a multiband microwave regime. The proposed meta-atom structure obeyed better effective medium ratio. The results of the measurement were verified by the commercially available Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Studio Suite 2014 simulator. The effective medium ratio obeying meta-atom displayed multiband response, in conjunction with negative refractive index property over a certain frequency band in the microwave frequency span. Furthermore, a few parametric analyses were completed with the meta-atom, and the effective medium parameters were investigated. The sizes and complex scattering constitutive parameters of the proposed negative refractive index, compact meta-atom are applicable for multiband applications in microwave regime.
Tribological behavior, mechanical properties and microstructure of Al-12Si-ZrC composite prepared by powder metallurgy
Authors: John C. F. , Paul R. C. , Singh S. C. E. , Ramkumar T.
Published: April 2017

High-energy mechanical alloying method was used to prepare Al-12Si-xZrC (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 wt. %) nanocomposites. Cylindrical preforms were prepared with an initial preform density of 89% by using a suitable die and punch assembly. The preforms were sintered in a muffle furnace with an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 550°C, followed by cooling until room temperature has been attained. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterize the composites. Pin-on-disc wear testing machine was used to determine the tribological properties of the prepared composites. The results show that the wear loss reduced with increasing the reinforcement content and coefficient of friction increases gradually.
MHD stagnation point flow of micro nanofluid towards a shrinking sheet with convective and zero mass flux conditions
Authors: Rauf A. , Shehzad S. A. , Hayat T. , Meraj M. A. , Alsaedi A.
Published: April 2017

In this article the stagnation point flow of electrically conducting micro nanofluid towards a shrinking sheet, considering a chemical reaction of first order is investigated. Involvement of magnetic field occurs in the momentum equation, whereas the energy and concentrations equations incorporated the influence of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Convective boundary condition on temperature and zero mass flux condition on concentration are implemented. Partial differential equations are converted into the ordinary ones using suitable variables. The numerical technique is utilized to discuss the results for velocity, microrotation, temperature, and concentration fields.
Induction machine behavioral modeling for prediction of EMI propagation
Authors: Turzyński M.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents the results of wideband behavioral modeling of an induction machine (IM). The proposed solution enables modeling the IM differential- and common-mode impedance for a frequency range from 1 kHz to 10 MHz. Methods of parameter extraction are derived from the measured IM impedances. The developed models of 1.5 kW and 7.5 kW induction machines are designed using the Saber Sketch scheme editor and simulated in the SABER simulator. Modeling validation is based on prediction of electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions of common-mode and differential-mode current spectra of experimental inverter-fed IM drives.
Biology, learning, and evolution of vocality: Biosemiotics of birdsong
Authors: Anastasi Alessandra
Published: April 2017

Birdsongs are acoustic signs that evince parallels to the symbols of verbal language. Learning is the semiotic feature that makes a birdsong more similar to typical symbolic signs than a birdcall. In contrast to calls, most birdsongs have to be learned. The aim of this paper is to emphasize that the similarities between birdsong and verbal language can be addressed by following a biological standpoint, given the shared mechanisms underlying vocal learning in birds and humans, to take a comparative perspective on the biology and evolution of these species. The reason for language’s appearance in the evolutionary scene could be explained as the chance to remain grounded in communication skills that existed in other animals. Even if the referential power of animal vocalizations is far from that of our words, both objectively and mentally, the comparative data mentioned here allows us to support the idea that the vocal production of some bird species and others animals can be considered a natural precursor of language.
Employing RNA viruses to fight cancer: novel insights into oncolytic virotherapy
Authors: Masemann Dörthe , Boergeling Yvonne , Ludwig Stephan
Published: April 2017

Within recent decades, viruses that specifically target tumor cells have emerged as novel therapeutic agents against cancer. These viruses do not only act via their cell-lytic properties, but also harbor immunostimulatory features to re-direct the tumor microenvironment and stimulate tumor-directed immune responses. Furthermore, oncolytic viruses are considered to be superior to classical cancer therapies due to higher selectivity towards tumor cell destruction and, consequently, less collateral damage of non-transformed healthy tissue. In particular, the field of oncolytic RNA viruses is rapidly developing since these agents possess alternative tumor-targeting strategies compared to established oncolytic DNA viruses. Thus, oncolytic RNA viruses have broadened the field of virotherapy facilitating new strategies to fight cancer. In addition to several naturally occurring oncolytic viruses, genetically modified RNA viruses that are armed to express foreign factors such as immunostimulatory molecules have been successfully tested in early clinical trials showing promising efficacy. This review aims to provide an overview of the most promising RNA viruses in clinical development, to summarize the current knowledge of clinical trials using these viral agents, and to discuss the main issues as well as future perspectives of clinical approaches using oncolytic RNA viruses.
Application of FTA® Cards for detection and storage of avian influenza virus
Authors: Jóźwiak Michał , Wyrostek Krzysztof , Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Olszewska-Tomczyk Monika , Śmietanka Krzysztof , Minta Zenon
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of the study was to test the utility of Flinders Technology Associates filter paper (FTA® Cards) for molecular detection and storage of avian influenza virus (AIV). Material and Methods: There were two strains of AIV used in the study: low pathogenicity H7N1 and high pathogenicity H5N1 subtypes. Detection of viral material was conducted using molecular RT-PCR and rRT- PCR method. Results: The infectivity of LPAIV/H7N1 and HPAIV/H5N1 was completely inactivated within 1 h and 24 h after adsorption to FTA® Cards at room temperature, respectively. Viruses stored on FTA® Cards had detection limit approximately 1 log10 lower than live viruses. Viral RNA of both strains were detectable on the cards by rRT-PCR for a minimum of 150 d, irrespectively of storage temperatures (room temperature, -20ºC). RNA was also detected in all samples obtained from SPF chickens experimentally infected with HPAI/H5N1 on 3rd and 4th day post-infection (p.i.).

Conclusion: FTA® Cards enable safe and effective alternative transport of samples for molecular diagnosis of AIV.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant defence markers in muscle tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after vaccination against Yersinia ruckeri
Authors: Tkachenko Halyna , Grudniewska Joanna , Pękala Agnieszka , Terech-Majewska Elżbieta
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The goal of this study was to assess the influence of vaccination against enteric redmouth disease on oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant defence in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) vaccinated against Yersinia ruckeri in the first and second month after immunisation. Material and Methods: Healthy fish were vaccinated orally with inactivated whole cells of a virulent strain of Y. ruckeri. One and two months after immunisation the muscle samples were collected. Results: No significant difference was noted in lipid peroxidation level in either the first or second month after vaccination, while aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMB) in the vaccinated group were significantly lower in the second month compared to those in the first month after vaccination (P < 0.05). The content of ketonic derivatives of OMB in muscles in the first month after immunisation was higher compared to untreated control. All these culminated in a depletion of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and low level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Conclusion: Correlations between catalase activity and lipid peroxidation and TAC confirmed the pivotal role of catalase in antioxidant defence during immunisation. From a broader perspective, it is suggested that immunisation of fish with Yersinia vaccine is associated with induced free radical formation and oxidative stress. Free radicals would therefore be at least partially responsible for the induction of both humoral and cellular elements of the immunity and increased protective immunity against Y. ruckeri infection.
Analytical procedure for the determination of tetracyclines in medicated feedingstuffs by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Patyra Ewelina , Kwiatek Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The article presents a rapid and simple analytical procedure for determination of four tetracyclines (oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and doxycycline) in animal medicated feedingstuffs. Material and Methods: Two-gramme samples were extracted by a Na2EDTA-McIlvaine buffer (pH 4)/methanol mixtures (40/60, v/v). The determination was achieved by liquid chromatography using a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 analytical column with mass spectrometer detection (LC-MS). Results: Recoveries of the antibiotics from spiked feed samples ranged from 78.2% to 113.5%. The LOD and LOQ for tetracyclines in feeds ranged from 2.8 to 4.2 and from 4.3 to 5.7 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion: The method was successfully validated and proved to be efficient, precise, and useful for quantification of tetracyclines in medicated feedingstuffs.
Concentration of mercury in muscles of predatory and non-predatory fish from lake Pluszne (Poland)
Authors: Łuczyńska Joanna , Łuczyński Marek Jan , Paszczyk Beata , Tońska Elżbieta
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The study examined the concentration of total mercury and correlation coefficients between fish size or FCF (condition factor) and the content of Hg in muscle tissue of six freshwater fish: bream (Abramis brama L.), roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.), vendace (Coregonus albula L.), perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), and pike (Esox lucius L.). Material and Methods: The fish were caught from the Lake Pluszne located in the Olsztyn Lake District (Poland). Mercury was analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry using Milestone DMA-80 (with dual-cell). Results: The content of the element in the muscles of the examined fish was as follows: pike (0.197 mg/kg) ≈ perch (0.173 mg/kg) > vendace (0.114 mg/kg) ≈ roach (0.095 mg/kg) and roach ≈ whitefish (0.065 mg/kg), and whitefish ≈ bream (0.042 mg/kg) (p ≤ 0.05). In all cases, the content of mercury correlated positively with the body weight and total length of the fish. Only the correlation coefficients between mercury concentration and weight or length of bream were slightly higher (0.979 and 0.977 respectively, p ≤ 0.001). The length and weight relationship of the fish was also determined. Conclusion: The results showed that the levels of mercury were lower than the maximum acceptable limit established by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 629/2008 of 2 July 2008. Thus, they are safe from consumer health point of view.
Relationship between the pre- and postpartum body condition scores and periparturient indices and fertility in high-yielding dairy cows
Authors: Stefańska Barbara , Poźniak Agnieszka , Nowak Włodzimierz
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body condition score (BCS) determined on the dry-off day, calving day, and in the first month of lactation, its changes during the dry period and early lactation, and periparturient indices and fertility in high-producing dairy cows. Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted in two herds: A and B, located in Western Poland. The studies were conducted on 116 and 108 Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows respectively, with an average milk yield of >10 000 kg/305-day lactation. The experiment included the dry period (-56 d to the calving day), the calving day, and early lactation (from +1 to +56 d). The experimental factor was BCS (0 to 5-point scale). The BCS was performed by one person on day -56, on parturition day (in the first 12 h after calving) and on day 30 of lactation. Results: A decrease in BCS (≥-0.25) in herd A during the dry period accelerated the planned calving period by 7.3 d. In the group of cows with BCS <3.25 on the dry-off day, the lowest artificial insemination index (1.80), the shortest period of insemination services (25 d), and days open (87 d) were recorded. Moreover, cows with BCS < 3.25 at calving had the shortest days open (91 d). BCS >3.50 in the first month of lactation (30 d) resulted in the extension of uterine involution period (56 d). Improvement of BCS during the dry period shortened the anoestrus (60 d) in herd A and the period of insemination service (60 d) in herd B. However, in this group (IM BCS ≥ 0.25) of cows the day of the highest artificial insemination index (2.50) in herd B was analysed. Conclusion: The body condition on the dry-off day and at calving, as well as its deterioration in the first month of lactation, have a considerable effect on fertility indices in dairy cows, thus confirming the advisability of its regular monitoring during routine operations connected with the management of a dairy cattle herd.
Histomorphometric study of the canine prostate during ageing and in cases of benign prostate hyperplasia
Authors: Juodziukyniene Nomeda , Aniuliene Albina
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine the percentage volume of epithelium, acini, and interstitial collagen in the nonhyperplastic canine prostate and in cases of epithelial and epithelial cystic hyperplasia. Material and Methods: A histomorphometric study of 39 prostates was performed using computer image analysis. Results: The highest percentage volume of epithelium was found in cases of epithelial hyperplasia (47.8 %) and epithelial cystic hyperplasia was the correlate for acini (48.97 %). Epithelium decreased with dogs’ age (P < 0.01), whereas acini increased (P < 0.01). Interstitial collagen varied only insignificantly across age groups, but collagen was higher (12.1 %) in the nonhyperplastic prostates. With age cystic formation progressed in the canine prostate, the percentage volume of epithelium decreased and that of acini increased, but this same parameter in prostatic collagen did not change distinctly. The epithelium percentage volume increased in cases of epithelial hyperplasia but the cystic variant caused an increase in acinar volume. Conclusion: As dogs age, cystic formation progresses in the prostate, therefore the volume of epithelium decreases and that of acini increases. The volume of prostatic collagen did not change distinctly with age, and was higher in normal prostates than in both epithelial and epithelial cystic hyperplastic glands.
Seasonality and habitat influence on bat assemblage structure in an urban Atlantic Forest remnant from Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Novaes Roberto Leonan M. , Souza Renan F. , Felix Saulo , Siqueira André C. , Laurindo Rafael S. , Menezes Luis Fernando , Shapiro Julie T.
Published: April 2017

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is a severely threatened biodiversity hotspot and many remnants exist only as fragments. In order to understand how bat assemblage structure within a forest fragment surrounded by an urban matrix might respond to seasonality and different habitats, we sampled bats over 39 nights in the forest fragment of Gericinó-Mendanha Massif, Rio de Janeiro State. From February 2006 to January 2010, we captured 874 bats, belonging to 25 species and eight different feeding guilds. Frugivorous species were the most abundant, representing 83.33% of captures, and the gleaning insectivores were the least abundant (1.47%). We did not find changes in bat species composition between seasons, although capture rate was higher in the rainy season. However, we did find significant differences in species abundance between seasons. The habitat influence did not significantly differentiate the assemblages, but species richness was higher in the mature ombrophilous forest. The community composition indicates that this conservation unit is an important remaining fragment for maintaining the diversity and richness of bats, although it is possible that historical processes of environmental exploitation have already resulted in a loss of species.
Performance and Selectivity of Ceramic Membranes in the Ultrafiltration of Model Emulsion in Saline
Authors: Ćwirko Konrad , Kalbarczyk-Jedynak Agnieszka
Published: April 2017

Oily wastewaters from different onshore and offshore installations and from maritime transport pose a serious threat to the environment so they must be treated by multistage separation also including membrane processes. The main advantages of such membranes are high performance and selectivity, high resistance for temperature and pressure, resistance for acids, bases and solvents, long service life and for application - significant reduction of industries and transport environmental impact. This work presents the results of the process of separation of oil from the emulsion with NaCl addition. Research was performed with a use of laboratory installation with ceramic 300 kDa membrane. The analysis concerned performance and selectivity of a membrane in the function of time and test results have been subsequently compared with the requirements of the IMO.
Technology of Producing the Contact Connections of Superconductor Metal-Sheathed Cable
Authors: Jakubowski Andrzej
Published: April 2017

The technology of producing the current contact connections on the superconductor cable edges is presented. This lead cable is used as one of the major elements of the magnetic system in thermonuclear reactor construction, actuality for modern world energy. The technology is realized by the radial draft of metal thin-walled tube on the conductor’s package. The filling of various profiles by round section wire is optimized. Geometrical characteristics of the dangerous crosssection (as a broken ring) of thin-walled tube injured by the sector cut-out are accounted. The comparative strength calculation of the solid and injured tubes at a longitudinal compression and lateral bending is acted. The radial draft mechanism of cylindrical thin-walled sheath with the wire packing is designed. The necessity to use the nonlinear theory for the sheaths calculate is set. The resilient co-operation of wires as the parallel located cylinders with the contact stripes of rectangular form is considered.
Controlled Chemical Synthesis in CVD Graphene
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Liu Yunqi
Published: April 2017

Due to the unique properties of graphene, single layer, bilayer or even few layer graphene peeled off from bulk graphite cannot meet the need of practical applications. Large size graphene with quality comparable to mechanically exfoliated graphene has been synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The main development and the key issues in controllable chemical vapor deposition of graphene has been briefly discussed in this chapter. Various strategies for graphene layer number and stacking control, large size single crystal graphene domains on copper, graphene direct growth on dielectric substrates, and doping of graphene have been demonstrated. The methods summarized here will provide guidance on how to synthesize other two-dimensional materials beyond graphene.
Developments in the use of rare earth metal complexes as efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters used in biomedical applications
Authors: Cota Iuliana
Published: April 2017

Biodegradable polymers represent a class of particularly useful materials for many biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Among these types of polyesters, poly(ε-caprolactone) and polylactides are considered very promising for controlled drug delivery devices. These polymers are mainly produced by ring-opening polymerization of their respective cyclic esters, since this method allows a strict control of the molecular parameters (molecular weight and distribution) of the obtained polymers. The most widely used catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters are tin- and aluminium-based organometallic

complexes; however since the contamination of the aliphatic polyesters by potentially toxic metallic residues is particularly of concern for biomedical applications, the possibility of replacing organometallic initiators by novel less toxic or more efficient organometallic complexes has been intensively studied. Thus, in the recent years, the use of highly reactive rare earth initiators/catalysts leading to lower polymer contamination has been developed. The use of rare earth complexes is considered a valuable strategy to decrease the polyester contamination by metallic residues and represents an attractive alternative to traditional organometallic complexes.
Eremiti, monaci e città nell’esperienza religiosa dell’Italia medievale
Authors: Vitolo Giovanni
Published: April 2017

Das Verhaltnis zwischen Monchtum und stadtischem Umfeld war seit der Antike sehr eng, doch in der kollektiven Vorstellung und ikonographischen Tradition des Mittelalters stellte sich die monastische Landschaft als eine Welt dar, die von Eremiten oder religiosen Gemeinschaften in einer landlichen Umgebung bevolkert wurde; ihr Ort war zumeist unwirtlich und besas auf jeden Fall keinerlei Bezug zur Realitat. Vom Ende des 14. bis zur Mitte des nachfolgenden Jahrhunderts sties in der Toskana und insbesondere in Florenz das ikonographische Thema der Thebais, worin die Wustenvat er vor dem Hintergrund toskanischer Landschaften portratiert wurden, auf grose Resonanz. In diesem Zusammenhang verkorpert das Gemalde von Paolo Uccello in der florentinischen Galleria dell’Accademia eine Neuerung in zweifacher Hinsicht. Vor allem werden hier nicht die heiligen Monche des spatantiken Orients abgebildet, sondern mit Ausnahme des hl. Hieronymus Figuren und Erfahrungen des westlichen Monchtums im Mittelalter wiedergegeben. Uberdies sind die Szenen nicht nebeneinander angeordnet, sondern zeichnen einen Weg zur Vervollkommnung nach, der in die totale, durch die Stigmata des hl. Franziskus dargestellte Identifizierung mit Christus mundet.
Giovanni Manzini della Motta (ca. 1362–vor 1422)
Authors: Haye Thomas
Published: April 2017

Riassunto

Giovanni Manzini della Motta (ca. 1362-prima del 1422) e considerato oggi un importante rappresentante del primo umanesimo italiano. Tale giudizio si basa su tre considerazioni: in primo luogo nutriva una profonda venerazione per Petrarca, in secondo luogo era in contatto con famosi studiosi come Antonio Loschi e Coluccio Salutati, e infine compose una tragedia seguendo i modelli antichi. La sua attivita di storiografo, invece, e a tutt’oggi poco indagata. Un codice della Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (BAV, Vat. Lat. 14162), sostanzialmente autografo, permette di seguire l’evoluzione di Manzini da segretario ad autore di esposizioni storiografiche e di tracciare la sua idea di storiografia tragica, influenzata non ultimo da Boccaccio. Il presente saggio offre una descrizione del contenuto del Codice vaticano, conduce un’indagine sulle fonti della cronaca in esso contenuta e compilata da Manzini, e propone un’edizione critica della parte finale di tale cronaca che si riferisce al presente dell’epoca.