bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric correction of APEX hyperspectral data
Authors: Vreys Kristin , Iordache Marian-Daniel , Biesemans Jan , Meuleman Koen
Published: April 2016

Hyperspectral imagery originating from airborne sensors is nowadays widely used for the detailed characterization of land surface. The correct mapping of the pixel positions to ground locations largely contributes to the success of the applications. Accurate geometric correction, also referred to as “orthorectification”, is thus an important prerequisite which must be performed prior to using airborne imagery for evaluations like change detection, or mapping or overlaying the imagery with existing data sets or maps. A so-called “ortho-image” provides an accurate representation of the earth’s surface, having been adjusted for lens distortions, camera tilt and topographic relief. In this paper, we describe the different steps in the geometric correction process of APEX hyperspectral data, as applied in the Central Data Processing Center (CDPC) at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO, Mol, Belgium). APEX ortho-images are generated through direct georeferencing of the raw images, thereby making use of sensor interior and exterior orientation data, boresight calibration data and elevation data. They can be referenced to any userspecified output projection system and can be resampled to any output pixel size.
Synthesis and characterization of Ag@polycarbazole nanoparticles using different oxidants and their dispersion behavior
Authors: Ahmad Zahoor , Choudhary M.A. , Mirza M.A. , Mirza J.A.
Published: April 2016

Ag nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated by polycarbazole (PCz) have been synthesized using ion adsorption method. The PCz synthesis around Ag NPs has been performed by adsorbing Ag+1and Fe+3oxidants onto Ag NPs, which initiated surface polymerization and thus, Ag NPs@PCz nanocomposite has been synthesized. The morphology of pure NPs and composite NPs was characterized by TEM which also elucidated the effect of oxidant on the core NPs, beside their morphologies and phase contrasts of metal NPs and polymer. The polymer around the surface of core NPs was characterized by FT-IR which proved that PCz was the organic phase of the composite NPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy has been employed to study surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of pure NPs and composite of NP which demonstrated that SPR of core NPs remained preserved after coating with the polymer. Furthermore, Zeta Sizer Nano series has been applied to analyze the dispersion behavior of pure NPs and composite NPs which displayed the greatly improved dispersion behavior of the composite NPs as compared to pure Ag NPs. Therefore, our study proved helpful to analyze the suitability of metal oxidants for PCz based nanocomposite synthesis and determination of their optical and dispersion behavior.
The usefulness of anorectal manometry in patients with a stoma before and after surgery to restore the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Zieliński Tomasz , Czyżewski Piotr , Szczepkowski Marek
Published: April 2016

The operation to restore the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract is another surgical intervention in a given patient, which directly translates into an increased risk of complications during and after surgery. That is why proper qualification is important for the operation to restore the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract in terms of performance and efficiency of the anal sphincter apparatus, among other things.

was to evaluate the effect of restoring physiological defecation routes on the sphincter function and to observe the parameters of anorectal manometry in patients before and after surgery to restore the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract.

The study included 29 patients scheduled for restoration of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract, 12 women and 17 men. The average age in the group was 62 years. Anorectal manometry was performed both before surgery as well as one month and three months afterwards in all patients. The average time to have a stoma was 12 months.

The resting pressure in the anal canal (MRP) three months after the restoration of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract increased by 30.4%. The maximum systolic blood pressure in the anal canal (MSP) increased by 22.2%. The value of recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) decreased by 19.2%. The length of the high pressure zone in the anal canal (HPZL) increased by 27%. The study results of visceral rectal sensation thresholds decreased by 23.3% for the sensation threshold, and 14.4% for the pressure threshold.

Restoring the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract improves the anal sphincter function which is evident in the parameters of anorectal manometry. The restoration of passage improves the sphincter function, and these changes are statistically significant.
Risk factors of 30-day mortality following surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mik Michał , Dziki Łukasz , Trzciński Radzisław , Dziki Adam
Published: April 2016

The 30-day mortality is one of the factors reflecting the quality of treatment. All these efforts focused on decreasing 30-day mortality will directly improve quality of care.

was to identify risk factors of 30-day postoperative mortality in a cohort of patients operated on for colorectal cancer in one tertiary colorectal centre.

Patients operated on due to colorectal cancer (CRC) between 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. 30-day mortality was assessed as an endpoint of the retrospective study.

All records were collected from prospective database.

1744 patients were operated on due to CRC. The 30-day mortality was noted in 65 patients (3.5%). In multivariable analyses we revealed that spread disease and poor general condition at admission were risk factors of 30-day mortality: OR 2.35; 2.01-2.57 95%CI, p=0.03 and OR 2.18; 1.95-2.41 95% CI; p=0.01, respectively. Emergency surgery significantly increased the risk of 30-day mortality: OR 2.64; 2.45-2.87 95%CI; p=0.009. Low serum albumin concentration level and diabetes mellitus were additional risk factors for 30-day mortality, OR 1.65; 1.52-1.78 95%CI; p=0.01 and OR 1.67; 1.41-1.82 95%CI; p=0.03, respectively. Mortality was significantly higher after resection procedures than after only palliative operations: 4.21% vs 1.57%; p=0.002.

Emergent patients, patients with advanced disease and in poor general state have to be assessed by multidisciplinary team to prepare them to operation. Additionally to reduce the risk of 30-day mortality decision of extend of surgery should be made by experienced surgeons.
Assessment of potentially probiotic properties of Lactobacillus strains isolated from chickens
Authors: Kizerwetter-Świda M. , Binek M.
Published: April 2016

This study was performed in order to isolate lactobacilli from chicken droppings and to select strains with the most promising probiotic properties. Lactobacillus strains were isolated from a flock of healthy laying hens. The first selection criterion was the ability to inhibit the growth of Salmonella Enteritidis. Then the tolerance to low pH and bile salt, the ability to coaggregate with pathogenic bacteria and hydrogen peroxide production were evaluated. Four isolates showing the best antagonistic activity against Salmonella Enetritidis were selected for further research. All isolates tested tolerated low pH and bile salt, likewise all produced hydrogen peroxide. They efficiently coaggregated with C. perfringens and relatively less with E. coli. Isolate 03’04 displayed above-average results in all criteria, thus it is considered as a potential probiotic for chickens, and will be further evaluated for health promoting effect in animals. The results presented in this study confirm the strain specific probiotic properties and prove the probiotic potential of isolate 03’04. Strong antagonistic properties against C. perfringens exhibited by certain Lactobacillus strains indicate the possibility to use them as a component of probiotic supplement in necrotic enteritis of poultry.
Prokaryotic expression, purification and antigenicity analysis of African swine fever virus pK205R protein
Authors: Wu Xulong , Xiao Lu , Peng Bin , Wang Yin , Yang Zexiao , Yao Xueping , Hu Ling , Lin Xingyu
Published: April 2016

African swine fever is an acute, febrile and highly virulent porcine disease causing serious economic losses worldwide. The pK205R protein of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) is largely expressed in the early stages of infection, which has given the K205R gene extensive attention. In this study, the ASFV K205R was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Expression of histidine-tagged pK205R with a molecular mass of 44 kDa was determined by 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot analysis. Optimisation of culture conditions allowed induction of the recombinant protein with 0.4 mM Isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) at 37°C for 2 h. The protein existed in cellular supernatant and was purified using a Ni-NTA resin column. The purified protein was used to immunize rabbits four times to enable the production of polyclonal antibodies, and the antiserum titre was detected by ELISA. The results showed that the purified pK205R can react with ASFV positive serum specifically by Western blotting. The pK205R had high antigenicity, which indicated that pK205R could be used as an antigen for detection of ASFV-specific antibodies in ELISA testing, and the recombinant protein could contribute to further research of the action and structure of pK205R.
Fusarium and Aspergillus mycotoxins effects on dairy cow health, performance and the efficacy of Anti-Mycotoxin Additive
Authors: Jovaišienė J. , Bakutis B. , Baliukonienė V. , Gerulis G.
Published: April 2016

One hundred two samples of feeds made in Lithuania, which included maize silage, grass-legume silage, hay and ensiled crimped maize were investigated during 2008-2012 for contamination with some mycotoxins. The highest concentrations of mycotoxins determined were those of deoxynivalenol (DON) - 471.0 μg/kg and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) - 21.2 μg/kg in ryegrass silage from bales, and zearalenone (ZEA) - 625.0 μg/kg in maize silage from trenches. The present study has been carried out based on these data because animal feeds contaminated with mycotoxins can cause reduced productivity of dairy cows and health disorders in the long term. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term exposure of toxic effects of a diet naturally contaminated with low concentrations of mycotoxins on milk composition and biochemical, hematological, immunological parameters of dairy cows and to determine the anti-mycotoxin effect of Mycofix Plus 3.E. Twenty eight clinically healthy, medium productive Lithuanian Red cows were selected. ZEA was a major contaminant found in the corn silage at concentration levels of up to 1000.0 μg/kg of dry matter. DON was the second major found in the hay at concentration levels of up to 600.0 μg/kg of dry matter. The highest concentration AFB1- 10.0 μg/kg was determined in ground barley. The Anti-Mycotoxin Additive (AMA) Mycofix Plus 3.E was given individually to 14 cows at a concentration of 40.0 g daily for 9 weeks.

The present results indicate that feeds naturally contaminated with low concentration of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp. in a diet of dairy cows can have a negative influence on somatic cell count, blood parameters and immunity. The addition of an Anti-Mycotoxin Additive (Mycofix Plus 3.E) to diet of dairy cows can prevent many of these effects.
Antioxidant status of blood and liver of turkeys fed diets enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids and fruit pomaces as a source of polyphenols
Authors: Jankowski J. , Juśkiewicz J. , Zduńczyk P. , Kosmala M. , Zieliński H. , Antoszkiewicz Z. , Zduńczyk Z.
Published: April 2016

It was hypothesized that dietary polyphenol-rich fruit pomaces can improve the antioxidant status of both diets and the tissues of turkeys fed such diets. Turkeys were fed diets containing a cellulose preparation (C) or 5% dried apple pomace (AP), blackcurrant pomace (BCP), strawberry pomace (SP) and seedless strawberry pomace (SSP). Blood and liver biochemical parameters were determined in 7 birds from each experimental group slaughtered at 15 weeks of age, after 5 weeks of feeding diets containing soybean oil and linseed oil (approx. 1:1 ratio). Dietary linseed oil added to diets at 2.5% lowered the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio from approx. 7:1 to below 2:1, thus reducing the antioxidant properties of diets measured using DPPH, ABTS and photo-chemiluminescence assays, compared with diets containing only soybean oil and administered to birds in the first phase of feeding. Fruit pomaces, in particular SSP with the highest polyphenol content (32.81 g/kg) and the highest antioxidant activity (256.4 μM Trolox/g), increased the antioxidant capacity of turkey diets. In comparison with the control group, the dietary treatments with fruit pomaces improved blood antioxidant parameters, including catalase activity (groups AP and BCP), the total antioxidant capacity of hydrophilic (group AP) and lipophilic (groups AP, SP, and SSP) compounds, peroxide levels (groups AP and SSP) and antioxidant capacity measured by the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power of plasma) assay (groups AP, BCP and SSP). Significantly lower concentrations of both vitamin E and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were noted in the livers of turkeys fed all diets with dried fruit pomaces.
Experimental osteoporosis in sheep – mechanical and histological approach
Authors: Kiełbowicz Z. , Piątek A. , Kuropka P. , Mytnik E. , Nikodem A. , Bieżyński J. , Skrzypczak P. , Pezowicz C. , Kuryszko J. , Reichert P.
Published: April 2016

The implementation of new methods of osteoporotic therapy requires tests on animal model. The use of sheep as model has numerous advantages over other animals. The aim of this study was to describe the change in parameters in sheep with osteoporosis induced using steroids and ovariorectomy methods as opposed to the parameters in healthy sheep. The study was performed on female „merinos” breed sheep divided into the three groups: negative control (NC) - healthy animals, positive control (PC) - ovariorectomized animals and steroid control group (SC) - in which methylprednisolone was administered. This paper presents histological and ultrastructural examination with mechanical comparative tests for force/strength values as well as indentation tests of joint cartilage. The obtained results confirm the loss of bone mass associated with mineral composition content in bones, which has an influence on bone strength.
Prevalence and etiological agents of subclinical mastitis at the end of lactation in nine dairy herds in North-East Poland
Authors: Sztachańska M. , Barański W. , Janowski T. , Pogorzelska J. , Zduńczyk S.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and etiological agents of subclinical mastitis at the end of lactation in nine dairy herds in North-East Poland. In total, 387 Polish HF were involved in the study. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of milk, determination of somatic cell count and bacteriological examination of milk. Subclinical mastitis was found in an average of 36.7% (range from 21.0% to 53.1%) of cows and of 15.7% (range from 9.6% to 25.2%) of quarters. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS; 31.6% of quarters), Streptococcus (Str.) agalactiae (15.6% of quarters), Staphylococcus (Staph.) aureus (12.1% of quarters) and fungi (12.2% of quarters) were most frequently isolated from subclinical mastitis. Etiological agents of subclinical mastitis differed strongly between herds. The results of this study showed that the incidence of subclinical mastitis at the end of lactation in dairy herds in North-East Poland is high. CNS were the most frequently isolated from subclinical mastitis cases, however mastitis caused by the contagious pathogens Str. agalactiae and Staph. aureus is still a problem. The fungal infections of the mammary gland also play an important role.
Clinical, endoscopic and histopathological evaluation of the efficacy of budesonide in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs
Authors: Rychlik A. , Kołodziejska-Sawerska A. , Nowicki M. , Szweda M.
Published: April 2016

This study evaluates the efficacy of budesonide in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in dogs based on the results of clinical, endoscopic and histopathological examinations. The severity of clinical symptoms was assessed based on CIBDAI scores, and macroscopic and histopathological changes were described in accordance with the recommendations of the WSAVA Gastrointestinal Standardization Group for 2008. The results of the experiment revealed that budesonide does not offer effective treatment for canine IBD. The tested drug failed to alleviate the clinical symptoms of disease, lower CIBDAI scores, or improve the macroscopic appearance of intestinal mucosa. The effectiveness of budesonide was most highly evaluated in the histopathological picture of duodenal, jejunal and colonic mucosa.
Phylogenetic characterization of Canine Parvovirus VP2 partial sequences from symptomatic dogs samples
Authors: Zienius D. , Lelešius R. , Kavaliauskis H. , Stankevičius A. , Šalomskas A.
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present study was to detect canine parvovirus (CPV) from faecal samples of clinically ill domestic dogs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by VP2 gene partial sequencing and molecular characterization of circulating strains in Lithuania.

Eleven clinically and antigen-tested positive dog faecal samples, collected during the period of 2014-2015, were investigated by using PCR. The phylogenetic investigations indicated that the Lithuanian CPV VP2 partial sequences (3025-3706 cds) were closely related and showed 99.0-99.9% identity. All Lithuanian sequences were associated with one phylogroup, but grouped in different clusters. Ten of investigated Lithuanian CPV VP2 sequences were closely associated with CPV 2a antigenic variant (99.4% nt identity). Five CPV VP2 sequences from Lithuania were related to CPV-2a, but were rather divergent (6.8 nt differences). Only one CPV VP2 sequence from Lithuania was associated (99.3% nt identity) with CPV-2b VP2 sequences from France, Italy, USA and Korea. The four of eleven investigated Lithuanian dogs with CPV infection symptoms were vaccinated with CPV-2 vaccine, but their VP2 sequences were phylogenetically distantly associated with CPV vaccine strains VP2 sequences (11.5-15.8 nt differences).

Ten Lithuanian CPV VP2 sequences had monophyletic relations among the close geographically associated samples, but five of them were rather divergent (1.0% less sequence similarity). The one Lithuanian CPV VP2 sequence was closely related with CPV-2b antigenic variant. All the Lithuanian CPV VP2 partial sequences were conservative and phylogenetically low associated with most commonly used CPV vaccine strains.
Side to side coaptation – new technic in peripherial nerve surgery – preliminary report
Authors: Reichert P. , Kiełbowicz Z. , Kuryszko J. , Bocheńska A. , Puła B. , Rutowski R.
Published: April 2016

This study presents and evaluates side-to-side nerve repair techniques for their ability to induce collateral nerve sprouting. The coaptation of the ventral branches of spinal nerves C5 and C6 to C7 through an incision epineurium was used to repair the nerve. The number of myelinated fiber axons and G-ratio was evaluated. Preliminary results indicate the possibility of using side to side coaptation in brachial plexus nerve surgery.
Distribution of CD4+CD8+ double positive T cells in a mouse model of allergic asthma
Authors: Zuśka-Prot M. , Ziółkowski H. , Jaroszewski J.J. , Maślanka T.
Published: April 2016

The present study describes the distribution of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells in various immune compartments of mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. It was found that the absolute number of DP T cells was considerably increased in the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs of asthmatic mice as compared with that determined in the healthy subjects. On the contrary, the absolute counts of DP T cells was significantly decreased in the head and neck lymph nodes, and in peripheral blood of OVA-immunized mice. These results suggest that DP T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma.
Impact of different sources of donor cells upon the nuclear transfer efficiency in Chinese indigenous Meishan pig
Authors: Hua Z. , Xu G. , Liu X. , Bi Y. , Xiao H. , Hua W. , Li L. , Zhang L. , Ren H. , Zheng X.
Published: April 2016

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is currently the most efficient and precise method to generate genetically tailored pig models for both agricultural and biomedical research. However, its efficiency is crucially dependent on the source of nuclear donor cells. In this study, we compared the cloning efficiency by using three lines of donor cells that are derived from fetal, newborn and adult fibroblasts of Chinese indigenous Meishan pig. We showed that cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate of the reconstructed embryos were not significantly different between the fetal (80.7% and 15.6%) and newborn ear skin (77.5% and 12.3%) fibroblast groups (p>0.05), but in both groups these indices were significantly higher than that found in the adult ear skin (70.5% and 8.8%; p<0.05). Reconstructed embryos derived from fetal, newborn, and adult ear skin fibroblasts were transferred to four surrogates, respectively. For the fetal, newborn, and adult ear skin fibroblasts, the number of pregnancies were two (50.0%), two (50.0%), and one (25.0%), respectively, and the number of deliveries were two (50.0%), one (25.0%), and zero (0.0%), respectively. Seven and two cloned piglets were obtained from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts respectively, while no piglets were obtained from the adult ear skin fibroblasts. Two cloned piglets from the newborn ear skin fibroblasts died shortly after birth because of neonatal asphyxia caused by dystocia. The birth weights of the piglets derived from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts were 1230.5 and 1310.0g, respectively, which were statistically insignificant (p>0.05), but both were significantly higher than that of the control groups (p<0.05). Microsatellite analyses demonstrated that the genotypes of all cloned piglets were identical to their donor cells. Therefore, cloned pigs were successfully produced using two sources of donor cells isolated from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts of Meishan piglet, and indicating a better cloning efficiency than that obtained from adult fibroblasts. We concluded that the nuclear donor cell lines have significant impact on the developmental competence of cloned embryos as well as on the cloning efficiency of Meishan pig.
Development of a polystyrene latex-based reagent for rheumatoid factor detection
Authors: Marrero Grisel , Delgado Lilian P. , Caroll Humberto , Ortiz Neise , Musacchio Alexis , Menendez Tamara
Published: April 2016

A rapid, specific and sensible polystyrene latex-based reagent has been developed to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) in human sera. Detection of RF is one of the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. RF includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgM or IgA targeting human-IgG Fc region, found in sera of 70–90% of patients with RA. Spherical, clean polystyrene particles of 480±80 nm with a Z-potential of -28 mV were synthesized. Purified gamma-globulin human blood fraction, used as IgG source, was adsorbed on particles in glycine-buffered saline with a fivefold excess of the immunoglobulins needed to saturate the calculated total surface area of the particles. The reagent was calibrated against the World Health Organization international serum reference preparation and tested with commercial positive and negative RF controls. Reactivity of the developed diagnostic reagent with human sera, either positive or negative for RF, was evaluated. The sera were tested both intact and following complement inactivation. When complement-inactivated sera were used, our reagent showed 100% coincidence of results with a commercial diagnostic kit of specificity of 80% and sensibility of 93%. The in-house reagent developed in the present work is easy to prepare and at relatively low cost, making it ideal for RF detection in low-income settings.
Modelling the Dynamics of Ships with Different Propulsion Systems for Control Purpose
Authors: Gierusz Witold
Published: April 2016

Two different propulsion systems are analyzed from point of view of future control applications. The traditional one consists of a pushing single screw propeller and a blade rudder. The other system is based on pod (pods): pulling or pushing ones. The equations describing forces and moments generated in both systems, are presented. Exemplary results of a simulation in comparison to the real-time experiments for two ships are also shown.
Heeling Moment Acting on a River Cruiser in Manoeuvring Motion
Authors: Tabaczek Tomasz , Kulczyk Jan
Published: April 2016

By using fully theoretical method the heeling moment due to centrifugal forces has been determined for a small river cruiser in turning manoeuvre. The authors applied CFD software for determination of hull hydrodynamic forces, and open water characteristics of ducted propeller for estimation of thrust of rudder-propellers. Numerical integration of equations of 3DOF motion was used for prediction of ship trajectory and time histories of velocities, forces and heeling moment.
An Experimental Study of Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Marine Diesel Engine with Fuel Injector Malfunctions
Authors: Kowalski Jerzy
Published: April 2016

The presented paper shows the results of the laboratory study on the relation between chosen malfunctions of a fuel injector and composition of exhaust gas from the marine engine. The object of research is a marine 3-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection diesel engine with an intercooler system. The engine was loaded with a generator and supercharged. The generator was electrically connected to the water resistance. The engine operated with a load between 50 kW and 250 kW at a constant speed. The engine load and speed, parameters of the turbocharger, systems of cooling, fuelling, lubricating and air exchange, were measured. Fuel injection and combustion pressures in all cylinders of the engine were also recorded. Exhaust gas composition was recorded by using a electrochemical gas analyzer. Air pressure, temperature and humidity were also recorded. Emission characteristics of the engine were calculated according to ISO 8178 standard regulations. During the study the engine operated at the technical condition recognized as „working properly” and with simulated fuel injector malfunctions. Simulation of malfunctions consisted in the increasing and decreasing of fuel injector static opening pressure, decalibration of fuel injector holes and clogging 2 neighboring of 9 fuel injector holes on one of 3 engine cylinders.
1. Importance of Physical Exercise in Living Arrangements Artist
Authors: Leşe Ana-Cristina
Published: April 2016

Increased occurrence of spine deviation is the result not only of modern technology hazards (for example, sitting in front of the computer for long hours) or lack of physical exercise, but also of specific posture related to the study of a musical instrument. The aim of this paper is the timely warning of children who choose to study a musical instrument about the spine deviations that can occur in time, also to refer them to a specialist and to encourage them to take up exercises meant to tone specific muscle groups. The study was conducted on two groups of students from the department of Musical interpretations, 1st and 2nd year, and two groups of students from the department of Painting and Photography and video, 1st year, at the “George Enescu” Arts University of Iaşi. The school screening method was used with the help of four MA students at the department of Kinetotherapy. The data were tabulated. We recommended that subjects be referred to specialised examinaton by doctors at the Pediatric Orthopedics clinic and have special sets of physical exercises.
5. Creative Approaches in the Education of Students with Severe Multiple Disability
Authors: Kantor Jiří
Published: April 2016

The paper presents an empirical study in the area of special education, which clarifies the function of creative techniques, their application, pupils’ preferences and implementation of creative techniques in the processes of special education intervention in pupils with severe multiple disability. According to the current scientific concept, creative approaches in Czech special education are represented by various applications of artistic means in education. The methodology focus of the study is quality-based. Data collection was performed by means of interviews with 40 teachers, observations of 4 pupils during education and a content analysis of educational documents of 30 pupils. The analysis was performed by means of the embedded theory approach. The paper assesses the contribution of the study to special education in a practical context as well as delivery of artistic-oriented courses.
9. Evaluation of an Art Therapy Programme for Clients with Difficult Life Situations
Authors: Krčmáriková Zuzana Ťulák , Kováčová Barbora
Published: April 2016

The paper evaluates selected art therapy programmes (NAT=19) that were realized by therapeutic pedagogues – art therapists in the years 2009-2014 as parts of research projects. The quantitative aspect of the research processes the fulfilment of the conditions of art therapy programmes. In the framework of interpretative phenomenological analysis, we processed the data of each category as a part of the qualitative aspect of the research and supplemented them with authentic statements of clients (NP=8). The quantitative and qualitative aspect indicates a narrower characterisation of art therapy programmes in the group of clients with difficult life situations.
11. Creative Interdisciplinary Math Lessons by Means of Music Activities
Authors: Hudáková Jana , Králová Eva
Published: April 2016

The goal of the paper is to introduce the project Comenius “EMP-Maths”, entitled ‘Providing Mathematics with Music Activities’, in which seven European countries took part. The key chapter is devoted to music activities that Slovak team integrated in the school subject of Mathematics. Music activities were selected and designed in accordance with the content of school subject Mathematics. To each particular theme the project solvers designed methodologies and didactic musical games, contests, music and drama exercises. The authoresses illustrate in detail one example of this integration which was presented during the meeting of 7 European countries in Barcelona in January 2015. Their illustration refers to interconnection of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor goals of both school subjects to develop musical and mathematical abilities of 11 – 12 year old elementary school pupils.
Optimization Technique to Determine the p-y Curves of Laterally Loaded Stiff Piles in Dense Sand
Authors: Xue J. , Gavin K. , Murphy G. , Doherty P. , Igoe D.
Published: April 2016

Lateral loading is often the governing design criteria for piles supporting offshore wind turbines and with the recent growth of this sector, the reliability of traditional design approaches is receiving renewed interest. To accurately assess the behavior of a laterally loaded pile requires a detailed understanding of the soil reaction that is mobilized as the lateral deflection of the pile occurs. Currently, the p-y curve method is widely adopted to model the response of laterally loaded piles. The limitations of existing p-y formulations are widely known, and there is acceptance that load tests on large-diameter stiff monopiles are urgently required to formulate appropriate design methods. However, interpretation of the data from instrumentation placed on stiff monopiles is not straightforward. This paper proposes an optimization technique to derive the soil reaction profile along the shaft of instrumented piles, from which the correlated p-y curves can then be obtained. The method considers force equilibrium, pile deflection, and additional boundary conditions. A set of fourth-order polynomial equations are assumed to model the soil reaction profile under each load step during a monotonic load test. By minimizing the difference between the measured and calculated bending moment and considering equilibrium of the shear forces acting on the pile, the soil reaction profile and the concentrated tip resistance can be obtained simultaneously. A stiff instrumented test pile installed in over-consolidated sand was load tested and the results were used to test the performance of the proposed method. The results are compared with other methods used in literature and practice. The method provides a consistent framework to derive p-y curves from measured strain data. The results of the field test and derived p-y curves confirmed that existing design methods do not accurately capture the lateral loading response of piles in dense sand.
Recognition of the Stress-Strain Curve Based on the Local Deformation Measurement of Soil Specimens in the Triaxial Test
Authors: Shao L. T. , Liu G. , Zeng F. T. , Guo X. X.
Published: April 2016

A digital image technique was developed and used to measure the deformation distribution over the entire surface of soil specimens in triaxial tests. The measured deformation process shows that the specimen apparently exhibits three states during the test, i.e., pre-failure, in-failure, and post-failure, in correspondence to the different features of its deformation. The deformation feature in each state is then analyzed by the displacement and strain contours. Additionally, the stress level, S, is calculated to determine whether the soil is in failure at a point (representative element volume (REV)) on the surface of the specimen. Next, the failure zone, namely the shear band, was considered to be enveloped by the curve defined by S = 1 on the stress-level contour map. The stress level is calculated based on the strain, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. According to analysis of the deformation feature and the failure process, we recognized the following properties: (i) the deformation of the specimen was approximately uniform in the pre-failure state; (ii) failure occurred from a point and developed gradually until the shear band cleaves the specimen; (iii) in the post-failure state, deformation was exclusively due to the blocks of the specimen sliding along the shear band; (iv) the deformation feature in the shear band was quite different from that outside the shear band. In conclusion, the stress-strain curve of the specimen revealed a structural response, not an elementary response, especially in the in-failure and post-failure states, in which the deformation features of different corner points were different, and the observed deformation for the entire specimen may be the combination of local deformations. Therefore, it is not appropriate to build the constitutive model for soil according to the stress-strain curves of the entire deformation process and to take the specimen as a uniform element in the entire process.
Static Strength of V-Notches With End Holes Under Combined Tension-Shear Loading: Experimental Measurement by the Disk Test and Theoretical Prediction by the Local Energy
Authors: Torabi A. R. , Campagnolo A. , Berto F.
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present research work was twofold. Firstly, to provide some new experimental results regarding brittle fracture in V-notches with end holes (VO-notches) under mixed mode I/II loading; secondly, to check the suitability of the well-established averaged strain energy density criterion (SED) in predicting the load-carrying capacity of notched specimens. A new test specimen, called Brazilian disk containing central VO-notches (VO-BD), made of PMMA was proposed and utilized to perform fracture tests at room temperature for different mode mixities. It was found that the average SED criterion seems to successfully evaluate the static strength of VO-BD specimens for different notch angles and various notch radii.
Steep Shear Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Xie J. , Li J.
Published: April 2016

A growing body of evidence showed that flow rutting and inter-layer slippage in asphalt pavements at intersections and large longitudinal slopes is directly related to the capacity of the asphalt mixture to resist shear flow deformation. This study used fractal theory to analyze the microstructures of asphalt mixtures AC-13, SMA-13, and Sup-13, the volume fractal dimensions of which are also determined. The relation between the volume fractal dimensions and shear properties of asphalt mixtures was determined through repeated load creep tests.
Profile Analysis for a Gear With Conical Teeth
Authors: Yang Hsueh-Cheng , Huang Tsun-Hui
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a gear pair mechanism, a pinion, and a gear with conical teeth. The gear, or generating surface, has conical teeth distributed on a cylindrical surface. The purpose here was to present a mathematical model and equation for meshing of the proposed gear with conical teeth. A simple method using gear theory was used to determine a generated surface that meshes with the generating surface. The mathematical model of the generated surface can be obtained by the envelope of the family of the generating surfaces. As an example, the proposed gear pair for a gear ratio of 4:3 was demonstrated through the aid of the proposed mathematical model. Based on the geometrical models presented, the author varied the conical angle of the proposed gear between 0 and 20° and examined their contact stresses and deformation. Results showed that the minimum von-Mises stress was at the conical angle of 15° and the minimum deformation was at the conical angle of 17°. If the given parameters are over the dimensional limit of the generating surface, the equation of meshing of generated surface cannot exist. The condition of the dimensional limit was determined in this paper. Results from these mathematical models should have applications in the design of gear mechanism.
Accurate Measurement of Mixed Mode (I/II) Stress Intensity Factors Using Strain Gages
Authors: Sarangi H. , Murthy K. S. R. K. , Chakraborty D.
Published: April 2016

Determination of accurate mixed mode stress intensity factors forms the basis for the understanding and analysis of mixed mode fracture. In this context, experimental methods for the measurement of stress intensity factors (SIFs) play a vital role. However, very few strain gage based techniques are available for measurement of mixed mode SIFs KI and KII in isotropic materials. In addition, no useful recommendations on appropriate radial locations of strain gages ensuring accurate SIFs are available in literature. Recently, authors have theoretically proposed a mixed mode strain gage technique and attempted to address the long standing problem of assessment of appropriate strain gage radial locations for the accurate measurement of the SIFs. They have shown that there exist certain gage radial locations called as optimal locations for the accurate measurement of SIFs, which can be easily assessed with their proposed methodology for any mixed mode (I/II) configurations. In the present investigation, experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of the authors' proposed mixed mode strain gage technique and existence and usefulness of the optimal strain gage locations in accurate measurement of SIFs KI and KII. The present experiments were also aimed to show the consequences of placing the gages at invalid or non-optimal gage locations. The experimental results clearly show that highly accurate mixed mode SIFs can be measured using the proposed mixed mode strain gage technique if the gages are pasted at the optimal locations. On the other hand, the results also exposed that highly erroneous and unacceptable measurement of SIFs can result if the gages are located at non-optimal locations. Furthermore, the present results clearly demonstrated the need of knowing the optimal strain gage locations a priori, which can be assessed using the methodology proposed recently by the authors.
Analysis of FGD Solids With a Macro TGA System
Authors: Riley J. T. , Marsh M. , Lawrenz D.
Published: April 2016

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an analytical technique in which changes in physical and chemical properties of materials are measured as a function of temperature and/or time. TGA is commonly used to determine selected characteristics of materials that exhibit either mass loss, or gain, because of decomposition, oxidation, or loss of volatile material, such as moisture. Common applications of TGA are materials characterization through analysis of characteristic decomposition patterns and determination of combustible materials and combustion residues from a sample. Macro TGA systems that use gram-size samples have been used for a couple of decades for monitoring industrial processes. The larger sample sizes allow more accurate mass measurements for characterization of materials. Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) solids are industrial byproducts that have been monitored using macro TGA systems. Compounds reported to have been successfully measured include free moisture, moisture in hydrates, CaSO4•2H2O, CaSO3•½H2O, and CaCO3. A LECO TGA701 macro TGA system was used in a study to characterize the components in various FGD solids. Pure materials, including those listed above, were first analyzed with the TGA701 followed by the measurement of various mixtures of the pure materials. Although Ca(OH)2 is a material present in limestone slurries used in flue-gas desulfurization, previous studies have not indicated the presence of this compound in FGD solids. The TGA reaction profiles for Ca(OH)2 and CaSO3•½H2O show they decompose in the same temperature range. Pure CaSO3•½H2O is not available and was not used in the study. The study of pure materials and mixtures demonstrated the accuracy of the TGA701 in characterizing the compounds. A macro TGA analysis program developed during this study can be used to accurately quantify the various materials in flue-gas desulfurization FGD solids. Carbon and sulfur analysis data support the macro TGA results for the FGD solids.
Commissural Gain Control Enhances the Midbrain Representation of Sound Location
Authors: Orton Llwyd David , Papasavvas Christoforos A. , Rees Adrian
Published: April 2016

Accurate localization of sound sources is essential for survival behavior in many species. The inferior colliculi (ICs) are the first point in the auditory pathway where cues used to locate sounds, ie, interaural time differences (ITDs), interaural level differences (ILDs), and pinna spectral cues, are all represented in the same location. These cues are first extracted separately on each side of the midline in brainstem nuclei that project to the ICs. Because of this segregation, each IC predominantly represents stimuli in the contralateral hemifield. We tested the hypothesis that commissural connections between the ICs mediate gain control that enhances sound localization acuity. We recorded IC neurons sensitive to either ITDs or ILDs in anesthetized guinea pig, before, during, and following recovery from deactivation of the contralateral IC by cryoloop cooling or microdialysis of procaine. During deactivation, responses were rescaled by divisive gain change and additive shifts, which reduced the dynamic range of ITD and ILD response functions and the ability of neurons to signal changes in sound location. These data suggest that each IC exerts multiplicative gain control and subtractive shifts over the other IC that enhances the neural representation of sound location. Furthermore, this gain control operates in a similar manner on both ITD- and ILD-sensitive neurons, suggesting a shared mechanism operates across localization cues. Our findings reveal a novel dependence of sound localization on commissural processing.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSound localization, a fundamental process in hearing, is dependent on bilateral computations in the brainstem. How this information is transmitted from the brainstem to the auditory cortex, through several stages of processing, without loss of signal fidelity, is not clear. We show that the ability of neurons in the auditory midbrain to encode azimuthal sound location is dependent on gain control mediated by the commissure of the inferior colliculi. This finding demonstrates that commissural processing between homologous auditory nuclei, on either side of the midline, enhances the precision of sound localization.
Ligand Specificity and Evolution of Mammalian Musk Odor Receptors: Effect of Single Receptor Deletion on Odor Detection
Authors: Sato-Akuhara Narumi , Horio Nao , Kato-Namba Aya , Yoshikawa Keiichi , Niimura Yoshihito , Ihara Sayoko , Shirasu Mika , Touhara Kazushige
Published: April 2016

Musk odors have been used widely for fragrance and medicine for >2000 years because of their fascinating scent and physiological effects. Therefore, fragrance manufacturers have been eager to develop high-quality musk compounds that are safe and easily synthesized. We recently identified muscone-responsive olfactory receptors (ORs) MOR215-1 and OR5AN1 in mice and humans, respectively (Shirasu et al., 2014). In this study, we identified musk ORs that are evolutionarily closely related to MOR215-1 or OR5AN1 in various primates and investigated structure–activity relationships for various musk odorants and related compounds. We found that each species has one or two functional musk ORs that exhibit specific ligand spectra to musk compounds. Some of them, including the human OR5AN1, responded to nitro musks with chemical properties distinct from muscone. The ligand specificity of OR5AN1 reflects the perception of musk odors in humans. Genetic deletion of MOR215-1 in mice resulted in drastic reduction of sensitivity to muscone, suggesting that MOR215-1 plays a critical role in muscone perception. Therefore, the current study reveals a clear link between the identified OR and muscone perception. Moreover, the strategy established for screening ligands for the muscone OR may facilitate the development of novel and commercially useful musk odors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe long-sought musk odor receptor family in mammals was discovered and found to be well conserved and narrowly tuned to musk odors. In mice, deletion of the most sensitive musk receptor resulted in drastic reduction in sensitivity to muscone, demonstrating a strong link between receptor and odor perception. In humans, we found one musk receptor that recognized both macrocyclic and nitro musks that had distinct chemical structures. The structure–activity relationships were in a good agreement with human sensory perception and therefore may be used to develop novel musk aroma in fragrance fields. Finally, identification of a natural ligand(s) for musk receptors in mammals other than musk deer would reveal an evolutionarily pivotal role in each species in the future.