bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNAdualPF: software to compute the dual partition function with sample applications in molecular evolution theory
Authors: Garcia-Martin Juan Antonio , Bayegan Amir H. , Dotu Ivan , Clote Peter
Published: October 2016

Background

RNA inverse folding is the problem of finding one or more sequences that fold into a user-specified target structure s0, i.e. whose minimum free energy secondary structure is identical to the target s0. Here we consider the ensemble of all RNA sequences that have low free energy with respect to a given target s0.

Results

We introduce the program , which computes the dual partition functionZ∗, defined as the sum of Boltzmann factors exp(−E(a,s0)/RT) of all RNA nucleotide sequences a compatible with target structure s0. Using , we efficiently sample RNA sequences that approximately fold into s0, where additionally the user can specify IUPAC sequence constraints at certain positions, and whether to include dangles (energy terms for stacked, single-stranded nucleotides). Moreover, since we also compute the dual partition functionZ∗(k) over all sequences having GC-content k, the user can require that all sampled sequences have a precise, specified GC-content.

Using Z∗, we compute the dual expected energy 〈E∗〉, and use it to show that natural RNAs from the 12.0 database have higher minimum free energy than expected, thus suggesting that functional RNAs are under evolutionary pressure to be only marginally thermodynamically stable.

We show that C. elegans precursor microRNA (pre-miRNA) is significantly non-robust with respect to mutations, by comparing the robustness of each wild type pre-miRNA sequence with 2000 [resp. 500] sequences of the same GC-content generated by , which approximately [resp. exactly] fold into the wild type target structure. We confirm and strengthen earlier findings that precursor microRNAs and bacterial small noncoding RNAs display plasticity, a measure of structural diversity.

Conclusion

We describe , which rapidly computes the dual partition functionZ∗ and samples sequences having low energy with respect to a target structure, allowing sequence constraints and specified GC-content. Using different inverse folding software, another group had earlier shown that pre-miRNA is mutationally robust, even controlling for compositional bias. Our opposite conclusion suggests a cautionary note that computationally based insights into molecular evolution may heavily depend on the software used.

C/C++-software for is available at http://bioinformatics.bc.edu/clotelab/RNAdualPF.
Convert your favorite protein modeling program into a mutation predictor: “MODICT”
Authors: Tanyalcin Ibrahim , Stouffs Katrien , Daneels Dorien , Al Assaf Carla , Lissens Willy , Jansen Anna , Gheldof Alexander
Published: October 2016

Background

Predict whether a mutation is deleterious based on the custom 3D model of a protein.

Results

We have developed modict, a mutation prediction tool which is based on per residue rmsd (root mean square deviation) values of superimposed 3D protein models. Our mathematical algorithm was tested for 42 described mutations in multiple genes including renin (REN), beta-tubulin (TUBB2B), biotinidase (BTD), sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-1 (SMPD1), phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and medium chain Acyl-Coa dehydrogenase (ACADM). Moreover, modict scores corresponded to experimentally verified residual enzyme activities in mutated biotinidase, phenylalanine hydroxylase and medium chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Several commercially available prediction algorithms were tested and results were compared. The modictperl package and the manual can be downloaded from https://github.com/IbrahimTanyalcin/MODICT.

Conclusions

We show here that modict is capable tool for mutation effect prediction at the protein level, using superimposed 3D protein models instead of sequence based algorithms used by polyphen and sift.
Moving Toward Improved Teamwork in Cancer Care: The Role of Psychological Safety in Team Communication
Authors: Jain Anshu K. , Fennell Mary L. , Chagpar Anees B. , Connolly Hannah K. , Nembhard Ingrid M.
Published: October 2016

Effective communication is a requirement in the teamwork necessary for improved coordination to deliver patient-centered, value-based cancer care. Communication is particularly important when care providers are geographically distributed or work across organizations. We review organizational and teams research on communication to highlight psychological safety as a key determinant of high-quality communication within teams. We first present the concept of psychological safety, findings about its communication effects for teamwork, and factors that affect it. We focus on five factors applicable to cancer care delivery: familiarity, clinical hierarchy–related status differences, geographic dispersion, boundary spanning, and leader behavior. To illustrate how these factors facilitate or hinder psychologically safe communication and teamwork in cancer care, we review the case of a patient as she experiences the treatment-planning process for early-stage breast cancer in a community setting. Our analysis is summarized in a key principle: Teamwork in cancer care requires high-quality communication, which depends on psychological safety for all team members, clinicians and patients alike. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of psychological safety in clinical care and suggestions for future research.
Preferred gait and walk–run transition speeds in ostriches measured using GPS-IMU sensors
Authors: Daley Monica A. , Channon Anthony J. , Nolan Grant S. , Hall Jade
Published: October 2016

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is widely appreciated as a fast and agile bipedal athlete, and is a useful comparative bipedal model for human locomotion. Here, we used GPS-IMU sensors to measure naturally selected gait dynamics of ostriches roaming freely over a wide range of speeds in an open field and developed a quantitative method for distinguishing walking and running using accelerometry. We compared freely selected gait–speed distributions with previous laboratory measures of gait dynamics and energetics. We also measured the walk–run and run–walk transition speeds and compared them with those reported for humans. We found that ostriches prefer to walk remarkably slowly, with a narrow walking speed distribution consistent with minimizing cost of transport (CoT) according to a rigid-legged walking model. The dimensionless speeds of the walk–run and run–walk transitions are slower than those observed in humans. Unlike humans, ostriches transition to a run well below the mechanical limit necessitating an aerial phase, as predicted by a compass-gait walking model. When running, ostriches use a broad speed distribution, consistent with previous observations that ostriches are relatively economical runners and have a flat curve for CoT against speed. In contrast, horses exhibit U-shaped curves for CoT against speed, with a narrow speed range within each gait for minimizing CoT. Overall, the gait dynamics of ostriches moving freely over natural terrain are consistent with previous lab-based measures of locomotion. Nonetheless, ostriches, like humans, exhibit a gait-transition hysteresis that is not explained by steady-state locomotor dynamics and energetics. Further study is required to understand the dynamics of gait transitions.
Feeding through your gills and turning a toxicant into a resource: how the dogfish shark scavenges ammonia from its environment
Authors: Wood Chris M. , Giacomin Marina
Published: October 2016

Nitrogen (N) appears to be a limiting dietary resource for elasmobranchs, required not only for protein growth but also for urea-based osmoregulation. Building on recent evidence that the toxicant ammonia can be taken up actively at the gills of the shark and made into the valuable osmolyte urea, we demonstrate that the uptake exhibits classic Michaelis–Menten saturation kinetics with an affinity constant (Km) of 379 µmol l−1, resulting in net N retention at environmentally realistic ammonia concentrations (100–400 µmol l−1) and net N loss through stimulated urea-N excretion at higher levels. Ammonia-N uptake rate increased or decreased with alterations in seawater pH, but the changes were much less than predicted by the associated changes in seawater PNH3, and more closely paralleled changes in seawater NH4+ concentration. Ammonia-N uptake rate was insensitive to amiloride (0.1 mmol l−1) or to a 10-fold elevation in seawater K+ concentration (to 100 mmol l−1), suggesting that the mechanism does not directly involve Na+ or K+ transporters, but was inhibited by blockade of glutamine synthetase, the enzyme that traps ammonia-N to fuel the ornithine–urea cycle. High seawater ammonia inhibited uptake of the ammonia analogue [14C]methylamine. The results suggest that branchial ammonia-N uptake may significantly supplement dietary N intake, amounting to about 31% of the nitrogen acquired from the diet. They further indicate the involvement of Rh glycoproteins (ammonia channels), which are expressed in dogfish gills, in normal ammonia-N uptake and retention.
Evaluation of gastric blood supply in diabetic patients with gastroparesis by contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Shen Hao-lin , Yang Shu-ping , Wang Kang-jian , Huang Bei-lei , Huang Wen-bao , Wu Jin-zhi , Lv Guo-rong
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Improvement in regional blood flow has been shown to ameliorate diabetic gastroparesis. We compared the gastric blood supply in patients with diabetes with gastroparesis with that in healthy subjects, by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods:

30 healthy subjects and 40 patients with diabetic gastroparesis were enrolled. The CEUS parameters of greater curvatures of the antrum (GCOA) and lesser curvatures of the antrum (LCOA), including peak intensity (PI) and the area under the curve (AUC), were compared between the two groups.

Results:

Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for PI in healthy subjects measured on CEUS were 0.831–0.857 and 0.803–0.823, respectively. Intra-ICC and inter-ICC values for AUC were 0.805–0.823 and 0.813–0.815, respectively. In both groups, no significant difference was observed in PI and AUC values of GCOA and LCOA (p > 0.05). The PI and AUC of GCOA and LCOA in the diabetes group were less than those in the normal group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

CEUS can assess stomach wall vascularity with a high reproducibility. Microcirculation in the antrum of patients with diabetic gastroparesis is poorer than that of normal group, which is consistent with the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy. CEUS can be used for evaluation of microvascular perfusion in patients with stomach wall disease.

Advances in knowledge:

This was the first study to use CEUS for assessment of blood supply of the gastric wall and to compare microvascular perfusion between healthy individuals and patients with diabetes with gastroparesis.
Comparison of digital tomosynthesis and chest radiography for the detection of pulmonary nodules: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Jun H , Lee Kyung H , Kim Kyoung-Tae , Kim Hyun J , Ahn Hyeong S , Kim Yeo J , Lee Ha Y , Jeon Yong S
Published: October 2016

Objective:

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) with that of chest radiography for the detection of pulmonary nodules by meta-analysis.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant original studies from 1 January 1 1976 to 31 August 31 2016. The quality of included studies was assessed by quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies-2. Per-patient data were used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity and per-lesion data were used to calculate the detection rate. Summary receiver-operating characteristic curves were drawn for pulmonary nodule detection.

Results:

16 studies met the inclusion criteria. 1017 patients on a per-patient basis and 2159 lesions on a per-lesion basis from 16 eligible studies were evaluated. The pooled patient-based sensitivity of DTS was 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83–0.88] and the specificity was 0.95 (0.93–0.96). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of chest radiography were 0.47 (0.44–0.51) and 0.37 (0.34–0.40), respectively. The per-lesion detection rate was 2.90 (95% CI 2.63–3.19).

Conclusion:

DTS has higher diagnostic accuracy than chest radiography for detection of pulmonary nodules. Chest radiography has low sensitivity but similar specificity, comparable with that of DTS.

Advances in knowledge:

DTS has higher diagnostic accuracy than chest radiography for the detection of pulmonary nodules.
O Foral de Porto de Mós e a Política Dionisina de Desenvolvimento Concelhio
Authors: Coelho Maria Helena da Cruz
Published: October 2016

Neste estudo contextualiza-se, inicialmente, a outorga do foral de Porto de Mós por D. Dinis, em 1305, no âmbito do programa político, económico, social e cultural de governança deste monarca, que visava a plena identificação e composição do reino.
Conhecem-se depois as relações estabelecidas entre Afonso III, D. Dinis e D. Isabel com a vila de Porto de Mós, que precederam a concessão do seu foral, o qual sancionaria usos e costumes preexistentes.
Esse clausulado foraleiro é em seguida pormenorizado, na análise do aparelho governativo concelhio e do normativo judicial, social e económico que nele ficou consignado, para melhor se conhecer a matriz jurídica da memória municipal e os fundamentos da implantação do poder local da vila portomosense.
Padre António Vieira, Do Mito de Ourique à Utopia do Quinto Império
Authors: Silva José Manuel Azevedo e
Published: October 2016

Ocorrendo, em 2008, o Quarto Centenário do Nascimento do Padre António Vieira, o autor foi solicitado para proferir conferências alusivas a este acontecimento comemorativo, a primeira das quais teve lugar no Auditório da Biblioteca Municipal de Mangualde. Da preparação dessas conferências, nasceu este artigo. Nele se deixa o registo dos principais dados biográficos e bibliográficos do Padre António Vieira, se procura sublinhar a sua leitura do Mito de Ourique e da própria História de Portugal e se tenta interpretar o alcance da sua profecia-utopia do Quinto Império do Mundo, que ressalta da sua magistral obra História do Futuro.
Reforma religiosa, conflito, mudança política e cisão: o governo da diocese de Olinda (Pernambuco) por D. Frei Luís de Santa Teresa (1738-1754)
Authors: Paiva José Pedro
Published: October 2016

Esta investigação, parte da experiência concreta da actuação de D. Frei Luís de Santa Teresa, o qual dirigiu o bispado de Olinda entre 1738 e 1754, e procura descrevê-Ia, enquadrá-la no contexto territorial e político em que se deu, interpretá-la e explicá-Ia. Com este exercício intenta-se contribuir para reforçar o conhecimento disponível sobre a acção dos bispos portugueses de matriz jacobeia, perceber o papel que assumiram enquanto agentes da monarquia no espaço imperial e verificar em que medida conflitos emergentes a uma escala local podiam ter impactos no âmago do centro político.
Considerações sobre a Imagem Satírica
Authors: Homem Amadeu Carvalho
Published: October 2016

O texto trata da questão da imagem satírica na sua relação com os poderes espiritual e temporal. Quanto ao primeiro destes poderes, pretende realçar-se a polémica travada em torno da iconografia e da figuração do Divino, estabelecendo-se uma comparação entre as abordagens católica e protestante. Quanto à relação da imagem satírica com o poder temporal, o estudo pretende aperceber-se do processo de dessacralização política que lhe é inerente e dos mecanismos básicos inerentes à sátira caricatural.
Em Torno da Viagem Diplomática do Rei D. Fernando II de Portugal a Marrocos, em 1856
Authors: Nadir Mohammed
Published: October 2016

Este estudo tem como pano de fundo as relações diplomáticas entre Portugal e Marrocos, cuja história tem muito em comum. Por conseguinte, no século XIX, os dois países sentiram os efeitos colaterais da nova ordem mundial, em termos políticos, militares e, sobretudo, diplomáticos, na medida em que a diplomacia, como instrumento da política externa, passou a ter uma dimensão decisiva nas relações entre estados. A busca de alianças, coligações e blocos políticos caracterizaram as relações internacionais nesse século e, como tal, cada país passou a recorrer à diplomacia como ferramenta para defender os interesses nacionais, bilaterais e até internacionais. É esta a ideia central que este estudo quer demonstrar, através da análise crítica de um documento diplomático valioso, escrito pelo cônsul geral português em Tânger, José Daniel Colaço, que relata a visita histórica do rei de Portugal D. Fernando II a Marrocos, em 1856.
Effects of internalized stigma on symptoms and quality of life in schizophrenic patients; mediated by dysfunctional attitude
Authors: Shaheen Sajida , Amin Rizwana
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of internalized stigma on symptoms, quality of life of schizophrenic patients; mediated by dysfunctional attitude. A descriptive correlational research design was used to investigate the relationship between symptoms, quality of life and dysfunctional attitude in schizophrenic patients. Linear regression was used to investigate the mediational effects of dysfunctional attitude. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the participants. The study was conducted on diagnosed schizophrenic patients from psychiatry ward of Nishtar Hospital Multan, Fountain House Rehabilitation Centre Lahore and Punjab Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre Lahore. The sample of the study was 50 registered patients of schizophrenia. Calculated sample size was 50 schizophrenic patients among them 34 were Males and 16 were Females. Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale was used to see the effects of stigma on schizophrenic patients (ISMI, Ritsher, 2003), along with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to evaluate the positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients (Kay, et al., 1987), World Health Organization Quality of life BREF Scale (WHOQOL-BREF, 2003) was used to assess the quality of life of schizophrenic patients, along with another scale of Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS, Weissman, 1978) was also used to assess the cognitive functioning of the schizophrenic patients. Studies showed that internalized stigma had significant positive correlation with dysfunctional attitude and negative significant correlation with symptoms and quality of life of schizophrenic patients. Internalized stigma had strong significant effects on the symptoms, quality of life and dysfunctional attitude. Studies also showed that people with mental illness has to face negative stereotype, rejection and finally alienation from society because of stigma which is a big hurdle in their process of recovery and treatment.
Phyto chemical and memory enhancer activity of the 2 polyherbal formulation: comparative activity on AlCl3 induced albino wistar rats
Authors: Patel Hardik , Patel Janmejay , Patel Payal , Patel Apurva , Patel Kunj , Saiyad M.S.Hasmi
Published: October 2016

Background: Epidemiological studies of Indian population reveal that dementia is largely a hidden problem in India. Ayurveda claims several plants are beneficial in cognitive disorders. Pharmaco-epidemiological studies reveal that herbal and allopathic learning and memory enhancing medicines are becoming very popular among Indian population.Methodology: The present study was aimed at investing the effects of Dr. Brain Syrup and Capsule, Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation on memory enhancing activity in albino wistar rats. Drugs were administered through intraperitoneal at therapeutic dose for 28 days to different groups of the rats. Elevated Plus maze (EPM) and Radial Arm maze apparatus were served as the evaluating tool to identify the Transfer Latency (TL) in EPM and Average time taken to reach right arm in Radial Arm Maze models. Cognitive impairment was induced by administering the AlCl3 at dose of 4.2mg/kg i.p.Result: At the end of 4 weeks, Transfer Latency in model control group increased to 90±0.00 sec as compared to47.66±7.39 sec (p<0.01) in Normal control rats. Dr. Brain Syrup and Capsule were significantly attenuated TL to 19.5±4.27 and 21.16±2.83 sec respectively as compared to Model Control Group after 4 weeks. Moreover, Treatment with Dr. Brain Syrup and Capsule reduced the mean time to find the right arm to 20.83±2.08 and 27.16±1.17 sec (p<0.01) as compared to 129.66±4.60 sec in Model control group after 4 weeks.Conclusion: Dr. Brain Syrup and Capsule showed significant activity in improvement in Memory by evaluating the TL and Average time period in 2 different instruments in 4 weeks of the drug treatment.
A Discourse -Structural Analysis of Yorùbá Proverbs in Interaction
Authors: Ehineni Taiwo Oluwaseun
Published: October 2016

The subject of the proverb especially in the African context has been diversely explored by studies as Yankah (1989), Obeng (1996), Owomoyela (2005) and Fasiku (2006), this study however attempts a discourse and structural analysis of Yorùbá proverbs collected from oral interviews and native Yorùbá texts. First, based on a theory of the proverb as a discourse medium, the study reveals that proverbs are used to achieve different discourse acts and communicative goals by speakers. Native speakers use the proverb as a linguistic strategy of negotiating deep ideas and intentions. Second, the paper avers that Yorùbá proverb is structurally characterized by some lexical and grammatical devices which help to reinforce its communicative intelligibility and textuality. Thus, it examines the Yorùbá proverb both functionally and formally and underscores that it is a culturally and linguistically rich significant part of the Yorùbá speech community.
The Effect of Communicative Activities on EFL Learners’ Motivation: A Case of Students in the Amazon Region of Ecuador
Authors: Ochoa César , Cabrera Paola , Quiñónez Ana , Castillo Luz , González Paúl
Published: October 2016

This study sought to shed light on the relationship between communicative activities and their impact on students’ motivation to learn English as a Foreign Language (EFL). A total of 180 senior high school learners (86 male and 94 female) and 8 EFL teachers in a town of the Amazon region of Ecuador completed a questionnaire. A sample of these students and all of the teachers participated in a face-to-face interview. Both instruments were applied to obtain data concerned with use of communicative activities in the classroom and their relation with motivation. The data gathered was analyzed using a mixed-method approach, which comprised quantitative and qualitative methods. The results showed that students and teachers believe that communicative activities are motivating. Furthermore, students feel highly motivated when participating in interactive activities because these enhance their fluency, pronunciation and performance in the use of English in a realistic and enjoyable way.
Estética de la resonancia. (una mirada a la obra de vassily kandinski desde una óptica deleuzeana)
Authors: Romo Juan Carlos
Published: October 2016

ESTÉTICA DE LA RESONANCIA (UNA MIRADA A LA OBRA DE VASILY KANDINSKI DESDE UNA ÓPTICA DELEUZEANA)RESUMEN El presente texto aborda la obra pictórica de Vasily Kandinski y la estrecha relación que esta tiene con la música. El análisis que se hace de la obra de Kandinski tiene como punto de referencia la reflexión estética de la filosofía de Gilles Deleuze. Figuras conceptuales como devenir, inmanencia y acontecimiento son la base de este estudio; con ellas se pretende un acercamiento crítico a la obra del pintor ruso con miras a su interpretación.PALABRAS CLAVES Pintura, música, color, sonido, sensación, percepto, afecto, bloque de sensaciones, vacío, devenir, acontecimiento.KAWAI SUG RURAITA VASILI KANDISKI DELEUZEANASUGLLAPIKai kilkapi munanakume parlangapa sug runa suti Vasily Kandisky ruraskata kawachingapa manema allila wawankuna tunaita chasallata munakume llullachingapa chasata kawachinpaga sug rurai Gilles Deleuze. Paikuna munanakume kai mailla parlukunawa sug rurai sug runa, ruso ruraskata kawaspa llachachispaIMA SUTI RIMAI SIMI:Kakui, tunai, ullaii, chasa rurai, rurangapa achka llullakuna.AESTHETICS OF RESONANCE (A LOOK AT THE WORK OF VASSILY KANDINSKY FROM A DELEUZIAN PERSPECTIVE)ABSTRACT This paper attempts an approach to the paintings of Vassily Kandinsky and their close relationship with music. The analysis of Kandinsky’s work has as a point of origin the aesthetic reflections found in Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy. Conceptual figures such as becoming, immanence and event, are the basis of this study, which seeks an approach to a critical interpretation of the Russian painter’s work.KEYWORDS Painting, music, color, sound, sensation, percept,ESTHÉTIQUE DE LA RÉSONANCE (UN REGARD SUR LE TRAVAIL DE VASSILY KANDINSKY À PARTIR D’UNE PERSPECTIVE DELEUZIENNE)RÉSUMÉ Cet article tente une approche des peintures de Vassily Kandinsky et de la relation étroite de son travail avec la musique. L’analyse de l’œuvre de Kandinsky a comme point d’origine la réflexion esthétique de la philosophie de Gilles Deleuze. Des figures conceptuelles telles que le devenir, l’immanence et l’événement sont à la base de cette étude, qui vise une approche à une interprétation critique du travail du peintre russe.MOTS-CLEFS Peinture, musique, couleur, son, sensation, percept, affection, bloc de sensations, vide, devenir, événementESTÉTICA DA RESSONÂNCIA UM OLHAR À OBRA DE VASILY KANDINSKI DESDE UMA ÓTICA “DELEUZEANA” RESUMOO presente texto aborda a obra pictórica de Vasily Kandinski e a estreita relação que esta tem com a música. A análise que se faz da obra de Kandinski tem como ponto de referência a reflexão estética da filosofia de Gilles Deleuze. Figuras conceituais como devir, imanência e acontecimento são à base deste estudo; com elas se pretende uma aproximação crítica à obra do pintor russo com miras a sua interpretaçãoPALAVRAS CHAVES Pintura, música, cor, som, sensação, preceito, afeto, bloco de sensações, vazio, devir, acontecimento
Effect of Concrete Addition of Selected Micro-fibers on the Reinforcing Bars Corrosion in the Reinforced Concrete Specimens
Authors: Raczkiewicz W.
Published: October 2016

The micro-fibers increase the consistency and uniformity of concrete, which can improve the protective properties of concrete cover and thus should reduce the corrosion of the reinforcement bars in the reinforced concrete elements. The article presents a study which main objective was to specify the effect on concrete mix the addition of steel or polypropylene micro-reinforcement fibers on the reinforcing bars corrosion process. The research included measuring the reinforcement corrosion progress caused by the chloride impact as well as cyclical freezing and thawing specimens test. To measure the electrochemical corrosion progress the non-destructive i.e. galvanostatic pulse method was used. The results were used to conduct a comparative analysis.
Al2O3 + TiO2 Thin Film made by Electrostatic Spray Deposition
Authors: Krella A. K. , Krupa A. , Sobczyk A.T. , Jaworek A.
Published: October 2016

In this work electrostatic spray deposition process was used to deposit thin Al2O3 + TiO2 ceramic thin film on X10CrAlSi18 steel from colloidal suspension of TiO2 powder in Al2O3 precursor solution. The precursor was 3% solution of Al2(NO3)3 in ethanol. An influence of the thermal treatment after film deposition on protective properties against high temperatures and film endurance were investigated. The resistance against thermal cycles and dynamic impacts were tested. Performed investigations showed that the best protective properties had the Al2O3 + TiO2 film sintered at 1000°C.
Prerequisites of Sustainable Development of Rural Tourism in Continental Croatia
Authors: Bartoluci Mato , Hendija Zvjezdana , Petračić Mateja
Published: October 2016

The goal of this paper was to analyze the current status of rural tourism in Croatia and to identify possibilities, guidelines and methods of its sustainable development. The research has shown that rural tourism in Croatia falls behind the sun-and-beach holiday tourism in coastal Croatia and that numerous and diverse natural and social resources in Continental Croatia are insufficiently employed, especially in the Continental part of the country Past research of rural tourism in continental Croatia relied on individual entrepreneurial initiative and scarce funding resources, so that consequently a heterogeneous and fragmented rural tourism offer, based on various tourism forms and special interest tourism types, has developed in an unorganized way. However, rural tourism can become a driving force for the development of rural areas, taking into account the concept of sustainable development, based on the balance of economic, ecological and social responsibility. In the future, it should encourage development projects that ensure integrated tourist offer and thereby enable long-term sustainable development of rural tourism in continental Croatia.
The Impact of Cadmium on Photosynthetic Performance and Secondary Metabolites in the Lichens Parmelia sulcata, Flavoparmelia caperata and Evernia prunastri
Authors: Maslać Ana , Maslać Maja , Tkalec Mirta
Published: October 2016

Lichens are one of the most common air quality bioindicators. Airborne heavy metal pollution causes various physiological changes in lichens, but sensitivity to metal pollution is species specific. In this research, three lichen species (Parmelia sulcata, Flavoparmelia caperata and Evernia prunastri) were exposed to cadmium (50 mg L−1) in laboratory conditions. Photosynthetic efficiency of photosystem II and content of secondary metabolites were determined after one, three and eight days of exposure. In all investigated species treatment of lichen thalli with cadmium significantly changed Fv/Fm and RFd only after eight days of exposure. Quantification of metabolites showed a decreased content of the medullary depsidones salazinic acid (in P. sulcata) and protocetraric acid (in F. caperata) but increased content of cortical depside atranorin (in P. sulcata) and dibenzofurane usnic acid (in F. caperata) after cadmium exposure. However, no changes in secondary metabolites were found in E. prunastri. Results show that investigated species are relatively resistant to short-term cadmium-exposure and that secondary metabolites could have an important role in the protection of primary metabolism from negative cadmium impacts, at least in some species.
Photochemical Efficiency, Content of Photosynthetic Pigments and Phenolic Compounds in Different Pitcher Parts of Sarracenia Hybrids
Authors: Tušek Martina , Curman Marcela , Babić Marija , Tkalec Mirta
Published: October 2016

Sarraceniais a genus of carnivorous plants characterised by leaves modified into pitchers which lure, trap and digest insects. The aim of this study was to analyse the photochemical efficiency and contents of photosynthetic pigments and phenolic compounds in different pitcher parts – operculum, wing, pitchertube upper part and pitcher-tube lower part of three morphologically differentSarraceniahybrids. The photochemical efficiency of the operculum and the pitcher-tube upper part was lower than that of the pitcher-tube lower part and wing, especially in hybrid B. In all hybrids, the wing had higher amount of chlorophyllathan other pitcher parts. In contrast, a higher amount of phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, was measured in the operculum and the pitcher-tube upper part, parts which are red-coloured and participate in luring and trapping insects. Although there were some differences among the hybrids, the results show that amount of phenolic compounds and photosynthetic pigments as well as photochemical efficiency are related to the function of the pitcher part analysed.
Methodology of heat transfer and flow resistance measurement for matrices of rotating regenerative heat exchangers
Authors: Butrymowicz Dariusz , Karwacki Jarosław , Kwidziński Roman , Śmierciew Kamil , Gagan Jerzy , Przybyliński Tomasz , Skiepko Teodor , Łapin Marek
Published: October 2016

The theoretical basis for the indirect measurement approach of mean heat transfer coefficient for the packed bed based on the modified single blow technique was presented and discussed in the paper. The methodology of this measurement approach dedicated to the matrix of the rotating regenerative gas heater was discussed in detail. The testing stand consisted of a dedicated experimental tunnel with auxiliary equipment and a measurement system are presented. Selected experimental results are presented and discussed for selected types of matrices of regenerative air preheaters for the wide range of Reynolds number of gas. The agreement between the theoretically predicted and measured temperature profiles was demonstrated. The exemplary dimensionless relationships between Colburn heat transfer factor, Darcy flow resistance factor and Reynolds number were presented for the investigated matrices of the regenerative gas heater.
Carbonaceous materials in petrochemical wastewater before and after treatment in an aerated submerged fixed-bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Trojanowicz Karol , Wojcik Wlodzimierz
Published: October 2016

Results of the studies for determining fractions of organic contaminants in a pretreated petrochemical wastewater flowing into a pilot Aerated Submerged Fixed-Bed Biofilm Reactor (ASFBBR) are presented and discussed. The method of chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation consisted of physical tests and biological assays. It was found that the main part of the total COD in the petrochemical, pretreated wastewater was soluble organic substance with average value of 57.6%. The fractions of particulate and colloidal organic matter were found to be 31.8% and 10.6%, respectively. About 40% of COD in the influent was determined as readily biodegradable COD. The inert fraction of the soluble organic matter in the petrochemical wastewater constituted about 60% of the influent colloidal and soluble COD. Determination of degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the colloidal fraction of COD was also included in the paper. The estimated value of DH was about 62%. Values of the assayed COD fractions were compared with the same parameters obtained for municipal wastewater by other authors.
Statistical Analysis of Causality between Capital Structure and Firm Profitability: Evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Resić Emina , Mangafić Jasmina , Perić Tunjo
Published: October 2016

This research is designed to examine the relationship between the capital structure and profitability of non-financial firms in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the ten years period, from 2003-2012. The goal is to prove the existence of the relationship between the firm’s capital structure choice and its profitability. The analysis is extended by including the debt structure and differentiating between the types of debt such as the long-term and the short-term ones. Canonical correlation and multiple regression analysis are used. The results of the multivariate canonical correlation analysis provide support to a hypothesis that the capital structure and profitability have statistically significant relationships. Furthermore, the findings provide support that firms develop different patterns of profitability depending on the capital structure choice. We found that an increasing proportion of short-term debt and long-term debt in the overall liability of the firm reduces its profitability.
Subcapsular and Perirenal Hematoma after Ureteroscopy and Pneumatic Lithotripsy
Authors: Resorlu Mustafa , Gulpinar Murat Tolga , Adam Gurhan
Published: October 2016

Subcapsular or perirenal hematoma is an unusual complication after semirigid ureteroscopy using pneumatic lithotripsy to treat ureteral stones. We present a patient who developed a large subcapsular and perirenal hematoma following ureteroscopy administered to a stone in the right ureter.
The Facilitation of Pericardiocentesis Using Imaging Techniques. A Case Report
Authors: Manițiu Ioan , Cobârje Iulia , Bitea Ionuț , Cojan Radu , Bebeşelea Andra-Maria
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Pericardiocentesis is a procedure performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and it consists in draining the pericardial effusion liquid in sterile conditions. The accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space may be caused by several systemic conditions, including viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disease, cancer, as well as thyroid malfunction. A rapidly growing pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, and consequently to acute hypodiastolic heart failure.

Case report: We report the case of a 79-year-old female, without previously known cardiovascular pathologies, who presented to the Emergency Room due to a gradual deterioration in her health status. Imaging procedures included a chest X-ray and an echocardiography that confirmed the diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was performed using cardiac ultrasound guidance, resulting in the draining of a small quantity of yellowish, partly haemorrhagic fluid. The patient's general condition did not improve, thus another pericardiocentesis was carried out, this time with fluoroscopical and cardiac ultrasound guidance, and 1200 milliliters of sero-haemorrhagic fluid was drained. The laboratory analysis revealed that the patient had hypothyroidism, and the cytological analysis of the drained pericardial fluid excluded a neoplastic origin, tuberculosis, and other infectious etiologies. The particularity of the case consists in a pericardial effusion evolving into cardiac tamponade, for which the pericardiocentesis was guided using echocardiographic, fluoroscopic and radiologic methods, because simple ultrasound-guided drainage was not efficient.

Conclusion: The superiority of a combined imaging-guided approach in cases of pericardial effusion recommends it as an alternative to a surgical procedure, guided solely by echocardiography, which is often used in cases of unsuccessful drainage of pericar-dial effusion fluid.
Pneumo-pyopericardium Mimicking an Acute Myocardial Infarction. A Rare Complication of an Incarcerated Hiatus Hernia and Gastro-pericardial Fistula
Authors: Blendea Ciprian , Crăciun Adriana , Simon Crina , Condrea Sebastian
Published: October 2016

Pyopericardium is an acquired disease associated with very high complication rates. Pyopericardium is a very rare form of pneumopericardium. The nontraumatic causes of pneumopericardium include gastro-pericardial fistula that can occur in refractory gastric ulcers, stomach or esophageal neoplasia, and in surgical interventions of the stomach, such as the Niessen fundoplication procedure. The case of life-threatening pneumopericardium associated with gastro-pericardial fistula resulting from the incarceration of a giant hiatal hernia is reported.
Characteristics of Logistics Outsourcing in Bulgaria: The Perspectives of the Logistics Service Providers and their Customers
Authors: Rakovska Miroslava
Published: October 2016

The increased demand and supply of logistics services bring together the logistics service providers (LSPs) and the companies that outsource logistics activities. LSPs stand in between those companies and their customers, thus playing an essential role for supply chain integration. If the two parties have different viewpoints of the processes in the supply chain, the fulfillment of the goal to satisfy the end customers may be hindered. The purpose of this article is two-fold: First, to investigate the characteristics of logistics outsourcing in Bulgaria from the perspectives of the logistics service providers and their customers, and more specifically, to compare their viewpoints concerning the motives for outsourcing, the methods and contents of communication and some relationship management aspects; Second, to assess the relations of the communication and relationship management aspects to customer satisfaction. This article is based on empirical data provided by 138 manufacturing and trading companies and 136 LSPs and collected through two structured questionnaires designed to address the researched issues. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the independent samples t-test. The research found that the service related reasons for logistics outsourcing are prevailing and that LSPs overestimate, compared to manufacturing and trading companies, motives related to service, organizational capabilities and relationships, while more manufacturing and trading companies concern as important the availability of logistics assets and the provision of value-added services. The research also found that both the LSPs and their customers consider that the extent of sharing of knowledge and information essential for material flow integration is very low and that the usage of team meetings and joint teams is quite rare. Also, customers do not view their relationships with the LSPs as so collaborative as viewed by the LSPs. Furthermore, the research proved the existence of positive relationships between customer satisfaction and communication through team meetings and joint teams, knowledge sharing concerning material flow management and relationship management issues such as trust, mutual problem solving, understanding the logistics strategy of the other party and respecting its financial interests. The research findings may help fill in some of the gaps between LSPs and their customers. They point the need for LSPs to include in their service offerings more value-added services and to invest in assets that provide reliable and flexible services for their customers. The research also highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and trust building and reveals great potential for effective trust-based alliances between LSPs and their customers that could help them extract more competitive benefits from their relationships.
Reproductive characteristics of the water chevrotain, Hyemoschus aquaticus
Authors: Dubost Gérard
Published: October 2016

The anatomy of the reproductive organs, sexual maturation, oestrous cycle, mating, gestation and suckling were studied in the water chevrotain,
Perfect and ε-perfect simulation methods for the one-dimensional Kac equation
Authors: Corcoran Jem N. , Jennings Dale , VaughanMiller Paul
Published: October 2016

We review the derivation of the Kac master equation model for random collisions of particles, its relationship to the Poisson process, and existing algorithms for simulating values from the marginal distribution of velocity for a single particle at any given time. We describe and implement a new algorithm that efficiently and more fully leverages properties of the Poisson process, show that it performs at least as well as existing methods, and give empirical evidence that it may perform better at capturing the tails of the single particle velocity distribution. Finally, we derive and implement a novel “ε-perfect sampling” algorithm for the limiting marginal distribution as time goes to infinity. In this case the importance is a proof of concept that has the potential to be expanded to more interesting (DSMC) direct simulation Monte Carlo applications.
Comprehensive definition of oxidation state (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)
Authors: Karen Pavel , McArdle Patrick , Takats Josef
Published: October 2016

Oxidation state (OS) is defined using ionic approximation of bonds. Two principal algorithms are outlined for OS determination in a chemical compound described by a Lewis formula or bond graph. Typical origins of ambiguous OS values are pointed out, and the relationship between OS and the d

n
electron configuration of transition metals is commented on.
The cartographic materials auxiliary in the determination of the borders of Poland during the Paris Peace Conference (1919–1920) in the light of archival records
Authors: Konopska Beata
Published: October 2016

The work indicated in Polish literature as the cartographic basis for the negotiations of Polish issues at the Paris Peace Conference (1919–1920) is Eugeniusz Romer’s Geograficzno-statystyczny atlas Polski (Geographical and Statistical Atlas of Poland). Given the complicated fate of the atlas, the position of its author in the Polish delegation, and the multidisciplinarity and importance of the conference, it is worth considering whether this atlas really played such an important role, or whether this is merely a statement, a repeated assignment of this role, to stave off concealment or lack of knowledge about other cartographic materials developed and used for the same purpose. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the level of use of cartographic documents other than the Geographical and Statistical Atlas of Poland in lobbying and official negotiations of Polish issues before and during the Paris Peace Conference. The research task was associated with an extensive archival query, which confirmed the fact that dozens of maps survived, mainly manuscripts, which were prepared before and during the conference. It should be concluded that the maps of E. Romer’s atlas constituted one set of many equally important cartographic documents which were used by the negotiators at the Paris Peace Conference.
Leadership Changes and Civil War Agreements: Exploring Preliminary Links
Authors: Lutmar Carmela , Terris Lesley
Published: October 2016

The emergence of civil wars as the predominant type of conflict in the twenty-first century has prompted scholars to reformulate and revisit many of the questions treated in the interstate conflict literature. One of these questions concerns the impact of leadership changes on policy decisions within the realm of war and peace. Studies have suggested that in interstate disputes, the coming to power of new leaders in one or both of the disputing governments increases the prospects of war termination. We argue that within the context of intrastate disputes this relationship is more complex and multilayered due to factors that are characteristic of rebel groups and civil wars. We suggest that leader overturns in rebel groups are likely to lead, under certain conditions to more, rather than less, hardline conflict positions, at least in the short term, thus hindering possible negotiation processes. We test our hypothesis on a dataset of leadership changes and agreements ending civil wars in Africa, 1975–2007.
Feeding Pregnant and Lactating Mice Rhodiola kirilowii Extracts helps to Preserve Thymus Function of their Adult Progeny
Authors: Bień K. , Lewicki S. , Zdanowski R. , Skopinska-Różewska E. , Krzyżowska M.
Published: October 2016

Plants belonging to Rhodiola kirilowii species, members of Rhodiola genus and Crassulaceae family, grow wildly in Tibet, Mongolia and China mountains and are traditionally used as adaptogens, antidepressants and anti-inflammatory remedies. Nowadays, R. kirilowii is cultivated in some countries, also in Poland. In our previous papers we reported immuno- and angio-modulatory effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of radix and rhizome of this plant in non-pregnant and pregnant mice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding pregnant and further lactating mice these extracts on selected thymus function parameters in adult progeny. The counts of M-30+ apoptotic cells, in the thymuses obtained from progeny of mice fed during pregnancy and lactation water or 50% water-alcoholic extract of Rhodiola kirilowii, were significantly lower (p<0.05) than apoptotic cells counts observed in the control mice. No significant differences in the counts of IL-7-positive cells in the thymuses obtained from progeny of the control mice and mothers treated with water or hydro-alcohol extracts of Rhodiola kirilowii were observed.