bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does initial 45Gy of pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy reduce late complications in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer? A cohort control study using definitive chemoradiotherapy with high-dose rate brachytherapy
Authors: Chen Shang-Wen , Liang Ji-An , Yeh Lian-Shung , Chang Wei-Chun , Lin Wu-Chou , Chien Chun-Ru
Published: April 2013

Background. Comparing initial 45 Gy of pelvic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and non-IMRT in terms of the late toxicities associated with advanced cervical cancer that has also been treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy and high-dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDRICB).

Patients and methods. This retrospective study included 320 stage IB2-IIIB cervical cancer patients treated with CCRT (83 IMRT and 237 non-IMRT). The two groups had similar stage and HDRICB ratings. Following 45 Gy to the pelvis, HDRICB of 24 Gy in four courses was prescribed. Late toxicities, including rectal complications (RC), bladder complications (BC) and non-rectal intestinal injury (NRRII), were scored by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. A logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of the complications.

Results. With a median follow-up duration of 33 and 77 months for IMRT and non-IMRT, 33 patients had Grade 2 or higher late RC (7.2% IMRT, 11.4% non-IMRT), whereas that for BC was 40 (9.6% IMRT, 13.5% non-IMRT) and for NRRII was 48 (12.0% IMRT, 16.0% non-IMRT). The cumulative rate for total grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicities was 8.4% and 11.8% (p = 0.33). IMRT did not reduce the OR for all endpoints; however, the ORs for rectum and bladder reference doses to Point A were associated with RC and BC.

Conclusions. Locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with initial 45Gy of pelvic IMRT and HDRICB have similar treatment-related late toxicities as those treated with non-IMRT. Optimization of the brachytherapy scheme is essential to minimize late toxicities.
An incidental case of biliary fascioliasis with subtle clinical findings: US and MRCP findings
Authors: Önder Hakan , Ekici Faysal , Adin Emin , Kuday Suzan , Gümüş Hatice , Bilici Aslan
Published: April 2013

Background. Fascioliasis is a disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica. Cholangitis is a common clinical manifestation. Although fascioliasis may show various radiological and clinical features, cases without biliary dilatation are rare.

Case report. We present unique ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings of a biliary fascioliasis case which doesn’t have biliary obstruction or cholestasis. Radiologically, curvilinear parasites compatible with juvenile and mature Fasciola hepatica within the gallbladder and common bile duct were found. The parasites appear as bright echogenic structures with no acoustic shadow on US and hypo-intense curvilinear lesions on T2 weighted MRCP images.

Conclusions. Imaging studies may significantly contribute to the diagnosis of patients with subtle clinical and laboratory findings, particularly in endemic regions.
Pancreatic involvement in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gonlugur Ugur , Mirici Arzu , Karaayvaz Muammer
Published: April 2013

Background. Few data are available concerning incidence, clinical picture, and prognosis for pancreatic metastases of small cell lung carcinoma. In this paper we review the related literature available in English language.

Conclusions. Although pancreatic metastases are generally asymptomatic, they can rarely produce clinical symptoms or functional abnormalities. The widespread use of multi-detector computerised tomography (CT) in contemporary medical practice has led to an increased detection of pancreatic metastases in oncology patients. Tissue diagnosis is imperative because radiological techniques alone are incapable of differentiating them from primary pancreatic tumours. Pancreatic metastases occur in the relative end stage of small cell lung cancer. The main complications of these lesions, although rare, are acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice. Early chemotherapy can provide a survival benefit even in patients with mild acute pancreatitis or extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
Glucose Homeostasis in Patients with Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Dănciulescu Miulescu Rucsandra , Margină Denisa , Culman Mirela , Păun Sorin , Poiană Cătălina
Published: April 2013

Background and Aims. Previous studies have shown that impaired glucose tolerance is present in patients with pheochromocytoma with a prevalence of 25- 75%. The aim of this study was to examine glucose tolerance in 12 patients with pheochromocytoma, before and after medical and surgical treatment. Material and

Methods. We evaluated 12 patients aged between 44 and 60 years with confirmed pheochromocytoma. Plasma insulin, fasting blood glucose and 2h glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured before and three months after surgical removal of the tumor. Results. Surgical removal of the tumor generated significant changes in plasma and urinary metanephrines (plasma normetanephrine 191.15±13.22 pg/ml after treatment vs. 792.54±86.74 pg/ml at baseline, p<0.0001, plasma metanephrine 86.69±4.48 pg/ml vs. 363.62.±21.69 pg/ml, p<0.0001, urinary normetanephrine 718.54±37.59 μg/day after treatment vs. 1855.77±116.54 μg/day at baseline and urinary metanephrine of 258.31±34.00 μg/day vs. 745.38±65.14 μg/day, p<0.0001) but not in insulin, fasting and 2h glucose levels during OGTT. Conclusion. In our study, the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance in patients with confirmed pheochromocytoma was 8.33% (1 patient with a previous family history of diabetes). After surgical removal of the tumor, normalization of mean glucose levels of OGTT was not achieved.
Performance Testing of Web Map Services tn three Dimensions – X, Y, Scale
Authors: Cibulka Dušan
Published: April 2013

The paper deals with the performance testing of web mapping services. The paper describes map service tests in which it is possible to determine the performance characteristics of a map service, depending on the location and scale of the map. The implementation of the test is tailored to the Web Map Service specifications provided by the Open Geospatial Consortium. The practical experiment consists of testing the map composition acquired from OpenStreetMap data for the area of southwestern Slovakia. These tests permit checking the performance of services in different positions, verifying the configuration of services, the composition of a map, and the visualization of geodata.

The task of this paper is to also highlight the fact that it is not sufficient to only interpret a map service performance with conventional indicators. A map service’s performance should be linked to information about the map’s scale and location.
How ISO-15189 laboratory accreditation assures patient safety? / Kako ISO-15189 akreditacija laboratorija osigurava bezbednost pacijenta?
Authors: Serteser Mustafa , Coskun Abdurrahman , Inal Tamer C. , Unsal Ibrahim
Published: April 2013

Healthcare is a complex profession involving the state-of-art technology and sometimes leading to unintentional harm. Many factors contribute to the occurrence of medical errors. Patient safety is one of the most serious global health issues and defined as the absence of preventable harm to a patient during any process of medical care. The frequency of medical errors is higher than expected. It has been concluded that the majority of medical errors are not because of the individual attitudes but mainly caused by faulty systems or processes leading the staff to make mistakes or fail to prevent them. Patient safety is a shared responsibility comprised of many stakeholders such as society, patients, nurses, educators, administrators, researchers, physicians, government and legislative bodies, professional associations and accrediting agencies. Medical laboratory services are essential to patient care and need to be available to meet the needs of both patients and caregivers. ISO- 15189:2007 Medical Laboratories-Particular requirements for quality and competence, an internationally recognized standard containing requirements necessary for diagnostic laboratories to demonstrate their competence to deliver reliable laboratory services. It applies quality system requirements to the clinical laboratories with a strong focus on responsiveness to the needs of patients and clinicians. Applying the performance improvement strategies focusing on different phases in total testing process will significantly reduce the errors and therefore will improve the patient safety. In this way, laboratory professionals contribute to improvement of safety and outcomes of care by working in interdisciplinary approach manner.
Intensity modulated radiotherapy using Monte Carlo for routine postmastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Sayed Omer Hiba Baha Eldin
Published: April 2013

Radiotherapy given after mastectomy (PMRT) will reduce the risk of local recurrence by about two-thirds. Clinical and dosimetric trials were carried out using various techniques to optimize the treatments by maximizing the dose to the tumour and minimizing it to the healthy tissues at proximity. Different conventional techniques which have been studied suffer from important dose inhomogeneities due to the complex anatomy of the chest, which reduces the benefits from such treatments. Moreover, due to the heterogeneity of breast cancer, the response to therapy and a systematic approach to treatment cannot be derived and treatment regimens must be determined on a patient-by-patient basis. This is only possible if accurate and fast treatment planning systems are available. Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) allows delivering higher doses to the target volume and limits the doses to the surrounding tissues. The objective of this study is to test the feasibility of applying a Monte Carlo-based treatment planning system, Hyperion accurately in routine Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) postmastectomy. In order to use a treatment planning system for routine work it should prove to provide optimized dose delivery in a suitable time. Treatment planning for IMRT application to PMRT was performed using Hyperion. Constraints were set to deliver the prescribed dose to the target and minimize the dose to the organs at risk. Dose Volume Histograms (DVH) were used to evaluate the set up plans. Time taken to optimize the plan was measured. The target coverage was within the accepted values. Approximately 90% of the breast and 80% of the PTV received 45 Gy or above. The volume of the lung that received 40Gy was less than 10% and the volume that received 20Gy (V20) was less than 25%. The volume of the heart receiving 30 Gy (V30) or above was negligible. This indicates low NTCP of these organs. The time taken for optimization, showed it possible to apply Monte Carlo-based treatment-planning systems for patient-to-patient PMRT.
Evaluation of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Female Students
Authors: Mežiņa-Mamajeva Ina , Grigāns Arvīds , Kučāns Pēteris , Kriķis Juris , Raibarts Jānis , Ligere Renāte
Published: April 2013

Many studies have shown that systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure changes due tohigher weight in both school-age children and in adolescents. Abnormalities of thyroid functionmight be no less important factor in relation to metabolic syndrome. The objective of the studywas to determine the relationship of arterial blood pressure, glucose, adiponectin and thyroidfunction parameters to major risk factors of metabolic syndrome. The risk factors tested werebody mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in female students aged 18 to 25 years. Westudied 105 RSU Red Cross college students aged 18 to 25 years. We calculated their BMI, lungvital capacity (ml), thyroid changes by ultrasound (USG) (27 students) and ECG (79 students). Inaddition, we measured their waist and chest circumferences, and systolic and diastolic bloodpressure in both arms. We determined concentration of glucose, adiponectin, thyroid stimulatinghormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) in blood. Statistical analyses were performed using theSPSS 15.01 package software. There was a statistically significant positive correlation betweenthe arterial blood pressure, BMI and increase of the waist circumference in students (average age20.7 years). The average arterial blood pressure in students was normal. The age at the onset ofmenarche had a significant positive effect on diastolic arterial blood pressure (P = 0.009-0,017).An increase in blood glucose concentration was closely associated with BMI (P = 0.03) and waistcircumference (P = 0.045). However, adiponectin concentration was correlated with systolic (P =0.007-0.048) and diastolic (P = 0.002-0.003) blood pressure. Significant ECG changes werefound in 10% of the subjects, indicating cardiovascular changes in these young women. Thehigher the FT4 and TSH concentrations, the more frequently were observed changes in the ECGST-segment (P = 0.01-0,008). A significant relationship between diastolic blood pressure and theage at onset of menarche (P = 0.009-0.017) was found. Increased arterial blood pressure wasassociated with an increase in BMI, waist circumference and adiponectin concentration, while anincrease in blood glucose concentration was associated with increased BMI and waist circumference,but not with the adiponectin level. Changes in ECG and increased diastolic arterial bloodpressure in relation to menarche indicate a possible role of the endocrine system and genetic factorsin regulation of the main parameters of metabolic syndrome
Novel Foods: Regulation, Health and Safety Considerations
Authors: Sarkadi Livia Simon , Gál Veronika
Published: April 2013

Under the Novel Food Regulation (258/97/EC), a novel food is defined as a food or food ingredientthat does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union prior to 15May 1997. Novel foods are required to undergo a pre-market safety assessment and must beauthorised before they can legally be marketed in the EU. A proposal to revise and update the EUNovel Food Regulation was published in 2008. This proposed a definition for nanomaterials, acentralised and faster authorisation procedure and specific measures for traditional foods fromthird countries. As a result of disagreement on the inclusion of foods from cloned animals, theEuropean Parliament and Council were unable to reach agreement on the new regulation beforethe deadline of 30 March 2011. New discussions on the updated Regulation are expected to takeplace in 2012. So far 66 novel foods and food ingredients have been authorised for use in the EU.The most popular products are Noni juice (juice of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia) and phytosterolsin a number of foodstuffs
Sustainable School Indicators: Approaching the Vision Through the Sustainable School Award
Authors: Kalaitzidis Dimitrios
Published: April 2013

The Sustainable School Award is a project for schools that aims to integrate a sustainability perspective into all aspects of school life through sustainable school indicators. It complies with the implementation strategy of the International Plan of Action of the Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) and the Strategy of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). In this paper, we present the vision of a sustainable school and an attempt to connect theory and practice of education for sustainable development in order to approach this vision. A brief report on the first year of the implementation of the project in Greece is also presented.
Ptyctimous mites (Acari, Oribatida) in the fauna of North Africa, against the background of the Palaearctic fauna
Authors: Niedbała Wojciech
Published: April 2013

The ptyctimous mite fauna of each zoogeographical region of the world is highly specific and includes many endemic or native species. In Palaearctic Region it comprises 295 known species. The number of widespread species is very low: 14 semicosmopolitan, 16 Holarctic, and 15 pan-Palaearctic. Out of the relatively narrowly distributed species, over half (114) have also been noted as endemic to the Palaearctic Region. Twenty-seven species are known to originate from other zoogeographical regions and have been introduced to the Palaearctic in prooriental and East-Asiatic parts. The fauna of North Africa has a much lower number of endemic species than the neighbouring subregions, but a high number of Palaearctic species and a relatively high number of widespread species. This fauna is completely different from the Afrotropical fauna on the same continent. The majority of common species are West Palaearctic. The fauna of North Africa is much poorer in species than that of North Mediterranean subregion, but both these faunas share a lot of common species, especially many of West Palaearctic origin. Moreover, in North Africa the regional faunas show poor similarity, e.g. the fauna of the western islands (Canary Island and Madeira) is very different from that of Maghreb (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia).
Arab Efl Learners’ Acquisition of Verbs of Senses
Authors: Saeed Aziz Thabit , Fareh Shehdeh
Published: April 2013

This study attempts to explore the difficulties that Arab EFL learners of English encounter in the use of five verbs of senses when used as copulas, main verbs, main verbs with a metaphorical use, and as parts of idioms. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was specially designed to elicit the necessary data for this study at the levels of recognition and production. The subjects of the study were 30 randomly selected senior English major university students. The results of the study show that the students encountered tangible difficulties in using the five target verbs. A hierarchy of difficulty was established and the main causes of the problem were identified.
Long Lexical Bundles and Standardisation in Historical Legal Texts
Authors: Kopaczyk Joanna
Published: April 2013

Standardisation on the level of text is visible in the employment of stable and fixed expressions for a specific textual purpose. When gauging the extent of standardisation in texts, one of the parameters which should be taken into consideration is the length of such stable patterns. Since it is more difficult, and therefore rarer, to reproduce long chunks of text in an unchanged form, such a practice points towards greater standardisation. To explore the textual behaviour of long fixed strings in legal texts, this paper concentrates on long lexical bundles built out of eight consecutive elements (8-grams) and their frequency and function in historical legal texts. The database for this pilot paper comprises two collections of legal and administrative texts written in Scots between the fourteenth and the sixteenth century. The research results point to a considerable degree of textual standardisation throughout the corpus and to the most prominent functions of long repetitive chunks in historical legal discourse.
Authority in Lowth’S and Priestley’S Prefaces to Their English Grammars
Authors: Fernández Martínez Dolores
Published: April 2013

The eighteenth century was a crucial period in the process of codification of the English language and in the history of English grammar writing (Tieken-Boon van Ostade 2008b). The need for grammars to provide linguistic guidance to the upper social classes, and to those who aspired to belong to them, led to an important increase in the output of English grammars. Since most of the grammar writers were clearly in competition with one another for a share of the market, they turned the prefaces to their grammars into highly persuasive instruments that tried to justify the need for that specific grammar. Priestley’s and Lowth’s grammars epitomized, respectively, the two main trends of grammatical tradition, namely descriptivism and prescriptivism. Taking a critical discourse analysis approach, this paper aims to examine how both writers claimed their authority through the presentation of the different individuals involved in the text, specifically, the author and any potential readers. We will examine how individuals are depicted both as a centre of structure and action through Martin’s (1992) identification systems and Halliday’s (2004 [1985]) transitivity structures. Such an approach fits in with Wicker’s (2006: 79) assessment of prefaces as textual networks of authority in which it is essential to interrogate how the readers who support and influence the texts are represented and addressed.
The God of the Middle English Cleanness and His Erotic Exhortations of Purity
Authors: Spyra Piotr
Published: April 2013

The Middle English Cleanness is a poem unique in the medieval context in that it couples its homophobic discourse with a powerful vindication of sexual pleasure and its role in relationships without referring to the procreative telos of marriage. In fact, Cleanness does not even stress that the only proper arena for erotic desire is the marriage bed, with the narrator emphasising the mutuality of pleasure instead. The article investigates the text’s rhetorical interplay between the vilification of homosexuals and the divine endorsement of heterosexual lovemaking. Going beyond the established critical consensus on the issue, it argues that the contrast between the two serves not only to allow the author to vent his homophobic prejudice but also connects with the epistemological concerns of Pearl, the text that precedes Cleanness in the Cotton Nero A.x manuscript.
Dynamics of Darboux functions
Authors: Pawlak Helena , Pawlak Ryszard J.
Published: April 2013

Some results connected with dynamics of quasi-continuous functions or functions possessing a dense orbit and belonging to the class d-Conn are presented.
Existence of positive solutions of delay differential equations
Authors: Dorociaková Božena , Olach Rudolf
Published: April 2013

The article is concerned with the existence of positive solutions of the delay differential equations. The asymptotic properties of solutions are also treated.
Boundedness and oscillation of third order neutral differential equations
Authors: Mihalíková Božena , Kostiková Eva
Published: April 2013

The relationship between boundedness and oscillation of solutions of the third order neutral differential equations are presented.
On the oscillation of the solutions to delay and difference equations
Authors: Niri Khadija , Stavroulakis Ioannis P.
Published: April 2013

Consider the first-order linear delay differential equation xʹ(t) + p(t)x(τ(t)) = 0, t≥ t0, (1) where p, τ ∈ C ([t0,∞, ℝ+, τ(t) is nondecreasing, τ(t) < t for t ≥ t0 and limt→∞ τ(t) = ∞, and the (discrete analogue) difference equation Δx(n) + p(n)x(τ(n)) = 0, n= 0, 1, 2,…, (1)ʹ where Δx(n) = x(n + 1) − x(n), p(n) is a sequence of nonnegative real numbers and τ(n) is a nondecreasing sequence of integers such that τ(n) ≤ n − 1 for all n ≥ 0 and limn→∞ τ(n) = ∞. Optimal conditions for the oscillation of all solutions to the above equations are presented.
Image-based jpeg steganography
Authors: Jókay Matúš , Moravćík Tomáš
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the steganographic algorithm LSB (modification of the Least Significant Bits) in JPEG images. The focus is on minimizing of the number of modified DCT coefficients using (2k − 1, 2k − k − 1) Hamming codes. Experimental part of the paper examines the dependencies between the coding, efficiency and saturation.
Impulsive Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with s-type distributed delays
Authors: Akça Haydar , Covachev Valéry
Published: April 2013

We study impulsive Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with S-type distributed delays. This type of delays in the presence of impulses is more general than the usual types of delays studied in the literature. Using analysis techniques we prove the existence of a unique equilibrium point. By means of simple and efficient Lyapunov functions we present some sufficient conditions for the exponential stability of the equilibrium.
An optimal design with respect to a variable thickness of a viscoelastic beam in a dynamic boundary contact
Authors: Bock Igor , Kečkemétyová Mária
Published: April 2013

We deal with the optimal control problem governed by a hyperbolic variational inequality describing the perpendicular vibrations of a beam clamped on the left end with a rigid obstacle at the right end. A variable thickness of a beam plays the role of a control parameter.
Kernel-resolvent relations for an integral equation
Authors: Burton Theodore A.
Published: April 2013

We consider a scalar integral equation where |G(t,z)| ≤ ϕ(t)|z|, C is convex, and . Related to this is the linear equation and the resolvent equation . A Liapunov functional is constructed which gives qualitative results about all three equations. We have two goals. First, we are interested in conditions under which properties of C are transferred into properties of the resolvent R which is used in the variation-of-parameters formula. We establish conditions on C and functions b so that as t→∞ and is in L2[0, ∞] implies that as t→∞ and is in L2[0, ∞]. Such results are fundamental in proving that the solution z satisfies z(t) →a(t) as t→∞ and that .

This is in final form and no other version will be submitted.
Sums and products of extra strong Świątkowski functions
Authors: Szczuka Paulina
Published: April 2013

In this paper we present a characterization of sums of extra strong ´ Swiątkowski functions, and we examine some functions which can be written as the product of extra strong ´Swiątkowski functions.
Linear and differential cryptanalysis of reduced-round AES
Authors: Lacko-Bartošová Lucia
Published: April 2013

The subject of this paper is linear and differential cryptanalysis of two rounds of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with estimation of com- plexity for three-round AES attack. Presented linear attack is based on finding highly probable linear expressions and presented differential attack is based on finding specific bitwise differences. Data complexity of described linear and diffe- rential attack is 228 and 227, respectively, where 8 bits of subkey are recovered. Minimal complexity of linear attack on three-round AES is bigger than d × 260, where d is a small constant.
The inclusion-exclusion principle without distributivity
Authors: Kelemenová Jana
Published: April 2013

Inspired by the article of P. Grzegorzewski [The inclusion-exclusion principle for IF-events, Inform. Sci. 181 (2011), 536-546], who has worked two generalizations of the inclusion-exclusion principle for IF-events, a generalization of the inclusion-exclusion principle for mappings with values in semigroups is presented here. The main idea is in replacing the distributivity and idempotency laws, by one new axiom.
Low Cost Angle Calculator
Authors: Takáts Michal
Published: April 2013

Shrnutí

Članek popisuje nově zavedeny programovy produkt určeny ke zvyšeni schopnosti laboratoře spalovacich motorů pro pořizovani uhlově indexovanych zaznamů rychle proměnlivych fyzikalnich veličin. Předmětem zajmu je programove vybaveni pro dodatečne převzorkovani datovych struktur zaznamenanych s využitim vnitřnich hodin akvizičniho modulu jako zdroje vzorkovacich impulzů. Vystupni datova struktura ma stejny format jako přimy zaznam pořizeny při vzorkovani impulzy z rotačniho enkoderu, namontovaneho na volny konec klikoveho hřidele motoru. V članku se vysvětluje motivace k tvorbě předmětneho SW produktu. Popisuji se principy funkce. Uvaději se přiklady požiti při vyzkumnych aktivitach pracoviště.
Dynamics in serum cytokine responses during acute and convalescent stages of Mediterranean spotted fever
Authors: Popivanova Nedialka I. , Murdjeva Mariana A. , Baltadzhiev Ivan G. , Haydushka Irina A.
Published: April 2013

Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a re-emerging rickettsiosis in Bulgaria after 20 years of absence (1972-1992), and it has since been affecting many people annually in the endemic regions of the country. The role of cytokines in MSF is still in the focus of research due to their complex participation in the immune pathogenesis of the disease.

Aim: To study the changes in the serum cytokine concentrations in MSF patients.

Patiends and Methods: Eighty patients with MSF and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were studied in the burst of disease, at clinical recovery stage, and two weeks later. The disease etiology was verified by indirect IFA in the Referral Rickettsiosis Laboratory. The cytokine levels were determined by EL ISA (BioSource Europe S.A).

Results: In the disease flare up patients showed a manifold increase in the activity of IL- 1β (р < 0.01), TNF-α (p < 0.001), IL-6 (р < 0.001), and IL-8 (p < 0.001) compared with the controls. Significant elevation in IFN-γ and IL-12 values (p < 0.001) was also found. The increase in the immunoregulatory IL-10 also reached statistical significance (p < 0.001), while the rise in IL-2 did not (р > 0.05). Followed in dynamics, only IL-1β and IL-6 measured up the control levels at the time of clinical recovery. Two weeks later, in the early convalescence IL-12 and TNF-α further diminished but did not normalize their values.

Conclusion: Our findings show that MSF is characterized by a Th1 cytokine profile. The patient’s immune system responds by proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokine production that accompanies the rickettsial vasculitis and contributes to the healing process. The latter is probably not fully achieved in the early convalescent period, according to our data concerning some pro-inflammatory cytokines’ elevation at this period.
Correlation between salivary α-amylase and stress-related anxiety
Authors: Rashkova Maya R. , Ribagin Lora S. , Toneva Nina G.
Published: April 2013

Salivary α-amylase is a useful biomarker that can be used in assessing human psychobiological and social behavioural processes. Studying it opens up possibilities for the creation of novel concepts concerning the interaction of biological and social processes and their impact on health and behaviour.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of salivary α-amylase and situation anxiety self-assessment using Spielberger test were measured twice in 30 individuals aged 21.37 ± 0.96 yrs (18 females and 12 males): once during stressful situation (prior to examination) and, again a month later, in stress-free environment (during a training session). Salivary α-amylase was measured using kinetic reaction kit Salimetrics LLC - USA.

RESULTS: The mean level of salivary α-amylase measured during the first measurement 156.0 ± 93.33 U/ml. During the second measurement in the absence of intense stress, the levels were two times lower - 74.03 ± 58.06 U/ml and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). We found a statistically significant correlation between the levels of salivary α-amylase in both measurements (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient was r = 0.472 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The adapted version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score (STAI) created by Spielberger is appropriate for assessment of stress-related anxiety in young individuals. Salivary α-amylase may be used as a biomarker for objective evaluation of the psychosomatic state of individuals in a stressful environment. The combination of psychological test and objective indicator such as salivary α-amylase is an excellent tool for objective evaluation of individual’s state in stressful environment. Similar tests may be used in assessment of patients’ behaviours at dental treatment that may be considered a stressor in most patients.
Perceived sources of stress in fifth year dental students - a comparative study
Authors: Manolova Maria S. , Stefanova Vesela P. , Panayotov Ivan V. , Romieu Guilhem , Belcheva Ani B. , Markova Kremena B. , Levallois Bernard
Published: April 2013

Introduction: The term “stress” refers to the effect of certain external factors (physical or mental) on the individual’s physical and psychological health. Stress is very high in dental medicine. It may well be generated by the process of training in dentistry. During their training dental students express high levels of stress and considerable stress-related symptoms such as physical problems, depression, obsessive-compulsive and personality disorders. The perceived stress can be dependent on socio-cultural factors. The type of personality, gender, emotional intelligence and other individual characteristics may also influence the stress effects.

Aim: To determine the main sources of stress in students during their dental training and compare the level of stress fifth-year dental students experience in the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria and the Faculty of Dentistry in Montpellier, France.

Methods: We recruited in the study fifth-year students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and the Faculty of Dentistry in Montpellier, France. The modified Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire was used to assess the effect of the various stressors. The questionnaire survey was conducted between February and March 2008.

Results: The living arrangements domain indicates higher levels of stress in Bulgarian students compared to their French counterparts with significant statistical difference for all factors. In personal factors the highest levels of stress were found with respect to the reduced holidays during school year and financial problems. Exams were the highest stressor in academic work domain and for the survey as a whole. In educational environment factors the stressors with the highest significance were the interactions with patients, academic environment (for French students) and risk of cross transmitted infections (for Bulgarian students). The high stress during clinical work is related to completing the assigned clinical workload quota and the shortage of time for clinical work.

Conclusions: The students from both faculties report the highest mean levels of stress are related to examinations and clinical factors. Bulgarian students experienced higher mean levels of stress compared to their French colleges. The differences in mean stress levels are associated with socio-cultural factors and variations in educational curriculums at both dental faculties.
Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Hospitalized Infants
Authors: Ivanov Ivan S. , Popov Nikolay I. , Moshe Rumyana I. , Terzieva Dora D. , Stefanov Rumen S. , Panova Margarita V. , Atanasova Maria V. , Zion Garty Ben
Published: April 2013

Data on cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) prevalence and course in hospitalized infants are rather scarce, obsolete and considerably inconsistent. AIM: to determine the prevalence, rate of clinical manifestations, risk factors and predictive capacity of clinical manifestations of CMV infection in hospitalized infants during their first year of life.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 163 infants hospitalized in the Pediatric Ward for Nonrespiratory Pathology in a tertiary hospital were serologically screened for cytomegalovirus infection for 10 months. In infants up to 6 months old that were CMV IgG (+) and CMV IgM (-) we followed up the CMV IgG concentration or compared it with that of their mothers. RESULTS: The CMV prevalence for the entire study sample was 33.1 ± 3.7% (54 seropositive out of 163 examined infants); in newborns it was 19.4 ± 6.7% (7 of 36), in infants aged 1-3 months - 23.8 ± 5.4% (15 of 63), in 4-6-month olds - 28.1 ± 8.1% (9 of 32), and in 7-12-month old - 71.9 ± 8.1% (23 of 32). The rates of clinically apparent infections in the respective groups was 33.3 ± 6.5%, 57.01 ± 20.2%, 53.3 ± 13.3%, 33.3 ± 16.6%, and 13.0 ± 7.17%. The overall rate of clinically apparent CMV infection in all 163 children was between 11.0 ± 2.5% and 17.2 ± 2.9%. The probability of CMV infection increased with age and duration of breastfeeding. Hepatitis, cerebral vasculopathy and pneumonia (alone or combined) turned out to be predictors of CMV infection, but none of these symptoms had a frequency greater than 22%.

CONCLUSIONS: We found a high rate of cytomegalovirus infections in hospitalized infants less than one year of age. This infection is the reason why at least 10% of the newborns and 12% of the children aged 1 to 3 months were hospitalised. The course was clinically apparent in over half of the infected children of up to 3 months of age.
Population structure of woody plants in the arid cloud forests of Dhofar, southern Oman
Authors: El-Sheikh Mohamed A.
Published: April 2013

This study evaluates the size frequency distribution of 11 trees and shrubs in the cloud forest in Wadi Garziz, southern Oman, in order to assess their current situation, which is affected by cutting, overgrazing and other constraints. A size class distribution and a vegetation structure analysis were applied in order to analyze the dynamics of this forest using census data from 51 plots selected across 5 transects covering the hill-slope andwadi-bed habitats. Some of the trees inhabiting the hill-slopes (e.g. Acacia senegal and Commiphora spp.) were found to exhibit an inverse J-shaped distribution with constant regeneration, whilst in the wadi bed these same trees exhibited a J-shaped distribution (i.e. of declining populations). On the other hand, Acacia etbaica inhabiting the hill-slopes exhibited a tendency towards a J-shaped distribution and an inverse J-shaped distribution in the wadi-bed. All the populations (i.e. inhabiting the hill-slopes and the beds) of Anogeissus dhofarica had a J-shaped distribution whereas all the populations of Blepharispermum hirtum had a more or less inverse J-shaped distribution. The Ziziphus spina- -christi and Acacia tortilis populations, meanwhile, exhibited the bi-modal shape of size distribution. The shrubs inhabiting the hill-slopes (e.g. Coroton confertus and Ormocarpum dhofarense) exhibited a tendency towards a J-shaped distribution; such distribution characterizes a declining population with a limited regenerational capacity. Overall, most of the examined populations, except those of Acacia etbaica in wadi-bed and Blepharispermum hirtum, seemed to be under stress from both environmental and human factors, particularly in the wadi bed. This type of study can provide a basis for the development of a management plan to support the conservation and sustainable use of forest vegetation in an arid region.
Retention of relict satellite DNA sequences in Anemone (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Besendorfer Višnja , Mlinarec Jelena
Published: April 2013

Satellite DNAis a genomic component present in virtually all eukaryotic organisms. The turnover of highly repetitive satellite DNAis an important element in genome organization and evolution in plants. Here we study the presence, physical distribution and abundance of the satellite DNAfamily AhTR1 in Anemone. Twenty-two Anemone accessions were analyzed by PCR to assess the presence of AhTR1, while fluorescence in situ hybridization and Southern hybridization were used to determine the abundance and genomic distribution of AhTR1. The AhTR1 repeat unit was PCR-amplified only in eight phylogenetically related European Anemone taxa of the Anemone section. FISH signal with AhTR1 probe was visible only in A. hortensis and A. pavonina, showing localization of AhTR1 in the regions of interstitial heterochromatin in both species. The absence of a FISH signal in the six other taxa as well as weak signal after Southern hybridization suggest that in these species AhTR1 family appears as relict sequences. Thus, the data presented here support the »library hypothesis« for AhTR1 satellite evolution in Anemone. Similar species-specific satellite DNAprofiles in A. hortensis and A. pavonina support the treatment of A. hortensis and A. pavonina as one species, i.e. A. hortensis s.l.
Comparative study of in vitro, ex vitro and in vivo grown plants of Arnica montana – polyphenols and free radical scavenging activity
Authors: Nikolova Milena , Petrova Mariya , Zayova Ely
Published: April 2013

Arnica montana L. is an endangered species rich in sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids and flavonoids with high pharmaceutical value. The polyphenolic content and free radical scavenging activity of plants that had passed all stages of cultivation: micropropagation and rooting (in vitro), adaptation in greenhouse (ex vitro) and mountain conditions (in vivo) were evaluated. Four surface flavonoid aglycones [scutellarein 6-methyl ether (hispidulin), scutellarein 6,4’-dimethyl ether (pectolinarigenin), 6-OH luteolin 6-methyl ether and kempferol-6-methyl ether] were detected in the acetone exudates of the studied samples bymeans of thin layer chromatography.No differences in the accumulation of surface flavonoids were found among the tested leaf extracts of in vitro, ex vitro and in vivo samples. However, the extracts from the flowers were richer in surface flavonoids than extracts from the leaves. The methanol extracts of the samples from ex vitro and in vivo grown A. montana plants had significantly higher radical scavenging activity and polyphenolic content than the extracts of in vitro samples. The observed differences in the contents of these biologically active compounds were related to different growth conditions and stages of plant development. The biotechnological method of A. montana established holds promise for the future production of antioxidants.
First Record of Allonyx Quadrimaculatus (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cleridae) in Romania, from the Scientific Collections of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest)
Authors: Kurzeluk Daniel Kazimir
Published: April 2013

Collecting records for Allonyx quadrimaculatus (Schaller, 1783) indicate a discontinuous range for the species; it has not been recorded in Romania until now. On the basis of a specimen collected by Dr. Nicolae Săvulescu in 1952 at Băile Herculane which is found in the Coleopteran collection of “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest), the presence of this species in Romania is established.
Revision of the Type Material of Ionescu Collection Related to Charipinae Subfamily (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) Deposited in the “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest)
Authors: Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa Jesús , Pujade-Villar Juli
Published: April 2013

Charipinae type material of Ionescu collection, deposited in the “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History (Bucharest) has been revised. Eight Charipinae species were described by this author, only one of them being considered valid after this study. They were as follow: Alloxysta lutea (Ionescu, 1969) is a new synonymy of A. brachyptera (Hartig, 1840); A. unicolor Ionescu, 1969 is a new synonymy of A. arcuata (Kieffer, 1902); A. forshagei Pujade-Villar & Ferrer-Suay, 2012, a recent new name proposed to A. bicolor (=Trischiza bicolor Ionescu, 1959), is a new synonymy of Periclistus caninae (Hartig, 1840), a rose gall-wasps inquiline; A. ionescui Pujade-Villar & Ferrer- Suay, 2012, a recent new name proposed to A. luteipes (=Pezophycta luteipes Ionescu, 1969) is a new synonymy of A. halterata (Thomson, 1862); A. mattiasi Pujade-Villar & Ferrer-Suay, 2012, a recent new name proposed to A. luteipes (=Sarothrus luteipes Ionescu, 1959) is considered incertae sedis; Charips rufus Ionescu, 1959 and Charips flavipes Ionescu, 1963 are also considered incertae sedis; and Phaenoglyphis moldavica Ionescu, 1969 is redescribed. Notes on the type material of Ionescu Collection are also given.
Rope of Cyclical Helical Surfaces
Authors: Olejníková Tatiana
Published: April 2013

This paper describes one method for modeling the rope of cyclical helical surfaces as surfaces of technical practice. The cyclical helical surfaces are generated by continuous movement of the circle together with the moving trihedron of the helix along this helix. The rope is composed of equal sets of cyclical surfaces in two layers. In this paper there is described the creation of straight and helical rope and vector functions of the surfaces in the rope are derived. The author visualizes the resulting surfaces in the rope obtained by its parametric approach in the MAPLE program.
Geometry and Modeling of the Oval Strand
of n0+(2n0+4)+n2 Type
Authors: Stanová Eva
Published: April 2013

A wire rope is a structure composed of many individual wires. The wires form two major structural elements: the strand core and the layers of the strand. There may be different shapes of strands in the rope depending on the shape of strand core. The paper deals with the mathematical geometric modeling of the oval wire strand created of n
0 + (2n
0 + 4) + n
2 wires. The number and diameter of the core wires are the initial data. The mathematical representation is in form of parametric equations of the wire axes. The equations are implemented in the Pro/Engineer Wildfire V5 software for creating the geometrical model of the strand.
Taking into Account Outer Hydrodynamic Pressure in Differential Equation of Variable Flow Rate Fluid Flow for Distributive Pressure Pipelines
Authors: Cherniuk Volodymyr V.
Published: April 2013

In the differential equation of variable flow rate fluid flow a component which takes into account outer hydrodynamic pressure is introduced. The variables of the equation are expressed in terms of full operating head and in terms of independent distance along the axis of the stream, i. e. this equation is reduced to a singlevariable equation.
Soil Erosion Analysis in a Small Forested Catchment Supported by ArcGIS Model Builder
Authors: Csáfordi Péter , Pődör Andrea , Bug Jan , Gribovsyki Zoltán
Published: April 2013

- To implement the analysis of soil erosion with the USLE in a GIS environment, a new workflow has been developed with the ArcGIS Model Builder. The aim of this four-part framework is to accelerate data processing and to ensure comparability of soil erosion risk maps. The first submodel generates the stream network with connected catchments, computes slope conditions and the LS factor in USLE based on the DEM. The second submodel integrates stream lines, roads, catchment boundaries, land cover, land use, and soil maps. This combined dataset is the basis for the preparation of other USLE-factors. The third submodel estimates soil loss, and creates zonal statistics of soil erosion. The fourth submodel classifies soil loss into categories enabling the comparison of modelled and observed soil erosion. The framework was applied in a small forested catchment in Hungary. Although there is significant deviation between the erosion of different land covers, the predicted specific soil loss does not increase above the tolerance limit in any area unit. The predicted surface soil erosion in forest subcompartments mostly depends on the slope conditions.
Influence of Regeneration Method on the Yield and Stem Quality of Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) Stands: a Case Study
Authors: Rédei Károly , Csiha Imre , Keserű Zsolt , Gál János
Published: April 2013

- Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Hungary, covering approximately 23% of the forested land and providing 25% of the annual timber output of the country. One third of these black locust stands are high forests (planted with seedlings) and the remainder coppices. According to the forestry regulations black locust stands can be regenerated both by root suckers and with seedlings in Hungary. This study investigates the influence of different regeneration methods on wood production, stem quality and health. Properly managed regeneration from root suckers produced a higher yield than regeneration from seedlings at a harvest age of 35-37 years. The results show that regeneration of black locust stands from root suckers can be recommended on good and medium quality sites without a decrease in yield or stem quality.
Evaluation of yarn lateral deformation
Authors: Krupincová G. , Drašarová J. , Mertová I.
Published: April 2013

The article focuses on a new approach for characterization and evaluation of lateral yarn deformation. A small review
about theoretical description and measurement possibilities will be introduced. The evaluation of yarn compression
will be done by three innovative methods (lateral deformation of yarn between two parallel plates, simulation of
binding point of fabric, cross-sectional analysis of real fabric). The analysis of yarn deformation will be carried out
for a set of samples in combination of fiber material, yarn count and given fabric structure.