bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Concentration of Free Amino Acids in Dogs Suffering From Perianal Tumours
Authors: Brodzki Adam , Brodzki Piotr , Szpetnar Maria , Tatara Marcin R.
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to determine serum free amino acid concentration in male dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Serum concentrations of cysteic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, aspartic acid, glycine, γ-aminobutyric acid, tryptophan, methionine, arginine, taurine, threonine, tyrosine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine were significantly changed in dogs suffering from benign and/or malignant tumours when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Serum concentration of serine, phenylalanine, lysine and histidine was not influenced in dogs with neoplastic disease (P>0.05). The evaluation of serum free amino acid concentration, has shown that threonine, glutamic acid, alanine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and glycine have the highest diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs suffering from benign and malignant perianal tumours. Highly diagnostic and prognostic value in relation to benign tumour growth was also found while evaluating branched chain and acidic groups of amino acids. Serine, phenylalanine, lysine, and histidine, as well as alkaline amino acids were proved not to have diagnostic and prognostic value in dogs with the tumours. Thus, the evaluation of free amino acid concentration may serve diagnostic purposes and help in tumour malignancy differentiation. The elaborated experimental model may be used in further studies on neoplastic disease development and monitoring of applied treatment efficiency.
Prevalence of Tumours in Domestic Animals in the Lower Silesia (Poland) in 2009–2011
Authors: Ciaputa Rafał , Kandefer-Gola Małgorzata , Nowak Marcin , Madej Janusz A.
Published: March 2013

The study aimed at the analysis of prevalence frequency and localisation of tumours in domestic animals. The research material comprised 4,212 tumours developed in dogs, cats, horses, and exotic animals, isolated during surgery, autopsy or biopsy, performed for the purpose of histopathological diagnosis. The most numerous group involved canine tumours, including 3,585 cases (85.1%), followed by tumours in cats (532 cases, 12.6%), ferrets (34 cases, 0.81%), rats (19 cases, 0.45%), horses (15 cases, 0.36%), and rabbits (14 cases, 0.33%). A significant increase in incidence of tumours was noted, as compared to studies performed in the same region of Poland in 1957-1995 and 2000-2004 or in 2005-2008. This was particularly evident in exotic animals, in which 80 cases (1.9%) were detected in 2009-2011 but only 20 cases (1.2%) in 2005-2008. The most frequent localisation of neoplasia involved the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and mammary gland.
Effect of the Addition of Magnesium Salt to a Feed Mixture on Intestinal Microflora, Health, and Production of Sows
Authors: Trawńska Beata , Polonis Antoni , Lechowski Jerzy , Tymczyna Leszek , Borowski Ryszard , Gizińska Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

The effect of feed mixture supplementation with MgCl2 on alimentary tract microflora, haematological markers, and selected parameters of reproductive performance of sows was investigated. The animals were divided into control group (K) and two experimental groups (E1 and E2). The sows from the experimental groups were receiving 1 g of MgCl2 6H20/100 kg b.w./day, which constituted 120 mg of pure magnesium, administered in a small portion of a feed mixture. The sows from group E1 were receiving MgCl2 every day for 30 d, whereas sows from group E2 for 60 d. A significant decrease in the count of E. coli, Providencia sp., and Proteus sp. was noted in faeces of the swine of both experimental groups. The study has also demonstrated a reduced number of lymphocytes and an increased number of granulocytes in blood of the sows receiving MgCl2. Feeding of pregnant sows with the addition of magnesium salt decreased the mortality rate of newborn piglets, increased the survival rate of piglets until 21 d of their life, and increased body weight values of litters originating from experimental sows, compared to the litters of control sows.
Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone Gene in a Native Chicken Population: Association with Egg Production
Authors: Makhsous Samaneh Gorji , Mirhoseini Seyed Ziaeddin , Zamiri Mohammad Javad , Niazi Ali
Published: March 2013

A total of 142 chicken blood samples were collected and a specific primer set was used to amplify a fragment of growth hormone locus using PCR. PCR products were digested with SacI and MspI restriction endonucleases. The amplified fragment digested with SacI enzyme revealed two “+” (wild type) and “-” (normal type) alleles with the frequency of 0.898 and 0.102, respectively. The amplified fragment digested with MspI enzyme revealed three A, B and C alleles with the frequency of 0.599, 0.102, and 0.299, respectively. Frequencies of +/+, +/- and -/- were 0.817, 0.162, and 0.021, respectively, and those of AA, AB, AC, BB, BC, and CC were 0.338, 0.113, 0.409, 0.007, 0.070, and 0.063, respectively, in the studied population. The results of 2 and likelihood ratio tests showed that this population was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with respect to the marker locus. Marker-trait association analysis revealed statistically significant differences between “SacI-RFLP” genotypes for egg production and rate of laying eggs. The relationship between the molecular marker and these traits can be useful to improve the chicken breeding programmes.
Physiological Values of P-Wave Dispersion in Silesian Breed Horses and Polish Primitive Horses
Authors: Michlik Katarzyna , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Pasławska Urszula , Janus Izabela , Nicpoń Józef
Published: March 2013

Electrocardiographic examinations were performed on 45 Silesian breed horses (group K, 3-16-year-old, 16 stallions, 29 mares) and on 25 Polish Primitive breed horses (group P, 1.5-19-year-old, two stallions, six geldings, 17 mares). Einthoven and chest leads were used. P-wave dispersion was electronically evaluated. There was no correlation between P-wave dispersion and other ECG parameters, age, sex, body mass, or month of pregnancy. The average value of P-wave dispersion for all horses was 30.77 ms (SD 3.92 ms), however in particular groups it was: in group P - 31.89 ms (SD 3.07 ms), and in group K - 30.15 ms (SD 4.27 ms). The maximum value of P-wave dispersion in the studied population was 40 ms, in groups P and K - 37,6 ms and 40 ms, respectively. The physiological value of P-wave dispersion for the group of horses was below 45 ms.
Influence of Aflatoxin B1 on Oxidoreductive Balance in Renal Tissue of Rats
Authors: Wójtowicz-Chomicz Katarzyna , Stadnik Adam , Huk-Wieliczuk Elżbieta , Czeczuk Anna , Borzęcki Andrzej
Published: March 2013

The toxic effect of various doses of aflatoxin B1 on renal function was studied. Experiments were conducted on randomly chosen Wistar rats. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I received 8% alcohol intragastrically. The other groups received aflatoxin B1 in various doses. The effect of the aflatoxin on renal cells was analysed by means of determination of oxidoreductive balance and development of free radicals. The activity of antioxidative enzymes in renal tissue has decreased with an increase in the dose of aflatoxin B1. Disturbance of oxidation balance in the kidneys confirm a toxic effect of aflatoxin B1 on these organs
Tricuspid Dysplasia in Dogs
Authors: Pasławska Urszula , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Janiszewski Adrian , Nicpoń Józef
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to estimate prevalence of tricuspid dysplasia (TD) in dogs with respect to breed, age, sex, clinical signs, and echocardiographic findings and to compare this data with literature. TD was found in 15 dogs (6.5% of congenital cardiac disease) of 215 dogs with congenital heart defects. All dogs had right heart enlargement on thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, and electrocardiography. Doppler echocardiography revealed tricuspid valve regurgitation. Seven dogs presented no clinical symptoms to date. TD took the form of Ebstein anomaly in all Labrador Retrievers, one Boxer, and one German Shepherd dog. TD predominated in males (11 males vs. three females). The body weight of the affected dogs, with the exception of the Miniature Schnauzer, exceeded 20 kg. Two dogs (Boxer and Bull Terrier) had additional congenital cardiac lesions in the form of mitral valve dysplasia. The most affected breeds in the study were the Labrador Retriever and Boxer.
Gasless Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy and Comparison of Serum Levels of Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein after Lohe and Traditional Laparoscopic Ovariohysterectomy in Bitches
Authors: Zhang Jian-Tao , Shao Jing-Tao , Liu Yun-Feng , Wang Hong-Bin
Published: March 2013

Ten mixed-breed female dogs were used in the study. Abdominal wall lifting was performed with a sterilised cotton strip. Four portal sites were used to complete gasless laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (GLOHE) procedures. The proper and suspensor ligament, ovarian pedicle, and broad ligament of the uterus, uterine artery and vein were coagulated using bipolar electrocoagulation. After the uterine body was coagulated and cut, the end of the cervix was ligated with a loop suture. Blood samples were obtained before the surgery, immediately after the procedure, and on 1, 3, and 5 d postoperatively for the determination of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). No significant surgical complications occurred. After gasless laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy, a significantly higher serum IL-6 level was found immediately after the surgery and 1 d postoperatively when compared with the level observed after traditional laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy (LOHE). However, no significant differences were observed in CRP level between GLOHE and LOHE. GLOHE proved to be a safe and feasible procedure in bitches.
Syringomyelia and Chiari Malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Pharmacological and Surgical Treatment
Authors: Pomianowski Andrzej , Adamiak Zbigniew
Published: March 2013

Nine dogs with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia, which were subjected to low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, were described. The results of MRI examinations were presented. The outcomes of pharmacological therapy involving two dogs and surgical treatment of one dog were also described. The applied treatments produced positive short-term outcomes, and they eliminated the clinical symptoms of the disease.
First Order Perturbation Bounds of the Discrete-Time LMI-Based H∞ Quadratic Stability Problem for Descriptor Systems
Authors: Yonchev Andrey
Published: March 2013

In this paper we propose an approach to obtain first order perturbation bounds for the discrete-time Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) based H∞ quadratic stability problem for descriptor systems. Applying the considered approach we are able to compute tight first order perturbation bounds for the LMIs’ solutions to the H∞ quadratic stability problem for discrete-time descriptor systems. In the paper we present an approach to compute the estimates of the individual condition numbers of the considered LMIs. To illustrate the performance and applicability of the results obtained we present a numerical example
Algorithm for Multiple Model Adaptive Control Based on Input-Output Plant Model
Authors: Slavov Tsonyo
Published: March 2013

An algorithm for multiple model adaptive control of a time-variant plant in the presence of measurement noise is proposed. This algorithm controls the plant using a bank of PID controllers designed on the base of time invariant input/output models. The control signal is formed as weighting sum of the control signals of local PID controllers. The main contribution of the paper is the objective function minimized to determine the weighting coefficients. The proposed algorithm minimizes the sum of the square general error between the model bank output and the plant output. An equation for on-line determination of the weighting coefficients is obtained. They are determined by the current value of the general error covariance matrix. The main advantage of the algorithm is that the derived general error covariance matrix equation is the same as this in the recursive least square algorithm. Thus, most of the well known RLS modifications for the tracking timevariant parameters can be directly implemented. The algorithm performance is tested by simulation. Results with both SISO and MIMO time variant plants are obtained.
Analysis of a Vector Space Model, Latent Semantic Indexing and Formal Concept Analysis for Information Retrieval
Authors: Aswani Kumar Ch. , Radvansky M. , Annapurna J.
Published: March 2013

Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI), a variant of classical Vector Space Model (VSM), is an Information Retrieval (IR) model that attempts to capture the latent semantic relationship between the data items. Mathematical lattices, under the framework of Formal Concept Analysis (FCA), represent conceptual hierarchies in data and retrieve the information. However, both LSI and FCA use the data represented in the form of matrices. The objective of this paper is to systematically analyze VSM, LSI and FCA for the task of IR using standard and real life datasets.
Some Applications of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets for the Determination of a Sociometric Index of Acceptance
Authors: Dworniczak Piotr
Published: March 2013

A simple use of intuitionistic fuzzy sets to determine and process the information describing the level of acceptance of people in a social group (e.g., pupils in a school class) is presented in the paper. An algorithm of processing linguistic assessments is given that leads to aggregated opinions and conclusions in the form of linguistic evaluation.
Open Access to Resource Management through Web Services
Authors: Atanasov Ivaylo , Pencheva Evelina , Marinska Dora
Published: March 2013

The paper investigates the capabilities for open access to resource management in multimedia networks through Parlay X Web Services. Resource management allows the network operator to provide Quality of Service (QoS) to user sessions and to apply advanced charging. The study is based on the analysis of Policy and Charging Control (PCC) functions defined for evolved packet systems The PCC comprises flow-based charging including charging control and online credit control, gating control, and Quality of Service Control (QoS) control. The required functionality for open access to QoS management and advanced charging is identified. Parlay X Web Services are evaluated for the support of PCC and some enhancements are suggested. Implementation aspects are discussed and Parlay X interfaces are mapped on IMS control protocols. Use Cases of Parlay X Web services for PCC are presented.
Site effects on root characteristics and soil protection capability of two cover crops grown in South Bulgaria
Authors: Himmelbauer Margarita L. , Vateva Violeta , Lozanova Ljudmila , Loiskandl Willibald , Rousseva Svetla
Published: March 2013

Water erosion has been recognized as a major soil degradation process worldwide. This is of special relevance in the semi-arid areas of South Bulgaria with long periods of drought along with severe rainfall events. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of Bromus innermis L. and Lotus corniculatus L. for soil protection purposes under different site conditions. The site parameters considered were slope, fertilization and a range of soil physical parameters. The plant parameters were canopy cover, biomass, and root morphological characteristics. The experiment includes plots without and with eleven rates of NPK fertilization on gentle (6o) and steep slopes (12o). It was observed that the effect of fertilization on shoot and root growth was stronger on the gentle than on the steep slopes. The biomass accumulation was more sensitive to N than the PK fertilizer applications. The increase of the root density with increasing fertilization rates was more pronounced for the mass than for length or surface area. A significant effect on root diameter was found only for the variants with the highest N application. Treatments with the highest root mass density on both slopes showed the greatest potential for reducing erosion.
Simulation of the influence of rainfall redistribution in spruce and beech forest on the leaching of Al and SO4 2- from forest soils
Authors: Nikodem Antonín , Kodešová Radka , Bubeníčková Libuše
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of different vegetation on the distribution of rainfall (due to throughfall and stemflow), water regime, and Al and SO4 2- leaching from forest soils. The water flow and Al and SO4 2- transport were modeled using HYDRUS-1D. The study was performed at two elevation transects on the Paličník and Smědava Mountain in Jizera mountains. Podzols and Cambisols were prevailing soil units in this area. It was shown that the effect of the precipitation redistribution on water regime was considerable in the beech forest, while it was almost negligible in the spruce forest. Redistribution of precipitation under trees caused runoff (in one case), increased water discharge through the soil profile bottom, reduction of water storage in the soil, and thus reduction of root water uptake. Simulated Al leaching from the soil profile was determined mainly by the initial Al content in the soil profile bottom. Leaching of SO4 2- was mainly determined by its initial content in the soil and to a lesser extent by redistributed precipitation and SO4 2- deposition.
The canopy rainfall interception in actual and potential distribution of Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) forest
Authors: Xu Zhonglin , Feng Zhaodong , Zhao Chuanyan , Zheng Jianghua , Yang Jianjun , Tian Fengxia , Peng Huanhua , Wang Chao , Peng Shouzhang , Sher Hassan
Published: March 2013

Interception is one of the most underestimated processes in hydrological cycle in arid and semiarid regions. In Qilian Mountains of northwestern arid and semiarid China, the Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) forest plays an important role in the hydrological cycle of the inland Heihe River basin. The historical disturbance of Qinghai spruce forest has resulted in various ecological problems. In order to realize the sustainable development of Heihe River basin, the Chinese government implemented restoration practices for Qinghai spruce in the past three decades. In this study, we estimated the rainfall interception in the actual and potential distribution of Qinghai spruce forest. Some of the important findings include: (1) The interception ratio of rainfall events ranged from 11-51% with a mean value of 27.02%; (2) Totally, 147 Mt of rainfall is intercepted by canopy of actual Qinghai spruce forest, in the projected potential distribution of the forest, totally 407 Mt of rainfall will be intercepted.
Relationship between serum Se concentration in dogs and incidence of some disease conditions
Authors: Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka , Pilarczyk Renata , Bąkowska Małgorzata , Gaik Marcelina , Wilk Magdalena , Kuba Jarosław
Published: March 2013

The aim of the study was to determine if there is a relationship between serum selenium concentration in dogs and their health, and to assess the relationship between selenium concentration and morphological parameters of blood. Mean serum selenium concentration in dogs ranged from 0.169 to 0.273 mg/ml. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean concentration of serum selenium compared to healthy dogs and those from the groups studied. The present study showed no statistically significant differences in Se serum content according to sex, age, and food type. Dogs diagnosed with malignant neoplasm had a significantly lower mean serum selenium concentration compared to healthy dogs and those from the other groups analysed, namely with hip dysplasia, allergy and fractures and with non-malignant tumour. Healthy dogs were characterized by the highest mean serum selenium concentration, significantly higher compared to dogs with non-malignant tumour, malignant neoplasm, allergy and fractures. Low levels of selenium contribute to the incidence of neoplasms and allergies and increase the risk of bone fractures in dogs. Additional laboratory tests should be conducted when certain diseases are diagnosed to determine Se concentration in dogs, thus making it possible to take preventive measures or therapeutic action.
Detection of avian influenza virus and newcastle disease virus by duplex one step RT PCR
Authors: Nidzworski Dawid , Smietanka Krzysztof , Minta Zenon , Szewczyk Bogusław
Published: March 2013

Newcastle disease Virus (NDV), a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, and Influenza virus, from the Orthomyxoviridae family, are two main avian pathogens that cause serious economic problems in poultry farming. NDV strains are classified into three major pathotypes: velogenic, mesogenic, and lentogenic. Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are also divided into: low pathogenic (LPAI) and highly pathogenic (HPAI) strains. Both viruses are enveloped, single stranded, negative-sense RNA viruses which give similar symptoms ranging from sub-clinical infections to severe disease, including loss in egg production, acute respiratory syndrome, and high mortality, depending on their level of pathogenicity. This similarity hinders diagnosis when based solely on clinical and post mortem examination. Most of the currently available molecular detection methods are also pathogenspecific, so that more than one RT-PCR is then required to confirm or exclude the presence of both pathogens. To overcome this disadvantage, we have applied a One Step Duplex RT-PCR method to distinguish between those two pathogens. The main objective of the project was to develop a universal, fast, and inexpensive method which could be used in any veterinary laboratory.
Association of TNF-α and PTPN22 SNPs with the risk and clinical outcome of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hadžija Marijana , Korolija Marina , Vukadinović Gabrijela , Hadžija Mirko
Published: March 2013

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) begins with aberrant inflammatory process followed by auto-destruction in genetically susceptible individuals. Therefore, we hypothesized that gain-of-function allelic variants TNF-α-238A, -308A and PTPN22 1858T could be associated not only with T1DM development but also with the clinical outcome in patients of Bosnia and Herzegovina. A total of 402 subjects were enrolled in the association study. SNPs were determined by PCR-RFLP. Data was analyzed by GraphPad Prism and Sigma Stat 3.5 software. Genotypes frequencies at TNF-α-238 and -308 loci were not statistically different between patients and controls. In contrast, distribution of genotypes at the 1858 position of PTPN22 was significantly different, due to higher frequency of gain-of-function gene variants in patients than controls. Moreover, long term glucose regulation (based on HbA1c level) was significantly worse in patients with the risk TNF-α-308A allele than in patients with non-risk (G) allele. However, patients with the risk allele of both genes (TNF-α-308A and PTPN22 1858T) had the worst glycemic control, suggesting that those two work synergistically. In conclusion, in a cohort from Bosnia and Herzegovina TNF-α-308A allele is significantly associated with the worse long-term glucose control, but PTPN22 1858T allele is significantly associated with diabetes development.
Characterization and evaluation of tandem repeats for the identification of Geobacillus
Authors: Krilaviciute Agne , Kuisiene Nomeda
Published: March 2013

Taxonomy of thermophilic, endospore-forming bacteria has evoked a great interest over the past few years. Although a number of taxonomic markers were previously evaluated, their sequences in Geobacillus were too conservative, and identification of more variable markers is needed. Repetitive DNA is one of the promising variable targets in the development of the taxon-specific genotyping and identification schemes in bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possibility of using repetitive DNA in the taxonomy of Geobacillus. In this paper, we report the analysis of perfect tandem repeats of geobacilli. We focused on the long repeats (with a motif length of ≥20 nucleotides). This choice was based on the assumption that these motifs can be used for the construction of oligonucleotides — primers and probes. Thirty-three Geobacillus genus-specific motifs were identified in our work, fifteen of them were species-specific and fifteen — species cluster -specific. Three of them were genus-, but not species- or species cluster-specific. Some of the motifs were used for the construction of the primer pairs. The primers were validated by PCR. Out of 12 designed primer pairs, 11 were genus-specific and 4 — species-specific. Species-specific primers were successfully constructed for the phylogenetically defined species Geobacillus thermodenitrificans and Geobacillus toebii.
Thermoluminescent dating of the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age pottery on sites in Kłyżów and Jarosław (SE Poland)
Authors: Czopek Sylwester , Kusiak Jarosław , Trybała-Zawiślak Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

The absolute chronology of Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in Polish territories is a result of long-term and complex research. Here, we have investigated the absolute dating of two sites, namely Kłyżów, a cemetery of the Tarnobrzeg Lusatian culture, and Jarosław, a settlement spanning from the late phase of the former to Pomeranian culture, possibly with Jastorf elements. Having been spurred by promising results of thermoluminescence (TL) dating of medieval and Przeworsk materials, we have employed it in those situations, where no other chronometric methods seem to be efficient. TL dating has been combined with typological analysis of the dated pottery and, partially, with radiocarbon method. Albeit the produced TL dates do not represent the level of sought-for fine chronological resolution, they indicate the temporal trends and corroborate the typological research. Our study has shown the potential of TL dating for periods with plateaus on 14C calibration curve. We also have dealt with unexpected TL ages and suggested some solutions of the problem. Finally, we have demonstrated that the condition sine qua non for archaeological interpretation of TL dates is a thorough stylistic-chronological analysis of dated pottery and clear understanding of relations between chronometric dates and the archaeological event to be dated.
Testing the standardized growth curve (SGC) to OSL dating coastal sediments from the south Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Chen Guang-Quan , Yi Liang , Xu Xing-Yong , Yu Hong-Jun , Cao Jian-Rong , Su Qiao , Yang Lin-Hai , Xu Yong-Hang , Ge Jun-Yi , Lai Zhong-Ping
Published: March 2013

It has been suggested that the standardized growth curve (SGC) method can be used to accurately determinate equivalent dose (De) and reduce measurement time. However, different opinions regarding the applicability of the SGC method exist. In this paper, we evaluated quartz OSL SGCs of marine and coastal sediments of different grain sizes and different cores in the south Bohai Sea in China, and tested their applicability to the determination of De values. Our results suggested as follows: (1) The SGC method is applicable to both multiple- and single-aliquot regenerative-dose (MAR and SAR) protocols of OSL dating and efficiently provides reliable estimates of De. (2) Finesand quartz of different palaeodoses showed highly similar dose-response curves and an SGC was developed, but old samples using the SGC method have large uncertainties. (3) For coarse-silt quartz, two different types of dose-response curves were recorded: low-dose (≤60Gy) and high-dose (≥100Gy). The growth curves of low-dose quartz were similar to each other, facilitating the use of SGC in De estimations, but errors tended to be larger than those obtained in the SAR method. For high-dose (100–300Gy) quartz, the SGC was also found to be reliable, but there was large uncertainty in De (>300Gy) estimation. We suggest that SGC could be employed for the dating of marine and coastal sediments dating using either MAR or SAR OSL protocol and either fine-silt, coarse-silt or fine-sand quartz.
A mixed finite element/control volume model of wind-driven circulation in lakes
Authors: Podsechin Victor
Published: March 2013

A three-dimensional numerical circulation model is described. The model is based on non-linear hydrodynamic equations, modified according to hydrostatic and Boussinesq approximations. A space-splitting scheme is used for numerical approximations of governing equations. The simple hypothesis on elliptic stream functions shape is utilized to reconstruct the near-surface wind field. The calculated currents correspond reasonably well with observed velocities in different locations lake-wide.
Analysis of soil boundary conditions of flash floods in a small basin in SW Hungary
Authors: Hegedüs Péter , Czigány Szabolcs , Balatonyi László , Pirkhoffer Ervin
Published: March 2013

Flash floods are one of the most significant natural hazards of today. Due to the complexity of flash flood triggering factors, to prevent or mitigate flood triggered losses, numeric model based flood forecasting models are capable tools to predict stream water levels. The main goal of the current research was to reproduce two flow peaks with the HEC-HMS rainfall-runoff model and test the model sensitivity for various input parameters. To obtain sufficient input data, we monitored soil depth, maximum infiltration rate, soil moisture content, rainfall, time of concentration and flow. To obtain input data, parameters were calculated, measured in the Sás Valley experimental watershed (SW Hungary) or optimized with the built in function of the HEC-HMS. Soil moisture was monitored in the 1.7 km2 pilot catchment over the period between September 2008 and September 2009. HEC-HMS had a good performance reproducing the two events, however simulated flow time series are highly influenced by the antecedent soil moisture, infiltration rate and canopy storage. Outflow modeled data were verified for two flood events (June 4, 2008 and July 9, 2009). The HEC-HMS was over-sensitive for input soil moisture and with increasing input rainfall and increasing outflow, larger simulation errors were observed.
The Association of Obesity and Liver Enzyme Activities in a Student Population at Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Disease / Veza Između Gojaznosti I Aktivnosti Jetrenih Enzima U Studentskoj Populaciji Sa Povećanim Rizikom Za Nastanak Kardiovaskularnih Bolesti
Authors: Čolak Emina , Pap Dragana , Majkić-Singh Nada , Obradović Ivana
Published: March 2013

Background: It has been reported that obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk but also with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents is increasing rapidly all over the world. The aim of this study was to analyze the value of liver enzymes: AST, ALT and γGT in a group of obese students in order to establish their correlation to anthropometric parameters such as: BMI (body mass index), WC (waist circumference), HC (hip circumference), and WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) compared to non-obese students who comprised the control group (CG).

Methods: In this study, 238 students from the University of Novi Sad of both sexes (126 men and 112 women) with a mean age of 22.32 ± 1.85 years were included. According to the body mass index (BMI) lower and higher than 25 kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) lower and higher than 94 cm (80 cm for females) the whole group of 238 students was divided into 2 subgroups: the obese group at increased risk for CVD (Group 1) and the group at lower risk for CVD (Group 2). AST, ALT and γGT activities were determined in fasting blood samples.

Results: Statistical processing data revealed significantly higher values of AST, ALT and γGT in the group of students with BMI>25 kg/m2, WC>94 cm for males and WC>80 cm for females, HC>108 cm for males and HC>111 cm for females, and WHR>0.90 for males and WHR>0.80 for females (P<0.001). Significant association was established between anthropometric parameters and liver enzyme levels (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: Obese students with higher BMI, WC, HC and WHR values have higher liver enzyme activites and a higher chance to develop NAFLD in the future.
The D-Lightful Vitamin D for Health / Vitamin D Za Dobro Zdravlje
Authors: Holick Michael F.
Published: March 2013

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that is not only important for children’s and adults’ skeletal health but is also important for their overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin D deficiency has been defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL and vitamin D insufficiency as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 21-29 ng/mL. The major source of vitamin D is sensible sun exposure since very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with in - creased risk for many acute and chronic diseases including infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurocognitive dysfunction and muscle weakness. To achieve a blood level of 25-hydroxy - vitamin D >30 ng/mL children require 600-1 000 IUs and adults 1 500-2 000 IUs of vitamin D daily.
The Relation of Working Capital and Fixed Assets: a Study
Authors: Salehi Mahdi
Published: March 2013

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between working capital changes and fixed assets with asset return of 120 manufacturing listed companies in Tehran Stock Exchange during 2006-2010. Pearson correlation and Regression test are employed to determine the kind of relationship between dependent and independent variables, hypotheses test and evaluating normality of data respectively. The outcomes of the study suggest that there is a significant relationship between working capital changes and fixed assets with assets return in the research community.
Sustainability as the Direction for the Long-Term Success in Banking: Poland vs. Croatia
Authors: Rudawska Edyta , Renko Sanda
Published: March 2013

Dynamic environment forces companies to develop new approaches to establishing objectives and to develop management practices. Apart from doing profit-making activities, companies are forced to undertake activities aiming at their long-term sustainable development. As a result of deregulation and globalization, the banking sector had to accept the postulations of sustainable development and to keep their position on the market through establishing lasting relationships with customers, environment organizations, employees and a local community. The main goal of this paper is to explore implications of sustainability on the banking sector. Based on the research on the sample of 33 bank managers, the paper is trying to find out whether there are similarities in sustainability aspects in the banking sectors of Poland and Croatia. The findings of the papers suggest that banks in Poland express stronger need to take into account the environmental, social and economic concerns comparing to banks in Croatia.
Inter-Communal Associations – the Future of Metropolitan Area Management?
Authors: Danielewicz Justyna , Turała Maciej
Published: March 2013

A metropolitan area is a special form of territorial organisation composed of many territorial units. To ensure their development it is necessary to introduce an appropriate system of management based on the concept of governance which requires that all stakeholders (local authorities, central government, business, researchers, NGOs, citizens etc.) are involved in the management process. The article aims to ascertain whether intercommunal associations can become the first step on the way to implementation of the concept of governance in metropolitan areas in Poland. The article describes features of inter-communal associations as a form of management of territorial systems. The second part of the article analyses existing inter-communal associations in Polish metropolitan areas. The article concludes that the current state of affairs does not justify a statement that inter-communal associations are or will become, in the immediate future, a dominant form of managing public affairs in metropolitan areas.
Profitability of Reduction of Speed and Fuel Consumption for Sea Going Bulk Carriers
Authors: Doskocz Dariusz
Published: March 2013

Extremely high price of oil and consequently fuel used by sea going bulk carriers combined with very low freight rates - BDI (Baltic Dry Index), the main index of the freight market dropped from almost 12,000 to about 700 during the last four years - forced ship owners and operators to re-calculate speed and consumption parameters of their fleet. On the basis of speed/consumption parameters taken directly from ships, the average cost of marine fuel IFO and the freight market reported by The Baltic Exchange the author calculated the profitability of the reduction of speed for typical bulk carriers from about 26,000 to 80,000 DWT. Despite the extremely low freight market and very high price of fuel the savings due to the reduction of fuel consumption are generally consumed by time loss. The speed reduction may be profitable only for the group of the largest of the analyzed ships but every time ship operators have to take into consideration such consequences as the weather risk, positioning for the next employment, charter party obligations etc.
E-Commerce Customers’ Preference Implicit Identification
Authors: Zdziebko Tomasz
Published: March 2013

Knowledge of users’ preferences are of high value for every e-commerce website. It can be used to improve customers’ loyalty by presenting personalized products’ recommendations. A user’s interest in a particular product can be estimated by observing his or her behaviors. Implicit methods are less accurate than the explicit ones, but implicit observation is done without interruption of having to give ratings for viewed items. This article presents results of e-commerce customers’ preference identification study. During the study the author’s extension for FireFox browser was used to collect participants’ behavior and preference data. Based on them over thirty implicit indicators were calculated. As a final result the decision tree model for prediction of e-customer products preference was build.
Immunosuppressant medication in cardiac transplant patients - between therapeutic benefit and iatrogenic pathology
Authors: Vari C.E. , Suciu H. , Ispas Mihaela , Voidăzan S. , Muntean Daniela Lucia
Published: March 2013

In a retrospective study, the safety profile and efficacy of immunosuppressive medication was evaluated in 35 patients with cardiac transplant in Targu Mures during 1999-2011 (11 treated with cyclosporine, 24 with tacrolimus, both drugs were associated with mycophenolate mofetil). Therapeutic benefit was measured by survival curve and lack of rejection while safety was evaluated by measuring plasma immunosuppressive drugs levels and evaluation of specific adverse events (nephrotoxicity, diabetes, and hypertension). The most frequent side effect was nephrotoxicity (significant reduction in glomerular filtration rate estimated by MDRD formula), but no significant differences were found between the 2 medications.
Upper endoscopy in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and postthrombolysis upper gastrointestinal bleeding – results, therapeutic utility
Authors: Parepa Irinel-Raluca , Suceveanu Andra-Iulia , Suceveanu A. P. , Mazilu Laura , Cîmpineanu B. , Craiu Elvira
Published: March 2013

Upper endoscopy is the “golden standard” for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB); it appreciates the persistence of bleeding in more than 90% of cases, it reveals the UGB lesion, gives prognostic information about re-bleeding risk and offers the possibility of endoscopic haemostasis. Uncomplicated STEMI by itself is not a contraindication for upper endoscopy [1,2]. The aim of our study was to observe the haemorrhagic lesions in STEMI patients with postthrombolysis UGB and to evaluate the safety and therapeutic utility of upper endoscopy in this category of patients. We performed upper endoscopy in STEMI patients with postthrombolytic UGB during a period of 4 years (1st of Jan 2008 - 31st of Dec 2011). Patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) <100 mmHg, with Killip class>1, with unstable ECG and/or with severe associated conditions (respiratory distress, cerebrovascular stroke, consciousness disorders) were withdrawn from undergoing upper endoscopy, as well as patients who refused the investigation. During studied period, 618 STEMI patients underwent pharmacological coronary reperfusion. Postthrombolysis UGB occurred in 42 of them (6.79%). We could perform upper endoscopy in 30 patients (71.43%), the rest of 12 (28.57%) being withdrawn from endoscopy (6 patients with Killip class>1, 4 patients with systolic blood pressure<100mmHg, 2 patients refused the investigation). Incriminated haemorrhagic lesions were: erosive gastroduodenitis in 20 cases (66.67%) and duodenal ulcer in 10 cases (33.33%). As about therapeutic utility, amongst 30 patients investigated just 4 needed endoscopic treatment (haemoclips used in Forrest IB patients with duodenal ulcers). Endoscopy was a safe investigation in STEMI patients with postthrombolysis UGB. Erosive gastroduodenitis was incriminated as the source of bleeding in most of the cases. As it concerns the therapeutic utility of UE in STEMI patients with UGB, 13.33% of bleeding patients benefited from endoscopic treatment (mechanical haemmostasis).
Modifications of functional respiratory tests in non-smoker patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mihailov Ileana Claudia , Mitroi A. , Tica Irina
Published: March 2013

This paper aim is to study lower airways’ disorders in non-smoker patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without respiratory symptoms and to reveal the correlations between the lower airways’ disorders on one side and RA dependent variables and demographic variables on the other side. Our study included 145 women diagnosed with RA. Airways evaluation was assessed by spirometry. Patients with pulmonary radiological modifications, pulmonary diseases or respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea) were not included in the study. Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the obtained variables. The medium age was 56.28±10.24 years. The medium body mass index (BMI) was 27.66±3.23 kg/m2. The modifications of respiratory functional tests revealed by spirometry were the following: 15.86% had FEV1/FVC<70%, 32.41% of patients had FEF50<60%, 57.93% of patients had FEV1<80% and 66.89% of patients had FCV<80%. The repartition according to RA stage was: 60.68% in the IInd stage, 31.03% in the IIIrd stage and 8.96% in the IVth stage. Spirometry evaluated disorders of the airways and pulmonary interstitium are frequently found in patients with RA, without symptoms and without radiological anomalies
Bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae and severe mitral valve regurgitation – uncommon cause of myocardial ischemia – a case report
Authors: Tilea I , Moraru L , Raicea V , Tilea Brindusa , Bocicor Andreea Elena , Suciu H
Published: March 2013

Bicoronary - pulmonary artery fistulae are rare conditions. Their association with mitral valve prolapse is even rarer and randomly reported. This association is important to be recognized in clinical practice because of the differential diagnose problems. Closing the coronary fistulae and mitral valve replacement during the same surgical procedure is probably the optimal management of these patients. We report a case involving the correction of congenital bicoronarypulmonary artery fistulae and mitral valve replacement within the same surgical procedure in a 56 years old female patient with angina and clinical signs of left ventricular failure associating the fistulae to severe mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse. Past medical history revealed autoimmune thyroiditis, atrial fibrillation, mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation. At admission physical examination revealed stable vital signs, irregular tachycardia with significant pulse and a mitral regurgitation systolic murmur. ECG showed atrial fibrillation, no ischemia. Echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation, prolapse of anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation, and mild pulmonary hypertension. Coronary angiogram showed no significant lesions of the epicardial vessels but high flow congenital bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae (right coronary artery and left coronary artery to main pulmonary artery). Surgical correction of the congenital bicoronarypulmonary fistulae was performed simultaneously with mitral valve replacement in the same session. Postsurgical evolution was uneventful. Post-procedural ECG showed atrial fibrillation with a controlled heart rate, postoperative echocardiography showed normal functional and normal positioned prosthetic mitral mechanical valve, and rather normal left ventricle function. Coexistence of bicoronary-pulmonary fistulae and mitral valve insufficiency due to prolapse in a symptomatic patient with angina pectoris is a very rare clinical entity. Solving both abnormalities within the same surgical procedure was the optimal management for this patient.
HLA typing in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Martinescu Alina , Franciuc Irina , Aftenie Loredana-Mariana
Published: March 2013

Genome scan, linkage and association studies have identified CMH genes in the genetic determinism of most autoimmune diseases, affecting approximately 5% of the population. The susceptibility conferred by HLA alleles does not influence the development of autoimmunity in general, but rather the probability of some disorders. From extremely high number of known HLA alleles, less than 30 are associated with diseases, and fewer than 10 are involved in the strongest associations. The aim of this study was to determine HLA genes in autoimmune diseases. The method used for the assignment of HLA alleles was molecular genotyping, primarily by the sequence specific oligonucleotide hybridization method (SSO), and when required, by the sequence specific primers method (SSP). Molecular genotyping was performed in 282 cases of diabetes mellitus type 1, Hashimoto thyroiditis, Graves’ disease and ankylosing spondylitis. HLA typing in patients with autoimmune diseases is important for determining prognosis and genetic counseling. In ankylosing spondylitis HLA typing is used for differential diagnosis. In such studies it’s important to be aware that there is a particular HLA gene expression depending on the geographic area.