bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedimentary Environments of the Inshore Pemangkat Region Sambas, West Kalimantan (Lingkungan Sedimen di Perairan Pemangkat, Sambas, Kalimantan Barat)
Authors: Solihuddin Tubagus , Kusumah Gunardi
Published: January 2016

Peningkatan produk-produk perikanan melalui industrialisasi dengan menekankan pada pengembangan perikanan budidaya laut yang membutuhkan data pendukung lingkungan laut termasuk sediment dasar laut. Penelitian lingkungan sedimen di Perairan Pemangkat bertujuan untuk mendapatkan informasi mengenai komposisi sedimen permukaan dasar laut, konsentrasi mineral logam dan total padatan tersuspensi. Beberapa sampel sedimen permukaan telah diambil pada transek yang telah ditentukan di sekitar Pantai Pemangkat dan telah dilakukan analisis mengikuti prosedur analisis granulometri, sedangkan metode AAS diterapkan untuk menentukan konsentrasi mineral logam. Selain itu, beberapa sampel air laut juga telah diambil menggunakan botol Nansen untuk mendapatkan total padatan tersuspensi. Informasi tersebut sangat bermanfaat bagi manager dan atau pemerintah daerah dalam menilai, merencanakan dan mengelola kawasan peisir dan lingkungan laut. Standar kualitas air yang dikeluarkan oleh Kementerian Negara Lingkungan Hidup digunakan sebagai acuan untuk mengkalibrasi hasil penelitian. Studi ini menunjukkan dominasi sedimen lumpur dan tingginya konsentrasi TSS, mengindikasikan bahwa Perairan Pemangkat tidak direkomendasikan untuk pengembangan kawasan perikanan budidaya laut. Kata kunci: sedimen, mineral logam, total padatan tersuspensi Increasing fisheries products through industrialisation with emphasizing on marine aquaculture development requires supporting data on marine environments including seafloor sediments. Research on sedimentary environments of the inshore of Pemangkat region was aimed to obtain seafloor sediment composition, heavy metal and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations. Some surface sediments samples were collected in transects across the selected Pemangkat coast and analysed following the procedure of granulometric analysis, whilst AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) was applied to determine heavy metal concentrations (e.g. Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn). Additionally, water samples were also collected using Nansen bottle to derive TSS concentrations. This sort of information will be valuable for manager and/or local government to assess, plan and manage coastal zone and marine environment. A standard of water quality issued by the State Ministry for Environment was then used as a reference to calibrate the results. This study showed silt (mud) sediment dominance and high TSS concentrations, indicating that the inshore Pemangkat region was not highly recommended for marine aquaculture development. Keywords: sediment, heavy metal, total suspended solid
Helicobacter Pylori and its Determinations on Gastric Biopsies
Authors: Emöke Fülöp , Tünde Marcu Simona , Angela Borda , Septimiu Voidăzan , Fülöp EF , Ciorba M , Simona Mocan
Published: January 2016

Background and Aims. Gastric cancer, because of its aggressive evolution and the high mortality associated with it, remains one of the most debated subjects in medical literature with Helicobacter pylori (HP) as a major risk factor. Chronic inflammation caused by HP infection represents the initial site of the predisposing and afterwards premalignant lesions for gastric carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HP infection, of predisposing and premalignant lesions on gastric biopsies, as well as to identify the correlations between them.

Material and method. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on gastric biopsies collected endoscopically from a single region, antrum or corpus, and from different regions, between January 2012 and July 2014. Incidence of HP infection, of predisposing and premalignant gastric lesions, the correlation of HP infection and these lesions, were evaluated.

Results. HP infection was diagnosed in 32.81%. Predisposing and premalignant lesions were present in 53.64% of biopsies with most of them in the antrum. HP infection stands out for the under 50 yo group (p=0.001). No correlation between frequency of HP infection and predisposing and premalignant lesions was observed.

Conclusions. Prevalence of HP infection in our study suggests that besides HP infection, other factors are also involved in gastric cancer development. Biopsies from different regions of the gastric mucosa do not offer extra information regarding HP infection prevalence but may be helpful in evaluating incidence and extension of predisposing and premalignant lesions.
Preparation of Biological Samples Containing Metoprolol and Bisoprolol for Applying Methods for Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Corina Mahu Ştefania , Monica Hăncianu , Luminiţa Agoroaei , Anda Cristina Coman Băbuşanu , Elena Butnaru
Published: January 2016

Arterial hypertension is a complex disease with many serious complications, representing a leading cause of mortality. Selective beta-blockers such as metoprolol and bisoprolol are frequently used in the management of hypertension. Numerous analytical methods have been developed for the determination of these substances in biological fluids, such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography. Due to the complex composition of biological fluids a biological sample pre-treatment before the use of the method for quantitative determination is required in order to remove proteins and potential interferences. The most commonly used methods for processing biological samples containing metoprolol and bisoprolol were identified through a thorough literature search using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Willey Journals databases. Articles published between years 2005-2015 were reviewed. Protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction are the main techniques for the extraction of these drugs from plasma, serum, whole blood and urine samples. In addition, numerous other techniques have been developed for the preparation of biological samples, such as dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, carrier-mediated liquid phase microextraction, hollow fiber-protected liquid phase microextraction, on-line molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction. The analysis of metoprolol and bisoprolol in human plasma, urine and other biological fluids provides important information in clinical and toxicological trials, thus requiring the application of appropriate extraction techniques for the detection of these antihypertensive substances at nanogram and picogram levels.
Analytical Performance of an HPLC and CZE Methods for the Analysis and Separation of Perindopril Erbumine and Indapamide
Authors: Valentin Ion , Silvia Imre , Gabriela Cârje Anca , Lucia Muntean Daniela
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Perindopril, as an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and indapamide, as a thiazide like diuretic, can be administrated together for the treatment of high blood preasure and other cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to develop two simple and reliable separation methods for perindopril and indapamide by high performance liquid chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis in order to evaluate their behaviour under separation conditions, for simultaneous separation.

Materials and methods: Standard solutions of perindopril erbumine and indapamide in proper solvents were analized. An Agilent 1100 series HPLC system was used for the separation of the two analytes on a C18 stationary phase (Zorbax Stable Bond 3.5 µm), under an isocratic elution. As a comparative method, an Agilent 7100 series capillary electrophoresis system was used for the development of the electrophoretic method.

Results: Both developed methods turned to comply to the separation performance parameters such as resolution and selectivity, with low limits of detection, wide range of liniarity. No statistical difference concerning precision of the qualitative parameters was observed. Time analysis less than 5 minutes both for chromatographic and electrophoretic separations proved to generate cost and time effective analysis methods.

Conclusions: Two analytical methods, HPLC and CZE respectively, for the separation of perindoprile erbumine and indapamide have been successfully developed, both recording satisfactory analytical parameters.
Obesity Treatment Strategies
Authors: Simona Ianosi Edith , Alexandra Comes , Gabriela Jimborean
Published: January 2016

Obesity is a disease with severe health consequences and increased risk of mortality. The most commonly used criteria to assess the presence and the severity of obesity are body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio and the presence of the health conditions caused or worsened by obesity. Worldwide obesity has more than doubled in the last 4 decades. Obesity is the second of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide (after smoking). Obesity has a plurifactorial pathogenesis. The central perturbation consists in the imbalance between calories intake and calories consumption (by inappropriate diet and sedentary lifestyle). Identification of all the ethiological factors is important for treatment and prophylaxis. Weight loss benefits are multiple and important: improvement in glicemic control and in plasma lipid levels, blood presure control, obstructiv sleep apneea reduction, improvement in management of daily activities and profesional performances, increase quality of life, reduction in mortality. Overweight or obese patient will complete a diagnostic and a treatment program. Treatment of obesity claims a targeted multidimensional therapy: weight and lifestyle management, diet, sustained physical activity in daily life, exercise, decrease life stressors, smoking cessation, drug therapy, bariatric surgery psichological, familial and social suport. Weight loss program must be carefully planned, adapted to the patient’s abilities and comorbidities and supervised by a nutritionist and a physiotherapist.
The Importance of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Marker of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Andrei Suciu Bogdan , Lorand Denes , Ioana Hălmaciu , Tibor Mezei , Klara Brînzaniuc , Leonard Azamfirei
Published: January 2016

Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer death both in men and women. In spite of progress seen in the early diagnosis of lung cancer, and implementation of new treatment principles for these patients, 5 year survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing surgery is low. Introduction of anti-angiogenic therapy administered concomitantly with conventional chemotherapy agents represented practically the first success seen in the treatment of lung cancer in the last 20 years. The aim of this paper is to review the literature informations about the importance of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) as a marker of angiogenesis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, we practiced a literature review about these topics: the importance of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and his importance as a prognostic factor at these patients, the prognostic impact of serum levels of VEGF and of the cellular expression of VEGF at these patients and also we reviewed the value of the antiangiogenic therapy.
Determination of Secondary Bile Acids in the Mice Feces. Controversies on their Involvment in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Claudiu Saracut , Calin Molnar , Farczádi L , Vlase L , Amelia Tero-Vescan , Nicoleta Todoran , Constantin Copotoiu
Published: January 2016

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the level of secondary bile acids (SBA) in the diets and feces of mice and the variation of amount ingested/excreted if these SBA are administered as monotherapy or in 1:1 dose.

Methods: The mice were divided into 4 groups and fed for 140 days with different diets. The control lot received a normal diet and the others received diets supplemented with 0.25% deoxycholic acid (DCA), 0.25% lithocholic acid (LCA) and 0.125% DCA+0.125% LCA. After 140 days, the mice feces were collected and homogenized to obtain a mixture for each lot from which the determinations of the studied SBA were performed. For the mice food evaluation, portions of 10 g from each of the 4 diets were subjected to the SBA determination.

Results: The daily ingestion over more than 4 months of DCA or LCA added to the diet and administered as monotherapy determine a significantly increase of the SBA eliminated into the feces (the DCA level was 11x higher, and of the LCA 233x higher). If half of the LCA dose is replaced with DCA, the level of LCA in the feces gets comparable with that of the DCA (their combined amounts represents only 13x higher increase of these two bile acids in feces).

Conclusions: The simultaneous ingestion and excretion of DCA and LCA can be considered as a particular situation ruled by endogenous mechanisms. This behavior represents an important observation, knowing that the bile acids effects in the colorectal cancer are dose dependent.
Tissue Integration of Synthetic Grafts and the Impact of Soft-Tissue Infection – An Experimental Model
Authors: Eliza Russu , Vasile Mureşan Adrian , Andrei Cordoş Bogdan , Simion Cotoi Ovidiu , Constantin Copotoiu
Published: January 2016

Objective: Starting with the ‘Vinyon-N-revolution’ of the 50’s, there has been a constant interest in understanting tissue integration, or the so-called graft healing process, as well as its relationship with infection. In this study we present an experimental animal model designed to assess tissue integration of different graft materials, and their reaction to the presence of infection.

Methods: Synthetic grafts (knitted Dacron®, woven Dacron®, silver-impregnated Dacron® and Gore-Tex®) were implanted subfascially in the interscapular region of Wistar rats. Animals were divided into a control group and an infected group, with infection induced using bacterial suspensions of standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli. Implants were retrieved at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively in the control group and at 1, 2 and 3 weeks postoperatively in theinfected group. Retrieved grafts were assessed bacteriologically and morpho-pathologically.

Results: All microorganisms produced clinically evident infections, with positive blood cultures in case of E. coli. Staphylococci produced more massive infections on Dacron® grafts, except for the silver-impregnated version, while E. coli produced more significant infections on Gore-Tex® grafts. Morpho-pathologically Dacron® grafts behaved poorly, with ocassional complete structural compromise, and no difference between the conventional and the silver-impregnated type. The Gore-Tex® graft showed a consistent structural resistance throughout the study period.

Conclusions: Although the silver-impregnated graft inhibited bacterial growth, it was poorly tolerated by the host tissue. In contrast, Gore-Tex® grafts showed more massive infection, especially with E. coli, but kept their structural integrity surprisingly well.
3D Visualization of Sound Fields Perceived by an Acoustic Camera
Authors: Popova Nevena , Shishkov Georgi , Koprinkova-Hristova Petia , Alexiev Kiril
Published: January 2016

The paper summarizes the application results of a recently proposed neuro-fuzzy algorithm for multi-dimensional data clustering to 3-Dimensional (3D) visualization of dynamically perceived sound waves recorded by an acoustic camera. The main focus in the present work is on the developed signal processing algorithm adapted to the specificity of multidimensional data set recorded by the acoustic camera, as well as on the created software package for real-time visualization of the “observed” sound waves propagation.
Two-Dimensional l
1-Norm Minimization in SAR Image Reconstriction
Authors: Lazarov A. , Minchev D.
Published: January 2016

A nonconventional image algorithm, based on compressed sensing and l1-norm minimization in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) application is discussed. A discrete model of the earth surface relief and mathematical modeling of SAR signal formation are analytically described. Sparse decomposition in Fourier basis to solve the SAR image reconstruction problem is discussed. In contrast to the classical one-dimensional definition of l1-norm minimization in SAR image reconstruction, applied to an image vector, the present work proposes a two-dimensional definition of l1-norm minimization to the image. To verify the correctness of the algorithm, results of numerical experiments are presented.
Human Activity Registration Using Multisensor Data Fusion
Authors: Alexiev Kiril , Shishkov Georgi , Popova Nevena
Published: January 2016

The paper discusses the feasibility of using smart phone devices for human activity registration and analysis. The functional characteristics of the smart phones and their permanent connectivity allow them to serve as a measurement lab and processing unit. An example of using the smart phones as a sensor data source is described, and the corresponding algorithm and results are given. The possible problems are listed and commented.
ASLA: Association Suédoise de Linguistique Appliquée
Authors: Granfeldt Jonas , Gunnarsson Britt-Louise
Published: January 2016

The Swedish Association for Applied Linguistics, ASLA (Association suédoise de linguistique appliquée) was formally founded as an autonomous Swedish affiliate of AILA in 1966. The constituting meeting was held at Lund University on April 12, 1966 during which the first chairperson, Professor Bertil Malmberg, was elected. This means that ASLA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016. However, according to available documents from the time, the original initiative came from Max Gorosch, Professor of Spanish at Stockholm University, who had already started to prepare the way for the establishment of the new association in 1964. Professor Gorosch was appointed secretary on the first board and Dr. Alvar Nyqvist-Goës, became its first treasurer.
Editorial
Authors: Evrin Feyza , Meyer Bernd
Published: January 2016

The editorial gives an impression on what this special issue is all about and the relevance of the topic.
Complementary Description of the Middle Ordovician Trilobite Associations at Praha-Vokovice
Authors: David Martin , Budil Petr
Published: January 2016

The temporarily exposed rocks of the Dobrotivá Formation (Middle Ordovician, upper Darriwilian) accessible, due to lower water levels, in Džbán water reservoir (Praha-Vokovice area) have produced common fauna. The newly obtained trilobite-dominated fossil associations enable a more detailed discussion of faunal changes in the lower and lower-middle portions of the Dobrotivá Formation - a transition from the Placoparia Association to the newly recognized Degamella-Zeliszkella Association, dominated by mesopelagic forms.
Chemical Energy Conversion as Enabling Factor to Move to a Renewable Energy Economy
Authors: Abate Salvatore , Centi Gabriele , Perathoner Siglinda
Published: January 2016

The role of chemical energy storage and solar fuels as key elements for the sustainable chemical and energy production is discussed in this concept paper. It is shown how chemical energy storage, with the development of drop-in carbon-based solar fuels, will play a central role in the future low-carbon economy, but it is necessary to consider its out-of-the-grid use, rather than being limited to be a tool for smart grids. Related aspects discussed are the possibility to: (i) enable a system of trading renewable energy on a world scale (out-of-the-grid), including the possibility to exploit actually unused remote resources, (ii) develop a solar-driven and low-carbon chemical production, which reduces the use of fossil fuels and (iii) create a distributed energy production, going beyond the actual limitations and dependence on the grid.
A Generalized Approach for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting Using Stochastic Estimation of Optimum Tilt Angles: A Case Study of Bangkok City
Authors: Muralee Krishna Sachin , Madhu M Nimal , Mohan Vivek , Suresh M P Reshma , Singh Jai Govind
Published: January 2016

This paper estimates the monthly, seasonal and yearly optimal tilt angles that maximize solar irradiation received on an inclined surface, thus enhancing the energy harvested. The uncertainties in global and diffuse radiations on the horizontal surface are accounted using stochastic analysis of their daily statistical measured data. The measured data is taken over a seven-year time span. The study is carried out for south-facing flat plate solar collectors at the Bangkok site, Thailand, situated in the northern hemisphere. The position of the sun at any time and location is predicted by the mathematical procedure of Julian dating. Further, four isotropic and anisotropic sky models are used to evaluate the ratio of diffuse solar radiation on an inclined surface to that on a horizontal surface. The best sky model is opted by using the ranking method of errors and is used for further analysis. Moreover, the frequency distributions of global and diffuse radiations are studied using four types of probability density functions (PDFs), viz., Weibull, lognormal, gamma and beta. Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test is used as a criterion to find the best fit among the aforementioned PDFs. The proposed optimization problem is solved using particle swarm optimization with time-varying acceleration coefficients (PSO-TVAC). The monthly tilt angles obtained are found to be varying with respect to the corresponding latitude angle, suggested by the thumb rule. The collected energy using this tilt angle over a period of one year is found to be

588

M
J

/

m

2

$588 \,{\rm{MJ/}}{{\rm{m}}^2}$

in excess to that harvested using the latitude angle.
LED Street Lighting: A Looking Ahead Perspective
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Albanese Lorenzo , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario
Published: January 2016

Provided that LED street lighting is guided by quality principles, outdoor illumination using light-emitting diodes will have a significant global impact helping to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, save relevant amounts of electricity and enhance the quality of life in cities as well as in remote areas. This study summarizes recent findings providing guidelines for further progress in this crucially important technology on the common pathway to sustainable development.
Predictors of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of Vadodara city in Western India
Authors: Macwana Jayprakash I. , Mehta Kedar G. , Baxi Rajendra K.
Published: January 2016

Background: Obesity among adolescents is escalating as a global epidemic which is associated with various lifestyle disorders in later life.

Objective: To assess the factors influencing overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of Vadodara city in Western India.

Methods: The study was carried out among 1050 school going adolescents from 15 schools selected by systematic random sampling after taking written informed consent from the participants. A predefined pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect dietary information and physical activity. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, triceps skin fold thickness, waist and hip circumferences was measured using standard techniques. Adolescents were classified as overweight (>+1SD) and obese (>+2SD) with respect to their age and sex by using WHO reference charts. Factors found to be statistically significant in bivariate analysis were considered in the multiple logistic regression model.

Results: Among 1050 school going adolescents, 7.8% were overweight and 2.7% were obese, making the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity as 10.5%. Among socio-demographic predictors: early and mid adolescence, male gender, English medium of instruction, positive family history of obesity were found to be the significantly associated with overweight/obesity among the study population. Whereas consumption of outside food, meal skipping habit, infrequent consumption of staple healthy food items were found to be significant diet related predictor variables for overweight/obesity. Among the physical activity predictors: sedentary activities, less outdoor games and sleep deprivation were also found to be significant predictors of overweight/obesity.

Conclusion: Adolescents should be motivated to take adequate amount of healthy staple food like dal-rice at home and to engage in outdoor sports related activity to prevent overweight and obesity.
Effectiveness of group CBT in treating adolescents with depression symptoms: a critical review
Authors: Nardi Bernardo , Massei Micaela , Arimatea Emidio , Moltedo-Perfetti Andrés
Published: January 2016

Depression is among the most common psychological disorders of adolescents. Its management is based on pharmacological treatment, psychological therapy, or a combination thereof. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most extensively tested intervention for adolescent depression. A PubMed search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of the efficacy of CBT in treating adolescents with depressive symptoms published in 2005–2015. Keywords were “cognitive behavioral therapy”, “group therapy”, “depression” and “adolescent”. Of the 23 papers that were retrieved, only six met all inclusion criteria. Three of them reported a significant reduction in depressive symptom severity after either individual or group (G)-CBT compared with the control group, even with a small number of CBT sessions (six rather than 10–12), with a medium or medium-to-large effect size. One study reported improved self-awareness and a significantly greater increase in perceived friend social support compared with bibliotherapy and check with brochure. Two studies reported clinical symptom reduction without significant differences compared with the control group (activity contrast). This review highlighted primarily that very few RCT have applied CBT in adolescents; moreover, it confirmed the effectiveness of G-CBT, especially as psychotherapy, although it was not always superior to other interventions (e.g. other activities in prevention programs). Comparison showed that G-CBT and group interpersonal psychotherapy were both effective in reducing depressive symptoms. Successful G-CBT outcomes were related to the presence of peers, who were an important source of feedback and support to observe, learn, and practice new skills to manage depressive symptoms and improve social-relational skills.
Performance characteristics of Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A for first trimester trisomy 21 risk assessment in gestational weeks 8+0 to 14+0
Authors: Tørring Niels , Aulesa Carlos , Eiben Bernd , Ferri Mª José , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Ortiz Javier U. , Sancken Ulrich , Vereecken Annie , Wiedemann Ute , Zitzler Juergen , Luppa Peter
Published: January 2016

Background: Screening for fetal trisomy 21 (T21) in the first trimester includes analysis of the serological markers pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free β-choriogonadotropin (free βhCG). With the recent launch of these assays on the cobas e and Elecsys platforms, we investigated their clinical and analytical performance.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter study in 5397 pregnancies including 108 cross-sectional collected repository cases with verified fetal T21 at 8–14 weeks of gestation. A technical validation of the Roche Elecsys® free βhCG and PAPP-A assays were performed, including method comparisons with the Brahms Kryptor®, PerkinElmer AutoDELFIA® and Siemens IMMULITE® assays. Furthermore a clinical validation including generation of assay specific medians from gestational age 8+0 to 14+0 weeks, and clinical test performance of risk assessment was performed.

Results: The imprecision of the Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A assays was between 1.0% and 2.8%, and both assays showed correlation to Kryptor (free βhCG 0.981; PAPP-A 0.987), AutoDELFIA (free βhCG 0.995; PAPP-A 0.979) and IMMULITE assays (free βhCG 0.983; PAPP-A 0.983). With a cut off at 1:300 the overall sensitivity of the screening including nuchal translucency reached 94% for a 3% false positive rate.

Conclusions: The Roche Elecsys free βhCG and PAPP-A are suitable and reliable assays for first trimester T21 risk assessment. Both assays were approved and recommended by the FMF.
A systematic approach to billing laboratory services – the legal framework: Supplement and update to the article in J Lab Med 2014; 38(4):179–205
Authors: Wohlfart Cornelia , Rathenberg Jan
Published: January 2016

Our article “A systematic approach to billing laboratory services – the legal framework” [Rathenberg et al., J Lab Med 2014;38(4):179–205] reviewed all relevant aspects of billing laboratory services. Here we provide supplementary information due to further legal advancements based on the German health-care law, with emphasis on specialist outpatient care (Ambulante spezialfachärztliche Versorgung [ASV]) and selective contracts and complexes of services. In addition, we focus on occupational medicine as well as billing in connection with hospital emergency departments.
Hemoglobin variants – pathomechanism, symptoms and diagnosis
Authors: Zur Berndt
Published: January 2016

The diagnosis of hemoglobin variants that are not any of the better-known forms of thalassemia, sickle cell, HbC, HbD, or HbE anomalies is often challenging and requires detailed knowledge of the difference in symptoms and analysis. Experience in laboratory medicine plays an important role as the range of variants is extensive and lack of expertise can result in a wrong diagnosis. Hemoglobin variants with low oxygen affinity may present cyanosis and low oxygen saturation levels, whereas variants with increased oxygen affinity show polyglobulia and concomitant complications. Differential diagnosis of methemoglobin variants requires careful assessment, which can be problematic especially in pediatric medicine. Other variants, due to their instability, can cause more or less distinct hemolysis or thalassemia syndromes depicting serious disease patterns. Clear distinction is not always possible as several symptoms are often present. Many variants are autosomal dominant inherited.
Diagnostic relevance of CSF interleukin-6
Authors: Gruber Sylvia , Werner Philipp , Germann Reinhard , Fraunberger Peter
Published: January 2016

In 1985 interleukin 6 (IL-6) was first identified as a differentiation factor for B-cells (B-cell stimulatory factor 2) which caused B-cells to mature and produce antibodies. Numerous studies now demonstrate the pleiotropic character of IL-6, which has been shown to possess important functions in the immune system, the regulation of hematopoesis, inflammation and oncogenesis. In the central nervous system (CNS), IL-6 is involved in neurogenesis and the response of neurons and glia-cells to various injuries. CNS infections, cerebral ischaemia, CNS traumata or chronic inflammatory diseases with CNS manifestations such as neuro-lupus or neuro-sarcoidosis are associated with increased IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, the use of IL-6 as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in these diseases is being investigated. In this review we aim to provide an overview of current studies and evaluate the diagnostic significance of CSF-IL-6.
Toward a generative theory of language transfer: Experiment and modeling of sC prothesis in L2 Spanish
Authors: Daland Robert , Norrmann-Vigil Ingrid
Published: January 2016

When native Spanish speakers produce English words with initial [s]-consonant clusters (sC), they sometimes produce a prothetic vowel, e.g. stigma > estigma. This paper reports a production experiment on this phenomena, as well as computational modelling of the experimental results. Carlisle (1991a) proposed the ‘resyllabification account’ in which prothesis is a language transfer effect, whose essential motivation is to satisfy L1/Spanish syllable phonotactics. Replicating all previous work, a greater rate of prothesis was found in postconsonantal contexts than in postvocalic contexts (Rick (e)stinks > Ricky (e)stinks). A novel prediction is that when prothesis occurs, the [s] should have durational characteristics associated with the coda position, whereas it should have onset characteristics when prothesis does not occur; this was found. Another prediction is that a grammar which captures the variability in prothesis should in some sense be “between” the L1/Spanish and L2/English grammars. This latter prediction was tested by developing a constraint-based analysis of sC prothesis in Maximum Entropy Harmonic Grammar (Goldwater & Johnson, 2003). The results were consistent with a view of language transfer as ‘linear interpolation’ of constraint weights, conditioned on an ‘effort’ constraint reflecting how phonological planning varies with task/ modality demands.
The Sarikoli reflexive pronoun
Authors: Kim Deborah
Published: January 2016

This paper describes χɯ, the Sarikoli reflexive personal and possessive pronoun, in terms of its agreement, relative prominence, and domain. The reflexive χɯ does not overtly agree with its antecedent, always maintaining the same form. It is subject-oriented and is complementarily distributed with nonreflexive pronouns. In both finite and non-finite subordinate clauses, χɯ is usually used as a local reflexive, with long-distance potential in one variety—the reason adverbial clause. Sarikoli provides confirmatory evidence for the correlation between long-distance reflexives and subject orientation (Pica 1987, 1991; Cole & Sung 1994), since χɯ is subject-oriented whether it refers to an antecedent within the same clause or across a clause boundary.
Satisfaction With Life And Disease Acceptance By Patients With A Stomy Related To Surgical Treatment Of The Rectal Cancer – Determinants Of Quality Of Life?
Authors: Nowicki Andrzej , Marciniak Justyna , Farbicka Paulina , Banaszkiewicz Zbigniew
Published: January 2016

Satisfaction with life and disease acceptance by patients with a stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer depend on multiple factors. Such factors as social support, life conditions and time that elapsed after stomy creation, are very important in this context.

was to conduct an early evaluation of life satisfaction and disease acceptance by patients with a stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer.

The study was conducted at Dr. Jan Biziel University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz and at the prof. F. Łukaszczyk Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz in 2014. The final analysis included 96 subjects aged 41-87 years (median 59 years). Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) adapted by Zygfryd Juczyński, were used in this study.

Most patients had satisfaction with life score of 5 or 6, 23 (24%) and 28 (29.2%) subjects, respectively. Twenty nine (30.2%) study subjects had low satisfaction level, while 16 (16.7%) had high satisfaction level. Average disease acceptance score was 23.2 points. Most patients, 71 (74%) had a moderate disease acceptance score, while the lowest number of subjects, 9 (9.4%), had high disease acceptance score. None of the study subjects who were under the care of a psychologist (14/100%) did not have a low acceptance level.

Half of the study subjects had a moderate level of satisfaction with life. Most patients with stomy related to surgical treatment of the rectal cancer in an early postoperative period had moderate level of the disease acceptance. Patients with high level of satisfaction with life, accept the disease better. Few patients who used help by a psychologist, were two- and three-fold more likely to have higher level of satisfaction with life and disease acceptance, respectively.
In vitro study of the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles on rumen fermentation in sheep
Authors: Pecka-Kiełb E. , Zawadzki W. , Zachwieja A. , Michel O. , Mazur M. , Miśta D.
Published: January 2016

The aim of the in vitro study was to determine the effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (corn DDGS), used as a replacement for the concentrate ingredients of sheep diet, on rumen fermentation. The material for the study was the ruminal fluid of Polish Merino sheep which was incubated during 4-, 8- or 24-hour periods. Five groups of samples were prepared for in vitro fermentation: C – control, incubated with the substrate consisting of the concentrate ingredients; D1, D2 and D3, where DDGS was used as a substrate added in proportions of 10, 20 and 30% of dry matter of the concentrate; and D4, where 100% DDGS was used as a substrate. After fermentation, the gas and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analyses were performed using gas chromatography. The ammonia concentration and pH were also determined, and the SCFA utilization index (NGR), the fermentation efficiency (FE) and the index of cell yield of ruminal microorganisms (CY) were calculated. This research showed no effect of DDGS on the methane emission. The positive correlations between the amount of methane and ammonia concentrations in the 8- and 24-hour fermentation periods were found. DDGS addition increased propionate proportion, but decreased production of acetate (p<0.01). Additionally, D1, D2, D3 and D4 substrates lowered isobutyrate (p<0.05) and isovalerate (p<0.01) production. Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that partial substitution of the concentrate ingredients with DDGS did not have deleterious effect on sheep rumen fermentation processes.
Evaluation of the udder health status in subclinical mastitis affected dairy cows through bacteriological culture, somatic cell count and thermographic imaging
Authors: Bortolami A. , Fiore E. , Gianesella M. , Corrò M. , Catania S. , Morgante M.
Published: January 2016

Subclinical mastitis in dairy cows is a big economic loss for farmers. The monitoring of subclinical mastitis is usually performed through Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in farm but there is the need of new diagnostic systems able to quickly identify cows affected by subclinical infections of the udder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential application of thermographic imaging compared to SCC and bacteriological culture for infection detection in cow affected by subclinical mastitis and possibly to discriminate between different pathogens. In this study we evaluated the udder health status of 98 Holstein Friesian dairy cows with high SCC in 4 farms. From each cow a sample of milk was collected from all the functional quarters and submitted to bacteriological culture, SCC andMycoplasma spp. culture. A thermographic image was taken from each functional udder quarter and nipple. Pearson’s correlations and Analysis of Variance were performed in order to evaluate the different diagnostic techniques. The most frequent pathogen isolated wasStaphylococcus aureusfollowed by Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CNS),Streptococcus uberis,Streptococcus agalactiaeand others. The Somatic Cell Score (SCS) was able to discriminate (p<0.05) cows positive for a pathogen from cows negative at the bacteriological culture except for cows with infection caused by CNS. Infrared thermography was correlated to SCS (p<0.05) but was not able to discriminate between positive and negative cows. Thermographic imaging seems to be promising in evaluating the inflammation status of cows affected by subclinical mastitis but seems to have a poor diagnostic value.
Influence of chamber type integrated with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system on the results of boar semen evaluation
Authors: Gączarzewicz D.
Published: January 2016

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different types of chambers used in computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) on boar sperm concentration and motility parameters. CASA measurements were performed on 45 ejaculates by comparing three commonly used chambers: Leja chamber (LJ), Makler chamber (MK) and microscopic slide-coverslip (SL). Concentration results obtained with CASA were verified by manual counting on a Bürker hemocytometer (BH). No significant differences were found between the concentrations determined with BH vs. LJ and SL, whereas higher (p<0.01) values of this parameter were obtained with MK. Compared to MK and SL, significantly higher values were recorded in LJ for velocity (VCL and VAP) as well as amplitude of the lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF), which was associated with significantly higher percentages of motile, progressively motile and rapidly progressive motile spermatozoa. Higher values for the linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR) of sperm movement were obtained for the analysis performed in MK and SL. In both these chambers, the results of all the linearity and kinetic parameters of sperm were similar (p>0.05). The results obtained show that CASA assessment of boar semen should account for the effect of counting chamber on the results of sperm motility and concentration, which confirms the need for further study on standardizing the automatic analysis of boar semen.
A serological and molecular study on the occurrence of mycoplasmas in European bison (Bison bonasus) from two areas of Eastern Poland
Authors: Dudek K. , Bednarek D. , Szacawa E. , Ayling R.D. , Krzysiak M.K. , Marczuk J.
Published: January 2016

European bison (Bison bonasus) from two different areas of Eastern Poland showing gross pathology possibly associated with mycoplasma infections were tested for ruminant Mycoplasma species using serological and molecular methods. Fifty-five samples, blood or tissue were collected from 28 animals during 2013-2014. Six sera were positive for Mycoplasma bovis. The ELISA and complement fixation test for Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides gave a few weak reactions, but were negative by immunoblotting and molecular methods.
Disparity in Discolouration of Thermally Modified Wood Exposed to Solar and Artificial Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Cirule Dace , Kuka Edgars , Antons Andis
Published: January 2016

Artificial weathering is a widely used method for predicting wood behaviour during its service life. A study was carried out to compare the colour change of thermally modified aspen (Populus tremula L.) and grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) wood during natural solar and artificial ultra violet (UV) irradiation. Thermally modified wood specimens were exposed for 30 h to artificial UV irradiation at two different intensities, i.e.1.36 W m−2 at 340 nm and 0.68 W m−2 at 340 nm, as well as to solar irradiation outdoors and indoors. After 2.5, 5 and 10 h exposure, colour parameters and reflectance spectra (360–740 nm) were determined. Colour was expressed in accordance with the CIELAB colour model as colour parameters L*, a*, b*. The total colour change ΔEab was calculated from colour parameter differences ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*. The colour changes caused by solar and artificial UV irradiation had a similar pattern for both thermally modified hardwood species under study. Changes in the individual colour parameters in the course of the experiment altered their direction, which implies that discolouration of thermally modified wood is a complicated and dynamic process with various and different chemical transformations in wood chromophores. Colour and reflectance changes had similar trends for different intensities of the same type of irradiation, but they differed for various irradiation types – natural solar or artificial UV irradiation. Greater discolouration was detected for the specimens exposed to both solar irradiations - outdoors and indoors. The results suggest that the fluorescent lamps of the UVA-340 type, which only imitate well the sunlight UV spectrum from 290 nm to 365 nm, do not fully simulate the changes in thermally modified wood induced by solar radiation.
3D-MID manufacturing via laser direct structuring with nanosecond laser pulses
Authors: Yan Hengfeng , Chen Jimin , Zhao Jinyan
Published: January 2016

3D molded interconnect device (3D-MID) is a kind of injection-molded thermoplastic part with integrated electronic circuit traces. Currently, it is a hotspot of the electronic and telecommunication equipment industry. Laser direct structuring (LDS) is the main approach to fabricate 3D-MID. Laser scans and activates the surface of thermoplastic parts. After plating, the activated area is coated with copper. In this study, a model was built to describe the mechanisms of interaction between a substrate and laser. The nanosecond laser was applied in the LDS process to manufacture 3D circuit on 3D-MID. With the aid of variable laser pulse width, the model was confirmed by a series of experiments including investigations of roughness, surface structure and energy spectrum. Finally, critical factors affecting the LDS process were found out. They are effective guides for many LDS applications.
International Space vs. International Environment: New Phenomena and New Challenges for Poland’s Foreign Policy
Authors: Łoś-Nowak Teresa
Published: January 2016

While analysing Poland’s foreign policy and its dilemmas from the perspective of changes in the international environment at the turn of the 21st century, the Author introduces a new analytical category – “international space”. This is a new analytical term with larger explanatory content and more capacious than the category of international environment. This paper explains the validity of such a procedure and its analytical strength. Against the significance of changes, it is the international space, not international environment, that is able to explain the depth of changes in morphology of the international system, where access to knowledge and information has become the source of changes and their dynamics. These phenomena and processes critical for the international system force the post-industrial country to develop a new approach to Poland’s foreign policy. They also impose reflection on Poland’s presence in the global “post-modern” international space, segments of international relations that are important for its development. This paper should be treated as an introduction to the difficult but very important debate on Poland’s foreign policy, dilemmas that it has to face, and areas of special sensitivity for the state and its development.
“New Public Policy” As an Example of Pro-Innovation Policy – The Neo-Institutional Perspective
Authors: Kwieciński Leszek
Published: January 2016

This article presents the main elements of the creation of the pro-innovation policy as a new public policy. For understanding this kind of policy we should analyse the structural and functional aspects this public policy. The main concept of structural description pro-innovation policy is a National Innovation System. NIS is being analysed as a sub-functional part of the political system as a whole. This sub-functional political system should also have social and institutional connections. Furthermore, pro-innovation activity is connected with the market, state, and social aspects. The pro-innovation policy and system must be based on social endogenous resources, needs, and possibilities. These are the basic factors for legitimisation and participation, which are crucial elements for the effective implementation of the pro-innovation policy.