bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Molecular Characterization of a Novel PLIN1 Frameshift Mutation Identified in Patients With Familial Partial Lipodystrophy
Authors: Kozusko Kristina , Tsang Venessa H.M. , Bottomley William , Cho Yoon-Hi , Gandotra Sheetal , Mimmack Michael , Lim Koini , Isaac Iona , Patel Satish , Saudek Vladimir , O’Rahilly Stephen , Srinivasan Shubha , Greenfield Jerry R. , Barroso Ines , Campbell Lesley V. , Savage David B.
Published: August 2014

Perilipin 1 is a lipid droplet coat protein predominantly expressed in adipocytes, where it inhibits basal and facilitates stimulated lipolysis. Loss-of-function mutations in the PLIN1 gene were recently reported in patients with a novel subtype of familial partial lipodystrophy, designated as FPLD4. We now report the identification and characterization of a novel heterozygous frameshift mutation affecting the carboxy-terminus (439fs) of perilipin 1 in two unrelated families. The mutation cosegregated with a similar phenotype including partial lipodystrophy, severe insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, extreme hypertriglyceridemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in both families. Poor metabolic control despite maximal medical therapy prompted two patients to undergo bariatric surgery, with remarkably beneficial consequences. Functional studies indicated that expression levels of the mutant protein were lower than wild-type protein, and in stably transfected preadipocytes the mutant protein was associated with smaller lipid droplets. Interestingly, unlike the previously reported 398 and 404 frameshift mutants, this variant binds and stabilizes ABHD5 expression but still fails to inhibit basal lipolysis as effectively as wild-type perilipin 1. Collectively, these findings highlight the physiological need for exquisite regulation of neutral lipid storage within adipocyte lipid droplets, as well as the possible metabolic benefits of bariatric surgery in this serious disease.
Mathematical Programming for Lot Sizing and Production Scheduling in Foundries
Authors: Duda J. , Stawowy A. , Basiura R.
Published: August 2014

The problem considered in the paper is motivated by production planning in a foundry equipped with the furnace and casting line, which provides a variety of castings in various grades of cast iron/steel for a large number of customers. The quantity of molten metal does not exceed the capacity of the furnace, the load is a particular type of metal from which the products are made. The goal is to create the order of the melted metal loads to prevent delays in delivery of goods to customers. This problem is generally considered as a lot-sizing and scheduling problem. The paper describes a mathematical programming model that formally defines the optimization problem and its relaxed version that is based on the conception of rolling-horizon planning.
Shape Errors, Internal Porosity, Linear Dimensions Accuracy and Allowances for the Machining of Castings Made in the Replicast CS Process
Authors: Haratym R. , Sieczka M. , Biernacki R. , Kwapisz J.
Published: August 2014

This research presents comprehensive assessment of the precision castings quality made in the Replicast CS process. The evaluation was made based on quality of the surface layer, shape errors and the accuracy of the linear dimensions. Studies were carried out on the modern equipment, among other things a Zeiss Calypso measuring machine and profilometer were used. Obtained results allowed comparing lost wax process models and Replicast CS process.
Effect of Microstructure of Fe-C-V Alloys on Selected Functional Properties
Authors: Kawalec M. , Kozana J.
Published: August 2014

The cast alloys crystallizing in Fe-C-V system are classified as white cast iron, because all the carbon is bound in vanadium carbides. High vanadium cast iron has a very high abrasion resistance due to hard VC vanadium carbides. However, as opposed to ordinary white cast iron, this material can be treated using conventional machining tools. This article contains the results of the group of Fe-C-V alloys of various microstructure which are been tested metallographic, mechanical using an INSTRON machine and machinability with the method of drilling. The study shows that controlling the proper chemical composition can influence on the type and shape of the crystallized matrix and vanadium carbides. This makes it possible to obtain a high-vanadium cast iron with very high wear resistance while maintaining a good workability.
Tribological Properties of AlSi11-SiCp Composite Castings Produced by Pressure Die Casting Method
Authors: Konopka Z. , Pasieka A.
Published: August 2014

The measurement results concerning the abrasive wear of AlSi11-SiC particles composites are presented in paper. The method of preparing a composite slurry composed of AlSi11 alloy matrix and 10, 20% vol.% of SiC particles, as well as the method of its high-pressure die casting was described. Composite slurry was injected into metal mould of cold chamber pressure die cast machine and castings were produced at various values of the piston velocity in the second stage of injection, diverse intensification pressure values, and various injection gate width values. Very good uniform arrangement of SiC particles in volume composite matrix was observed and these results were publicated early in this journal. The kinetics of abrasive wear and correlation with SiC particles arrangement in composite matrix were presented. Better wear resistance of composite was observed in comparison with aluminium alloy. Very strong linear correlation between abrasive wear and particle arrangement was observed. The conclusion gives the analysis and the interpretation of the obtained results.
Analysis of the High Chromium Cast Iron Microstructure after the Heat Treatment
Authors: Kopyciński D. , Guzik E. , Siekaniec D. , Szczęsny A.
Published: August 2014

The article presents results of heat treatment on the high chromium cast iron. The study was carrying out on samples cut from the casting made from chromium cast iron. Those were hardened at different temperatures, then tempered and soft annealed. The heat treatment was performed in a laboratory chamber furnace in the Department of Engineering Alloys and Composites at Faculty of Foundry Engineering AGH. At each stage of the heat treatment the hardness was measured by Vickers and Rockwell methods, and the microscope images were done. Additionally based on images from the optical microscope the microstructure was assessed. Based on these results, the effect of hardening, tempering and soft annealing on the microstructure and hardness of high chromium cast iron was studied. Next the effects of different hardening temperatures on the properties of high chromium cast iron were compared. The study led to systemize the literature data of the parameters of heat treatment of high chromium cast iron, and optimal conditions for heat treatment was proposed for casts of similar properties and parameters.
Materials and Producers Base Operating in the CAPCAST System
Authors: Mrzygłód B. , Durak J. , Śmigiel D. , Daczyszyn K.
Published: August 2014

The article presents two modules operating in a hybrid CAPCAST system implemented in the Department of Applied Computer Science and Modelling, AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow. These are the modules: CAPCAST-base of producers and CAPCAST-base of materials. Registered producers may benefit from other modules of the system, the base can also be an independent source of knowledge about Polish foundries and their production capacity, and can serve as a kind of platform for the implementation of the basic functions of e-business. The base of materials can also be a source of knowledge about materials, and it allows searching and filtering the lists of materials in terms of user-selected attributes using a multi-level search engine. This module is integrated with the rest of the system and can be used by other modules. The system has been developed at the AGH Department of Applied Computer Science and Modelling in Cracow.
Granulation of Cu-Al-Fe-Ni Bronze
Authors: Pisarek B.P.
Published: August 2014

With the increase in wall thickness of the casting of iron-nickel-aluminium-bronze, by the reduction of the cooling rate the size of κII phase precipitates increases. This process, in the case of complex aluminium bronzes with additions of Cr, Mo and W is increased. Crystallization of big κII phase, during slow cooling of the casting, reduces the concentration of additives introduced to the bronze matrix and hardness. Undertaken research to develop technology of thick-walled products (g> 6 mm) of complex aluminium bronzes. Particular attention was paid to the metallurgy of granules. As a result, a large cooling speed of the alloy, and also high-speed solidification casting a light weight of the granules allows: to avoid micro-and macrosegregation, decreasing the particle size, increase the dispersion of phases in multiphase alloys. Depending on the size granules as possible is to provide finished products with a wall thickness greater than 6 mm by infiltration of liquid alloy of granules (composites). Preliminary studies was conducted using drip method granulate of CuAl10Fe5Ni5 bronze melted in a INDUTHERM-VC 500 D Vacuum Pressure Casting Machine. This bronze is a starting alloy for the preparation of the complex aluminium bronzes with additions of Cr, Mo, W and C or Si. Optimizations of granulation process was carried out. As the process control parameters taken a casting temperature t (°C) and the path h (mm) of free-fall of the metal droplets in the surrounding atmosphere before it is intensively cooled in a container of water. The granulate was subjected to a sieve analysis. For the objective function was assume maximize of the product of Um*n, the percentage weight “Um” and the quantity of granules ‘n’ in the mesh fraction. The maximum value of the ratio obtained for mesh fraction a sieve with a mesh aperture of 6.3 mm. In the intensively cooled granule of bronze was identified microstructure composed of phases: β and fine bainite (α+β′+β′1) and a small quantity of small precipitates κII phase. Get high microhardness bronze at the level of 323±27,9 HV0,1.
Melting of Grey Cast Iron Based on Steel Scrap Using Silicon Carbide
Authors: Stojczew A. , Janerka K. , Jezierski J. , Szajnar J. , Pawlyta M.
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the issue of synthetic cast iron production in the electric induction furnace exclusively on the steel scrap base. Silicon carbide and synthetic graphite were used as carburizers. The carburizers were introduced with solid charge or added on the liquid metal surface. The chemical analysis of the produced cast iron, the carburization efficiency and microstructure features were presented in the paper. It was stated that ferrosilicon can be replaced by silicon carbide during the synthetic cast iron melting process. However, due to its chemical composition (30% C and 70% Si) which causes significant silicon content in iron increase, the carbon deficit can be partly compensated by the carburizer introduction. Moreover it was shown that the best carbon and silicon assimilation rate is obtained where the silicon carbide is being introduced together with solid charge. When it is thrown onto liquid alloy surface the efficiency of the process is almost two times less and the melting process lasts dozen minutes long. The microstructure of the cast iron produced with the silicon carbide shows more bulky graphite flakes than inside the microstructure of cast iron produced on the pig iron base.
Eutectoid Reaction Ar1 of Cast Iron GJS-400-15 in Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Szykowny T. , Romanowski Ł. , Giętka T.
Published: August 2014

This scientific paper presents the research on influence of austenitizing temperature on kinetics and evolution of the spheroidal plain cast iron during eutectoid reaction in isothermal conditions. The cast iron has been austenitized in temperatures of 900, 960 or 1020°C. There were two temperature values of isothermal holding taken into consideration: 760 or 820°C. The order of creation of reaction products and their morphology have been analyzed. The particular attention has been paid to the initial stage of transformation. The qualitative research has been executed using the transmission electron microscope (TEM), as well as quantitative research (LM). The influence of austenitizing temperature has also been determined on transformation kinetics and structural composition. It was found that the increase of austenitizing temperature is conductive to the initial release of structures by metastable system. A reduction of time was observed of the initial stage of transformation at temperature close to Ar12 with its simultaneous elongation at temperature close to Ar11, with an increase of austenitizing temperature. The dependences obtained by the metallographic method confirm the prior results of dilatometric research of eutectoid reaction.
Selected Aspects of Nitrogen Refinement of Silumin 226
Authors: Szymczak T. , Gumienny G. , Pacyniak T.
Published: August 2014

The work presents the results of the investigations of the effect of the nitrogen (N2) refining time „τraf” and the gas output on the course of the crystallization process, the microstructure and the gassing degree of silumin 226 used for pressure casting. The refinement of the examined silumin was performed with the use of a device with a rotating head. The crystallization process was examined by way of thermal analysis and derivative analysis TDA. The performed examinations showed that the prolongation of the N2 refining time causes a significant rise of the temperature of the crystallization end of the silumin, „tL”, as well as a decrease of its gassing degree, „Z”. An increase of the nitrogen output initially causes an increase of the temperature „tL” and a drop of the gassing degree „Z”, which reach their maximal values with the output of 20 dm3/min. Further increase of the output causes a decrease of the value „tL” and an increase of „Z”. The examined technological factors of the refining process did not cause any significant changes in the microstructure of silumin 226.
Distribution Patterns and Floristic Analysis of the Colymbada Tauromenitana (Guss.) Holub Populations in Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Sciandrello Saverio , D’agostino Sonia
Published: August 2014

Colymbada tauromenitana(Guss.) Holub (Asteraceae) is a rare paleoendem-ic, chasmophyte species, occurring on calcareous cliffs in the eastern part of Sicily (Italy). The aim of this work is to analyze the structure and floristic composition of theC. tauromenitanacommunity, in order to characterize the diversity of populations in relation to different ecological data. In all, 61 plots were examined. For each plot, the floristic composition and the cover of the species were determined using the standard relevé method. Three vegetation types emerged from canonical components analysis (CCA), correlated to a gradient of environmental conditions ranging from the coast to inland areas. The first group withLomelosia creticaandDianthus rupicolasubsp.rupicolawas correlated to thermo-xerophilous conditions (lower thermo-Mediterranean belt), the second group withSilene fruticosaandColymbada tauromenitanawas linked to thermophilous conditions (upper thermo-Mediterranean belt) and the third withDianthus siculusandOdontites boc-coneiwas correlated to mesophilous conditions (meso-Mediterranean belt). Altitude is the main factor influencing both species richness and floristic composition. The density ofC. tauromenitanais influenced mainly by rainfall. Finally, we propose a new risk status for this rare species.
Influence of Glycerol and Temperature on the Rheological Properties of Potato Starch Solutions
Authors: Ayala Germán , Vargas Rubén A. , Agudelo Ana C.
Published: August 2014

Effects of temperature and glycerol concentration on rheological properties of potato starch solutions were investigated. The flow behaviour (shear stress against shear rate) was fitted to various models: power law, Herschel-Bulkley, Bingham, modified Bingham and Casson models. However, it was found that the Herschel-Bulkley model describes better the flow behaviour observed at various temperatures and glycerol concentrations, for flow behaviour index values between 0.44 and 0.78, typical of pseudoplastic solutions. The effect of glycerol concentration on each of the fitting parameters for Herschel-Bulkley model was well modelled by a second-degree polynomial at various temperatures. The simultaneous influence of glycerol concentration and temperature on shear stress could be represented empirically by a second-degree polynomial function that includes linear coupling between concentration and temperature. Finally, the variation of the consistency coefficient with both temperature and glycerol concentration was well described by an exponential expression, with an activation energy value of 2.78 kJ mol-1. The results indicate that both glycerol content and temperature have the effect of diluting potato starch solutions.
Long-lasting Effects of Bentonite on Properties of A Sandy Soil Deprived of the Humus Layer
Authors: Czaban Janusz , Czyż Ewa , Siebielec Grzegorz , Niedźwiecki Jacek
Published: August 2014

Bentonite has been recognized as a very good material for the improvement of coarse textured soils. In microplot experiment, of a sandy soil deprived of the humus layer was enriched in 1973 with waste bentonite at the rates of 0, 3, 6 and 12 kg m-2. Until 2002, the microplots were planted with different crops and regularly enriched with mineral and organic fertilizers. Since 2003, the microplots were left barren. In 2009, determinations of several features of the soils (in 5-30, 30-55 and 55-80 cm layers) showed that the historical amendment of the sandy soil with bentonite (especially its highest dose) ensured significantly higher contents of water, organic C, clay, silt and a sand fraction with particle diameter <0.1 mm in 5-30 cm layer. Proportions of non-dispersible clay in the total clay of bentonite soils in the two upper soil layers were significantly lower than those of the control soil. A significant increase in the penetrometer resistance was observed in 40-58 cm layers of the control soil and the soil with 3 kg m-2 bentonite amendment, contrary to the soils with two highest bentonite doses.
Comparison of Surface Soil Moisture from SMOS Satellite and Ground Measurements
Authors: Usowicz Bogusław , Marczewski Wojciech , Usowicz Jerzy B. , Lukowski Mateusz I. , Lipiec Jerzy
Published: August 2014

Soil moisture datasets at various scales are needed for sustainable land use and water management. The aim of this study was to compare soil moisture ocean salinity satellite and in situ soil moisture data for the Podlasie and Polesie regions in Eastern Poland. Both regions have similar climatic and topographic conditions but are different in land use, vegetation, and soil cover. The test sites were located on agricultural fields on sandy soils and natural vegetation on marshy soils that prevail in the Podlasie and Polesie regions, respectively. The soil moisture ocean salinity soil moisture data were obtained from radiometric measurements (1.4 GHz) and the ground soil moisture from sensors at a depth of 5 cm during the years 2010-2011. In general, temporal patterns of soil moisture from both satellite and ground measurements followed the rainfall trend. The regression coefficients, Bland-Altman analysis, concordance correlation coefficient, and total deviation index showed that the agreement between ground and soil moisture ocean salinity derived soil moisture data is better for the Podlasie than the Polesie region. The lower agreement in Polesie was attributed mostly to the presence of the widespread natural vegetation on the wetter marsh soil along with minor contribution of agriculturally used drier coarse-textured soils.
Aerodynamic Properties of Makhobeli, Triticale and Wheat Seeds
Authors: Shahbazi Feizollah , Valizadeh Saman , Dowlatshah Ali
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was the evaluation of the aerodynamic properties of Makhobeli, triticale and wheat seeds as a function of moisture content from 7 to 27% (w.b). The results showed that the terminal velocity of triticale and wheat seeds increased linearly from 5.37 to 6.42 and from 6.31 to 8.02 m s-1, respectively, as the moisture content increased from 7 to 27%. Over this same moisture content range, the terminal velocity of Makhobeli seeds varied following a polynomial relationship from 4.52 to 5.07 m s-1. Makhobeli seeds had terminal velocities with a mean value of 4.73 m s-1, at different moisture contents, compared to the mean values of 5.89 and 7.13 m s-1 for triticale and wheat seeds, respectively. The mean value of drag coefficient was 1.12 for Makhobeli compared to the values of 0.92 and 0.85 for triticale and wheat, respectively. The analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences between the terminal velocity (at 1 % probability level) and drag coefficient (at 5% probability level) of Mak-hobeli with triticale and wheat seeds, which suggests that aerodynamic separation of Makhobeli from triticale and wheat is possible.
Assessment of the Dentition in Children Aged 3-4 Years in the Mazowieckie Province
Authors: Bożyk Andrzej , Krawczyk Joanna , Szalewski Leszek , Kiworkowa Emma , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Caries of deciduous teeth in the population of Polish children is a significant health, social and organizational problem.

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the dentition of 3- and 4-year-old children in the Mazowieckie Province.

Material and methods. The study comprised 393 kindergarten children aged 3 and 4 years in the Mazowieckie Province, 202 girls and 191 boys, including 159 children aged 3 years and 243 children aged 4 years. In all subjects the state of dentition was assessed. The prevalence of caries was calculated as the percentage of people affected by this disease, and the intensity of dental caries was determined using the dmft index. The results were compared with those that Polish researchers obtained in the 3 – and 4-year-olds after 2000.

Results. In the studied group of 3- and 4-year-olds the prevalence of caries was 62.85%, among girls – 61.88% and among boys – 63.87%. For all subjects the average scores for dmft index were 3.22 and its components dt – 2.72 (decayed teeth), mt – 0.1 (missing teeth), ft – 0.4 (filled teeth).

Conclusions. The prevalence and intensity of dental caries in 3- and 4-year-old children attending kindergartens in the Ma-zowieckie Province is high and close to the national average. It is advisable to increase the preventive and curative measures in this age group of children on dental caries.
The Influence of Social and Living Environment on Development of Oral Hygiene Habits in People Over The Age of 65
Authors: Kamińska-Pikiewicz Katarzyna , Bachanek Teresa , Madejczyk Marlena , Samborski Dariusz , Sochaczewska-Dolecka Agnieszka
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Oral health largely depends on proper hygiene, which in elderly people is not different from generally accepted standards, however, must be adjusted to specific conditions in oral cavities of the elderly.

Aim. The aim of the study was the assessment of oral hygiene habits in people over the age of 65 residing in Lublin Nursing Homes and in family homes basing on questionnaire survey.

Material and methods. The study was conducted among 240 people over the age of 65: 117 residents of the four Lublin Nursing Homes (group I) and 123 seniors living in their own homes in Lublin (group II). Assessment of the oral hygiene habits was conducted basing on the questionnaire survey concerning the frequency of tooth brushing, type of toothpaste, the use of additional oral aids as well as the frequency of toothbrush replacement.

Results. Questionnaire survey revealed that seniors residing in Nursing Homes who had their own teeth most frequently brushed them once daily e.g. 37.25%, whereas the surveyed who lived in their family homes twice daily – 47.67%. In both groups the people who brushed their teeth used fluoride toothpastes. Additional oral hygiene aids were used by 31.71% of the surveyed living with their families. Both, the residents of Nursing Homes and those who lived with their families most frequently reported replacing their toothbrushes at least every 3 months.

Conclusions. Nursing Homes residents essentially more frequently revealed considerable neglect and irregularities in oral hygiene in comparison to seniors living with their families. Population of elderly people, especially residents of nursing homes, should be provided with complex dental care.
An Analysis of the Selected Sociodemographic Characteristics in Removable Denture Wearers
Authors: Szalewski Leszek , Pietryka-MichaŁowska Elżbieta , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Dental prosthetic replacements allow restoring the masticatory function, thus contributing to proper nutrition and correct speech, and also improving facial aesthetics.

Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the selected sociodemographic characteristics of people using removable dentures (patient-paid and funded by the National Health Fund).

Material and methods. A questionnaire survey involved 321 individuals, resident in the Lubelskie Voivodship, who used removable dental prostheses. Their selected sociodemographic characteristics were analysed: age, sex, education, place of residence and material status, as well as the form of payment for prosthetic replacements. The obtained results were analysed statistically.

Results. Almost 70% of the studied population wearing removable prostheses had their dentures funded by the National Health Fund. In each age group, women used National Health Fund funded prostheses twice more frequently than men. Prostheses funded by the National Health Fund were used significantly more frequently by patients aged 51-70 years, living in cities and with a higher education level, in comparison to the respondents from other age groups, with different place of residence and education level.

Conclusions. There is correlation between sex, age, place of residence and education level of patients and the frequency of their wearing removable dentures, both patient-paid and funded by the National Health Fund.
Career Plans of Students of Dental-Medical Major at Medical University of Lublin in The Years 2004-2012
Authors: Cieszko-Buk Maria , Bachanek Teresa , Wójcik-Chęcińska Ilona , Chałas Renata
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Higher education institutions thoroughly analyze the labor market. Knowing the career plans of students is important information showing the potential and direction of development of the labor market.

Aim The aim of the study was to gather information on career plans and further development of graduates of the Division of Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin in the years 2004-2012.

Material and methods The survey covered a group of 743 graduates of medical-dental faculty. Students filled in an anonymous questionnaire after passing the exam in conservative dentistry with endodontics. The questions concerned the location and nature of future work, as well as the desire to specialize and determining the area in which the graduate is planning to specialize.

Results The question: “Where are you planning to start work after graduation?” – was answered by more than 35% of the students: “In a big city outside of Lublin.” Over 24% of respondents expressed a desire to return to their hometown, and 21% declared remaining in Lublin. Approximately 13.6% of respondents were considering going abroad, and about 5.65% of the students declared choosing village or a small town, as a place for future work. Among all graduated students, 45.5% would like to work in a medical joint venture, 38.5% wishing to undertake business activity in their own dental office. Only 7.4% of students declared their desire to remain at the university and carry out scientific work. The vast majority of graduates (87.35%) expressed the desire for specialization. The most frequently indicated specialization was conservative dentistry with endo-dontics – the choice was indicated by 22.62% of the respondents. Students expressed similar interest in further development in the field of oral surgery (20.33%), prosthodontics (20.33%) and orthodontics (18.58%).

Conclusions Most of the students of dental-medical major of Medical University of Lublin after graduation planned to work in Poland. The respondents were planning to work primarily in medical partnerships or to open their own dental offices. The vast majority of respondents declared a desire to get specialization.
Evaluation of Gingival Conditions and Saliva TNF-α Concentration in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Pels Elżbieta
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Patients with the history of neoplastic disease in childhood and adolescence, successfully treated, are at higher risk in terms of their susceptibility to develop other diseases later in their lives.

Aim. The purpose of study was to evaluate saliva TNF-α concentration in the children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with reference to gingival inflammations.

Material and methods. The investigation was carried out in the group of 78 children with ALL aged 2-18yrs and analogical in terms of age and gender group of healthy controls. Results. Gingival conditions were expressed as gingival index (GI). In the group of children with ALL mean GI determined in examination 1 was 0.084±0.34, in examination 2 GI=0.007±0.04 and in examination 3 mean GI=0.017±0.13. In the group of healthy controls GI=0.003±0.03. Saliva concentration of TNF-α determined in the group of children with ALL in examination 1 ranged 4.16-135.01pg/ml. In that group in examination 1, mean saliva TNF-α concentration was 36.9±32.6pg/ml. In the group of healthy children mean saliva TNF-α concentration was 52.1±107.64pg/ml.

Conclusions. The authors, who observed various increases in the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8 in the saliva and oral tissues in the patients consider that the proinflammatory cytokines in the saliva present in significantly higher concentrations in the future may have diagnostic and predicative value as replace indices of neoplastic transformations.

Monitoring of prognostic factors affecting inflammations of the oral mucosa in children with ALL is likely to prevent complications to standard treatment and prolonged time of anticancer therapy. Early evaluation of those parameters can quicken recovery and strengthen patient's health. Close cooperation between dentists and pediatricians-hematologists is important in maintaining oral health and improve the quality of life of children suffering from neoplastic diseases.
The Assessment of Periodontal Status and Treatment Needs of the Adult Population Aged 34-44 Residing in Lublin Province and Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Authors: Stodókiewicz Małgorzata , Krawczyk Joanna , Szkutnik Jacek , Berger Marcin
Published: August 2014

Introduction. Periodontitis is a group of inflammatory disorders affecting periodontal tissues. This condition manifests by a progressive destruction of the alveolar bone, subsequently leading to tooth loss. World Health Organization introduced Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs in order to gain data regarding periodontal health and treatment needs of people with periodontitis

Aim. To evaluate the periodontal status of citizens living in the city of Lublin and its surrounding, using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN).

Material and methods. Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs was used to assess the periodontal status among 180 patients aged 35-44 residing in Lublin and the area around it.

Results. Periodontal diseases have been observed in over 90% of the examined population. Treatment need index TN1 has referred to 26.11% of the patients, TN2 – 61.67% and TN3 – 2.22% respectively.

Conclusions. Patients who visit the dentist regularly have a better periodontal status as compared to groups randomly selected.
Dental Erosion
Authors: Kuchta Ewa , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: August 2014

Dental erosion is described as an irreversible loss of dental hard tissue resulting from exposure to non-bacterial acids or chelating substances. It may be caused by exogenous or endogenous factors. In the former case, food, drink, as well as the environment might be sources of acids; in the latter, acids flowing into the oral cavity from the stomach and duodenum. Exogenous dental erosive lesions are localized mainly on the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth of the maxilla, while the endogenous ones can be found on the palatal and masticatory surfaces of the maxilla and the masticatory and buccal surfaces of the mandible. Reduced saliva secretion, which occurs in a number of diseases, also influences dental erosion, while erosion-causing factors and aggressive tooth brushing immediately after consuming acidic food increases the range and depth of erosion cavities. The consequence of dental erosion is teeth hypersensitivity, which results from exposure of dental tubules and of the pulp leading to the loss of tooth vitality and decrease in occlusal height. Treatment of exogenous dental erosion consists in changing nutritional and hygienic habits. In the case of endogenous erosion, however, the therapy should address mainly an underlying disease. Worn teeth surfaces should be restored with conservatory or/and prosthetic methods. In the context of an increasing prevalence of dental erosion in the population, it is necessary to develop and implement prophylactic measures, including broadly understood health education on the risk factors, preventive activities, and possibilities of diagnosis and therapy.
Orthodontic Treatment – Complications and Preventive Measures
Authors: Zarzycka-Kogut Katarzyna , Pucek Marzena , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: August 2014

Orthodontic treatment aims at restoring correct occlusion and chewing function and improving the aesthetics of the dentition and facial esthetics of the patient. During treatment complications may occur. Most frequently observed complications have been described in the paper.

There role of the orthodontist in the therapeutic process and the principles on which doctor- patient cooperation should be based in order to achieve a therapeutic success have been presented. Particular emphasis has been put to the importance of prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases in orthodontic patients.
Variations in α–, β–Amylase and α–Glycosidase Activities in Two genotypes of Wheat Under NACL Salinity Stress
Authors: Chiraz Chaffei Haouari , Afef Hajjaji Nasraoui , Donia Bouthour , Houda Gouia
Published: August 2014

Two wheat differing in salt sensitivity, was examined for osmolyte contents and activities of α-amylase, β-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes involved in seeds germination, in absence as well as in presence of 100, 150, 200 and 300 mM NaCl. The inhibitory effects of NaCl differed, depending on the species tested. In wild wheat specie (Triticum monococcum), with reduced germination percentage and lower relative water content, the increase in NaCl concentration resulted in the decrease in endogenous level of proline, total soluble sugars and activities of the main enzymes involved in the germination process. In contrast, cultivated wheat specie (Triticum aestivum) seed in response to salt stress accumulated higher proline and total soluble carbohydrate concentrations which improved their water status and the enzyme activities involved in the germination process. Differential response of the different species of wheat to salt stress is governed by the accumulation of osmolytes in seeds.
The Impact of Seed Priming and Aging on Physiological Performance of Chickpea Under Different Irrigation Treatments
Authors: Hosseinzadeh-Mahootchi Ayda , Ghassemi-Golezani Kazem
Published: August 2014

A sub-sample of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. CV.ILC482) seeds was kept as control and two other subsamples were aged at 40 °C for 3 and 5 days. Consequently, three seed lots with different levels of vigor were provided. These seed lots were soaked in distilled water at 15°C for 12 and 18 hours and then dried back to initial moisture content at a room temperature of 20–22°C. Then seeds were sown in the field as split plot factorial based on RCB design. Hydro-priming improved leaf chlorophyll content index of plants from different seed lots. Hydro-priming also enhanced stomatal conductance of plants from all seed lots under all irrigation levels, but this advantage for plants from low vigor seed lots particularly under limited irrigations was higher than that for other treatments. Plants from high vigor seed lot under different irrigation treatments had higher relative water content, compared with those from low vigor seed lots. Hydro-priming improved relative water content, membrane stability and grain yield of chickpea plants from different seed lots under various irrigation treatments. It was concluded that hydro-priming to some extent can repair aged seeds and improve their performance under different irrigation treatments.
Influence of Seed Size and Aging on Seedling Growth and Field Establishment of Lentil (Lens Culinaris Medik)
Authors: Ghassemi-Golezani Kazem , Chadordooz-Jeddi Afsaneh , Zehtab-Salmasi Saeid , Oustan Shahin
Published: August 2014

A sub-sample of lentil (Lens culinarisMedik. cv. Kimia) seeds was kept as bulk (S1) and the other seeds were separated by a sieve with four millimeters diameter. Consequently, three seed lots including bulk (S1), large (S2) and small (S3) seeds were obtained. Seeds of each size were divided into three sub-samples. A sub-sample was kept as control or high vigor seed lot (A1). The other two sub-samples with about 20% moisture content were artificially aged at 40°C for 2 and 4 days (A2and A3, respectively). These seeds were evaluated in laboratory and field during 2011 and 2012 as factorial experiments on the bases of RCB design. The lowest mean germination and emergence times and the highest germination percentage, seedling dry weight and emergence percentage were recorded for high vigor seed lot. Large seeds produced the largest seedlings in comparison with bulk and small seeds. Although, seedling dry weight was reduced with increasing seed aging, the lowest reduction was recorded for seedlings from large seeds. The most deteriorated large seeds germinated earlier than those of bulk and small seeds. Early germination of the most deteriorated large seeds resulted in rapid emergence of seedlings in the field. This is also reflected in the highest positive correlation of mean germination time with mean emergence time. It was concluded that some deleterious effects of seed aging can be reduced by increasing seed size.
Genetic analysis of Plant Height, Yield Components and Seed Yield in Rapeseed (Brassica Napus L.) Cultivars
Authors: Rameeh Valiollah
Published: August 2014

Half F2 diallel crosses of spring rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties along with their parents were evaluated for plant height, first siliqua height, siliquae on main axis, siliquae per plant, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. The Analysis of variance based on Cockerham’s method revealed significant mean squares of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA) for all the traits indicating that both additive and non-additive genetic effects were involved in controlling these traits. Parent vs crosses mean square which is indicating average heterosis was significant for all the traits. In Hayman’s method the regression lines estimated for all the traits except plant height cut the Wr axis below the origin in the negative zone, suggesting the overdominance type of gene action for these traits except plant height. Based on the array points on the regression lines, 19H had maximum dominant genes for siliquae on main axis, siliquae per plant 1000-seed weight and seed yield, being closest to the origin, while 0ption500 possessed recessive genes for first siliqua height, siliquae per plant and 1000-seed weight, as evidenced by its distant position from the origin. Due to low narrow-sense heritability estimates for most of the traits, selection for improving these traits should be carried out in delayed segregating generations.
A comparison of methods used to measure the importance of service attributes
Authors: Pokryshevskaya Elena , Antipov Evgeny
Published: August 2014

In this study, nine methods for measuring indirect importance are compared on the basis of their discriminatory power and stability. To the best knowledge of the authors, the stability of results obtained with different methods is assessed for the first time. The deficiencies of an existing criterion for assessing diagnosticity are pointed out and a modified version suggested. The empirical comparison is based on two real-world datasets from the ecommerce industry. Even though none of the methods appeared to be the best according to both criteria simultaneously, there seem to be grounds for recommending the theoretically sound Shapley value decomposition of R-square if stability and discrimination are about equally important for a decision maker, while negative contributions are undesirable.
A study of the impact of social media on consumers
Authors: Hajli M. Nick
Published: August 2014

Social media have provided new opportunities to consumers to engage in social interaction on the internet. Consumers use social media, such as online communities, to generate content and to network with other users. The study of social media can also identify the advantages to be gained by business. A multidisciplinary model, building on the technology acceptance model and relevant literature on trust and social media, has been devised. The model has been validated by SEM-PLS, demonstrating the role of social media in the development of e-commerce into social commerce. The data emerging from a survey show how social media facilitate the social interaction of consumers, leading to increased trust and intention to buy. The results also show that trust has a significant direct effect on intention to buy. The perceived usefulness (PU) of a site is also identified as a contributory factor. At the end of the paper, the author discusses the results, along with implications, limitations and recommended future research directions.
Optimising human inspection work in automated verbatim coding
Authors: Berardi Giacomo , Esuli Andrea , Sebastiani Fabrizio
Published: August 2014

Automatic verbatim coding technology is essential in many contexts in which, either because of the sheer size of the dataset we need to code, or because of demanding time constraints, or because of cost-effectiveness issues, manual coding is not a viable option. However, in some of these contexts the accuracy standards imposed by the customer may be too high for today's automated verbatim coding technology; this means that human coders may need to devote some time to inspecting (and correcting where appropriate) the most problematic autocoded verbatims, with the goal of increasing the accuracy of the coded set. We discuss a software tool for optimising the human coders’ work, i.e. a tool that minimises the amount of human inspection required to reduce the overall error down to a desired level, or that (equivalently) maximises the reduction in the overall error achieved for an available amount of human inspection work.
She Would Rather Perish
Authors: Tucker Judith E.
Published: August 2014

The practices of pirates and corsairs in the Mediterranean in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries provide the backdrop for a discussion of gendered violence. First I explore the most common form of that violence—male on male violence—and argue that it can be as fully gendered as male on female violence. Second, I discuss the role of women in pirate violence, not only as victims but as resisters, mitigators, and collaborators. Finally, I argue that the discursive refashioning of pirate violence in the transition from early modern to modern times entailed the development of this violence as a symbol of the depravity of those regions soon to come under European domination. The paper draws on a range of materials, including pirate captivity narratives, European and Ottoman state documents, and legal opinions.
Authority, justice, and public law: A unified theory
Authors: Weinrib Jacob
Published: August 2014

In articulating the juridical relationship between the individual and the state, a theory of public law must confront a fundamental problem. The practice of public law involves appeals to ideas of both authority and justice, but these ideas appear to be antagonistic rather than complementary. On the one hand, persons must act in conformity with legal obligations enacted through the contingent exercise of public authority. On the other, persons must act in conformity with timeless ideals of public justice. The theoretical puzzle at the core of public law stems from the incompatibility of these convictions. Because enacted laws are often unjust and just laws are rarely enacted, persons often find themselves simultaneously pulled in one direction by the demands of public authority and pulled in another by the demands of public justice. To escape this tension, the leading theories invariably fragment their subject matter by reducing the whole of public law to one of its aspects, authority in abstraction from justice or justice in abstraction from authority. This article formulates a unified theory of public law that integrates the distinctive claims of authority and justice into a common framework. My central claim is that once authority and justice are appropriately conceived and justified, they are neither antithetical virtues of opposing theoretical frameworks nor isolated notions. Instead, authority and justice are the mutually implicating principles of a legal system: the right of rulers to exercise public authority is always accompanied by a duty to govern justly; the right of the ruled to just governance presupposes the presence of publicly authoritative institutions. The unified theory of public law thereby articulates a common moral standpoint from which the distinctive claims of authority and justice may each be given their due.
Performance Bond
Authors: Kraft Elizabeth , Park Heedae , Gransberg Douglas D.
Published: August 2014

In the highway industry, one of the main methods to prequalify a contractor is to determine if a performance bond can be secured from a commercial surety. The current performance bonding system does not differentiate between high-performing and marginal contractors. Two companies with the same level of financial assets have the same capability to furnish performance bonds. This paper details an analysis of the benefits and costs of performance bonds and reports the results of a study that used case studies in five state departments of transportation (DOTs): Iowa, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. Structured interviews were also conducted with members of the construction contracting sector and the surety industry. The results showed that although average default rates were less than 1.0% and a performance bond added an average of 1.5% to the cost of every construction project, DOTs and contractors were reluctant to eliminate performance bonds from the industry. There lies a paradox: construction project owners are willing to pay an additional 1.5% to protect themselves from an event that occurs less that 1.0% of the time.