bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Transportation and Transformation Under Different Soil Water and Salinity Conditions
Authors: Zeng Wen-Zhi , Ma Tao , Huang Jie-Sheng , Wu Jing-Wei
Published: January 2017

Soil nitrogen transportation and transformation are important processes for crop growth and environmental protection, and they are influenced by various environmental factors and human interventions. This study aims to determine the effects of irrigation and soil salinity levels on nitrogen transportation and transformation using two types of experiments: column and incubation. The HYDRUS-1D model and an empirical model were used to simulate the nitrogen transportation and transformation processes. HYDRUS-1D performed well in the simulation of nitrogen transportation and transformation under irrigated conditions (R
2 as high as 0.944 and 0.763 for ammonium and nitrate-nitrogen simulations, respectively). In addition, the empirical model was able to attain accurate estimations for ammonium (R
2 = 0.512-0.977) and nitrate-nitrogen (R
2 = 0.410-0.679) without irrigation. The modelling results indicated that saline soil reduced the rate of urea hydrolysis to ammonium, promoted the longitudinal dispersity of nitrogen and enhanced the adsorption of ammonium-nitrogen. Furthermore, the effects of soil salinity on the nitrification rate were not obviously comparable to the effects of the amount of irrigation water. Without irrigation, the hydrolysis rate of urea to ammonium decreased exponentially with the soil salinity (R
2 = 0.787), although the nitrification coefficient varied with salinity. However, the denitrification coefficient increased linearly with salinity (R
2 = 0.499).
The Influence of Natural and Model Forms of Humic Acids on the Dynamic Parameters of Model Membranes
Authors: Pisarek Izabella , Pytel Barbara , Filipiak Aneta , Engel Grzegorz , Olchawa Ryszard , Man Dariusz , Najwer Karolina
Published: January 2017

In this paper the influence of humic acid concentrations extracted from Histosols (HA-A) and their model forms (HA-B) separated from humic substances commercially produced by Carl Roth GmbH + Co.KG on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes was determined. Differences in the quality of the humic acids (HA-A and HA-B) were determined by the 1HNMR and FTIR methods. Liposomes from the sonication of egg yolk lecithin (EYL) in an aqueous solution and synthetic Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were used. Fluidity of liposome membranes was determined by the EPR technique with spin probes (TEMPO, 16DOIXYL). The electrical parameters of membranes were found using a Keithley 6517 electrometer. Our study showed significant differences in the influence of HA-A and HA-B on the membranes. In the bilayer membranes of the liposomes of HA-A admixture there was slightly more stiffening of the interior of the membrane in comparison to HA-B. A similar effect was observed in the surface layer of the liposome membranes. This difference is particularly evident for DPPC liposomes, however, the EYL liposomes admixture with HA-B slightly increased the fluidity of the surface layer. Electrical study confirmed this effect. The study shows that natural and model forms of humic acids differ in their effects on the activity of tested membrane models. The strong differences in the interaction of HA-A and HA-B on parameter F in DPPC liposomes can be result from the transport of humic acids connected to the metal ions inside the membranes (xenobiotics present in the environment).
Drinking in the North of European Russia: From Traditional to Totalising Liminality
Authors: Tutorsky Andrei V.
Published: January 2017

This article* explores the topic of alcohol consumption in Russia. My fieldwork was conducted in the north of European Russia between 2010 and 2014 in Arkhangelskaya and Vologodskaya oblasts. The main idea of the paper is to look at alcohol drinking through the lens of rites of passage and especially liminality. I argue that the traditional festivities, and alcohol consumption with the traditional type of liminality, were based on a small amount of sugar and money and also the long period of time required to make beer. In 1960s, afterukrupneniyeand the urbanisation of villages, money and spirits came to the villages. Together with an existing prohibition on ceremonies and rites they created a new permanent liminality of drinking. This new liminality included getting dead drunk and was paradoxically approved by Soviet ideology.
Alcohol Consumption Practices in the Koryak Community
Authors: Khakhovskaya Lyudmila N.
Published: January 2017

The article* is dedicated to the analysis of alcohol consumption practices within the Koryak ethno-cultural community. The aim of the article is to understand how the reasons for alcohol consumption are explained within the framework of the community. The analysis is based on the ideas of Durkheim’s social theory. The author of the article claims that the practice of consuming alcohol is essentially connected with the more archaic practice of mushroom consumption since both have a grounding in the Koryak perception of the world. The analysed models of behaviour stem from appropriate Koryak epistemology and ontology, which themselves are based on the notion of the ‘other world’ and communication with supernatural entities (spirits). The isomorphism of consuming alcohol and amanita intoxication reflects the inner core of this connection: the Koryak believe that an entity enters the human body and controls their actions. The transition from one type of intoxication to another is accompanied by drastic transformation of the materiality of the consumed product, which, in turn, leads towards social transformations. Such social changes are qualified as anomie by the author of the article. The visual materiality of the amanita mushroom dictated its symbolic anthropomorphism and creation of special rules for the treatment (amanita codex). The physical amorphousness of vodka does not imply the same intellectual work. The author claims that this factor was one of the reasons why the Koryak do not have social regulations about vodka consumption – which leads to mass alcoholism. It is possible that indigenous communities have difficulties in working out the required social regulations because of the complexities surrounding the non-utilitarian treatment of the unusual materiality of vodka.
The Importance of Positive Immunomagnetic Cell Separation Prior to Autologous Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplantation for Advanced Stage Lymphomas
Authors: Benedek István , Köpeczi Judit-Beáta , Kakucs Enikő , Jakab Szende , Benedek István , Lázár Erzsébet
Published: January 2017

We present the method of immunomagnetic stem cell separation with the ISOLEX 300i device (Isolex® 300i Magnetic Cell Selection System, Nextell Therapeutics Inc. Irvine California 21618 USA) and the results obtained using this method in patients admitted to the Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Clinic of Tîrgu Mureş, Romania. Cell selection has a great importance in separating stem cells from tumor cells, therefore contributing to the success of autologous stem cell transplantation.
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection in Children
Authors: Făgărășan Amalia , Muntean Iolanda , Gozar Liliana , Pasc Sorina , Togănel Rodica
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to study the anatomical types of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), the associated cardiac and extracardiac congenital malformations, clinical manifestations, and postoperative evolution.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 125 days, admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Cardiology III between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2015 and diagnosed with TAPVC were included in the study. The patients were evaluated clinically, electrocardiographically and echocardiographically, both pre- and postoperatively. Postoperative evolution was monitored at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months.

Results: The anatomical types of TAPVC were: supracardiac in 50% of cases (12 patients), cardiac in 37.5% (9 patients) and mixed type in 12.5% of cases (3 patients). The first clinical manifestation was cyanosis in 72.2% of cases. Surgical correction was performed at a mean age of 37 days in obstructive forms, and 254 days in non-obstructive forms. From the study lot, 8.4% of patients had associated extracardiac malformations (anorectal agenesis and Ivemark syndrome). Early postoperative complications included pulmonary hypertension crisis (60% of cases), supraventricular arrhythmias (35% of cases) and chylothorax (8.4% of cases). Late postoperative complications included: reintervention in 8% of patients with mixed type TAPVC.

Conclusions: The most frequently encountered type was supracardiac TAPVC, which had a favorable postoperative evolution. Mixed type TAPVC had the highest rate of reintervention.
Humanistic Medicine, a Forgotten Concept? The Correct Approach in Palliative Care of Chronic Patients
Authors: Albu Sorin , Voidăzan Septimiu
Published: January 2017

Palliative care in Romania is a relatively new emerging field. Challenges of this specialty, its uniqueness and the several problems posed by a particular category of patients, the chronically ill patients, make this medical specialty a particularly complex one in certain situations, requiring a multidisciplinary team well-prepared in terms of theory and practice. Unlike in the case of most medical specialties, particular emphasis is laid on the “human” side of medical care, this specialty introducing the concept of “total pain”.
Myocardial Fibrosis and the Risk of Recurrence in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kovács István , Mester András , Bordi Lehel , Stănescu Alexandra , Condrea Sebastian , Chiţu Monica , Benedek Annabell , Benedek Imre
Published: January 2017

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent cardiac arrhythmia increasing the risk of stroke and mortality from heart failure. Magnetic resonance imaging was used by several authors for assessment of atrial fibrosis and to predict the rate of recurrence following AF ablation. The aim of this manuscript was to summarize the new data in the literature regarding the role of atrial fibrosis in AF imaging and the role of cardiac fibrosis in predicting AF recurrence after radio-frequency ablation.
Imaging Techniques for the Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion
Authors: Jáni Laura , Bordi Lehel , Morariu Mirabela , Nyulas Tiberiu , Kovács István , Benedek Annabell , Benedek Imre
Published: January 2017

One of the most significant causes of heart failure is coronary heart disease and subsequent left ventricular dysfunction. The prognosis and perioperative mortality are influenced by left ventricular function, which is also an important predictor marker following revascularization. The evaluation of myocardial perfusion is of utmost importance in patients who present several symptoms before choosing cardiac catheterization as treatment. The evaluation of myocardial perfusion and myocardial viability leads to superior diagnostic and treatment algorithms, thus resulting in an important improvement in the outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease. Color Doppler myocardial imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), contrast perfusion echocardiography, positron emission computed tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are currently used methods for assessing myocardial perfusion. This review aims to summarize the benefits and disadvantages of each of these techniques.
CT Determination of Fractional Flow Reserve in Coronary Lesions
Authors: Mester András , Chiţu Monica , Rat Nora , Opincariu Diana , Bordi Lehel , Stănescu Alexandra , Orzan Marius , Nyulas Tiberiu , Benedek Imre
Published: January 2017

Invasively determined fractional flow reserve (FFR) represents the gold-standard method for the functional evaluation of coronary lesions. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) provides characterization of the coronary anatomy, with important morphological information on the atherosclerotic plaques, but does not offer a hemodynamic evaluation of coronary artery lesions. CT evaluation of FFR (FFRCT) is a new noninvasive diagnostic method, which provides anatomical and functional assessment of the whole coronary tree, based on computational techniques, with no more radiation or hyperemic agent administration compared with routine CCTA. Recent studies demonstrated the safety and accuracy of FFRCT and its therapeutic use and cost benefits in real-world clinical use.
Transluminal Attenuation Gradient for the Noninvasive Assessment of Functional Significance in Coronary Artery Stenoses
Authors: Orzan Marius , Stănescu Alexandra , Nyulas Tiberiu , Morariu Mirabela , Rat Nora , Condrea Sebastian , Benedek Imre
Published: January 2017

Invasive and noninvasive methods currently used for imaging-based evaluation of the coronary tree reveal a high number of moderate degree coronary artery stenoses, and the decision to revascularize or not such lesions could be difficult in different clinical settings. Therefore, the need for evaluating the functional significance of such lesions appeared obvious and led to the introduction of fractional flow reserve methodology, a new tool proposed for the evaluation of the functional impact of a coronary stenosis. At the same time, new tools have been proposed for the same application, such as the transluminal attenuation gradient along a coronary artery stenosis, determined using cardiac computed angiography. The aim of this short update is to summarize the recent advances in the field of invasive and noninvasive evaluation of the functional significance of coronary artery stenoses.
Growth of Ornamental Grasses Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Henschke Monika
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of substrate salinity caused by increasing NaCl doses on growth and development of ornamental grasses: Briza media L., Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv., Koeleria glauca (Spreng.) DC., Sesleria caerulea (L.) Ard. and Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash. Results provide the basis for the preliminary classification of analyzed grasses in terms of their tolerance to substrate salinity. Grasses, responding negatively to substrate salinity caused by small doses of 5 and 10 g·NaCl·dm−3, may be considered to be sensitive species. Within the studied genotypes, B. media showed a negative response to salt stress in most of the analyzed traits. Genotypes responded differently to salinity but all had a decreased tolerance index even at the lowest concentration of NaCl. The lowest percentages of dry leaves at 5 and 10 g NaCl·dm−3 were in K. glauca and S. caerulea. The percentage of dry matter and leaf greenness were least affected.
Migration Monitoring of Blackcurrant Gall Mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.) from Buds to Leaves on Several Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars
Authors: Piotrowski Wojciech , Łabanowska Barbara H. , Galińska Anna , Cuthbertson Andrew G.S.
Published: January 2017

The blackcurrant gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) is the most important pest of blackcurrant crops. Over recent years withdrawal from plant protection programmes of chemical products (endosulfan and amitraz) used for the control of this pest in Poland, has led to an observed increase in population numbers. In 2013, fenpiroxymate (Ortus 05 SC) became registered for control of this pest. It is deemed best that chemical protection should be used during the migration period; when big gall mites emerge from buds in search of new buds. The studies were carried out in a plantation of blackcurrants during 2011-2013. The assessment of migration of the blackcurrant gall mite was carried out on the cultivars ‘Ben Hope’, ‘Ben Alde’r, ‘Ojeby’n and ‘Ruben’. Every year, from selected cultivars buds were collected. They were then placed on blackcurrant leaves within Petri dishes. After one, three and five days of placing buds on the leaves, the estimated number of eriophyid mites on the leaves was calculated. The data has shown a very useful method for monitoring blackcurrant gall mite, which can be used in calculating the treatment dates for this pest. Also, the data has shown that differences in the periods of migration of the mite are dependent on the cultivar and time of flowering. Among the cultivars observed the least susceptible to colonization by the blackcurrant gall mite was a Polish cultivar ‘Ruben’, while the most susceptible cultivar was ‘Ben Hope’.
Genomic Profiling of F1 Hybrids of Durian (Durio zibethinus) Revealed by RAPD-PCR
Authors: Prihatini Riry , Ihsan Farihul , Indriyani Ni Luh Putu
Published: January 2017

The molecular analysis of 32 durian F1 hybrids, resulted from crossing of the Arp 8990 (female parent) and ‘Otong’ (male parent), was conducted in order to determine the genetic characteristics of hybrids and parents, as it would be followed/evidenced by the variability of traits produced from the cross breeding. The RAPD analyses of 14 primers resulted in 114 scoring bands, 112 (98.2%) of them were polymorphic, with 4 to 11 bands amplified per primer. The electrophoresis gel of the PCR results revealed that some hybrids produced different band patterns compared to the parents; this indicated the crossing between parents’ alleles and trait combinations from both the parents. The Dice-Sorensen similarity coefficient demonstrated that most of the hybrids had distant genetic similarities with both parents, which were ranged from 0.141 [71B(4) and 72B(15)] to 0.776 [71B(15) and 48B(1)]. The UPGMA method was used to construct the dendrogram, which grouped the hybrids in five clusters with distinct genetic relationships and was confirmed with the PCA analysis. This result implied that above crossing produced hybrids having characters different from the parents.
The Effect of Short-term Storage and the Hot Water Treatment of Fresh-Cut Pepper Fruit cv. ‛Blondy F1’ and ‛Yecla F1’ on the Content of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Szwejda-Grzybowska Justyna I. , Kosson Ryszard , Grzegorzewska Maria
Published: January 2017

The aim of the experiment was to determine the changes in the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant/antiradical activity in fresh-cut fruits of sweet pepper cv. ‘Blondy F1’ and ‘Yecla F1’, depending on the postharvest treatment. Treatment with hot water and short-term storage decreased the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant/antiradical activity of fruit peppers. The treatment with water at 55 °C for 12 sec. of fresh-cut fruits caused lower losses in content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant/antiradical activities than the treatment with water at 45 °C for 10 min. There was a significant correlation between the content of total polyphenols and antioxidant and antiradical activity of pepper fruits depending on the cultivar and the experimental season.
The Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria on Transplants Growth and Lettuce Yield in Organic Production
Authors: Szczech Magdalena , Szafirowska Anna , Kowalczyk Waldemar , Szwejda-Grzybowska Justyna , Włodarek Agnieszka , Maciorowski Robert
Published: January 2017

Application of beneficial bacterial strain B125 (Enterobacter sp.) and strain PZ9 (Bacillus sp.) in lettuce transplants production significantly enhanced seed germination and plant biomass. The best effect was obtained when the mixture of B125 and PZ9 was used. Combined application of these bacteria significantly increased transplants biomass, which was about 45% higher than that in the control. However, after planting these transplants in organic field, generally, there were no differences in yield and nutrient content in plants treated and not treated with the bacteria, except for nitrogen and vitamin C. The lettuce grown from transplants treated with bacterial mixture B125 + PZ9 contained significantly higher nitrogen than plants from other treatments. Opposite to nitrogen, bacterial applications decreased the amount of vitamin C. The growth and organic lettuce composition was affected by planting time. The yield was higher in spring, but the concentration of nutrients in these plants was lower than that in plants harvested in autumn. Climatic and light conditions in the late season were the reasons for increased dry matter content, minerals, phenolic compounds, and vitamin C, as well as high concentration of nitrates.
Effect of the Substrate Composition on Yield and Quality of Basil (Ocimum basilicumL.)
Authors: Burdina Irina , Priss Olesia
Published: January 2017

Basil (Ocimum basilicumL.) is an aromatic herb which has a high value and is of high demand in the world. Basil in Ukraine is grown mainly in small farms and country house gardens. The influence of the substrate composition (proportions of peat to perlite) on the yield of herbs and on the accumulation of biologically active substances with antioxidant properties was studied for two cultivars grown in a green-house. It was found that the substrate composition influenced the fresh and dry weight, as well as level of total phenolic compounds, carotenoids and essential oils of basil. The herbs yield, ascorbic acid and essential oils concentration increased at an addition of 20, 40 and 60% of perlite, and decreased at 80% as compared to 100% peat. Plants of both cultivars accumulated the highest amount of phenolic substances when grown in the substrate, which contained 40% of peat and 60% of perlite. The concentration of ascorbic acid increased in plants grown in the substrates with 20, 40 and 60% of perlite, mostly at 40%. Significant increase in the concentration of carotenoids differed for cultivars and in ʽBad’oryi’ cv. increased at 20 and 40% perlite, but in ʽFilosof’ at 20, 40 and 60%.
Development of Simple Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assays for Foodborne Pathogens Detection and Identification On Lightcycler
Authors: Karus Avo , Ceciliani Fabrizio , Bonastre Armand Sanches , Karus Virge
Published: January 2017

Most acute intestinal diseases are caused by food-borne pathogens. A fast and simple real-time PCR-based procedure for simultaneous detection of food contamination by any of the five food-borne pathogens: Campylobacter jejuni, Mycobacterium bovis, Enterobacter sakazaki, Shigella boydii, Clostridium perfrigens using multiplex EvaGreen real-time PCR for LightCycler was developed and evaluated. Real-time qPCR showed excellent sensitivity. Tm calling and Melting Curve Genotyping (MCG) were used for analysis of PCR product melting curves. The Melting Curve Genotyping option showed good performance for discrimination of positive samples containing DNA of single pathogen or pathogen mixtures from negative samples.
The Influence of Scheduling Style on Assortment Size
Authors: Rai Dipankar , Lin Chien-Wei (Wilson) , Ierlan Magdoleen T.
Published: January 2017

People use two types of scheduling styles to schedule their daily activities, namely clock-time or event-time. When people use clock time, they organize tasks based on a clock. When they use event-time, they organize tasks based on their order of completion. This research shows that adopting different scheduling styles influence consumers’ assortment size preferences. We demonstrate, through two studies, that consumers using event-time scheduling style prefer a larger assortment size whereas consumers using clock-time scheduling style prefer a smaller assortment size. We also show that this effect is mediated by desirability-feasibility consideration. Specifically, event-time scheduling style leads consumers to focus on the desirability considerations, which leads them to prefer larger assortment size while shopping. On the other hand, clock-time scheduling style leads consumers to focus on the feasibility considerations, which leads them to prefer smaller assortment size while shopping. We also discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of our research.
Effects of antioxidant vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) on some metabolic and reproductive profiles in dairy cows during transition period
Authors: Omur A. , Kirbas A. , Aksu E. , Kandemir F. , Dorman E. , Kaynar O. , Ucar O.
Published: January 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of some antioxidant vitamins and trace elements on some metabolic and postpartum reproductive profiles in dairy cows during transition period. In the study, altogether 20 clinically healthy Brown Swiss dairy cows (aged 4-5 years-old) under the same management and feeding conditions in periparturient period were used. The animals were divided into two equal groups: control (C) and treatment (T) group (n=10 for each group). Vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) were administered intramuscularly into the cows of the T group, while isotonic saline, asplacebo, was injected subcutaneously into those in the C group. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture of the jugular vein at the beginning of transition period, parturition and 3-weeks after the parturition. The metabolic and reproductive parameters were determined. In the C group, statistically significant changes were observed in the levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total protein (TP) (p<0.05), glucose (GLU), progesterone (P4) (p<0.01), total cholesterol (T.CHOL), triglycerides (TG), UREA, creatinine (CRSC) and total bilirubin (TBIL) (p<0.001). In the T group, significant changes in the levels of NEFA, TBIL (p<0.05), T.CHOL, HDL, LDL (p<0.01), TG, GLU, P4, TAC and TOC (p<0.001) were observed. It was concluded that the administration of various vitamins and trace elements could be effective to improve some metabolic and reproductive profiles in dairy cows during the transition period.
Ultrasonography: a method used for pregnancy imaging of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
Authors: Najbar A. , Kiełbowicz Z. , Szymczak J. , Ogielska M.
Published: January 2017

Ultrasound imaging has more frequently been used in veterinary medicine of amphibians and reptiles. In this study, we have verified the usefulness of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy determination of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra. We have also undertaken to estimate the number of larvae and their developmental stage directly in the oviducts. Three gravid females from Lower Silesia (southern Poland) were examined. Due to the small size of the scanned animals, and the particular arrangement of embryos in the oviducts and ultrasound beams dispersal, the method proved to be inaccurate. Therefore, the minimum number of well-visualized larvae was determined. The maximum number of larvae was established on the basis of the visible fragments of embryos. After birth, we found that the number of larvae born was included in the „min-max” range in only one case. In the remaining two salamanders the number of larvae was higher than estimated in 3 to 7 individuals. The results showed that ultrasound imaging allows the minimum number of larvae in salamander; oviducts to be specified. However, total length measurements were possible only for single and clearly visible embryos.
Evaluation of venous blood gas levels, blood chemistry and haemocytometric parameters in milk fed veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle
Authors: Giambelluca S. , Fiore E. , Sadocco A. , Gianesella M. , Vazzana I. , Orefice T. , Morgante M.
Published: January 2017

An evaluation of blood chemistry profile in relation to specific stages of livestock cycle can help better understand variations in physiological conditions in order to adjust management systems to animal needs. In addition to basal hematological investigation, the acid-base balance and blood gases are essential tools in evaluating metabolism in calves. The relationship between blood gas parameters, diet and growth should be further investigated.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in acid-base status, blood gases, serum chemistry and hematological parameters in veal calves at different periods of livestock cycle.

One hundred twenty-eight healthy cross breeding calves were enrolled in a farm in North-East Italy. Blood samplings were carried out from the jugular vein on day 1 (t1), 60 (t2) and 150 (t3) after arrival. Blood gas analysis was performed and hematological parameters were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test were performed to assess differences between blood parameter values at the different periods.

The main differences in blood gas parameter levels during the livestock cycle concerned pH, Base Excess and HCO3 with higher values recorded in t3. Urea, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and bilirubin mean values were significantly higher in t1 than in t2 and t3. Aspartate aminotransferase increased from t1 to t2 and t3. Alkaline Phosphatase was higher in t2. Fe levels severely dropped in t2 and in t3, and the decrease led to a restrained but significant reduction in haemoglobin values. A correspondent decrease in the other haemocytometric parameters was found.
Molecular characterization and expression analysis of the NLR family CARD containing five transcripts in the pig
Authors: Yang Q.Y. , Chen T. , Chen Y.B. , Lan D.L.
Published: January 2017

The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family caspase recruitment domain-containing 5 (NLRC5) is one of the newly discovered and largest NLR family members. The NLRC5 has recently received extensive attention because of its important role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. The NLRC5 in many vertebrates, such as humans, mice, cattle, and horses, has already been proven and studied. However, the NLRC5 gene characteristics of pigs remain unclear. Thus, we completely cloned the NLRC5 cDNA sequence of the pig using the rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE) technology. A characteristic and tissue expression analysis was also conducted on the pig sequence. The sequence analysis showed that the complete cDNA sequence of the NLRC5 of the pig is 6638 bp, and the open reading frame is 5538 bp which encoded 1846 amino acids. The protein prediction analysis indicates that the overall performance of the NLRC5 protein of the pig is hydrophilic and possesses a typical nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain(NBD) and 20 leucine-rich repeats(LRRs). The homology analysis result indicates that the NLRC5 transcript in pigs is highly homologous to cattle, sheep, macaques, and humans, and accounts for around 80%. The genetic evolutionary tree analysis shows that the NLRC5 transcript in pigs has the closest evolutionary relationship with cattle and sheep. Further tissue expression analysis shows that immune organ systems (e.g., lymph node and spleen) and mucosa organs (e.g., intestinal lymph node, stomach, and lungs) possess high expressions with NLRC5 mRNA. The result of this study indicates that the NLRC5 transcript in pigs is relatively conservative among mammals and may play a vital role in immune reaction, which provides a basis for further studies on the NLRC5 function in the pig immune system and the role in comparative immunity.
Changes in reticulorumen content temperature and pH according to time of day and yearly seasons
Authors: Antanaitis R. , Žilaitis V. , Juozaitienė V. , Stoškus R. , Televičius M.
Published: January 2017

The monitoring of rumen content temperature can be useful for the evaluation of cow health condition and heat. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of the circadian rhythm (time of day) and season on reticulorumen acidity (pH) and temperatures (RT) in lactating dairy cows. The research was performed on ten 2nd – lactation, clinically healthy Lithuanian Black and White fresh dairy cows (up to 1 day after calving). The cows were milked twice daily at 05:00 and 17:00. The cows were kept in a loose housing system, and were fed a feed ration throughout the year at the same time, balanced according to their physiological needs. Cow feeding took place every day at 06:00 and 18:00. The pH and temperature of the contents of cow reticulorumens were measured using specific smaXtec boluses manufactured for animal care.

The temperature starts rising 6 hours after the evening feeding and milking, whereas 1 hour after the morning milking, it starts decreasing. The lowest temperature observed in the springtime was 38.81±0.001, and the highest was in autumn 39.17±0.001. The pH starts decreasing 3 hours after the morning feed, whereas 4 hours after the evening feed, it starts increasing. The lowest pH was observed in the summertime – 5.99±0.001, and the highest was in autumn and springtime – 6.18±0.001.

In conclusion the reticulorumen temperature in lactating cows was found to be influenced by the circadian rhythm and season. The acidity of the reticulorumen content changes similar to the temperature. The pH of the reticulorumen contents was also found to be influenced by the circadian rhythm and season.
Immunoreactivity of arcuate nucleus astrocytes in rats after intragastric administration of habanero peppers (Capsicum Chinese Jacq.)
Authors: Rycerz K. , Krawczyk A. , Jaworska-Adamu J. , Gołyński M. , Lutnicki K. , Balicki I.
Published: January 2017

Habanero pepper fruits contain capsaicin (CAP) characterised by a spicy taste. Astrocytes express vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), which interacts with cannabinoids including CAP. Only a few studies revealed that CAP leads to alterations of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) structures. The aim of this study was to analyse the GFAP (GFAP-IR) and S100β (S100β-IR) immunoreactive astrocytes of ARC in adult rats after intragastric administration of habanero pepper fruits. Adult, Wistar rats received a peanut oil – control group (C) – and oil suspension of habanero pepper fruits at a dose of 0.08 g dm/kg b.w. for 7 days – E1 group – and 28 days – E2 group. After euthanasia, the brains were embedded in paraffin blocks using a routine histological technique. Frontal slices of ARC were immunohistochemically stained for GFAP and S100β using specific antibodies in the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Astrocytes of ARC were morphologically and morphometrically analysed under a light microscope. The results of the study did not reveal statistically significant changes in the density of GFAP-IR cells in E1 and E2 groups of rats in comparison with group C. A statistically significant increase in the density of S100β-IR astrocytes was observed in the E1 group and a decrease in the E2 group. Astrocytes with expression of both studied proteins were characterised by morphological alterations in ARC in the E2 group. The obtained results suggest an influence of CAP contained in habanero pepper fruits on the reactivity of astroglia, which may have an impact on the astrocyte-neuron interactions in order to maintain a proper activity of nervous cells in ARC.
Adrenergic control of pinealocyte chondriome – an in vitro study
Authors: Przybylska-Gornowicz B. , Lewczuk B. , Ziółkowska N. , Prusik M.
Published: January 2017

Norepinephrine released from sympathetic innervation plays the main role in the regulation of melatonin secretion in mammalian pinealocytes. The present study was conducted for the following reasons: 1) to establish whether the pinealocyte chondriome is controlled by norepinephrine, 2) to determine the effect of adrenergic stimulation on mitochondria, and 3) to characterize adrenoceptors involved in the regulation of the chondriome.

The static organ culture of the pineal gland was used. The explants were incubated for 5 consecutive days in control medium and between 20:00 and 08:00 in medium with the presence of 10 μM norepinephrine – adrenergic agonist; isoproterenol – beta-adrenoceptor agonist; cirazoline, methoxamine, M-6364 – alfa1 – adrenoceptors agonists or PMA – activator of PKC. The explants were then subjected to ultrastructural examination and morphometric analysis.

The incubation of explants in the presence of norepinephrine or isoproterenol caused a decrease in the relative volume and the numerical density of mitochondria and induced an increase in the percentage of free mitochondria in pinealocytes. Significant changes in these parameters were not observed after treatment with methoxamine, cirazoline, M-6463 and PMA.

The results obtained show that the chondriome of pig pinealocytes is controlled by norepinephrine acting via beta-adrenoceptors. Adrenergic stimulation, repeated for five consecutive days of organ culture, causes a decrease in the number of mitochondria and a shift in the distribution of mitochondria from the form of networks and filaments into the form of single particles. This indicates the intensive remodeling of the mitochondria network, which is closely linked to the metabolic status of the cell.
Influence of horse breed on transepidermal water loss
Authors: Szczepanik M.P. , Wilkołek P.M. , Adamek Ł.R. , Pluta M. , Gołyński M. , Sitkowski W. , Kalisz G. , Taszkun I. , Pomorski Z.J.H
Published: January 2017

Non-invasive methods of skin condition assessment include, among others, the evaluation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the study was to examine whether TEWL values depend on horse breed. The study was conducted on four breeds: “Felin” ponies (FP) (n=16), Polish koniks (PK) (n=15), Polish cold-blooded horses (PcbH) (n=11) and Wielkopolska horses (WH) (n=12). It was found that horse breed influences TEWL values. In the neck region, statistically significant differences were found between PK and FP (p=0.006), and PK and WH (p=0.0005). In the lumbar region, there were statistically significant differences between FP and PK (p=0.0009), FP and PcbH (p=0.0016) as well as between PK and WH (p=0.000037), and PcbH and WH (p=0.0006). In the inguinal region statistically significant differences were found between FP and PK (p=0.0003), FP and PcbH (p=0.0005), PK and WH (p=0.009) and PcbH and WH (p=0.006). In the lip region statistically significant differences were observed between FP and PK (p=0.013) as well as between PK and PcbH (p=0.029) and PK and WH (p=0.009). In the examination of TEWL animal breed should be taken into consideration. The non-significant differences found in three of the examined body regions may suggest that these regions are the most adequate for TEWL assessment.
Cholesterol Deficiency – new genetic defect transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle
Authors: Kamiński S. , Ruść A.
Published: January 2017

The aim of the study was to find out whether carriers of new genetic defect Cholesterol Deficiency (CD) occur in the population of Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls. Twenty seven bulls were included in the analysis. Bulls were selected as having in the pedigree known carrier of CD (Maughlin Storm CANM000005457798). All bulls were diagnosed by the test described by Menzi et al. (2016) by using allele-specific PCR. Among 27 bulls, 9 new CD carriers were found. Our results show that causal mutation for CD is already transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle. The results are sufficient ground to take practical action in order to avoid further spreading of mutation causing CD.
Public Management in a Real Estate Area – Some Empirical Evidence from Polish Municipalities
Authors: Marona Bartłomiej
Published: January 2017

The main goal of this paper is to present the role of individual concepts ofpublic managementin the process of real estate management in Polish municipalities. Special attention was given to New Public Management (NPM) as well as Good Governance (GG). The paper, apart from a review of literature and its critique, is based on the results of a survey conducted among municipalities belonging to the Kraków Metropolitan Area. This study demonstrates that both the NPM and the GG concepts do not constitute a benchmark model in the practice of municipal real estate management in Poland. The concepts are treated more as a set of tools from which the majority of municipalities choose only some, selected instruments.
Fundamental Analysis – Possiblity of Application on the Real Estate Market
Authors: Figurska Marta , Wisniewski Radoslaw
Published: January 2017

The most common method supporting investing on the capital market or making decisions on the real estate market is technical analysis. This article, however, focuses on the less popular fundamental analysis, the importance of which is increasing on internationals markets, especially fully-developed ones.

Fundamental analysis is used for long-term predictions of values of future phenomena, based on historical data and any factors likely to affect the level of supply and demand. The final result of its use is an appraisal the true value of the subject of valuation, or so-called fundamental (intrinsic) value.

Using this method to analyze, diagnose and forecast economic phenomena, as well as become familiar with the market in terms of its fundamentals, positively influences the process of taking investment measures and leads to a better understanding of the real estate market.

The aim of the following study is to describe the possibility of applying fundamental analysis on the real estate market, based on the principles existing on capital markets. This article serves as an introduction to the subject-matter as well as the beginning of series of publications dedicated to different aspects of conducting fundamental analysis in the context of the real estate market.
Analysis of Housing Development Activity in Poland from 2005-2014
Authors: Cellmer Radosław , Jasiński Janusz
Published: January 2017

The growth of both the construction market and the property market depends on various macroeconomic and legal factors, as well as on demographic, institutional, stock and local conditions. The aim of this research was to determine the spatial differentiation, dynamics and determinants of housing development activity in Poland in the context of historical and current legal conditions. This activity was measured, first of all, by the number of construction contracts and the number of completed buildings and dwelling units.

During the research, an attempt was made to establish determinants of construction activity, by analyzing social, demographic and economic factors concerning individual districts. With this aim in view, the study used statistical panel data models, constructed on the basis of data created as a result of combining time series of observations for cross-sectional units.

The results of the research are presented not only in the form of statistical models, but also as a series of cartographic studies, prepared with the application of GIS tools, presenting the current status of housing development activity in Poland.
Personhood and Sexuality – Systematic-theological Reflextions and Perspectives
Authors: Iff Markus
Published: January 2017

The author deals with the topic of personhood/human being and sexuality from a systematic-theological perspective and seeks the link between theological and human sciences. He reflects on different approaches to the phenomenon of sexuality, discusses anthropological and sociological conditions, taking into account the insights of contemporary human sciences. He then presents the basic principles of a biblical-theological understanding of sexuality and reflects the outcome hermeneutically. The insights of the human sciences on the phenomenon of sexuality are thereby perceived and brought into their meaning, but also questioned from the point of view of theology. Finally, he outlines the context of personhood/human being and sexuality in a systematic-theological perspective that can serve as a theological-ethical orientation for interpreting and dealing with sexuality.
Reaching Invariables: Between Theology, Anthropology and Christology
Authors: Swoboda Ulrike
Published: January 2017

The article deals with pictures of God and humans in relation to Art (Artificial Reproductive Technologies). Although sexuality and Art are connected issues the sexual attribute of humans is somehow missing in documents of protestant churches trying to define Christian anthropology. The purpose of this article is to compare two documents of two member churches of Cpce (Community of Protestant Churches in Europe) in respect of Gen 1,26–27 (the creation of men in the image of God) while dealing with the ethical challenges of Art.
Homosexuality from a Contemporary Orthodox Perspective
Authors: Toroczkai Ciprian Iulian
Published: January 2017

Homosexuality, from an Orthodox perspective, falls in the category of sins that cry to Heaven for vengeance. The condemnation root of this sin has its basis into certain scriptural texts. However, the theological and the pastoral approach of homosexuality within the Orthodox Church is a taboo subject. On the one hand, the works and the studies which clarify how to relate to homosexuals within a parish are missing; on the other hand, the homosexuals’ testimonies and the problems that they are face with, as members of the Orthodox Church, are also missing. The current study reviews certain more important Orthodox contributions on the theme of homosexuality, namely the challenges and the possible responses which it raises.
Phrase Structure Patterning and Licensing for English and Serbian Speaker-Oriented Adverb Subclasses
Authors: Dimković-Telebaković Gordana
Published: January 2017

This paper attempts to set phrase structure rules for English and Serbian speaker-oriented adverb subclasses. Adverbs are looked at here as specifiers licensed by the semantic feature [ILLOCUTIONARY FORCE]. The results suggest that illocutionary, evaluative and evidential adverbs normally merge within the complementizer layer and the inflectional layer, and that English epistemic adverbs are in most cases preferably integrated into the inflectional layer, whereas Serbian epistemic adverbs tend to occur in the sentence-initial position.
Syntactic and Lexical Complexity of B2 Listening Comprehension Subtests in English: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ilc Gašper , Stopar Andrej
Published: January 2017

Adopting Weir’s (2005) socio-cognitive validation framework, the present paper focuses on the syntactic and lexical complexity of listening comprehension subtests in three B2-level examinations: The City Guilds international examination in English, The First Certificate in English, and the General Matura in English. By analysing and interpreting the results obtained from different automated tools, the research aims to determine to what extent the three subtests are comparable. The results of the study suggest the unreliability of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a sole mechanism for test comparisons.
Conceptual Metaphors with the Source Domain of Insanity in English and Serbian
Authors: Pavlović Tijana Vesić
Published: January 2017

The paper explores the conceptual metaphors with the source domain of insanity in English and Serbian, focusing on the features of the source domain that are transferred into target domains. It is shown that the experience that shapes these metaphors relies on the manifestations of mental illness and the common beliefs about mental illness that hold in both languages.
The Role of Personifying Metaphors in English and Romanian Legal Texts
Authors: Jumanca Romaniţa
Published: January 2017

This paper attempts to carry out an analysis of metaphors in a corpus of legal documents, within the theoretical framework of the cognitive metaphor theory as conceived by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). There is a notable use of conceptual metaphors and framings in the law we live by which, undoubtedly, have a major impact on the way millions of people in the world act and react in their attempt of decoding legal messages. Since metaphors are basically cognitive constructs, their meaning can be grasped only through a process of transfer of significance from a source domain to a target one, leading thus, to an interpretation of the legal discourse.