bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Study of NTH Order Distributed Activation Energy Model for Isothermal Pyrolysis of Forest Waste Using Gaussian Distribution
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Singh Suraj B.
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with the influence of some factors relevant to isothermal pyrolysis of residual leaves of Cedrus deodara on the asymptotic solution of the non-isothermal nth order distributed activation energy model (DAEM) using Gaussian distribution. Frequency factor, integral upper limit, the reaction order and the variance of Gaussian distribution are the parameters taken under purview of this study. In order to determine the kinetic parameters of the isothermal nth order Gaussian DAEM from thermoanalytical data of loose biomass pyrolysis, the variation of these factors has been considered. The obtained results show that the predicted results for nth order DAEM hold good at upper limit of dE, E∞ = 39 kJ mol-1.
Laying Performance, Survival Rate, Egg Quality and Shell Characteristics in Laying Pullets Offered Honey in Drinking Water during Hot Season
Authors: Abioja Monsuru Oladimeji , Adekunle Maryam Oluwakemi , Abiona John Adesanya , Sodipe Olubunmi Grace , Jegede Adebayo Vincent
Published: March 2017

Egg production, survival, egg quality and shell characteristics in laying pullets offered honey in drinking water during hot season were determined using hens (28-week-old, n = 120) allotted to either 0 (CONTROL), 10 (10H) or 20 ml honey/L water (20H) for 16 weeks divided into 4 phases of 4 weeks each. Data on hen-day production (EP), egg weight (EW), length (EL), breadth (EB), shape index (ESI), yolk weight (YW), yolk percentage (YP), albumen height (AH), albumen weight (AW), albumen percentage (AP), Haugh unit (HU), shell weight (SW), shell percentage (SP), shell thickness (ST) and survival (SR) were subjected to ANOVA.

EP was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by treatment during phases 1-4. 20H resulted in higher EP than CONTROL in phase 1. In phase 2, EP was similar in CONTROL and 20H, but 10H was lower than the two. Higher EPs were recorded in CONTROL than in honey groups (phases 3, 4). EW was significantly (P < 0.01) affected by honey in week 1 only. Birds on 10H laid heavier eggs than CONTROL. 10H hens laid significantly longer (P < 0.001) eggs with higher (P = 0.008) ESI than control hens while 20H birds had significantly lower values of AH (P < 0.01), AP (P = 0.05) and HU (P = 0.05). Honey had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on EB, YW, YP, AW, SW, SP and SR, but improved (P < 0.05) ST in the first 2 phases. To ensure improvement in egg production and egg shell thickness in laying pullets during hot season, honey at 20 ml/L water can be offered for 4 weeks.
Decentralized safety concept for closed-loop controlled intensive care
Authors: Kühn Jan , Brendle Christian , Stollenwerk André , Schweigler Martin , Kowalewski Stefan , Janisch Thorsten , Rossaint Rolf , Leonhardt Steffen , Walter Marian , Kopp Rüdger
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a decentralized safety concept for networked intensive care setups, for which a decentralized network of sensors and actuators is realized by embedded microcontroller nodes. It is evaluated for up to eleven medical devices in a setup for automated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) therapy. In this contribution we highlight a blood pump supervision as exemplary safety measure, which allows a reliable bubble detection in an extracorporeal blood circulation. The approach is validated with data of animal experiments including 35 bubbles with a size between 0.05 and 0.3 ml. All 18 bubbles with a size down to 0.15 ml are successfully detected. By using hidden Markov models (HMMs) as statistical method the number of necessary sensors can be reduced by two pressure sensors.
Identification and classification of upper limb motions using PCA
Authors: Veer Karan , Vig Renu
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the utility of principal component analysis (PCA) in classifying upper limb signals. PCA is a powerful tool for analyzing data of high dimension. Here, two different input strategies were explored. The first method uses upper arm dual-position-based myoelectric signal acquisition and the other solely uses PCA for classifying surface electromyogram (SEMG) signals. SEMG data from the biceps and the triceps brachii muscles and four independent muscle activities of the upper arm were measured in seven subjects (total dataset=56). The datasets used for the analysis are rotated by class-specific principal component matrices to decorrelate the measured data prior to feature extraction.
Usage-based linguistics and the magic number four
Authors: Green Clarence
Published: March 2017

Miller’s (1956, The magical number seven, plus or minus two: Some limits on our capacity for processing information.Psychological Review63(2). 81–97) working memory (WM) capacity of around seven items, plus or minus two, was never found by usage-based linguists to be a recurrent pattern in language. Thus, it has not figured prominently in cognitive models of grammar. Upon reflection, this is somewhat unusual, since WM has been considered a fundamental cognitive domain for information processing in psychology, so one might have reasonably expected properties such as capacity constraints to be reflected in language use and structures derived from use. This paper proposes that Miller’s (1956) number has not been particularly productive in usage-based linguistics because it turns out to have been an overestimate. A revised WM capacity has now superseded it within cognitive science, a “magic number four plus or minus one” (Cowan 2001, The magical number 4 in short-term memory: A reconsideration of mental storage capacity.Behavioral and Brain Sciences24(1). 87–185). This paper suggests, drawing on evidence from spoken language corpora and multiple languages, that a range of linguistic structures and patterns align with this revised capacity estimate, unlike Miller’s (1956), ranging from phrasal verbs, idioms, n-grams, the lengths of intonation units and some abstract grammatical properties of phrasal categories and clause structure.
Demographics, Migration and Brain Drain in The Danube Region
Authors: Savić Mirko , Dakić Stojanka
Published: March 2017

In the last two decades we have been witnessing the decrease of population in many countries of the Danube Region. All demographic indicators are unfavourable. Current demographic situation and labour market in the countries of the Danube Region is presented. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of demographic decline in the countries of the Danube Region on the key labour market variables and to model their behaviour. Also, the purpose of this paper is to analyse and discuss the possible consequences of demographic decline and the roles of migration and brain drain in the region. The main conclusion is that drop in the population growth is compensated with migration flows and prolongation of working life when it comes to the active labour force in the Danube Region, although population is still a main source of working force.
Knowledge and Attitudes about Green Consumption in Bulgaria
Authors: Stoimenova Borislava
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the environmental knowledge of the Bulgarians and its relationship with the environmental concern and the predisposition to compromise as two commonly studied attitudes towards green consumption. A quota sample (quotas for age and gender) of 2018 adults from all the regions in Bulgaria is used. The research tool for face-to-face interviews and online surveys is a structured interview. Descriptive statistics, hypothesis tests for difference of means between two independent samples, the correlation analysis (chi-square test for independence) and the cluster analysis (Kmeans cluster) are the methods applied for the analysis. The results indicate that the Bulgarians are moderately knowledgeable about the environmental problems and the depth of knowledge is moderate as well. The environmental knowledge differs between different demographic groups: the better educated, younger, those living in the cities and wealthier people have better self-reported knowledge about the environmental problems. A large proportion of the adults do not consider themselves informed about the environmental problems and among those who do, the people who find themselves generally informed are majorities. The environmental knowledge positively affects both the environmental concern and the predisposition for green consumption.
The Practice of Employees' Training in Serbia based on Cranet Research
Authors: Berber Nemanja , Slavić Agneš
Published: March 2017

In a contemporary environment which is characterised by global competition and radical economic changes, human capital, with its knowledge, competencies, and experiences, is becoming more and more important factor for gaining sustainable business performances. The aim of this paper is to explore the development and current state of the training practices in human resource management in Serbian organizations. The subject of the research is the employees’ training process. The methodology of the research included the analysis of available literature and the exploration of the empirical data on employees’ training in organizations from Serbia. The analysis is based on the comparison between two research periods in which the authors gathered the data. 160 organisations in 2015 and 50 in 2008 were examined during the Cranet project. The results indicate slight improvements in training practice in Serbia. Also, organisations that invest more in training in Serbia gained higher levels of productivity and service quality.
A Proposal for Research Framework Based on The Theoretical Analysis and Practical Application of MLQ Questionnaire
Authors: Jelača Maja Strugar , Bjekić Radmila , Leković Bojan
Published: March 2017

Leadership is a topic that attracts the attention of a large number of scientists and researchers who in their papers examine the issues of effective leadership. During previous research in this area different methodologies were used, but in recent decades one of the most prominent is MLQ questionnaire (Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire - MLQ), which examines three styles of leadership: transformational, transactional and passive leadership. The paper analyses the predominating attitudes in this area, theoretical explanation of MLQ questionnaire components and empirical results of previous applications. Founded on the obtained theoretical basis, the paper suggests future research framework in order to examine implementation of certain leadership styles from the MLQ questionnaire depending on the business environment which can vary from stable to uncertain, as well as their relationship with the achieved level of firm innovativeness. Thus, the aim of this paper is to define research framework that will be applied in a future research on an adequate sample of medium and large companies on the territory of the Republic of Serbia.
Magma evolution inside the 1631 Vesuvius magma chamber and eruption triggering
Authors: Stoppa Francesco , Principe Claudia , Schiazza Mariangela , Liu Yu , Giosa Paola , Crocetti Sergio
Published: March 2017

Vesuvius is a high-risk volcano and the 1631 Plinian eruption is a reference event for the next episode of explosive unrest. A complete stratigraphic and petrographic description of 1631 pyroclastics is given in this study. During the 1631 eruption a phonolite was firstly erupted followed by a tephritic phonolite and finally a phonolitic tephrite, indicating a layered magma chamber. We suggest that phonolitic basanite is a good candidate to be the primitive parental-melt of the 1631 eruption. Composition of apatite from the 1631 pyroclastics is different from those of CO
Creating extended antimicrobial property in paper by means of Ag and nanohybrids of montmorillonite (MMT)
Authors: Afra Elyas , Narchin Parvaneh
Published: March 2017

Silver-clay nanohybrids based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with montmorillonit (MMT) and milled MMT, shortly AgMMTnano and AgMMTmilled, have been prepared to improve the performance of antibacterial properties of paper. The results obtained by dynamic light scattering indicated the presence of silver particles in the nanometer range, which have a great accumulation tendency. The results of AAS and ICP-AES tests showed that nanosilver amount in the AgMMTmilled was doubled compared to the AgMMTnano, but according to the EDX results, the amount of nanosilver in paper treated with the former was less than in the latter. FE-SEM images showed that the dimensions of deposited nanosilver on the surface of clay were smaller than in case of AgNPs alone. Papers treated with nanohybrids had better antibacterial properties compared to that prepared by naked nanosilver. It was also found that the antibacterial property of papers treated with AgMMTnano were more stable during three-stage tests compared to those with AgMMTmilled. Nanohybrids with Ag conc. more than 15 ppm, especially hybrids with Ag conc. of 50 ppm, result in a significant improvement in antibacterial properties of paper. It can be concluded that silver-clay nanohybrid with a 25-ppm concentration of nanosilver could be the best and most economic antibacterial component.
Core Muscle Activation in Suspension Training Exercises
Authors: Cugliari Giovanni , Boccia Gennaro
Published: March 2017

A quantitative observational laboratory study was conducted to
characterize and classify core training exercises executed in a
suspension modality on the base of muscle activation. In a
prospective single-group repeated measures design, seventeen active
male participants performed four suspension exercises typically
associated with core training (roll-out, bodysaw, pike and
knee-tuck). Surface electromyographic signals were recorded from
lower and upper parts of rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal
oblique, lower and upper parts of erector spinae muscles using
concentric bipolar electrodes. The average rectified values of
electromyographic signals were normalized with respect to individual
maximum voluntary isometric contraction of each muscle. Roll-out
exercise showed the highest activation of rectus abdominis and
oblique muscles compared to the other exercises. The rectus abdominis
and external oblique reached an activation higher than 60% of the
maximal voluntary contraction (or very close to that threshold, 55%)
in roll-out and bodysaw exercises. Findings from this study allow the
selection of suspension core training exercises on the basis of
quantitative information about the activation of muscles of interest.
Roll-out and bodysaw exercises can be considered as suitable for
strength training of rectus abdominis and external oblique
muscles.
Physiological Acute Response to High-Intensity Intermittent and Moderate-Intensity Continuous 5 km Running Performance: Implications for Training Prescription
Authors: Cabral-Santos Carolina , Gerosa-Neto José , Inoue Daniela S. , Rossi Fabrício E. , Cholewa Jason M. , Campos Eduardo Z. , Panissa Valéria L. G. , Lira Fábio S.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological responses to moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity intermittent exercise. Twelve physically active male subjects were recruited and completed a 5-km run on a treadmill in two experimental sessions in randomized order: continuously (70% sVO2max) and intermittently (1:1 min at sVO2max). Oxygen uptake, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, lactate concentration, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion data were recorded during and after each session. The lactate levels exhibited higher values immediately post-exercise than at rest (High-Intensity: 1.43 ± 0.25 to 7.36 ± 2.78; Moderate-Intensity: 1.64 ± 1.01 to 4.05 ± 1.52 mmol⋅L−1, p = 0.0004), but High-Intensity promoted higher values (p = 0.001) than Moderate-Intensity. There was a difference across time on oxygen uptake at all moments tested in both groups (High-Intensity: 100.19 ± 8.15L; Moderate-Intensity: 88.35 ± 11.46, p < 0.001). Both exercise conditions promoted increases in excess postexercise oxygen consumption (High-Intensity: 6.61 ± 1.85 L; Moderate-Intensity: 5.32 ± 2.39 L, p < 0.005), but higher values were observed in the High-Intensity exercise protocol. High-Intensity was more effective at modifying the heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (High-Intensity: 183 ± 12.54 and 19; Moderate-Intensity: 172 ± 8.5 and 16, respectively, p < 0.05). In conclusion, over the same distance, Moderate-Intensity and High-Intensity exercise exhibited different lactate concentrations, heart rate and rating of perceived exertion. As expected, the metabolic contribution also differed, and High-Intensity induced higher energy expenditure, however, the total duration of the session may have to be taken into account. Moreover, when following moderate-intensity training, the percentage of sVO2max and the anaerobic threshold might influence exercise and training responses.
IL-6, Antioxidant Capacity and Muscle Damage Markers Following High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols
Authors: Cipryan Lukas
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate changes of interleukin-6 (IL-6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and muscle damage markers (creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) in response to three different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols of identical external work. Twelve moderately-trained males participated in the three HIIT trials which consisted of a warm-up, followed by 12 min of 15 s, 30 s or 60 s HIIT sequences with the work/rest ratio 1. The biochemical markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and muscle damage were analysed POST, 3 h and 24 h after the exercise. All HIIT protocols caused an immediate increase in IL-6, TAC, CK, myoglobin and LDH. The most pronounced between-trials differences were found for the POST-exercise changes in IL-6 (Effect size ± 90% confidence interval: 1.51 ± 0.63, 0.84 ± 0.34 and 1.80 ± 0.60 for the 15s/15s, 30s/30s and 60s/60s protocol, respectively) and myoglobin (1.11 ± 0.29, 0.45 ± 0.48 and 1.09 ± 0.22 for the 15s/15s, 30s/30s and 60s/60s protocol, respectively). There were no substantial between-trial differences in other biochemical variables. In conclusion, the 15s/15s and 60s/60s protocols might be preferred to the 30s/30s protocols in order to maximize the training stimulus.
The Effect of Acute and Chronic Exposure to Hypobaric Hypoxia on Loaded Squat Jump Performance
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Padial Paulino , De la Fuente Blanca , Argüelles-Cienfuegos Javier , Bonitch-Góngora Juan , Feriche Belén
Published: March 2017

The present study aimed (1) to compare loaded squat jump performance after an acute and chronic exposure to a moderate natural altitude between normoxia and hypobaric hypoxia conditions, and (2) to analyze the effect of an altitude training camp on loaded jump squat development. Sixteen male swimmers (17.1 ± 0.8 years) took part in a 17-day training camp at a natural moderate altitude. They were randomly tested in counterbalanced order on days 1 and 3 in normoxia and hypoxia (pretest) and on days 15 and 17 again in normoxia and hypoxia (posttest). The peak velocity reached with loads equivalent to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of swimmers’ pretest body weight in the loaded squat jump exercise was the dependent variable analyzed. An overall increase in peak velocity during the test performed in hypoxia of 6.5% in pretest (p < 0.001, ES = 0.98) and 4.5% in posttest (p < 0.001, ES = 0.81) was observed. An overall increment in peak velocity of 4.0% considering the data for normoxia tests (p < 0.001, ES = 0.61) and 2.1% considering the data for hypoxia tests (p = 0.008, ES = 0.36) was achieved after the altitude training camp. These results highlight the beneficial effects of hypobaric hypoxia on jump performance after short and longer term exposure to a natural moderate altitude. The increase in loaded squat jump performance following the 17-day training camp suggests that altitude training could constitute a favorable stimulus in explosive strength.
Effects of the off-Season Period on Field and Assistant Soccer Referees `Physical Performance
Authors: Castillo Daniel , Cámara Jesús , Castagna Carlo , Yanci Javier
Published: March 2017

The evolution of referees’ physical fitness has been studied over one or several seasons, however, the variation of the physical performance between the end of the competitive season (T1) and the start of the following pre-season (T2) has not been ascertained. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the transition period on physical performance variables (i.e. linear straight sprint, change of direction ability and endurance) in National Soccer Division referees. Forty-five Spanish referees volunteered to participate in this study. Participants were classified according to competitive status, field referees (FR, n = 23) and assistant referees (AR, n = 22). A loss of performance (p < 0.05) was observed in the 20 and 30 m linear straight sprint between T1 and T2 in both FR (1.64-1.56%, d = 0.29 to 0.32) and AR (2.01-3.41%, d = 0.33 to 0.60). In T2 the FR significantly improved the distance covered (p < 0.05, 13.11%, d = 0.39) in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test (YYIR1). Besides, significant differences were observed between FR and AR in the distance covered (p < 0.05, −23.55%, d = −0.97) in the YYIR1 test in T2. More research may be necessary to focus on the off-season period in order to implement specific training programs and consequently reduce the loss of sprint ability in field and assistant referees and the decrease in cardiovascular fitness in assistant referees.
Can Different Complex Training Improve the Individual Phenomenon of Post-Activation Potentiation?
Authors: Chen Zong-Rong , Lo Shin-Liang , Wang Min-Hsien , Yu Ching-Fang , Peng Hsien-Te
Published: March 2017

The aims of the present study were (a) to determine whether the two types of complex training and vibration complex training would improve the individual phenomenon of post-activation potentiation (PAP) for every athlete in a team setting; and (b) to compare the acute effect of resistance and plyometric exercise, whole body vibration, complex training and vibration complex training on vertical jump performance. The participants were ten male division I college volleyball and basketball players. They were asked to perform three vertical jumps as a pre-test and were then randomly assigned to one of five PAP protocols, resistance exercise using half squat exercise, plyometric exercise using drop jumps with individualized drop height, whole body vibration using squats on a vibration plate, complex training combining resistance exercise with plyometric exercise, vibration complex training combining whole body vibration with plyometric exercise. Three vertical jumps were performed four minutes after the PAP protocol as a post-test. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine the differences among the five PAP protocols and between the two testing times. Our results showed that the post-test results were significantly improved compared to the pre-test for the vertical jump height (p = .015) in all PAP protocols. There was, however, an individual phenomenon of PAP in the response to all PAP protocols. In conclusion, this study found that resistance and plyometric exercise, whole body vibration, complex training and vibration complex training induce similar group PAP benefits. However, some athletes decreased their performances in some of the exercises in the study. Therefore, it is not recommended for coaches to arrange the exercises in a team setting.
Frequent Immediate Knowledge of Results Enhances the Increase of Throwing Velocity in Overarm Handball Performance
Authors: Štirn Igor , Carruthers Jamie , Šibila Marko , Pori Primož
Published: March 2017

In the present study, the effect of frequent, immediate, augmented feedback on the increase of throwing velocity was investigated. An increase of throwing velocity of a handball set shot when knowledge of results was provided or not provided during training was compared. Fifty female and seventy-three male physical education students were assigned randomly to the experimental or control group. All participants performed two series of ten set shots with maximal effort twice a week for six weeks. The experimental group received information regarding throwing velocity measured by a radar gun immediately after every shot, whereas the control group did not receive any feedback. Measurements of maximal throwing velocity of an ordinary handball and a heavy ball were performed, before and after the training period and compared. Participants who received feedback on results attained almost a four times greater relative increase of the velocity of the normal ball (size 2) as compared to the same intervention when feedback was not provided (8.1 ± 3.6 vs. 2.7 ± 2.9%). The velocity increases were smaller, but still significant between the groups for throws using the heavy ball (5.1 ± 4.2 and 2.5 ± 5.8 for the experimental and control group, respectively). Apart from the experimental group throwing the normal ball, no differences in velocity change for gender were obtained. The results confirmed that training oriented towards an increase in throwing velocity became significantly more effective when frequent knowledge of results was provided.
Transfer of dysbiotic gut microbiota has beneficial effects on host liver metabolism
Authors: Nicolas Simon , Blasco‐Baque Vincent , Fournel Audren , Gilleron Jerome , Klopp Pascale , Waget Aurelie , Ceppo Franck , Marlin Alysson , Padmanabhan Roshan , Iacovoni Jason S , Tercé François , Cani Patrice D , Tanti Jean‐François , Burcelin Remy , Knauf Claude , Cormont Mireille , Serino Matteo
Published: March 2017

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been implicated in a variety of systemic disorders, notably metabolic diseases including obesity and impaired liver function, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. To investigate this question, we transferred caecal microbiota from either obese or lean mice to antibiotic‐free, conventional wild‐type mice. We found that transferring obese‐mouse gut microbiota to mice on normal chow (NC) acutely reduces markers of hepatic gluconeogenesis with decreased hepatic PEPCK activity, compared to non‐inoculated mice, a phenotypic trait blunted in conventional NOD2 KO mice. Furthermore, transferring of obese‐mouse microbiota changes both the gut microbiota and the microbiome of recipient mice. We also found that transferring obese gut microbiota to NC‐fed mice then fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD) acutely impacts hepatic metabolism and prevents HFD‐increased hepatic gluconeogenesis compared to non‐inoculated mice. Moreover, the recipient mice exhibit reduced hepatic PEPCK and G6Pase activity, fed glycaemia and adiposity. Conversely, transfer of lean‐mouse microbiota does not affect markers of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Our findings provide a new perspective on gut microbiota dysbiosis, potentially useful to better understand the aetiology of metabolic diseases.
Children’s Physical Activity and Depression: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Korczak Daphne J. , Madigan Sheri , Colasanto Marlena
Published: March 2017

CONTEXT:

Research regarding the protective effects of early physical activity on depression has yielded conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE:

Our objective was to synthesize observational studies examining the association of physical activity in childhood and adolescence with depression.

DATA SOURCES:

Studies (from 2005 to 2015) were identified by using a comprehensive search strategy.

STUDY SELECTION:

The included studies measured physical activity in childhood or adolescence and examined its association with depression.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Data were extracted by 2 independent coders. Estimates were examined by using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

Fifty independent samples (89 894 participants) were included, and the mean effect size was significant (r = –0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = –0.19 to –0.10). Moderator analyses revealed stronger effect sizes in studies with cross-sectional versus longitudinal designs (k = 36, r = –0.17; 95% CI = –0.23 to –0.10 vs k = 14, r = –0.07; 95% CI = –0.10 to –0.04); using depression self-report versus interview (k = 46, r = –0.15; 95% CI = –0.20 to –0.10 vs k = 4, r = –0.05; 95% CI = –0.09 to –0.01); using validated versus nonvalidated physical activity measures (k = 29, r = –0.18; 95% CI = –0.26 to –0.09 vs k = 21, r = –0.08; 95% CI = –0.11 to –0.05); and using measures of frequency and intensity of physical activity versus intensity alone (k = 27, r = –0.17; 95% CI = –0.25 to –0.09 vs k = 7, r = –0.05; 95% CI = –0.09 to –0.01).

LIMITATIONS:

Limitations included a lack of standardized measures of physical activity; use of self-report of depression in majority of studies; and a small number of longitudinal studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Physical activity is associated with decreased concurrent depressive symptoms; the association with future depressive symptoms is weak.
Biochemical composition of urine in rats with developed Guerin’s carcinoma and administration of cisplatin
Authors: Naumenko A. N. , Gorelaya M. V. , Babiy S. O.
Published: March 2017

The kidneys are very sensitive to the action not only of exogenous chemicals but also the action of compounds of endogenous origin, produced by changes in the normal metabolic processes and the development of various pathologies. Thus, tumour development has a significant impact on overall homeostasis of the body. Research into the condition of the kidneys subject to growth of tumours when cisplatin is administered is a major issue in both medical and biochemical aspects. We investigated the renal function, electrolyte composition of the blood and urinary excretion of electrolytes and individual plasma osmolarity in models of tumour growth in rats subject to introduction of cisplatin. We found that development of Guerin’s carcinoma T8 and the administration of cisplatin causes kidney damage in rats. This leads to an increase in the relative weight of the kidneys, proteinuria, and changes in activity of γ-glutamyl-transferase and lactate dehydrogenase in the kidney homogenate and urine, lower relative reabsorption and glomerular filtration. The development of Guerin’s carcinoma and administration of cisplatin in the blood and urine of rats led to a decrease in diuresis per minute by 20–60%, creatinine clearance by 50–70% and reduction in the relative water reabsorption in the renal tubules to 26% compared with the control. The administration of cisplatin led to a threefold increase in the concentration of protein, twofold increase in the concentration of albumin and sevenfold increase in the concentration of glucose in the rats’urine. In the case of rats with lesions and renal diseases (including different types of tumours) a reduction in the output of urine per minute, creatinine clearance and water reabsorption in the renal tubules was observed, indicating significant damage to the concentration and filtration functions of the kidneys. Tumour growth led to the development of hypokalemia, hyponatremia and hypochloridemia, which are major and early signs of acute renal failure. The introduction of cisplatin led to damage to the kidneys and partly normalized these indicators, as evidenced by biochemical and morphological studies. Our study shows that there is a pressing need for use of drugs which protect the kidneys when cisplatin is administered.
Obesity: The role of desynchronosis and genetic factors in mechanisms of its development
Authors: Ryznychuk M. O. , Pishak V. P.
Published: March 2017

The article highlights the role of desynchronosis and certain genetic factors in the development of obesity. Some pathogenetic links of obesity and the influence of melatonin on them are analyzed.Desynchronosis is one of the causes of obesity as a result of dysregulatory changes in the chronoperiodic system – between suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus and secretory activity of the pineal gland.In obesity there are some changes in circadian patterns of important physiological parameters. These include acrophases of blood pressure; rhythm of hormone secretion, including insulin; electrolytes; sleep-wake cycle displaced for a period of a day, which is a deviation from the normal course. Phase discrepancies of established circadian oscillations of physiological processes arise. Preconditions of fat metabolism imbalance, particularly visfatin, apelin and vaspin – components of atherosclerotic lesions, gradually emerge.There is abundant evidence for close relationships between metabolism and circadian mechanisms. It is proved, that there is a strong direct impact of endogenous circadian rhythms on the metabolic pathways that do not depend on food intake or sleep. A potential low molecular weight of biomarkers of human circadian phases has been identified. A number of key metabolic enzymes in tissues such as the liver, adipose tissue or the pancreas are chronodependent. Desynchronosis phenomena caused by genetic or environmental factors can lead to serious metabolic disorders, including obesity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.Genesis of pineal removal-induced insulin resistance and reduced glucose tolerance in cells is related to the consequences of melatonin absence, which leads to abnormalities in insulin signaling pathways and reduced GLUT4 gene expression and protein content.Insulin-sensitive tissues (white and brown adipose tissue, skeletal and heart muscles) after pineal removal are characterized by a significant reduction of GLUT4 mRNA and the content of microsomal and membrane proteins, which are compensated during treatment by melatonin. Functional synergy exists between melatonin and insulin. Melatonin is able through the membrane receptors MT1 to cause rapid tyrosine phosphorylation, activate tyrosine kinase of beta subunits of insulin receptors and mobilize several intracellular stages of insulin-signaling pathway transduction.Thus, the protective effect of melatonin in cases of disturbance to the carbohydrate metabolism is manifested in the formation of circadian periodicity by modulating the expression of time genes.
Effect of 3-arylamino-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-ones on the bradykinin-induced smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Virych P. A. , Shelyuk O. V. , Kabanova T. A. , Khalimova O. I. , Martynyuk V. S. , Pavlovsky V. I. , Andronati S. A.
Published: March 2017

Damage to tissue, inflammation and disruption of normal functioning of organs are often accompanied by pain. In pain perceptions, the kinin-kallikrein system with bradykinin as mediator is very important. Regulatory activity of the kinin-kallikrein system permits the control of inflammation, pain, vascular tone and other functions. A new group of substances that may used for this purpose are 3-substituted 1,4-benzdiazepinones. We analyzed the effect of 3-aryl amino-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-ones derivatives on the normalized maximal rate of bradykinin-induced smooth muscle contraction of the stomach in the presence of calcium channel blockers verapamil (1 μM) and gadolinium (300 μM). The levels of bradykinin and 3-arylamino-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-ones in the incubation solution were 10–6 M. Data processing on the dynamics of contraction was performed according to the method of T. Burdyha and S. Kosterin. Statistically significant changes were found for MX-1828. This compound reduced the maximal normalized rate of bradykinin-induced smooth muscle contraction in the presence of Gd3+ and verapamil by 19.3% and 32.0%, respectively. Also, MX-1828 demonstrated effects similar to those of the competitive inhibitor bradykinin B2-receptor – des-Arg9-bradykinin-acetate, which is possible evidence of its interaction with the receptor or signal transduction pathways. MX-1828 additionally reduced the maximum normalized rate of relaxation by 6.2% in the presence of Gd3+. This effect was demonstrated for MX-1906 in the presence of verapamil with additional reduction of the maximal normalized rate of relaxation, which was 26.4%. The results suggest the presence of inhibitory interaction between MX-1828 and kinin-kallikrein system receptors or signal transduction pathways. The effects which were found for MX-1906 require further studies to clarify the mechanisms of influence on bradykinin-induced smooth muscle contraction.
Features of gas exchange and use of reserve substances in pumpkin seedlings in conditions of skoto- and photomorphogenesis under the influence of gibberellin and chlormequat-chloride
Authors: Poprotska I. V. , Kuryata V. G.
Published: March 2017

We investigated the effect of gibberellin and the antigibberellic agent chlormequat-chloride on gas exchange and use of reserve substances in pumpkin seedlings during germination in the light and in the dark. We established that an artificial strengthening or growth inhibition of pumpkin seedlings in conditions of skotomorphogenesis caused an increase in of respiration intensity. Gibberellin treatment increased the proportion of assimilation processes in carbon dioxide gas exchange of seedlings, and growth inhibition by retardant caused an increase in respiratory costs when the nutrition type switches in the light from heterotrophic to autotrophic. The formation by seedlings of the demand for reserve assimilates from cotyledons was largely determined by change of activity of subapical meristems, which is manifested in the acceleration of seed germination, enhancing of histogenesis for the actions of gibberellin and in the weakening of these processes under the influence of retardants. Reserve substances used both oil and nitrogen-containing compounds. The content of protein nitrogen in pumpkin cotyledons decreased more in the light than in the dark, moreover growth inhibition by the retardant slowed down and growth increase by gibberellin accelerated this process both in conditions of photomorphogenesis and skotomorphogenesis.
Ultrastructural changes in biofilm forms of staphylococci cultivated in a mixed culture with lactobacilli
Authors: Lavryk G. , Korniychuk O. , Tymkiv M.
Published: March 2017

The capacity of opportunistic bacteria for biofilm formation plays an important role in the development of chronic inflammatory processes, which are difficult to treat. To improve antimicrobial therapy methods, the influence of lactobacilli on the ultrastructure of biofilm-forming clinical strains of staphylococci when co-cultured was investigated. 5 biofilm-forming clinical strains of S. aureus from the skin of acne vulgaris patients (n = 24) were isolated. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) the morphological changes of S. aureus cells in the mixed culture with standard strains of Lactobacillus plantarum 8P-A3 and clinical strains of L. fermentum (n = 4) were studied. It was found that in 48 hours after the inoculation on the medium of samples of mixed cultures of L. plantarum 8P-A3 and S. aureus growth of staphylococci was not revealed. Only in some cases of mixed cultures of L. fermentum and biofilm-forming staphylococci was growth of S. aureus obtained. In electron diffraction patterns of control samples of 24-hour staphylococcal monocultures and 48-hour lactobacilli monocultures, natural development of the population at the cellular level was observed. Destructive changes under the influence of lactobacilli (probiotic and clinical strains) were detected in all ultrathin sections of the cells of biofilm-forming and planktonic staphylococci. Significant destructive changes in the cell wall of the staphylococci were observed: thickening, obtaining of irregular form, detachment of the cytoplasmic membrane, the complete destruction of the peptidoglycan layer and the emergence of "shadow cells". On all electron diffraction patterns fibrillar-threadlike structures of DNA could not be observed, but in some cases mesosome-like formations were poorly contrasted. It was established that the surface S-layer of lactobacilli was expressed on a significantly larger scale in the mixed culture with staphylococci. In mixed culture of clinical strains of lactobacilli with biofilm form of S. aureus, staphylococcal cells could be found in a dormant state. Thanks to an experimental model of biofilm in a mixed culture, the development of destructive changes of staphylococci under the influence of the lactobacilli both on the morphological and at the population levels has been assessed. The results obtained can be used in improving the schemes of complex antimicrobial therapy of pyoinflammatory processes with the use of biological preparations, which are composed of lactobacilli, including those in the form of local application.
Under the umbrella
Authors: Müller Kai W.
Published: March 2017

The inclusion of Internet Gaming Disorder as a preliminary diagnosis subsumed in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has provoked mixed reactions. On the one hand, it has been appreciated as an important sign stressing the negative health-related impact of that disorder. Likewise, the definition of diagnostic criteria helps scientists and clinicians to refer to mandatory indicators associated with a health problem. On the other hand, it has been objected that this new diagnosis bears the danger of pathologizing normal behaviors that are a feature of healthy recreational activity for many people. However, the existence of diagnostic criteria is meant to avoid this danger. This emphasizes the necessity of being able to refer to as accurate defined criteria as possible. In its current version, the DSM criteria display not only strengths but also ambiguities. Both types will be discussed and necessary ideas to resolve those ambiguities will be presented for further research.
Internet gaming disorder: Inadequate diagnostic criteria wrapped in a constraining conceptual model
Authors: Starcevic Vladan
Published: March 2017

Background and aims

The paper “Chaos and confusion in DSM-5 diagnosis of Internet Gaming Disorder: Issues, concerns, and recommendations for clarity in the field” by Kuss, Griffiths, and Pontes (in press) critically examines the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and addresses the issue of whether IGD should be reconceptualized as gaming disorder, regardless of whether video games are played online or offline. This commentary provides additional critical perspectives on the concept of IGD.

Methods

The focus of this commentary is on the addiction model on which the concept of IGD is based, the nature of the DSM-5 criteria for IGD, and the inclusion of withdrawal symptoms and tolerance as the diagnostic criteria for IGD.

Results

The addiction framework on which the DSM-5 concept of IGD is based is not without problems and represents only one of multiple theoretical approaches to problematic gaming. The polythetic, non-hierarchical DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for IGD make the concept of IGD unacceptably heterogeneous. There is no support for maintaining withdrawal symptoms and tolerance as the diagnostic criteria for IGD without their substantial revision.

Conclusions

The addiction model of IGD is constraining and does not contribute to a better understanding of the various patterns of problematic gaming. The corresponding diagnostic criteria need a thorough overhaul, which should be based on a model of problematic gaming that can accommodate its disparate aspects.
Switching Behavior in p-Type Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon with One and Two Blocking Contacts
Authors: Hu Jian , Branz Howard M. , Crandall Richard S. , Ward Scott , Wang Qi
Published: March 2017

We compare switching behaviour in Cr/a-Si:H(p)/Ag and c-Si(p)/a-Si:H(p)/Ag structures containing p-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The a-Si:H layer is made by hot wire chemical vapor deposition. We observed that the switching is polarity-dependent only in the sample on c-Si(p). Switching to a low-resistance state occurs at 0.4 mA/cm2 when any of the metal contacts are biased positive. When the c-Si(p) is biased positive holes are injected and no switching occurs even up to 4 A/cm2. We suggest that the switching requires a blocking metal/a-Si(p), possibly because local electrical breakdown initiates metal filament formation.
Molecular Hydrogen in Amorphous Silicon
Authors: Leopold D. J. , Fedders P. A. , Norberg R. E.
Published: March 2017

Proton NMR studies on hydrogen in numerous plasma deposited a-Si:H thin film samples over many years have established that there are primarily two dipolar broadened lines, representing different distinct degrees of proton clustering involving most of the contained hydrogen. In addition, both of these configurations were thought to be hydrogen tightly bonded to silicon. However, deuteron magnetic resonance established long ago that a substantial fraction of the hydrogen (deuterium) population was a weakly bonded species, very different than the silicon bonded hydrogen typically seen in infrared measurements. Deuteron magnetic resonance can easily distinguish bond strength because deuterons have spin, an electric quadrupole moment, and are sensitive to electric field gradients. The much weaker deuteron dipolar coupling results in NMR line shapes and widths that are determined by distributions of electric field gradients and angular averages about the applied magnetic field direction. The primary features of the deuteron line shape are a sharp powder-pattern Pake doublet attributed to the tightly silicon bonded species and a broad central Gaussian component originally interpreted as a weakly bound component, but now recognized as molecular deuterium and HD trapped in the amorphous equivalent of T-sites. This latter result is confirmed by spin-echo double resonance experiments using 1H and 29Si nuclides, which reveal a very appreciable population of molecular hydrogen in T-like sites. NMR line shape subtractions also indicate that the majority of this species resides in the less-clustered hydrogen phase. Also a comparison of the T-site molecular hydrogen fraction with measured photoresponse, combined with light-induced changes in the DMR line shape, indicate that this species is in regions of a-Si:H that control the optoelectronic properties of the material.
Microscopic Model for Creation And Removal of Metastable Dangling Bonds in a-Si:H
Authors: Powell M.J. , Deane S.C. , Wehrspohn R.B.
Published: March 2017

We present a new microscopic model for metastable Si dangling bond defect creation in hydrogenated amorphous silicon, which is applicable to both light-induced and carrier-induced defect creation. The key feature of our model is that hydrogen is always in the tedrahedral-like site, which is strongly bound in amorphous silicon, and never in the bond-centered site. Breaking of Si-Si bonds and successive stabilisation by bond-switching of nearby hydrogen from doubly hydrogenated Si-Si bonds (SiHHSi) results in two hydrogen-stabilised dangling bonds (SiHD). Since hydrogen is in the Td site in all configurations, this defect creation reaction is consistent with ESR, NMR, hydrogenation experiments and the mechanical stress dependence of defect creation.
Nature of Charged Metastable Defects in Network Rebonding Model
Authors: Biswas R. , Pan B. C.
Published: March 2017

We recently developed an atomistic model of metastability of a-Si:H, where defect creation is driven by the breaking of weak silicon bonds. The kinetics of degradation in this model is simulated with coupled rate equations that show t1/3 kinetics of defect creation and saturation behavior similar to experiment. Saturated defect densities of neutral dangling bonds are accompanied by a much smaller density of negatively charged floating bonds and positively charged dangling bonds (D+). We propose a two-step annealing mechanism where the positively charged D+ dangling bonds are annealed at low temperature and the D0 at higher temperature -which accounts for hysteresis in mobility lifetime products.