bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of phosphorus fertilizer rate and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain on field pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Asch.) growth and yield
Authors: SALEHI Bahram , AMINPANAH Hashem
Published: October 2015

A field experiment was conducted at Rezvanshahr, Guilan province, Iran, to evaluate the effects of phosphorus fertilizer rate and Pseudomonas fluorescens strains on growth and yield of field pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experimental design was a randomized complete block in a factorial arrangement with three replicates. Factors were phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 as triple superphosphate), and seed inoculation with P. florescens strains [control (non-inoculated), inoculated with strain R41, and strain R187). Analysis of variance showed that plant height, seed yield, pod number per m2, 100-seed weight, biological yield, harvest index, and leaf P concentration were significantly influenced by phosphorus fertilizer rate and P. florescens strain. At the same time, phosphorus fertilizer rate × P. fluorescens strain interaction was significant only for 100-seed weight. On the other hand, seed number per pod was significantly affected neither by phosphorus fertilizer rate nor by pseudomonas strains. Result showed that seed yield was significantly increased from 1099 ± 67 to 1898 ± 118 kg ha-1 as P2O5 application rate increased from 0 to 75 kg ha-1, and thereafter relatively remained constant. There was no significant difference in seed yield between plants raised from inoculated seeds with P. fluorescens, strain R187 (1664 ± 97 kg ha-1) and those raised from inoculated seeds with P. fluorescens, strain R41 (1669 ± 104 kg ha-1). At the same time, plants raised from inoculated seeds with P. fluorescens (both strains) produced greater grain yield compared to those raised from uninoculated seeds (1370 ± 80 kg ha-1). Based on the results of this study, P2O5 application at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 and inoculation with pseudomonas bacteria are recommended for obtaining the greatest seed yield in field pea.
Rate and duration of seed filling and yield of soybean affected by water and radiation deficits
Authors: GHASSEMI-GOLEZANI Kazem , BAKHSHI Javad , DALIL Bahareh
Published: October 2015

Seed filling and yield of soybean under water and radiation deficits were investigated during 2011 and 2012. Treatments were irrigations (I1, I2, I3 and I4 for irrigation after 60, 90, 120 and 150 mm evaporation from class A pan, respectively) in main plots and light interceptions (L1: 100 %, L2: 65 % and L3: 25 % sunlight) in sub-plots. Seeds per plant under I1 and I2 decreased, but under I3 and I4 increasedas a result of radiation deficit. Maximum seed weight and seed filling duration of plants under 25 % light interception (L3) were higher than those under full sunlight (L1) and 65 % light interception (L2). In contrast, plants under full sunlight had the highest seed filling rate, particularly under water stress. Seed filling duration under severe light deficit (L3) was about 9 days longer than that under full sunlight (L1), leading to 15.8 % enhancement in maximum seed weight. Decreasing seed yield of soybean under well watering and mild water stress and improving it under moderate and severe water deficit due to low solar radiation are directly related with changes in seed filling duration and consequently in seed weight and number of seeds per plant under these conditions.
Grain, milling, and head rice yields as affected by nitrogen rate and bio-fertilizer application
Authors: FIROUZI Saeed
Published: October 2015

To evaluate the effects of nitrogen rate and bio-fertilizer application on grain, milling, and head rice yields, a field experiment was conducted at Rice Research Station of Tonekabon, Iran, in 2013. The experimental design was a factorial treatment arrangement in a randomized complete block with three replicates. Factors were three N rates (0, 75, and 150 kg ha-1) and two bio-fertilizer applications (inoculation and uninoculation with Nitroxin, a liquid bio-fertilizer containing Azospirillum spp. and Azotobacter spp. bacteria). Analysis of variance showed that rice grain yield, panicle number per m2, grain number per panicle, flag leaves area, biological yield, grains N concentration and uptake, grain protein concentration, and head rice yield were significantly affected by N rate, while bio-fertilizer application had significant effect on rice grain yield, grain number per panicle, flag leaves area, biological yield, harvest index, grains N concentration and uptake, and grain protein concentration. Results showed that regardless of bio-fertilizer application, rice grain and biological yields were significantly increased as N application rate increased from 0 to 75 kg ha-1, but did not significantly increase at the higher N rate (150 kg ha-1). Grain yield was significantly increased following bio-fertilizer application when averaged across N rates. Grains N concentration and uptake were significantly increased as N rate increased up to 75 kg ha-1, but further increases in N rate had no significant effect on these traits. Bio-fertilizer application increased significantly grains N concentration and uptake, when averaged across N rates. Regardless of bio-fertilizer application, head rice yield was significantly increased from 56 % to 60 % when N rate increased from 0 to 150 kg ha-1. Therefore, this experiment illustrated that rice grain and head yields increased with increasing N rate, while bio-fertilizer application increased only rice grain yield.
First record of parasitic wasp Trichogramma brassicae Bezdenko, 1968 (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) in Slovenia
Authors: BOHINC Tanja , SCHMIDT Stefan , MONJE Juan Carlos , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: October 2015

The paper presents the parasitic wasp, which occurrence in Slovenia was first confirmed in August 2014 on egg layers of cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae) from cabbage. The wasp Trichogrammma brassicae belongs among egg parasitoids and it is especially known as biological control agent of lepidopteran pests. In the beginning the wasp was used for controlling European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), later it becomes an important biological control agent of some other economically important lepidopteran pests. With the first confirmation of occurrence of T. brassicae in Slovenia first condition for its placing on the List of indegenous biological control agents - it contains the organisms which practical use in Slovenia is allowed - is fulfilled.
Range extension and molecular taxonomy of Propeamussium arabicum (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Propeamussiidae) from Indian waters
Authors: Arathi Anitha Rajan , Ravinesh Raveendhiran , Dhaneesh Kottila Veettil , Bijukumar Appukuttannair
Published: October 2015

The thin shelled pectinoidean bivalve, Propeamussium arabicum is a molluscan species originally described from Gulf of Aden. This paper records the first report of this species in Indian coast and explains the extended distribution of the species towards eastern Arabian Sea.
Identity-Preserved Soybean Tolerance to Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase-Inhibiting Herbicides
Authors: Belfry Kimberly D. , Shropshire Christy , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: October 2015

Field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2013 near Ridgetown and Exeter, Ontario, Canada to evaluate the tolerance of seven identity-preserved (IP) soybean cultivars to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides flumioxazin, saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P, and sulfentrazone applied PRE; fomesafen applied POST; as well as PRE followed by (fb) POST application. Ridgetown sites demonstrated excellent tolerance (< 10% injury) to PRE treatments, whereas PRE sulfentrazone caused up to 36% injury at 1 and 2 wk after application (WAA) at Exeter. Of the PRE fb POST treatments evaluated, those containing saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P and sulfentrazone were most injurious to soybean, with cultivar being a further determinant of injury. At Exeter 1 WAA, cultivars ‘S03W4’ and ‘S23T5’ showed 23 to 27 and 45 to 46% injury for saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P and sulfentrazone when followed by POST fomesafen, respectively. Sulfentrazone application (PRE alone or fb fomesafen) consequently reduced S03W4 yield up to 38% and S23T5 up to 25%, whereas saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P fb fomesafen reduced S03W4 by 18%. In general, PRE fb POST caused more injury than PRE treatments; however, injury diminished over time and no significant reduction to soybean yield could be attributed to adding POST fomesafen. On the basis of this study, the injury from PPO herbicides applied PRE is active ingredient, cultivar, and environment specific. Although PPO herbicides have the potential to cause unacceptable crop injury in some IP soybean cultivars, selecting a tolerant cultivar will minimize yield losses.
Comparison of K-Means and Fuzzy C-Means Algorithms on Different Cluster Structures
Authors: Cebeci Zeynel , Yildiz Figen
Published: October 2015

In this paper the K-means (KM) and the Fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithms were compared for their computing performance and clustering accuracy on different shaped cluster structures which are regularly and irregularly scattered in two dimensional space. While the accuracy of the KM with single pass was lower than those of the FCM, the KM with multiple starts showed nearly the same clustering accuracy with the FCM. Moreover the KM with multiple starts was extremely superior to the FCM in computing time in all datasets analyzed. Therefore, when well separated cluster structures spreading with regular patterns do exist in datasets the KM with multiple starts was recommended for cluster analysis because of its comparable accuracy and runtime performances.
Trend of Change in Cultivated Area and Water Budget for Major Crops in Egypt using GIS and Field Survey Technique
Authors: Mohamed Assem Abdelmonem Ahmed , Mohamed A. A. A. , Ahmed M. S. M. , Abdrabbo M. A. A.
Published: October 2015

Agricultural survey, based on GIS scheme, using satellite images and topographic maps, field survey was carried out during 2008/2009 winter and 2009 summer seasons to determine the whole land cover of the Nile Delta and Valley. This was done using CLAC’s recent (2006) digital shape file data for different geographic layers (Roads, railways, irrigation channels, water bodies and cultivated areas), and SPOT 5 satellite images (2007). Data show that the cultivated area of wheat was about 2.9 million feddans (4200 m2) in 2008 depending on the ministry of agriculture and land reclamation (MALR) statistics, while the area of wheat in the same year according to GIS and field survey was about 2.5 million feddans. There was about 13% difference between the two concerned methods (GIS + field survey) and MALR’s conventional statistical method. However, the cultivated barley area in 2008 winter season was 148 thousand feddans according to GIS + field survey data, whilst the statistical data was 181 thousand feddans.

The GIS + field survey data showed that the area of cotton were decreased sharply in the season of 2009 to 250 thousand feddans compared to 284 thousand feddans with the MALR’s statistical method. Water budget during winter survey for the whole crop pattern was increased from 11 billion cubic meters in 1980 to 24 billion cubic meters in 2013, while water budget during summer survey was increased from 20 billion cubic meters in 1980 to 25 billion cubic meters in 2012. The average water budget for the whole crop pattern in Nile Delta and Nile Valley was 49 billion cubic meters during 2012 /2013.
Wood Trade Perspectives in Greece During Economic Crisis and New Technologies Challenge
Authors: Andreopoulou Zacharoula S. , Tzoulis Ioakeim k , Trigkas Marios , Tsekouropoulos George , Voulgaridis Elias
Published: October 2015

In wood trade sector, the supplier is the forest and the product is round wood. The quality, the quantity and value of wood depend heavily on the practices that are applied in the early stages of the supply chain. The aim of the paper is to present the perspectives of wood trade in Greece and also to study how the economic crisis has affected the forest production and trade (imports and exports). Finally, we will discuss the challenge of using new information technologies, such as databases, digital timber traceability systems, sustainable timber and wood products, in collaboration with the traditional methods employed in wood trade sector contemporarily.
Thrombocyte hemostasis disorders in patients with arterial hypertension at different terms after survived hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Mirsaeva G Kh , Khakimova R A , Timershina I R
Published: October 2015

Aim. To analyze the indices of platelet link of hemostasis in patients with arterial hypertension at different periods after surviving hemorrhagic stroke.
Methods. 82 patients with arterial hypertension stage 3 were followed up after surviving the hemorrhagic stroke. The following indicators of platelet hemostasis were studied: platelet count, spontaneous aggregation of thrombocytes; adenosine diphosphate aggregation of thrombocytes induced by adenosine diphosphate, collagen and ristomycin. The laboratory test were performed at admission before the standard treatment was initiated, and at discharge. Statistical data were processed using the integrated Statistica 8.0 software package for Windows (StatSoft).
Results. All examined patients had signs of thrombocyte hemostasis activation. In patients with arterial hypertension, reduced platelet count and increased functional activity of thrombocytes was revealed in early rehabilitation period after hemorrhagic stroke, characterized by non-significant increase of spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation. In patients with arterial hypertension in late rehabilitative period and in residual period after surviving the hemorrhagic stroke, a study of primary stage of platelet hemostasis showed statistically significant deviations of platelet aggregation, seen as the increased spontaneous and induced platelet aggregation, indicating chronic hypercoagulation.
Conclusion. Presented data of platelet link of hemostasis alterations may indicate a higher risk of thrombosis in patients with arterial hypertension over time after surviving the hemorrhagic stroke which may lead to recurring vascular complications.
Hemostatic system state and cytokine profile in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Sumerkina V A , Chulkov Vl S , Chulkov V S , Ozhigina E V
Published: October 2015

Aim. Examine the hemostasis state and cytokine profile in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Methods. The study included 71 patients aged 20 to 44 years. Patients were allocated to four groups matched on age: the first group - females with the metabolic syndrome (n=15), the second - healthy females (control group, n=20), the third - males with the metabolic syndrome (n=19), the fourth group - healthy males (control group, n=17). Laboratory parameters of lipid, carbohydrate metabolism, hemostatic parameters, the levels of cytokines were measured in peripheral blood.
Results. Changes in plasma, fibrinolytic and anticoagulant links were revealed in metabolic syndrome (increased concentration of fibrinogen, soluble fibrin monomer complex, D-dimer - in patients of both gender, increased level of tissue factor pathway inhibitor and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 - in females). Metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased concentration of interleukin-6 (males and females), interleukin-10 (females) and decreased level of interleukin-8 (males) in peripheral blood. In females, the interrelation between fibrinolytic system activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines serum levels was revealed. In males with metabolic syndrome, a correlation of interleukin-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine level and D-dimer, interferon γ, insulin and insulin resistance index (HOMA) levels was discovered. The level of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 correlated with serum triglycerides level.
Conclusion. Metabolic syndrome in patients of younger age is accompanied by changes in plasma fibrinolytic links of hemostasis, regardless of gender. In patients with metabolic syndrome, there are no gender differences in levels of peripheral blood cytokines inherent in healthy people.
Inhibin B and activin A in the pathogenesis of idiopathic male infertility
Authors: Galimova E F , Akhmadullina G Kh , Bulygin K V , Mochalov K S , Galimov Sh N
Published: October 2015

Aim. To assess the role of serum and ejaculate inhibin-activin status disorders in the development of reproductive disorders at idiopathic male infertility.
Methods. The research includes data of laboratory and clinical examination of 82 infertile and 60 fertile men. Serum and semen levels of reproduction regulatory peptides inhibin B and activin A were determined using standard commercially available kits for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Other parameters of ejaculate were also investigated.
Results. In men with infertility of the unknown cause, sperm cell concentration was significantly decreased, and the proportion of sex cells with morphological anomalies was increased. The main features of inhibin-activin profile of biological fluids in healthy males with proven fertility were revealed, which were the significant gradient of inhibin and activin intertissue concentrations and domination of these molecular fertility factors in seminal plasma, corresponding with the views of their key role in sperm fertilizing capacity. In patients with pathospermia, the significant decrease of inhibin B concentration in the ejaculate but not in serum, associated with increased activin A levels was revealed, accompanied by characteristic shift of inhibin-activin ratio associated with the deterioration of quality and quantity parameters of semen.
Conclusion. Revealed changes in the inhibin-activin sperm plasma mirror may be a pathogenetic basis for the idiopathic infertility in couples. Inhibin-activin coefficient in blood serum and seminal fluid may be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker of reproductive dysfunction risk.
The role of membrane lipids in forming the electrokinetic properties of red blood cells in solid tumors and psoriasis
Authors: Obukhova L M , Erlykina E I , Kopytova T V , Makarova M N , Shchelchkova N A , Beschastnova E S
Published: October 2015

Aim. Analysis of the electrophoretic mobility of red blood cells in patients with the diseases caused by increased cell proliferation activity, and its relationship with the lipid spectrum of erythrocyte membranes.
Methods. The blood of 42 patients with malignant tumors of epithelial tissues (colon, kidney, prostate, urine bladder and cervical cancer) and 16 patients with skin diseases was studied. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. Electrophoretic mobility of red blood cells was assessed by microelectrophoresis. Lipid fractions levels in erythrocytes was determined by one-dimensional thin layer chromatography.
Results. Over than two-fold decrease of electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes was observed in patients with malignant tumors of epithelial tissues and skin diseases associated with cell proliferation processes (psoriasis) - by 59 and 60%, respectively In inflammatory skin diseases (microbial eczema), the decrease was less pronounced (30%). The contents of charged phospholipid in erythrocyte membranes in case of cancer and psoriasis has changed in a similar way: a significant reduction in sphingomyelin level in the absence of significant differences in phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine levels. Multidirectional statistically significant changes in the contents of lysophosphatidylcholine were revealed depending on the stage of cancer, their level was decreased two-fold in case of psoriasis. The changes of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids levels in the membranes of red blood cells in case of cancer and psoriasis were divergent.
Conclusion. In diseases caused by cell proliferation activation, electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes is reduced by more than 50%. Kinetic characteristic of erythrocytes may be used for detecting the conditions of pathologic cell proliferation, including malignant tumors, since they alter in cases of phospholipid membranes lipid spectrum disorders.
The study of albumin dialysis efficiency in acute liver failure using the «Bioartificial liver» device
Authors: Polevshchikova E E
Published: October 2015

Aim. Clinical testing of albumin dialysis method in patients with acute liver failure of different etiologies on the experimental sample of the «bioartificial liver» device.
Methods. Clinical assessment of treatment using the «bioartificial liver» device was conducted on 20 patients aged 22-68 years old who had acute liver failure of different etiology. The «bioartificial liver» device consisted of a perfusion unit, the dialyzer, dialysis circuit with albumin solution and carbon haemosorbent mode. A 10% donor human albumin solution was used as the dialysis fluid in recirculation mode. For restoration of the accepting ability albumin was exposed to perfusion through the carbonic hemosorbent. Duration of the treatment was 3 hours, control of liver damage biochemical markers was performed before and after the session.
Results. There was a statistically significant reduction in biochemical markers of cytolysis and cholestasis: transaminases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. We also observed a statistically significant reduction of ammonia level, which is one of the main clinical and laboratory signs characterizing the severity of encephalopathy. Improvement of liver synthetic function reflected a statistically significant increase in glucose level. Clinical stabilization as well as reduction of encephalopathy clinical signs were observed after the procedure. No side effects were notices.
Conclusion. Implementation of albumin dialysis in patients with acute liver failure using the «bioartificial liver» device was accompanied by an improvement of their functional state. This gives reason to use this method for the treatment of acute liver failure in intensive care units.
Influence of copper-zinc sulfide ores elements on bone tissue remodeling and regulative factors
Authors: Farshatova E R , Ganeev T I , Men’shikova I A , Sarmeneeva L V , Nurgaleev N V , Kamilov F Kh
Published: October 2015

Aim. Characterize the intensity of bone remodeling, balance of hormones and local cytokines regulating bone remodeling and bone metabolism, at chronic intake of copper-zinc sulfide ores elements.
Methods. A total of 101 miner, producing copper-zinc sulfide ore by underground mining, and 30 employees of ground services of OAO «Uchaly Mining and Processing Plant», were examined. Experimental studies were performed on 60 white adult male rats, distributed to control and experimental groups. The experimental animals of the study group got copper-zinc sulfide ore powder in a 2% starch solution daily for 3 months as a suspension at the dose of 60 mg per 100 g of body weight. The serum levels of testosterone, parathyroid hormone, total thyroxine and triiodothyronine, cortisol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, soluble Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, osteoprotegerin, sclerostin and C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I, as well as bone alkaline phosphatase activity were determined.
Results. Miners who were diagnosed with decreased bone density had increased level of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I, with bone alkaline phosphatase activity similar to the control group. In miners with physiological level of bone density, there was no statistically significant decrease in blood testosterone level, in the groups with low and very low bone mineral density there was a statistically significant decrease in testosterone level and increased level of parathyroid hormone. Experimental animals exposed to sulfide ore had serum levels of testosterone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, thyroxine and triiodothyronine decreased, and increased level of parathyroid hormone and cortisol. Together with that, blood concentration of sclerostin was increased, level of osteoprotegerin - decreased, and soluble Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand was not changed.
Conclusion. Long-term intake of copper-zinc sulfide ore leads to an imbalance of bone remodeling with a predominance of resorption. It is associated with the reduction of testosterone, calcidiol and thyroid hormones levels providing anabolic and anti-catabolic effect on bone metabolism, and overproduction of parathyroid hormone and cortisol, stimulating osteolysis. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand / osteoprotegerin ratio and sclerostin level increases.
Hemostasis state, adipokine levels and markers of endothelial dysfunction in young patients with components of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Chulkov Vl S , Sumerkina V A , Chulkov V S , Sinitsin S P , Vereina N K
Published: October 2015

Aim. To carry out a comparative assessment of hemostasis, adipokines levels and markers of endothelial dysfunction in young patients with a variety of components of the metabolic syndrome.
Methods. The study included 154 patients aged 18-44 years who were divided into four groups matched for age and sex: the first group - 35 patients with metabolic syndrome, the second group - 25 patients with hypertension without abdominal obesity, the third group - 22 patients with abdominal obesity without hypertension, the fourth group - 72 healthy subjects (control group). We studied the vascular-platelet, coagulation and anticoagulation units of the hemostasis system, the fibrinolytic system, the levels of adipokines and markers of endothelial dysfunction.
Results. Patients with metabolic syndrome showed signs of activation of coagulation together with a slowdown functions of the fibrinolytic system and activation of the anticoagulation system. In young patients with hypertension without abdominal obesity increased were the levels of endothelin, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, angiotensin II inhibitor and extrinsic pathway of coagulation. Patients with abdominal obesity without arterial hypertension had no significant change in adipokin levels and markers of endothelial dysfunction compared to control group.
Conclusion. In young patients with a variety of components of the metabolic syndrome revealed were signs of intravascular activation of blood coagulation in conjunction with the imbalance of adipokines levels and endothelial dysfunction.
Studying the functional condition of rat epididymis mitochondria at nitric oxide (II) synthesis change
Authors: Zvyagina V I , Bel’skikh E S , Medvedev D V , Golovach N A
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the levels of nitric oxide (II) metabolites, lactate, endogenic carnitine and mitochondrial oxidoreductase activity in epididymis tissue at nitric oxide low synthesis and, based on the obtained data, to assess the functional condition of rat epididymis mitochondria.
Methods. 16 Wistar rats were allocated to two equal groups: The first group was administered L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), which is non-selective NO-synthase inhibitor, at a dose of 25 mg/kg for 7 days. The second group (the control group) got 0.9% sodium chloride solution administered as intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. Homogenate was obtained from epididymis tissue (head and tail), and mitochondria were isolated from it by differential centrifugation. Activities of mitochondrial enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase) were measured, as well as concentrations of NO metabolites, lactate, total protein and endogenous carnitine.
Results. Activity of succinate dehydrogenase was significantly decreased by 55 and 68%, lactate dehydrogenase activity - by 78 and 92%, superoxide dismutase - by 16 and 43% in the mitochondria of epididymis head and tail tissue, respectively in the group receiving 25 mg/kg of L-NAME, compared to the control group. The concentrations of NO metabolites decreased by 18 and 30%, lactate levels increased by 43 and 35%, the share of bounded carnitine decreased by 25% in epididymis tail. Changes of carnitine concentrations in epididymis head were non-significant.
Conclusion. In L-NAME-induced deficiency of NO in epididymis tissues mitochondria, statistically significant decrease in the activity of mitochondrial oxidoreductases and lactate accumulation was noticed, indicating the development of secondary mitochondrial dysfunction.
Effect of L-arginine and carnitine on cathepsin L and H activity and lysosomal membranes permeability in myocardium in expressed hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Il’icheva A S , Fomina M A
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the activity of lysosomal cysteine proteases (cathepsins L, H) and acid phosphatase, changing of permeability, stability of myocardial lysosomal membranes in rats in experimental expressed hyperhomocysteinemia model, and while administering L-arginine and carnitine. Methods. The study was performed on male Wistar rats kept on standard vivarium conditions divided into three control and three experimental groups of 8 animals each. Experimental samples were administered methionine, or combination of L-arginine and carnitine with methionine. The level of serum homocysteine was measured by ELISA. Cathepsin L and H activity was detected by spectrofluorimetric method. Acid phosphatase activity was recorded using the «end point» method. Results. In the model of expressed hyperhomocysteinemia the increase of cathepsin H total activity due to both lysosomal and nonlysosomal fractions was found. These changes were observed along with the general increase of lysosomal membranes permeability. When correcting hyperhomocysteinemia with L-arginine and carnitine a decrease of cathepsin L and H levels was noted as well as positive effect on the myocardial lysosomal membranes stability. Conclusion. Expressed hyperhomocysteinemia is accompanied by statistically significant increase of both lysosomal and cytoplasmic fractions of the cathepsin H activity, indicating the lysosomal membranes permeabilisation phenomenon; L-carnitine and arginine correct hyperhomocysteinaemia effects, leading to cathepsin L and H reduced activity and having a stabilizing effect on the lysosomal membranes of cardiomyocytes.
The study of pituitary-thyroid hormones ratio based on regression analysis
Authors: Kamilov F Kh , Kozlov V N , Baymatov V N , Mamtsev A N , Smirnov D Yu
Published: October 2015

Aim. To work up a mathematical model for calculation of the levels of pituitary-thyroid hormones system by least squares method in rats with experimental hypothyroidism.

Methods. To study the relationship of hormones levels regression analysis was used. The search of coefficients was performed using the least squares method. Investigations were carried out on rats, which were divided into six groups of 12 rats each: the first group was control, in the animals of second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups hypothyroidism was induced by daily intragastric administration of tiamazol in following doses: 2.5; 20.0; 10.0; 5.0 and 1.0 mg per 100 g of rat body weight for 3 weeks.

Results. Regression analysis was carried out, the type of regression as well as parameters were chosen; statistical analysis of the relationship of hormones was conducted based on the obtained results. By comparing the calculation results of the laboratory analysis sufficiently high reliability of the developed model was set up. The deviation of the arithmetic mean value of the level of thyroid stimulating hormone, produced on the basis of experimental and calculated data, is 2.7%. The accuracy of thyroid stimulating hormone levels calculations increased with the decrease of thyrostatic medication dose. The relative error while calculating the free thyroxine levels in the same groups of rats did not exceed 2.15%, accounting for 1.64; 1.34; 0.36 and 2.15%, respectively, when administered daily 20.0; 10.0; 5.0 and 1.0 mg of antithyroid drug per 100 g body weight. One can argue about the reliability of the constructed model to reproduce the performance levels of the hormones of the pituitary-thyroid system.

Conclusion. In the absence of modern high sensitive immunochemiluminescent diagnostic methods the results can be used for thyroid-stimulating hormone levels calculation as one of the major markers of the thyroid gland functional state.
The study of cardiomyocytes mitochondrial dysfunction in hyperhomocysteinemia and nitric oxyde deficiency
Authors: Medvedev D V , Zvyagina V I
Published: October 2015

Aim. To study the influence of nitric oxide metabolism disturbance on the development of mitochondrial dysfunction in case of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Methods. The research was conducted on 32 Wistar male rats. Hyperhomocysteinemia was simulated by intragastric injection of methionine suspension prepared using starch and Tween-80 with addition of this amino acid into the drinking water. The nitric oxide deficiency was induced by intraperitoneal injection of L-Nω-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) solution.
Results. Hyperhomocysteinemia is accompanied by dysfunction of cardiac cells mitochondria, manifesting in growth of cytoplasmic lactate level and development of oxidative stress with increased mitochondrial proteins carbonylation. Oxidative stress is largely compensated by the activation of the antioxidant defense system (including superoxide dismutase), as evidenced by a slight decrease of succinate dehydrogenase and H+-ATPase activity, the absence of statistically significant changes of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase activity. Tween-80 showed antioxidant properties, reducing the content of protein carbonyl derivatives and superoxide dismutase activity. Nitric oxide deficiency caused by the L-NAME injection was accompanied by an inhibition of aerobic oxidation processes in cardiomyocytes mitochondria, which was proved by a significant decrease in succinate dehydrogenase activity as well as slight reduction of lactate dehydrogenase activity and lactate accumulation in the cytoplasm, and an oxidative phosphorylation reduction which manifested with a decrease of H+-ATPase activity. One reason for these changes is increased carbonylation of proteins due to high production of reactive oxygen species, which is not sufficiently compensated by increased activity of superoxide dismutase.
Conclusion. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with reduced concentrations of nitric oxide metabolites in cardiomyocytes mitochondria, and changes in these organelles after the administering of methionine have some similarities with those after injection of L-NAME, it can be argued that nitric oxide deficiency plays an important role in the pathogenesis of mitochondrial dysfunction of cardiomyocytes in case of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Effect of erythropoietin on the content of lipid peroxidation products in lymphocytes in experimental thermal injury
Authors: Osikov M V , Simonyan E V , Saedgalina O T
Published: October 2015

Aim. To investigate the effect of different concentrations of erythropoietin on the content of lipid peroxidation products in lymphocytes isolated from the blood of rats with thermal injury.
Methods. The study was performed on 22 white male rats. Thermal injury of IIIA degree on 4% of body surface area was simulated by immersion in water at a temperature of 98-99 °C. After 24 hours, blood lymphocytes were isolated and the content of the primary (diene conjugates), secondary (ketodienes and conjugated trienes) and final products (Schiff bases) of lipid peroxidation were determined spectrophotometrically. Erythropoietin was added to lymphocytes at concentrations of 0.01; 0.1 and 1 IU/ml.
Results. It was found that 24 hours after thermal injury there were the accumulation of primary, secondary and final products of lipid peroxidation in isopropanol fraction of lipid extracts of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Addition of erythropoietin to the rat lymphocytes resulted in a controversial change in the content of lipid peroxidation products: an increase in the heptane fraction, decrease - in the isopropanol fraction of lipid extract of lymphocytes. In the heptane fraction erythropoietin (at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 IU/ml) increased the content of primary, end (at a concentration of 0.1 IU/ml) and secondary (at a concentration of 1 IU/ml) lipid peroxidation products. In isopropanol fraction erythropoietin reduced the content of primary (at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 IU/ml), final (at concentrations of 0.01 and 0.1 IU/ml) and secondary (at concentrations of 0.01 and 1 IU/ml) products of lipid peroxidation.
Conclusion. It was found that there is an accumulation of lipid peroxidation products in the isopropanol fraction of lipid extract of lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood of rats with thermal injury; erythropoietin application at concentrations of 0.01; 0.1 and 1 IU/ml increases the content of lipid peroxidation products in heptane fraction and decrease in the isopropanol fraction of lipid extract of lymphocytes.
Influence of zinc administration on its tissue concetration and activity of serum antioxidant enzymes in rats at physical activity
Authors: Skal’nyy A A , Tin’kov A A , Medvedeva Yu S , Alchinova I B , Bonitenko E Yu , Karganov M Yu , Nikonorov A A
Published: October 2015

Aim. To investigate the effect of zinc supplementation at physical exercise on the distribution of the metal in the tissues and the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes.
Methods. Physical activity was simulated using the treadmill. Laboratory animals were distributed to 6 even (n=12) groups. The first and fourth groups of animals received no zinc-containing additives and were imposed to low and high physical activity, respectively. Animals of the 2 and 3 as well as 5 and 6 groups received 5 and 15 mg/kg/day of zinc asparaginate intragastrically and were imposed to low and high physical activity, respectively. The zinc concentrantion in the organs and tissues was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was determined by spectrophotometry.
Results. Administration of zinc asparaginate to the laboratory animals with low physical activity resulted in a dose-dependent increase of the metal concentration in liver and kidney parenchyma and blood serum, as well as in increase of serum glutathione peroxidase activity. Intensive physical activity for 14 days was accompanied by a significant increase in serum and kidney tissue zinc level. At the 7-day exposure to zinc at physical activity, a dose-dependent increase in zinc concentration in the organs and increase of serum glutathione peroxidase activity was registered. Zinc administration together with physical activity for 14 days did not result in a significant change in the balance of metal in the body of animals. In contrast to the 7-day exposure, a combination of factors studied for 14 days was accompanied by increased activity of superoxide dismutase, but not glutathione peroxidase.
Conclusion. Physical activity of different duration has a significant effect on the zinc kinetics at oral administration, and the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes in laboratory animals.
The effect of sorbents on the serum levels of copper, iron and their transporting proteins at alcohol intoxication
Authors: Terekhina N A , Zhidko E V , Terekhin G A , Orbidans A G
Published: October 2015

Aim. Evaluate the effect of sorbents on erythrocyte membrane permeability and serum levels of copper, iron and their transporting proteins at acute ethanol intoxication.
Methods. The study was performed on 94 rats. Acute alcohol intoxication was simulated on intact animals and in animals with prior artificial alcohol abuse. Acute ethanol intoxication was caused by intragastric administration of 40% ethanol at a dose of 0.5 of median lethal dose. Polysorb, Litovit, and Sapropel sorbents were administered at a dose of 3000 mg/kg 30 minutes after ethanol administration. permeability of erythrocyte membrane, serum levels of copper, iron, ceruloplasmin and transferrin were measured by spectrophotometry.
Results. Levels of copper and iron in rat serum and erythrocyte membrane permeability significantly dropped compared to the control level at acute ethanol intoxication, ceruloplasmin level raised by 1.5 times, transferrin level did not change significantly. At acute ethanol intoxication in animals with prior artificial alcohol abuse, copper and iron levels and erythrocyte membrane permeability remained low, ceruloplasmin level remained high, transferrin level was decreased for 2 times. All sorbents were able to compensate the serum levels of copper, iron and ceruloplasmin in animals with prior artificial alcohol abuse, and Litovit and Polysorb also influenced on transferrin level.
Conclusion. Compensatory effect of Polysorb, Litovit, and Sapropel on the serum levels of ceruloplasmin, copper, iron and transferrin and on erythrocyte membrane permeability was discovered at acute ethanol intoxication in animals with prior artificial alcohol abuse.
The comparative analysis of onomatopoeic units in Russian, English and Italian languages
Authors: Katorova A.A.
Published: October 2015

The article is devoted to the comparative analysis of onomatopoeic units in Russian, English and Italian languages. The hypothesis of the research is that the onomatopoeic words in different languages reflect originality of the language picture of the world by using its own phonetic and morphological means.
The following was revealed in the conducted comparative analysis of onomatopoeic lexis of Russian, English and Italian: though the onomatopoeic lexis is common to all mankind and it is also language universal, it is realized in the words that have a national character. Therefore, different languages behave differently while imitating. At this point, the importance is placed on ideo-ethnic features of languages, cultures and traditions of peoples.
The Natural Choice? Metaphors for nature in a UK government white paper
Authors: Ponton D.M.
Published: October 2015

George Lakoff (1993) described metaphor as “a major and indispensable part of our ordinary conventional way of conceptualizing the world.” In the context of a critical approach to discourse studies, however, such conceptualizing is not a neutral phenomenon. Politicians and advertisers, among others, understand the potential of metaphor as a persuasive rhetorical figure. In the topical public debate on the environment, where environmental discourse has achieved a certain currency thanks to pressure groups such as Greenpeace, metaphors have a key role to play in influencing attitudes.
This study explores the construction of environmental discourse in a recent white paper from the British government, with an emphasis on the persuasive role of metaphor. It suggests that the notion of ‘value’ as a key metaphor can be understood in terms of the appeal it makes to potential readers in the corporate sphere.
Determinants of Competitiveness in Textile Industry of Pakistan
Authors: Javaid Muhammad Ehsan , Afridi Muhammad Asim
Published: October 2015

This study investigated the determinants of competitiveness in textile industry of Pakistan. Both financial (leverage, liquidity, investment, productive asset and firm size) and nonfinancial factors (exporting and market share) were collectively studied from 2002 to 2012 for 84 textile firms. Balanced panel data used for analysis. Hausman test confirmed fixed effect panel data regression model as appropriate research technique. Results proven that leverage, productive asset and firm size had negative significant relationship with competitiveness of firm while market share had positive significant relationship. Extraordinary use of debt financing, inefficient asset management and improper usage of productive asset were the point of main concern for further improvement of firm competitiveness. For capturing large market share firm desired to achieve economies of scale and economies of scope. Exporting and liquidity had positive but insignificant relationship while investment had negative insignificant relationship with competitiveness.
Lukács and Reflection Theory
Authors: Yahyanejad Hani , Shabanirad Ensieh
Published: October 2015

This essay claims that the rejection of Lukács’s realism is quite problematic, in the sense that his opponents such as Adorno and Althusser symbolically used the name of Lukács and perpetuated the suspicion of Lukács’s compromise with Stalinism. The essay argues that Lukács’s model of reflection is not couched in Stalin’s socialist realism, a theory that assumes the transparency between aesthetic forms and reality, but rather raises the essential problems of the condition of writers in capitalist society. Lukács’s realism aims at providing a practical strategy to overcome cultural reification, focusing on the mediation between an author and his material condition. An investigation of Lukács’s realism reveals that Lukács’s way of understanding realism arises from his emphasis on objectivity rather than subjective reflection such as Kantian philosophy. The essay claims that this is the kernel of Lukácsean reflection theory signified by an aesthetic of realism definitively opposed to Stalin’s socialist realism. From this perspective, the essay takes Althusserian Marxism as the occasion to stage a wide consideration of anti-realism. It proposes to elucidate the implicit assumptions behind the decline of Lukács’s realism, and the reification of cultural fields that gradually came to dominate Western literary apparatuses.
Segmentation of Life Insurance Customers Based on their Profile Using Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Jandaghi Gholamreza , Moradpour Zahra
Published: October 2015

In the current competitive environment, companies will be able to adjust business strategies, they use market segmentation based on practical ways rather than using traditional approaches or incomplete and impractical mass marketing. In recent years, mining has gained attention and popularity in the business world. The goal of data mining projects is to convert the raw data into useful information. Clustering can also be used to explore differences in attitudes and intentions of the clients. In this study, we used fuzzy clustering on 1071 life insurance customers during March to October 2014. . Results show that the optimal number of clusters was 2 which were named as "investment" and "life safety". Some suggestions are presented to improve the performance of the insurance company.
The Effect of Living in the Present Time, Healthy Character Development and Social Character Growth of Staff on their Performance (Case Study: Clinical and Paraclinical Areas of Ahwaz Imam Khomeini Hospital)
Authors: Pishgar Farnaz
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of living in the present, healthy character development and social character growth of staff on their performance in clinical and para-clinical fields of Ahvwaz Imam Khomeini hospital. In this research, the descriptive research method was of the correlational type. Necessary information was prepared from selected sample from the research statistical population, namely clinical and para-clinical staff of Ahwaz Imam Khomeini Hospital who was 1000 ones and 280 of them was selected as volume of the sample based on Cochran formula using available sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-built questionnaire based on Fordyce’s 14-point model with 42 questions and performance questionnaire and Stephen E. Candrie performance questionnaire with 10 aspects and 32 questions. Cronbach alpha coefficient for questionnaire and performance questionnaire were 0.97 and 0.94, respectively indicating acceptable reliability. Also, validity of the questionnaire was confirmed based on supervisors and number of experts in the field of management through content validity. Data analyses were done in to levels of descriptive and inferential statistics. In inferential part, regression analysis and Pearson correlation test were done using SPSS software. The results of the present study showed that living in the present, healthy character development and social character growth of Ahwaz Imam Khomeini Hospital staff have a positive effect on their performance and whatever staff live in the present and develop their character and be more social, their performance will increase.