bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tips and Tricks to Manage Vascular Risks Using the Transnasal Endoscopic Approach to Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Rareş Chinezu , Moncef Berhouma , Timothée Jacquesson , Gerard Raverot , Emmanuel Jouanneau
Published: January 2016

Objective: The purely transnasal endoscopic approach has taken in the last decade a paramount importance in the treatment of pituitary adenomas, but some authors have been linked it to an increase in vascular complications. The aim of this paper is to provide a stepwise description of the vascular risks and steps required to avoid them.

Method: We present the minimal invasive technique used by the senior author in over 900 transnasal purely endoscopic approaches focusing on the relevant vascular landmarks, preoperative and operative steps taken in order to avoid vascular injury and the management of vascular injury from a multitude of sources.

Conclusion: Endoscopy has brought a wider field of view, with numerous vascular structures well inside the operating field. This represents control but also higher risk. Solid knowledge of the skull base anatomy and proper preoperative imaging coupled with an experienced surgeon can greatly reduce the vascular risks associated with surgery.
Automatische Identifikation und Selektion von untypischen Daten
Authors: Trommer Maria , Wenzel Andreas
Published: January 2016

Der Dichte-Lage Datenfilter, kurz DiLa-Filter, ist als neuartiger Datenbearbeitungsalgorithmus für die Klassifikation von
Elektroenzephalogramm (EEG)-Daten durch Support-Vektor-Maschinen (SVM) entwickelt worden, aber auch für eine Vielzahl anderer
Problemstellungen anwendbar. Der neuartige Algorithmus wird dazu eingesetzt, untypische Datensätze aus der Trainingsdatenmenge einer
SVM zu entfernen und hierdurch die Generalisierungsfähigkeit der resultierenden Klassifikatoren deutlich zu steigern. Untersuchungen an
realen EEG-Daten belegen die Verbesserung der Modelle durch die mittels DiLa-Filter modifizierten Trainingsdaten.
Nicht-konservative weich strukturvariable Regelungen mit invers-polynomialen Selektionsstrategien
Authors: Röthig Andreea , Adamy Jürgen
Published: January 2016

Der Beitrag stellt notwendige und hinreichende Existenzbedingungen weich strukturvariabler Regelungen mit invers-polynomialen
Selektionsstrategien für lineare Strecken mit einer Eingangsgröße und Stellgrößenbeschränkung vor. Das resultierende Regelgesetz wird
bezüglich einer Ljapunov-Funktion-basierten unteren Grenze der Konvergenzrate optimiert. Der konvergenzoptimale Regler ist ein
Zweipunktregler mit einer einfachen parameterabhängigen Selektionsstrategie. Ein sättigender High-Gain-Regler wird als stetige
Approximation dieses Regelgesetzes vorgestellt. Dieser vermeidet die Nachteile des unstetigen Regelgesetzes auf Kosten einer
suboptimalen Konvergenzrate.
2D Video Stabilization for Industrial High-Speed Cameras
Authors: Nikolov Atanas , Dimov Dimo
Published: January 2016

The current research concerns the problem of video stabilization “in a point”, which aims to stabilize all video frames according to one chosen reference frame to produce a new video, as by a static camera. Similar task importance relates providing static background in the video sequence that can be usable for correct measurements in the frames when studying dynamic objects in the video. For this aim we propose an efficient combined approach, called “3×3OF9×9”. It fuses our the previous development for fast and rigid 2D video stabilization [2] with the well-known Optical Flow approach, applied by parts via Otsu segmentation, for eliminating the influence of moving objects in the video. The obtained results are compared with those, produced by the commercial software Warp Stabilizer of Adobe-After-Effects CS6.
The existence of negative correlation between linguistic measures across languages
Authors: Coloma Germán
Published: January 2016

This paper proposes a procedure to evaluate the possible existence of negative correlation between three language ratios (phonemes per syllable, syllables per word, and words per clause), based on a synergetic linguistics’ approach. It uses partial correlation coefficients and simultaneous-equation regressions, and the analysis is performed on data obtained from the fable “The North Wind and the Sun”, translated into 50 languages. After controlling for phenomena related to geographic and genetic factors, we end up with the conclusion that the three ratios are negatively correlated between themselves, and this can be seen as a signal of the possible existence of complexity trade-offs.
Monotone Finite Difference Schemes for Quasilinear Parabolic Problems with Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Gaspar Francisco José , Lisbona Francisco Javier , Matus Piotr P. , Tuyen Vo Thi Kim
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we consider finite difference methods for two-dimensional quasilinear parabolic problems with mixed Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions. Some strong two-side estimates for the difference solution are provided and convergence results in the discrete norm are proved.
Numerical examples illustrate the good performance of the proposed numerical approach.
Fenestrate Bryozoans in the Acanthopyge Limestone (Eifelian) in the Barrandian Area (Czech Republic)
Authors: Mergl Michal
Published: January 2016

The first occurrence of fenestrate bryozoans is reported from the Acanthopyge Limestone (Eifelian) in the Koněprusy area of the Czech Republic. Fragmented zoaria have been identified in lightgrey crinoidal-limestone rich with brachiopods, corals, and stromatoporoids. Several species of fenestrates are evident, but poor preservation and fragmentation of zoaria allow only approximate taxonomic determination. The fenestrates, Fenestella sp., Laxifenestella (?) sp., Hemitrypa sp., Polyporella sp., Ptylopora sp., and Reteporina sp., are illustrated and briefly described. The presence of fenestrates has a great palaeoenvironmental significance. Fenestrates together with brachiopods, stromatopoids, and corals indicate a high-energy reef environment on the Koněprusy submarine elevation in the upper Eifelian. Morphology of fenestrates and high morphological disparity of brachiopods are remarkably similar to the faunas of the Pragian age in the Koněprusy area suggesting a similar reef environment. The upper Eifelian age of the locality is evidenced by conodonts of the Tortodus kockelianus Zone.
Research on the reduction of Guizhou oolitic hematite by hydrogen
Authors: Run Huang , Bi Shanshan , Liu Pengsheng , Xu Benjun , Zhang Jinzhu
Published: January 2016

Oolitic hematite abounds in the Guizhou Province of China but is hard to use with the traditional process. The reduction of Guizhou oolitic hematite by H2was studied. Ore microscopy, phase change, and the metallization rate of oolitic hematite under different reduction conditions were characterized by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis, respectively. The metallization ratio of the reduced sample increased with the increase of reduction time. The metallization ratio reached 80.75% when the temperature was 1000°C and the reduction time was 120 min. The new phases of FeAl2O4and Fe2SiO4can be generated during the reduction process, which hindered the reduction of the oolitic hematite.
Exploring the relationship difficulties of Iranian adolescents with conduct disorder: a qualitative content analysis
Authors: Salmanian Maryam , Ghobari-Bonab Bagher , Alavi Seyyed-Salman , Jokarian Ali-Akbar , Mohammadi Mohammad-Reza
Published: January 2016

Background: Conduct disorder is characterized by aggressive behaviors, deceitfulness or theft, destruction of property and serious violations of rules prior to age 18 years. The object relations theory provides an integrative model to understand the problems of conduct disorder, and proposes that child-caregiver relationships develop the internal working models of self and others. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship difficulties of Iranian adolescents with conduct disorder.

Methods: This study was a qualitative directed content analysis research. The in-depth interview was conducted with nine male adolescents aged 12–17 years who had conduct disorder with or without substance use disorder at the reformatory in Tehran. All tape-recorded data were fully transcribed and analyzed.

Results: The relations with different objects including parents, siblings, relatives, friends, peers, teachers, other school members, colleagues and employers were analyzed, and four themes were extracted: 1) Object relations based on insecurity and fear; 2) Object relations based on inability and abjection; 3) Object relations based on pessimism and mistrust; 4) Object relations based on non-maintenance of boundaries and limits.

Conclusion: The importance of object relations and attachment problems in adolescents with conduct disorder, and their need to participate in special intervention programs should be reconsidered.
Determination of Volatiles in Ham by Gas Chromatography with Olfactory Detection
Authors: Dang Yali , Liu Zhu , Gao Xianfeng , Gao Xinchang , Cao Jinxuan , Bao Guoliang
Published: January 2016

The aroma-active compounds of Jinhua ham were analyzed after isolation using simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) and solid phase microextraction (SPME). In spite of the remarkable similarity between the dry-cured hams, the technological potential of combinations of both has never been explored before. Results show that 2, 6-dimethyl-pyrazine, hexanal, 2-heptanone, ethyl acetate and 2-pentyl-furan made the predominant contribution to the aroma of Jinhua ham. In fact, 28 volatile compounds were extracted using SDE, with cured, toasted, fatty and fried odors playing important roles in the “boiled ham”. At the same time, 29 volatile compounds with cured, sulfurous alliaceous and spicy herbaceous flavor were the main contributors to the ham odor. Furthermore, the contribution of each aroma-active component to the whole ham flavor profile was evaluated by aroma extract dilution analysis. The 2, 6-dimethyl-pyrazine and 3-(methylthio)-propanal was identified as the most intense aroma-active compounds of Jinhua ham due to their high log2 (FD-factor) and characteristic aroma.
Prevalence, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing bacteria in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Chandrasekhar Dilip , Chalilparambil Jaffer , Kallungal Sajitha Mukriyan , Pattani Danisha , Chandrakumar Abin , Pokkavayalil Vikas
Published: January 2016

Background: The widespread misuse of antibiotics over the past several decades has been regarded as the contributing factor in the development of resistance toward them. Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that can make them resistant to certain antibiotics. Early detection of ESBL strains and judicious use of antibiotics and proper implementation of infection control strategies are essential to prevent the spread of this threat in the community. The study aimed at appraising the prevalence, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL-producing microorganisms.

Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care referral hospital located in Malappuram district of Kerala among inpatients with infection by ESBL-producing bacteria in order to estimate the prevalence, risk factors and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern.

Results: Out of the total 1156 patients studied, 118 had confirmed diagnosis on the presence of ESBL-producing microorganisms. Overall, 9.79% of all samples growing Enterobacteriaceae yielded an ESBL producer. Out of the total isolates identified, 66.1% were urinary tract infections, 15.1% were respiratory tract infections, 14.4% were surgical site infections and the remaining constituted blood stream infections. The highest antimicrobial activity against ESBL-producing isolates was observed for meropenem.

Conclusions: High prevalence of ESBL-producing organisms is evident in the study setting implicating the necessity to report the ESBL production along with the routine sensitivity reports supplemented with control measures which can assist a clinician in prescribing appropriate antibiotics.
In-vitro allergy diagnostics
Authors: Renz Harald
Published: January 2016

In vitro allergy diagnostics is rapidly advancing. This is primarily due to the development of component-based diagnostic tools. The availability of allergen components now allows a more precise and patient-tailored diagnostics, which has implications for therapeutic strategies including decision about specific immunotherapy. Furthermore, differential diagnostics of food intolerances and food allergies is also advancing because of this novel test. Another area of advancement is cellular diagnostics, which is primarily based on basophile activation tests. These recent developments will be discussed in this article.
Stepwise diagnostic procedure for the analysis of pathological changes of leukocytes
Authors: Diem Heinz , Nebe Thomas , Bettelheim Peter
Published: January 2016

The automated analysis of changes of white blood cells and their differential has become a high-throughput laboratory investigation done by hematology analyzers. The subsequent step of manual review of a stained blood film by light microscopy by an experienced investigator is laborious and expensive and has insufficient reimbursement. However, this is the decisive step and basis for very expensive specialized diagnostics like cytogenetics and molecular genetics. The strategy for a stepwise diagnostic procedure plays an important role at this stage. A new proposal is presented here.
Diagnostics of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Authors: Germing Ulrich , Haferlach Torsten
Published: January 2016

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal malignant diseases of the hematopoietic stem cell. They are diagnosed mainly in elderly cytopenic patients and are characterized by a heterogeneous course of the disease. The diagnosis is based on blood and marrow cytology, chromosomal examination, and histology of the marrow, taking into account the degree of dysplasia, peripheral and medullary blast count, and cytogenetic findings according to the proposals of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The assessment of cytologic findings is important because the different types of MDS differ in terms of prognosis and therapeutic considerations. Acute myeloid leukemias are discriminated from MDS according to the blast counts in the bone marrow or peripheral blood (≥20%). Diagnosis is based on morphology and cytogenetics, and histology is also important. In addition, immunophenotyping and molecular investigations are needed. Information derived from cytogenetics and molecular markers play an important role for prognostication. Minimal residual disease can be best investigated using immunophenotyping and measurement of molecular markers.
Writing systems as modular objects: proposals for theory design in grapholinguistics
Authors: Neef Martin
Published: January 2016

This paper gives an outline of the Modular Theory of Writing Systems by answering the question: what are the elements or modules that are necessary for a writing system to work? A writing system is a notational system for a natural language. Based on this characterization, it is obvious that a necessary component of a writing system is a specific language system. What eventually constitutes a writing system in addition to this language system is a device that, put simply, relates units of a language system to units of a script. This component is termed ‘graphematics’ in the present framework and is regarded as a necessary module of a writing system. Above that, another typical component of writing systems, namely ‘systematic orthography’, applies to the ‘graphematic solution space’ and restricts the spelling possibilities of specific words in accordance to their belonging to a specific level of the vocabulary of the language. Supplemented by reflections on the status of scripts as well as of IPA as a writing system, an answer is finally given to the pertinent question how spoken language and written language are related to each other. The answer is that this relation is of a considerably indirect nature.
Curcumin-loaded sterically stabilized nanodispersion based on non-ionic colloidal system induced by ultrasound and solvent diffusion-evaporation
Authors: Tan Khang Wei , Tang Siah Ying , Thomas Renjan , Vasanthakumari Neela , Manickam Sivakumar
Published: January 2016

Curcumin has been found to possess significant pharmaceutical activities. However, owing to its low bioavailability, there is a limitation of employing it towards clinical application. In an attempt to surmount this implication, often the choice is designing novel drug delivery systems. Herein, sterically stabilized nanoscale dispersion loaded with curcumin (nanodispersion) based on non-ionic colloidal system has been proposed. In this study, the process conditions were effectively optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken design (BBD). The suggested optimum formulation proved to be an excellent fit to the actual experimental output. STEM images illustrate that the optimal curcumin-loaded nanodispersion has spherical morphology with narrow particle size distribution. Particle size distribution study confirms that the solution pH does not affect the nanodispersion, and physical stability study shows that the colloidal system is stable over 90 days of storage at ambient conditions. More importantly, controlled release profile was achieved over 72 h and the in vitro drug release data fit well to Higuchi model (R
2=0.9654).
Comfort During Digital Rectal Examination - Patient Preference*
Authors: Dziki Łukasz , Sobolewska Justyna , Szewczyk Martyna , Włodarczyk Jakub , Sobolewska Aleksandra , Włodarczyk Marcin
Published: January 2016

The sex and age of the physician performing the digital rectal examination (DRE) procedure is one of the parameters influencing patients’ comfort. It is postulated that the stress related to DRE during admission to the surgical ward may affect the compliance.

was to characterize patients’ preferences according to their sex, age, socioeconomic status and according to DRE-related variables.

Patients admitted to the Department of General and Colorectal Surgery at Medical University in Łódź between October 2014 and June 2015 were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their sex, age, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and preference for a physician performing the DRE during admission to the surgical ward.

The study enrolled 225 patients, 52% (n=117) women and 48% (n=108) men. Most patients 73.3% (n=244) expressed no preference for sex of the physician performing the DRE during admission, while 22.7% (n=51) preferred a same-sex physician. Analysis showed that the age, female sex, lower education status, small amount of comorbidities and number of hospitalizations, and no previous colonoscopy experience were all associated with preference for a same-sex physician.

In our study most patients expressed no preference for sex of the physician performing the DRE during admission to the surgical ward. However, over one-tenth of patients reported such preferences. Most of these patients preferred a same-sex physician. It is important to offer these patients the choice of physician performing the DRE. Addressing patients’ preferences may improve the atmosphere in the clinical environment, reduce stress, and facilitate better treatment.
Rare Case Report Of Mesenteric Fibromatosis
Authors: Vidyasagar Radhika , Sudarshan  , Sreedhar  , Subramanya  , Bhat Vidya
Published: January 2016

Mesenteric fibromatosis is a part of the clinical-pathologic spectrum of deep fibromatoses. We report this rare case of primary mesenteric tumor that was diagnosed to be a mesenteric fibromatosis on histopathological examination.

In majority of patients it may remain asymptomatic and the management of these tumors depends on histopathological examination. Postoperatively, patient was well and subsequent follow up showed normal recovery.
Molecular detection of bovine leukemia virus in peripheral blood of Iranian cattle, camel and sheep
Authors: Nekoei S. , Hafshejani T. Taktaz , Doosti A. , Khamesipour F.
Published: January 2016

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus which infects and induces proliferation of B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood circulation and in lymphoid organs primarily of cattle, leading to leukemia/lymphoma. This study was carried out to investigate the presence of BLV in cattle, sheep and camels from the Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary and Isfahan provinces in Iran. A total of 874 blood samples collected from cattle, sheep and camels were used in this study to detect BLV using a nested-PCR. The results from this study indicated that 17.2% (n=874) of all blood samples collected were positive for BLV. The percentages of blood samples positive for BLV from cattle, sheep and camels were 22.1 (n=657), 5.3 (n=95) and 0 (n=122) respectively. The results from this study showed that BLV infected cattle and sheep. Camels seemed to be resistant to BLV infection. This study contributes to the nationwide effort to obtain baseline information on the prevalence of BLV, which will assist in planning the control strategy for the disease in Iran.
Selection and electrophoretic characterization of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica biocide variants resistant to antibiotics
Authors: Futoma-Kołoch B. , Książczyk M. , Korzekwa K. , Migdał I. , Pawlak A. , Jankowska M. , Kędziora A. , Dorotkiewicz-Jach A. , Bugla-Płoskońska G.
Published: January 2016

The proposed research outlines a serious common concern of Salmonella resistance to antimicrobials following prolonged exposure to the disinfectants (biocides). These phenotypes of bacteria could potentially result in hard to treat infections. Typical for avian sources, biocide sensitive S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars: Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Virchow and Zanzibar and their isogenic biocide-tolerant variants were studied in order to investigate bacteriostatic effect of two commercially available biocide formulations: potassium peroxymonosulfate (P) and dodecylamine based structure (triamine, D). We found that cultivating of the bacteria in the medium supplemented with a blend containing P did not influence their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. In contrast, tolerance of bacteria to D compound resulted in resistance to co-trimoxazole, cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin of which two cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin are used commonly for the treatment of invasive Salmonella infections in humans. The dependency between OMP patterns and the level of Salmonella survival in media containing the biocides was observed merely in serovar Typhimurium. In conclusion, these results suggest that Salmonella strains challenged by prolonged treatment with the disinfectants become resistant to antibiotics, however it depends on Salmonella serovar and the chemical used. This paper also highlights the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a technique that offers great benefits to microbiological detecting of Salmonella species in the samples.
Effects of storage in different semen extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa
Authors: Dziekońska A. , Zasiadczyk Ł. , Lecewicz M. , Strzeżek R. , Koziorowska-Gilun M. , Fraser L. , Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M. , Kordan W.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of storage of semen in different commercial extenders on the pre-freezing and post-thawing quality of boar spermatozoa. Semen was diluted in BTS, Androhep (AH) and Gedil (GD), stored for 24 h at 17°C, and then frozen in accordance with the cryopreservation protocol. Analyses of the quality of spermatozoa included: motility, normal apical ridge (NAR) acrosome, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), measurements of ATP content and activity of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Prior to the freezing process, no significant effect of the extender on the sperm quality parameters was noted. After thawing the spermatozoa it was demonstrated that the type of extender used influenced PMI, MMP, ATP content and activity of GPx. In the AH extender the percentage of spermatozoa with PMI and ATP content in spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared to the BTS or GD extenders. In addition, semen stored in the AH was characterised by a statistically higher (P<0.05) percentage of spermatozoa with MMP and increased activity of GPx as compared with the BTS. The results obtained indicate that for the cryopreservation process, boar spermatozoa stored for 24 hours in liquid state can be used. However, the type of extender used prior to freezing may have a significant effect on the post-thawing quality of the spermatozoa. The AH extender better secured the quality of thawed boar spermatozoa as compared with the BTS or GD.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of hippocampal CA1 region astrocytes in 10-day-old rats after monosodium glutamate treatment
Authors: Krawczyk A. , Jaworska-Adamu J. , Rycerz K.
Published: January 2016

High concentration of glutamate (Glu) is excitotoxic for nervous system structures. This may lead to glial reactivity ie. increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100β protein, and also to hypertrophy and proliferation of cells which are determined by the presence of Ki-67 antigen. The aim of the study was to analyse the immunoreactivity of the GFAP, S100β and Ki-67 proteins in astrocytes of hippocampal CA1 region in young rats after administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) at two doses: 2 g/kg b.w. (I group) and 4 g/kg b.w. (II group). In rats from I and II group morphologically altered astrocytes with the GFAP expression were observed in the SLM of the hippocampal CA1 region. The cells had eccentrically located nuclei and on the opposite site of the nuclei there were single or double, long and weakly branched processes. Moreover, in the SLM the increase of the number of GFAP and S100β immunopositive astrocytes and nuclei with Ki-67 expression, in contrary to control individuals, was observed. These results suggest the increased expression of the proteins in early reactions or hyperplasia which, together with cell hypertrophy, indicate late reactivity of astroglia in response to glutamate noxious effect.
Can liquorice extract and herbal solution prevent colonic mucosa damage caused by robenacoxib in dogs?
Authors: Szweda M. , Szarek J. , Lew M. , Szarek-Bęska A. , Gulda D.
Published: January 2016

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in animals, especially in dogs, to manage pain due to inflammatory disease. This study investigated whether plant drugs can prevent mucosal injury induced by robenacoxib. We used fifteen healthy beagle dogs (7 male and 8 female) aged 4 months, weighing 4.2-5.1 kg at the beginning of the study. Endoscopy and biopsy of the colon were performed before and on the 21 day treatment with robenacoxib (1), robenacoxib, herbal solution with liquorice extract (2), placebo – an empty capsule (3). There were 5 animals in each group. The greatest microscopic damage in the colon was observed in animals which received robenacoxib. Plant drug administration reduced the severity of lesions in the colon when administered with robenacoxib (ARI = – 0.15). Conclusion: concurrent administration of liquorice extract and plant solution with robenacoxib was associated with significant decreased severity of the robenacoxib-induced colonic mucosal lesions.
Retrospective analysis of co-occurrence of congenital aortic stenosis and pulmonary artery stenosis in dogs
Authors: Kander M. , Pasławska U. , Staszczyk M. , Cepiel A. , Pasławski R. , Mazur G. , Noszczyk-Nowak A.
Published: January 2016

The study has focused on the retrospective analysis of cases of coexisting congenital aortic stenosis (AS) and pulmonary artery stenosis (PS) in dogs.

The research included 5463 dogs which were referred for cardiological examination (including clinical examination, ECG and echocardiography) between 2004 and 2014. Aortic stenosis and PS stenosis were detected in 31 dogs. This complex defect was the most commonly diagnosed in Boxers – 7 dogs, other breeds were represented by: 4 cross-breed dogs, 2 Bichon Maltais, 3 Miniature Pinschers, 2 Bernese Mountain Dogs, 2 French Bulldogs, and individuals of following breeds: Bichon Frise, Bull Terrier, Czech Wolfdog, German Shepherd, Hairless Chinese Crested Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Rottweiler, Samoyed, West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier. In all the dogs, the murmurs could be heard, graded from 2 to 5 (on a scale of 1-6). Besides, in 9 cases other congenital defects were diagnosed: patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve dysplasia, pulmonary or aortic valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve dysplasia, ventricular or atrial septal defect. The majority of the dogs suffered from pulmonary valvular stenosis (1 dog had supravalvular pulmonary artery stenosis) and subvalvular aortic stenosis (2 dogs had valvular aortic stenosis).

Conclusions and clinical relevance – co-occurrence of AS and PS is the most common complex congenital heart defect. Boxer breed was predisposed to this complex defect. It was found that coexisting AS and PS is more common in male dogs and the degree of PS and AS was mostly similar.
Evaluation of selected serum biochemical and haematological parameters in gilts exposed per os to 100 ppb of zearalenone
Authors: Jakimiuk E. , Radwińska J. , Pomianowski A. , Woźny M. , Obremski K. , Gajęcka M. , Brzuzan P. , Gajęcki M.
Published: January 2016

Zearalenone (ZEN) widely contaminates animal feed of plant origin. The recommended safe concentrations of ZEN in feeds for various animal species are set mainly based on the mycotoxin’s hormonal properties (NOEL). Our growing knowledge about biologically active concentrations of ZEN, molecular mechanisms and cells/tissues targeted by ZEN indicates that the harmful effects exerted by this mycotoxin on animals may be far greater than previously believed. This experiment was performed on pre-pubertal gilts divided into a control group (n=9) and an experimental group (ZEN, n=9). The control group received placebo, whereas the experimental group was administered ZEN at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg feed (equivalent to 5 μg/kg BW/day) for 42 days. On days 14, 28 and 42 blood samples were collected from the animals to determine the concentrations of selected zearalenols, serum biochemical and haematological parameters. Conjugated ZEN was found in the blood serum of the experimental gilts. Changes in the analysed biochemical parameters included a transient increase in albumin and cholesterol levels. A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of neutrophilic and acidophilic granulocytes was observed in the white blood cell system. The results indicate that long-term per os exposure of pre-pubertal gilts to low doses of ZEN (below NOEL) has a modulatory effect on liver function and white blood cells.
NR/SBR composites reinforced with organically functionalized MWCNTs: simultaneous improvement of tensile strength and elongation and enhanced thermal stability
Authors: Li Minghua , Tu Weixiao , Chen Xinfeng , Wang Huihui , Chen Jinyang
Published: January 2016

Butyl acrylate-α-methyl methacrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (BA-MMA-GMA) terpolymer was successfully grafted onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via a facile grafting functionalization approach, affording an organically functionalized multiwalled CNTs (O-MWCNTs), which show improved mechanical and thermal properties in natural rubber/styrene-butadiene rubber (NR/SBR) composites. Under optimized conditions, the result of elongation at break of NR/SBR composites combined with 1.5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) O-MWCNTs is 450% compared to 376% of pristine NR/SBR composites, which is proportional to tensile strength due to the mixed O-MWCNTs in the rubber matrix. Transmission electron microscopy study shows that O-MWCNTs (1.5 phr) can disperse uniformly in NR/SBR/O-MWCNT composites. A scanning electron microscopy study on the fractured surface morphology of the optimized composites reveals that a BA-MMA-GMA terpolymer can interact with the rubber matrix strongly. The decreased height of the maximum tanδ peak shows that O-MWCNTs can reduce the heat buildup and damping capability of NR/SBR/O-MWCNT composites. The largest enhancement observed in the thermal degradation curves of composites is, for the first time, about 70°C, which can be attributed to enhanced interfacial interaction between MWCNTs and the rubber matrix.
Predictive modeling of phenolic compound release from nanofibers of electrospun networks for application in periodontal disease
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Simzar , Esnaashari Sara , Sadeghpour Omid , Hamedi Shokouhsadat
Published: January 2016

Buccal drug delivery faces hurdles due to a lack of therapeutic efficiency resulting from saliva wash out. To meet this challenge, impregnated nanofibers with pharmaceutical agents could shorten total release duration as a result of higher surface area. Moreover, the electrospinning technique successfully functions in the field of nanofiber fabrication. Hence, in this study, composite nonwoven mesh containing Ziziphus jujuba extract was prepared by electrospinning, and release profile was studied in artificial saliva. The polymers used included chitosan and polyethylene oxide (PEO), which provided the desirable hydrophilicity that is essential for mucoadhesivity. Furthermore, the phenolic compound extracted from a plant namely Z. jujuba was used due to its oral healing effect. Morphology and chemical state of the composite film were also investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Kinetic release of chitosan-PEO/phenolic compound nanofibers demonstrates a profile of Fickian diffusion dependency that delivered total phenolic ingredients in <75 min. The swelling behavior of composite type confirms Fickian diffusion and anomalous transport as a result of hydrophilic property of produced network and erosion mechanism on release phenomena, respectively. Results showed that impregnated electrospun patches of nanofibers can be promising for developing oral local drug delivery.
Information and Communication Technologies in Electoral Processes: How do they help voters abroad?
Authors: Lorenzo-Rodriguez Javier
Published: January 2016

The use of information and communication technology in electoral processes has become commonplace, being seen simply as another tool in the hands of policy-makers to improve the quality and effectiveness of public policy and representation. There have been diverse experiences in this area, and the instances in which ICT has been used in the mentioned processes differ. This article analyses and evaluates systematically, for the first time in literature, the incorporation of ICT when voting from abroad, paying attention to the practices of some of those countries that have implemented these technologies in one way or another, into their voting processes. Hence, by introducing the Electronic Voting From Abroad Index, this paper observes at which phase of the process the technology is being used and how this vary from country to country.
Entrepreneurial Universities and Regional Development: Policy Origins, Progress, and the Future, with a Focus on Poland
Authors: Anthony Amanda
Published: January 2016

University entrepreneurship is an idea that has gained a significant amount of support globally in the last 30 years and is seen as promoting reinvention, revitalisation, and simply remuneration for the universities themselves and their regions at large. But as universities begin to ramp up their technology transfer activities and start to commercialise their research, it is important to consider the regional context and the regional impacts that this can have. Technology transfer is important, but to truly transform economic “catch-up” regions to future leading regions, it cannot be the only goal of university entrepreneurship. As a result, larger perspective and more government, business, and university collaboration is needed. Using Poland as a focus area, this paper will summarise the concept and development of the entrepreneurial university and the policies needed for success, and show that the technology transfer activity of the university should be considered just one element of regional development strategies. It concludes with policy recommendations that may be useful for Poland and other regions.
Inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene in the South Pacific: how might it be impacting children?
Authors: Barrington Dani J.
Published: January 2016

It is detrimental to anyone’s health to live with conditions of inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH). Research suggests that the impact is greatest on children, and that poor WaSH conditions during the formative years can lead to decreased physical, mental and social well-being throughout one’s life. Little research has investigated how such poor WaSH conditions are negatively impacting children in the South Pacific region, and hence contributing to disease and social burden. To increase children’s opportunities to develop physically and intellectually in a healthy and sustained manner, it is important that practitioners take a holistic approach to improving WaSH by acknowledging it as a core component of environmental health.
Experimental Study Of Minimum Ignition Temperature Of Spent Coffee Grounds
Authors: Wachter Igor , Balog Karol , Kobetičová Hana , Ház Aleš
Published: January 2016

The aim of this scientific paper is an analysis of the minimum ignition temperature of dust layer and the minimum ignition temperatures of dust clouds. It could be used to identify the threats in industrial production and civil engineering, on which a layer of combustible dust could occure. Research was performed on spent coffee grounds. Tests were performed according to EN 50281-2-1:2002 Methods for determining the minimum ignition temperatures of dust (Method A). Objective of method A is to determine the minimum temperature at which ignition or decomposition of dust occurs during thermal straining on a hot plate at a constant temperature. The highest minimum smouldering and carbonating temperature of spent coffee grounds for 5 mm high layer was determined at the interval from 280 °C to 310 °C during 600 seconds. Method B is used to determine the minimum ignition temperature of a dust cloud. Minimum ignition temperature of studied dust was determined to 470 °C (air pressure - 50 kPa, sample weight 0.3 g).
Explosion Risk Assessments For Facilities With Compressed Flammable Gases
Authors: Kulich Martin , Cáb Stanislav , Nos Filip , Bernatík Aleš
Published: January 2016

In the first part of the article we discuss the possibilities and analytical tools that can deal with the classification of space into zones with danger of explosion for devices with the presence of compressed flammable gases. Then we continue with specifications of possibilities for practical utilization linked to variables such as ventilation degree, hypothetical volume etc., including the examples. At the end we also give a brief overview of software for modelling gas leak, including examples of an outcome.
Practical Application Of A Model For Assessing The Criticality Of Railway Infrastructure Elements
Authors: Novotný Petr , Markuci Jiří , Titko Michal , Slivková Simona , Ŕehák David
Published: January 2016

Rail transport is an important sub-sector of transport infrastructure. Disruption of its operation due to emergencies can result in a reduction in functional parameters of provided services with consequent impacts on society. Identification of critical elements of this system enables its timely and effective protection. On that ground, the article presents a draft model for assessing the criticality of railway infrastructure elements. This model uses a systems approach and multicriteria semi-quantitative analysis with weighted criteria for calculating the criticality of individual elements of the railway infrastructure. In the conclusion, it presents a practical application of the proposed model including the discussion of results.
Rational Solutions for Lattice Potential KdV Equation and Two Semi-discrete Lattice Potential KdV Equations
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhao Songlin , Shi Ying
Published: January 2016

By imposing reduction conditions on rational solutions for a system involving the Hirota–Miwa equation, rational solutions for lattice potential KdV equation are constructed. Besides, the rational solutions for two semi-discrete lattice potential KdV equations are also considered. All these rational solutions are in the form of Schur function type.
Highly selective naked-eye anion sensors based on thioureido or amido calix[4]arenes
Authors: Bartz Susan , Schühle Daniel T. , Peters Joop A. , Schatz Jürgen
Published: January 2016

Calix[4]arene-thiourea and -tetraamide naked-eye receptors do not show any tendency to self-aggregation and are highly sensitive towards small monoanions; association constants in DMSO for halogenides (chloride to iodide) and HSO4–are <200m–1. Basic anions deprotonate both receptors leading to a high and selective optical readout. Binding constants for carboxylates, fluoride, and dihydrogen phosphate are three orders of magnitude higher (~105m–1) in case of the tetrathiourea receptor.
Bimodal Respiratory–Locomotor Neurons in the Neonatal Rat Spinal Cord
Authors: Le Gal Jean-Patrick , Juvin Laurent , Cardoit Laura , Morin Didier
Published: January 2016

Neural networks that can generate rhythmic motor output in the absence of sensory feedback, commonly called central pattern generators (CPGs), are involved in many vital functions such as locomotion or respiration. In certain circumstances, these neural networks must interact to produce coordinated motor behavior adapted to environmental constraints and to satisfy the basic needs of an organism. In this context, we recently reported the existence of an ascending excitatory influence from lumbar locomotor CPG circuitry to the medullary respiratory networks that is able to depolarize neurons of the parafacial respiratory group during fictive locomotion and to subsequently induce an increased respiratory rhythmicity (Le Gal et al., 2014b). Here, using an isolatedin vitrobrainstem–spinal cord preparation from neonatal rat in which the respiratory and the locomotor networks remain intact, we show that during fictive locomotion induced either pharmacologically or by sacrocaudal afferent stimulation, the activity of both thoracolumbar expiratory motoneurons and interneurons is rhythmically modulated with the locomotor activity. Completely absent in spinal inspiratory cells, this rhythmic pattern is highly correlated with the hindlimb ipsilateral flexor activities. Furthermore, silencing brainstem neural circuits by pharmacological manipulation revealed that this locomotor-related drive to expiratory motoneurons is solely dependent on propriospinal pathways. Together these data provide the first evidence in the newborn rat spinal cord for the existence of bimodal respiratory-locomotor motoneurons and interneurons onto which both central efferent expiratory and locomotor drives converge, presumably facilitating the coordination between the rhythmogenic networks responsible for two different motor functions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn freely moving animals, distant regions of the brain and spinal cord controlling distinct motor acts must interact to produce the best adapted behavioral response to environmental constraints. In this context, it is well established that locomotion and respiration must to be tightly coordinated to reduce muscular interferences and facilitate breathing rate acceleration during exercise. Here, using electrophysiological recordings in an isolatedin vitrobrainstem–spinal cord preparation from neonatal rat, we report that the locomotor-related signal produced by the lumbar central pattern generator for locomotion selectively modulates the intracellular activity of spinal respiratory neurons engaged in expiration. Our results thus contribute to our understanding of the cellular bases for coordinating the rhythmic neural circuitry responsible for different behaviors.
Orchestrating Proactive and Reactive Mechanisms for Filtering Distracting Information: Brain-Behavior Relationships Revealed by a Mixed-Design fMRI Study
Authors: Marini Francesco , Demeter Elise , Roberts Kenneth C. , Chelazzi Leonardo , Woldorff Marty G.
Published: January 2016

Given the information overload often imparted to human cognitive-processing systems, suppression of irrelevant and distracting information is essential for successful behavior. Using a hybrid block/event-related fMRI design, we characterized proactive and reactive brain mechanisms for filtering distracting stimuli. Participants performed a flanker task, discriminating the direction of a target arrow in the presence versus absence of congruent or incongruent flanking distracting arrows during either Pure blocks (distracters always absent) or Mixed blocks (distracters on 80% of trials). Each Mixed block had either 20% or 60% incongruent trials. Activations in the dorsal frontoparietal attention network during Mixed versus Pure blocks evidenced proactive (blockwise) recruitment of a distraction-filtering mechanism. Sustained activations in right middle frontal gyrus during 60% Incongruent blocks correlated positively with behavioral indices of distraction-filtering (slowing when distracters might occur) and negatively with distraction-related behavioral costs (incongruent vs congruent trials), suggesting a role in coordinating proactive filtering of potential distracters. Event-related analyses showed that incongruent trials elicited greater reactive activations in 20% (vs 60%) Incongruent blocks for counteracting distraction and conflict, including in the insula and anterior cingulate. Context-related effects in occipitoparietal cortex consisted of greater target-evoked activations for distracter-absent trials (central-target-only) in Mixed versus Pure blocks, suggesting enhanced attentional engagement. Functional-localizer analyses in V1/V2/V3 revealed less distracter-processing activity in 60% (vs 20%) Incongruent blocks, presumably reflecting tonic suppression by proactive filtering mechanisms. These results delineate brain mechanisms underlying proactive and reactive filtering of distraction and conflict, and how they are orchestrated depending on distraction probability, thereby aiding task performance.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIrrelevant stimuli distract people and impair their attentional performance. Here, we studied how the brain deals with distracting stimuli using a hybrid block/event-related fMRI design and a task that varied the probability of the occurrence of such distracting stimuli. The results suggest that when distraction is likely, a region in right frontal cortex proactively implements attentional control mechanisms to help filter out any distracting stimuli that might occur. In contrast, when distracting input occurs infrequently, this region is more reactively engaged to help limit the negative consequences of the distracters on behavioral performance. Our results thus help illuminate how the brain flexibly responds under differing attentional demands to engender effective behavior.