bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Η δράση του αντιοξειδωτικού U-74389G σε πειραματικό πρότυπο ισχαιμίας/επαναιμάτωσης εντέρου σε χοίρο
Authors: Φλέσσας Ιωάννης
Published: January 2014

ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΗ: H ισχαιμία του μεσεντερίου πραγματοποιείται σε έναν αριθμό ποικίλων παθοφυσιολογικών καταστάσεων, που περιλαμβάνει τη σήψη, την αιμορραγία, την μεταμόσχευση εντέρου, τα σοβαρά εγκαύματα και τη θρόμβωση μεσεντερίου. ΥΛΙΚΟ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΙ: Τα πειραματόζωα χωριστήκαν σε 4 πειραματικές ομάδες με ίσο αριθμό πειραματοζώων σε κάθε πειραματική ομάδα ( n=6). Η ομάδα του μάρτυρος-ισχαιμίας για 30 λεπτά και επαναιμάτωση για 60 λεπτά (60 rep). Η ομάδα του μάρτυρος-ισχαιμίας για 30 λεπτά και επαναιμάτωση για 120 λεπτά (120 rep). Η ομάδα της-ισχαιμίας για 30 λεπτά και άμεση χορηγηση του λαζαροιδους U-74389G στην κάτω κοίλη φλεβα και επαναιμάτωση για 60 λεπτά (60 rep+drugs). Η ομάδα της-ισχαιμίας για 30 λεπτά και άμεση χορηγηση του λαζαροιδους U-74389G στην κάτω κοίλη φλεβα και επαναιμάτωση για 120 λεπτά (120 rep+drugs). Η δόση με την οποία χορηγήθηκε το μόριο ήταν ισχυρά αντιοξειδωτική με 10mg/kgr. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Διερευνήσαμε περαιτέρω το ρόλο ενός ισχυρού αντιοξειδωτικού μορίου, όπως το U-74389G και καταλήξαμε στο συμπέρασμα ότι υπάρχει στατιστικά σημαντική σχέση με το MDA, TNF (μέτρηση στον ιστό), ενώ η παθολογοανατομικη βαθμονόμηση των ομάδων του λαζαροειδούς παρουσίασε βελτιώση. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Σε πολλές επείγουσες κλινικές καταστάσεις, όπως είναι επαναιμάτωση του εντέρου, ο ρόλος του U-74389G θα μπορούσε να είναι προστατευτικός, καθώς και σε διαλύματα που διατηρούν σταθερά τα οργάνα για μεταμόσχευση ή κατά τη διάρκεια της επαναιμάτωσης αυτών, μετά την ολοκλήρωση της αναστόμωσης των αγγείων. Τέλος, η χορήγηση των λαζαροίδων θα μπορούσε να χρησιμοποιηθεί για την προστασία των ιστών μετά την αναπτυξη του αιμορραγικού σοκ.
Sequencing Appointments for Service Systems Using Inventory Approximations
Authors: Mak Ho-Yin , Rong Ying , Zhang Jiawei
Published: January 2014

Managing appointments for service systems with random job durations is a challenging task. We consider a class of appointment planning problems that involve two sets of decisions: job sequencing, i.e., determining the order in which a list of jobs should be performed by the server, and appointment scheduling, i.e., planning the starting times for jobs. These decisions are interconnected because their joint goal is to minimize the expected server idle time and job late-start penalty costs incurred because of randomness in job durations. In this paper, we design new heuristics for sequencing appointments. The idea behind the development of these heuristics is the structural connection between such appointment scheduling problems and stochastic inventory control in serial supply chains. In particular, the decision of determining time allowances as buffers against random job durations is analogous to that of selecting inventory levels as buffers to accommodate random demand in a supply chain; having excess buffers in appointment scheduling and supply chain settings incurs idle time and excess inventory holding costs, respectively, and having inadequate buffers leads to delays of subsequent jobs and backorders, respectively. Recognizing this connection, we propose tractable approximations for the job sequencing problem, obtain several insights, and further develop a very simple sequencing rule of ordering jobs by duration variance to late-start penalty cost ratio. Computational results show that our proposed heuristics produce close-to-optimal job sequences with significantly reduced computation times compared with those produced using an exact mixed-integer stochastic programming formulation based on the sample-average approximation approach.
Antibacterial activity of the body wall extracts of sea cucumber (Invertebrata; Echinodermata) on infectious oral streptococci
Authors: Kiani Negin , Heidari Behrooz , Rassa Mehdi , Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi , Heidari Bijan
Published: January 2014

Background: The present study was carried out to test the antibacterial effect of the body wall of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarius.

Methods: After sampling sea cucumbers from the Persian Gulf, different extractions were prepared. Then, aqueous, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.8), chloroform, hexane and methanolic extracts from sea cucumber body wall were screened for antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria S. mutans and S. salivarius using the disk diffusion method.

Results: The PBS extract did not show any antibacterial or inhibitory activity; the chloroform extract, however, demonstrated high levels of antibacterial activity against S. salivarius while exhibiting low levels of activity against S. mutans. The hexane and methanolic extracts were found to show no antibacterial activity against S. mutans, but exhibited antibacterial activity against S. salivarius.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the results demonstrated the possibility of utilizing sea cucumbers as a cheap source of potential antibacterial agents and for treating odontogenic diseases.
Chronic ethanol use in alcoholic beverages by HIV-infected patients affects the therapeutic window of stavudine, lamivudine and nevirapine during the 9-month follow-up period: using chronic alcohol-use biomarkers
Authors: Bbosa Godfrey S. , Kyegombe David B. , Anokbonggo William W. , Ogwal-Okeng Jasper , Musoke David , Odda John , Lubega Aloysius , Ntale Muhammad
Published: January 2014

Background: Chronic ethanol use is a global problem including among HIV-infected patients on stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine (d4T/3TC/NVP) regimen. The study determined the effect of chronic ethanol use on the therapeutic window of d4T, 3TC and NVP in HIV-infected patients using alcohol-use biomarkers to screen patients for chronic ethanol use.

Methods: A case-control study using repeated measures design with serial measurements was used to quantify drugs in plasma. The WHO alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) tool was initially used to screen patients for chronic alcohol use, and then they were further sorted using alcohol-use bioamarkers (γ-glutamyl transferase ≥55.0 IU; mean corpuscular volume, ≥96 fl, aspartate amino transferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio ≥2.0 value). A total of 41 patients (26 in the alcohol group and 15 in the control group) were followed up for 9 months with blood sampling done at 3-month intervals. Plasma drug concentrations were quantified using a Shimadzu Class-VP™ HPLC data system version 6.1. Data was analyzed using SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with repeated measures fixed model. Means were compared using Student’s t-test.

Results: The mean steady-state plasma drug concentrations of d4T and 3TC in the alcohol group were lower than that in the control group during the 9-month period of follow-up. For 3TC, there was a statistical difference in the mean steady-state plasma drug concentrations between the alcohol group and the control group (p≤0.05) in the 6- and 9-month period of follow-up. For NVP, in both groups they were within the reference ranges, although the drug plasma concentrations were higher in the alcohol group compared to the control group and were statistically significant (p<0.05) in 0, 3 and 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions: Chronic ethanol use by HIV-infected patients reduced the therapeutic steady-state plasma drug concentrations of d4T and 3TC and increased the NVP drug concentrations in the HIV-infected patients.
Latin Dē
Authors: Short William
Published: January 2014

Latin dē, both in its prepositional and preverbal form, is characterized by multiple, varied, and seemingly unrelated senses. Unlike proposition-based lexicographical and historical linguistic accounts, an image-schematic definition systematically explains the range of its literal, physical senses and of its figurative, abstract senses, as well as the relations between them. Defining dē in terms of an image-schematic “scenario” portraying two entities connected by a directional trajectory in fact accommodates the co-existence of even antonymous senses within this word's semantic structure and apparently radical divergences from its presumed essential literal meaning in Latin literature, due to the susceptibility of image schemas to “embodied” transformations such as perspective shifts and profiling effects. Dē's more abstract senses may also be linked in this way to widespread metaphorical patterns in Latin, showing that these senses are not haphazard but highly motivated semantically—with significant implications for lexicography, and literary and cultural history.
Treatment of metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumour associated with carcinoid syndrome
Authors: Uhlyarik Andrea , Lahm Erika , Vachaja József , Pápai Zsuzsanna
Published: January 2014

Although the incidence of neuroendocrine tumours is low, their prevalence is high due to the usually slow course of the disease. Between July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2013 the authors evaluated 56 patients with well-differentiated or moderately differentiated neuroendocrine tumours; 36 patients with metastatic disease underwent treatment while 17 patients who had tumour resection were followed without additional treatment. All patients with metastatic disease received long acting octreotide, and additional therapy was based on the site of origin, grade of differentiation, Ki67 index, and focal labelling of the tumours during somatostatin-receptor or metaiodo-benzyl-guanidine scintigraphy. The authors present a detailed case history of a patient with carcinoid syndrome due to a metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumour, who received long acting octreotide and peptide receptor radionuclide treatment. In this patient an objective tumour response was reached in addition to the resolution of symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. The authors conclude that the case history confirms previous observations showing that long acting octreotide combined with peptide receptor radionuclide treatment may provide long survival with good quality of life in a patient with metastatic midgut neuroendocrine tumour accompanied with carcinoid syndrome. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(5), 194–198.
Neural Substrates Underlying Learning-Related Changes of the
Unconditioned Fear Response
Authors: Wood Kimberly H. , Kuykendall Dystany , Ver Hoef Lawrence W. , Knight David C.
Published: January 2014

The ability to predict an impending threat during Pavlovian conditioning diminishes the emotional response
that is produced once the threat is encountered. Diminution of the threat response appears to be mediated by somewhat
independent associative learning and expectancy-related processes. Therefore, the present study was designed to better
understand the neural mechanisms that support associative learning processes, independent of expectancy, that influence
the emotional response to a threat. Healthy volunteers took part in a Pavlovian conditioning procedure during which trait
anxiety, expectation of the unconditioned stimulus (UCS), skin conductance response (SCR), and functional magnetic
resonance imaging (fMRI) signal were assessed. The results showed no evidence for associative learning that was
independent of expectation. Threat-related SCR expression was diminished on predictable trials vs. unpredictable trials of
the UCS (i.e. conditioned UCR diminution). Similar to SCR, conditioned UCR diminution was observed within the left
dorsolateral PFC, dorsomedial PFC, ventromedial PFC, and left anterior insula. In contrast, potentiation of the threat-related
fMRI signal response was observed within left dorsolateral PFC, inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and posterior
insula. A negative relationship was observed between UCS expectancy and UCR expression within the dorsomedial PFC,
ventromedial PFC, and anterior insula. Finally, the anticipatory fMRI signal responses within the PFC, posterior
cingulate, and amygdala showed an inverse relationship with threat-related activation within the brain regions that showed
UCR diminution. The current findings suggest that the PFC and amygdala support learning-related processes that impact
the magnitude of the emotional response to a threat.
The motif problem: Geometric representations of sets of equivalence relations
Authors: Canfield Rodney , Fertig Ron , Mauldin Daniel , Moews David
Published: January 2014

A motif is a sequence of L points in Rp satisfying certain equality conditions between specified coordinates, which are described by a motif specification. In this sense a motif is a geometric representation of p equivalence relations on subsets of f1,...., Lg. The main problem considered here is to count the number of motifs that can be made using
points from a given r-element subset of Rp. Our principal results are as
follows: The number of motifs is bounded above by r?*(H), where ?*(H) is an invariant called the fractional transversal number of a hypergraph, H, which is determined by the motif specification. On the other hand, we show that
there are arbitrarily large subsets where the number of motifs is at least (r/L)?*(H). We obtain more precise optimization results for two special types of motifs (uniform motifs and single-starred motifs). For uniform
motifs, we show that our upper bound can be attained and characterize the
subsets (called grids) which achieve the upper bound. We prove similar
results for single-starred motifs, in which case sufficiently large subsets
containing the maximum number of motifs must be contained in a union of a
predetermined number of lines, the number depending only on the motif
specification.
Analysis of individually prepared medicines prescription in community pharmacy
Authors: Ľ. Lehocká , L. Masaryková , D. Mináriková , I. Malovecká , A. Oleárová , M. Fulmeková , V. Foltán
Published: January 2014

Our study deals with the analysis of prescription of individually prepared medicines (IPMs) in selected community pharmacies in Slovakia and Greece during the year 2011. Throughout the given period, the total sum of processed medical prescriptions in selected Slovak pharmacies was 50,992, while in Greece it was 45,862 prescriptions. Out of the total sum of prescriptions, we selected those with prescribed IPMs. In our study, we further analysed the representation of individual age groups and both genders in prescriptions of the IPMs. Next, we examined the frequency of IPM prescriptions based on specialisation of the prescribing physicians and the most frequent diagnoses for which the IPMs were prescribed. Further, we classified the prescribed IPMs into specific groups according to their drug forms. In our study, we also described the representation of individual drug forms (oral, cutaneous and for specific use) and representation of prepared or adjusted IPMs. The relevance of this topic is supported by marked decrease of rate of preparing of IPMs in the last decades as well as by necessity to preserve it for reasons such as certain diagnoses, technological and economic aspects and differences among age groups require distinctive specification of the prepared medicines.
THE YIELD STABILITY AND QUALITY OF LEGUMES DURING TWO CONSECUTIVE, EXTREMELY DRY YEARS
Authors: Kizeková Miriam , Tomaškin Ján , Čunderlík Jozef , Jančová Ľubica , Martincová Janka
Published: January 2014

This study highlights the effect of drought and ambient temperature on performance and herbage quality of legume monocultures and grass-legume mixtures. In a field experiment, the total dry matter yield, seasonal pattern of dry matter yield distribution, content of crude protein and crude fibre of monocultures of red clover and alfalfa and grass-legume mixtures were investigated during two consecutive dry years (2011-2012). Alfalfa cultivars Kamila and Tereza grown as monocultures or as mixtures with Festulolium braunii (cultivar Achilles) outperformed the red clover cultivars Fresko and Veles and provided a well-balanced total and seasonal dry matter yield during both years. Across all experimental years, crude protein content was significantly higher at alfalfa monocultures and mixture when compared with clover monocultures (P < 0.05). However, considerable lower content of crude fibre at clover monocultures in comparison with alfalfa ones was found. Responses of nutritive parameters of both legume species to weather variables were different. Crude protein content in red clover was independent of rainfall and temperature. In contrast, the crude fibre content correlated with temperature whereby the alfalfa monocultures showed stronger correlations (P < 0.05) than red clover monocultures.
The reproductive parameters, lifestyle and health factors in relation to physiological menopausal symptoms in Slovak women
Authors: Luptáková Lenka , Siváková Daniela , Michnová Alexandra , Čerňanová Veronika , Cvíčelová Marta , Danková Zuzana
Published: January 2014

Menopause is associated with various physiological symptoms which can be related to the most common health problems in menopausal women and a decrease in their quality of life. Determinants of experiencing menopausal symptoms are complex because they include reproductive, environmental, lifestyle and social factors.
The aim of this study is to assess whether selected reproductive, lifestyle and health factors are associated with the occurence of hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations, dizzy spells and/or pins and needles in the hands and feet. A total of 346 women aged between 39 and 59 years living in Slovakia were recruited for this cross-sectional survey. Data on menopausal symptoms and potential confounders were collected by questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis revealed an independent effect of peri-/postmenopausal status and depressed mood on the manifestation of hot flushes. Analysis results for night sweats were significant for age, depressed mood and current smoking at p<0.05 while, of all input parameters, only age and depressed mood were significant predictors of palpitations. Logistic regression also revealed the effect of sport and depressed mood on dizzy spells. Depressed women, (B=0.677) and those who did not participate in sporting activities (B= –0.969) suffered more often from dizzy spells. Pins and needles in hands and feet were influenced by peri-/postmenopausal status (B=1.036), by higher numbers of pregnancy (B=0.260) and depressed mood (B=0.505).
Potentially modifiable factors, such as current smoking, lack of sport, depressed mood and the number of pregnancies can predispose a woman to a higher prevalence of some of these physiological menopausal symptoms.
Specifics of soil temperature under winter wheat canopy
Authors: Krčmáŕová Jana , Stredová Hana , Pokorný Radovan , Stdŕeda Tomáš
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of soil temperature under the winter wheat canopy and to determine relationships between soil temperature, air temperature and partly soil moisture. In addition, the aim was to describe the dependence by means of regression equations usable for phytopathological prediction models, crop development, and yield models. The measurement of soil temperatures was performed at the experimental field station ˇZabˇcice (Europe, the Czech Republic, South Moravia). The soil in the first experimental plot is Gleyic Fluvisol with 49-58% of the content particles measuring < 0.01 mm, in the second experimental plot, the soil is Haplic Chernozem with 31-32% of the content particles measuring < 0.01 mm. The course of soil temperature and its specifics were determined under winter wheat canopy during the main growth season in the course of three years. Automatic soil temperature sensors were positioned at three depths (0.05, 0.10 and 0.20 m under soil surface), air temperature sensor in 0.05 m above soil surface. Results of the correlation analysis showed that the best interrelationships between these two variables were achieved after a 3-hour delay for the soil temperature at 0.05 m, 5-hour delay for 0.10 m, and 8-hour delay for 0.20 m. After the time correction, the determination coefficient reached values from 0.75 to 0.89 for the depth of 0.05 m, 0.61 to 0.82 for the depth of 0.10 m, and 0.33 to 0.70 for the depth of 0.20 m. When using multiple regression with quadratic spacing (modeling hourly soil temperature based on the hourly near surface air temperature and hourly soil moisture in the 0.10-0.40 m profile), the difference between the measured and the model soil temperatures at 0.05 m was −2.16 to 2.37 ◦ C. The regression equation paired with alternative agrometeorological instruments enables relatively accurate modeling of soil temperatures (R2 = 0.93).
Maize transpiration in response to meteorological conditions
Authors: Klimešová Jana , Stŕedová Hana , Stŕeda Tomáš
Published: January 2014

Differences in transpiration of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in four soil moisture regimes were quantified in a pot experiment. The transpiration was measured by the “Stem Heat Balance” method. The dependence of transpiration on air temperature, air humidity, global solar radiation, soil moisture, wind speed and leaf surface temperature were quantified. Significant relationships among transpiration, global radiation and air temperature (in the first vegetation period in the drought non-stressed variant, r = 0.881**, r = 0.934**) were found. Conclusive dependence of transpiration on leaf temperature (r = 0.820**) and wind speed (r = 0.710**) was found. Transpiration was significantly influenced by soil moisture (r = 0.395**, r = 0.528**) under moderate and severe drought stress. The dependence of transpiration on meteorological factors decreased with increasing deficiency of water. Correlation between transpiration and plant dry matter weight (r = 0.997**), plant height (r = 0.973**) and weight of corn cob (r = 0.987**) was found. The results of instrumental measuring of field crops transpiration under diverse moisture conditions at a concurrent monitoring of the meteorological elements spectra are rather unique. These results will be utilized in the effort to make calculations of the evapotranspiration in computing models more accurate.
AGEISM AND AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Veldon Barry
Published: January 2014

The overall quality of life of older people is largely impacted by their participation and engagement in society and remaining active within the work place. This article researches this area in greater depth in terms of the impact of the ever increasing ageing population has on employment opportunities for this group of people and the political and social changes that are being implemented to support this issue. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches looks to investigate key dimensions of age discrimination that can lead to the elder generation being unable to fulfill this requirement. It views the perspective from both employee and employer regarding changes in legislation and how 3 individual organisations have implemented policies to align with these changes and then further explore the employees’ knowledge of this legislation and their rights within the work place.
Ex-post analysis of national programmes KONTAKT, INGO, EUREKA and COST
Authors: Čadil Vladislav , Vondrák Tomáš
Published: January 2014

This article summarises main findings of an ex-post analysis of national programmes fostering international collaboration in research and development - KONTAKT, INGO, EUREKA and COST. The analysis was based on descriptive analyses of data from the publicly accessible part of the Information system of research, development and innovation, and a questionnaire survey. It analyses information on projects and their results as well as their general impacts on research institutions. As for disciplines, the programmes mostly supported Physics and Mathematics, Technical sciences, Bio sciences and Chemistry. The most frequent types of activities were basic and applied research. In the last decade, the programmes KONTAKT, INGO and COST showed a common trend of an increase of basic research activities, which became the dominant type. The main types of results were articles in scientific journals and conference proceedings. The evaluation also revealed that such papers were the most frequent result of applied research projects. In general, the results of the programmes were used for further research activities. Beside research activities and international collaboration, the programmes had positive impacts especially on human resources development and innovative capabilities of supported companies.
Weak signals and wild cards in development process of the nuclear power engineering
Authors: Valenta Ondřej , Faťun Martin
Published: January 2014

Energy sector on a global level has been a dynamically developing field of industry, and in the context of contemporary economic development it has become a „hot topic“ with anticipated increase of its importance. Growing significance is therefore put also on outlooks and forward-looking studies in energy sector, outlining its possible future developments and impact on economy, society, and environment. This article presents the most important outlooks in the sector, with a special regard to nuclear energy. In the context of these outlooks, the article attempts to line the possible development with a relatively novel concept of assessing the future risks, threats and opportunities in the field of nuclear energy - by identification of most significant wild cards and weak signals and means to prevent the possible threats as well as to take advantage of the opportunities.
Modern-Day Demographic Processes in Central Europe and Their Potential Interactions with Climate Change
Authors: Bański Jerzy
Published: January 2014

The aim of this article is to evaluate the effect of contemporary transformations in the population of Central European countries on climate change, in addition to singling out the primary points of interaction between demographic processes and the climate. In analyzing the interactions between climate and demographics, we can formulate three basic hypotheses regarding the region in question: 1) as a result of current demographic trends in Central Europe, the influence of the region on its climate will probably diminish, 2) the importance of the “climatically displaced” in global migratory movements will increase, and some of those concerned will move to Central Europe, 3) the contribution of the region to global food security will increase.

In the last decade most of what comprises the region of Central Europe has reported a decline in population growth and a negative migration balance. As a process, this loss of population may have a positive effect on the environment and the climate. We can expect ongoing climate change to intensify migration processes, particularly from countries outside Europe. Interactions between climate and demographic processes can also be viewed in the context of food security. The global warming most sources foresee for the coming decades is the process most likely to result in spatial polarization of food production in agriculture. Central Europe will then face the challenge of assuring and improving food security, albeit this time on a global scale.
Assessing the possibility of genetically modified DNA transfer from GM feed to broiler, laying hen, pig and calf tissues
Authors: Sieradzki Z. , Mazur M. , Kwiatek K. , Świątkiewicz S. , Świątkiewicz M. , Koreleski J. , Hanczakowska E. , Arczewska-Włosek A. , Goldsztejn M.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of genetically modified DNA transfer from feed containing RR soybean or/and MON810 maize to animal tissues, gut bacterial flora, food of animal origin, and the fate of GM DNA in the animal digestive tract. The experiment was carried out on broilers, laying hens, pigs and calves. All animals were divided into four groups: I - control group (non-modified feed), II - GM soybean group (non-modified maize, RR soybean), III - GM maize group (MON810 maize, non-modified soybean), and IV - GM maize and soybean group (MON810 maize, RR soybean). Samples of blood, organs, tissues, digesta from the gastrointestinal tract, and eggs were analysed for the presence of plant species specific genes, and transgenic sequences of CaMV 35S promoter and NOS terminator. PCR amplifications of these GM sequences were conducted to investigate the GM DNA transfer from feed to animal tissues and bacterial gut flora. In none of the analysed samples of blood, organs, tissues, eggs, excreta and bacterial DNA were plant reference genes or GM DNA found. A GM crop diet did not affect bacterial gut flora as regards diversity of bacteria species, quantity of particular bacteria species in the animal gut, or incorporation of transgenic DNA to the bacteria genome. It can be concluded that MON810 maize and RR soybean used for animal feeding are substantially equivalent to their conventional counterparts. Genetically modified DNA from MON810 maize and RR soybean is digested in the same way as plant DNA, with no probability of its transfer to animal tissues or gut bacterial flora.
Effects of two water disinfectants (chloramine T and peracetic acid) on the epidermis and gills of Garra rufa used in human ichthyotherapy
Authors: Sirri R. , Zaccaroni A. , Di Biase A. , Mordenti O. , Stancampiano L. , Sarli G. , Mandrioli L.
Published: January 2014

Doctor fish (Garra rufa) have recently been used for aesthetic purposes and as a medical treatment in patients with psoriasis (ichthyotherapy). For this particular kind of human therapy it is essential to guarantee adequate hygienic conditions for both people and fish. The aim of this study was to test two concentrations of water disinfectants, chloramine T and peracetic acid, on Garra rufa to ascertain possible exposure damage to the epidermis and gills. Fish were exposed to 2 mg/l and 10 mg/l of chloramine T and to 15 μl/l and 45 μl/l of peracetic acid in a 40-minute static bath up to six times a day for one week. The epidermis and gills were checked for histological changes and the number of epidermal mucous cells, club cells and taste buds were quantified; mucous cells were also characterized histochemically to detect alterations in mucin production. No mortality or severe histological changes were found in treated or control fish. Cell count showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in mucous cells (mean 49.1 ± 6.7 vs 37.0 ± 13.1 of controls) in animals treated with peracetic acid independently of the dose. Club cell number showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in fish treated with 2 mg/l of chloramine T (mean 74.3 ± 15.6) and with 45 μl/l of peracetic acid (mean 78.17 ± 10.5) compared to controls (mean 107.0 ± 19.2). Histochemical evaluation of mucous cells did not reveal changes in mucin type in fish exposed to the two disinfectants. The results suggest a good tolerability of Garra rufa to the two disinfectants at the concentrations tested.
Lymphocytes T and B in rabbits infected with RHD virus
Authors: Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. , Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Deptuła W.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in immunological response of animals infected with different antigenic variants of the virus - three haemagglutinating (Vt97, Triptis, Hartmannsdorf) and two non-haemagglutinating (Pv97, 9905 RHDVa). The specific immunological response was measured by the dynamics of changes in the amount of lymphocytes T (with CD5+, CD4+, CD8+, CD25+ receptor) and B (with CD19+ receptor). The study showed differences in immunogenicity of the analysed RHDV antigenic variants, which allowed them to be divided into groups of: more immunogenic strains, including non-haemagglutinating 9905 RHDVa and haemagglutinating Vt97 and Triptis variants; and less immunogenic strains, including the haemagglutinating Hartmannsdorf variant and the non-haemagglutinating Pv97 variant. Such a result may indicate that the agglutination capacity of red blood cells might not be a factor impacting the number of T and B lymphocytes.
Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs
Authors: Jankowski M. , Spużak J. , Kubiak K. , Glińska-Suchocka K. , Nicpoń J.
Published: January 2014

The aim of the paper is to present own experience in diagnosis and endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from the oesophagus in dogs. The study was performed on 22 dogs of different breed and sex, aged 7 months to 17 years, with suspicion of a foreign body in the oesophagus. All the dogs were subjected to a radiography of the oesophagus and oesophagoscopy. The most commonly observed clinical signs were regurgitation and swallowing disorders. The best diagnostic method allowing detection of foreign bodies in the oesophagus was esophagoscopy
Incidence of parvoviruses in chickens infected with Marek’s disease virus
Authors: Tarasiuk K. , Woźniakowski G. , Samorek-Salamonowicz E.
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to determine co-occurrence of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) and chicken parvovirus (ChPV) co-occurrence in field chicken flocks. The materials for the study derived from 115 broiler chickens or layer hens originated from 23 farms with suspicion of Marek’s disease (MD). Dual infection with MDV and ChPV was found in 23 (20%) examined chickens. The results obtained suggest a possibility of influence of ChPV infection on efficacy of the MD vaccines.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of irbesartan in Beagle dogs after oral administration at two dose rates
Authors: Carlucci L. , Song K.H. , Yun H.I. , Park H.J. , Seo K.W. , Giorgi M.
Published: January 2014

Irbesartan (Irb) is an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist widely used in humans to treat hypertension. Age-related diseases such as hypertension are increasingly being diagnosed in dogs and there is the need for new drugs. The PK/PD of Irb was tested in Beagle dogs. Ten healthy Beagles were orally administered two dose rates (2 and 5 mg/kg), according to a cross over study design. Blood collections for PK analysis and systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart and respiratory rate, mucous membranes colour, capillary refill time and temperature evaluations were performed at scheduled intervals. The drug plasma concentration was dose dependent. The dogs administered 5 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in SBP, while in those receiving 2 mg/kg, this parameter was minimally affected. A counter clockwise hysteresis showed no direct correlation between SBP and plasma concentrations. The minimum effective concentration was theorized to be within the range 550-800 ng/mL. Although further studies are necessary, 5 mg/kg seems to be the more appropriate dose to obtain a hypotensive effect in Beagle dogs.
The Performance of Unemployment Rate Predictions in Romania. Strategies to Improve the Forecasts Accuracy
Authors: Simionescu Mihaela
Published: January 2014

The evaluation and improvement of forecasts accuracy generate growth in the quality of decisional process. In Romania, the most accurate predictions for the unemployment rate on the forecasting horizon 2001-2012 were provided by the Institute for Economic Forecasting (IEF) that is followed by European Commission and National Commission for Prognosis (NCP). The result is based on U1, but if more indicators are taken into consideration at the same time using the multi-criteria ranking, the conclusion remains the same. A suitable strategy for improving the degree of accuracy for these forecasts is represented by the combined forecasts. The accuracy of NCP predictions can be improved on the horizon 2001-2012, if the initial values are smoothed using Holt-Winters technique and Hodrick-Prescott filter. The use of Monte Carlo method to simulate the forecasted unemployment rate proved to be the best way to improve the predictions accuracy. Starting from an AR(1) model for the interest variable, the uncertainty analysis was included, the simulations being made for the parameters. Actually, the means of the forecasts distributions for unemployment are considered as point predictions which outperform the expectations of the three institutions. The strategy based on Monte Carlo method is an original contribution of the author introduced in this article regarding the empirical strategies of getting better predictions.
The Impact of School Shops on Students’ Eating Habits on the Example of Secondary Schools in Wrocław in Poland1
Authors: Jarossová Malgorzata A.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this paper was to describe the impact of school shops on students’ eating habits on the example of secondary schools in Wroclaw. The school shops in Wroclaw’s secondary schools were characterized in terms of their type, persons involved in the food sale, the range of products in school shops and vending machines located within the schools, as well as the advertisements of food and beverages displayed in the school shops, promotions used by the owners with respect to food offered to the students and activities related to the promotion of rational nutrition principles. The paper outlines the conditions which should be met by school shops in order to be an important link in shaping the correct nutritional behavior of young people.
Discourse-Driven Meaning Construction in Neosemantic Noun-to-Verb Conversions [Meaning Construction In Noun-To-Verb Conversions]
Authors: Augustyn Rafał
Published: January 2014

Neosemantic noun-to-verb conversions such as beer → to beer, door → to door, pink → to pink, etc., constitute a particularly interesting field of study for Cognitive Linguistics in that they call for a discourse-guided and context-based analysis of meaning construction. The present article takes a closer look at the cognitive motivation for the conversion process involved in the noun-verb alterations with a view to explaining the semantics of some conversion formations in relation to the user-centred discourse context. The analysis developed in this article draws from the combined insights of Fauconnier and Turner’s (2002) Conceptual Integration Theory and Langacker’s (2005, 2008) Current Discourse Space.
The Old World biting midge, Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) pulcherrima SANTOS ABREU, new to the fauna of the United States (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Grogan William L. , Hribar Lawrence J. , Howarth Francis G.
Published: January 2014

We provide the first United States records of the Old World biting midge, Forcipomyia (Lepidohelea) pulcherrima SANTOS ABREU (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), from California, Florida and Hawaii. The fourth instar larva of F. pulcherrima is also described and illustrated for the first time.
An analysis of the possibility of intersystem transformations for purposes of geo-referencing old mine workings
Authors: Staňková Hana , Černota Pavel , Novosad Miroslav
Published: January 2014

The paper is dedicated to the issues of both planar and spatial transformations with respect to the territory affected by mining activities. The planar transformations have been applied among the planar Otto mine coordinate system, St. Stephen Datum of Cadastre Coordinates, and the Datum of Uniform Trigonometric Cadastral Network (hereinafter referred to as JTSK). Here basic transformation characteristics among the above systems are defined. The spatial transformation is performed through a point coordinate conversion between the JTSK and the European Terrestrial Reference System (hereinafter referred to as ETRS89) where conventional relations as well as other conversion possibilities were described. Part of the article is the execution of an experiment of a direct transformation between the St. Stephen Datum of Cadastre Coordinates and the ETRS98 system for the territory of Brno, which was not affected by mining activities. For the above transformation, 8 trigonometric points were used, for which the identity analysis had been done initially. Furthermore, the Interpolation and One Step Transformations were tested, which solve the conversion as divided tasks for both position and heights. The Interpolation Transformation showed better values for residues. The results of the above experiment will be applied for purposes of surveying old mine workings using the GNSS technology.
Effect of calcination temperature and calcination time on the kaolinite/tio2 composite for photocatalytic reduction of CO2
Authors: Reli Martin , Kočí Kamila , Matějka Vlastimil , Kovář Pavel , Obalová Lucie
Published: January 2014

The kaolinite/TiO2 composite (60 wt% of TiO2) was prepared by thermal hydrolysis of a raw kaolin suspension in titanyl sulphate and calcined at different temperatures (600, 650 and 700°C) and for different times (1, 2 and 3 h). The obtained samples were characterized by XRPD, N2 physical adsorption and SEM, and tested for photocatalytic reduction of CO2. The different calcination conditions did not influence TiO2 phase composition, only slightly changed the specific surface area, and significantly affected crystallite size of kaolinite/TiO2 composite. A higher temperature and longer duration of calcination lead to higher crystallinity of the powder. The photocatalytic results showed that the crystallite size determined the efficiency of kaolinite/TiO2 photocatalysts.
NOGI IZOLDY MORGAN, CZYLI KOBIETY I TRAMWAJE / BRUNON JASIEŃSKI’S IZOLDA MORGAN’S LEGS, OR WOMEN AND TRAMS
Authors: Alksnin Adrianna
Published: January 2014

This article presents a psychoanalytical reading of Brunon Jasieński’s Izolda Morgan’s Legs. The main character of this micro novel is driven by a fetishistic fascination with the amputated legs of his mistress. Yet his feelings of fear and desire seem to be a reaction to a broader set of circumstances. Mr Berg, an engineer, is deeply upset not only by the progress of women’s emancipation but also the creeping mechanization of everyday life. The latter is connected with the advances of industrialization and the growing dependence of the individual on the products of modern technology. In effect man gets alienated from social life and gradually less able to preserve his sanity.
‘The People are Missing’: Palestinians in Kuwait
Authors: Al-Nakib Mai
Published: January 2014

This paper explores the effects of the Iraqi invasion on the Palestinian community in Kuwait. Specifically, it considers Gilles Deleuze's notion of the ‘missing people’ in relation both to the Palestinians deported after the 1991 Gulf War and to the majority of Kuwaitis who have not acknowledged the effects of this disappearance on either the Palestinians or themselves. The first section revisits the circumstances surrounding the deportation of approximately 380,000 Palestinians from Kuwait, while the second considers what was lost as a result. The final section proposes an ‘ethics of the missing’ as a possible means to engage and transform some of the ensuing problems.
La «violence» du silence dans la tradition sicilienne
Authors: Di Bella Maria Pia
Published: January 2014

Silence as Violence in Traditional Sicily

Omertà, or the law of silence, which we associate nowadays with the Mafia, was formerly a traditional peasant response to the violence they endured collectively or as individuals. The author underlines the reasons for the emergence of this peculiar form of aggression — «silence» — and its consequences on the antagonism between the peasants — «the berets» — and the landowners — «the hats» — with the help of six allegorical stories (parità) collected among the peasants of eastern Sicily by S. A. Guastella and published in 1884.
L'eau facteur clé de l'économie rurale en Chine
Authors: Etienne Gilbert
Published: January 2014

Water as a Key Factor in Chinese Rural Economy

China has recently undergone a new and far reaching agricultural reform with beneficial effects upon the population. It is nevertheless obvious that in the midand long-term, technical considerations, specifically those relating to the management of water, remain crucial from both an economic and a social point of view. Following a general survey, several regions characteristic of chinese rural society are examined. Drawing on his own observations from 1958 to 1982, the author studies the technical evolution of water management and its effects upon production and the standard of living.
Pouvoirs locaux et territoires. Une approche des espaces politiques
Authors: Gaudin Jean-Pierre
Published: January 2014

Le principe d'analyse des politiques urbaines a été dans les années 70 principalement fonction d'une polarisation des décisions au centre de la société. Le local ne prenait alors sens qu'en réaction à ces impulsions centrales. Une approche plus anthropologique peut aujourd'hui s'attacher aux composantes lignagères et territoriales du lien politique. Mais il convient alors de se méfier des invariances et de rechercher des éléments de périodisation.
L'opposition de l'administration et du clergé : préfecture et évêché en Lozère au XIXe siècle
Authors: Pourcher Yves
Published: January 2014

Pendant tout le XIXe siècle et au commencement du XXe siècle, la partie catholique du département de la Lozère a été marquée par un long et passionné conflit. Il oppose deux pouvoirs : d'un côté, l' évêché et l'ensemble du clergé, de l'autre, l'administration avec le préfet et les fonctionnaires. Chacun use des moyens qui lui sont propres pour influencer les électeurs. L'administration utilise les services des fonctionnaires et répand à bon escient les diverses faveurs et subventions pour assurer le succès des candidats officiels. Mais le clergé reste vigilant. A la veille des élections, les prêtres multiplient les mises en garde auprès de leurs paroissiens pour favoriser les candidats catholiques. Les dénonciations se suivent : celles des francs-maçons et celles des instituteurs protestants. La Séparation de l'Église et de l'État et, plus encore, les Inventaires de 1906 enveniment la situation. Les candidats du gouvernement accumulent alors les échecs en Haute Lozère. En réalité, cette séculaire opposition révèle la réaction d'une société locale face à l'accroissement du pouvoir administratif.
Un équilibre méditerranéen : le pouvoir local entre l'État et le territoire
Authors: Rinaudo Yves
Published: January 2014

A Mediterranean Equilibrium : Local ower between the State and Territory

The territory ensures the flexibility and duration of institutional and ideological forms that are related to a transhistorical local culture. It is the source of the autonomy of local from central power. Local power is exercised through mechanisms/institutions (organizations, political dynasties) that organize, filter and control, messages that are received and diffused, that control and dose what comes from the "outside". The regionalization under way is, in this area, part of a long history.
Communisme local, Résistance et PCF. Les trois éléments du pouvoir dans une commune bretonne
Authors: Le Guirriec Patrick
Published: January 2014

Local Communism, the Resistance and the PCP: The Sources of Power in a Breton Commune

The account of the Resistance at Sorignac during World War II ressembles in many ways a founding myth. Communist power in this commune in Brittany (France) goes back to 1945 and the legitimacy bestowed by participation in the Resistance. Small farmers, from the least privileged social classes, monopolize political power because they alone fought against the Germans. However this power is shared between local Communism, based upon the area's history, and the French Communist Party, inspired by an exogenous ideology. Local Communism seeks both to maintain control over its political future and to keep the freedom to make alliances whereas the FCP, by gradually channeling local Communism into a structure with a national reach, has tented to cut it off from its origins and to deprive it of its essence. As a result, the FCP's position in this Communist commune is eroding.