bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attività produttive ceramiche a Veio
Authors: Cascino Roberta
Published: April 2018

Il South Etruria Survey, condotto negli anni Sessanta del ’900 dall’allora direttore della British School at Rome John Ward-Perkins, interessò anche il pianoro che fu sede dell’antica città etrusca di Veio. I materiali raccolti nel corso di quella che fu una pionieristica ricognizione sistematica di superficie, sono stati custoditi per circa quarant’anni presso la British School at Rome fino al 1998, quando sono divenuti parte integrante del Tiber Valley Project, diretto da Helen Patterson. Tale progetto ha portato al riesame di tutto il materiale archeologico e della documentazione conservata inerente il Survey, i cui risultati sono prossimi alla pubblicazione. Il riesame dei frammenti ceramici raccolti a Veio ha rivelato la presenza di numerosi scarti di fornace che attestano con certezza una fiorente e diversificata produzione locale di ceramica fine di imitazione greca. Grazie ai confronti con le tipologie note, con i contesti veienti editi e con lo stesso materiale del Survey, è stato possibile riconoscere ed identificare alcuni scarti di fornace relativi a produzioni di ceramica italo-geometrica, etrusco-corinzia e a fasce, che attestano l’attività di officine ceramiche veienti almeno tra il VII ed il V secolo a. C.
Le décor héraldique de la Chapelle Sixtine à Sainte-Marie-Majeure
Authors: Loskoutoff Yvan
Published: April 2018

La Chapelle Sixtine de Sainte-Marie-Majeure construite par le pape Sixte-Quint aux débuts de son pontificat (1585-1590) pour abriter le Saint-Sacrement, les reliques de la crèche et son tombeau, peut être considérée comme le sanctuaire le plus héraldique de la chrétienté. Les meubles des armoiries parlantes du pape représentées aux endroits les plus visibles, un lion, trois poires, trois monts et une étoile, se diffusent par milliers dans l’ensemble du décor conçu par Domenico Fontana, Giovanni Guerra et Cesare Nebbia. Leur signification théologico-politique est ici élucidée au moyen des lieux communs générés par la littérature encomiastique.
Les chemins qui mènent à Rome : entrer à l’École française entre 1876 et 1914
Authors: Muller Raphaël
Published: April 2018

Fondée entre 1873 et 1875, l’École française de Rome fut très tôt confrontée à la question du recrutement de ses membres. En vertu du décret originel du 20 novembre 1875, ces derniers étaient nécessairement issus de l’École normale supérieure, de l’École des chartes et de l’École pratique des hautes études. Dès lors, entre 1875 et 1914, une véritable concurrence s’instaura entre ces trois écoles dotée d’un droit de présentation. Mais il s’agissait en réalité d’un jeu plus complexe qui faisait également intervenir le Ministère de l’instruction publique, l’Académie des inscriptions et belles lettres et surtout les directeurs successifs de l’École de Rome. Ces derniers, soucieux d’affirmer la vocation scientifique de leur école, parvinrent progressivement à s’octroyer un pouvoir de contrôle sur la désignation des membres et purent ainsi recruter les jeunes chercheurs dont ils avaient besoin pour mettre en oeuvre les programmes de recherches qu’ils avaient définis.
Libri e circolazione della cultura medico-scientifica nella Roma del seicento : la biblioteca di Johannes Faber
Authors: Brevaglieri Sabina
Published: April 2018

Il caso della biblioteca del medico tedesco Johannes Faber, formata e dispersa a Roma fra 1598 e 1629, offre l’opportunità di indagare le pratiche e i meccanismi di circolazione dei libri scientifici nella città del papa. Nonostante le restrizioni imposte agli intellettuali dalle istituzioni censorie e la debolezza delle reti commerciali del libro fra Roma e l’Europa, in particolare verso il mondo tedesco, le reti relazionali tessute all’ombra dei poteri ecclesiastici consentono un afflusso di libri che non esclude neppure saperi fortemente sospettati, come paracelsismo e medicina chimica. I molteplici circuiti dello scambio e del prestito che innervano le relazioni professionali, i vincoli di patronage

e le connessioni epistolari spiegano poi l’irraggiamento di simili opportunità di lettura dentro e fuori Roma e il coinvolgimento di un pubblico ampio ed eterogeneo.
L’organisation des entrepôts de l’Abondance à Lyon au XVIIe siècle
Authors: Martinat Monica
Published: April 2018

L’article analyse les liens existant entre l’organisation des entrepôts de blé à Lyon au milieu du XVIIe siècle et la politique annonaire menée par les autorités consulaires pendant la même période. Après une période d’hésitation et de tâtonnement concernant l’opportunité d’entretenir en ville des réserves céréalières importantes, les autorités municipales se lancent dans une politique de stockage permanent dans les années 1660. La construction de véritables entrepôts, capables de contenir les blés de l’Abondance, est entamée en 1722 et terminée en 1728. Entre temps, les céréales achetées pour faire face aux pénuries et calmer les prix sont stockées dans des entrepôts de fortune, loués à des particuliers ou à des institutions ecclésiastiques. Les coûts de cette forme de stockage, ainsi que les conditions de leur location, influencent les décisions prises en matière d’écoulement des blés et finissent par s’ajouter aux nombreux intérêts particuliers cristallisés autour de l’opération annonaire.
C. Vettius Anicetus, quinquennalis des charpentiers de marine
Authors: Tran Nicolas , Loriot Xavier
Published: April 2018

Une épitaphe présente il y a quelques années sur le marché des antiquités à New York, et alors l’objet d’une publication confidentielle, mentionne l’affranchi C. Vettius Anicetus, quinquénnal d’un collège de charpentiers de marine, et toute sa famille. L’inscription a été gravée sur un autel finement sculpté. L’appartenance de deux fils du défunt à la tribu Voturia et la mention d’un collège de fabri nauales ne laisse guère de doute sur la provenance ostienne du document. En outre, C. Vettius Anicetus et deux de ses fils apparaissent sur un fragment d’album publié en 1953, après sa découverte devant le temple attribué aux fabri nauales d’Ostie. L’analyse de cette documentation, qu’il faut attribuer à l’extrême fin du IIe ou au début du IIIe siècle ap. J.-C., permet de comprendre les attentes sociales du quinquennalis. Ainsi, le transfert des deux fils de la tribu Collina à la tribu Voturia s’inscrit probablement dans une quête de respectabilité.
Diplomatie pontificale et sacrements : la querelle autour des baptêmes de masse au Mexique (1524- 1584)
Authors: Jeanne Boris
Published: April 2018

Le Saint-Siège a-t-il cherché à utiliser l’administration des sacrements dans les Églises du Nouveau Monde comme un moyen de pression politique sur la couronne d’Espagne au second XVIe siècle ? L’article cherche à comprendre comment la secrétairerie d’État s’est servi des nouvelles qu’elle avait d’abusi delle Indie dans sa négociation pour l’installation d’une nonciature apostolique à Mexico, à partir d’un document de 1584 qui accuse les jésuites de baptiser les Indiens avec trop de facilité. Renvoyant à la querelle des baptêmes de masse des années 1530 que Paul III avait dû arbitrer, cette accusation paraît hors de propos alors que les franciscains eux-mêmes ont cessé cette pratique comme le montre la Rhetorica Christiana de Diego Valadés (Pérouse 1579), et que les jésuites se consacrent à une christianisation d’élites : ce «doute sur un sacrement » sert en fait de levier au nonce à Madrid pour faire pression sur Philippe II.
Arma Samnitium
Authors: Tagliamonte Gianluca
Published: April 2018

Nell’ambito del resoconto relativo allo svolgimento delle cd. guerre sannitiche, si riscontrano, in più di una circostanza, nelle fonti letterarie romane o di tradizione romana, specifici riferimenti all’impiego che degli spolia Samnitium (in particolare, delle armi sottratte ai nemici sconfitti) venne fatto da parte dei generali romani vittoriosi. L’esame di tali testimonianze documenta le diverse
La mort volontaire du vaincu chez les Celtes : du lac Vadimon au Galate du Capitole
Authors: Voisin Jean-Louis
Published: April 2018

Dans l’Antiquité, se tuer sur le champ de bataille lorsque l’on est vaincu n’est certes pas une singularité celte. En revanche, la répétition du phénomène, son intensité (femmes et enfants se tuent ou sont tués), sa permanence, son extension géographique, ses rituels donnent un caractère original à la mort volontaire des Celtes sur le champ de bataille après une défaite. Comment interpréter ces attitudes que les auteurs grecs et latins qualifient de folie ? Tel est l’objet de cet article qui rassemble les faits, les analyse avant d’en examiner les conséquences dont l’une est une nouvelle interprétation de la fameuse statue du «Galate mourant» du Capitole.
A stereoselective and flexible synthesis to access both enantiomers of N-acetylgalactosamine and peracetylated N-acetylidosamine
Authors: Riedl Bettina , Schmid Walther
Published: April 2018

Synthetic approaches towards N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) have been attracting considerable interest since this compound is known for its pivotal role in cell–cell interaction and receptor induced cell signaling. Herein, we present a synthetic route in which two of the four stereogenic centers present in the target compound are derived from enantiopure tartaric acid being selectively converted to epoxy alcohols. The key step is the Pd-catalyzed, stereo- and regioselective epoxide opening and subsequent nucleophilic substitution of an azide functionality. This approach enables the synthesis of the naturally D- and unnaturally L-configured GalNAc, as well as both enantiomers of the largely unknown N-acetylidosamine (IdoNAc).
On the Spectral Evolution of Helium-atmosphere White Dwarfs Showing Traces of Hydrogen
Authors: Rolland B. , Bergeron P. , Fontaine G.
Published: April 2018

We present a detailed spectroscopic analysis of 115 helium-line (DB) and 28 cool, He-rich hydrogen-line (DA) white dwarfs based on atmosphere fits to optical spectroscopy and photometry. We find that 63% of our DB population show hydrogen lines, making them DBA stars. We also demonstrate the persistence of pure DB white dwarfs with no detectable hydrogen feature at low effective temperatures. Using state-of-the art envelope models, we next compute the total quantity of hydrogen, M
H, that is contained in the outer convection zone as a function of effective temperature and atmospheric H/He ratio. We find that some (T
eff, M
H) pairs cannot physically exist as a homogeneously mixed structure; such a combination can only occur as stratified objects of the DA spectral type. On that basis, we show that the values of M
H inferred for the bulk of the DBA stars are too large and incompatible with the convective dilution scenario. We also present evidence that the hydrogen abundances measured in DBA and cool, helium-rich white dwarfs cannot be globally accounted for by any kind of accretion mechanism onto a pure DB star. We suggest that cool, He-rich DA white dwarfs are most likely created by the convective mixing of a DA star with a thin hydrogen envelope; they are not cooled down DBAs. We finally explore several scenarios that could account for the presence of hydrogen in DBA stars.
First records of water bears (Phylum Tardigrada) from Swaziland
Authors: Meyer Harry A. , Tsaliki Martha , Hinton Juliana G.
Published: April 2018

There are no published records of water bears (Phylum Tardigrada) from Swaziland. Two samples of foliose lichen collected in 2010 contained nine tardigrade specimens and one egg belonging to five genera and seven species: Echiniscuscf.quadrispinosus,Milnesiumsp., Milnesiumcf.bohleberi, Hypsibiuscf.convergens,Ramazzottiussp., Macrobiotuscf.pallarii andMinibiotusharrylewisi. Milnesiumsp. resemblesMilnesiumlagniappe, a species from southeastern USA, in its cuticle, and possibly in the number of peribuccal lamellae. Specimens from Lesotho and South Africa previously identified asMilnesiumtardigradumare in fact Milnesiumcf.bohleberi. The habitus ofRamazzottiussp. is consistent withR.theroni, a southern African species, but due to the condition of the specimen the presence of cuticular sculpture cannot be definitively ruled out. Macrobiotuscf.pallarii differs fromM.pallariisensu strictoin some structural details of the egg processes. This is the first record ofMinibiotusharrylewisioutside of its type location in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
La transition écologique et la démocratie : quelques remarques philosophiques, politiques et anthropologiques
Authors: Statius Pierre
Published: April 2018

La démocratie est le régime politique qui légitime la liberté de chacun à choisir les conditions politiques et sociales de son existence. Le pluralisme, dans sa dimension procédurale – et notamment à travers le vote– met en scène la diversité des choix et des trajectoires politiques possibles pour un peuple. Il organise l’expression et la compétition des choix politiques ; il met en place une conception de la citoyenneté qui s’élabore sur des choix illimités dans le temps et dans un monde politique d’abondance, sans limites . Mais confronté aux finitudes écologiques, il se trouve face à la contraction des options possibles, ce qui produit un assèchement des choix offerts par la démocratie. Le pluralisme actuel doit alors imaginer des adaptations temporelles et des procédures de limitation susceptibles d’ajuster l’idéal d’émancipation de la démocratie au contexte limité de son assise matérielle.
Filter selection for countercyclical capital buffers
Authors: Visser Dirk , Van Vuuren Gary
Published: April 2018

Background: Procyclicality plays a pivotal role in finance in both thriving and crisis periods. This influence stems not only from the way market participants behave but also from risk metrics used and regulatory capital amassed and released during bust and boom periods, respectively. The introduction of the regulatory Countercyclical Capital Buffer aims to thwart procyclicality by accumulating (releasing) capital in upswings (downswings), subsequently reducing the amplitude of the financial cycle and promoting macroprudential stability. The timing of the accumulation and release of buffer capital is critical so identifying accurate indicators is important. Aim: This paper applies a Kalman filter to South African data and confirms the procyclicality of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) proposal. Setting: For South Africa, studies suggest alternatives such as residential property indices because research has demonstrated that the BCBS proposal is procyclical rather than countercyclical. Methods: This paper applies a Kalman filter to South African data and compares the results obtained with those filtered using the Hodrick–Prescott filter. Results: Results indicate that buffer signals are dependent upon the filter employed. Conclusion: Buffer signals are strongly dependent upon the filter employed to detect procyclicality. The South African Reserve Bank and other regulators should reconsider the use of the Hodrick–Prescott filter and entertain the possibility of using the Kalman filter instead.
Mycobacteria-derived biomarkers for tuberculosis diagnosis
Authors: Druszczynska Magdalena , Wawrocki Sebastian , Szewczyk Rafal , Rudnicka Wieslawa
Published: April 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) remains an escalating problem worldwide. The current diagnostic methods do not always guarantee reliable diagnosis. TB treatment is a time-consuming process that requires the use of several chemotherapeutics, to which mycobacteria are becoming increasingly resistant. This article focuses on the potential utility of biomarkers of mycobacterial origin with potential implications for TB diagnosis. Properly standardized indicators could become new diagnostic tools, improving and streamlining the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and the implementation of appropriate therapy. These markers can also potentially provide a quick confirmation of effectiveness of new anti-mycobacterial drugs and TB vaccines, leading to a possible application in practice.
Ischaemic heart disease mortality in Serbia, 1991-2013; a joinpoint analysis
Authors: Ilic Milena , Ilic Irena
Published: April 2018

Background & objectives:

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has been one of the leading causes of mortality in the world. In many European countries the mortality rates due to IHD have been rising rapidly. This study was aimed to assess the IHD mortality trend in Serbia.

Methods:

A population-based cross-sectional study analyzing IHD mortality in Serbia in the period 1991-2013 was carried out based on official data. The age-standardized rates (ASRs, per 100,000) were calculated using the direct method, according to the European standard population. Joinpoint analysis was used to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with the corresponding 95 per cent confidence interval (CI).

Results:

More than 253,000 people (143,420 men and 110,276 women) died due to IHD in Serbia during the observed period, and most of them (over 160,000 people) were patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Average annual ASR for IHD was 113.6/100,000. There was no overall significant trend for mortality due to IHD (AAPC=+0.1%, 95% CI −0.8-1.0), but there was one joinpoint: the trend significantly increased by +2.3 per cent per year from 1991 to 2006 and then significantly decreased by −6.4 per cent from 2006 to onwards. Significantly decreased mortality trends for MI in both genders were observed: according to the comparability test, mortality trends in men and women were parallel (final selected model failed to reject parallelism, P=0.0567).

Interpretation & conclusions:

No significant trend for mortality due to IHD was observed in Serbia during the study period. The substantial decline of mortality from IHD seen in most developed countries during the past decades was not observed in Serbia. Further efforts are required to reduce mortality from IHD in Serbian population.
Fly ash-based water dispersible powder formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis
Authors: Tamilselvan Saravanan , Manonmani Arulsamy Mary , Jambulingam Purushothaman
Published: April 2018

Background & objectives:

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) formulations are presently being used for insect control. In this study, a water dispersible powder (WDP) formulation using fly ash (FA) as a carrier material was developed and studied for its activity against the larval stages of major mosquito vector species.

Methods:

An indigenous isolate Bti (Vector Control Research Centre B17) was mass produced using a 100 l fermentor in soya-based medium. The bacterial biomass was mixed with lignite FA and made into WDP formulations. The most effective formulation was used for determining 50 per cent lethal concentration (LC50) against the larval stages of major mosquito vector species, effect on non-target organisms and mammalian systems using standard protocols.

Results:

Sixteen types of WDP formulations were prepared, of which the formulation containing bacterial biomass, FA and carboxymethyl cellulose was found to be the most effective. The LC50 values of the formulation against Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi larvae were 0.0417, 0.0462 and 0.1091 mg/l, respectively. The formulation was found to be safe to non-target organisms found associated with the mosquito larval stages and also to mammalian systems.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study shows that FA can be effectively used to replace commercially available carrier materials used in biopesticidal formulations.
Dyslipidaemia & oxidative stress in patients of psoriasis
Authors: Asha Kumari , Singal Archana , Sharma Suman Bala , Arora Vinod Kumar , Aggarwal Amitesh
Published: April 2018

Background & objectives:

Psoriasis is a recurrent hyper-proliferative skin disease which is often associated with free radical generation, abnormal lipid metabolism and increased inflammatory secretion that induce cardiovascular risk in these patients. The present study was intended to evaluate serum lipids, lipoprotein and oxidants-antioxidants status and to establish their relationship with atherogenic risk markers [oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)] in patients with psoriasis.

Methods:

The study was conducted on 150 psoriasis patients and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Overnight fasting blood samples were obtained for lipids, lipoproteins, lipid oxidation and peroxidation products [oxLDL, malondialdehyde (MDA)], antioxidant enzymes [reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status] levels and hsCRP estimations.

Results:

The mean levels of atherogenic lipids [total cholesterol (P<0.001), triacylglycerol (P<0.01)], lipid peroxidation products (P<0.001) and oxLDL and hsCRP (P<0.001) levels in patients with psoriasis were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy controls. On the other hand, ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP, P<0.001) and antioxidant enzyme activities (reduced GSH, P<0.01) were significantly lower when compared to healthy controls. The plasma oxLDL was positively correlated to LDL cholesterol (P<0.001) and MDA (P<0.001) and negatively associated with antioxidant status in these patients. Serum MDA, FRAP and oxLDL were correlated with risk of atherosclerosis in the patients with psoriasis; however, no significant association was found between reduced GSH and hsCRP.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The study results suggest that LDL oxidation and reactive oxygen species in addition to inflammatory markers may play a pivotal role in inducing atherosclerosis in patients of psoriasis.
Anterior maxillary wall and lacrimal duct relationship - CT analysis for prelacrimal access to the maxillary sinus
Authors: Simmen D. , Veerasigamani N. , Briner H.R. , Jones N. , Schuknecht B.
Published: April 2018

Background: The distance between the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus and the nasolacrimal duct shows a large individual variation. Methodology: To evaluate the feasibility of accessing the maxillary sinus through a prelacrimal window access (PLWA), a series of 100 paranasal CT scans from adult patients was analysed retrospectively. The distance between the anterior maxillary wall and the anterior border of the lacrimal duct (= prelacrimal window) were measured in 200 sides. Results: A distance of more the 7 mm was found in 12.5% maxillary sinuses and would enable straight forward PLWA. A distance between smaller than 7mm and larger than 3mm was present in 56.5% of sinuses, and would make surgical access more demanding. In 31.5% of maxillary sinuses the distance was smaller than or equal to 3mm and in these patients this approach would be difficult without transecting the nasolacrimal duct. Conclusion: Only in 12.5% of sinuses a prelacrimal endoscopic access is readily feasible, while in 56.5% temporary tear sac dislocation is required and in 31.5% lacrimal sac dislocation is always needed along with a significant amount of bone removal to enable PLWA.
Image-based techniques for the survey of mosaics in the St Mark's Basilica in Venice
Authors: Adami Andrea , Fassi Francesco , Fregonese Luigi , Piana Mario
Published: April 2018

This article aims to critically examine the entire methodology of very large scale (1:1) surveying and documentation of mosaic surfaces. The term ‘survey’ should be read in its broadest and most complete and sense, including the phases of measurement and data processing as well as management and use of these data for the purposes of preservation and maintenance. The case study presented here took place at St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), in Venice, where mosaic flooring, wall and vault decorations have been surveyed on two separate occasions. These two experiences shared a common goal (a full-scale survey of the mosaic decorations) but differed in terms of the methodologies used, chiefly due to the technological developments of recent years. All this, therefore, lends itself to a methodological reflection and critique of the ways in which surveying technology has evolved over time. It enables to conduct surveys that would, just a few years ago, have been inconceivable due to their size and complexity. This article describes in detail current surveying processes, which includes the use of a multi-scale “image-based” approach, “re-topology” methods such as non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) and a tailor-made Building Information Modeling (BIM) system. This system allows the direct use of a three-dimensional (3D) model of the Basilica within the maintenance process of the monument itself with the options to georeferencing information, extract basic metric data and catalogue all its mosaics.

Highlights:

Modern digital photogrammetric techniques enable the acquisition of very complex objects, not only in terms of form but also in terms of material.

To obtain high resolution orthophotos, it is necessary to accurately take care of all the stages of the process: photographic acquisition, surveying, modelling and orthographic reprojection.

High resolution images and detailed 3D models can benefit from a complex BIM system for the management of all data.
Continuous non-marine inputs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the High Arctic: a multi-decadal temporal record
Authors: Pickard Heidi M. , Criscitiello Alison S. , Spencer Christine , Sharp Martin J. , Muir Derek C. G. , De Silva Amila O. , Young Cora J.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent, in some
cases, bioaccumulative compounds found ubiquitously within the
environment. They can be formed from the atmospheric oxidation of volatile
precursor compounds and undergo long-range transport (LRT) through the
atmosphere and ocean to remote locations. Ice caps preserve a temporal
record of PFAA deposition making them useful in studying the atmospheric
trends in LRT of PFAAs in polar or mountainous regions, as well as in
understanding major pollutant sources and production changes over time. A 15 m ice core representing 38 years of deposition (1977–2015) was collected
from the Devon Ice Cap in Nunavut, providing us with the first multi-decadal
temporal ice record in PFAA deposition to the Arctic. Ice core samples were
concentrated using solid phase extraction and analyzed by liquid and ion
chromatography methods. Both perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and
perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) were detected in the samples, with
fluxes ranging from < LOD to 141 ng m−2 yr−1.
Our results demonstrate that the PFCAs and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
have continuous and increasing deposition on the Devon Ice Cap, despite recent
North American and international regulations and phase-outs. We propose that
this is the result of on-going manufacture, use and emissions of
these compounds, their precursors and other newly unidentified compounds in
regions outside of North America. By modelling air mass transport densities,
and comparing temporal trends in deposition with production changes of
possible sources, we find that Eurasian sources, particularly from
Continental Asia, are large contributors to the global pollutants impacting
the Devon Ice Cap. Comparison of PFAAs to their precursors and correlations of
PFCA pairs showed that deposition of PFAAs is dominated by atmospheric
formation from volatile precursor sources. Major ion analysis confirmed that
marine aerosol inputs are unimportant to the long-range transport mechanisms
of these compounds. Assessments of deposition, homologue profiles, ion
tracers, air mass transport models, and production and regulation trends
allow us to characterize the PFAA depositional profile on the Devon Ice Cap
and further understand the LRT mechanisms of these persistent pollutants.
Impacts of topographic shading on direct solar radiation for valley glaciers in complex topography
Authors: Olson Matthew H. , Rupper Summer B.
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Topographic shading, including both shaded relief and cast shadowing, plays a fundamental role in determining direct solar radiation on glacier ice. However, this parameter has been oversimplified or incorrectly incorporated in surface energy balance models in some past studies. Here we develop a topographic solar radiation model to examine the variability in irradiance throughout the glacier melt season due to topographic shading and combined slope and aspect. We apply the model to multiple glaciers in High Mountain Asia (HMA), and test the sensitivity of shading to valley-aspect and latitude. Our results show that topographic shading significantly alters the potential direct clear-sky solar radiation received at the surface for valley glaciers in HMA, particularly for north- and south-facing glaciers. Additionally, we find that shading can be extremely impactful in the ablation zone. Cast shadowing is the dominant mechanism in determining total shading for valley glaciers in parts of HMA, especially at lower elevations. Although shading has some predictable characteristics, it is overall extremely variable between glacial valleys. Our results suggest that topographic shading is not only an important factor contributing to surface energy balance, but could also influence glacier response and mass balance estimates throughout HMA.
The relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem services and the effects of grazing cessation in semi-natural grasslands
Authors: Wehn Sølvi , Hovstad Knut Anders , Johansen Line
Published: April 2018

Abstract. Land use change can affect biodiversity, and this has an impact on ecosystem
services (ESs), but the relationships between biodiversity and ESs are
complex and poorly understood. Biodiversity is declining due to the
abandonment of extensively grazed semi-natural grasslands. We therefore aim to explore relationships between biodiversity and ESs
provided by extensively managed semi-natural grasslands. Focusing on vascular
plant species richness, as well as the ESs fodder quantity, quality, and stability,
allergy control, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, pollination, and
aesthetic appreciation, we carried out botanical field surveys of 28 paired
extensively grazed and abandoned semi-natural grassland plots, with four
subplots of 4 m2 in each plot. The management of the semi-natural
grasslands is and has been at low intensity. We calculated the influence of
abandonment on the ES indicators, measured the correlation between the
biodiversity measure of vascular plant species richness and ES indicators,
and finally determined how the relationships between plant species richness
and the ES indicators were affected by the cessation of the extensive
management. ES indicators are often, but not always, positively correlated with species
richness. Cessation of extensive grazing has both negative and positive
effects on ES indicators but the relationships between species richness and
ES indicators are often different in extensively managed and abandoned
semi-natural grasslands. The relationships between species richness and ES
indicators are less pronounced in the extensively managed semi-natural
grassland than for the abandoned. One possible reason for this outcome is
high functional redundancy in the extensively managed semi-natural
grasslands.
The Science of Psychopathy and Poe's “The Man of the Crowd”
Authors: Grech Philip
Published: April 2018

Poe's “The Man of the Crowd” illustrates the paranoia afflicting London's urban populations in a period of mass immigration and urbanization. As the story begins, the narrator sits in a café observing people walk by. While classifying the mostly degenerate amalgamation of people into a taxonomized catalog, he identifies “a decrepid [sic] old man,” who immediately captures his attention, prompting a daylong pursuit. In the end, the narrator concludes that the man is “the type and genius of deep crime.” Criticism on this story often focuses on this flâneur, but when broadened to include the crowd, a “psychopathic crowd structure” is revealed. Similarly, Vicki Hester and Emily Seger's analysis of Poe's “The Black Cat” suggests that the narrator's behavior is consistent with current forensic research on psychopathy. Yet, for “The Man of the Crowd,” Steven Fink identifies the flâneur as the author's version of the legendary Wandering Jew. However, when readers juxtapose the evolutionary history of psychopathy from the nineteenth century to today, alongside the political and social conditions of the nineteenth-century crowd, the paranoia and fear embedded in modern city life reveals otherwise. A breeding ground of mass suspicion between individuals—beyond the narrator and old man—is a psychopathic crowd structure in which everyone is “a man of the crowd.” And despite psychology's rapid evolution in the past century, the psychopath in our world remains nearly as elusive as in Poe's.
A Framework for Leveraging “Big Data” to Advance Epidemiology and Improve Quality:
Design of the VA Colonoscopy Collaborative
Authors: Gupta Samir , Liu Lin , Patterson Olga V. , Earles Ashley , Bustamante Ranier , Gawron Andrew J. , Thompson William K. , Scuba William , Denhalter Daniel , Martinez M. Elena , Messer Karen , Fisher Deborah A. , Saini Sameer D. , DuVall Scott L. , Chapman Wendy W. , Whooley Mary A. , Kaltenbach Tonya
Published: April 2018

Objective: To describe a framework for leveraging big data for research and
quality improvement purposes and demonstrate implementation of the framework for design
of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Colonoscopy Collaborative.Methods: We propose
that research utilizing large-scale electronic health records (EHRs) can be approached
in a 4 step framework: 1) Identify data sources required to answer research question; 2)
Determine whether variables are available as structured or free-text data; 3) Utilize a
rigorous approach to refine variables and assess data quality; 4) Create the analytic
dataset and perform analyses. We describe implementation of the framework as part of the
VA Colonoscopy Collaborative, which aims to leverage big data to 1) prospectively
measure and report colonoscopy quality and 2) develop and validate a risk prediction
model for colorectal cancer (CRC) and high-risk polyps.Results: Examples of
implementation of the 4 step framework are provided. To date, we have identified
2,337,171 Veterans who have undergone colonoscopy between 1999 and 2014. Median age was
62 years, and 4.6 percent (n = 106,860) were female. We estimated that 2.6 percent (n =
60,517) had CRC diagnosed at baseline. An additional 1 percent (n = 24,483) had a new
ICD-9 code-based diagnosis of CRC on follow up.Conclusion: We hope our framework may
contribute to the dialogue on best practices to ensure high quality epidemiologic and
quality improvement work. As a result of implementation of the framework, the VA
Colonoscopy Collaborative holds great promise for 1) quantifying and providing novel
understandings of colonoscopy outcomes, and 2) building a robust approach for nationwide
VA colonoscopy quality reporting.
State Higher Vocational School Weather Station in Tarnów
Authors: Gabała Jarosław
Published: April 2018

In 2015 the State Higher Vocational School in Tarnów (PWSZ), under the Norwegian Project implemented in the Department of Environmental Protection, purchased and set in motion semi-professional automatic weather station DAVIS Vantage Pro2. The station measures basic meteorological elements e.g. air temperature, wind speed and direction or solar radiation. The logged data are intended for teaching at the School, including the specialization of environmental protection. Comparison of the data acquired at the PWSZ station and at the synoptic station of Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) allowed the evaluation of the correlation of the measurement series of both stations. Furthermore it allowed for the initial analysis of the urban heat island (MWC) as one of the aspects of the local climate. There are confirmed typical thermal marks of the urban heat island during favourable weather conditions with radiation cooling at night. Especially during cloudless and windless radiation night, the air cools down more at the rural areas, and this favours the occurrence of the urban heat island phenomenon. The urban – rural thermal
contrasts are then the greatest, up to 3 °C. In the daytime difference between the centre and the outskirts of the city is quite small (under 1 °C), so generally the urban heat island doesn’t occur during the day.
(R,R′)-4′-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol as a new multi-target compound of antitumorigenic properties
Authors: Such Justyna , Jóźwiak Krzysztof , Wnorowski Artur
Published: April 2018

Targeted therapies are based on the use of compounds that inhibit a specific target molecule within the tissue of interest. The recent advances in the molecular etiology of cancer significantly shifted the therapeutic approach from nonspecific cytotoxic agents towards molecules directed either at individual receptors or acting simultaneously on multiple molecular targets. This article is an overview of recent literature on (R,R′)-4′-methoxy-1-naphthylfenoterol (MNF), a novel bifunctional ligand that activates β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) and blocks GPR55 receptor. These two activities are important for MNF-dependent inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential applicability of MNF in multitarget anticancer therapies.
Mechanical thrombectomy as a method of causative stroke treatment– own experience
Authors: Słowik Agnieszka , Brzegowy Paweł , Włoch-Kopeć Dorota , Chrzanowska-Waśko Joanna , Golenia Aleksandra , Ferens Antoni , Łasocha Bartłomiej , Serednicki Wojciech , Wnuk Marcin , Popiela Tadeusz
Published: April 2018

We present own results of the treatment of acute ischemic stroke by mechanical thrombectomy. Procedures were conducted in the Center for Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment (CITO) at the University Hospital in Krakow that was established for this study. The Center works in the 24/7 system, and according to the protocol 6 professionals who participate in the procedure starts it within 45 minutes after the call of the Center coordinator. Since January the 1st 2013 till September the 30th 2016, 96 procedures were performed. Three months followup was performed in the consecutive 74 patients (39 men), mean age: 65,8±13,1 and here we present their data. Mean NIHSS score on admission was 15,4±4,2 points. In 46 patients (62.2%) mechanical thrombectomy was preceded by rt-PA-IV administration. Mean time from stroke onset to groin puncture was 265±88,5 minutes. After the procedure TICI=3 was obtained by 26 patients (35.1%), 2b – by 12 patients (16.2%), 2a – 19 patients (25.7%), 1 – 8 patients (10.8%) and 0 – by 9 patients (12.2%). Head CT scan done 24 hours after thrombectomy did not show hemorrhagic transformation in 37 patients. According to ECASS1 classification HI1 was found in 11 patients (14.9%), H12 – in 16 patients (21.6%), PH1 – in 4 patients (5.4%) and PH2 – in 6 patients (8.1%). Fourteen patients (18.9%) died within 90 days after stroke onset, and 38 – scored 80-100 points in Barthel Index (51.4%). Presented results indicate similar safety and efficacy profile of mechanical thrombectomy in the treatment of ischemic stroke performed in the system that was organized for this specific reason.
Evaluation of selected genes’ methylation in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas – verification of literature report
Authors: Kober Paulina , Bujko Mateusz , Goryca Krzysztof , Maksymowicz Maria , Kunicki Jacek , Bonicki Wiesław , Siedlecki Janusz A.
Published: April 2018

Pituitary adenomas are among the most common intracranial tumors. Previous studies have shown that epigenetic disorders, i.e. abnormal DNA methylation pattern within regulatory regions of specific genes play an important role in the pathogenesis of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA).In this article, using data from DNA methylation profiling with Infinium HumanMethylation450 (Illumina) microarray technology, we analyzed the DNA methylation pattern in the regulatory regions of se-lected 16 genes, in which, according to previously published results, abnormal methylation of DNA is present in adenomas.The differences in DNA methylation between pituitary adenoma and normal pituitary and the frequency of increased DNA methylation in individual regions were assessed based on experimental data for 41 patients and 6 normal tissue sections.In case of 7 out of 16 analyzed genes, significantly higher levels of DNA methylation were detected in NFPA: LGALS3, MMP14, NDRG2, RASSF1A, THBS1, TIMP3 and TP73. Our results confirm also the frequent occurrence of DNA hypermethylation in these genes in patients. The greatest discrepancies between our results and previously published data concern the methylation status of CDH1, GADD45G, GSTP1and P16 genes. The obtained results show, unlike in the available literature, that the promoter methylation of these genes occurs only in a small proportion of the NFPA patients. The possible causes of these discrepancies were discussed, with particular emphasis on the differences in laboratory techniques that can determine the quality and reliability of DNA methylation assays.
The role of microRNA in the molecular mechanisms of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in NSCLC and the current perspective on its clinical applications
Authors: Szpechciński Adam , Florczuk Mateusz
Published: April 2018

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of death from cancer over the world. Currently, a large number of research studies are conducted to develop and implement new treatment strategies. Intensive efforts are also made to improve robustness of modern molecular diagnostics to identify more precisely specific genetic and epigenetic cancer features (predictive biomarkers) and adjust the most effective treatment options for individual patient (personalized therapy). So called targeted therapy based on using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) is nowadays the most widely chosen form of personalized treatment in advanced NSCLC. Favorable response to treatment with EGFR TKIs depends on the presence of somatic mutations in EGFR gene, detectable in lung cancer tissue. The resistance to EGFR TKIs acquired by most patients during treatment is the main ob-stacle to overcome in NSCLC targeted therapy. miRNAs (microRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that play a keyrole in the regulation of basic cellular processes, includingdif-ferentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, by controllinggene expression at the posttranscriptional level.Deregulation of miRNA activity results in the loss of homeostasisand the development of a number of pathologies, includinglung cancer. During lung carcinogenesis, miRNAs exhibitdual regulatory function: they act as oncogenes or as tumour suppressors. Better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms re-gulating either the sensitivity or the resistance of NSCLC cells to EGFR TKIs, through activity of miRNAs, may become a breakthrough in targe-ted therapy of lung cancer. The dual regulatory role of miRNA in cancer might drive the further development of personalised therapies in NSCLC. Furthermore, stable forms of tumourrelated miRNAs are detectable in the peripheral blood of patients with NSCLC that offers the potential benefits of using extracellular miRNAs as part of the diagnostic evaluation of cancer.
Polyamine derivatives as potential bisintercalators
with antiproliferative activity
Authors: Szumilak Marta
Published: April 2018

Bisntercalators are very interesting group of compounds with potential antitumor activity. They interact reversibly with DNA double helix. These agents share common structural features such as the presence of two, planar, polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic systems separated by a spacer chain which must be long enough to enable double intercalation between base pairs. The unique chemical structure of these compounds provides numerous modifications within their structure resulting either in higher activity or increased selectivity toward tumor cells. Within the framework of the project, new polyamine derivatives containing dimeric phthalimide, quinoline, cinnoline and chromone moieties were obtained. Three different polyamines: 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, 4,9-dioxa-1,12-dodecanediamine, 3,3’-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine were used as linkers. The biological activity of compounds was assessed in vitro in a highly aggressive melanoma cell line A375. Quinoline derivatives were found to have a higher antiproliferative activity than cinnoline ones. The lowest IC50 values, below 20 μM, were obtained for quinoline and 2H-chromene-2,4(3H)-dione derivatives. Quinoline diamides were more efficient than cinnoline ones. Polyamine diimides containing phthalimide moieties demonstrated no inhibitory activities against melanoma cells. Preliminary studies of mechanism of action have shown that obtained derivatives were capable of quenching the fluorescence of ethidium bromide-DNA complex, indicating that they bound to ds-DNA in competition with ethidium bromide for binding sites. All the compounds were also subjected to preliminary in silico ADME screening by evaluating their theoretical drug-likeness and physicochemical properties using Discovery Studio 3.0 obtained from Accelrys. Compounds meeting the required ADME and drug-likeness criteria were selected.
Aerial detection of contamination with the use of unmanned vehicles – development prospects
Authors: Harmata Wladyslaw , Witczak Marek , Pietrzak Grzegorz
Published: April 2018

Currently, the territory of the Republic of Poland faces a growing threat of contamination with its sources in catastrophes and technical failures in industrial plants (including nuclear power plants) and uncontrolled release of high-toxic chemicals during transport and, which cannot be excluded, terrorism. The increased level of threat resulting from, among others, those factors caused that the National Contamination Detection and Alerting Systems (KSWiA) with the Contamination Detection System of the Polish Armed Forces as the system coordinator was established in the Republic of Poland in 2006.
This paper presents the outline of the aerial system of contamination detection, mainly its technical elements, based on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) carrying on board basic and special-purpose equipment. The elementary way of operating the system while performing tasks as well as requirements for its maintenance and handling have been proposed. Introduction of UAV systems would greatly increase the effectiveness of the Contamination Detection System of the Polish Armed Forces, but also other civilian functional subsystems of KSWSiA. There are many advantages to using them, such as no need to expose personnel to contamination and an enemy impact, high mobility, maneuverability and the capability to operate under difficult terrain conditions.
How to assess the accuracy of artillery fire
Authors: Krzyzanowski Slawomir
Published: April 2018

The article presents the new proposal regarding the assessment of accuracy of artillery fire while conducting fire tasks with live ammunition. Simultaneously the assessment of settings determination accuracy through their comparison has been explained.
Principles of good work - selected problems of praxeology
Authors: Skurjat Krystyna
Published: April 2018

The text addresses the growing interest in praxeology as the theory of effective action in the form that has been given to this field mainly by Tadeusz Kotarbinski. The transformation of the social order requires the application of technical recommendations that improve all good work, and praxeology determines the canons of such efficiency such precisely.
Praxeology also enforces the use of ethnical norms and references to value systems because they determine adaptive strategies of individuals and social groups, and thus influence the organizational culture of a company.