bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization Of Protocol For Biodiesel Production Of Linseed (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Oil
Authors: Ullah Faizan , Bano Asghari , Ali Saqib
Published: April 2013

Attempts were made to optimize variables affecting the yield of linseed oil biodiesel in a base catalyzed transesterification reaction. The variables studied were reaction temperature (40-70oC), catalyst (NaOH) concentration (0.1-1.5%) and reaction time (30-180 min). The conversion of linseed oil into methyl esters was confirmed through analytical methods like 1H NMR, gas chromatography (GC) and refractometer. The maximum biodiesel yield (97±1.045% w/w) was obtained at 0.5% catalyst concentration, 65oC temperature, 180 min reaction time and 6:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil. 1H NMR confirmed the practically obtained % conversion of triglycerides into methyl esters which was further evidenced by refractometer analyses. The refractive index of biodiesel samples was lower than pure linseed oil. GC analysis confirmed the presence of linolenic acid (C18:3) as the dominant fatty acid (68 wt. %) followed by oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2) and stearic acid (C18:0) respectively. The physical properties of linseed oil biodiesel like specific gravity (0.90 g/cm3) and flash point (177oC) were higher than American Society for Testing and Materials standards (ASTM 6751) for biodiesel. However, kinematic viscosity (3.752 mm2/s) was in the range of ASTM standards.
Comparison between whole-body MRI and Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET or PET/CT in oncology: a systematic review
Authors: Ciliberto Mario , Maggi Fabio , Treglia Giorgio , Padovano Federico , Calandriello Lucio , Giordano Alessandro , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: April 2013

Background. The aim of the article is to systematically review published data about the comparison between positron emission tomography (PET) or PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) using Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) in patients with different tumours.

Methods. A comprehensive literature search of studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase databases through April 2012 and regarding the comparison between FDG-PET or PET/CT and WB-MRI in patients with various tumours was carried out.

Results. Forty-four articles comprising 2287 patients were retrieved in full-text version, included and discussed in this systematic review. Several articles evaluated mixed tumours with both diagnostic methods. Concerning the specific tumour types, more evidence exists for lymphomas, bone tumours, head and neck tumours and lung tumours, whereas there is less evidence for other tumour types.

Conclusions. Overall, based on the literature findings, WB-MRI seems to be a valid alternative method compared to PET/CT in oncology. Further larger prospective studies and in particular cost-effectiveness analysis comparing these two whole-body imaging techniques are needed to better assess the role of WB-MRI compared to FDG-PET or PET/ CT in specific tumour types.
Long term follow-up report of cardiac toxicity in patients with multiple myeloma treated with tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kozelj Mirta , Zver Samo , Zadnik Vesna
Published: April 2013

Background. Tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ta-HSCT) is a standard treatment for multiple myeloma (MM). Patients receive a high-dose cyclophosphamide (CY), followed by two myeloablative cycles of melphalan (MEL). There are scarce data about long term cardiotoxicity.

Patients and methods. We studied 12 patients (62.25 ± 8.55 years) six years after the completion of MM treatment with ta-HCST. Late cardiotoxic effects were evaluated clinically and echocardiographically.

Results. None of the patients developed clinical signs of heart failure, all were in sinus rhythm and NT-pro BNP concentration was elevated (778 ± 902.76 pg/mL). The left ventricular (LV) size remained normal. The LV ejection fraction did not decrease (73.75 ± 5.67%, 69.27 ± 6.13%, p = NS). The LV diastolic function parameters (E, A, ratio E/A and A/a) did not change significantly. In tissue Doppler parameters we observed a nonsignificant decrease in Em (10.26 ± 2.63 cm/s, 7.57 ± 1.43 cm/s) and Sm velocities (8.7 ± 0.87 cm/s, 7.14 ± 1.17 cm/s, p = NS). The E/Em values were in an abnormal range (8.66 ± 1.05, 10.55 ± 2.03).

Conclusions. The treatment of MM with ta-HSCT, during which patients receive a high dose CY followed by two myeloablative cycles of MEL, causes mild, chronic, partially reversible and clinically silent cardiotoxic side-effects. However, ta-HSCT in patients with MM is a safe regarding cardiotoxic side effects, but, because of increasing life expectancy needs long term attention.
Importance of Prandial Glucose Regulation in the Management of Cardiovascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Străchinariu Rodica Teodora
Published: April 2013

There is a worldwide epidemic increase in the number of type 2 diabetes (T2DM)patients who frequently associate with cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are datasuggesting that glycemic control does not substantially reduce CVD risk buthyperglycemia increases the risk of CVD. This apparent paradox could be explainedby the role of post-prandial hyperglycemia in the pathogenesis of cardiovascularcomplications in T2DM. There is numerous evidences, both experimental andclinical, for this association but controversies on this topic persist. The aim of thispaper was to review the current literature regarding the role of postprandial glucosein the genesis of CVD in T2DM.
Numerical solution of fractionally damped beam by homotopy perturbation method
Authors: Behera Diptiranjan , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the numerical solution of a viscoelastic continuous beam whose damping behaviours are defined in term of fractional derivatives of arbitrary order. The Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM) is used to obtain the dynamic response. Unit step function response is considered for the analysis. The obtained results are depicted in various plots. From the results obtained it is interesting to note that by increasing the order of the fractional derivative the beam suffers less oscillation. Similar observations have also been made by keeping the order of the fractional derivative constant and varying the damping ratios. Comparisons are made with the analytic solutions obtained by Zu-feng and Xiao-yan [Appl. Math. Mech. 28, 219 (2007)] to show the effectiveness and validation of this method.
Testing endodontic sealers on human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Moldovan Marioara , Filip Adriana , Prejmerean Cristina , Prodan Doina , Alb Camelia , Pop Aniela , Ioana Baldea
Published: April 2013

The toxic potential of the endodontic sealers ingredients, especially the unreacted monomer, that can irritate the periapical tissue and interfere with the healing process, thus having a negative impact on the biocompatibility of the material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of three experimental endodontic sealers on cells viability in vitro. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. The experiments were done with solid samples and extracts of sealers in artificial saliva and water. The experiments evaluated the cytotoxicity of the residual monomers that resulted from the tested composites. The decrease in cell viability was quantified by colorimetric measurement of formazan. The components of the sealers dissolved in artificial saliva and water were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HUVEC are a novelty for testing the endodontic sealers biocompatibility, with certain advantages compared to other cell types used in the literature, e.g. HELA cells, fibroblasts. The data showed that cytotoxicity was directly linked with the unreacted monomer — 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) present in these composites. Two of the three formulations had little or no cytotoxic effect, which makes them suitable for further testing in order to be used in endodontic treatment.
A Predictive Network Architecture for a Robust and Smooth Robot Docking Behavior
Authors: Zhong Junpei , Weber Cornelius , Wermter Stefan
Published: April 2013

Robots and living beings exhibit latencies in their sensorimotor processing due to mechanical and electronic or neural processing delays. A reaction typically occurs to input stimuli of the past. This is critical not only when the environment changes (e.g. moving objects) but also when the agent itself moves. An agent that does not predict while moving may need to remain static between sensory input acquisition and output response to guarantee that the response is appropriate to the percept. We propose a biologically-inspired learning model of predictive sensorimotor integration to compensate for this latency. In this model, an Elman network is developed for sensory prediction and sensory filtering; a Continuous Actor-Critic Learning Automaton (CACLA) is trained for continuous action generation. For a robot docking experiment, this architecture improves the smoothness of the robot’s sensory input and therefore results in a faster and more accurate continuous approach behavior.
Statistical Modelling of the Resilient Behaviour of Unbound Granular Material
Authors: Van Aswegen Elsabe , Steyn Wynand J. Vdm.
Published: April 2013

The resilient behaviour of an unsaturated, unbound granular material is a primary input used in the mechanistic analysis of pavements incorporating such layers. Various models exist for the determination of the resilient behaviour, mainly based on the output of tri-axial laboratory testing. This paper describes an investigation where basic engineering properties such as grading, laboratory compaction characteristics and optimum moisture content are incorporated into the resilient behaviour model to quantify the effect of basic material properties on the resilient response of unsaturated, unbound granular materials. Such a resilient behaviour model will enable practitioners to estimate the behaviour of specific material, which might enable the use of available quality material that was discarded in the past. Data from tri-axial laboratory tests on materials originating from the Long Term Pavement Performance test sections are combined with basic engineering parameters of typical unbound granular material through a statistical modelling process to develop a model for predicting resilient behaviour, which can be used as a practical predictor of the expected behaviour during a Level 2 and/or Level 3 Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design analysis. The work illustrates the process and the potential to develop a general resilient behaviour model for unbound granular materials incorporating saturation effects.
Dimethylarginine – biomarkers in progression of kidney disease / Dimetilarginini – biomarkeri u progresiji bubrežnih oboljenja
Authors: Cvetković Tatjana , Pavlović Radmila , Đorđević Vidosava , Stojanović Ivana , Veličković-Radovanović Radmila , Ignjatović Aleksandra , Stefanović Nikola , Živanović Slavoljub , Đorđević Vidojko
Published: April 2013

Decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and/or impaired NO bioavailability may occur in patients with the chronic kidney disease (CKD), and could contribute to elevation of blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and progression of renal injury in these patients. Free guanidinomethylated arginine residues occur endogenously as a result of proteolysis of post-translational methylated tissue proteins. The asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes. The kidney has a predominant role in ADMA elimination by combining two mechanisms; urinary excretion and metabolization of ADMA The degradation of ADMA is accomplished intracellularly by the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). ADMA is not only a uremic toxin, but also a strong marker of the endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis and a stronger independent predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular outcome in patients with the chronic renal failure. There are at least four mechanisms that may explain the accumulation of ADMA in CKD: increased methylation of proteins, increased protein turnover, decreased metabolism by DDAH and impaired renal excretion. A strong positive correlation between symmetric dimethyl arginine (SDMA) and creatinine suggests that SDMA might be of value as a marker of the renal function. Reduced NO elaboration secondary to accumulation of ADMA and elevated inflammation may be important pathogenic factors for endothelial dysfunction in patients with the renal disease. Elevation of ADMA may be a missing link between CVD and CKD.
Nitric oxide – mediated signalization and nitrosative stress in neuropathology / Azot oksid – posredovana signalizacija i nitrozativni stres u neuropatologiji
Authors: Stojanović Ivana , Ljubisavljević Srđan , Stevanović Ivana , Pavlović Radmila , Cvetković Tatjana , Đorđević Vidosava B. , Pavlović Dušica , Vojinović Slobodan , Bašić Jelena
Published: April 2013

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule in a variety of physiological processes. NO, a gas, is produced from L-arginine by different isoforms of the nitric oxide synthase and serves as mediator in important physiological functions, such as promoting vasodilation of blood vessels and mediating communication between nervous system cells. Contradictory to its physiologic actions, free radical activity of NO can cause cellular damage by the induction of nitrosative stress with significant implications on nervous system diseases. Although the mechanism of NOmediated neurodegeneration still remains unclear, numerous studies suggest its crucial role in modification of protein functions by nitrosylation and nitro-tyrosination. NO contributes to glutamate excitotoxicity, participates in organelle fragmentation, inhibits mitochondrial respiratory complexes and mobilizes zinc from the internal stores. Recently, NO has been emerged as a mediator of epigenetic gene expression and chromatin changes. Besides, NO is a key mediator in the regulation of inflammatory and immune response of the central nervous system. It is involved in down regulation of several aspects of CNS inflammation, but also has a dual role in that it is required for inflammation in some situations.
Functional Response TRAITS and Plant Community Strategy Indicate the Stage of Secondary Succession
Authors: Andrej Paušič , Andraž Čarni
Published: April 2013

Changes of species composition, plant community strategy and functional response trait turnover were studied in a succession from dry pastures to a forest community (oak-hornbeam forests). The following question was asked: are functional response traits and plant community strategies indicators of TAA (time since agricultural land use abandonment), thus of a specific succession stage.

Indirect gradient analysis (DCA) was used in order to observe the position of the relevés along the axis and to correlate it with TAA. It was found that the position of relevés on DCA axis 1 is our proxy for TAA. Correlations (Spearman’s rho) between the occurrence of plant functional traits and TAA were performed.

Low-growing herb species with scleromorphic leaves and green or red flowers are the predominant plant type on grassland areas, while plant species with digitate, hydro or mesomorphic leaves and white flowers typically prevail in forest. The proportion of chamaephytes increases immediately after land abandonment (afforestation). In a closed forest stand, there are many more herb species with vegetative propagation (bulbils). Herbal species in those stands most often reward pollinators with pollen. The ecological strategy of the entire plant community changes with spontaneous afforestation. On grassland, stress-tolerant species are dominant. After 10 years, the community is defined as CS and after 200 years as a community with a C-CS strategy.
Production of Biscuits With Higher Nutritional Value
Authors: Kārkliņa Daina , Gedrovica Ilga , Reca Marina , Kronberga Maija
Published: April 2013

Biscuits were prepared by substituting wheat flour with Jerusalem artichoke powder, which is a
widespread plant, and powder of cacao bean shells, which is a by-product of the cocoa bean refining
process. Both of these were added to biscuit dough. Biscuits were analyzed for physical
and chemical parameters. The results indicate that both materials contain highly valuable ingredients
for production of a new type of biscuits. Jerusalem artichoke powder and cocoa shells contributed
to fibre content, and the content of protein and fat changed. Also, the hardness and
colour of the biscuits differed compared to the control.
Reaction of Flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Calli Culture to Supplement of Medium by Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Kokina Inese , Sļedevskis Ēriks , Gerbreders Vjačeslavs , Grauda Dace , Jermaļonoka Marija , Valaine Kristīna , Gavarāne Inese , Pigiņka Inga , Filipovičs Maksims , Rashal Isaak
Published: April 2013

Frequency of callusogenesis, type and capacity of regeneration, cell ploidy, DNA methylation level, histological features, autofluorescence and photobleaching effects were studied in flax calli grown on medium supplemented with different concentrations of carbon (C) nanoparticles. The presence of carbon nanoparticles on medium decreased the percentage calli formation. Detailed histological study led to better understanding of changes in calli caused by nanoparticles. Ploidy variation in calli cells significantly depended on carbon nanoparticle concentration in the medium. Different types of calli regeneration associated with different C nanoparticles concentration in medium were observed: somatic embryogenesis (direct or indirect) or organogenesis. C nanoparticle dose-dependent DNA hypermethylation in flax calli cells were found. Increased repair ability during laser irradiation was found in calli grown on medium with carbon nanoparticles
Autumn Migration Of The Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia Luscinia) In Northern Hungary
Authors: Kováts Dávid
Published: April 2013

Kováts D. 2012. Autumn migration of the Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia) in northern
Hungary. Ring 34: 23-36.

The autumn migration of the Thrush Nightingale was studied in Szalonna in northern Hungary in 1989-2010. Birds were mist-netted, ringed, aged, measured, weighed and fat scored. In total, 193 Thrush Nightingales were ringed during 22 years. Relations between arrival time and biometrical measurements were determined. Within the study period (6 August - 26 September) the migration curve was bimodal showing maximum on 22 August and 27 August. Immature birds arrived significantly earlier with lower body mass and shorter wing length and had more pointed wings in the first half of their passage. The distribution of fat score classes did not differ significantly between the early and late periods of the most intensive migration, although the mean of the deposited fat was the lowest during the peak of migration. Fat reserve distribution was bimodal in autumn suggesting that Thrush Nightingales probably start their journey from different breeding ranges (populations) or follow still undiscovered migration strategies of sex/age groups. The low proportion of recaptures proved that the area was not used as a stopover site or premigratory fattening area. Within 22 years of study, the median date of autumn migration of Thrush Nightingales shifted 7.9 days earlier, probably due to current climate change.
Comparability of Wing Length Measurements Based on Data Collected at two Twin Stations during Migration
Authors: Zaniewicz Grzegorz
Published: April 2013

Zaniewicz G. 2012. Comparability of wing length measurements based on data collected at
two twin stations during migration. Ring 34: 37-43.

Data collected during bird migration include measurements taken during ringing. The variety and quality of information, which these measurements can potentially provide, depend strongly on their accuracy and comparability.

The analysis of the comparability was made based on the measurements of wing length taken by different ringers during autumn migratory seasons at the southern Baltic coast. An experiment was run with the measurements taken from six passerine species during several (from 8 to 10, depending on the species) migratory seasons at two twin sites belonging to Mierzeja Wioelana station. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate how strongly the habits of different measurers influence the measurements taken. The results of this experiment show that correlations between the measurements collected at these two sites are strong and statistically significant for the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin), Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos). However, for the Goldcrest (Regulus regulus) and Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) the relations were not significant. The last species allow to consider other causes, independent from human factor, which are possibly responsible for the average wing length local variability. In such species, we still need to look closer at the potential sources of their differentiation, such as the preferences of habitat selection between sexes, populations, etc.
Course Curricular Design and Development of the M.Sc. Programme in the Field of Ict in Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Makrakis Vassilios , Kostoulas-Makrakis Nelly
Published: April 2013

This paper presents the design and development of a virtual learning enviroment (VLE) for a M.Sc. programme on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education for sustainable development (ESD) driven by a learning paradigm that merges three theories of learning, namely: experiential learning, constructivist learning and transformative learning (ExCon- Tra) funded by the European Commission. Learning activities were designed to offer the chance for students to interact asynchronously and synchronously, negotiate meaning and reflect on their learning and viewpoints through collaborative problem solving. The ExConTra learning process is also based on an interdisciplinary approach addressing the four pillars (environment, society, culture and economy) of sustainable development and makes use of an online course design methodology that uses four phases: needs analysis, curriculum design, development and formative evaluation. The VLE that encompasses both the curriculum programme and the online platform with its tools and online technologies merges ICTs with ESD in three ways: a) providing opportunities to target groups for reflective practice; b) using open source ICT tools and ESD-related learning objects available in the Web and c) using ICTs to develop interactive, interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary ESD learning activities
Action Research for Creating Knowledge in an E-Learning Environment
Authors: Kapenieks Jānis , Salīte Ilga
Published: April 2013

The paper describes an action research during the implementation of an e-learning course on commercial studies in a bachelor’s programme. The action research study aims to: 1) determine the effectiveness of action research in a technologically-based learning environment and 2) establish how group work in e-learning environment affects students’ interest in, and need for, communication and discourse. Qualitative and statistical methods of data analysis were used in this mixed-methods study. The present paper analyses the experience of students working in three action phases to design their personal frames of reference for evaluation of the content and metacontent of business fundamentals. The study identified several possibilities for improving e-learning environment with techniques that make this form of learning more sustainable.
Winter diet composition of urban long-eared owls (Asio otus) in Rzeszów (SE Poland)
Authors: Dziemian Sylwia , Piłacińska Barbara , Pitucha Grzegorz
Published: April 2013

Diet variation of the long-eared owl (Asio otus Linnaeus, 1758) was investigated on the basis of pellets collected in winter season 2007/2008 from a communal roosting site in a municipal cemetery in Rzeszów (a city in south-eastern Poland). We assumed that the proximity of human settlements would affect the diet composition of this predator, resulting in a higher proportion of species associated with urban habitats. Although voles, especially the common vole Microtus arvalis, were still the most important prey, mice constituted approximately 17% of all prey items, with the field mouse Apodemus agrarius being most frequent. Food niche breadth was wider in December than in March. Our results suggest that owls from Rzeszów hunt mostly in open habitats surrounding the city, where they can still capture their basic prey species. Yet, they can broaden their diet with species of murids associated with the mosaic urban and suburban habitats.
Invasive giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) alters the composition of oribatid mite communities
Authors: Skubała Piotr
Published: April 2013

Plant invasions are a serious global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The invasive giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis (synonym: Reynoutria sachalinensis) is one of the most aggressive plant invaders in many countries. It forms dense stands that prevent other species from growing. To assess the impact of the knotweed, oribatid mite communities were studied under Fallopia-free native vegetation and at Fallopia-infested sites (2 types: 90-100% and 30% of coverage) with similar soil. All the sites are located in mixed forest in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska) in south Poland. Species composition and functional group composition of oribatid mite communities were compared. In total, 1540 specimens belonging to 70 oribatid species were collected from 90 soil samples. This successful exotic invasive species had a moderate influence on species richness (20% less species at the totally invaded site than at the Fallopia-free site) and a profound effect on soil oribatid mite community composition. Several oribatid species characteristic of a particular site were observed. Shifts were detected in proportions of groups with different habitat specificity (e.g. higher proportion of eurytopic mites at invaded sites), ecomorphological groups (e.g. lower proportion of litter-dwelling mites at invaded sites), trophic groups (e.g. lower proportion of macrophytophagous mites at invaded sites) and zoogeographical groups (e.g. higher proportion of mites with broad geographical distribution at invaded sites). These observations prove the radical negative change of environmental conditions for soil oribatid mites as a result of Fallopia invasion. The increase in sexually reproducing oribatid mites at invaded sites suggests that this way of reproduction is preferable when resources are in shortage.
Margaret Fuller’S Conversations: Speaking as Revision and Feminist Resistance
Authors: Quawas Rula
Published: April 2013

Conversation as a means to social, intellectual, and spiritual self-culture was advocated during the American Romantic period by members of the Transcendental movement. Margaret Fuller was a transcendental conversationalist who challenged the theoretical setting and practice of self-culture, remedied the gap in it about concepts of womanhood that were imposed by the culture of the time and that attempted to determine women’s place in the symbolic order, and placed an emphasis on self-knowledge, whatever the subject matter. She came to represent a rhetoric whose aim was to foster community, moral truths, ethical actions, and feminist resistance. Fuller fully subscribed to the idea of the revelatory power in conversation and provided women with an opportunity to develop the intellectual rigor necessary to establish their own identities in the world: public or private. Through her weekly conversations for Boston women, held from 1839 through 1844, she used conversation or speaking as revision to explore philosophical, aesthetic, and sociocultural questions and supplied access to education from which women were excluded. Women who speak in public, if they have a moral power ... that is if they speak for conscience’ sake, to serve a cause which they hold sacred ... subdue the prejudices of their hearers (Margaret Fuller, Woman in the nineteenth century, 110).
Lexical Borrowings and Calques From African American Slang in Polish Youth Slang – A Study Based on A Selected Internet Forum
Authors: Dylewski Radosław , Jagodziński Piotr
Published: April 2013

The aim of the article is to present a very preliminary chunk of a wider study of Polish slang, whose aim is to pinpoint lexical influence of American English in broad terms and the usage and understanding among Polish youngsters of various types of borrowings. More specifically, the authors have concentrated on the borrowings of words, phrases and meanings from a sociolect known as African American English to the language of Polish youngsters. To this end, the largest Polish hardcore punk Internet forum has been scrutinized. The conducted analysis points to a discernible, albeit not significant lexical influence of the sociolect on the Polish youth slang, which calls for a more nuanced, survey-based analysis the authors wish to undertake as part of their research project.
Memory and Forgetting in Lisa Appignanesi’S the Memory Man
Authors: Drewniak Dagmara
Published: April 2013

The aim of this paper is to look at Lisa Appignanesi’s novel The memory man ([2004] 2005), which won the 2005 Holocaust Literature Award, and examine the patterns of remembering and forgetting as indispensable aspects conducive to the formation of Jewish identity. The main character of the book, Bruno Lind, a Holocaust survivor and a scientist dealing professionally with the complicated neurological issues of remembering and losing memory, tries to recollect his war memories during a journey to the places of his youth which are at the same time the sites of his and his family’s trauma. The Holocaust, change of identities, the war memories and finally the stay at the DP camps and escape to Canada return to Bruno Lind’s mind in order to be passed onto the next generation and remembered. This article shows Appignanesi’s novel as an important contribution to the discussion on the role of memory in Jewish identity.
When William Met Mary: The Rewriting of Mary Lamb’S and William-Henry Ireland’S Stories in Peter Ackroyd’S The Lambs Of London
Authors: Chalupský Petr
Published: April 2013

Peter Ackroyd’s London novels represent a distinctive component in his project of composing a literary-historical biography of the city. Understanding London as a multilayered palimpsest of texts, Ackroyd adds to this ongoing process by rewriting the city’s history from new, imaginative perspectives. For this he employs approaches and strategies such as parody, pastiche, genre mixture, metafiction, intertextuality and an incessant mixing of the factual with the fictititious. The aim of this article is to explore the various ways in which he toys with historical reality and blurs the borderline between fiction and biography in The Lambs of London (2004), offering thus an alternative rendering of two unrelated offences connected with late eighteenth and early nineteenth century London literary circles: Mary Lamb’s matricide and William-Henry Ireland’s forgeries of the Shakespeare Papers.
Set of continuity points of functions with values in generalized metric spaces
Authors: Holá L’ubica , Piotrowski Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

We study continuity points of functions with values in generalized metric spaces. We define the generalized oscillation, which is a useful tool in our study. Let X be a topological space and Y be a weakly developable space. Let ƒ

: X →Y be a function. Then the set C (ƒ) of continuity points of ƒis a Gδ-set in X. Some results concerning continuity points of separately continuous functions as well as functions with closed graphs are also given.
Ψ-continuous functions and functions preserving ψ-density points
Authors: Filipczak Małgorzata , Terepeta Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Let Tψ be the ψ-density topology for a fixed function ψ. We will examine some new properties of the family of ψ-continuous functions (that means continuous functions ƒ: ℝ →ℝ with ψ-density topology Tψ in its domain and range). In the second part of the article we will discuss functions preserving ψ-density points
Some functional equations characterizing polynomials
Authors: Koclęga-Kulpa Barbara , Szostok Tomasz , Wąsowicz Szymon
Published: April 2013

We present a method of solving functional equations of the type where f, F: P → P are unknown functions acting on an integral domain P and parameteres are given. We prove that under some assumptions on the parameters involved, all solutions to such kind of equations are polynomials. We use this method to solve some concrete equations of this type. For example, the equation (1) for f, F: ℝ → ℝ is solved without any regularity assumptions. It is worth noting that (1) stems from a well-known quadrature rule used in numerical analysis.
Functional equations stemming from probability theory
Authors: Lajká Károly , Mészáros Fruzsina
Published: April 2013

Special cases of the functional equationare investigated for almost all(x, y)∈ℝ2+, for the given functionsc,dand the unknown functionsh1, h2, fXandfY.
An integral for a banach valued function
Authors: Riccobono Giuseppa
Published: April 2013

Using partitions of the unity ((PU)-partition), a new definition of an integral is given for a function f : [a, b] →

X, where X is a Banach space, and it is proved that this integral is equivalent to the Bochner integral.
On the family of [λ,ρ]-continuous functions
Authors: Nowakowska Katarzyna
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we introduce the class of [λ, ρ] -continuous functions. First, we investigate some relations between the classes of [ λ1, ρ1] and [λ2,ρ2] -continuous functions for different pairs [λ1,ρ1] , [λ2,ρ2]. Next, we give an equivalent condition for a function in order that it will belong to the discussed class.
Error-correcting codes and Minkowski’s conjecture
Authors: Horak Peter
Published: April 2013

The goal of this paper is twofold. The main one is to survey the latest results on the perfect and quasi-perfect Lee error correcting codes. The other goal is to show that the area of Lee error correcting codes, like many ideas in mathematics, can trace its roots to the Phytagorean theorem a2+b2 = c2. Thus to show that the area of the perfect Lee error correcting codes is an integral part of mathematics. It turns out that Minkowski’s conjecture, which is an interface of number theory, approximation theory, geometry, linear algebra, and group theory is one of the milestones on the route to Lee codes.
Remarks on Gödel’s code as a hash function
Authors: Mikuš Michal , Savicky Petr
Published: April 2013

Petr Savick
On the Kneser-Hukuhara property for an integro-differential equation in Banach spaces
Authors: Dutkiewicz Aldona
Published: April 2013

In this paper we investigate some topological properties of solutions sets of some integro-differential equations in Banach spaces. Our assumptions and proofs are expressed in terms of the measure of weak noncompactness.
On the oscillation of third-order quasi-linear delay differential equations
Authors: Li Tongxing , Zhang Chenghui , Baculíková Blanka , Džurina Jozef
Published: April 2013

The aim of this work is to study asymptotic properties of the third-order quasi-linear delay differential equation , (E) where and τ(t) ≤ t. We establish a new condition which guarantees that every solution of (E) is either oscillatory or converges to zero. These results improve some known results in the literature. An example is given to illustrate the main results.
A generalized Bernstein approximation theorem
Authors: Duchoň Miloslav
Published: April 2013

The present paper is concerned with some generalizations of Bernstein’s approximation theorem. One of the most elegant and elementary proofs of the classic result, for a function f(x) defined on the closed interval [0, 1], uses the Bernstein’s polynomials of f,

We shall concern the m-dimensional generalization of the Bernstein’s polynomials and the Bernstein’s approximation theorem by taking an (m−1)-dimensional simplex in cube [0, 1]m. This is motivated by the fact that in the field of mathematical biology naturally arouse dynamic systems determined by quadratic mappings of “standard” (m − 1)-dimensional simplex to self. The last condition guarantees saving of the fundamental simplex. Then there are surveyed some other the m-dimensional generalizations of the Bern- stein’s polynomials and the Bernstein’s approximation theorem.
Cure fraction models using mixture and non-mixture models
Authors: Achcar Jorge A. , Coelho-Barros Emílio A. , Mazucheli Josmar
Published: April 2013

We introduce the Weibull distributions in presence of cure fraction, censored data and covariates. Two models are explored in this paper: mixture and non-mixture models. Inferences for the proposed models are obtained under the Bayesian approach, using standard MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) methods. An illustration of the proposed methodology is given considering a life- time data set.
Optimal designs for nonparametric estimation of zeros of regression functions
Authors: Hlávka Zdeněk
Published: April 2013

We investigate nonparametric estimators of zeros of a regression function and its derivatives and we derive the distribution of design points minimizing the expected width of a confidence interval and the expected variance of the proposed estimator.
Chaos and stability in some random dynamical systems
Authors: Janková Katarína
Published: April 2013

Nonchaotic behavior in the sense of Li and Yorke chaos in discrete dynamical systems generated by a continuous selfmapping of a real compact inter- val means that every trajectory can be approximated by a periodic one. Stability of this behavior was analyzed also for dynamical systems with small random perturbations. In this paper we study similar properties for nonautonomous periodic dynamical systems with random perturbations and for random dynamical systems generated by two continuous maps and their perturbations.
Optimal design for population pk/pd models
Authors: Leonov Sergei , Aliev Alexander
Published: April 2013

We provide some details of the implementation of optimal design algorithm in the PkStaMp library which is intended for constructing optimal sampling schemes for pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) studies. We discuss different types of approximation of individual Fisher information matrix and describe a user-defined option of the library.
Cca-Secure Key Encapsulation Mechanism Based on Factoring Assumption
Authors: Gyöngyvér Márton
Published: April 2013

In this article a key encapsulation mechanism is presented which is based on squaring function, where the input element is from QR+N, where QR+N denotes the signed quadratic residue group, and N is a Blum integer. The article presents the soundness, the efficiency and the proof of CCA security of the proposed mechanism
On Pseudo-Random Oracles
Authors: Rjaško Michal
Published: April 2013

Many cryptographic systems which involve hash functions have proof of their security in a so called random oracle model. Behavior of hash functions used in such cryptographic systems should be as close as possible to the behavior of a random function. There are several properties of hash functions dealing with a random behavior. A hash function is pseudo-random oracle if it is indifferentiable from a random oracle. However, it is well known that hash functions based on the popular Merkle-Damg˚ard domain extension transform do not satisfy the pseudo-random oracle property. On the other hand no attack is known for many concrete applications utilizing Merkle-Damg˚ard hash functions. Hence, a weakened notion called public-use pseudo random oracle was introduced. The property can be met by the Merkle-Damg˚ard construction and is sufficient for several important applications. A hash function is public use pseudo-random oracle if it is indifferentiable from a random oracle with public messages (i.e., all messages hashed so far are available to all parties). This is the case of most hash based signature schemes.

In this paper we analyze relationship between the property pseudo-random oracle and its variant public image pseudo-random oracle. Roughly, a hash function is public image pseudo-random oracle if it is indifferentiable from a random oracle with public images (i.e., all images of messages hashed so far are available to all parties, messages are kept secret). We prove that the properties are equivalent.
Improvements in Computational Modelling of Slide Bearings
Authors: Maršálek Ondřej , Novotný Pavel , Drápal Lubomír , Píštěk Václav
Published: April 2013

Shrnutí

Zaměrem tohoto članku je představit inovace v oblasti vypočtoveho modelovani kluznych ložisek pohonnych jednotek. Tyto inovace spočivaji, mimo jine, v rozšiřeni modelu o podminky smišeneho mazani. Vstupni data pro detailni vypočty jednotlivych kluznych ložisek jsou poskytovana vypočtovym modelem pohonne jednotky vyšši urovně, tzv. virtualnim motorem. Vysledky těchto vypočtů slouži jako teměř nezbytne informace pro spravny navrh parametrů různych typů kluznych ložisek. Prezentovane metody jsou založeny na novych programovych nastrojich, vyvinutych autory během vyzkumu, a take na komerčně dostupnych aplikacich typu ANSYS nebo ADAMS. Vypočtove modely pohonnych jednotek vyšši urovně zahrnuji pružna tělesa na zakladě redukovanych MKP modelů. Nově vyvinute vysoce specializovane programove nastroje jsou sestaveny v programovacich jazycich Fortran a Matlab.
Load Spectrum of a Car Powertrain
Authors: Morkus Čvut Josef
Published: April 2013

Shrnutí

Motor vozidla pracuje během jizdy v různych bodech jeho charakteristiky v zavislosti na měnicich se požadavcich na jeho moment a otačky. Zatiženi hnaciho ustroji může byt popsano prostřednictvim zatěžne mapy, nazyvane spektrum zatiženi. Članek popisuje různe formy spektra zatiženi, metody jeho ziskani (přime měřeni, simulace jizdy vozidla na počitači a zjednodušeny smluvni vypočet), analyzuje jejich vyhody a nevyhody a je ukazana aplikace spektra zatiženi pro vypočty namahani a životnosti současti hnaciho ustroji.
Serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, sP-selection in healthy Bulgarian people
Authors: Deneva-Koycheva Tanya I. , Vladimirova-Kitova Lyudmila G. , Angelova Evgenia A. , Tsvetkova Todorka. Z.
Published: April 2013

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as an important early feature of vascular disease. As the damage to endothelium is a key underlying factor in the development and progression of atherosclerotic processes, markers of endothelial abnormalities have been sought. Increased expression of cell adhesion molecules (CA Ms) on the vascular endothelium has been postulated to play a significant role in atherogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that different risk factors of atherosclerosis may increase expression of CA Ms. The elevated level of soluble forms of CA Ms in circulation is associated with a higher risk to future cardiovascular events in subjects predisposed to atherosclerosis.

Objective: To determine the reference range for serum concentration of soluble cell adhesion molecules - sICA M-1, sVCA M-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin.

Materia l and methods: We studied 110 healthy people of Bulgarian nationality aged 18-65. The selection criteria for the reference group were made in accordance with the requirements of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC ). Serum concentrations of CA Ms were analysed by means of EL ISA assay.

Results: The results are presented as central 95% interval and 0.90 confidence interval of the reference range. Reference ranges were determined for sICA M-1 (128.9 - 347.48 ng/ml), sVCA M-1 (170.42 - 478.36 ng/ml), sE-selectin (9.15 - 65.19 ng/ml) and sP-selectin (101.86 - 209.7 ng/ml). As we found no sex-related differences in the CA Ms concentrations (p > 0.05) there needed to be no separate reference intervals for men and women. The single-factor dispersion analysis we used in analysing the effect of age found no agerelated dependence (p > 0.05, F = 1.038) for the serum CA M concentrations in the 18-65 age range, which means that it is not necessary to establish reference intervals for smaller age ranges in this age group.

Conclusion: The reference ranges for sICA M-1, sVCA M-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin computed in accordance with the results distribution can be used as baseline criteria in clinical laboratory studies.
Correction of paralytic lagophthalmos
Authors: Anastassov George E. , Khater Regina H. , Anastassov Yourii K.
Published: April 2013

INTRODUCTION: Bell’s palsy causes lagophthalmos of the involved eyelids. Secondary to the atonicity of the eyelids, xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis and epiphora develops. There are dynamic (muscle transfers) and static (gold weights, tarsorrhaphy) approaches to alleviate these problems.

The GOALS of this study are to present a technical note for a surgical method for lengthening the retracted upper eyelid with autogenous temporalis fascia and elevation of the lower eyelid with transplantation of autogenous morselized conchal cartilage graft via standard blepharoplasty incisions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The proposed technique is illustrated in details with an example of a patient with paralytic lagophtalmos.

The 4 years follow up of the case operated by this technique shows a stable occlusion of the eyelids with a lowering of the upper eyelid and elevation of the lower eyelid margin.

CONCLUSION: If the paralysis is complete this technique will not accomplish adequate relieve of symptoms. In this cases re-animation of the eyelids with either temporalis muscle transfers or free micro neurovascular muscle transfers are indicated.
A new method for photodynamic disinfection of prosthetic constructions and impressions in prosthetic dentistry
Authors: Vlahova Angelina P. , Kisov Christo K. , Popova Elka V. , Haydushka Irina A. , Mantareva Vanya N.
Published: April 2013

INTRODUCTION: Photodynamic therapy is a topical treatment of pathogens that involves the use of a photoactive dye (photosensitizer), which is non-toxic when not exposed to light and activated by light of a specifi c wavelength in the presence of oxygen. The highly cytotoxic oxygen species generated by the induced photophysical processes inactivate the pathogenic cells.

The PURPOSE of this study was to present a new method we developed for photodynamic disinfection of prostheses and impressions in prosthetic dentistry and to assess its effectiveness in comparison with some conventional methods of disinfection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method was developed on the basis of series of experimental studies (30 experiments for each type of disinfectant, 30 controls with no disinfection for each material, and 30 direct cultures of each test microorganism - MRSA, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans) using standard test specimens made of prosthesis plastic and impression materials.

RESULTS: The new method of photodynamic disinfection with GaPc1 as photosensitizer was 100% effi cient in C-silicones, A-silicones and polyethers, but not in alginates (40%). To plastics the photodynamic method shows the same effi ciency as the conventional disinfectants of hypochlorite solutions and denture cleansing tablets (100% effect).

CONCLUSION: The method of photodynamic disinfection we developed is a good therapeutic choice against orally transmitted diseases in prosthetic dentistry.
Economic aspects of medical errors
Authors: Stoyanova Rumyana G. , Raycheva Ralitsa D. , Dimova Rositsa Tz.
Published: April 2013

The critical problem of medical errors and the associated costs has recently been increasingly in the focus of attention of a number of world renowned experts. In the present article we review in detail and analyse the economic aspects of this problem. A methodology to assess the cost of medical errors and an algorithm for their prevention are presented. The cost of a medical error and the expenses required to avoid and prevent it are compared using graphical analysis of the prevention cost curve and the medical error compensation damages cost curve.