bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Withdrawal of amoxicillin and penicillin G procaine from milk after intramammary administration in dairy cows with mastitis
Authors: Burmańczuk Artur , Tomasz Grabowski , Gbylik-Sikorska Małgorzata , Gajda Anna , Kowalski Cezary
Published: April 2017

Introduction: There are many veterinary products containing β-lactam antibiotics which are used for mastitis treatment in cows. The aim of the study was to determine whether mastitis could have any effect on amoxicillin (AMX) or penicillin G procaine (PEN) withdrawal period from milk, in the context of current maximum residue limits established by the European Commission.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 17 dairy Black and White cows with clinical mastitis during the lactation period. The first group (n = 8) received 200 mg of amoxicillin (AMX), whereas the second group (n = 9) received 200,000 IU/mg of penicillin G procaine (PEN) by intramammary administration. For the measurement of AMX and PEN concentrations in milk, the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was applied. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed using Phoenix WinNonlin 6.4 software.

Results: The determined AMX and PEN half-life values in the mammary gland suggest that the drug withdrawal is at a level of 99.9% within 81 h (≈3.5 days) and 116 h (≈5 days) after administration of AMX and PEN, respectively. The present research indicates that, at 60 h after administration, the average PEN concentration in the milk from cows with clinical signs of mastitis may still reach 4.96 g/kg and that of AMX can even be 6.92 g/kg.

Conclusion: The results obtained confirm that, in mastitis cases, a 72-h withdrawal period is sufficient for elimination of AMX to a lower level than the established maximum residue limit (MRL) values. However, in the case of PEN, at 69 h after administration, the drug concentration may be close to that of the determined MRL.
Beef tenderness improvement by dietary vitamin D3 supplementation in the last stage of fattening of cattle
Authors: Półtorak Andrzej , Moczkowska Małgorzata , Wyrwisz Jarosław , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: April 2017

Tenderness is the most important characteristic of meat, determining consumer approval. There are numerous methods of its improvement, although of diverse effectiveness. addition of vitamin D3 to the feed for a short period before slaughter (7–10 days) is one of the natural ways to enhance the tenderness. Vitamin D3 is responsible for Ca2+ mobilisation in serum and increase in activity of proteolytic enzymes belonging to calpains, which results in significant improvement of beef tenderness and reduction of ageing time. The use of vitamin D3 is an application tool determining tenderness improvement of beef with substantial reduction in processing costs. Moreover, shorter post mortem ageing process will exceed the retail display time, which will consequently reduce losses due to unsold meat being returned from shops to the manufacturers. Based on the results of studies conducted over the last 15 years, this paper presents the possibility and the effects of the use of vitamin D3 to improve beef tenderness.
Control of anabolic hormone residues in tissues of slaughter animals in Poland during the period of 2011–2015
Authors: Matraszek-Żuchowska Iwona , Woźniak Barbara , Kłopot Alicja , Witek Sebastian , Sielska Katarzyna , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Studies of anabolic hormone residues in the tissues of slaughter animals have been carried out in Poland for more than 25 years. During the period of 2011 to 2015, a total of 35 387 samples from different animal species were tested in the National Residue Control Programme for the presence of residues of compounds that cause hormonal effects, as listed in Annex 1 of Directive 96/23/EC.

Material and Methods: The research was conducted in the National Reference Laboratory and eight regional laboratories in departments of veterinary hygiene located throughout the country. Urine, muscle tissue, serum, kidney fat, and drinking water were the targeted matrices. Test methods based on instrumental techniques such as gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry were applied, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results: The concentration of detected hormones exceeded the decision limits in 30 samples, the consequence of which was 41 non-compliances with current applicable criteria. The hormones found present pseudo-endogenous (nortestosterone and boldenone) only, while synthetic hormones were not identified.

Conclusion: The non-compliant findings constitute a small percentage (0.085%) of the five-year analysis compilation. On this basis the related food produced in Poland can be accepted as safe for human consumption with regard to the hormone residues tested.
Development of LC-MS/MS confirmatory method for the determination of testosterone in bovine serum
Authors: Woźniak Barbara , Matraszek-Żuchowska Iwona , Witek Sebastian , Posyniak Andrzej
Published: April 2017

Introduction: In the European Union the use of steroid growth promoters is prohibited under Council Directive 96/22/EC. For effective control of illegal use of natural steroids, highly sensitive analytical methods are required, because sex hormones can be present in very low concentrations in biological samples. The aim of the study was to develop a confirmatory method for the detection of testosterone in bovine serum at ppt level.

Material and Methods: 17β-testosterone and internal standards of 17β-testosterone-d2 were extracted from serum samples with a mixture of tert-butyl methyl ether/petroleum ether and were directly analysed by an LC/MS/MS on QTRAP 5500 instrument with a TurboIon-Spray source operating in a positive ionisation mode. Chromatographic separation was achieved on the analytical column Inertsil® ODS-3 with an isocratic elution using mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile, methanol, and water. Method validation has been carried out in accordance with the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC.

Results: The method was characterised by good recovery (82%) and precision (R.S.D 17 %). Decision limit (CCα) and detection capability (CCβ) was 0.05 μg L−1 and 0.09 μg L−1 respectively. The method met the criteria set out in Commission Decision 2002/657/EC for the purpose of confirmation in terms of retention time and ion ratio in the whole range of its application.

Conclusions: The developed method is specific and sensitive, suitable for measuring the natural level of testosterone in blood of cattle and for use in routine control programme for the detection of this hormone in bovine serum.
Metabolic activity of boar semen stored in different extenders supplemented with ostrich egg yolk lipoproteins
Authors: Dziekońska Anna , Kinder Marek , Fraser Leyland , Strzeżek Jerzy , Kordan Władysław
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lipoprotein fraction isolated from ostrich egg yolk (LPFo) on the metabolic activity of boar spermatozoa following liquid semen storage in different extenders and temperatures.

Material and Methods: Boar ejaculates were extended in Androhep, Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), and Martín-Rillo and Alias (MR-A) without (control) or with the addition of LPFo and stored for three days at either 5°C or 16°C. The analysed sperm parameters included total motility (TMOT), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), oxygen consumption, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production.

Results: The sperm metabolic activity seemed to be higher in the LPFo-based extenders following storage for three days, irrespective of the storage temperature. Compared with the LPFo-free extenders, significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm PMI and MMP were observed in BTS and MR-A extenders supplemented with LPFo during storage for three days at 5°C. Spermatozoa stored in the BTS-LPFo extender exhibited higher (P < 0.05) TMOT and oxygen consumption, whereas higher (P < 0.05) PMI was observed in spermatozoa stored in Androhep-LPFo and MR-A-LPFo for three days at 16°C. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in ATP content were observed between the LPFo-free and LPFo-based extenders during storage.

Conclusions: Supplementation of LPFo to semen extenders had varying effects on the metabolic activity of boar spermatozoa stored at different temperatures. It can be suggested that the interactions of various components of the extenders and seminal plasma with LPFo exert beneficial effects on the sperm metabolic activity during liquid storage of boar semen.
Influence of Organisational Culture on Total Quality Management Implementation and Firm Performance: Evidence from the Vietnamese Construction Industry
Authors: Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Nguyen Thanh Tung
Published: April 2017

The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between organisational culture (OC) and Total Quality Management (TQM), and the influence of TQM implementation on organisational performance improvement within the context of the Vietnamese construction industry. A survey was conducted with 104 respondents from Vietnamese construction firms, using validated survey instruments developed in past research. Analysis techniques include cluster analysis and Structural Equation Modelling. Findings showed that Vietnamese construction firms are dominated by clan and hierarchy cultures rather than adhocracy and market cultures according to Competing Value Framework (CVF) of OC classification. Furthermore, it was found that organisations dominated by either clan or adhocracy cultures could provide a favourable environment for successful TQM implementation, whereas this is not the case for those dominated by both market and hierarchy cultures. This study also confirmed the significant and positive relationship between TQM implementation and organisational performance improvement.
Effects of Risk Management Practices on IT Project Success
Authors: Pimchangthong Daranee , Boonjing Veera
Published: April 2017

Successful management of an information technology (IT) project is the most desirable for all organisations and stakeholders. Many researchers elaborated that risk management is a key part of project management for any project size. Risk management is so critical because it provides project managers with a forward-looking view of both threats and opportunities to improve the project success. The objectives of this research are to explore organisational factors affecting IT project success and risk management practices influencing IT project success. Risk management practices include risk identification, risk analysis, risk response planning, and risk monitoring and control. The IT project success is measured by process performance and product performance. Data are collected from 200 project managers, IT managers, and IT analysts in IT firms through questionnaires and analysed using Independent Sample t-test, One-way ANOVA, and Multiple Linear Regression at the statistical significance level of 0.05. The results show that the differences in organisational types affect IT project success in all aspects, while the differences on organisational sizes affect IT project success in the aspect of product performance and total aspects. Risk identification and risk response planning influence the process performance and the total aspects of IT project success. Risk identification has the highest positive influence on product performance, followed closely by risk response, while risk analysis negatively influences product performance.
Synthesis, structure and thermal expansion of the phosphates M0.5+x
M′
x
Zr2−x
(PO4)3 (M, M′–metals in oxidation state +2)
Authors: Asabina Elena , Pet’kov Vladimir , Mayorov Pavel , Lavrenov Dmitriy , Schelokov Igor , Kovalsky Andrey
Published: April 2017

The phosphates M0.5+x
M′
x
Zr2−x
(PO4)3 (M–Ca, Mn, Co, Sr, Cd, Ba, Pb; M′–Mg, Mn, Co) were synthesized by sol-gel method with the following thermal treatment of reaction mixtures. X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and electron microprobe analysis showed that the obtained phosphates crystallized in Sc2(WO4)3 (SW) and NaZr2(PO4)3 (NZP) structural types. Both types of crystal structures are based on a framework comprised of octahedra and tetrahedra, the difference between them is fragments orientation. Thermal expansion of the phosphates was studied in the temperature range 20–800°C. Some compounds were found to belong to low-expanding materials (αav ~2·10−6°C−1).
Review Paper. Transplacental Digoxin Treatment In Prenatal Cardiac Problems In Singleton Pregnancies - Meta Analysis (Based On Literature: 1992–2015)
Authors: Strzelecka Iwona , Respondek-Liberska Maria , Słodki Maciej , Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Cuneo Bettina
Published: April 2017

Based on fourteen case reports from various centres from 1992-2015 and three original studies in 2006-2011, 122 fetuses were subjected to analysis. In these reports, transplacental digoxin treatment was administered to different cardiac anomalies such as SVT , Ebstein’s anomaly, critical AS , absent pulmonary valve syndrome, complete heart block, in foetuses with aneurysm/diverticulum of LV, in tricuspid atresia or dysplasia, rhabdomyoma, pulmonary atresia, HLHS with fibroelastosis, in TTTS and in extracardiac anomalies such as atriovenous malformation or sacrococcygeal teratoma. There was no statistical difference to suggest (Chi-square test) that digoxin was more efficient to control fetal arrhythmias than fetal congestive heart failure in nonarrhythmic patients.

Conclusions: Foetal cardiac insufficiency may appear due to different reasons (in normal heart anatomy or in heart defects, in normal sinus rhythm or due to foetal arrhythmias: tachycardias or severe bradycardia) and may be a cause of intrauterine demise. So far, we do not have strong evidence that digoxin treatment may prevent foetal death or prematurity. More research is needed to ascertain if the prolonging of pregnancy resulted from digoxin treatment or if improvement in foetal circulatory insufficiency was influenced by spontaneous regression of foetal cardiac symptoms.
Case report. Retroesophageal Left Brachiocephalic Vein in an Infant Without Cardiac Anomalies
Authors: Goel Alexander N. , Reyes Camila , Mclaughlin Shauna , Wittry Mark , Fiore Andrew C.
Published: April 2017

Retroesophageal course of the left brachiocephalic vein is a rare variant seen in patients with congenital heart disease. However, this anomaly without associated cardiac or aortic abnormalities is nearly unheard of, with only one prior case described in the literature. We present an infant with anomalous retroesophageal left brachiocephalic vein that was an incidental finding on computed tomography (CT). We also briefly discuss its embryologic and clinical significance.
Autobiographical reports in research on people with disabilities
Authors: Doliński Wojciech
Published: April 2017

The articles looks at assumptions of research where the central role is played by a source of data (autobiographical report), means of application of descriptive categories (flexibility, sensitization, bridging) and the method of arrangement of particular dimensions of autobiographical reports (mapping). The reflections are divided into several parts, where the most important reflections are related to a sensitising nature of the category of everyday experience and scientific description and the relationship between the lifeworld (Lebenswelt) of people with disabilities and the method of mapping actions of their socialised bodies. On one hand, research procedures embedded in ethics are to free researchers from closed formal categories. On the other hand, scientific descriptions based on non-stiffening “transfers” of specialist discourses, but dynamic mapping of milieu of people with disabilities, enable a better understanding of the lifeworld of those people.
Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in the Diagnosis of Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Borgosz Jolanta , Kupczak-Wiśniowska Bogusława , Podsiadło Beata , Serzysko Bogusława
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a validated reference method for detection and treatment of choledocholithiasis. It can be performed at any stage of treatment. It allows for differentiation of bile retention causes, assessment of the level of bile ducts dilation, location of the obstruction level and establishment of recommendations for invasive bile ducts tests. Despite varied course of choledocholithiasis, swift detection and removal of stones from bile ducts should be striven for due to a potential risk of life-threatening complications.

Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of the retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected bile ducts choledocholithiasis.

Material and methods. Based on the literature review, the retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnostics of bile ducts choledocholithiasis has been evaluated. Identification of choledocholithiasis, regardless of clinical symptoms, is associated with the decision to remove deposits from bile ducts. ERCP is the method of choice.

Conclusions. As studies by numerous authors show, cholelithiasis can be the leading cause of cholangitis and pancreatitis. Diagnostic ERCP with evacuation deposits remains the most recommended diagnostic method in such cases.
Social Engineering Attacks on Government Opponents: Target Perspectives
Authors: Marczak William R. , Paxson Vern
Published: April 2017

New methods of dissident surveillance employed by repressive nation-states increasingly involve socially engineering targets into unwitting cooperation (e.g., by convincing them to open a malicious attachment or link). While a fair amount is understood about the nature of these threat actors and the types of tools they use, there is comparatively little understood about targets’ perceptions of the risks associated with their online activity, and their security posture. We conducted in-depth interviews of 30 potential targets of Middle Eastern and Horn of Africa-based governments, also examining settings and software on their computers and phones. Our engagement illuminates the ways that likely targets are vulnerable to the types of social engineering employed by nation-states.
Radiation balance diversity on NW Spitsbergen in 2010–2014
Authors: Kejna Marek , Maturilli Marion , Araźny Andrzej , Sobota Ireneusz
Published: April 2017

This article presents the results of observations of selected fluxes of the radiation balance in north-western Spitsbergen in the years from 2010 to 2014. Measurements were taken in Ny-Ålesund and in the area of Kaffiøyra, on different surface types occurring in the Polar zone: moraine, tundra, snow and ice. Substantial differences in the radiation balance among the various types of surface were observed. The observations carried out in the summer seasons of 2010–2014 in the area of Kaffiøyra demonstrated that the considerable reflection of solar radiation on the Waldemar Glacier (albedo 55%) resulted in a smaller solar energy net income. During the polar day, a diurnal course of the components of the radiation balance was apparently related to the solar elevation angle. When the sun was low over the horizon, the radiation balance became negative, especially on the glacier. Diurnal, annual and multi-annual variations in the radiation balance have a significant influence on the functioning of the environment in polar conditions.
High Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Rural Nigerian Preschool Children: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ibeawuchi Amarabia N.E. , Onyiriuka Alphonsus N. , Abiodun Philip O.
Published: April 2017

Background and Aims: In Nigeria, community-based epidemiological data related to the prevalence of zinc deficiency in preschool children are scarce. We assessed the prevalence of zinc deficiency and the associated socio-demographic variables in children aged between 6 and 60 months, living in a Nigerian rural community.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the serum zinc concentrations of 252 children aged between 6 and 60 months in a rural community in Nigeria were assessed, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The study population was selected by multistage random sampling and at least two children were selected from every household which had children in the study age group. The socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects were obtained, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results: A total of 252 children were studied, 134 (53.2%) males and 118 (46.8%) females. The mean age was 32.7±17.0 months, similar for both sexes. Overall, 220 (87.3%) had low serum zinc concentrations (less than 7.65µmol/L). According to age, the highest mean serum zinc concentration was 5.43±3.52µmol/L in children aged between 6 and 12 months. Correlation between serum zinc concentration and family size or socio-economic status (SES) showed that the smaller the family size and the higher the SES, the higher the serum zinc concentration.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of low serum zinc concentration indicates that zinc deficiency is a public health problem in our rural communities, requiring public health intervention.
Raw Camel Milk Properties on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Kebir Nasr-Eddine , Aichouni Ahmed , Zahzeh Touria
Published: April 2017

Background and aims: Diabetes is one of the most frequent and serious chronic diseases in humans all over the world. The aim of our study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of camel milk on serum glucose and lipid profile of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Materials and methods:Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg BW once). Albino rats each weighing 180-230g were divided into 3 equal groups (n=10) as following: G1 - normal rats fed on normal diet, G2 - diabetic rats fed on normal diet, and G3 - diabetic rats were fed with raw camel milk. Fasting blood glucose was measured on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 21 and 30 while lipid profile was assessed at day 30.

Results:After four weeks of feeding, data indicated a significant decrease (p<0.05) of mean blood glucose in G3 group (133.80±3.22 mg/dL) as compared with G2 diabetic rats (199.6± 7.33 mg/dL). Data also revealed significant lower levels (p<0.05) of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL and higher level of HDL cholesterol in diabetic rats treated with camel milk as compared with diabetic rats fed a normal diet.

Conclusion:Raw camel milk improved the glycemic and lipid profile in diabetic rats. These findings indicate that raw camel milk may have potential benefits in the treatment of diabetes. Future studies will be needed to establish its safety and mechanism of action.
Addressing the Movement of a Freescale Robotic Car Using Neural Network
Authors: Horváth Dušan , Cuninka Peter
Published: April 2017

This article deals with the management of a Freescale small robotic car along the predefined guide line. Controlling of the direction of movement of the robot is performed by neural networks, and scales (memory) of neurons are calculated by Hebbian learning from the truth tables as learning with a teacher. Reflexive infrared sensors serves as inputs. The results are experiments, which are used to compare two methods of mobile robot control - tracking lines.
Line Width Recovery after Vectorization of Engineering Drawings
Authors: Gramblička Matúš , Vaský Jozef
Published: April 2017

Vectorization is the conversion process of a raster image representation into a vector representation. The contemporary commercial vectorization software applications do not provide sufficiently high quality outputs for such images as do mechanical engineering drawings. Line width preservation is one of the problems. There are applications which need to know the line width after vectorization because this line attribute carries the important semantic information for the next 3D model generation. This article describes the algorithm that is able to recover line width of individual lines in the vectorized engineering drawings. Two approaches are proposed, one examines the line width at three points, whereas the second uses a variable number of points depending on the line length. The algorithm is tested on real mechanical engineering drawings.
Utilization of Advanced Methods in the Control of a Mechatronic System with Flexible Elements
Authors: Juhás Martin , Halenár Igor , Juhásová Bohuslava
Published: April 2017

Analysis of the negative impact of a mechatronic system with the flexible elements parameter error and the possibilities of impact reduction are presented in this contribution. Two advanced methods – the Model Predictive Control method and the inclusion of an LMS filter into the control process are proposed for the reduction of the insufficient effect of a double notch filter, which was initially integrated into the system for elimination of two-mass flexible joint parasitic frequencies. Simulation experiments results – response of system angular velocity and control process quality analysis confirmed the correctness of the proposition for the usage of these progressive control elements.
Dynamic Stability of Generalized Beck-Reut’s Beam
Authors: Nánási Tibor
Published: April 2017

The classical non-conservative Beck’s beam, loaded by follower compressive force, is generalized by allowing an arbitrary angle of action of the follower force as well as allowing for excentric positioning of the applied force. For the corresponding boundary eigenvalue problem, the frequency equation is derived. Results of parametric studies are presented with an emphasis laid on the lowest eigenfrequencies. The characteristic shape of the computed curves indicates whether stability loss by divergence or by flutter occurs. A map of stability is presented in terms of parameters describing the excentricity and the angle under which the follower force acts on the beam.
Design of a Communication Scheme in a Modern Factory in Accordance with the Standard of Industry 4.0
Authors: Halenár Igor , Juhásová Bohuslava , Juhás Martin
Published: April 2017

This article first describes the current state of the problem in the area of communication in modern factories. Next in the article is given a summary of the requirements that must be implemented for the possibility of establishing a compatible and safe communication system. In the final part of the article is given a proposal of communication model suitable for the implementation.
Influence of Cutting Environment on Tool Life
Authors: Buranská Eva , Gerulová Kristína , Buranský Ivan
Published: April 2017

The issues of cutting environment and a suitable choice of cutting conditions by drilling are the main subjects of the article. Attention is paid to the application of the drilling process into the carbon steel. Analysed were the phenomena that adversely affect the tool life. The article demonstrated solutions how to remove these adverse effects. The multicriteria optimisation of input factors (cutting fluid concentration, cutting speed) for a defined target function (tool life) was applied. The measured values were subjected to mathematical–statistical analysis (ANOVA). Based on the implemented experiment and study of this issue, we determined the combinations of input factors, which achieved minimal values of target functions. Based on the implemented experiment and study of this issue, we also determined the combinations of input factors, which achieved minimal values of target functions. Based on this allegation, the most appropriate combination of the following input factors was proved: concentration 6.3 % and cutting speed 100 m/min.
Impact of Machined Workpiece Position in Workspace on Precision of Manufacturing Using an Angular Robot
Authors: Kusá Martina , Bárta Jozef
Published: April 2017

Use of an industrial robot in the production process as a spindle carrier is currently an interesting topic. However, if the stiffness of the robot is not sufficient, various imprecisions may occur during machining. The article deals with monitoring and evaluating the impact of cutting conditions and positions of the workpiece in the working area on the machined surfaces oriented in orthogonal planes. The aim of the experiment was to analyse the precision of simple planar surfaces milled using a robot.
ERP System in Virtualized Production Environment
Authors: Spoială D. C. , Silaghi H. M. , Spoială V. , Cacuci A.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents one implementation of a ERP system using small computer systems interface (iSCSI) Network attached storage (NAS), and VMware technology, used in a company production environment. As a case ERP system is SAP.
Analysis and Visualization of Natural Threats Against the Security of Electricity Transmission System
Authors: Huang T. , Pi R. , Bompard E. , Profumo F. , Cuccia P. , Fulli G. , Masera M.
Published: April 2017

Electricity is one of the crucial energies of modern society, but it is greatly threatened by various kinds of menaces, especially natural hazards. Although they rarely happen, their occurrence may hugely affect the operation of power system. In this paper, we firstly, according the impact on power systems, classify natural threats into two categories (natural disasters and extreme weather conditions) and several subcategories (geological, hydrological, meteorological and climatological). Then the changes in natural threats to power systems and their trends during recent decades are discussed, along with a review of events that pose natural threats to the power system. Finally, the georeferenced model based on the Italy transmission system for natural threats analysis is presented.
Effects of Resistance Training on Cardiovascular Function in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gomes Ana P.F. , Correia Marilia A. , Soares Antônio H.G. , Cucato Gabriel G. , Lima Aluísio H.R.A. , Cavalcante Bruno R. , Sobral-Filho Dário C. , Ritti-Dias Raphael M.
Published: April 2017

Gomes, APF, Correia, MA, Soares, AHG, Cucato, GG, Lima, AHRA, Cavalcante, BR, Sobral-Filho, DC, and Ritti-Dias, RM. Effects of resistance training on cardiovascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1072–1080, 2018—The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of resistance training on cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). In total, 30 patients with PAD were invited to participate in this randomized controlled trial, randomly allocated to a control (n = 15, 66 ± 2 years; stretching and relaxation exercises) or resistance training group (n = 15, 60 ± 3 years; 3 sets of 10 repetitions of 8 whole-body exercises, with a 2-minute interval between sets). Resting and 24-hour blood pressure (BP), cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, and autonomic variables were obtained before and after 12 weeks of intervention. A blinded investigator performed all analyses. After 12 weeks of intervention there was maintenance of resting systolic, diastolic, and mean BP (p > 0.18), cardiac output (p = 0.46), and systemic vascular resistance (p = 0.55) in both groups. There was a time effect reduction in heart rate (p = 0.02), accompanied by changes in cardiac autonomic modulation (p = 0.03). There were no changes in 24-hour systolic, diastolic, and mean BP, heart rate, or rate pressure product (p > 0.05). The BP variability decreased in systolic (asleep, p = 0.003), diastolic (24 hours and awake, p = 0.001), and mean (24 hours and asleep, p < 0.02) only in the resistance training (RT) group. Twelve weeks of RT did not change resting and 24-hour BP, or their hemodynamic and autonomic determinants in patients with PAD; however, there were decreases in BP variability, indicating that it could be considered as an alternative to reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with PAD.
Asexual but Not Clonal: Evolutionary Processes in Automictic Populations
Authors: Engelstädter Jan
Published: April 2017

Many parthenogenetically reproducing animals produce offspring not clonally but through different mechanisms collectively referred to as automixis. Here, meiosis proceeds normally but is followed by a fusion of meiotic products that restores diploidy. This mechanism typically leads to a reduction in heterozygosity among the offspring compared to the mother. Following a derivation of the rate at which heterozygosity is lost at one and two loci, depending on the number of crossovers between loci and centromere, a number of models are developed to gain a better understanding of basic evolutionary processes in automictic populations. Analytical results are obtained for the expected neutral genetic variation, effective population size, mutation–selection balance, selection with overdominance, the spread of beneficial mutations, and selection on crossover rates. These results are complemented by numerical investigations elucidating how associative overdominance (two off-phase deleterious mutations at linked loci behaving like an overdominant locus) can in some cases maintain heterozygosity for prolonged times, and how clonal interference affects adaptation in automictic populations. These results suggest that although automictic populations are expected to suffer from the lack of gene shuffling with other individuals, they are nevertheless, in some respects, superior to both clonal and outbreeding sexual populations in the way they respond to beneficial and deleterious mutations. Implications for related genetic systems such as intratetrad mating, clonal reproduction, selfing, as well as different forms of mixed sexual and automictic reproduction are discussed.
Properties of Mitotic and Meiotic Recombination in the Tandemly-Repeated CUP1 Gene Cluster in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhao Ying , Dominska Margaret , Petrova Aleksandra , Bagshaw Halle , Kokoska Robert J , Petes Thomas D
Published: April 2017

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the genes encoding the metallothionein protein Cup1 are located in a tandem array on chromosome VIII. Using a diploid strain that is heterozygous for an insertion of a selectable marker (URA3) within this tandem array, and heterozygous for markers flanking the array, we measured interhomolog recombination and intra/sister chromatid exchange in the CUP1 locus. The rate of intra/sister chromatid recombination exceeded the rate of interhomolog recombination by >10-fold. Loss of the Rad51 and Rad52 proteins, required for most interhomolog recombination, led to a relatively small reduction of recombination in the CUP1 array. Although interhomolog mitotic recombination in the CUP1 locus is elevated relative to the average genomic region, we found that interhomolog meiotic recombination in the array is reduced compared to most regions. Lastly, we showed that high levels of copper (previously shown to elevate CUP1 transcription) lead to a substantial elevation in rate of both interhomolog and intra/sister chromatid recombination in the CUP1 array; recombination events that delete the URA3 insertion from the CUP1 array occur at a rate of >10−3/division in unselected cells. This rate is almost three orders of magnitude higher than observed for mitotic recombination events involving single-copy genes. In summary, our study shows that some of the basic properties of recombination differ considerably between single-copy and tandemly-repeated genes.
AN INTEGRATED MODEL FOR TRANSLATING LEGAL TEXTS
Authors: Kocbek Alenka
Published: April 2017

The paper proposes a model for translating legal texts which is intended to direct the translation process through a series of stages to the final product—a skopos-oriented target text in which the potential pitfalls resulting from translating between different legal languages and systems have been considered. The model unites different translation stances (Snell-Hornby’s integrated approach, the functionalist views with the skopos theory and the concept of cultureme, as well as Chesterman’s theory of memes) with the findings of comparative law regarding differences between legal systems and their impact on legal languages. It consists of ten stages, each addressing one of the specific linguistic and extralinguistic aspects of legal text types. When translating legal texts, a very specific situation may arise with respect to the cultural embeddedness of the target text, since memes of different legal cultures may co-exist on its various levels. This is especially the case when the parties involved in legal communication occurring through translation decide to use a third language as a lingua franca, which may lack any direct correlation with the legal culture(s) underlying such communication.
LINGUISTIC HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ROLE OF INTERPRETING: THE SLOVENIAN SITUATION
Authors: Gorjanc Vojko , Morel Alenka
Published: April 2017

To ensure linguistic rights as fundamental rights and the equal treatment of all before the law as well as in other social spheres, translation and interpreting are becoming a necessity; the regulation of this professional area, defined by society’s socially weakest members, is indicative of the level of democracy in a society. The article presents the Slovenian situation from the perspective of the need to ensure community interpreting, taking into account information gained by direct observation and interviews.The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia generally guarantees linguistic rights in public settings, but their implementation depends on specific laws, thus ensuring and formally regulating interpreting only in court and asylum procedures, while no services are offered in general social and health care settings (except for sign language interpreting), resulting in a power imbalance in interpreter-mediated interactions where interpreting is managed through the improvisation and goodwill of all parties involved. The article ends with plans on how to improve the situation in Slovenia, considering that an integrated arrangement of community interpreting is necessary nowadays, respecting linguistic rights as basic human rights.
A DIFFERENT SHADE OF SHADOWING: SOURCE TEXT TO SOURCE TEXT AS EFFICIENT SIMULTANEOUS PROCESSING EXERCISE
Authors: Carsten Svetlana
Published: April 2017

Many conference interpreter trainers consider shadowing as an unhelpful exercise in simultaneous interpreting training because it does not require the student to analyse while processing the information. Among the outspoken critics of shadowing was Seleskovitch (Seleskovitch and Lederer, 1989); Kurtz questioned the value of the exercise in her article “Shadowing” Exercises in Interpreter Training (Kurtz, 1992) and Gillies maintains that it is the ‘thinking’ element that is absent and yet so important in Simultaneous Interpreting (Gillies, 2012). However, in the early 1990s Lambert championed shadowing as a useful device in the early stages of SI training even though she accepted that use of shadowing in training was controversial, she justified it as one of the training methods employed with beginner interpreters (Lambert, 1992). The exercise proposed in this paper takes shadowing beyond what Lambert offers and closer to simultaneous proper. It is a form of intelligent editing, which requires a higher order of processing capacity compared to that of shadowing. It is termed as efficient simultaneous processing of the source text.
REALIJŲ PERTEIKIMAS C. COLLODI ”PINOKIO NUOTYKIŲ“ VERTIME Į LI ETUVIŲ KALBĄ
Authors: Deltuvaitė Eglė , Klioštoraitytė Rasa
Published: April 2017

Straipsnyje gilinamasi į realijų perteikimą C. Collodi Pinokio nuotykių vertime į lietuvių kalbą. Straipsnio pradžioje glaustai aptariama, kas yra realija, realijų rūšys, globaliosios ir lokaliosios vertimo strategijos ir jų pasirinkimo kriterijai. Vėliau analizuojami realijų vertimo pavyzdžiai, nustatomos taikytos lokaliosios ir globaliosios vertimo strategijos, svarstomos galimos vertimo alternatyvos.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОФИЦИАЛЬНО-ДЕЛОВОГО СТИЛЯ РУССКОГО И ЛИТОВСКОГО ЯЗЫКОВ В ПРАКТИКЕ ПЕРЕВОДА
Authors: Mлынковский Вячеслав , Mишкинене Ирeна
Published: April 2017

Настоящая статья посвящена сопоставлению официально-делового стиля русского и литовского языков, так как усвоение его специфических особенностей очень важно для будущих переводчиков. В работе представлена характеристика стиля в каждом из национальных языков, а также проводится сопоставительный анализ актуальных в свете проблем перевода элементов лексики, морфологии и синтаксиса русских и литовских официально-деловых текстов.
Characterization of MIPs Using Heterogeneous Binding Models
Authors: Shimizu Ken D.
Published: April 2017

New methods are presented for characterizing MIPs. These methods address the problems of quantitatively comparing the binding properties of different MIPs. Heterogeneous binding models were applied to MIPs based on an exponentially decaying distribution known as the Freundlich isotherm. The Freundlich isotherm was found to accurately model the binding isotherm of the majority of non-covalently imprinted MIPs. Using this model the experimental binding isotherm can be fit in log-log form to a linear equation from which the fitting parameters can be used to plot a quantitative affinity distribution which is a plot of the number of sites with respect to the binding constant of those sites. Comparison of MIPs using this methodology allowed for simpler and more accurate assessment of the binding properties than by previous methods such as the limiting slopes analysese of curved Scatchard plots.
Micromolding in Capillaries for the Generation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Filaments and Microstructures
Authors: Yan Mingdi
Published: April 2017

The technique of micromolding in capillary has been employed to prepare molecularly imprinted polymer microfilaments, and to pattern MIP structures on silicon wafers. The approach relies on crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) that contains relief structures as a mold to define the shape and size of the imprinted polymers. This article describes the processes leading to the fabrication of free-standing MIP micromonoliths and covalently immobilized MIP microstructures on silicon wafers. The limitations of the technique are also discussed. The development of miniaturized systems for chemical, analytical and diagnostic applications has attracted great interest recently.1,2,3 Significant advantages in speed, efficiency and control can be gained through the application of such miniature systems in laboratory testing. Micro devices have been fabricated to perform a variety of chemical and enzymatic reactions and in chip capillary electrophoresis separation. Much effort has also been devoted to shrinking analytical instruments such as high performance liquid chromatography4, combinatorial library screening system, and biosensors.6,7

Molecular recognition and interactions play central roles in these applications. Molecular imprinting, a technique for the synthesis of polymeric materials with analyte-specific recognition properties, is an attractive alternative to natural recognition systems such as antibodies and receptors.8,9,10 The ability to generate molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) microstructures on devices should open new possibilities towards the development of miniaturized systems for chemical, analytical and diagnostic applications. The added advantages of long-term stability and chemical resistivity of MIPs may make these “intelligent chips” attractive for instrument and device fabrication.

We have employed a soft lithography11,12 technique, micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC),13,14 to fabricate MIP microstructures on silicon wafers. In MIMIC, an elastomeric stamp is placed in an intimate contact with the solid substrate. The recessed microchannels on the stamp form a network of empty capillaries. When a low-viscosity fluid precursor is placed in close contact at one end, it spontaneously fills the channels by capillary actions. Curing of the fluid leaves patterned microstructures on the substrate surface (Figure 1). An attractive feature of this technique is that the size and shape of the MIPs can be easily controlled and altered by those on the PDMS stamps. In addition, the process can be carried out conveniently in a chemical laboratory. Once the master mold is made, many elastomeric stamps can be cast and used repeatedly.
Binding Studies on Resins Imprinted with (S)-naproxen
Authors: Hu Yue , Orwoll Robert A.
Published: April 2017

Resins were prepared in a free-radical polymerization of 4-vinylpyridine and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of (S)-(+)-6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphtaleneacetic acid ((S)-naproxen). Initially (S)-naproxen, the imprinted molecule template, was assembled with the monomer 4-vinylpyridine by non-covalent interactions. After the polymerization, stepwise removal of the template left binding sites that retain complementary specificity and affinity. Binding parameters including the maximum number of binding sites and dissociation constant were calculated from the amount of template removed using a two-site Scatchard equation. The results are typical of other systems reported in the literature.
Efficient Atomization Using MHz MEMS-Based Ultrasonic Nozzles
Authors: Tsai Shirley C. , Song Yu L. , Chou Yuan F. , Cheng J.H , Tsai Chen S.
Published: April 2017

This paper reports on the preliminary results of atomization using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based 3-Fourier horn 0.5 MHz silicon ultrasonic nozzles. The droplets produced are monodisperse with 7.1 μm drop diameter in good agreement with that predicted by pure capillary wave atomization mechanism. This drop diameter is much smaller than that obtainable using conventional ultrasonic nebulizers operating at three times higher frequency.
Multi-Layer Photopolymer Micromachining
Authors: Huang J. R. , Bai B. , Shaw J. , Jackson T. N. , Wei C. Y. , Manivannan V. , Durocher K.
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a novel method to create and integrate micro-machined devices and high aspect-ratio (height-to-width ratio) microstructures in which the microstructures are built up using multiple layers of photopolymer film and/or viscous solution. Very high aspect-ratio 2-and 3-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) microstructures were constructed by stacking photo-imageable polymer films. Such films may be dry films applied by lamination or solution layers applied by bar coating, or doctor blade coating. Photolithography is used in both cases to define the microstructure. This additive process of thin-film micromachining facilitates high aspect-ratio microstructure fabrication. We have demonstrated structures of up to 12-layers comprising 2-D arrays of deep trenches (180 μm deep and 25 μm wide) and a 2-layer SU-8 micro-trench array with an aspect ratio up to 36 on glass substrates. Miniaturized structures of interconnected reservoirs as small as 50 μm × 50 μm × 15 μm (∼38 pico liter storage capacity) are also being fabricated, along with a novel 5-layer microfluidic channel array and a vacuum-infiltration process for fluid manipulation. This method has the potential to create functional large-area micro-devices at low-cost and with increased device flexibility, durability, prototyping speed, and reduced process complexity for applications in optoelectronics, integrated detectors, and bio-devices. The novel multi-layer photopolymer dry film and solution process also allows microstructures in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to be built with ease and provides the functionality of MEMS integration with electronic devices and integrated circuits (ICs).