bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nettoyage et désinfection dans l’industrie de l’embouteillage, des aliments transformés et des surfaces ouvertes
Authors: Guillaumin Bruno
Published: September 2017

Les opérations de nettoyage en industries des boissons sont principalement constituées par les applications NEP sur les circuits, cuveries et soutireuses. En industries des aliments transformés, le processus de nettoyage le plus courant est Implication de mousse, gel ou l’ aspersion-pulvérisation. Dans tous les cas de figure, ces opérations d’hygiène reposent sur le respect de bonnes pratiques et des paramètres d’application : action mécanique mise en œuvre, température, concentration et temps de contact des détergents et désinfectants. Les matériels d’application actuels permettent des économies, des gains de sécurité et une reproductibilité des résultats apte à les faire intégrer dans les démarches HACCP.
plugins test
Authors: Abbott Scottt W
Published: September 2017

plugins
The Sectional Stratospheric Sulfate Aerosol module (S3A-v1) within the LMDZ general circulation model: description and evaluation against stratospheric aerosol observations
Authors: Kleinschmitt Christoph , Boucher Olivier , Bekki Slimane , Lott François , Platt Ulrich
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Stratospheric aerosols play an important role in the climate system by affecting the Earth's radiative budget as well as atmospheric chemistry, and the capabilities to simulate them interactively within global models are continuously improving. It is important to represent accurately both aerosol microphysical and atmospheric dynamical processes because together they affect the size distribution and the residence time of the aerosol particles in the stratosphere. The newly developed LMDZ-S3A model presented in this article uses a sectional approach for sulfate particles in the stratosphere and includes the relevant microphysical processes. It allows full interaction between aerosol radiative effects (e.g. radiative heating) and atmospheric dynamics, including e.g. an internally generated quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in the stratosphere. Sulfur chemistry is semi-prescribed via climatological lifetimes. LMDZ-S3A reasonably reproduces aerosol observations in periods of low (background) and high (volcanic) stratospheric sulfate loading, but tends to overestimate the number of small particles and to underestimate the number of large particles. Thus, it may serve as a tool to study the climate impacts of volcanic eruptions, as well as the deliberate anthropogenic injection of aerosols into the stratosphere, which has been proposed as a method of geoengineering to abate global warming.
FluxnetLSM R package (v1.0): a community tool for processing FLUXNET data for use in land surface modelling
Authors: Ukkola Anna M. , Haughton Ned , De Kauwe Martin G. , Abramowitz Gab , Pitman Andy J.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Flux towers measure ecosystem-scale surface–atmosphere exchanges of energy, carbon dioxide and water vapour. The network of flux towers now encompasses ∼ 900 sites, spread across every continent. Consequently, these data have become an essential benchmarking tool for land surface models (LSMs). However, these data as released are not immediately usable for driving, evaluating and benchmarking LSMs. Flux tower data must first be transformed into a LSM-readable file format, a process which involves changing units, screening missing data and varying degrees of additional gap-filling. All of this often leads to an under-utilisation of these data in model benchmarking. To resolve some of these issues, and to help make flux tower measurements more widely used, we present a reproducible, open-source R package that transforms the FLUXNET2015 and La Thuile data releases into community standard NetCDF files that are directly usable by LSMs. We note that these data would also be useful for any other user or community seeking to independently quality control, gap-fill or use the FLUXNET data.
Regional co-variability of spatial and temporal soil moisture -
precipitation coupling in North Africa: an observational perspective
Authors: Petrova Irina Y. , van Heerwaarden Chiel C. , Hohenegger Cathy , Guichard Françoise
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The magnitude and sign of soil moisture - precipitation coupling (SMPC) is investigated using a probability-based approach and 10 years of daily microwave satellite data across North Africa at 1° horizontal resolution. Specifically, the co-existence and co-variability of spatial (i.e. using soil moisture gradients) and temporal (i.e. using soil moisture anomaly) soil moisture effects on afternoon rainfall is studied at 100 km scale. The analysis shows that in the semi-arid environment of the Sahel, the negative spatial and the negative temporal coupling relationships do not only co-exist, but are also dependent of one another. Hence, if afternoon rain falls over temporally drier soils, it is likely to be surrounded by a wetter environment. Two regions are identified as SMPC "hot spots". These are the south-western part of the domain (7–15° N, 10° W–7° E) with the most robust negative SMPC signal, and the South Sudanian region (5–13° N, 24–34° E). The sign and significance of the coupling in the latter region is found to be largely modulated by the presence of wetlands and is susceptible to the amount of long-lived propagating convective systems. The presence of wetlands and irrigated land areas is found to account for about 30 % of strong and significant spatial SMPC in North African domain. This study provides the first insight into regional variability of SMPC in North Africa, and supports potential relevance of mechanisms associated with enhanced sensible heat flux and meso-scale variability in surface soil moisture for deep convection development.
Informing a hydrological model of the Ogooué with multi-mission remote sensing data
Authors: Kittel Cecile M. M. , Nielsen Karina , Tøttrup Christian , Bauer-Gottwein Peter
Published: September 2017

Abstract. Remote sensing provides a unique opportunity to inform and constrain a hydrological model and to increase its value as a decision-support tool. In this study, we applied a multi-mission approach to force, calibrate and validate a hydrological model of the ungauged Ogooué river basin in Africa with publicly available and free remote sensing observations. We used a rainfall–runoff model based on the Budyko framework coupled with a Muskingum routing approach. We parametrized the model using the SRTM DEM, and forced it using precipitation from two satellite-based rainfall estimates, FEWS-RFE and TRMM 3B42 v.7, and temperature from ECMWF ERA-Interim. We combined three different datasets to calibrate the model using an aggregated objective function with contributions from: (1) historical in-situ discharge observations from the period 1953-1984 at 6 locations in the basin, (2) radar altimetry measurements of river stages by Envisat and Jason-2 at 12 locations in the basin and (3) GRACE total water storage change. Additionally, we extracted CryoSat-2 observations throughout the basin using a Sentinel-1 SAR imagery water mask and used the observations for validation of the model. The use of new satellite missions, including Sentinel-1 and CryoSat-2, increased the spatial characterization of river stage. Throughout the basin, we achieved good agreement between observed and simulated discharge and river stage, with a RMSD between simulated and observed water amplitudes at virtual stations of 0.74 m for the TRMM forced model and 0.87 m for the FEWS-RFE forced model. The hydrological model also generally captures total water storage change patterns, although the amplitude of storage change is generally underestimated. By combining hydrological modelling with multi-mission remote sensing from ten different satellite missions, we obtain new information on an otherwise unstudied basin. The proposed model is the best current baseline characterisation of hydrological conditions in the Ogooué in light of the available observations.
Recent changes in terrestrial water storage in the Upper Nile Basin: an evaluation of commonly used gridded GRACE products
Authors: Shamsudduha Mohammad , Taylor Richard G. , Jones Darren , Longuevergne Laurent , Owor Michael , Tindimugaya Callist
Published: September 2017

Abstract. GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) satellite data monitor large-scale changes in total terrestrial water storage (ΔTWS), providing an invaluable tool where in situ observations are limited. Substantial uncertainty remains, however, in the amplitude of GRACE gravity signals and the disaggregation of TWS into individual terrestrial water stores (e.g. groundwater storage). Here, we test the phase and amplitude of three GRACE ΔTWS signals from five commonly used gridded products (i.e. NASA's GRCTellus: CSR, JPL, GFZ; JPL-Mascons; GRGS GRACE) using in situ data and modelled soil moisture from the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) in two sub-basins (LVB: Lake Victoria Basin; LKB: Lake Kyoga Basin) of the Upper Nile Basin. The analysis extends from January 2003 to December 2012, but focuses on a large and accurately observed reduction in ΔTWS of 83 km3 from 2003 to 2006 in the Lake Victoria Basin. We reveal substantial variability in current GRACE products to quantify the reduction of ΔTWS in Lake Victoria that ranges from 80 km3 (JPL-Mascons) to 69 and 31 km3 for GRGS and GRCTellus respectively. Representation of the phase in TWS in the Upper Nile Basin by GRACE products varies but is generally robust with GRGS, JPL-Mascons, and GRCTellus (ensemble mean of CSR, JPL, and GFZ time-series data), explaining 90, 84, and 75 % of the variance respectively in "in situ" or "bottom-up" ΔTWS in the LVB. Resolution of changes in groundwater storage (ΔGWS) from GRACE ΔTWS is greatly constrained by both uncertainty in changes in soil-moisture storage (ΔSMS) modelled by GLDAS LSMs (CLM, NOAH, VIC) and the low annual amplitudes in ΔGWS (e.g. 1.8–4.9 cm) observed in deeply weathered crystalline rocks underlying the Upper Nile Basin. Our study highlights the substantial uncertainty in the amplitude of ΔTWS that can result from different data-processing strategies in commonly used, gridded GRACE products; this uncertainty is disregarded in analyses of ΔTWS and individual stores applying a single GRACE product.
Radicalizing the Digital Humanities: Reimagining Environmental Justice Research and Teaching
Authors: Ruiz Stevie , Areguin Maira , Estrada Eduardo , Jimenez Jesus , Lopez Diane , Sanchez Karla , Valenzuela Janet
Published: September 2017

This article is about collaboration between students and professors on environmental justice research in digital humanities labs.  A collective of university students and their professor investigated digital archives pertaining to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) using mind mapping software called XMind. Our purpose was to enable and organize findings on segregation and discrimination within CCC camps.   The impact this research had on students who came from interdisciplinary backgrounds was exposure to the use of technological resources in the context of an increasing need to use technology to preserve historical archives, carry out research, and make connections to other research on the topic of environmental justice.  Interdisciplinary in their approach, students used mind mapping software to organize data visually.  Lab members recognized that visualization of information allowed students to think about how to organize information using methods of historical analysis. It allowed them to organize information about Chicana/o participation in CCC camps according to social categories such as race, class, and gender.  As a collective of students and faculty, we are enthusiastic about sharing our journey with digital humanities software so that other teachers may experiment with their own attempts at radicalizing the digital humanities.
Dear Solitary Black Student
Authors: Estevez Mychel L.
Published: September 2017

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O ESPELHO DA CATEDRAL: REFLEXOS DO POLÍTICO EM “A GRANDE REVISTA À PORTUGUESA”
Authors: Raposo Sílvia Alexandra
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo visa analisar a instrumentalização do Teatro de Revista português com vista à resistência e agência social. Analisa-se a relação entre o artístico e o político à luz dos conceitos de agência social e resistência política. Neste sentido refletir-se-á sobre a poética dramatúrgica como instrumento de resistência, através da análise discursiva, e colocar-se-ão as rábulas socio-políticas no centro da discussão dos conceitos de heterotopia de resistência e poesia do espaço. Ir-se-á, inclusive, pôr em evidência o que leva a que os grupos subalternos assumam estas agências culturais. Este artigo serve-se de uma metodologia qualitativa para compreender todas estas questões, cruzando teoria e empiria.
EFFECT OF FILLER TYPE AND CONTENT ON PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NR/SBR NANOCOMPOSITE BLEND
Authors: Raiati Maryam , Kalaee Mohammadreza , Mazinani Saeedeh
Published: September 2017

The effect of type and content of nanofiller on the cure behavior, cure characteristics, and mechanical and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of the vulcanized SBR/NR (30/70) blend nanocomposites containing carbon black were investigated. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles were used as reinforcing agents at different levels ranging from 0 to 5 phr. Two nanofillers affected the cure characteristics of the blended vulcanizates in opposite ways. While the gradual incorporation of HNT into the elastomer blend shortened the scorch time along with an increase in the effective torque of resulting nanocomposite compared to the unfilled blend, the progressive addition of CaCO3 into the blend monotonically prolonged the scorch time in conjunction with a decrease in the effective torque of vulcanizate sample. Mechanical tests showed enhanced elastic modulus and tensile strength of HNT-filled nanocomposites as the HNT content was increased. Nanocomposites reinforced with HNT exhibited significantly higher extensibility than the unfilled blend. In the case of CaCO3-filled nanocomposites, the elastic modulus and ultimate strength decreased upon the addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles, whereas the strain at break showed a substantial increase compared to unfilled compound. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis results revealed a monotonic shift of damping peak's temperature toward higher temperatures with HNT loading in HNT-filled vulcanizate nanocomposites. For CaCO3-filled nanocomposites, the damping peak's temperature shifted to higher temperatures at first and then shifted back to lower temperatures at higher loadings of CaCO3. The damping peak's intensity of the CaCO3-filled nanocomposites was considerably higher than the unfilled blend, indicating higher damping capability in these systems.
The Application of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Medical and Mental Health Disorders
Authors: Moss Donald , Shaffer Fredric
Published: September 2017

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a medical index for morbidity and wellness. Lower HRV accompanies many illnesses; high HRV accompanies healthy states, resilience, and optimal functioning. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) uses real-time electronic feedback of the moment-to-moment changes in HRV to train patients to produce increases in HRV. Outcome studies on HRVB have shown therapeutic benefit for a wide variety of medical and mental health disorders. Lehrer and colleagues have published evidence-based protocols for HRV assessment and HRV treatment. Here, the authors review outcome studies on a sampling of common disorders: asthma, chronic muscle pain, depression, heart failure, hypertension, and posttraumatic stress disorder. HRVB offers promising therapeutic benefit for any medical or mental health disorder known to be accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysregulation.
Neurofeedback as a Potential Nonpharmacological Treatment for Insomnia
Authors: Halson Shona L.
Published: September 2017

Insomnia is a significant sleep disorder in today's society and has multiple psychological, physical, general health, and occupational implications. Common treatments for insomnia include pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and over-the-counter products. These treatments have varying degrees of efficacy and/or potential side effects. Based on the neurocognitive model of insomnia whereby persistent sensory and cognitive processing may disturb sleep, neurofeedback is a potential nonpharmacological treatment. Based on the limited but positive research in the area, neurofeedback may be considered as a promising tool for treating insomnia.
Impactos (turísticos ou não) nas comunidades indígenas brasileiras
Authors: Corbari Sandra Dalila , Bahl Miguel , De Souza Silvana Do Rocio
Published: September 2017

Os impactos ou efeitos provocados pelo processo de desenvolvimento da atividade turística nas localidades receptoras são amplamente abordados na literatura sobre o turismo. Em alguns casos apontam-se os impactos negativos desse desenvolvimento como a mercantilização da cultura, a caricaturização do grupo visitado e de seus recursos tradicionais e o efeito demonstração. No entanto, o desenvolvimento turístico gera também efeitos positivos, como a valorização cultural, preservação e resgate de traços culturais e preservação do patrimônio. Com isso, para o presente artigo se teve como objetivo geral “identificar quais seriam os agentes de potenciais mudanças socioculturais nas comunidades indígenas brasileiras” através da construção do marco teórico e, em seguida, da pesquisa documental, utilizando como base teses e dissertações brasileiras, publicadas entre 1999 e 2012, sobre o turismo envolvendo comunidades indígenas. Constatou-se com a pesquisa que o turismo estava sendo apenas um dos agentes de potenciais mudanças socioculturais, sendo outros tão ou mais impactantes quanto essa atividade, tais como ações de órgãos governamentais, instituições religiosas e o setor imobiliário.
Effect of child to child approach educational method on knowledge and practices of selected first aid measures among primary school children
Authors: Elewa Azza Abd-Alsemia , Saad Amany Mohamed
Published: September 2017

Background and objective: Environmental school is the best setting for unintentional injury which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. So, emergency instances need first aid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of child to child approach educational method on knowledge and practices of selected first aid measures among primary school children.Methods: Research design: A quasi-experimental research design was applied for this study. Setting: This study was carried out in two governmental primary schools in El-Massara Administration, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Abobakr Elsedeak and Anas Ben Malek). Sample: A multi-stage random sample was used. The total number of children was 460 (both male and female). Tools: Two tools were used in this study: (1) An interview questionnaire to collect data about the studied children's socio-demographic characteristics, and their knowledge about first aid. (2) An observational checklist for assessing the studied children practices regarding first aid.Results: The current study revealed that, there were statistically significant increases in mean scores of all items as well as the total score of knowledge and practices after application of the child to child approach. There was a statistically significant positive association between knowledge and practice levels; good level of knowledge with adequate practice level showed higher prevalence (75.6%) than good level of knowledge with inadequate practice level (24.4%). Fair level of knowledge with adequate practice level showed higher prevalence (66.9%) than fair level of knowledge with inadequate practice level (33.1%).Conclusions: The application of the child to child approach increased children’s good level of knowledge and adequate practices related to first aid measures. The study recommended that the use of innovative methods of health education in teaching first aid for other sectors as in preparatory school students, as well as child-to-mothers and child-to-community, to promote children’s health.
Elevated Expression of Hypoxanthine Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase within Malignant Tissue
Authors: Townsend Michelle H. , Felsted Abigail M. , Ence Zachary E. , Piccolo Stephen R. , Robison Richard A. , O'Neill Kim L.
Published: September 2017

Hypoxanthine Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) is a housekeeping enzyme involved in the purine synthesis of guanine and inosine in the salvage pathway. While other salvage pathway enzymes, such as TK1, have been established as biomarkers for both cancer cell proliferation and cancer development, little research been done to evaluate whether HPRT has the same potential as a cancer biomarker. We designed this study to determine if HPRT has value as an identifier of malignancy within the most common types of cancer. We utilized histological samples from lung, colon, prostate, and breast cancer with additional normal tissue to evaluate whether there was any elevation of HPRT within malignant samples. In addition, we also assessed general HPRT expression within patient’s samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to confirm clinical relevance. We found that within a subset of patients, there was significant elevation of HPRT when compared to normal tissue controls. This elevation was seen in 33-55% of the malignant samples and appears to have no dependence on cancer stage. There were slight differences in staining patterns among all the organ types, but overall each organ displayed the same pattern of ‘HPRT high’ and ‘HPRT low’ populations within malignant samples. We found that in our TCGA samples, there was a similar elevation of HPRT that was significant when compared to normal controls. Overall, as an upregulated enzyme that does not directly correlate with stage, HPRT could become a valuable marker in the early diagnosis of a variety of solid tumors.
Teacher Research: Exploring Teachers’ Personal Epistemology through Narrartive Lens. A Colombian Case
Authors: Casallas Diego Fernando Ubaque
Published: September 2017

This narrative inquiry study looked into four teachers’ life stories regarding their teaching practice. The study explored teachers’ experiences in pre-while and after stages when being observed by an academic supervisor in a binational but non- profit English center in Bogota, Colombia. By attempting to explore the possible forms of teachers’ knowledge, the study took on narrative inquiry as the research approach to explore how teachers approach and navigate personal and fixed epistemologies regarding teaching. Findings revealed that teachers’ personal epistemologies are shaped by elements like agreement and negotiation of meaning when supervisors assess/evaluate or discuss issues of the teaching practice. Based on the findings, I argue teachers’ personal epistemologies are driven by collaborative situated activities teachers engage in.
Exploring Students’ Learning Needs: Expectation and Challenges
Authors: Poedjiastutie Dwi , Oliver Rhonda
Published: September 2017

Needs analysis is not new in education or academic circles. Many scholars and educators in different parts of the world see this approach as a valuable tool for program development and review as it is a mechanism that can be used to link the students’ present academic learning with their future needs. This is also true with respect to language programs – the focus of the current study. At the target university, which is located in Indonesia, students are taught English following an ESP approach. Despite the program being in existence for 22 years, it is apparent there are problems with it as upon graduation many students have achieved only minimal English proficiency. To explore why this might be occurring the current study was undertaken using a mixed methods approach, specifically, large-scale, quantitative data was obtained using surveys circulated to 1000 students. This was complemented by qualitative data obtained from focus group discussions. The findings from the analysis of these two components are presented in the current paper. The findings show students at the target university have pragmatic reasons for learning English. Those include international collaboration, better life opportunities, business establishment international employment competitive, better international test outcomes, cultural awareness, and understanding English journals and books.
An Integrated Approach to Capacity Development in Forestry and Climate Change in West Africa
Authors: Fobissie Kalame , Etongo Daniel , Kanninen Markku
Published: September 2017

The BIODEV capacity development programme (BCDP) uses forestry, agroforestry and trees to derive a broad range of development and environmental outcomes (high-value biocarbon) while strengthening the capacities of local and national institutions to be able to sustain the benefits. The BCDP conducted 40 long and short-term training activities in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sierra Leone across the following categories: (i) Short-term in-country trainings and regional training e.g. support to UNFCCC negotiators running from 2-4 and 6-8 days and implemented using the Harvard Case and the Socratic Learning Methods; (ii) Short-term training abroad for three weeks on Managing Sustainable Forest Landscapes, and (iii) Long-term training abroad e.g. PhD study on forest governance and climate change. The success of BCDP is largely influenced by (i) the effectiveness of coordination and planning amongst trainers; (ii) the content, format, depth, focus and duration of the training vis-a-vis the needs of the trainees; and (iii) the strengthening of existing local and national decision making and implementation platforms for up-scaling high value biocarbon development approaches.
The importance of Bordetella pertussis strains which do not produce virulence factors in the epidemiology of pertussis
Authors: Polak Maciej , Lutyńska Anna
Published: September 2017

Bordetella pertussis strains, which have lost the ability to produce antigens, such as pertactin - Prn, pertussis toxin - Ptx, filamentous haemagglutinin - FHA, fimbriae type 2 and 3 - Fim 2 and 3, tracheal colonization factor - TcfA, have recently been isolated in countries with a high vaccination coverage. The emergence of such isolates might have resulted from B. pertussis natural evolution course or adaptive mechanisms, allowing increased circulation of the pathogen in vaccinated populations. So far, the majority of described mutants were deficient in the Prn production. Prn deficient isolates were found in countries which use acellular pertussis vaccines (aP) in routine immunization programmes. The increase of frequency of Prn¯ strains isolation was correlated with the period of routine vaccination with aP vaccines. In most countries, the spread of these isolates has resulted from independent mutations rather than from the expansion of a single clone. Prn¯ isolates were collected from patients showing typical clinical symptoms of pertussis found for Prn+ strains. Results of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that Prn¯, Ptx¯ and FHA¯ isolates retain cytotoxic properties, and besides Ptx¯ isolates, were lethal in intranasally infected mice. Further explanation of the impact of antigen deficiencies on virulence and transmission of B. pertussis in the context of the continuous increase of pertussis incidence is necessary to develop a new, optimized strategy of pertussis prevention.
Alzheimer’s disease against peptides products of enzymatic cleavage APP protein: Biological, pathobiological and physico-chemical properties of fibrillating peptides
Authors: Marszałek Małgorzata
Published: September 2017

Various peptides products of enzymatic cleavage of key for Alzheimer’s disease Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) are well known, but still are matter of scientific debate. The Aβ type products are especially challenging for experimental and medical research. This paper outlines several, still poorly known, biological and medical processes such as peptides biology, i.e., formation, biodistribution, translocation, transport and finally removal from brain compartments and body fluids like Intracellular Fluid (ICF), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), Interstitial Fluid (ISF), blood serum or urine. In addition, the following studies concerning AD patients might prove challenging and simultaneously promising: peptides translocation through Blood-Brain – Barrier (BBB) and Blood–Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB) and their removal from the brain according to a new concept of glymphatic system; – diagnostic difficulties that stem from physico-chemical properties and the nature of proteins or fibrillating peptides itself like low concentration, short half-live and from experimental-technical problems as well like high adsorption or low solubility of Aβ, tau or amylin. The study of diagnostic parameters is very important, as it may better reflect early changes before the disease develops; one such parameter is the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, or the ratio with the total tau concentration combination and other new biomarkers like Aβ1-38; other factors include oxidative stress and inflammation process proteins, complement factor H, alpha-2-macroglobulin, or clusterin. The study of various forms of pathological amyloid deposits that emerge in different but specific brain regions AD patients seems to be crucial as well. The composition of the first initial pathological, pre-fibrillating monomers of fibrillating peptides and their role in AD development and disease progression have been described as well. They are even more challenging for science and simultaneously might be more promising in early diagnosis for AD patients. As always in science, research leads to endless discoveries and further inquiry. Fundamental problems in this field most probably are still far from being definitively comprehended, and multiple crucial questions await better answers. What we really need is to study more and deeper into this matter.
Immune disorders induced by exposure to pyrethroid insecticides
Authors: Skolarczyk Justyna , Pekar Joanna , Nieradko-Iwanicka Barbara
Published: September 2017

Pyrethroids are biocides, which belong to the third generation of insecticides. They are used as biocides, insecticides and medicines. These agents react selectively, because they are less harmful to birds and mammals (due to poor intestinal absorption and rapid detoxification in the body of homeothermic organisms) and they are poisonous for fish and insects.The aim of the article is to present the current state of knowledge on the effects of pyrethroids on the immune system based on the latest scientific research.The mechanism of action of pyrethroids include the delaying closure of voltage- sensitive sodium and chloride channels (including GABA- dependent channels). These compounds are neurotoxic.Studies have shown that they cause numerous immune disorders contributing to lowering of immunity in humans and animals. Exposure to pyrethroids can cause inhibition of proliferation of peripheral blood leukocytes and reducing the concentration of IgG immunolgobulines. They also cause reduced macrophages and decrease in interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Some of these compounds cause increase of liver weight and increase of bone marrow cellularity, and may induce apoptosis of the thymus. Pyrethroids can cause allergies and asthma. Their immunosuppressive effects can impair host resistance against infections. Exposure to these compounds can also contribute to induction of the cancer, especially in patients with impaired immune function.
Modified methods for efficiently differentiating human embryonic stem cells into chondrocyte-like cells
Authors: Suchorska Wiktoria Maria , Augustyniak Ewelina , Richter Magdalena , Łukjanow Magdalena , Filas Violetta , Kaczmarczyk Jacek , Trzeciak Tomasz
Published: September 2017

Human articular cartilage has a poor regenerative capacity. This often results in the serious joint disease- osteoarthritis (OA) that is characterized by cartilage degradation. An inability to self-repair provided extensive studies on AC regeneration. The cell-based cartilage tissue engineering is a promising approach for cartilage regeneration. So far, numerous cell types have been reported to show chondrogenic potential, among others human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
Plant storage proteins – the main nourisching products – from biosynthesis to cellular storage depots
Authors: Chmielnicka Agnieszka , Żabka Aneta , Winnicki Konrad , Polit Justyna Teresa
Published: September 2017

Storage proteins of legumes are one of the main components of the human and animal diet. The substances collected in their seeds have the pro-health values, supporting the prevention of many civilization diseases. However, there are still many uncertainties about the mechanisms leading to the production of nutritious seeds. It is also difficult to identify which of their constituents and in what final form are responsible for the observed protective effects in vivo. In this work, on the background of different types of storage proteins, these deposited mainly in legumes were in the focus of interest. They were characterized on the example of pea (Pisum sativum) proteins. Mechanisms associated with their biosynthesis and transport to specific cellular compartments was presented. Ways of their post-translational processing, segregation and storage in the specific vacuoles were also discussed. Therefore, the paper presents the state-of-the-art knowledge concerning the processes making the accumulated protein deposits ready to use by plants, animals and humans.
Glutathione S - transferases class Pi and Mi and their significance in oncology
Authors: Marchewka Zofia , Piwowar Agnieszka , Ruzik Sylwia , Długosz Anna
Published: September 2017

In this article the current data, which shows that glutathione S-transferases (GST) class Pi and Mi are interesting and promising biomarkers in acute and chronic inflammatory processes as well as in the oncology, were presented based on the review of the latest experimental and clinical studies. The article shows their characteristics, functions and participation (direct - GST Pi, indirect - GST Mi) in the regulation of signaling pathways of JNK kinases, which are involved in cell differentiation. Overexpression of glutathione S-transferases class Pi and Mi in many cancer cells plays a key role in cancer treatment, making them resistant to chemotherapy. GST isoenzymes are involved in the metabolism of various types of xenobiotics and endogenous substrates, so their altered expression in cancer tissues as well as in serum and urine could be an important potential marker of the cancer and an indicator of oxidative stress. The study shows the role of glutathione S-transferases in redox homeostasis of tumor cells and in the mechanism of resistance to anticancer drugs.
The effect of NaCl on the level of reduced sulfur compounds in rat liver. Implications for blood pressure increase
Authors: Iciek Małgorzata , Kotańska Magdalena , Knutelska Joanna , Bednarski Marek , Zygmunt Małgorzata , Kowalczyk-Pachel Danuta , Bilska-Wilkosz Anna , Górny Magdalena , Sokołowska-Jeżewicz Maria
Published: September 2017

Background: It is commonly known that excessive salt intake is a risk factor of hypertension. Currently, there is an increasing interest in reduced reactive sulfur species (RSS), mainly H2S and sulfane sulfur (SS) as new gasotransmitters showing vasorelaxant properties. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of repeated administration of low sodium chloride dose included in physiological saline on blood pressure, on the level of RSS and activity of enzymes involved in their biosynthesis in the rat.Methods: Two separate experiments were carried out on male Wistar rats: one with intravenous injections of saline and the second one with intraperitoneal saline injections. Blood pressure was measured during the experiment. The level of RSS and other biochemical assays were conducted in the rat liver, because of an intense cysteine metabolism to RSS in this organ.Results: Intravenous administration of saline induced a significant increase in systolic blood pressure while intraperitoneal injections showed only a tendency towards increasing blood pressure. The RSS (H2S and SS) level as well as the activity of the main enzyme responsible for their production in the liver of animals after iv saline injections were decreased. Animals injected with physiological saline by ip route did not reveal any statistically significant differences in SS, H2S, and activities of sulfurtransferases, although a tendency to decrease in the RSS was observed.Conclusions: The repeated iv saline injection induced a slight hypertension accompanied by disturbances in anaerobic cysteine metabolism in the rat liver.
Immune disorders in sepsis and their treatment as a significant problem of modern intensive care
Authors: Łysenko Lidia , Leśnik Patrycja , Nelke Kamil , Gerber Hanna
Published: September 2017

Despite the great advances in the treatment of sepsis over the past 20 years, sepsis remains the main cause of death in intensive care units. In the context of new possibilities of treating sepsis, a comprehensive response of the immune system to the infection, immunosuppression, in particular, has in recent years gained considerable interest. There is vast evidence pointing to the correlation between comorbid immunosuppression and an increased risk of recurrent infections and death. Immune disorders may impact the clinical course of sepsis. This applies in particular to patients with deteriorated clinical response to infections. They usually suffer from comorbidities and conditions accompanied by immunosuppression. Sepsis disrupts innate and adaptive immunity. The key to diagnose the immune disorders in sepsis and undertake targeted immunomodulatory therapy is to define the right biomarkers and laboratory methods, which permit prompt “bedside” diagnosis. Flow cytometry is a laboratory tool that meets these criteria. Two therapeutic methods are currently being suggested to restore the immune homeostasis of sepsis patients. Excessive inflammatory response may be controlled through extracorporeal blood purification techniques, in large part derived from renal replacement therapy. These are such techniques as high-volume haemofiltration, cascade haemofiltration, plasma exchange, coupled plasma filtration and adsorption, high-absorption membranes, high cut-off membranes. The main task of theses techniques is the selective elimination of middle molecular weight molecules, such as cytokines. Pharmacotherapy with the use of such immunostimulants as interleukin 7, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon gamma, PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 antagonists, intravenous immunoglobulins may help fight immunosuppressive immune disorders.
The pathophysiological basis of the protective effects of metformin in heart failure
Authors: Dziubak Aleksandra , Wójcicka Grażyna
Published: September 2017

Metformin, currently recommended as the drug of first choice in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is one of the few antihiperglycemic drugs to reduce cardiovascular risk. Nonetheless, due to the risk of lactic acidosis during metformin therapy, its usage in patients with diabetes and heart failure (HF) is still a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to present data supporting the possibility of using metformin in the treatment of diabetic patients with concomitant heart failure. In the failing heart, metformin through the mechanism related to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, improves free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, as well as nitric oxide (NO)-NO synthase pathway. Metformin can also inhibit the generation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and thereby prevents the development of the adverse structural and functional changes in myocardium.In summary, experimental and clinical data indicate the ability of metformin to prevent the development of the structural and functional changes in myocardium, although further basic research and clinical studies assessing benefits and safety of metformin therapy in patients with HF are required.
Analysis of the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism of the CD209, IL-10, IL-28 and CCR5 D32 genes with the human predisposition to developing tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Czupryna Piotr , Parczewski Miłosz , Grygorczuk Sambor , Pancewicz Sławomir , Zajkowska Joanna , Dunaj Justyna , Kondrusik Maciej , Krawczuk Katarzyna , Moniuszko-Malinowska Anna
Published: September 2017

Introduction: It is known that in the pathogenesis of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) various molecules play a significant role. The most prominent factors include IL-10, IL-28B, CD-209 and CCR5. It is reasonable to search for genetic predispositions to the development of various clinical forms of TBE related to the genetic variation of IL-10, IL-28B, CD-209 and CCR5. In this study we aimed to search for the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD209, IL-10, IL-28 and 32 base pair deletion in CCR5 coding region (Δ 32) with the human predisposition to development of various clinical presentations of TBE. We tried to assess the relation between the presence of particular alleles and genotypes with laboratory and clinical parameters. Material/Methods 59 patients with TBE and 57 people, bitten by a tick who never developed TBE (Polish cohort), were included in the study. To assess the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms, TaqMan SNP genotyping assays were used for IL10: rs1800872 and rs1800896, for CD 209 rs4804803 and rs2287886, rs12979860 for IL 28B SNPs according to the manufacturer’s protocol using real-time PCR technology on the StepOne thermal cycler. Results Comparison between TBE patients and CG showed that in SNP rs2287886 CD 209 AG heterozygotes were more frequent in the TBE group, while homozygotes GG were more frequent in the CG group. Conclusions  SNP rs2287886 CD 209 AG heterozygotes predispose humans to develop TBE. Single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD209, IL-10, IL-28 and CCR5 D32 genes does not correlate with the severity of TBE.
Wybrane problemy ustawodawstwa antyterrorystycznego w perspektywie historycznej
Authors: Karasek Piotr
Published: September 2017

Terrorism has been threatening modern societies for many decades. Legislative response to this issue includes creating various definitions and classifications of terrorist acts on one hand and introducing „repressive” counterterrorism laws on the other. This is not a new phenomenon, however, in the history of fight against terrorism there has been many „counterterrorism acts” which did not succeed in resolving the issue – which is illustrated in the article with appropriate cases of XIX century’s terrorist acts. Appropriate, evidence based counterterrorism methods should be sought rather than repressive methods relying mainly on the society’s fear of terrorism.
ON THE NEED TO COMPILE A POLISH
DICTIONARY OF MUSEUM CURATORS
Authors: Murawska Agnieszka
Published: September 2017

The article documents all the actions which
have already been undertaken to compile a Polish
Dictionary of Museum Curators. The co-operation of the
National Institute for Museums and Public Collections, the
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań and the National
Museum in Poznań, and the Association of Polish Museum
Professionals, Wielkopolska branch, and the project’s public
partner and initiator, which has contributed to two symposiums
and a discussion panel. The opportunity to implement
a long-term and nationwide project which serves to contribute
to knowledge about the development of museology in
Poland, consolidate the professional environment, and improve
the ethos of a profession which is similar to a public
service, will be the substantive result of the events.
Can a Short Video Improve Inhaler Use in Urban Youth?
Authors: Brown Sara , Lehr Victoria Tutag , French Nathan , Giuliano Christopher Alan
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to determine whether watching a short video in the inpatient setting could produce an immediate improvement in pediatric patients' asthma knowledge and inhaler technique.

METHODS

This prospective, quasi-experimental, pre-post study was conducted in a single center, in Detroit, Michigan, which primarily serves an urban, African-American population. Patients were eligible if they were between 8- and 16-years-old, had asthma, and would be discharged with an albuterol metered-dose inhaler. The primary outcome was improvement in the composite score of a knowledge and technique assessment before and after watching a 5-minute video. The lead author developed the video with content validation by pharmacists, pediatricians, elementary school teachers, and a pediatric health education specialist. Secondary outcomes at 30 days included change in asthma control and whether the video was revisited after discharge.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled. Their average age was 11 ± 2.1 years; they were primarily African American (83%), female (53%), and insured by Medicaid (87%). The composite score of technique assessment and written quiz increased by 3.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.81 to 4.85) of a possible 16 points after watching the video. There was no significant change in asthma control at 30 days as measured by the asthma control test (2, 95% CI −0.53 to 4.53). Eight of 22 patients revisited the video after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

A brief educational video delivered during a pediatric inpatient visit in an urban medical center resulted in an immediate improvement in patients' disease knowledge and inhaler technique.
The Use of Daptomycin to Treat Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Epidermidis Bacteremia in a Critically Ill Child with Renal Failure
Authors: Morris Stephen , Gould Kate , Ferguson Lee P.
Published: September 2017

Daptomycin is excreted primarily unchanged by the kidney. Dosage regimens in children with renal failure remain to be determined. We report the case of an 8-year-old child with multiorgan failure undergoing continuous peritoneal dialysis, successfully treated with intravenous daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia. A dosage of 8 mg/kg every 48 hour was used. Plasma peak and trough concentrations of daptomycin were 68 mg/L and 14.6 mg/L, respectively, on day 6 of treatment. The dosage regimen achieved daptomycin exposure comparable to that reported in adults undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and receiving recommended dosages.
Levofloxacin Use in the Neonate: A Case Series
Authors: Newby Brandi D. , Timberlake Kathryn E. , Lepp Lyndsay M. , Mihic Tamara , Dersch-Mills Deonne A.
Published: September 2017

We report 6 cases of intravenous levofloxacin use to treat multidrug-resistant nosocomial respiratory infections in neonates with a postmenstrual age ranging from 27 to 42 weeks. Because of a lack of neonatal-specific information for levofloxacin, the usual pediatric dosage (10 mg/kg per dose every 12 hours) was used in these patients. Clinical cure occurred in 5 of the 6 patients. Only minimal short-term adverse effects were noted.
Discourse Research in Mathematics Education: A Critical Evaluation of 108 Journal Articles
Authors: Ryve Andreas
Published: September 2017

There has been increased engagement in studying discourse in the field of mathematics education. But what exactly is a discourse, and how do researchers go about analyzing discourses? This study examines 108 articles from 6 international journals in mathematics education by asking questions such as these: In which traditions and in relation to which kinds of epistemological assumptions are the articles situated? How is the concept of discourse used and defined? How are mathematical aspects of the discourse accentuated? The results of this study show that a variety of conceptualizations are used for analyzing discourses but also that many articles would benefit from strengthening those conceptualizations by explicitly defining the concept of discourse, situating the article in relation to epistemological assumptions, and relating the work to other discourse studies in mathematics education.