bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costume in carnival: Social performance, rank and status
Authors: Cremona Vicki Ann
Published: May 2016

This article deals with the range and evolution of costume in organized and spontaneous carnivals in Malta during the British colonial period (1800–1964). It discusses the performative qualities of carnival costume. The article also delves into the type of connections that can be made between costume, social stratification and political power in particular periods of Maltese colonial history. It shows how costume revealed social aspiration or recognition in certain contexts, while also providing a means to play with identity and dissimulation in others. It examines how control and power were affirmed on a micrological level through choice of costume, especially when the latter became subject to prohibition.
Where is the body in the costume design process?
Authors: Dean Sally E.
Published: May 2016

Sally E. Dean has led the Somatic Movement, Costume & Performance Project in collaboration with costume designers/visual artists Sandra Arròniz Lacunza and Carolina Rieckhof since 2011. This project offers an alternative costume design methodology that starts from the body or ‘soma’ (i.e. a sentient, perceiving person), whereby perception is inherently active and relational. This approach is thus multi-sensorial, somatic and holistic, and is based upon Sally’s background as a somatic practitioner, performer, performance-maker and teacher. This visual essay gives examples from the project’s design approach, working with a live, moving and multi-sensorial body to create Somatic CostumesTM through co-creation, collaboration and participation. Costume designers are actively engaged in trying on materials and costumes through all stages of the process in order to answer the following overarching question: what are the materials/costumes doing to the body (i.e. body image and body schema)? Through these experiential methodologies, the project aims to return and relocate the body into the costume design process.
Expanding approaches to teaching for diversity and social justice in K-12 education: Fostering global citizenship across the content areas
Authors: Tichnor-Wagner Ariel , Parkhouse Hillary , Glazier Jocelyn , Cain Jessie Montana
Published: May 2016

Educators today must be able to respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse student body and to teach all students the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for civic participation in a globalized, pluralist society. While state departments of education and national teacher organizations have begun to adopt global awareness in their teaching standards and evaluation tools, educators need to understand what globally competent teachers actually do in classrooms across subject areas and grade levels.  This qualitative, multiple case study explores the signature pedagogies (Shulman, 2005) of 10 in-service teachers in one southeastern state who teach for global competence in math, music, science, English, social studies, and language classes across elementary, middle, and high schools. We found three signature pedagogies that characterized globally competent teaching practices across participants: 1) intentional integration of global topics and multiple perspectives into and across the standard curriculum; 2) ongoing authentic engagement with global issues; and 3) connecting teachers’ global experiences, students’ global experiences, and the curriculum. These signature pedagogies provide visions of possibility for concrete practices teachers can adapt to infuse global citizenship education into their own contexts and for policies that school districts and teacher education programs can consider in preparing and supporting teachers in this work.
Charting a democratic course for global citizenship education: Research directions and current challenges
Authors: Myers John P.
Published: May 2016

This article outlines research directions for global citizenship education, by emphasizing the centrality of democratic goals for schools in the 21st century. Despite a significant shift in educational policies and practices towards addressing education that respond to the conditions of globalization, there is not a clear vision regarding its role in schools. Furthermore, curriculum reforms such as global citizenship education inevitably face the issue of whether to adapt to neoliberal tenets of privatization, high stakes testing and standards-based accountability, or to resist and challenge these policies with alternative, democratic visions of schooling. This article argues that for global citizenship education to reach maturity, there is a need for a programmatic research agenda that addresses the complex dynamics that globalization has introduced to schooling, particularly the challenges to teaching and learning for helping youth to make sense of the world and their role in it. An analysis of recent advances in research and practice in civic education is used as a starting point to advance directions for global citizenship education. Two key directions are suggested: to gain a more secure foothold in schools and the need to focus on a shared conceptual focus that helps researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders to access the same body of practices and knowledge.
Global citizenship education within a context of accountability and 21st century skills: The case of Olympus High School
Authors: Cozzolino DiCicco Marzia
Published: May 2016

This article addresses the present gap in empirical research on the possibilities and challenges of global citizenship education in U.S. public schools by presenting findings from a five-year, ethnographic case study. The setting for this study is Olympus High School, a small, suburban public high school in Pennsylvania. Beginning in the 2009–2010 school year, Olympus undertook a reform initiative to integrate teaching about the world into its curricular offerings. Although Olympus is just one case, the story of Olympus’s reform process reveals the inherent tension between preparing students to be knowledge workers in the global economy and preparing them to be active participants in global civil society. It also illustrates how test-based accountability and alignment to standards can impede efforts to broaden the curriculum in the interest of developing knowledgeable, responsible, and critically minded global citizens.
The use of the saber in the army of Napoleon
Authors: Gevaert Bert
Published: May 2016

Though Napoleonic warfare is usually associated with guns and cannons, edged weapons still played an important role on the battlefield. Swords and sabers could dominate battles and this was certainly the case in the hands of experienced cavalrymen. In contrast to gunshot wounds, wounds caused by the saber could be treated quite easily and caused fewer casualties. In 18th and 19th century France, not only manuals about the use of foil and epee were published, but also some important works on the military saber: de Saint Martin, Alexandre Muller… The saber was not only used in individual fights against the enemy, but also as a duelling weapon in the French army.
Choosing which firms to help in crisis: evidence from the emerging European economies
Authors: Duvanova Dinissa , Sokhey Sarah Wilson
Published: May 2016

Decisions over state assistance to firms can hinge on whether politicians choose a strategy that favors particular interest groups, targets aggregate economic performance, or both. Which types of firms are more likely to receive financial help from the government? While standard interest group based explanations tend to see special interests dominating the political process, extraordinary economic challenges, such as financial crises, may make general economic concerns a greater priority for politicians. We argue that during financial crisis, politicians – who are always concerned with the economy – are even more likely to prioritize broad economic growth over helping particular groups. Politicians should favor general economic strategies over helping specific groups of firms because they have limited resources and wish to avoid sending a bad signal to other firms about helping those that fail. Using 2010 World Bank firm-level surveys done in Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Turkey, we find that politicians favored small dynamic firms with a proven ability to use resources well rather than the largest employers, those firms with the greatest lobbying capacity, or firms in particular sectors. We optimistically conclude that interest groups with disproportionate resources will not always get special treatment at the expense of others.
Effect of the recovery duration of a repeated sprint exercise on the power output, jumping performance and lactate concentration in pre-pubescent soccer players
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Knechtle Beat
Published: May 2016

Study aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of two different recovery durations (2 min versus 5 min) on the physiological responses (power output, stretch-shortening cycle and lactate concentration) to a 5×6 s repeated cycling sprint exercise protocol in pre-pubescent soccer players.

Materials and methods: Twelve male soccer players (age 12.23 ± 0.55 yrs, body mass 43.6 ± 5.5 kg and height 156.1 ± 5.8 cm) performed 5 × 6 s sprints on a cycle ergometer (Ergomedic 874E, Monark, Sweden) against 0.075 times their body mass resistance on two occasions within a week. In one session there was a 2 min recovery and in the other there was a 5 min recovery in a counterbalanced order. A squat jump (SJ) and a countermovement jump (CMJ) were tested before and after each trial, and the eccentric utilisation ratio (EUR) was calculated as CMJ/SJ.

Results: No significant trial × recovery interaction was observed in the participants’ peak power (p = 0.891, η2 = 0.118), mean power (p = 0.910, η2 = 0.106), SJ (p = 0.144, η2 = 0.630), CMJ (p = 0.616, η2 = 0.347) and EUR (p = 0.712, η2 = 0.295). However, a main effect of the trial on the CMJ of a large magnitude (p = 0.006, η2 = 0.862) was found, in which a higher score was recorded in the third trial than in the first trial (23.3 versus 21.8 cm). No differences were found in the lactate concentrations examined 5 min after the end of the protocol between the two recovery conditions (6.7 ± 1.8 vs. 6.0 ± 1.6 mmol · L–1, in the 2 and 5 min recovery, respectively, Cohen’s d = 0.4).

Conclusions: The duration of the passive recovery time (2 min vs. 5 min) in trials of repeated sprints did not induce important changes either to the indices of the jumping performance or to the power output in pre-pubescent participants.
Efficiency of Abdominal Ultrasound and Computer Tomography in Diagnostic and Differential Diagnostic of Focal Liver Lesions
Authors: Vilmanis Janis , Ozolins Arturs , Gardovskis Janis
Published: May 2016

Introduction. The liver is a parenchimal abdominal organ with wide variety of primary benign or malignant tumors as well as metastatic tumors.

Aim of the study. Was to evaluate the informativity and usefulness of abdominal ultrasound (US) and computer tomography (CT) imaging results in diagnostics of focal liver lesions.

Material and methods. The study was conducted in Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital. Retrospective analysis of 126 patients with focal liver lesions was performed in the time period of 5 years (2009 till 2014). The medical records of patients with focal liver lesions were analyzed. Primary diagnosis detected by US or CT was evaluated and compared with final morphology after surgical operation or liver biopsy. The obtained results were expressed in percent and analyzed. Sensitivity and specificity of CT scan to detect malignant hepatic lesions was estimated and expressed as percentage with 95% confidence interval.

Results. A total of 126 patients with diagnosed liver lesions were included in the study. 96 patients were in the group with performed liver CT scans, with median age of 58.9 years. 30 patients were included in the group with liver US, with median age of 60.1 years. Liver biopsy under US control was performed for 95 patients, but surgical operations with liver resections for 31 patients. 86 patients had malignant liver lesions, but 40 had benign liver lesions. In the US group primary and final diagnosis agreement was in 26 (87%) cases, but diagnosis disagreement in 4 (13%) cases. Diagnosis disagreement was found in 26 (27.1%) cases in the CT group, but agreement was in 70 (72.9%) cases. Overall sensitivity of CT to detect malignant hepatic lesions was 95.2% (95%CI 86.7-98.3%) and specificity was 64.7% (95%CI 47.9-78.5%).

Conclusions. CT is a good imaging method for detection of focal liver lesions. In case of unclear diagnosis, percutaneous liver puncture biopsy is recommended. It is mandatory to develop a unified CT scan and US investigation protocol to improve the quality of investigation as well as further treatment tactics.
Solitary and Multiple Meningiomas: an Immunohistochemical Comparison
Authors: Vikmane Baiba , Jakovlevs Arvids , Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze
Published: May 2016

Introduction. Meningiomas are common primary tumors of brain meninges. These neoplasms develop from arachnoid cap cells and are multiple in 1 - 10% cases. Occasionally, significantly higher multiplicity rates have been reported, at least partially due to the increased application of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostics of intracranial pathologies. Meningiomas generally express progesterone receptors, but only few studies have focused on sex hormone receptor differences between solitary and multiple meningiomas. Similarly, there is limited information on cell proliferation and adhesion factors in solitary and multiple meningiomas.

Aim of the study. Was to evaluate the immunohistochemical differences in sex hormone receptor expression, cell proliferation and adhesion within solitary and multiple meningiomas.

Material and methods. In a retrospective study, 11 consecutive multiple meningiomas and 20 grade-matched solitary meningiomas were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), Ki-67 and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). IHC was followed by quantitative microscopic evaluation. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied including confidence interval (CI) analysis, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearmen correlation by IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software; p values less than 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.

Results. Although PR were found in all samples, the mean expression was significantly lower in multiple meningiomas (p = 0.03): 30.0% (95% CI: 10.4 - 49.8) versus 70.6% (95% CI: 56.6 - 84.7) in solitary meningiomas. ER were invariably absent in both groups. The proliferation index did not differ in solitary and multiple tumors. There was a trend (p = 0.07) to higher mean expression of NCAM in multiple meningiomas than in control group: 48.3% (95% CI: 25.8 - 70.8) versus 24.6% (95% CI: 13.2 - 36.0), respectively. The multiple meningiomas showed diverse histological types and immunophenotypes in up to 33.3% patients.

Conclusions. Multiple meningiomas are characterized by significant down-regulation of PR and up-regulation of NCAM. The last finding can indicate neural differentiation and/ or peculiarities of cell adhesion and signaling that facilitate multifocal proliferation. Diverse histological types as well as PR and NCAM expression in separate meningiomas within same patient indicate independent multicentric origin.
Successful Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome by Percutaneous Embolisation of Left Ovarian Vein
Authors: Petrovica Marija , Strumfa Ilze , Thora Svetlana , Vanags Andrejs
Published: May 2016

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) is a frequently undiagnosed pathology, affecting mainly young women. According to literature, about one third of all women have this condition. The main symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, varicose pelvic veins, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia. The etiology of PCS is associated with valvular insufficiency in ovarian and pelvic veins. There are four main diagnostic methods: duplex ultrasound evaluation, computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography including venous phase investigation and digital subtraction angiography. Nowadays percutaneous transcatheter embolization is an effective and safe treatment for ovarian vein reflux and thus PCS. In order to emphasize the need and possibilities to diagnose and treat PCS appropriately, here we present a well-documented case of PCS that was successfully cured by percutaneous transcatheter embolization.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activating Mutations in Squamous Histology of Lung Cancer Patients of Southern Bulgaria
Authors: Genova Silvia N. , Bichev Stoian N. , Kanarev Vladimir G.
Published: May 2016

There is only limited data on the prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activating mutations in squamous cell carcinomas and adenosquamous carcinomas of the lung in patients of the Southern Bulgarian region and the efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. AIM: Previous reports for Bulgarian population showed high incidence of EGFR mutations in the squamous cell carcinomas, so we set the goal to investigate their frequency in Southern Bulgaria, after precise immunohistochemical verification of lung cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-six lung carcinomas were included in this prospective study. All biopsies were initially analysed with p63, TTF1, Napsin A, CK7, CK34βE12, synaptophysin, CK20 and CDX2. Two hundred and twenty-five non-small cell lung carcinomas were studied with real-time PCR technology to assess the status of the EGFR gene. RESULTS: We detected 132 adenocarcinomas (58.7%), 89 squamous cell carcinomas (39.2%), 4 adenosquamous carcinomas (1.8%), 9 large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (3.8%) and 2 metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas (0.8%). Activating mutations in the EGF receptor had 3 out of 89 squamous cell carcinomas (3.37%). We have established mutations in L858R, deletion in exon 19 and rare mutation in S7681. One out of four adenosquamous carcinomas had a point mutation in the L858R (25%). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of EGFR mutations we found in lung squamous cell carcinomas in a Southern Bulgarian region is lower than that in European countries. Ethnic diversity in the region does not play role of an independent predictive factor in terms of mutation frequency.
25 Hydroxyvitamin D and Cytokines in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Slavov Georgi Sv. , Manova Maria G. , Trenova Anastasia G. , Kostadinova Ivanka I. , Pavlov Pavel I. , Mateva Nonka G. , Zahariev Zahari I.
Published: May 2016

INTRODUCTION: Clinical trials of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have produced inconsistent results for the profile of cytokine secretion in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with multiple sclerosis during periods of relapse and remission. Epidemiological and clinical observations data reveal an association of the changes in vitamin D serum concentration with the risk of developing MS. AIM: To evaluate changes in serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, IL17, IFN-gamma, TGFβ1, IL4, IL10 in relapse and remission and their correlation with the severity of disability. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three persons (30 clinically healthy controls and 23 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis) living between 41° and 42° northern latitude were registered during the astronomical winter period (October 2012- May 2013). -Patients were diagnosed according to Mc Donald 2010 criteria. The degree of neurological deficit was assessed by EDSS. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D (nmol/l) and cytokines (pg/ml) were tested by ELISA - once for controls and twice for patients (during relapse and remission). RESULTS: In the studied population average levels of 25(OH)D were close to insufficiency, most pronounced in patients in relapse, as differences were not statistically significant. A reverse correlation was found between the levels of 25(OH)D and the deficit in relapse and remission. Concentrations of TGFβ1 significantly increased in remission compared with exacerbation and controls. Serum level of IL4 was significantly lower in relapse compared with controls. In remission there was a marked tendency of increase compared with exacerbation. During clinical improvement IL17 and IFN-gamma tended to decrease compared to the average levels in relapse. In both periods, the average concentrations of IFN-gamma in patients were significantly lower compared with controls. No statistically significant differences were found comparing cytokine changes with those of 25(OH)D and deficit. CONCLUSION: Persistent cytokine imbalance in patients compared with controls is a marker for Th1-mediated CNS demyelination. Anti-inflammatory TGFβ1, IL4 are indicators of immune response intensity. The deficit severity does not depend on changes of the tested cytokines, but correlates with 25(OH)D levels during periods of relapse and remission.
Discrepancies between Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Fluorescein Angiography in Detecting Uveitic Macular Edema
Authors: Mitkova-Hristova Vesela T. , Konareva-Kostianeva Marieta I. , Balian Arsenia M. , Stoyanova Nina S. , Semerdzhieva Maria A.
Published: May 2016

AIM: To compare spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with fluorescein angiography (FA) in detecting macular edema in patients with uveitis and analyse discrepancies in the findings obtained by the two methods. METHODS: The study included 133 eyes from 117 patients with uveitis that had SD-OCT (RTVue-100/ Optovue) and FA (Topcon TRC 50DX) scans performed to detect or rule out macular edema. RESULTS: Macular edema was found in 57 (42.9%) of the 133 surveyed eyes. In 37 eyes (27.8%) macular edema was confirmed by both imaging methods. In 17 eyes (12.8%) macular edema was detected on SD-OCT but not on FA;in 15 eyes of these the edema was diffuse, and in 2 eyes - serous retinal detachment was verified in the macular area. Focal macular edema was detected on FA in three eyes (2.3%) in which SD-OCT showed normal finding. In 76 eyes (57.1%) no pathological changes in the macula were observed on both SD-OCT and FA. Kappa coefficient was 0.675 at p < 0.001. The agreement rate between the two methods calculated using Kendall’s tau-b was 0.693 at p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Fluorescein angiography and spectral domain optical coherence tomography are highly sensitive methods used in detecting macular edema in patients with uveitis, but they might fail to be efficient in this if used independently. Optical coherence tomography is a more informative method, especially in diagnosing diffuse macular edema.
Physical Improvement and Biological Maturity of Young Athletes (11-12 Years) with Systematic Training
Authors: Tilkeridis Konstantinos E. , Theodorou Evaggelos F. , Papathanasiou Jannis V. , Chloropoulou Pelagia A. , Trypsianis Grigorios A. , Tokmakidis Savvas P. , Kazakos Konstantinos I.
Published: May 2016

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the infl uence of systematic training in physical growth and biological maturity in prepubertal males and estimate how this affects the physical growth and skeletal maturity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 177 primary school students of the fifth and sixth grade, from schools in Alexandroupolis, participated voluntarily in our study. Questionnaires were used in order to measure physical activity levels. The subjects were subdivided into two groups; control group (prepubertal, whose physical activity was the physical education of their school and which had never participated in systematic training, n = 95) and experimental group (prepubertal, whose weekly physical activity included physical education in their schools and additionally 3-4 training units organized training in various sports clubs in the city, n = 82). The following parameters were recorded: biological age measured by determination of skeletal age; bone density measured by ultrasound methods; anthropometric and morphological features such as height, body composition, selected diameters, circumferences and skinfolds; motor ability features. RESULTS: The experimental group exhibited older biological age (p = 0.033), higher bone density (p < 0.001), lower BMI and body fat (p < 0.001), better anthropometric features and higher performance throughout all motor ability tests (p < 0.05), compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that systematic physical activity has a positive effect on both the physical and biological maturity of pre-pubertal children. This effect is mainly expressed in bone strengthening as a result of the increased bone density and in improvement of the kinetic skills of pupils who participated in organized extracurricular sport-activities.
Evaluation of Acute Exogenous Hypoxia Impact on the Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Healthy Males
Authors: Dimov Peter K. , Marinov Blagoi I. , Ilchev Ilcho S. , Taralov Zdravko Z. , Kostianev Stefan S.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Exogenous hypoxia increases ventilation and contracts the pulmonary vessels. Whether those factors change the values of nitric oxide in exhaled air has not yet been evaluated. Objective: To examine the effect of exogenous normobaric hypoxia on the values of the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled breath (FeNO). Subjects аnd Methods: Twenty healthy non-smoker males at mean age of 25.4 (SD = 3.7) were tested. The basal FeNO values were compared with those at 7 min. and 15 min. after introducing into the hypoxic environment (hypoxic tent), imitating atmospheric air with oxygen concentration corresponding to 3200 m above sea level. Exhaled breath temperature was measured at baseline and at 10-12 min. of the hypoxic exposition. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were registered by pulse-oximetry. Results: All the subjects had FeNO values in the reference range. The mean baseline value was 14.0 ± 3.2 ppb, and in hypoxic conditions - 15.5 ± 3.8 ppb (7 min.) and 15.3 ± 3.6 ppb (15 min.), respectively, as the elevation is statistically significant (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008). The values of exhaled breath temperature were 33.79 ± 1.55°С and 33.87 ± 1.83°С (p = 0.70) at baseline and in hypoxic conditions, respectively. Baseline oxygen saturation in all subjects was higher than that, measured in hypoxia (96.93 ± 1.29% vs. 94.27 ± 2.53%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Exogenous hypoxia leads to an increase of FeNO values, but does not affect the exhaled breath temperature.
The Acute Effect of the Antioxidant Drug U-74389G on Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Levels During Hypoxia Reoxygenation Injury in Rats
Authors: Tsompos Constantinos , Panoulis Constantinos , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Zografos George , Papalois Apostolos
Published: May 2016

The AIM of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant drug “U-74389G” in a rat model of hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) using the previously established protocol. Effects of treatment were evaluated by mean red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 rats of a mean weight of 231.875 g were employed in the study. RDW levels were determined at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) after starting the reoxygenation. Groups A and B received no drugs, whereas rats from groups C and D were administered with U-74389G. RESULTS: demonstrated that U-74389G administration significantly decreased the RDW levels by 4.96% + 2.27% (p = 0.0175). Reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 0.27% + 2.41% (p = 0.8889). Together, U-74389G administration and reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 2.54% + 1.39% (p = 0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: U-74389G administration particulary in concert without reperfusion declines the RDW levels even within the short - time context of 1.5 hours reperfusion.
Clinical Impact of Dental Adhesives on Postoperative Sensitivity in Class I and Class II Resin-Composite Restorations
Authors: Manchorova-Veleva Neshka A. , Vladimirov Stoyan B. , Keskinova Donka А.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND: Self-etch adhesives are believed to prevent postoperative sensitivity when used under posterior resin-based composite restorations. STUDY OBJECTIVE: A hypothesis that a one-step self-etch adhesive (1-SEA) would result in less postoperative sensitivity than a three-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (3-E&RA) was tested. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred restorations were placed with a 1-SEA and 100 restorations with a 3-E&RA. Teeth were restored with Filtek Supreme nanofilled resin-composite and were evaluated for sensitivity to cold and masticatory forces at baseline, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, and 6 months postoperatively. Vitality test scores of the teeth were recorded at the same periods. RESULTS: The evaluation of cold sensitivity intensity (VAS score) for all observation periods in both restoration groups did not reveal any statistical significance. The differences in the response time to cold stimulation (0 - 15 sec) for the restorations made with a 1-SEA and those made with a separate etch step are statistically insignificant. There are no significant differences in the vitality of the restored teeth at intra- or inter-group comparison. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in postoperative sensitivity to masticatory forces at postoperative day 14 and day 30 in the 3-E&RA group. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative sensitivity depends on the type of dentin adhesive used. More intensive complaints of postoperative sensitivity were recorded under masticatory forces at postoperative day 14 and day 30 in 3-E&RA in comparison with 1-SEA.
Application of Ultrasonic Devices in Management of Periodontal Lesions - Bone Response in a Case of a Tooth with Poor Treatment Prognosis
Authors: Blagova Bistra Y. , Pechalova Petia F. , Poriazova Elena G. , Angelova Irina A.
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of odontogenic jaw cysts may include one of the following four basic methods: enucleation, marsupialization, staged combination of marsupialization and enucleation, or enucleation with curettage. Enucleation/cystectomy, alone or combined with other procedures, is the preferred choice of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the case report was to present the outcome of an ultrasound-assistant periapical cystectomy in a frontal upper tooth with indications for extraction. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The functional result was satisfactory. On the follow-up X-rays a reduction of the intraosseous defect by a new bone formation could be observed. CONCLUSION: We found ultrasonic surgery to be a promising approach for safe and effective odontogenic jaw cyst removal reducing the risk of its recurrence.
Euryhaline preferences of the decapod crab Mioplax socialis enabled it to survive during the Badenian/Sarmatian extinction (Miocene) in the Central Paratethys
Authors: Hyžný Matúš , Mandic Oleg , Harzhauser Mathias , Ledvák Peter
Published: May 2016

Although decapod crustaceans of the Central Paratethys were diverse during the Badenian (Langhian-Early Serravallian), a dramatic drop in their diversity occurred at the boundary with the Sarmatian. A crab Mioplax socialis is one of the few decapods reported from the Lower Sarmatian (Mohrensternia Zone) of the Paratethys. Until now, this species has been known from only a handful of specimens from Austria, Croatia and Bulgaria (Central Paratethys), and its systematics and ecology remain poorly known. Here, on the basis of new specimens from the Sarmatian tuffitic clays of the Stretava Formation (Skároš, Eastern Slovakia) we confirm that this species belongs to the subfamily Chasmocarcininae. The diagnostic characters of the male sternum that allow this classification are reported for the first time. The molluscan assemblage co-occurring with M. socialis demonstrate that this species tolerated conditions with variable salinity. Its tolerance of a broad range of salinity regimes may thus explain its survival across the Badenian-Sarmatian extinction event. Preservation of near-complete and fully articulated individuals of M. socialis suggests calm conditions and short residence times on the sediment-water interface.
Structural evolution of the Turňa Unit constrained by fold and cleavage analyses and its consequences for the regional tectonic models of the Western Carpathians
Authors: Lačný Alexander , Plašienka Dušan , Vojtko Rastislav
Published: May 2016

The Turňa Unit (Turnaicum, Tornaicum) is one of the three nappe systems involved in the geological structure of the inner zones of the Western Carpathians. The unit is formed by a system of partial nappes and duplexes, which overlie the Meliata Unit s.l. and are overridden by the Silica Nappe. The Slovenská skala partial nappe in the investigated area includes clastic sediments of the mid-Carboniferous, Permian and Early Triassic age, followed by mostly deep-water Middle-Upper Triassic succession predominantly composed of carbonates. Structural analysis of cleavage planes and folds was carried out predominantly in the Lower Triassic Werfen Formation. The measured deformational structures are polygenetic and were principally formed in three successive deformation stages. The first deformation stage is represented by bedding-parallel, very low-grade metamorphic foliation that was related to nappe stacking and formation of the Mesozoic accretionary wedge during the latest Jurassic and earliest Cretaceous. The second deformation stage is represented by systems of open to closed, partly asymmetric folds with SW-NE oriented, steeply NW- or SE-dipping axial-plane cleavage. Regionally, the folded bedding planes are usually moderately SE-ward dipping, the NW-ward and subvertical dips are less common. The mesoscopic fold structures predominantly occur in the SW-NE trending anticlinal and synclinal hinge zones of large-scale folds. These structures evolved in a compressional tectonic regime with the NW-SE to N-S orientation of the maximum compressional axis. The third observed deformation stage was activated during ENE-WSW oriented shortening. This stage is chiefly represented by open, kink-type folds. Some inferences for regional structures and tectonic evolution of the area are discussed as well.
Cognitive performance in aphasia due to stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Fonseca José , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Pavão Martins Isabel
Published: May 2016

Aphasia persists in about one third of the patients with left hemisphere stroke, yet it is not known if it enhances the risk of dementia, beyond what results from any focal brain lesion. This lack of knowledge is mostly related to the difficulty of cognitive evaluation in people with aphasia. The development of tools aiming to assess cognitive functioning in people with aphasia could overcome this limitation. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the frequency and the profile of cognitive impairment in stroke patients with aphasia, to assemble existing non-verbal instruments to be used in patients with language disorders.

We conducted a systematic review, through Web of Science, Medline and PsycINFO electronic databases, of articles published between January 1995 and October 31, 2015 related to aphasia due to stroke and non-verbal neurobehavioral tests.

The electronic search identified 2487 citations. After screening 38 were included in this review. Additionally 53 articles were selected among the references of analyzed publications of which nine were included producing a total of 47 articles. The cognitive tests more frequently used in persons with aphasia are the Figures Memory Tests, Visual Memory Span, Progressive Matrices, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and some measures of the Test of Everyday Attention, covering a reasonable range of cognitive domains. The majority of studies across cognitive domains reported lower scores for patients with aphasia compared with controls. No specific difficulties were reported regarding tests applicability.

There are several tools available to assess cognitive functions in aphasia. Although there is some variability, patients with aphasia tend to present lower scores than those with left hemisphere stroke without aphasia or healthy subjects. A consensus tool should be developed to screen or evaluate cognition and dementia in individuals with language impairment.
Effects of nicotine in the presence and absence of vitamin E on morphology, viability and osteogenic gene expression in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells
Authors: Torshabi Maryam , Esfahrood Zeinab Rezaei , Gholamin Parisan , Karami Elahe
Published: May 2016

Background:

Evidence shows that oxidative stress induced by nicotine plays an important role in bone loss. Vitamin E with its antioxidative properties may be able to reverse the effects of nicotine on bone. This study aimed to assess the effects of nicotine in the presence and absence of vitamin E on morphology, viability and osteogenic gene expression in MG-63 (osteosarcoma) human osteoblast-like cells.

Methods:

We treated the cells with 5 mM nicotine. The viability and morphology of cells were evaluated respectively using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) and crystal violet assays. The effect of nicotine on osteogenic gene expression in MG-63 cells was assessed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of osteoblast markers, namely, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein.

Results:

The results revealed that survival and proliferation of MG-63 cells were suppressed following exposure to nicotine, and cytoplasm vacuolization occurred in the cells. Nicotine significantly down-regulated the expression of osteogenic marker genes. Such adverse effects on morphology, viability and osteogenic gene expression of MG-63 cells were reversed by vitamin E therapy.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, vitamin E supplementation may play a role in proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, and vitamin E can be considered as an anabolic agent to treat nicotine-induced bone loss.
A Fast Hysteresis Current–Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive Based on Field Orientation
Authors: Ogbuka Cosmas , Nwosu Cajethan , Agu Marcel
Published: May 2016

A fast hysteresis current-controlled (HCC) permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive based on field orientation is presented. The objectives of this research are to develop and utilize HCC algorithm for field orientation control (FOC) of a complete closed loop speed-controlled PMSM drive system, optimize the HCC algorithm to obtain fast speed response with step and ramp speed inputs to examine the effectiveness of current and torque tracking, identify the optimal control variables of the HCC on the PMSM, examine the performance with ramp and step reference speed inputs. The response of the developed model is compared with the speed response of the standard AC6 of MATLAB Simpower systems in terms of rise time, settling time and effectiveness of current and torque tracking. Compared to the standard AC6 of MATLAB Simpower systems, the developed model achieved rise time and settling time of 0.0108 seconds and 0.0143 seconds respectively while the corresponding values for AC6 model are 0.1944 seconds and 0.1984 seconds respectively. The developed model, therefore, offered superior performance over the AC6 model in terms of rise time, settling time and tracking capability.
AMTI Filter Design for Radar with Variable Pulse Repetition Period
Authors: Řezníček Michal , Bezoušek Pavel , Zálabský Tomáš
Published: May 2016

This paper presents a design of a Doppler AMTI filter, for a radar with a variable pulse repetition period (stagger). The filter can suppress ground and volume clutter echoes simultaneously. The maximum filter impulse response length is limited to 5 coefficients due to a limited radar system stability and a radar antenna movement.
A conditional Lipschitz stability for determining a space-dependent source coefficient in the 2D/3D advection-dispersion equation
Authors: Li Gongsheng , Jia Xianzheng , Sun Chunlong
Published: May 2016

This paper deals with an inverse problem of determining a space-dependent source
coefficient in the 2D/3D advection-dispersion equation with final observations using the variational adjoint method.
Data compatibility for the inverse problem is analyzed by which an admissible set for the unknowns is induced.
With the aid of an adjoint problem, a bilinear functional based on the variational identity is set forth with which a norm for the unknown is well-defined under suitable conditions, and then a conditional Lipschitz stability for the inverse problem is established. Furthermore, numerical inversions with random noisy data are performed using the optimal perturbation algorithm, and the inversion solutions give good approximations to the exact solution as the noise level goes to small.
A Review on Spectral Amplitude Coding Optical Code Division Multiple Access
Authors: Kaur Navpreet , Goyal Rakesh , Rani Monika
Published: May 2016

This manuscript deals with analysis of Spectral Amplitude Coding Optical Code Division Multiple Access (SACOCDMA) system. The major noise source in optical CDMA is co-channel interference from other users known as multiple access interference (MAI). The system performance in terms of bit error rate (BER) degrades as a result of increased MAI. It is perceived that number of users and type of codes used for optical system directly decide the performance of system. MAI can be restricted by efficient designing of optical codes and implementing them with unique architecture to accommodate more number of users. Hence, it is a necessity to design a technique like spectral direct detection (SDD) technique with modified double weight code, which can provide better cardinality and good correlation property.
Crystal structure of (2,2′(cyclohexane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilo(E)methylylidene))diphenolato-κ4
O,O′,N,N′)dimethanolmanganese(III) bromide, C22H28BrMnN2O4
Authors: Li Shengli , Li Zhenhua , Kong Lingqian , Ju Xiuping
Published: May 2016

C22H28BrMnN2O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 8.0695(3) Å, b = 14.5673(5) Å, c = 19.1743(6) Å, β = 99.692(3)°, V = 2221.78(13) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0413, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0929, T = 293(2) K.
LIFE+2010 QUADMAP Project: a new methodology
to select, analyze and manage Quiet Urban Areas
defined by the European Directive 2002/49/EC
Authors: Aspuru Itziar , Garcia Igone , Bartalucci Chiara , Borchi Francesco , Carfagni Monica , Governi Lapo , Bellomini Raffaella , Luzzi Sergio , Wolfert Henk , Gaudibert Piotr
Published: May 2016

Concerning quiet areas, the definition provided
by the Environmental Noise Directive (END) is intended to
preserve the acoustic environment in those areas where
it is considered good, according to general indicators and
limits. However, the END is not clear enough to allow appropriate
assessment and management in urban environments.
The aim of QUADMAP project was to deliver a method and
guidelines for the identification, delineation, characterization,
improvement and management of Quiet Urban Areas
(QUAs) as defined by the END. The Project also wanted
to help clarify the definition of a QUA, its meaning and its
added value for cities in terms of health, safety and lowering
stress levels.
In this article, after an introduction of the current European
scenario on QUAs, the main aspects of the methodology
introduced for the selection, analysis and management
of QUAs are described. Eventually, the major results
achieved by the Project, in terms of the guideline on QUAs,
the implemented interventions and the achieved benefits,
are reported and discussed.
Pointing Out Directions in Murrinhpatha
Authors: Blythe Joe , Mardigan Kinngirri Carmelita , Perdjert Mawurt Ernest , Stoakes Hywel
Published: May 2016

Rather than using abstract directionals, speakers of the Australian Aboriginal language
Murrinhpatha make reference to locations of interest using named landmarks, demonstratives and
pointing. Building on a culturally prescribed avoidance for certain placenames, this study reports on the
use of demonstratives, pointing and landmarks for direction giving. Whether or not pointing will be used,
and which demonstratives will be selected is determined partly by the relative epistemic incline between
interlocutors and partly by whether information about a location is being sought or being provided. The
reliance on pointing for the representation of spatial vectors requires a construal of language that includes
the visuo-corporal modality.
Separation of matrine and oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens extract through cation exchange resin coupled with macroporous absorption resin
Authors: Chen Haohao , Luo Shaojian , Zheng Xikang , Fan Huajun
Published: May 2016

A simple method for separation of matrine and oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens was developed with cation exchange resin coupled with macroporous resin. Based on the adsorption characteristics of matrine and oxymatrine, 001×732 cation exchange resin was used to absorb target alkaloids for removing most of the foreign matter, while BS-65 macroporous resin was chosen to purify these alkaloids. The result showed that the equilibrium adsorption data of matrine and oxymatrine on 001×732 resin and BS-65 resin at 30°C was fitted to Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich isotherm, respectively. The contents of matrine and oxymatrine were increased from 0.73% and 2.2% in the crude extract of the root of Sophora flavescens to 67.2% and 66.8% in the final eluent products with the recoveries of 90.3% and 86.9%, respectively.
Task conditions and short-term memory search: two-phase model of STM search
Authors: Orzechowski Jarosław , Nęcka Edward , Balas Robert
Published: May 2016

Short-term memory (STM) search, as investigated within the Sternberg paradigm, is usually described as exhaustive rather than self-terminated, although the debate concerning these issues is still hot. We report three experiments employing a modified Sternberg paradigm and show that whether STM search is exhaustive or self-terminated depends on task conditions. Specifically, STM search self-terminates as soon as a positive match is found, whereas exhaustive search occurs when the STM content does not contain a searched item. Additionally, we show that task conditions influence whether familiarity- or recollection-based strategies dominate STM search performance. Namely, when speeding up the tempo of stimuli presentation increases the task demands, people use familiarity-based retrieval more often, which results in faster but less accurate recognition judgments. We conclude that STM search processes flexibly adapt to current task conditions and finally propose two-phase model of STM search.
Capacity, Control, or Both – Which Aspects of Working Memory Contribute to Children’s General Fluid Intelligence?
Authors: Nęcka Edward , Lulewicz Agata
Published: May 2016

Starting from the assumption that working memory capacity is an important predictor of general fluid intelligence, we asked which aspects of working memory account for this relationship. Two theoretical stances are discussed. The first one posits that the important explanatory factor is storage capacity, roughly defined as the number of chunks possible to hold in the focus of attention. The second one claims that intelligence is explained by the efficiency of executive control, for instance, by prepotent response inhibition. We investigated 96 children at the age between 10 and 13. They completed a version of the n-back task that allows assessment of both storage capacity and inhibitory control. They also completed Raven’s Progressive Matrices as the fluid intelligence test and the Test for Creative Thinking - Drawing Production, for control purposes. We found that Raven’s scores correlated negatively with the number of unnecessary responses to irrelevant stimuli but they did not correlate with the number of signal detections. We conclude that children’s fluid intelligence depends on inhibitory control, with no relationship with storage capacity.