bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper and manganese acquisition in maize (Zea mays L) under different P and K fertilization
Authors: Gaj Renata , Bąk Krzysztof , Budka Anna
Published: June 2016

The paper demonstrates the influence of different mineral fertilization with phosphorus and potassium on the concentration of copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in the ear leaf of maize at the stage of flowering (BBCH 65) as well as the contents and accumulation of the nutrients studied in maize when fully ripe (BBCH 89). A single factor experiment was carried out in 5-year-cycle (2007-2011), in the randomized complete block design. The experiment was conducted as a part of a long-term stationary trial. The investigation comprised 8 different P and K treatments: the absolute control, exclusive of one of the main nutrients (P - WPN or K - WKN), reduced amount of phosphorus and potassium (to 25% - W25 and to 50% WP50, WK50) as well as recommended amounts of basic nutrients (NPKMg - W100 and NP*KMg, P* - P* as PAPR - W100 PAPR). Evaluation of the nutriational status, performed in the ear leaf of maize at flowering stage, showed that regardless of fertilization treatment applied, the concentration of copper was lower than normative values, whereas that of manganese ranged within the optimal scope. At the same time, there was found a significant relationship between the grain yield obtained and acquisition of both copper and manganese by maize at flowering stage (stronger for manganese, r = 0.614). The total accumulation of copper and manganese in fully ripe maize was significantly differentiated as a result of mineral fertilization. The total uptake of Cu and Mn was reduced under the conditions of 10-year lack of P fertilization. Uptake reduction was considerably more advanced when K fertilization was absent for 10 years. Regardless of the experimental factor effects, more than 50% of the total copper uptake was accumulated in grain, whereas the majority of manganese was accumulated in maize leaves (50-64% of the total uptake). Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between maize grain yield and the total accumulation of copper, whereas that of manganese was observed only in 3 of 8 treatments tested (WPN, WP50 and W100 as PAPR).
The dependence of DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) decisions concerning white mustard and oilseed rape varieties on the number of measurements
Authors: Pilarczyk Wiesław , Kowalczyk Bogna , Zawieja Bogna
Published: June 2016

An analysis is made of the possibility of reducing numbers of measurements in DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) trials on varieties of white mustard and oilseed rape, based on the results of DUS trials performed in the years 2005–2009 by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing. It is shown that, when decisions are taken after three years of testing, it is possible to decrease the number of measurements by 50%, with the decisions practically unchanged for both considered species. For so-called early decisions (after two years of testing) the distinctness decisions are again practically the same for full and reduced data, although the decisions concerning uniformity differ significantly. This means that the number of measurements can be reduced only in cases where DUS testing is continued for three years.
High homocysteine and low folate plasma concentrations are associated with cardiovascular events but not bleeding during warfarin treatment
Authors: Lind Marcus , Jansson Jan-Håkan , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Johansson Lars
Published: June 2016

Background:

Previous studies have shown that homocysteine and folate levels in plasma are associated with risk for cardiovascular events and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate if plasma concentrations of total homocysteine and folate can predict major bleeding, cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality in patients being treated with warfarin.

Methods:

In a longitudinal cohort study, 719 patients who were taking warfarin were followed for 3001 treatment years. The following were recorded and classified: major bleeding; cardiovascular events including stroke, arterial emboli, and myocardial infarction (MI); and mortality. Blood samples collected at baseline were analysed for plasma homocysteine and folate levels.

Results:

After adjustment for age, C-reactive protein, and creatinine, high homocysteine levels were associated with cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.23 per standard deviation (SD); 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.47], MI (HR 1.38 per SD; 95% CI: 1.03–1.85), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.41 per SD; 95% CI: 1.19–1.68). The highest tertile of folate compared to the lowest tertile was associated with decreased risk for both cardiovascular events (HR 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43–0.91) and MI (HR 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21–0.97). There was no association between major bleeding and homocysteine or folate levels.

Conclusions:

In patients receiving warfarin treatment, high homocysteine and low folate plasma concentrations are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events but not major bleeding. For homocysteine levels, there is also an association with all-cause mortality.
Robust Numerical Upscaling of Elliptic Multiscale Problems at High Contrast
Authors: Peterseim Daniel , Scheichl Robert
Published: June 2016

We present a new approach to the numerical upscaling for elliptic problems with rough diffusion coefficient at high contrast. It is based on the localizable orthogonal decomposition of

H
1

${H^{1}}$

into the image and the kernel of some novel stable quasi-interpolation operators with local

L
2

$L^{2}$

-approximation properties, independent of the contrast. We identify a set of sufficient assumptions on these quasi-interpolation operators that guarantee in principle optimal convergence without pre-asymptotic effects for high-contrast coefficients. We then give an example of a suitable operator and establish the assumptions for a particular class of high-contrast coefficients. So far this is not possible without any pre-asymptotic effects, but the optimal convergence is independent of the contrast and the asymptotic range is largely improved over other discretization schemes. The new framework is sufficiently flexible to allow also for other choices of quasi-interpolation operators and the potential for fully robust numerical upscaling at high contrast.
Use of psychoactive substances, body image and characteristics of personality traits in bodybuilders
Authors: Pawłowska Beata , Zaręba Zofia , Potembska Emilia
Published: June 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of psychoactive substances use as well as the characteristics of body image, self-image, narcissism and stress coping strategies in the group of male professional bodybuilders.

Material and method. The study comprised a group 30 male bodybuilders practising bodybuilding professionally for over 7 years and 30 men who did not practise any sport.

The following research methods were used in the study: Socio-demographic Questionnaire and Eating Disorders and Self-image Survey Questionnaire in Men designed by Pawłowska and Staniewicz, Coping with Stress Questionnaire by Janke, Erdmann, Boucsein, Narcissism Questionnaire by Deneke, Hilgenstock, Müller, Adjective Check List by Gough and Heilbrun in the authorised translation by Płużek.

Results. As compared to the control group, bodybuilders significantly more often use psychoactive agents and have a more negative body image and self-image and show intensified narcissism.

Conclusions: In comparison to the control group:

Significantly more bodybuilders use psychoactive agents: marijuana, amphetamine and ephedrine.

Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more negative body image related to the impression of having excessive fat tissue and not sufficient muscle tissue and intensified pursuing to obtain social acceptance.

Bodybuilders are characterised by a significantly more intensified need for dominance, aggression, competitiveness, breaking social rules, being rebellious, impulsive and confrontational.

Bodybuilders are characterised by significantly more intensified narcissistic traits.

Bodybuilders, while in a stressful situation, express compensatory conviction of having better than other people skills to cope with difficulties.
The case of inorganic hypersomnia treated with light therapy in the course of schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Masiak Jolanta , Masiak Elżbieta , Ziniuk Katarzyna
Published: June 2016

According to ICD 10, nonorganic hypersomnia is defined as “a condition of either excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks (not accounted for by an inadequate amount of sleep) or prolonged transition to the fully aroused state upon awakening. When no definite evidence of organic etiology can be found, this condition is usually associated with mental disorders”. The severe hypersomnia in the course of schizoaffective disorder is rather a rare phenomenon. The paper presents the case of 41-year-old female patient with severe hypersomnia during the course of the schizoaffective disorder. The course of hypersomnia was severe. The patient slept constantly day and night and was awoken by her family for about three-hour period of time. The duration of hypersomnia was about one year until the onset of treatment. The patient was successfully treated with light therapy that caused gradual resolution of the symptoms of hypersomnia. The patient is also treated as prior to the onset of hypersomnia with antipsychotics and the mood stabilizers for schizoaffective disorder. Since that time there were six-year-period of follow up when the patient was free of any symptoms of hypersomnia.
Extraordinary system of delusions and the social functioning - a case study
Authors: Skoczeń Nikodem , Masternak Sebastian , Olajossy Marcin
Published: June 2016

Schizophrenic psychoses are a heterogeneous group of diseases that affect about 1% of the world’s population. The first symptoms of the disease usually manifest between ages 20 and 30. The diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia and its subtypes are characterized in detail in ICD-10. Diagnosis is based primarily on the presence of productive symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations occurring for at least one month which cannot be explained in another way. Schizophrenia is a disease which largely affects social functioning of patients, such as occupational performance, family life, interpersonal relationships or housing situation. Apart from the sociological aspect, social lives of schizophrenia sufferers are significantly impoverished due to cognitive impairment associated with improper functioning of NMDA receptors. The study describes a case of a patient suffering from paranoid schizophrenia which sheds light on the social functioning of this group of patients.
Mechanisms promoting and inhibiting the process of proteasomal degradation of cells
Authors: Pedrycz Agnieszka , Kramkowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2016

Defects in the process of degradation of unneeded cellular proteins underlie many diseases. This article discusses one of the most important systems of removal of abnormal proteins. It describes the process of ubiquitination of proteins for proteasome degradation. It also describes the structure of the 26S and 20S proteasomes and the mechanism of ubiquitin-proteasome system. Proteasome proteolytic system is highly specialized and organized. Protease-proteasome 26S is particularly important for proper cell functioning. It recognizes and degrades marked proteins. Inhibition of proteasome pathway leads to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Efficient degradation of cellular proteins by UPS (the ubiquitin - proteasome system) - is important for signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, response to stress and the activity control of cell receptors.

The development of many diseases has its origin in the dysfunction of the UPS route. This group includes diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, immune-mediated diseases and infectious diseases. Development of effective methods for pharmacological intervention in the functioning of this system has become a great challenge. The use of specific, low molecular-weight proteasome inhibitors and enzymes catalyzing the ubiquitination gives hope for new, targeted therapies.
Sustainability by Education: How Latvian Heritage was Kept Alive in German Exile
Authors: Franzenburg Geert
Published: June 2016

Sustainability is one of the core challenges for education in modern times, particularly concerning cultural heritage. The study evaluates, from a German point of view, how Latvians outside of Latvia after World War II kept their cultural heritage alive by educational concepts, which can be characterized as early roots of modern sustainable education. The evaluation focus concerns a group of Latvians in Germany associated with the Latvian high school in Muenster (MLG). The study concerns the 25 years from 1957 (school relocation to Muenster) until 1982 (founding of the organization “Latvian Center of Muenster e.V.” (LCM), and combines interviews and literature research. It underlines that environmental, social and heritage education can be seen as core elements of Latvian education abroad. Therefore, the study will not present a concise history of the Latvian high school in Muenster (MLG), which has already been done (Sprogis, 2009), but will concisely evaluate the educational concepts of this particular period as a model, how Latvians maintained their heritage in a sustainable way.
In-depth Cultural Studies in Multicultural Group
Authors: Siliņa-Jasjukeviča Gunta , Briška Ilze
Published: June 2016

There is much research and educational practices at all levels of education on how to deal with promoting acceptance and understanding between different cultures. A cultural study forms an important part of shaping intercultural understanding. The aim of the research is to analyze an innovative way of incorporating cultural studies in teacher education program from the perspective of encouraging multinational students to reveal common values within diverse manifestations of different cultures. The present article describes a qualitative study of multinational students’ experiences in international project related to the learning about Nordic and Baltic cultural traditions. In the conclusion of the article, the efficiency of the structure of content and the process of in-depth cultural studies are analyzed. The discussion contains problems for further research of this topic.
A Retrospective Introduction to Religious Education: An Interpretive Approach
Authors: Jackson Robert
Published: June 2016

The author takes a retrospective look at his book Religious Education: An Interpretive Approach, first published in 1997, and now available to readers, open access, via the European Wergeland Centre website (http://www.theewc.org/Content/Library/Research-Development/Literature/Introducing-Religious-Education-an-Interpretive-Approach). He tells a personal story of teaching, broadcasting and research, moving from the design of a methodology for studying the religions of minority groups in Britain to identifying the main concepts used for teaching about religions to children and young people in an engaging way, which relates to their own personal and social experience. The article, explains the key concept of representation – looking, for example, at how religions are often represented in ways that play down their internal diversity. Next the concept of interpretation is considered, emphasising the activity through which learners can compare and contrast the use of language by religious believers with their own nearest equivalent language uses, in trying, with sensitivity, to get as close as possible to their meanings. Finally, the process of reflexivity is explained; this gives learners an opportunity for three activities – to re-assess their understanding of their own world view (called edification in the interpretive approach), to make a distanced critique of beliefs and ideas they have studied, and to evaluate the methods that they have been using to learn about the religious meanings of others. Finally the author illustrates how the key concepts from the interpretive approach have been adapted for use in field research studies on teaching and learning about religions.
The ‘Institutions-Individual’ Conceptual Nexus as a Basis of Alternative Economic Methodologies
Authors: Stefanović Zoran , Petrović Dragan
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses issues of methodological basis of contemporary economic theory, from the perspective of rival research orientations and their conceptual sensitization to the role and impacts of institutional structures. In this regard, the paper presents methodological individualism, research support of economic orthodoxy, based on a consistent interpretation of all social phenomena as outcomes of individual choice. It is shown that even in its most rigid versions this approach has to take to a certain degree into account the social interactions that go beyond the individualist framework. The opposing research orientation, methodological holism, gives explanatory primacy to (different) social collective entities and structures, characteristics of which are autonomous in nature and essential for the explanation of the individual as an entity of a lower order, whose individual properties are not significant. Both approaches are subjected to reductionist tendencies - whether explanations of the socioeconomic reality are individual or culturally over-determined. Integrating institutions in consideration of socioeconomic reality has repercussions on the mentioned methodological dichotomy, given that in conceptual terms it has the potential to bridge the extremely individualistic or collectivist methodological positions. Awareness of the impact of institutions on the socioeconomic reality has produced distinctive methodological orientations. Institutional individualism considers institutions as exogenous mechanism whose explanation is at the service of shedding light on the behaviour of the individuals as the main actors of social dynamics, and in that sense this approach can be considered as a milder variant of methodological individualism. The institutionalist extension of methodological holism, methodological institutionalism, understands individual acting as a product of an integrated institutional framework, whose dynamics takes place independently of the individuals, according to its own regularities. Some kind of balance between the aforementioned orientations is offered by methodological systemism, which affirms the dual nature of the actors of social dynamics - as both product of units of a lower order, but also as entities with autonomous, emergent properties. The contextualisation of relations between institutions and individuals in accordance with a system perspective may be a suitable way, with more tuned reality, theoretical valuation and overcoming differences between opponent methodological traditions.
Privatisation and Investment Activity in the Tourism of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Gligorijević Živorad , Ubavić Predrag
Published: June 2016

As other countries of Central and Southeastern Europe, the Republic of Serbia at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century entered the process of universal transformation, which in essence represented a powerful political and economic movement for thorough changes in all parts of social and economic life. The central place in total transformational processes was taken by property, that is ownership transformation. The purpose of this research are numerous changes and the effects caused by the ownership transformation, that is privatisation in all economic activities, and in tourism as well. The research methods used in this paper are: analysis method, synthesis method, abstraction method, generalisation method, comparison method, as well as mathematical and statistical methods. The research results show that the effects of the privatisation in the tourism activities of Serbia are rather devastating. Besides, there were no necessary changes in other elements of business transformation (organisational, managerial, personnel, technological and other), what is the decrease in quality of tourist offer in Serbia and its bad position on the international tourism market. Taking into account that the Republic of Serbia has included the development of tourism amongst the priorities of its actual economic policy and development strategy, results of this research should by its originality, scientific approach to the subject of the research, quality and expertise, complete research material in this scientific field, also to point out new possibilities of Serbian tourism development to creators of economic, touristic and investment politics.
Determinants of the Level of Contributions for Pension and Disability Insurance: The EU and Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Milena , Rakić Biljana
Published: June 2016

Both in theory and practice, great attention is paid to the analysis of the pension expenditures level, their determinants, as well as the options for their reduction, whereas the analysis of the revenues level and contributions, as the most significant revenue in contribution-based pension systems, is often neglected. The aim of this paper is to analyse the determinants of the level of contributions for pension and disability insurance in order to identify options for increasing their levels in the pension system of the Republic of Serbia. By using the comparative method, a comparative analysis of data about the trends of the most significant determinants of contribution levels among the European Union Member States and Serbia is performed. Research results have shown that increase in the contribution level for pension and disability insurance in the Republic of Serbia can be achieved by extending the definition of contribution base of employees, increasing the average effective retirement age and increasing the effective population coverage by this insurance. In addition to pointing out the options for increasing the contribution level for pension and disability insurance, the authors also propose the measures which can be applied in order to affect the increase of the contribution level for this insurance and, therefore, the total revenues level of the pension system of the Republic of Serbia.
Trans - Pacific Economic Integration Processes
Authors: Gajinov Dejana
Published: June 2016

Asia-Pacific (AP) region is the world’s most important region today from the viewpoint of long-term economic growth. It is also the extremely important cite of rivalries or partnerships - or both - between China and the United States. The strong expansion of trade, investment and other economic ties within the AP region has stimulated the process of economic integration. The network of bilateral and regional free trade agreements has increased dramatically in recent years, linking virtually all major trading countries in the region, with one exception: either the US or China have not become members of the free trade arrangements involving the other country. The paper examines the scope, principles and characteristics of economic relations and cooperation in the AP region. The issue of whether Asian efforts for regional integration have been compatible with an open multilateral trading system at the global level is also addressed. The paper also assesses changes in the dynamics of regional integration and its future prospects. In this sense, in the Asia Pacific there are now two tracks which lead to the formation of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP): Asian, based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and trans-pacific, based on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Some advances in the theory of quasi-pseudometric type spaces
Authors: Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we extend most of the results proved in [4]. In particular, we give some topological properties of the quasi-pseudometric type spaces. Moreover, some fixed point and common fixed point theorems are obtained in the setting of quasi-pseudometric spaces, introduced some months ago by Kazeem et al in [4].
Generalized altering distances and fixed point for occasionally hybrid mappings
Authors: Marzouki B. , El Haddouchi A.
Published: June 2016

In this work we are interested in the generalization of the result which is in the article [20]. To realize this, we weaken the two conditions that are : weakly altering distance and occasionally weakly compatible, then we neglect the distance altered because of some changes in theorem.
Total limited packing in graphs
Authors: Hosseini Moghaddam S.M. , Mojdeh D.A. , Samadi B.
Published: June 2016

We define a k-total limited packing number in a graph, which generalizes the concept of open packing number in graphs, and give several bounds on it. These bounds involve many well known parameters of graphs. Also, we establish a connection among the concepts of tuple domination, tuple total domination and total limited packing that implies some results.
A general fixed point theorem for a pair of multi-valued mappings in partial metric spaces
Authors: Popa Valeriu
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this paper is to prove a general fixed point theorem for a pair of multi-valued mappings satisfying a new type of implicit relation in partial metric spaces, which generalizes Theorem 2.2 [4], Theorem 3.1 [3], Theorem 3.2 [7], Corollary 2.3 [4], Theorem 2.8 [16] and obtain other particular results.
Valuation of timber production and carbon sequestration on Järvselja nature protection area
Authors: Adermann Veiko , Padari Allar , Sirgmets Risto , Kosk Aija , Kaimre Paavo
Published: June 2016

Järvselja nature protection area was established in order to preserve and introduce virgin forests, to protect old natural forests, old deciduous forests and habitats of different species. At the same time the stands of nature protection area provide other benefits having both use and non-use values. The goal of the study is to assess the monetary value of the two components of forest ecosystem: timber production and carbon sequestration. The value of timber expresses to forest owners and policy-makers the opportunity cost of nature protection. The carbon sequestration represents the value of new service, highly appreciated in the context of climate policy. While a market for timber and carbon exists, the market-price method has been used for valuation. The data for calculations was obtained from the materials of forest inventory carried out in 2010 by the Department of Forest Management, Estonian University of Life Sciences. According to the calculations the theoretical long-term average value of timber is 325 euros per hectare. The monetary value of timber production is approximately three times higher compared to average productivity of Estonian private forests. The guidelines of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the inventories of greenhouse gases were used when transforming the growing stock and dead stem timber into biomass and finally into carbon and carbon dioxide. According to the price 4.62 € per ton of tradeable carbon equivalent in autumn 2013, the value of carbon sequestration on Järvselja nature protection area could be estimated 1473 € per hectare of forest land. Because of the high age of stands on nature protection area, the role of forests as a sequestrator of CO2 is remarkable compared to commercial forests. The accumulation of carbon in old-growth natural forests is close to zero, but they still fulfil the role of being a carbon pool.
SMEAR Estonia: Perspectives of a large-scale forest ecosystem – atmosphere research infrastructure
Authors: Noe Steffen M. , Niinemets Ülo , Krasnova Alisa , Krasnov Dmitrii , Motallebi Azimeh , Kängsepp Vivika , Jõgiste Kalev , Hõrrak Urmas , Komsaare Kaupo , Mirme Sander , Vana Marko , Tammet Hannes , Bäck Jaana , Vesala Timo , Kulmala Markku , Petäjä Tuukka , Kangur Ahto
Published: June 2016

Establishment of the SMEAR Estonia at a hemiboreal mixed deciduous broad-leaved-evergreen needle-leaved forest at Järvselja, South-Eastern Estonia, has strongly enhanced the possibilities for national and international cooperation in the fields of forest ecosystem – atmosphere research and impacts of climatic changes on forest ecosystems, atmospheric trace gases, aerosols and air ions. The station provides a multitude of comprehensive continuously measured data covering key climatic and atmospheric characteristics (state and dynamics of solar radiation, trace gases, aerosols and air ions, meteorological parameters) and forest ecosystem traits (net primary productivity, individual tree growth, gas-exchange characteristics, soil variables). The station follows a multidisciplinary and multiscale approach covering processes in spatial dimensions ranging from nanometres to several hundred square kilometres, being thus able to significantly contribute to worldwide measurement networks and the SMEAR network. Here we present an overview of the station, its data produced and we envision future developments towards sustainable research and development of the large-scale scientific infrastructure SMEAR Estonia.
Leaf area index mapping with optical methods and allometric models in SMEAR flux tower footprint at Järvselja, Estonia
Authors: Mõistus Marta , Lang Mait
Published: June 2016

Leaf area index (LAI) characterizes the amount of photosynthetically active tissue in plant canopies. LAI is one of the key factors determining ecosystem net primary production and gas and energy exchange between the canopy and the atmosphere. The aim of the present study was to test different methods for LAI and effective plant area index (PAIe) estimation in mixed hemiboreal forests in Järvselja SMEAR Estonia (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations) flux tower footprint. We used digital hemispherical images from sample plots, forest management inventory data, allometric foliage mass models, airborne discrete-return recording laser scanner (ALS) data and multispectral satellite images. The free ware program HemiSpherical Project Manager (HSP) was used to calculate canopy gap fraction from digital hemispherical photographs taken in 25 sample plots. PAIe was calculated from the gap fraction for up-scaling based on ALS point cloud metrics. The all ALS pulse returns-based canopy transmission was found to be the most suitable lidar metric to estimate PAIe in Järvselja forests. The 95-percentile (H95
) of lidar point cloud height distribution correlates very well with allometric regression models based LAI and in birch stands the relationship was fitted with 0.7 m2 m−2 residual error. However, the relationship was specific to each allometric foliage mass model and systematic discrepancies were detected at large LAI values between the models. Relationships between the spectral reflectance and allometric LAI were not good enough to be used for LAI mapping. Therefore, airborne laser scanning data-based PAIe map was created for areas near SMEAR tower. We recommend to establish a network of permanent sample plots for forest growth and gap fraction measurements into the flux footprint of SMEAR Estonia flux tower in Järvselja to provide consistent up to date data for interpretation of the flux measurements.
Usability evaluation of centered time cartograms
Authors: Ullah Rehmat , Mengistu Eskedar Zelalem , van Elzakker C.P.J.M. , Kraak Menno-Jan
Published: June 2016

A time cartogram visualizes travelling-times between locations. It replaces the geographic distance by time distance and distorts the underlyingmap accordingly. By distorting themap, time cartogramsmay give a more intuitive and clear picture of travelling-times. The distortion of the map, however, can make time cartograms harder to recognize and use. Although cartograms are becoming widespread in use, very little is known about their usability. This study focuses on the usability of centered time cartograms: time cartograms that visualize travellingtimes from a fixed starting location to other destinations in a region. We created several centered time cartograms to answer spatio-temporal questions related to the Dutch railway network. Two experiments were performed: a laboratory test and an online survey. In the laboratory test, we used eye-tracking, thinking aloud, and video-recording to compare four different designs of centered time cartograms to find out which one (or combination) of these performs better in answering spatiotemporal questions and thus, to establish a favorable design strategy for these cartograms. In the online survey, centered time cartograms were evaluated against a geographic and schematic map for accuracy, response time, and preference. The first experiment suggested that among various designs, the centered time cartogram with emphasized railroads is the most preferred design and the centered time cartogram without railroads is the least preferred. The second experiment indicated that overall, centered time cartograms perform better than the two other solutions in performing spatio-temporal tasks, particularly when the task has a dominant time-related component.
An efficient multicomponent, one-pot synthesis of Betti bases catalyzed by cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) at ambient temperature
Authors: Mekheimer Ramadan Ahmed , Asiri Abdullah Mohamed , Abdel Hameed Afaf Mohamed , Awed Reham R. , Sadek Kamal Usef
Published: June 2016

Starting from readily available 2-naphthol, aldehydes, aryl and alkylamines, a variety of Betti bases were efficiently synthesized utilizing a catalytic amount of cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) at room temperature. This protocol has advantages of high yield, mild reaction conditions, no environmental pollution, diversity of reactants and simple work up procedure.
Coordination of stress, Ca2+, and immunogenic signaling pathways by PERK at the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: van Vliet Alexander R. , Garg Abhishek D. , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: June 2016

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the main coordinator of intracellular Ca2+ signaling, protein synthesis, and folding. The ER is also implicated in the formation of contact sites with other organelles and structures, including mitochondria, plasma membrane (PM), and endosomes, thereby orchestrating through interorganelle signaling pathways, a variety of cellular responses including Ca2+ homeostasis, metabolism, and cell death signaling. Upon loss of its folding capacity, incited by a number of stress signals including those elicited by various anticancer therapies, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is launched to restore ER homeostasis. The ER stress sensor protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) is a key mediator of the UPR and its role during ER stress has been largely recognized. However, growing evidence suggests that PERK may govern signaling pathways through UPR-independent functions. Here, we discuss emerging noncanonical roles of PERK with particular relevance for the induction of danger or immunogenic signaling and interorganelle communication.
Fusion proteins of an enoate reductase and a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase facilitate the synthesis of chiral lactones
Authors: Peters Christin , Rudroff Florian , Mihovilovic Marko D. , T. Bornscheuer Uwe
Published: June 2016

Nature uses the advantages of fusion proteins for multi-step reactions to facilitate the metabolism in cells as the conversion of substrates through intermediates to the final product can take place more rapidly and with less side-product formation. In a similar fashion, also for enzyme cascade reactions, the fusion of biocatalysts involved can be advantageous. In the present study, we investigated fusion of an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), an enoate reductase (ERED) and a Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) to enable the synthesis of (chiral) lactones starting from unsaturated alcohols as substrates. The domain order and various linkers were studied to find optimal conditions with respect to expression levels and enzymatic activities. Best results were achieved for the ERED xenobiotic reductase B (XenB) fromPseudomonas putidaand the cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMO) fromAcinetobactersp., whereas none of the ADHs studied could be fused successfully. This fusion protein together with separately supplied ADH resulted in similar reaction rates inin vivobiocatalysis reactions. After 1.5 h we could detect 40% more dihydrocarvone lactone inin vivoreactions with the fusion protein and ADH then with the single enzymes.
Wrinkled graphene: synthesis and characterization of few layer graphene-like nanocarbons from kerosene
Authors: Ramya A.V. , Mohan Anu N. , Manoj B.
Published: June 2016

Wrinkled graphene, derived from a facile thermal decomposition and chemical method, was subjected to various analysis techniques and the results have been reported here. Raman studies revealed the presence of highly graphitized amorphous carbon, which was evident by the appearance of five peaks in the deconvoluted first order spectrum. This result was very well corroborated by the XRD analysis. XPS and FT-IR spectra confirmed the incorporation of oxygen functionalities into the carbon backbone. AFM and SEM images of the sample disclosed a cluster of few-layer wrinkled graphene fragments. TEM images displayed a chain of nearly spherical aggregates of graphene, resembling nanohorns. The resistivity and sheet resistance of the sample were found to be low, making the obtained material a promising candidate for various device applications. Hence, kerosene soot proved to be an efficient precursor for facile synthesis of few layer graphene-like nanocarbon.
Crystal structure of 3-(4-bromophenyl)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide, C16H13BrFN3S
Authors: Ghabbour Hazem A. , Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Baashen Mohammed , Mohammad Asmari Majid , El-Hiti Gamal A.
Published: June 2016

C16H13BrFN3S, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 14.6734(6) Å, b = 11.1226(5) Å, c = 9.4184(4) Å, β = 102.524(2)°, V = 1500.57(11) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0473, wR
ref
(F
2) = 0.1182, T = 100 K.
High Cycle Fatigue Strength of Punched Thin Fe-Si Steel Sheets
Authors: Dehmani Helmi , Brugger Charles , Palin-Luc Thierry , Mareau Charles , Koechlin Samuel
Published: June 2016

Some parts of electrical machines are built from stacks of thin steel sheets, for which the coarse grain microstructure allows for minimizing magnetic losses. The fabrication process of these parts usually involves punching operations that generate important defects on the edges. Since these alterations may result in a degradation of the fatigue strength, this study aims at elaborating on a fatigue design strategy for such punched parts. To reach this objective, high cycle fatigue tests are performed on different specimens with either punched or polished edges. The results show a significant decrease of the fatigue strength for punched specimens. Scanning electron microscope observations of specimen facture surfaces reveal that defects on punched edges are at the origin of the fatigue cracks. The influence of temperature is also investigated. Fatigue tests are performed at ambient temperature (20°C) and at 180°C. According to the experimental results, no significant influence on the median fatigue strength is observed. Since crack initiation always occur on the edges, additional investigations are performed to characterize how edges are altered by punching operations. Residual stresses are determined on punched edges using x-ray diffraction techniques. As a consequence of punching, important tensile residual stresses exist along the loading direction. In association with the stress concentration caused by geometrical defects, residual stresses promote crack initiation and fast crack propagation. For a better understanding of crack initiation, edge geometries are scanned with a 3D optical profilometer, allowing us to identify the critical defect. It is found that the typical defect size is comparable to the grain size.
FTY720 (Fingolimod) attenuates basal and sphingosine-1-phosphate-evoked thyroid cancer cell invasion
Authors: Kalhori Veronica , Magnusson Melissa , Asghar Muhammad Yasir , Pulli Ilari , Törnquist Kid
Published: June 2016

The bioactive lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a potent inducer of ML-1 thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion. It evokes migration and invasion by activating S1P receptor 1 and 3 (S1P1,3) and downstream signaling intermediates as well as through cross-communication with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). However, very little is known about the role of S1P receptors in thyroid cancer. Furthermore, the currently used treatments for thyroid cancer have proven to be rather unsuccessful. Thus, due to the insufficiency of the available treatments for thyroid cancer, novel and targeted therapies are needed. The S1P receptor functional antagonist FTY720, an immunosuppressive drug currently used for treatment of multiple sclerosis, has shown promising effects as an inhibitor of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we investigated the effect of FTY720 on invasion and proliferation of several thyroid cancer cell lines. We present evidence that FTY720 attenuated basal as well as S1P-evoked invasion of these cell lines. Furthermore, FTY720 potently downregulated S1P1, protein kinase Cα(PKCα), PKCβI, and VEGFR2. It also attenuated S1P-evoked phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Our results also showed that FTY720 attenuated S1P-induced MMP2 intracellular expression, S1P-induced secretion of MMP2 and MMP9, and decreased basal MMP2 and MMP9 activity. Moreover, in FTY720-treated cells, proliferation was attenuated, p21 and p27 were upregulated, and the cells were arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. FTY720 attenuated cancer cell proliferation in the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. Thus, we suggest that FTY720 could be beneficial in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Teacher’s Irregularity and Students Performance: A Causative Analysis
Authors: Segrott Evelin
Published: June 2016

Teacher irregularity is a noteworthy issue confronting numerous educational institutes. A high rate of irregularity of teachers from their posts is a serious obstruction to conveyance of education in many developing countries, but hard proof on the issue has been rare. There are more than a few critical variables that are associated with increased irregularity of teachers: poor working conditions, for example, poorer groups and infrastructure; teachers with less binds to the school's communities; contract teaching, absence of unpredictable supervision and appraisal, allotting instructor's non-teaching obligations, instructors strike and absence of congruity amongst guardians and educators are key reasons for teachers irregularity. By contrast, delegations for more lively top-down and base up observing are not connected with lower absence. These outcomes, together with the moderately high general state funded teacher participation rates in a situation where monetary impetuses for execution are frail, propose that non-financial motivators are imperative determinants of teacher performance. Head instructors and Education Officers has involved teachers for coming to class late, leaving right on time from school, teachers being in school and not taking care of their lessons and teachers doing private business amid working hours. The primary goal of this study is to figure out what the key elements of teacher’s irregularity are and how these factors influence students’ performance in their academic career. The study prescribes that with a specific end goal to decrease teacher irregularity there is need to address personal, school and environmental factors prompting teacher irregularity successfully.
Nem alkoholos zsírmáj és hepatocellularis carcinoma – 2016
Authors: Pár Alajos , Pár Gabriella
Published: June 2016

In the past decade non-alcoholic liver disease became the most frequently diagnosed liver disease in developed countries. At the same time, the dramatic rise in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is attributed to this common metabolic disorder, and mainly to its severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The risk factors of these associated diseases are genetic predisposition, obesity and diabetes as well as chronic low grade necro-infammation, which often leads to liver fibrosis. Free fatty acids, cytokines, lipotoxicity, insulin resistance, microRNS dysregulation and alteration in intestinal microbiota play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis. Treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – weight reduction and physical exercise in obesity, metformin in diabetes, statins in dyslipidemia and, as a new option, obeticholic acid – may diminish the risk of the hepatocellular carcinoma related to this metabolic disease. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(25), 987–994.
A túlélők mindennapjai. A hospice-ellátásban dolgozók életminősége
Authors: Révay Edit , Kegye Adrienne , Zana Ágnes , Hegedűs Katalin
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Each year, the number of hospice services and terminally ill patients increase while the number of hospice workers is falling. The intensification of the physical and mental burdens of the latter can lead to burnout and the fluctuation of the workers. Aim: The aim of the authors was to survey the physical and mental state of hospice workers, as well as the risk of burnout and coping strategies. Method: A questionnaire survey in hospice experts and volunteers (n ≈ 1500) based on the Hungarostudy survey was performed. Results: Those who filled in the questionnaire (n = 195) had on average 1.86 workplaces and 45.8% of them reported working 12 or more hours a day. Most often, they suffered from lack of energy (65.1%), disturbing physical pain (46.9%), sleeping (56.9%) and digestion (35%), they considered themselves overweight (56.9%) and they were occupied with work problems even at bedtime (72.8%). Conclusions: Hospice workers are overloaded, they have physical and mental symptoms and they are characterized by compassion fatigue. At the same time, they are also characterized by compassion satisfaction as an ability to accept appreciation for the caretaking. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(25), 1000–1006.
Laktózintolerancia: a laktázgén C/T-13910 polimorfizmusának és a hidrogénkilégzési teszt pontosságának retrospektív kiértékelése gasztroenterológiai szakrendelésen
Authors: Buzás György , Fodor Flóra , Csókay Béla
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Adult type hypolactasia is the most prevalent carbohydrate malabsorption. Aim: To assess the distribution of lactase gene C/T-13910 polymorphism and the accuracy and concordance of a genetic test and H2 breath test in the diagnosis of adult type hypolactasia. Method: 496 patients with symptoms of lactose intolerance were enrolled in a retrospective study who underwent genetic test using TaqMan polymerase chain reaction and H2 breath test. Results: The prevalence of C/T-13910 genotypes was: CC 48.1%, TC: 40.5%, and TT: 11.4%. When the genetic test was taken as reference, the sensitivity of the breath test was 84.3%, with a specificity of 95.7%, a positive predictive value of 96.7% and negative predictive value of 80.4%. Conversely, the accuracy of genetic test was: sensitivity 96.6%, specificity 80.4%, positive predictive value 84.3% and negative predictive value 95.7%. The concordance value between the two tests (kappa index) was 0.78. The results were discordant in 11.1% of the cases. Conclusions: In symptomatic patients, the lactase non-persistence genotype CC occurred in almost half of the patients. Both the genetic and the breath tests are sufficiently accurate, with good predictive value and they can be used to set up the diagnosis. Discordant results should be carefully interpreted. Orv. Hetil., 2016, 157(25), 1007–1112.