bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomorphological diversity of peatland basins in the Łódź region and its significance for the accumulation of biogenic sediments
Authors: Forysiak Jacek
Published: October 2015

An investigation was carried out on peatlands in the Łódź region. Geological and geomorphological studies focused on 31 sites. The peatland basins are located in moraine plateau and valleys. The diversity of basins in these areas was affected by geomorphological processes: glacial, fluvioglacial, slope, aeolian, thermokarst and fluvial. Peatlands in the region formed in different groups of basins: basins in the moraine area, basins of aeolian origin, basins in valleys (with a distinction between active and inactive valleys). Paleoecological analyses of biogenic deposits show that the peatlands developed from the Late Weichselian to the Subatlantic Period. The schemes of creation and development of the peatlands presented in this study prove a strong influence of geological and geomorphological factors.
Authigenic and allogenic organic remains as an indicator of geomorphological process activity within the floodplain environment: two case studies from Racibórz Basin, southern Poland
Authors: Wójcicki Krzysztof J.
Published: October 2015

Distinction between organic components accumulated in situ and those deposited by sedimentation is essential for the assessment of the intensity and extent of impact of geomorphological processes. Authigenic components include moss remains, fragments of the root systems of herbaceous plants and trees, the epidermis of rhizomes, and leaf sheaths, as well as a fungal mycelium. Among the allogenic components are aboveground parts of plants, including leaves of vascular plants, wood, epidermis and periderm, sporomorphs, sporangia, fruits and seeds, as well as zooclasts and protist remains. Microscopic grid analysis allows the share of individual morphological forms of organic matter to be determined in order to reconstruct the deposition conditions on the floodplain. This method makes it possible to detect episodes of activity of fluvial, aeolian and slope processes even when not accompanied by sedimentation of mineralogenic components.
Enhanced apatite precipitation on a biopolymer-coated bioactive glass
Authors: Araújo M. , Miola M. , Venturello A. , Baldi G. , Perez J. , Verné E.
Published: October 2015

In this work, sintered pellets of a silica-based bioactive glass were dip-coated with a biocompatible natural-derived polymer in order to investigate the influence of the organic coating on the glass bioactivity. After the sintering process optimization, uncoated and coated pellets have been characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM, EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and pH measurements, after the immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF). An increased apatite forming ability and a better control of the pH during soaking of the samples in SBF were observed in the presence of the biopolymer. This result opens a new insight on the simple fabrication of highly bioactive hybrid inorganic-organic materials for medical applications.
Metabolic surgery in Zucker rats influenced miRNA,
caveolin-1 expression and lipid metabolism
Authors: Stygar D. , Sawczyn T. , Skrzep-Poloczek B. , Poloczek J. , Kłosok M. , Karcz-Socha I. , Fink J.M. , Skonieczna M. , Elsner M. , Doleżych B. , Żwirska-Korczala K. , Karcz W.K.
Published: October 2015

Aims: A transposition of the long segment of
distal ileum in obese Zucker rats improved glucose tolerance
6 months after IT. It was undertaken to compare the gene
expression of miRNA-103, -107 and caveolin-1 in the liver
of euglycemic groups of IT relative to SHAM operated rats.
Main methods: Obese, male Zucker rats underwent
either transposition of 50% distal ileum or sham
surgery. For determining the gene expression, the
Real-Time PCR for caveolin-1 and miRNA-103, -107 was
performed. Plasma concentrations of LDL, HDL, TG
and total cholesterol were measured with enzymatic
colorimetric assays after optimization procedure.
Key findings: The Cav-1 expression in liver tissue after
ileal transposition was 1.22 times higher compared to the
SHAM group (SHAM median 63.58, min 41.3, max 82.4; IT
median 77.35, min 60.8, max 95.41, p < 0.001). miRNA-107
expression was significantly downregulated by 0.6-fold in
the IT group compared to the SHAM group (SHAM median
507.51, min 236.42, max 721.29; IT median 355.2, min 278.15, max 478.15, p < 0.015. The level of TG was significantly
higher after IT surgery (SHAM median 115, min 96, max
143; IT median 153, min 115, max 162, p = 0.001). The
total cholesterol plasma levels decreased after IT (SHAM
median 178, min 161, max 183; IT median 128, min 103,
max 114, p < 0.000001). The LDL plasma level in IT was
two-fold lower than in the SHAM (SHAM median 117, min
68, max 151; IT median 58, min 45, max 61, p < 0.000001).
Significance: The transposition of 50% of the distal ileum
lead to an increase in caveolin-1 and reduction in miR-107
expression compared to those of SHAM group. Endogenous
miR-107 is more involved in regulation of the functions of
insulin-target liver tissue than miRNA-103. Reduced LDL
and cholesterol plasma levels suggest positive effects on
lipid metabolism in long-term observations. The present
study is the first to show a lack of IT effect regarding
triglycerides six months after surgery.
Influence of social and religious factors in Polish Sejm elections, 2001–2007
Authors: Bilska-Wodecka Elżbieta , Matykowski Roman
Published: October 2015

The analysis presented herein addresses the issue of social and religious diversity within the Catholic Church and its influence on voter turnout and Sejm election results in Poland. The paper covers election results from 2001 to 2007. Both organizational-institutional characteristics and social-religious characteristics of the Church have been taken into account when assessing the impact of the Church on regional differences in political support for selected political factions in 2005. The impact of each factor on the support level for a given party or political orientation in a regional (spatial) context was assessed on the basis of the degree of coincidence of the factors of interest, measured using the coefficient of correlation.
Spatial hierarchy and emerging typologies inside world city network
Authors: Chubarov Ilya
Published: October 2015

The first part of the paper provides a new approach to measuring a spatial structure of world city network (WCN). Based upon the results of media- popular ‘global city rankings’ produced by several international think tanks, our calculation allowed to reveal global urban hierarchy and identify several subnetworks inside of world cities. The second part of the paper devotes to recent discussions on nature of globalization and urban macrosystems, bearing in mind ranking results. It is shown that a typological approach can provide more insights to a role of city as part of WCN from functional and relationships prospective.
The quality of pedestrian space in the city: a case study of Olsztyn
Authors: Cieślak Iwona , Szuniewicz Karol
Published: October 2015

The system of pedestrian urban space is the primary source of information on the state of the space. Walking around a city, we are perceptually building in our mind its physiognomic silhouette, which becomes the basis for evaluating the attractiveness of a city. Unfortunately, pedestrian traffic is rarely the subject of careful planning and design. Usually it regulates itself or is a side-effect of building an extensive system of road communication. On the other hand, concepts of shaping this system as a primary one appear more and more often, and pedestrian space is seen as high priority public space.

The purpose of the article was to evaluate qualitative evaluation methods determining the current state of pedestrian pathways in the town Giżycko. Valuing quality, as a part of the science called qualimetrics, refers to determining the quality of objects which are the product of human activities, designed to meet the needs of human beings. At the root, it is a science relating to the determination of the quality of market items, supporting the production management process. As space, particularly urbanized, is created by people to satisfy their needs, it was concluded that quality valuation methods may also be useful to assess the quality of space. The article focuses on the quality of pedestrian routes that are essential to the central part of Giżycko. For these routes, the current state of the features identified as key for their quality was investigated, and quality classes of the routes were determined by analysis.

The procedure can be a tool supporting the planning and implementation of modernization and renovation works for the area of pedestrian communication, and thus the image of the city.
The spatial distribution of renewable energy infrastructure in three particular provinces of South Africa
Authors: Lombard Andrea , Ferreira Sanette L.A.
Published: October 2015

Renewed interest is being shown in South Africa in the promotion of infrastructure for renewable energy (RE) to supplement the country’s current energy- generation capacity and to break loose from its dependency on an unsustainable fossil-fuel-based energy-provision system. The latter system not only has unfavourable consequences for the environment, but is managed by a state-owned institution which since 2008 has been incapable of providing reliable electricity. RE infrastructure - especially for the generation of solar and wind energy - is a relatively new feature in the South African landscape. This paper examines the spatial distribution of the newly commissioned infrastructures for wind and solar energy (operational and under construction) and the role they can play in the diversification of the rural economies of parts of the country’s Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces. First, literature on evolutionary economic geography, path dependence and new path creation is reviewed. Second, the role of a single energy provider - embedded in a monopolistic energy policy -in inhibiting the transition from a mainly fossil-fuel-based energy-provision system to a multi-source (multi-owner) provision system is discussed. Third, the reasoning behind the siting of the infrastructures for solar and wind energy in three particular provinces is explained. Fourth, the possible roles these new infrastructures can play in the diversification of the rural economies where they occur are advanced. The paper concludes that solar- and wind-energy projects have the ability to transform the South African energy context and that these projects present some positive socio-economic impacts for rural economies in the three particular provinces. The paper also recommends that future research efforts should be aimed at the evolution of this socio-economic transformation by taking into account the pre-development context of the areas under study.
Sunrise as a tourist attraction in the context of tourist motivation theory: a case study of the peak of Babia Góra (Western Carpathians)
Authors: Mocior Ewelina , Nowak Agnieszka , Rechciński Marcin , Franczak Paweł , Hibner Joanna , Krąż Paweł , Tokarczyk Natalia
Published: October 2015

Tourist ascents of mountain peaks before sunrise are increasingly popular. Babia Góra (Western Carpathians) is a peak on the Polish-Slovak border frequently visited by a great number of tourists at sunrise. The main objective of our research, based on the case study of Babia Gora, was to answer a more general question whether the sunrise can be considered a tourist attraction. The research included the observation and description of every sunrise at summer holiday weekends during 2012 from the peak of Babia Góra as well as the collection of data on the number of tourists and weather conditions. Survey interviews, using questionnaire, with randomly selected hikers present on the peak of Babia Góra at sunrise (269) were conducted. The investigation showed that during summer holiday sunrises there were a maximum of 130 people on the summit of Babia Góra at the same time. Most of the surveyed people (84%) agreed that the opportunity to observe the sunrise was one of the pull factors for them. This confirms the hypothesis that sunrise constitutes a tourist attraction.
Market power and stability of CEE banks
Authors: Huljak Ivan
Published: October 2015

Background: In spite of growing number of empirical studies, especially after the start of financial crisis, literature fails to provide conclusive answers on the relationship between bank competition and stability.

Objective: We contribute to the existing literature by conducting a bank level analysis of market power implications on CEE bank stability and test weather bank market power increases bank stability.

Approach: On the sample of 415 CEE banks from 1997-2012, we use Distribution free approach to generate bank specific market power and efficiency indicators and then run a fixed effects panel regression.

Results: We find evidence supporting the Competition - fragility view; banks with more market power are more stable. Also, we find evidence that this stability is a result of lower portfolio risk supporting the franchise value channel.

Conclusions: For banks in CEE countries where economic crisis increased risk materialization, increasing competition from the early 2000s, may have been a factor decreasing bank stability which may bear significant implications for upcoming years when competition is likely to increase further.
Separation of urea adducts in the analysis of complex mineral fertilisers
Authors: Sadłowski Marcin , Grzmil Barbara U. , Lubkowski Krzysztof , Łuczka Kinga
Published: October 2015

An investigation of the analytical separation of free urea from its additive compounds with H
Equilibrium and kinetics of wetting hydrophobic microporous membrane in sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate and diethanolamine aqueous solutions
Authors: Cui Li-Yun , Ding Zhong-Wei , Liu Li-Ying , Han Hao-Si
Published: October 2015

Liquid penetrations into hydrophobic capillaries are controlled by the adsorption and diffusion of the solute in the vicinity of the moving meniscus. The wetting process of microporous hydrophobic polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane was investigated in both sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate (SDBS) and diethanolamine (DEA) aqueous solutions. The experimental results revealed that wetting both the PVDF and PTFE membranes in SDBS solutions at high concentrations proceeded in two stages: rapid wetting and slow wetting, but this transition in the wetting rate was not observed during the membrane wetting at low SDBS concentration and in DEA solutions. The membrane wetting process was accelerated by increasing the solution temperature.
Prediction Model for Cigarette Yields Derived from Data Obtained under Two Different Machine Smoking Regimes
Authors: Colard Stéphane
Published: October 2015

“Tar”, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) cigarette yields determined under different smoking regimes, with and without ventilation blocking, are linearly related to the difference Δt between the smouldering time (cigarette combustion with no puffing) and the smoking time (cigarette combustion with puffing). Δt forms then the basis of yield predictions. The smoulder rate determination used in the calculation of Δt can be difficult for low ignition propensity cigarettes which present some tendency for selfextinguishment. This issue was overcome in a novel testing scheme involving the determination of number of puffs and smoking times under two different smoking regimes and inputting this data into a cigarette burning model. This enabled us to characterise the burning process and provided an extensive set of information such as the mean smoulder rate between puffs or the mass of tobacco burnt during puffs regardless of the smoking regime applied.

Good correlations were observed between the mass of tobacco burnt during puffs and TNCO or B[a]P yields. Correlations provide a way to link yields from one smoking regime to another and confirm that yields determined from one regime are sufficient to establish the relationships between yields and smoking intensity. It was concluded that smoke yields for arbitrary smoking regimes can potentially be predicted by determining the puff numbers and smoking times from two different smoking regimes and the smoke yields from only one regime. This testing scheme allows a comprehensive characterisation of a cigarette at reduced cost. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 26 (2015) 320-333]
Evaluating Living Standard Indicators
Authors: Birčiaková Naďa , Stávková Jana , Antošová Veronika
Published: October 2015

This paper deals with the evaluation of selected available indicators of living standards, divided into three groups, namely economic, environmental, and social. We have selected six countries of the European Union for analysis: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, France, and Great Britain. The aim of this paper is to evaluate indicators measuring living standards and suggest the most important factors which should be included in the final measurement. We have tried to determine what factors influence each indicator and what factors affect living standards. We have chosen regression analysis as our main method. From the study of factors, we can deduce their impact on living standards, and thus the value of indicators of living standards. Indicators with a high degree of reliability include the following factors: size and density of population, health care and spending on education. Emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also have a certain lower degree of reliability.
The impact of urban conditions on different tree species in public green areas in the city of Poznan
Authors: Krzyżaniak Michał , Świerk Dariusz , Walerzak Miłosz , Urbański Piotr
Published: October 2015

Parks in urbanised areas fulfil an important function as they create a positive climate in cities and contribute to the good health of their inhabitants. The study gives an answer to the question of which of the species under investigation is the most suitable for planting in urbanised areas. The aim of the research conducted from 2013 to 2014 at selected sites in Poznan (Poland) was to determine the state of health of Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoides L. and Quercus robur L. trees and to compare their state of health depending on the location of the research sites. The aim of the research was also to determine the environmental variables that may have an influence on the state of health of the tree species under analysis. The research included statistical analyses and models based on discriminant analysis. The research revealed that the state of health of the tree species under investigation growing in the city is determined by anthropogenic factors. The closeness of the city centre, main thoroughfares and estates heated with fossil fuels are the factors that have the most negative influence on the state of health of oak, maple and lime trees. Acer platanoides L. was the species in the best state of health in parks, whereas in forests it was Tilia cordata Mill.
The Study of Local Effect of Manganese on Microstructure Development of Admixed Fe-Mn-C Sintered Steels
Authors: Bidulský Róbert , Hryha Eduard , Bidulská Jana
Published: October 2015

The present paper is focused on the effect of manganese on microstructure development of admixed Fe-Mn-C sintered steels along with diffusion characteristics of manganese in the iron matrix. Admixed systems were prepared on the base of sponge iron powder, with addition of 0.3% C and 3% Mn added as ferromanganese. Sintering at 1,023, 1,173, 1,323, 1,423 and 1,473 K for 180 s was carried out in laboratory tube furnace in an atmosphere of pure gases mixture 25% N2+75% H2with the dew point of 243 K. The results show that admixed sintered manganese steels exhibit heterogeneity of microstructure due to the local chemical heterogeneities of these materials, in particular for those areas with a high manganese concentration. On the basis of calculation of manganese apparent diffusion coefficient and penetration depth, results reveal that diffusion-induced grain boundary migration (DIGM) is the dominant alloying mechanism in sintered manganese steels.
3-D CFD simulations of hydrodynamics in the Sulejow dam reservoir
Authors: Ziemińska-Stolarska Aleksandra , Polańczyk Andrzej , Zbiciński Ireneusz
Published: October 2015

This paper reports the processes by which a single-phase 3-D CFD model of hydrodynamics in a 17-km-long dam reservoir was developed, verified and tested. A simplified VOF model of flow was elaborated to determine the effect of wind on hydrodynamics in the lake. A hexahedral mesh with over 17 million elements and a k-ω SST turbulence model were defined for single-phase simulations in steady-state conditions. The model was verified on the basis of the extensive flow measurements (StreamPro ADCP, USA). Excellent agreement (average error of less than 10%) between computed and measured velocity profiles was found. The simulation results proved a strong effect of wind on hydrodynamics in the lake, especially on the development of the water circulation pattern in the lacustrine zone.
Obesity-associated sympathetic overactivity in children and adolescents: the role of catecholamine resistance in lipid metabolism
Authors: Qi Zhengtang , Ding Shuzhe
Published: October 2015

Obesity in children and adolescents is characterized by chronic sympathetic overdrive and reduced epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis. This resistance to catecholamines occurs during the dynamic phase of fat accumulation. This review will focus on the relationship between sympathetic-adrenal activity and lipid metabolism, thereby highlighting the role of catecholamine resistance in the development of childhood obesity.

Catecholamine resistance causes lipid accumulation in adipose tissue by reducing lipolysis, increasing lipogenesis and impeding free fatty acid (FFA) transportation. Exercise improves catecholamine resistance, as evidenced by attenuated systemic sympathetic activity, reduced circulating catecholamine levels and enhanced β-adrenergic receptor signaling. Insulin resistance is mostly a casual result rather than a cause of childhood obesity. Therefore, catecholamine resistance in childhood obesity may promote insulin signaling in adipose tissue, thereby increasing lipogenesis. This review outlines a series of evidence for the role of catecholamine resistance as an upstream mechanism leading to childhood obesity.
Modelling geothermal conditions in part of the Szczecin Trough – the Chociwel area
Authors: Miecznik Maciej , Sowiżdżał Anna , Tomaszewska Barbara , Pająk Leszek
Published: October 2015

The Chociwel region is part of the Szczecin Trough and constitutes the northeastern segment of the extended Szczecin-Gorzów Synclinorium. Lower Jurassic reservoirs of high permeability of up to 1145 mD can discharge geothermal waters with a rate exceeding 250 m3/h and temperatures reach over 90°C in the lowermost part of the reservoirs. These conditions provide an opportunity to generate electricity from heat accumulated in geothermal waters using binary ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) systems. A numerical model of the natural state and exploitation conditions was created for the Chociwel area with the use of TOUGH2 geothermal simulator (i.e., integral finite-difference method). An analysis of geological and hydrogeothermal data indicates that the best conditions are found to the southeast of the town of Chociwel, where the bottom part of the reservoir reaches 3 km below ground. This would require drilling two new wells, namely one production and one injection. Simulated production with a flow rate of 275 m3/h, a temperature of 89°C at the wellhead, 30°C injection temperature and wells being 1.2 km separated from each other leads to a small temperature drop and moderate requirements for pumping power over a 50 years’ time span. The ORC binary system can produce at maximum 592.5 kW gross power with the R227ea found as the most suitable working fluid. Geothermal brine leaving the ORC system with a temperature c. 53°C can be used for other purposes, namely mushroom growing, balneology, swimming pools, soil warming, de-icing, fish farming and for heat pumps.
FP-LAPW investigation of mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Na2X (X = S and Se) under pressure and temperature effects
Authors: Bidai Kada , Ameri Mohammed , Bensaid Djillali , Moulay Nour-Eddine , Al-Douri Y. , Ameri Ibrahim
Published: October 2015

Structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of sodium chalcogenides (Na2X, X = S, Se) have been calculated using FP-APW+1o method. The ground state lattice parameter, bulk moduli have been obtained. The Zener anisotropy factor, Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, have also been calculated. The calculated structural and elastic constants are in good agreement with the available data. We also determined the thermodynamic properties, such as heat capacities CV and CP, thermal expansion α , entropy S, and Debye temperature θD, at various pressures and temperatures for Na2X compounds. The elastic constants under high pressure and temperature are also calculated and elaborated.
Polypodium Interjectum And P. × Mantoniae (Polypodiaceae) In The Polish Sudetes
Authors: Szczęśniak Ewa , Jędrzejczyk Iwona , Gola Edyta M. , Pielech Remigiusz , Reczyńska Kamila , Świerkosz Krzysztof
Published: October 2015

Detailed analyses of micro- and macromorphological features of 247 specimens representing the Polypodium vulgare complex, combined with DNA content measurements, revealed the presence of tetraploid P. vulgare s.str., hexaploid P. interjectum and the pentaploid hybrid P. × mantoniae in the Polish Sudetes. For species identification, sporangium structure (number of indurated and basal annulus cells) was found to be the most stable and thus the most valuable and taxonomically significant character. The size of spores and stomata was related to taxon ploidy level, and helped to differentiate the examined taxa. Polypodium interjectum was identified from only one locality in the Pogórze Kaczawskie foothills; P. × mantoniae was more widely distributed, suggesting that it is rather common in the Polish Sudetes. Both newly reported taxa occur mainly on basic or neutral rock in sheltered, shaded or semi-shaded habitats.
Reclamation from palm oil mill effluent using an integrated zero discharge membrane-based process
Authors: Ahmad A.L. , Idris I. , Chan C.Y. , Ismail S.
Published: October 2015

This research emphasizes eloquently on membrane technology for treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) as it is the Malaysia’s largest and most important agro based industry. Findings established significant quality improvement with an efficient recovery of water from palm oil mill via innovative membrane application. Conventional bio-methods, whilst adhering to the Department of Environment’s (DOE) discharge regulations, produces brownish liquid which pales in comparison to the crystal clear water obtained through membrane treatment. The pre-treatment process consists of coagulation-flocculation using green environmental coagulant bases such as Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds. The ultrafiltration polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) and thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis were vital for the membrane processes. The system gave 99% suspended solids reduction in suspended solid and 78% of water present was successfully recovered. This technology guarantees water recovery with drinking water quality; meeting the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standard or could be recycled into the plant with sludge utilization for palm oil estates, thus enabling the concept of zero discharge to be executed in the industries. In addition, green and healthy antioxidants such as oil and beta-carotene can be recovered from POME further demonstrate. Silica gel showed better performance in separation of carotenes from oil at temperature 40°C using adsorption chromatography with 1154.55 ppm. The attractiveness of this technology, enabling the utilization of reuse of agricultural waste into potentially value added products.
Randomized Clinical Trial To Compare The Effects Of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate Loading Versus Placebo On Insulin Resistance And Cortisol Level After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy*
Authors: Pędziwiatr Michał , Pisarska Magdalena , Matłok Maciej , Major Piotr , Kisielewski Michał , Wierdak Mateusz , Natkaniec Michał , Budzyński Piotr , Rubinkiewicz Mateusz , Budzyński Rzej
Published: October 2015

Postoperative insulin resistance, used as a marker of stress response, is clearly an adverse event. It may induce postoperative hyperglycemia, which according to some authors can increase the risk of postoperative complications. One of the elements of modern perioperative care is preoperative administration of oral carbohydrate loading (CHO-loading), which shortens preoperative fasting and reduces insulin resistance.

is to establish the influence of CHO-loading on the level of insulin resistance and cortisol in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Patients were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups. The intervention group included 20 patients who received CHO-loading (400 ml Nutricia pre-op

Although there were differences in the levels of cortisol, insulin, and insulin resistance, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups in every measurement. The length of stay and postoperative complications were comparable in both groups.

We believe that CHO-loading is not clinically justified in case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No effect on the levels of glucose, insulin resistance and cortisol was observed. Even though such procedure is safe, in our opinion there is no clinical benefit from CHO-loading prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
An insight into statin use and its association with muscular side effects in clinical practice
Authors: Farcas Andreea , Bucsa Camelia , Leucuta D. , Mogosan Cristina , Bojita M. , Dumitrascu D.
Published: October 2015

Background. Muscular complaints are known side-effects of statin therapy, ranging from myalgia to clinically important myositis and rhabdomyolysis. We investigated the statin use and association with the presence and characteristics of muscular complaints.

Methods. We conducted a prospective observational study in internal medicine departments. Patients with statin therapy before hospitalization were interviewed for muscular complaints. When muscular complaints were reported, information on type and severity of muscular symptoms, location and time to onset was collected.

Results. We identified 85 patients with statin treatment at hospital admission out of 521 included. Nine (10.59%) patients reported muscular complaints associated with statin therapy. A cluster of symptoms (cramps, stiffness, decreased muscle power) was reported, affecting both upper and lower limbs. The severity of pain was in most of the cases moderate or severe. All patients reported that pain was intermittent. Five reported that pain was generalized. Symptoms appeared in the first month of treatment or three months after the drug initiation. Creatine kinase was raised in one patient. In two cases drug interactions were probably responsible for muscular complaints.

Conclusion. In the studied set of patients muscular symptoms were a rather frequent effect of statin therapy. As this side-effect could be troublesome for patients and could lead to more severe outcomes, their timely detection and management is important.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after previously treated, relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report
Authors: Andrus Elena , Nicolescu Anca , Bumbea H. , Vlădăreanu Ana-Maria
Published: October 2015

We present the case of a 71-year-old woman diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who received multiple chemotherapeutic lines and evolved to acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient was Rai stage 0 at the time of the diagnosis and was monitored for almost 9 years. After that, the disease progressed and the patient began chemotherapy (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide combination), obtained complete remission and relapsed one year later after finishing treatment. She received multiple therapeutic regimens, accompanied by multiple infectious complications. After 8 years of evolution since she started chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirate and immunophenotyping revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The occurrence of acute leukemia in CLL is rare and may arise from the same clone; however, most cases appear after patients have received chemotherapy, suggesting that they are therapy-related.
Density of tryptase-positive mast cells correlated with the presence of H. pylori in gastric neoplasia
Authors: Micu Gianina , Stăniceanu Florica , Sticlaru Liana , Popp Cristiana , Bastian Alexandra , Gramadă Eliza , Rimbaş M. , Mateescu B.
Published: October 2015

Background. Gastric cancer continues to be a platoon leader of mortality causes. A significant number of recent studies show direct or indirect involvement of mast cells (MC), with a complex role both pro- and anti-tumor growth.

Aim. To objectify the correlations between expression of MC and presence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection depending on neoplastic nature of the gastric damage.

Subjects and Methods. The study was carried out on archival samples of gastric wall from 30 patients with gastric cancer versus 30 age and sex-matched subjects with gastric surgery for nonneoplastic diseases. The inclusion criteria for the case group were histologically proven stage T3/T4 malignancies with regional lymph node metastases. For each case of the study group, distribution and number of MC tryptase positive (DMC–TP) were analyzed in five different areas from the same gastrectomy specimen: intratumor area, deep and side tumor invasion front, normal gastric tissue sample 5-10 cm or more distant from the tumor and furthest resection margin.

Results. Independently of HP infection, the study recorded a significantly lower value of DMC-TP in male patients. In regions with inflammatory lesions and preneoplastic changes and in control cases with non-gastric neoplasia, the DMC-TP level was higher than controls with HP-related inflammatory pathology, thus removing bacterial etiology from the forefront of MC mobilizing causes.

Conclusion. The presence of H. pylori infection was not found to cause significant changes in terms of mobilizing mast cells in the gastric wall with advanced tumors, with minimal stage III TNM.
The association between insulin resistance and proliferative retinopathy in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Duţă Irina , Fica Simona , Ion Daniela Adriana
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Little is known about the relationship between insulin resistance and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this article is to explore the relationship between sight-threatening proliferative diabetic retinopathy and insulin resistance.

Methods. This was a cross-sectional study that included 167 type 1 diabetes patients. Insulin resistance was assessed using eGDR (estimated glucose disposal rate) formula. Diabetic retinopathy was assessed by ophthalmoscopy using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy classification. The association between eGDR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy was assessed in uni- and multivariate models using stepwise logistic regression of covariates. The contribution of individual predictors in the final regresion model was examined using Wald statistic.

Results. Significantly lower eGDR’s values were observed in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy: 5.5 vs. 7 (p = 0.002). The results remained significant (p < 0.001) after adjusting for multiple covariates (sex, diabetes duration, body mass index, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking). eGDR variable was retained in the final model of stepwise logistic regression (p < 0.001) and showed the strongest association with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (Wald = 12.73).

Conclusions. In type 1 diabetes patients insulin resistance was the most important independent risk factor associated with diabetic proliferative retinopathy.
Incidental discovery of multiple myeloma, presenting as an amyloid tumor with plasmacytic elements of the thoracic wall
Authors: Şerban Oana , Achim A. , Poantă Laura Irina
Published: October 2015

Multiple myeloma is characterized by monoclonal proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells causing multiple bone lesions and overproduction of a monoclonal protein (M-protein) that could deposit in tissues (amyloidosis). Dissemination of the multiple myeloma outside the bone is rare.

We present a case of a 76 years old woman presenting with dry cough. Chest X-ray showed a giant tumor of the upper right lung. Contrast enhanced CT revealed a tumor that most probably originated from the structures of the thoracic wall. The transthoracic biopsy was inconclusive. The tumor was resected and the histopathological examination showed amyloid tumor of the thoracic wall with plasmacytic elements and lambda light chains deposits. A bone marrow aspiration was performed that found diffuse plasmacytic infiltrate of 20-60% and the serum proteins electrophoresis with immunofixation revealed elevated IgA and lambda light chains. The patient was diagnosed with IgA and lambda light chains multiple myeloma with consequent AL amyloidosis presenting as thoracic mass.
Comparative Study Between Experimental Results and the Numerical One of the Lateral Buckling Resistence for the Two Curved I Girders of a Curved Bridge Model
Authors: Daraban Marian
Published: October 2015

Rezumat

Articolul prezintă un studiul al rezistenţei la flambaj lateral pentru grinzile curbe utilizate la poduri.

Rezistenţa la flambaj lateral va fi evaluată printr-o analiză geometric şi fizic neliniară utilizând programul de calcul Lusas®, fară a considera imperfecţiunile de execuţie. Pentru a da veridicitate rezultatelor analitice, studiul numeric se va realiza pe unul din modelele fizice prezentate în lucrarea [1] care pune la dispoziţie valori ale încercărilor experimentale.

Geometria modelului fizic din lucrarea [1] se bazează pe o analiză dimensională a grinzilor curbe „I” utilizate în mod frecvent la poduri. Modelul fizic este alcătuit din două grinzi I curbe, dublu simetrice, prevăzute cu antretoaze şi contravântuiri la nivelul tălpilor. De antretoazele de capăt sunt sudate pe direcţia axei curbe două console scurte de lungime e .

Schema statică a structurii este grinda simplu rezemată cu console, ale cărei aparate de reazem sunt dispuse pe direcţia coardei. Consolele scurte vor fi încărcate cu prese hidraulice la o forţă P care are ca efect în grinda principală un moment încovoietor uniform având valoarea P *e şi forţă tăietoare zero.

Pentru analiza neliniară s-a folosit formularea Total Lagrange, împreună cu utilizarea metodei lungimii arcului modificat formulată de Crisfield. De asemenea s-a considerat comportarea neliniară a materialului.

Evaluarea rezistenţei la flambaj lateral constă în determinarea momentului încovoietor critic pentru care grinda îşi pierde stabilitatea. Comparaţia rezultatelor numerice cu cele experimentale preluate, confirmă posibilitatea evaluării numerice a rezistenţei la flambaj lateral pentru grinzile curbe.
“Bowstring” Arches in Langer System Without Wind Bracing
Authors: Răcănel Ionuţ Radu , Urdăreanu Vlad Daniel , Radu Andrei
Published: October 2015

Arch bridges are slender structures and can be efficiently used in the range of medium to large spans. These structures have an improved aesthetic aspect and in the same time a low construction height, with obvious advantages regarding reduced costs in the infrastructuers and their foundations.

For this type of structures usually composite or orthotropic decks are used. Lately, innovative solutions have been used in designing arch bridges, especially discarding the top wind bracing system. The level of axial forces and bending moments in the arches and tie imply the design of sections with sufficient stiffness and strength in both directions in order to ensure the general stability of the arches, without the need for top wind bracing. Moreover, the cross section of the arches is not constant, but shifts in accordance with the variation of the bending moments, in order to ensure their lateral stability.

This paper studies a road bridge with parallel Bowstring arches, with a span of 108m and a carriageway 7.00m wide, sustained by a deck made up of crossbeams 2m apart and a concrete slab. The main beams are held by ties arranged in the Langer system, 10 to 14m apart from each other. The sag of the arches is 18m high.

The analyzed structure was proposed for construction in the city of Oradea and is used for crossing the “Crişul Repede” river, between Oneştilor street on the left bank and the Sovata, Fagului and Carpaţi streets on the right bank.

The performed analyses have the following two main objectives: to establish the critical load for which the failure of the arches occurs by instability and to underline the influence of different wind bracing systems on the bridge’s collapse loads respectively.
Equivalent Imperfections In Arched Structures
Authors: Dallemule Marian
Published: October 2015

There are currently three design methods to verify the in-plane buckling of an arched structure: substitute member method, the method of equivalent imperfection with recommendations for arched bridges, and the equivalent unique global and local initial imperfection method (EUGLI), which uses the critical elastic buckling mode as an imperfection. The latter method is included in the EN 1993-1-1 cl. 5.3.2 (11) since 2002; however, to this day it is neither utilized in the design practice nor is it incorporated in ordinary structural analysis software. The main purpose of this article is to show the application of the proposed methods in a step-by-step manner to the numerical example considered and to compare these design methods for various arched structures. Verification of the in-plane buckling of an arch is explained in detail.
Differential object marking in Standard Turkish and Caucasian Urum
Authors: Böhm Stefanie
Published: October 2015

Differential object marking (DOM) is a common feature of many languages, including Standard Turkish and Urum, a Turkish variety spoken by ethnic Greeks in Georgia. This article investigates the interaction between case marking and word order in both varieties of Turkish. While Standard Turkish shows a strong dependence of the case marking possibilities from word order, i.e. bare objects may only appear in immediately preverbal position of a clause, the analysis reveals that bare objects in Urum may occur in any position of a clause. This provides evidence that the verb in Urum can freely move within the VP.
The oblique phrase and the order of the relative construction
Authors: Lawyer Lewis C.
Published: October 2015

Using data from the World Atlas of Language Structures (WALS), the order of the oblique phrase with respect to the verb in a sentence is shown to be a good predictor of the order of the relative clause with respect to its head noun in a relative construction. It is a significantly better predictor of relative construction order than the more traditional indicator, the relative order of the verb and the direct object in a sentence. The difference between these two predictors is demonstrated quantitatively, and then discussed in the context of theories of syntactic head-position harmony.
Hippocampal Volume Reduction in Humans Predicts Impaired Allocentric Spatial Memory in Virtual-Reality Navigation
Authors: Guderian Sebastian , Dzieciol Anna M. , Gadian David G. , Jentschke Sebastian , Doeller Christian F. , Burgess Neil , Mishkin Mortimer , Vargha-Khadem Faraneh
Published: October 2015

The extent to which navigational spatial memory depends on hippocampal integrity in humans is not well documented. We investigated allocentric spatial recall using a virtual environment in a group of patients with severe hippocampal damage (SHD), a group of patients with “moderate” hippocampal damage (MHD), and a normal control group. Through four learning blocks with feedback, participants learned the target locations of four different objects in a circular arena. Distal cues were present throughout the experiment to provide orientation. A circular boundary as well as an intra-arena landmark provided spatial reference frames. During a subsequent test phase, recall of all four objects was tested with only the boundary or the landmark being present. Patients with SHD were impaired in both phases of this task. Across groups, performance on both types of spatial recall was highly correlated with memory quotient (MQ), but not with intelligence quotient (IQ), age, or sex. However, both measures of spatial recall separated experimental groups beyond what would be expected based on MQ, a widely used measure of general memory function. Boundary-based and landmark-based spatial recall were both strongly related to bilateral hippocampal volumes, but not to volumes of the thalamus, putamen, pallidum, nucleus accumbens, or caudate nucleus. The results show that boundary-based and landmark-based allocentric spatial recall are similarly impaired in patients with SHD, that both types of recall are impaired beyond that predicted by MQ, and that recall deficits are best explained by a reduction in bilateral hippocampal volumes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn humans, bilateral hippocampal atrophy can lead to profound impairments in episodic memory. Across species, perhaps the most well-established contribution of the hippocampus to memory is not to episodic memory generally but to allocentric spatial memory. However, the extent to which navigational spatial memory depends on hippocampal integrity in humans is not well documented. We investigated spatial recall using a virtual environment in two groups of patients with hippocampal damage (moderate/severe) and a normal control group. The results showed that patients with severe hippocampal damage are impaired in learning and recalling allocentric spatial information. Furthermore, hippocampal volume reduction impaired allocentric navigation beyond what can be predicted by memory quotient as a widely used measure of general memory function.