bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solanum tuberosum Supplementation for Biogas Production
Authors: Pradip B. Acharya Pradip , Shilpkar Prateek
Published: May 2015

Production of biogas using animal dung is well documented. Nutritional supplement enhances microbial activity and ultimately results in increase biogas production. Solanum tuberosum (potato) is a vegetable crop grown in most parts of world. It is a rich source of carbohydrate starch and many minerals. Present experiment was conducted in 5L capacity glass digester bottles filled with mixture of buffalo dung and water at 5.3% total solids. A total of six sets were prepared, three as control and three as test. Control sets were fed daily with buffalo dung water mixture throughout the period of experimentation, i.e. 80 days, whereas in test, from 51st day onward digesters were filled with mixture of dung and boiled potato with water. Feed was added daily in the amount of 120mL upto 80 days from beginning. On first day 12 mL fresh digested biogas slurry from running biogas plant was also added in all the digesters as inoculum. From 41th day onward biogas production was recorded by water displacement method and compared. Results reveal that in test digesters addition of potato shows an immediate and long lasting effect and increases biogas production between 90.48 and 192.86% higher than control sets.
Statistical Analysis of Temperature and Rainfall Trend in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Khavse R , Deshmukh N , Manikandan N , Chaudhary J , Kaushik D
Published: May 2015

The temperature and rainfall trends are analysed for meteorological data of Labandi station, Raipur district in Chhattisgarh, India over approximately last three decades stretching between years 1971 to 2013. The long–term change in temperature and rainfall has been assessed by linear trend analysis. The increasing trend in mean maximum temperature (MMAX) and total mean rainfall (TMRF) is confirmed by Mann-Kendall trend test. It is observed that in Raipur district of Chhattisgarh region, the December MMAX temperature has increased by 1.1008 0C and annual MMAX temperature has increased by 0.0256 0C whereas the highest decrease in TMRF occurs is observed in August @ 1.4385 mm per year (data base 1971-2013) and annual TMRF quantity has increased by 8.084 mm during the same period. Annual MMAX temperature has shown increasing trend which is statistically non- significant at 5% level of significance whereas annual TMRF has shown increasing trend which is statistically non- significant at 5% level of significance.
Genetic Variability Estimation and Frequency of Superior Progenies in Advance Breeding lines in desi cotton at two locations
Authors: Wadeyar Bangaremma , Kajjidoni T
Published: May 2015

Two hundred and two progenies were evaluated at two locations viz., Agricultural Research Station, Annigeri and Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad to estimate genetic variability and to identify superior progenies for seed cotton yield, yield contributing and fibre quality traits. The analysis of variance revealed presence of sufficient variability in the material for seven traits at both locations. High phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded for number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield per plant, while, moderate variability estimate was recorded for plant height and low PCV and GCV were noticed for boll weight, ginning out turn, seed index and lint index traits at both the locations. High heritability was observed for seed index exhibited 97 per cent with moderate genetic advance as percent mean (GAM) at both the locations. High GAM was observed for number of bolls per plant, seed cotton yield and plant height. Moderate GAM was noticed for boll weight and seed index traits at both locations. An attempt was made to identify superior progenies, maximum number of superior progenies were observed for seed cotton yield at Dharwad (33 progenies) followed by Annigeri (24 progenies).
Assessment of Ground Water Quality in Rajajinagar of Bangalore
Authors: Alimuddin Alimuddin
Published: May 2015

Water borne diseases continue to be a dominant cause of water borne morbidities and mortality all over the world. Hence, drinking water needs to be protected from pollution and biological contamination. Ground water samples were collected from ten different sampling point in Rajajinagar area of Bangalore and analysed for water quality parameters viz. pH, total alkalinity, chloride, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD and total hardness. The pH value of the study area ranges between 7.3 to 8.4 indicating that ground water is slightly alkaline. The total alkalinity are varied in the range from 122 to 282 mg/l which is well within the limit prescribed by BIS. The TDS value found from 397 to 546 mg/l. The values of hardness of water ranges from 125 to 267 mg/l which is within the prescribed limit as per BIS.
Assessment of Sal Seedlings and Herbaceous Flora in the Khairbar Plantation of Sarguja Forest Division, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Sinha R , Jhariya M , Yadav D
Published: May 2015

In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the growth performance of sal seedlings and also assess the diversity of herbaceous flora in the Khairbar plantation of Sarguja forest division during the year 2013-14. Study reveals that there are prominent variations in the height of the seedlings in Khairbar plantation. The root shoot ratio of seedlings ranged between 0.31 to 0.74. The total height of seedlings ranged from 24.00 to 90.00 cm. The girth of individual seedling ranged between 4.00 and 12.00 cm. The number of branches per seedling ranged between 4.00-17.00. The average collar diameter of sal seedling was 1.96 cm and the sturdiness ranged from 15.09-42.86. Total of 27 herbaceous species comprising 15 families were encountered in the study area. The total density of the herb species was 776000 individuals ha-1 and the maximum density was recorded for Mellilotus alba (64000 individuals ha-1), while minimum for Achyranthus aspera, Malvastrum coromandelicum and Rumex dentatus (12000 individuals ha-1 for each). The Shannon index (H’) of herbaceous species was 4.606, Simpson index (Cd) was 0.045, Species richness (d) was 1.917 and Equitability (e) was 1.397, respectively. It was observed that the growth performance of sal seedling in the Khairbar plantation site is quiet slow as compared to the other tropical species. It may also be due to the higher population of the herbaceous species. The herbaceous species compete with the sal species for the sharing of the resources for the growth and development. Micro climate and management aspects are the major concern for the good growth performance of the species in plantation sites.
Assessment of Phenolic Compounds in the Surface Waters of Godavari Canal, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar P , Pacha M
Published: May 2015

The present study was intended to determine the concentrations of phenolic compounds in surface waters of Godavari canal by molecular spectrophotometry. Samples were collected from fifteen sampling stations using grab sampling method for a period of four months (from November to February) at 10 day intervals. Total phenols in water samples were determined using molecular spectrophotometry after distillation, complexation with 4-aminoantipyrine and extraction into chloroform. The concentration of phenolic compounds was reported in the range of 80-179 mg/lit, well within the limits considering the earlier reports in the literature and the standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India. Relatively higher levels of phenolic compounds (100-179 mg/lit) were reported in nine out of fifteen sampling locations. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the concentrations of phenolic compounds in the month of November with respect to January (at p = 0.05) and November with respect to February (at p < 0.05).
Physiochemical Properties of Cotton Stalk Biomass from Aricultural Residues
Authors: Umesh Dobariya , Sarsavadiya P , Vaja Krishna , Mahadeo Khardiwar
Published: May 2015

The study was undertaken to investigate the properties of cotton stalk fuel from the agricultural residues. The whole cotton stalk plant is converted into shredded material with the help of cotton stalk shredder. The capacity of cotton stalk shredder machine is 218 kg/h. The proximate analysis of the shredded cotton stalk in terms of bulk density 34.92 kg / m3 moisture content 13.63 %, volatile matter 74.52 %, ash content (4.95 %, fixed carbon 20.53 % and calorific value of cotton stalk biomass (3827 cal/g) respectively. were showed that agricultural residues are the most potential and their quantitative availability, Since the aim by using shredded cotton stalk as feed stock for energy conversion process of the developed gasifier.
Is the internet another source of appearance concern for young people?
Authors: Slater Amy
Published: May 2015

Adolescents are avid users of the internet and social networking sites. While research has demonstrated links between exposure to ‘traditional’ forms of media and poorer body image, there has been little consideration of the potential impact of the internet on young people's self-perceptions. Amy Slater outlines why the online environment may be potent for arousing appearance concerns
Past, present and future of the association: people, projects and prosperity
Authors: Senior Yvonne
Published: May 2015

The last year has been both challenging and rewarding for the Private Independent Aesthetic Practices Association (PIAPA). Team members have been instrumental in the work of Health Education England and have been working hard to help aesthetic nurses transition smoothly to revalidation. In this column, Yvonne Senior gives nurses updates on key projects and outlines the association's future focus
Public–private partnerships, management capacity and public service efficiency
Authors: Andrews Rhys , Entwistle Tom
Published: May 2015

By working with business, public organisations are assumed to benefit from: a more contestable procurement process; access to private sector entrepreneurialism and the realisation of previously untapped scale economies. Nevertheless, realisation of these benefits may be contingent upon an expansion of management capacity to cope with vastly increased transaction costs. We examine the relationship between a commitment to public-private partnerships, management capacity and the productive efficiency of a set of English local authorities. We find that only those governments with very strong management capacity are able to realise productive efficiency gains from publicprivate partnership. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Social democracy after the Third Way: restoration or renewal?
Authors: Arndt Christoph , van Kersbergen Kees
Published: May 2015

Given the ill-fated political experience with the Third Way, one would not expect social democratic parties that return to office after long opposition spells to take up again the liberal, supply-side oriented policies that were so typical for the Third Way. A case study of Denmark, however, shows that that is precisely what happens and that it has the same disastrous electoral consequences. Taking a comparative perspective and learning from the Danish experience, we conclude that other future social democratic governments are likely to pursue many elements of the updated Third Way we found in the Danish case.
Understanding same-sex marriage as equality, but with exceptions
Authors: MacBride-Stewart Sara , Johns Nicholas , Green Alison
Published: May 2015

Same-sex marriage arguably promotes marriage equality. This article questions public discourses on equality by analysing the exemptions for religious organisations from non-discrimination that have been granted by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013. The Equality Act 2010 already included exemptions for religious groups, but these have now been extended (NeJaime, 2012). Equality with exemptions has been presented as a reasonable approach that makes same-sex marriage acceptable to both detractors and supporters. In this article, we consider the implications of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 for equality policy, in the context of changing meanings of marriage equality. The article borrows from Agamben’s (2005) work on exception as a governance paradigm, to propose that equality exemptions are more than a pragmatic measure for managing equality; rather, same-sex marriage has created a crisis for marriage equality, by introducing legislative ambiguity that fragments equality policy.
Science and the public: The public understanding of science and its measurements
Authors: Entradas Marta
Published: May 2015

This is the first of a two-part historical review on the relationship between science and its publics in the second half of the twentieth century. The two-part literature review covers major trends in the evolution of this relationship from ‘public understanding of science’ (PUS) in which science was separated from laypeople, through the transition to ‘public participation’ when PUS became a matter for science policy. This first part of the literature describes the arguments that called for an increase in the public’s understanding of science, its measurement, and the academic debate in favour of and against PUS measures. In particular, we refer to the evolution of survey design, and how criticisms of measures of PUS gave rise to the ‘contextual’ perspective in the PUS being favoured over a ‘deficit’ one.
Ao serviço da Igreja, do Rei e do Saber. O Cardeal-Infante D. Henrique e o Colégio de São Bernardo de Coimbra
Authors: Pacheco Milton Pedro Dias
Published: May 2015

Integrado na rede dos institutos colegiais universitários da Coimbra de Quinhentos, o Colégio de São Bernardo, destinado primeiramente à formação espiritual dos monges cistercienses e posteriormente à preparação dos novos quadros intelectuais e administrativos para as instituições estatais e eclesiásticas, materializa o projecto pedagógico mecenático delineado pelo Cardeal-Infante D. Henrique.Propomos assim, como principais linhas de investigação, traçar as origens fundacionais da instituição colegial, de modo a compreender os programas arquitectónicos concretizados sob a chancela henriquina, segundo o espírito de abnegação cisterciense e no período correspondente à emergência das primeiras directrizes doutrinais tridentinas.
A taxonomy of : The reviews on Cloud Computing Direction (CCD)
Authors: Yassin Alla Talal , Alnidawy Ban Kassim
Published: May 2015

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a major transformation enabled by IT and related smart technologies. The main thrust of Cloud computing is to provide on-demand computing services with high reliability, scalability and availability in a distributed environment. This paper summarizes our taxonomy of the CC review direction. The goals of this taxonomy were (i) clarify the needs and the directions of the use of the CC, (ii) define the academic and practical issues involved in CC , (iii) learn the state of the directions on methodologies of the CC , (iv) identify future research directions, which benefit the short and long terms. The taxonomy has concluded that (i) CC is advantageous in dealing with changes and uncertainties in the every-changing environment. (ii)It has been found that few existing CC can achieve the objective of security. (iii) The obstacles of the development of CC include the difficulties to identify and generalize the requirement of CC security, the lake of effective technologies that can be used to support the clouding use, and no international origination that serves for standardizing the modular components for cloud computing processes. In this paper, we use the IVSL(The Iraq Virtual Science Library) to select the free, full-text access to papers from major publishers as well as a large collection of on-line educational materials.
Canine Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Aggregates as a Viable Substitute to Actual Canine Dermal Papillae
Authors: Bae Sohee , Kim Jina , Li Li , Lee Aeri , Lim Hyunjoo , Jeong Junemoe , Lee Seung Hoon , Kweon Oh-kyeong , Kim Wan Hee
Published: May 2015

Hair loss is a major dermatological disease in veterinary and human medicine. Active studies on hair regeneration with mesenchymal stem cells have been performed in an effort to solve the limitations of conservative treatments in human medicine. Our understanding of the canine hair follicle (HF), considering a useful model for the study of the human alopecia, is limited. This study was designed to broaden our understanding of canine dermal papilla (DP), and to reconstruct dermal papilla-like tissue (DPLT) using canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs), as an alternative to actual DP. We cultured canine DPs, observed their culture patterns and compared their expression level of DP-related genes and proteins with those of DPLTs by performing RT-PCR analysis and Western blotting. Canine dermal papilla cells (DPCs) showed multilayer culture patterns with pseudo-papillae. Reconstruction of DPLTs was performed successfully. Not only were they morphologically similar to actual DPs, but we also observed similarities between DPCs and DPLTs in molecular characteristics. These findings suggested that DPLT was a viable substitute for DP. This study will not only be helpful for understanding the morphological and molecular characteristics of canine DPCs, but may also serve as a basis for understanding human hair follicle biology and potential therapeutic strategies for alopecia.
Geotechnical Risk Classification for Underground Mines / Klasyfikacja Poziomu Zagrożenia Geotechnicznego W Kopalniach Podziemnych
Authors: Mishra Ritesh Kumar , Rinne Mikael
Published: May 2015

Underground mining activities are prone to major hazards largely owing to geotechnical reasons. Mining combined with the confined working space and uncertain geotechnical data leads to hazards having the potential of catastrophic consequences. These incidents have the potential of causing multiple fatalities and large financial damages. Use of formal risk assessment in the past has demonstrated an important role in the prediction and prevention of accidents in risk prone industries such as petroleum, nuclear and aviation. This paper proposes a classification system for underground mining operations based on their geotechnical risk levels. The classification is done based on the type of mining method employed and the rock mass in which it is carried out. Mining methods have been classified in groups which offer similar geotechnical risk. The rock mass classification has been proposed based on bulk rock mass properties which are collected as part of the routine mine planning. This classification has been subdivided for various stages of mine planning to suit the extent of available data. Alpha-numeric coding has been proposed to identify a mining operation based on the competency of rock and risk of geotechnical failures. This alpha numeric coding has been further extended to identify mining activity under ‘Geotechnical Hazard Potential (GHP)’. GHP has been proposed to be used as a preliminary tool of risk assessment and risk ranking for a mining activity. The aim of such classification is to be used as a guideline for the justification of a formal geotechnical risk assessment.
Method for Virtual Prototyping of Cabins of Mining Machines Operators / Metoda Wirtualnego Prototypowania Kabin Operatorów Maszyn Górniczych
Authors: Tokarczyk Jarosław
Published: May 2015

Method for virtual prototyping of cabins of mining machines operators is presented in the light of anthropotechnical assessment criteria. Anthropotechnical criteria and design of models of anthropometric features, which are used for assessment of design solutions in the aspect of safety criterion, are divided and discussed. Developed virtual prototyping method for assessment of cabin of underground locomotive operator was used. Initial simulation was made with use of Finite Element Method.
Sedimentary Rocks Associated with the Coal Seams of the Saddle Beds from the Chwałowice Trough – West Part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin / Skały Osadowe Towarzyszące Pokładom Węgla Warstw Siodłowych Niecki Chwałowickiej – Zachodnia Część Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego
Authors: Stanienda Katarzyna
Published: May 2015

The results of investigation of the associated rocks with the Saddle Beds Coals Seams from Chwałowice Trough were presented in this article. The results of researches show that sandstones and mudstones dominate in the investigating profile. Claystones are situated mainly in ceilings and floors of coal seams. Grains of sandstones include mainly quartz, feldspars, micas and also quartzite’s and gneiss’s fragments. It is also possible to observe small grains of heavy minerals. Some of sandstones present bad compactness and are destroyed during transportation. This feature is connected with presence of little quantity of cement, especially in medium grained sandstones, which include more matrix than typical cement. The cement is built mainly of clay minerals, kaolinite and illite, carbonates and chalcedony but X-ray diffraction confirmed also the presence of halite in the cement of investigated sandstones.

Mudstones and claystones are composed mainly of clay minerals. It’s also possible to find quartz and micas there. Higher amounts of quartz and micas are possible to find rather in mudstones.

The associated rocks with the Saddle Beds Coal Seams from Chwałowice Trough include also organic matter.
Bioleaching of hazardous waste
Authors: Drobíková Klára , Rozumová Lucia , Otoupalíková Hana , Seidlerová Jana
Published: May 2015

Landfill represents the least environmentally-friendly method of waste disposal because of possible pollution to the environment. Dangerous wastes pose the greatest problems and are often disposed of by combustion. This process reduces their volume but entails the formation of new types of dangerous waste. The present study focuses on the possibilities of the removal of the hazardous properties of waste originating from hazardous waste incinerators (three types of bottom ash and charcoal from flue gas cleaning) by bioleaching. Toxic pollutants originating from waste could be removed by bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The effectiveness of bioleaching was evaluated on the basis of the pollutant content in the aqueous leachates. For studying the relation between the efficiency of bioleaching and the binding of pollutants in the waste, Tessier’s sequential extraction was used. A comparison of bioleaching efficiency and the results of sequential extraction shows that bioleaching can be used to remove elements which are in an exchangeable form or are bound to carbonates, meaning that they are bound in bio-available forms. Bacterial activity was also shown to change the bonds of pollutants in wastes, leading to increased solubility of the pollutant.
Polymeric ionic liquids: a strategy for preparation of novel polymeric materials
Authors: Farzin Manoochehr , Nosratzadegan Keyvan , Azarnia Jamshid , Ferdosi Mohammad
Published: May 2015

A novel polymeric ionic liquid (PIL), bearing high C-N and N-N content, potentially suitable for new safe energetic materials and catalyst supports was introduced. The PIL was prepared by way of radical co-polymerisation of 1-vinyl-3-p-nitrobenzylimidazolium bromide and 1-vinylimidazole at 80◦C using azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The PIL thus produced was successfully transformed into NO
The influence of biodegradable mulches on the yielding of autumn raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)
Authors: Król-Dyrek Katarzyna , Siwek Piotr
Published: May 2015

A three-year experiment was set up to assess the effect of three mulch types on the growth and yield of ‘Polka’ autumn fruiting raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). The experimental arrangement comprised four combinations of two parallel blocks, one of which was a field crop and the second was a covered crop in the form of a high tunnel with raised beds sides. The crop was grown on raised beds (approximately 30 cm high) covered with a mulch made of: 1) polypropylene non-woven (PP); 2) PP with a photodegradant; 3) polylactide nonwoven (PLA). A crop on a raised bed without any mulch was the control. Biometric, physiological and yield parameters were assessed and included the number of canes, plant height, chlorophyll content in the leaves, fruit yield, weight of 20 fruits and the extract content.

The obtained results show that the height of the canes grown on PLA and PP mulch was significantly higher than for the PP with photodegradant. Cultivation on PP, PLA and PP with photodegradant mulch resulted in a significant increase in the weight of 20 raspberry fruits and higher chlorophyll content in the leaves compared to the control combination.
Control of sooty blotch and black rot of apple through removal of fruit mummies
Authors: Beer Margarita , Brockamp Leona , Weber Roland W.S.
Published: May 2015

Several popular apple cultivars retain their aborted fruits as mummies on the tree. In laboratory conditions, overwintered fruit mummies collected from a Northern German apple orchard under organic management released inoculum, which caused black rot due to Diplodia seriata and sooty blotch due to Peltaster cerophilus on ripe apples. In a field trial conducted over four years in another organic orchard, the manual removal of fruit mummies in winter and again in late June of each year significantly reduced the incidence of both these diseases. However, fruit mummy removal did not significantly affect the development of storage rots due to Neofabraea alba and N. perennans. The potential, limitations and costs of this phytosanitary measure are discussed in the context of organic apple production.
Improving Physical Layer Security via TAS and Full-Duplex Artificial-Noise-Added Receiver
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Liang Tao , Sun Aiwei
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we propose a hybrid scheme called transmit antenna selection and receiver’s artificial noise (TAS–rAN) for security enhancement in multiple-input single-output (MISO) wiretap channels. In this scheme, by using TAS protocol, the transmitter selects a single antenna that maximizes the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the full-duplex receiver. While the transmitter uses this antenna to transmit secrecy data, the full-duplex receiver would send artificial noise (AN) to confuse the potential eavesdropper. For the proposed protocol, we consider Rayleigh fading channels with different parameters for the main channel and the eavesdropper’s channel, and derive new closed-form expressions for the exact secrecy outage probability and the asymptotic secrecy outage probability. We demonstrate that the proposed TAS–
Virus Status, Varroa Levels, and Survival of 20 Managed Honey Bee Colonies Monitored in Luxembourg Between the Summer of 2011 and the Spring of 2013
Authors: Clermont Antoine , Pasquali Matias , Eickermann Michael , Kraus François , Hoffmann Lucien , Beyer Marco
Published: May 2015

Twenty managed honey bee colonies, split between 5 apiaries with 4 hives each, were monitored between the summer of 2011 and spring of 2013. Living bees were sampled in July 2011, July 2012, and August 2012. Twenty-five, medium-aged bees, free of varroa mites, were pooled per colony and date, to form one sample. Unlike in France and Belgium, Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus (CBPV) has not been found in Luxembourg. Slow Bee Paralysis Virus (SBPV) and Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV) levels were below detection limits. Traces of Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) were amplified. Black Queen Cell Virus (BQCV), Varroa destructor Virus-1 (VDV-1), and SacBrood Virus (SBV) were detected in all samples and are reported from Luxembourg for the first time. Varroa destructor Macula- Like Virus (VdMLV), Deformed Wing Virus (DWV), and Acute Bee Paralysis Virus (ABPV) were detected at all locations, and in most but not all samples. There was a significant increase in VDV-1 and DWV levels within the observation period. A principal component analysis was unable to separate the bees of colonies that survived the following winter from bees that died, based on their virus contents in summer. The number of dead varroa mites found below colonies was elevated in colonies that died in the following winter. Significant positive relationships were found between the log-transformed virus levels of the bees and the log-transformed number of mites found below the colonies per week, for VDV-1 and DWV. Sacbrood virus levels were independent of varroa levels, suggesting a neutral or competitive relationship between this virus and varroa.
Can we really diagnose diabetes during pregnancy?
Authors: Burlingame Janet M. , Bartholomew Lisa , Brink-Wong Teresa , Sampaga Sheila , Dye Timothy
Published: May 2015

Objective: To identify the accuracy of diagnosing postpartum diabetes and glucose intolerance using antepartum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose values.

Study Design: A retrospective Hawaiian cohort of women with gestational diabetes during 2004–2011 were evaluated. Antepartum HbA1c and postpartum 75-g glucose tolerance tests were obtained.

Results: An antepartum HbA1c value of ≥6.5% had a 45.7% sensitivity, a 96% specificity and a 40% positive predictive value (PPV) for predicting postpartum diabetes. An antepartum HbA1c value of ≥6.5% had a 6.6% sensitivity, a 94.2% specificity and a 27% PPV for predicting postpartum impaired glucose tolerance. An antepartum HbA1c value of ≥6.5% had a 10.3% sensitivity, a 95.7% specificity and a 33.3% PPV for predicting postpartum impaired fasting glucoses.

Conclusion: We could not demonstrate a clinically useful PPV for diagnosing postpartum diabetes or glucose intolerance using an antepartum elevated HbA1c value of ≥6.5% or a fasting glucose level of ≥90 mg/dL.
Omentin, an adipokine with insulin-sensitizing properties, is negatively associated with insulin resistance in normal gestation
Authors: Brandt Benny , Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Hemi Rina , Yinon Yoav , Schiff Eyal , Mashiach Roy , Kanety Hannah , Sivan Eyal
Published: May 2015

Omentin, a newly identified adipokine, enhances insulin mediated glucose uptake in human adipocytes, thus, inducing systemic insulin-sensitizing effect. The aims of this study were to determine whether circulating maternal omentin levels are associated with insulin resistance indices and to assess which compartment, maternal, fetal, or placental, is the source of omentin in maternal circulation.

Fasting serum glucose, insulin, and omentin were determined in 25 healthy pregnant women at the third trimester, before and 3 days after elective cesarean section. Cord blood omentin was measured in the 25 term neonates. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to evaluate insulin sensitivity before and after delivery.

Antepartum maternal omentin levels were negatively correlated with insulin levels (r=–0.41, P=0.04) and positively correlated with insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S; r=0.4, P=0.04). Postpartum omentin levels were negatively correlated with maternal body mass index (r=–0.44, P=0.02). Median maternal omentin levels was comparable before and after delivery (57.2, inter-quartile range: 38.2–76.2 ng/mL vs. 53.4, 39.8–69.4 ng/mL, respectively, P=0.25) and highly correlated (r=0.83, P<0.001). Antepartum maternal and neonatal omentin levels did not differ significantly (fetal: 62.2, 44.3–74.2 ng/mL, P=0.77) and did not correlate (P=0.6).

Circulating maternal omentin levels are correlated with insulin resistance indices, suggesting that this adipokine may play a role in metabolic adaptations of normal gestation. The strong correlation between anteparum and postpartum maternal omentin levels, as well as the lack of association between maternal and neonatal omentin levels, suggest that placental or fetal compartments are unlikely as the main source of circulating maternal omentin.
First trimester erythropoietin (EPO) serum concentration as a potential marker for abnormal placentation disorders. Reference values for erythropoietin (EPO) concentration at 11–13+6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Kosiński Przemysław , Bomba-Opoń Dorota A. , Wielgoś Mirosław
Published: May 2015

To investigate the possible effect of abnormal placentation disorders such as preeclampsia (PE), pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on erythropoietin (EPO) serum concentration in women in the first trimester of pregnancy.

A prospective study was performed in a group of pregnant women between 11 and 13

A group of 198 analyzed patients was divided into three groups depending on pregnancy outcome: abnormal placentation group (n=30), macrosomia (n=13) and control group (n=155). EPO concentrations between the three groups of patients revealed that they differ significantly (F=15.172, P<0.001). EPO concentration is significantly higher in abnormal placentation patients compared to the control group (P<0.001) and macrosomia group (P=0.004). The most significant increase in EPO concentration was detected within patients with PIH. Also the uterine artery pulsatility index was positively correlated with EPO concentration (P<0.01).

First-trimester maternal EPO concentration might be considered as a possible marker of abnormal placentation disorders and should be given more attention in future prospective studies.
Do Ontological Categories Exist?
Authors: Griffith Aaron M.
Published: May 2015

This paper concerns the ontological status of ontological categories (e.g., universal, particular, substance, property, relation, kind, object, etc.). I consider E. J. Lowe’s argument for the view that ontological categories do not exist and point out that it has some undesirable consequences for his realist ontology. I go on to argue that the main premise in Lowe’s argument – that ontological categories cannot be categorized – is false and then develop a conception of ontological categories as formal ontological kinds.
The Impact of Patient’s Socio-Demographic Characterictics, Comorbidities and Attitudes on Flu Vaccination Uptake in Family Practice Settings / Vpliv Bolnikovih Psihosocialnih Značilnosti, Komorbidnosti In Stališč Na Odločitev O Cepljenju Proti Gripi V Ambulantah Družinske Medicine
Authors: Kravos Andrej , Kračun Lucija , Kravos Klara , Iljaž Rade
Published: May 2015

Objectives. In Slovenia, the role of family physicians in primary care and preventive procedures is very important. Influenza vaccination rates in Slovenia are low. The reasons for low vaccination rates in Slovenia were not clear. We suppose that patient’s beliefs and attitudes are important factors. We assessed patients’ opinions regarding the acceptance of flu vaccination by their family physicians and their beliefs and attitudes about flu and vaccination. The aim was to check out factors that influence the decision to take the vaccine in family physician offices.

Methods. This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study in the Styria region in Slovenia. We included patients from seven family physicians during regular office visits. They filled in a questionnaire about their general demographic data and attitudes regarding influenza and vaccination. The main outcome was the decision to be vaccinated.

Results. The logistic regression model identified five predictors for influenza vaccination, namely: heart disease, previous vaccination, an agreement with the beliefs ‘the vaccination is an efficient measure to prevent influenza’, ‘after the vaccination there are usually no important side effects’ and ‘the vaccination is also recommended for a healthy adult person’. The belief that vaccinations harm the immune system is negatively associated with vaccination.

Conclusions. Patients’ beliefs are an important factor to decide for vaccination or not. Family physician teams should discuss with patients their beliefs and concerns about vaccination.
Pyroelectric properties of the monoclinic rare earth nitrates A
2
Ln(NO3)5·4H2O (A = NH4, Rb; Ln = La, Ce)
Authors: Ackermann Matthias , Andersen Lionel , Becker Petra , Bohatý Ladislav
Published: May 2015

The pyroelectric effect of four isomorphic monoclinic (space group Cc), non-ferroelectric rare earth nitrates A
2
Ln(NO3)5·4H2O (A = NH4, Rb; Ln = La, Ce) was investigated in the temperature range between 100 K and 300 K, using a home-made continuous-flow cryostat for measurements of pyroelectric currents. The symmetry-allowed temperature-dependent change of orientation of the pyroelectric vector
p
within the mirror plane is unusually large, showing a rotation of
p
of 148°, 129°, 36° and 40° for (NH4)2La(NO3)5·4H2O, (NH4)2Ce(NO3)5·4H2O, Rb2La(NO3)5·4H2O and Rb2Ce(NO3)5·4H2O, respectively, while changing the temperature from 100 K to 300 K in each case. The pyroelectric coefficients are up to ten times larger than p

3
of tourmaline. In addition, new data of the pyroelectric coefficients of Li2SO4·H2O and BiB3O6 and their temperature dependence are given.
Corporate Governance in China: A Research Agenda for a Corporate Group and Shareholder Control Perspective
Authors: Fu Jenny
Published: May 2015

The share ownership structure of listed companies in China lends support to the research findings of the recent “concentrated share ownership” thesis. However, due to its particular economic, political and legal contexts, the Chinese share ownership structure has its own characteristics. Instead of rich families or banks as seen elsewhere, publicly traded corporations in China are typically controlled by their state-owned founder/sponsor enterprises. Based on an examination of the state of ownership and control in listed companies in China and a brief review of the relevant literature, this paper suggests a corporate group contextual-based approach to understand corporate governance in China. For that purpose, some major issues for future research are also outlined.
Procalcitonin for detecting medullary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Seregni Ettore , Treglia Giorgio , Alevizaki Maria , Giovanella Luca
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of published studies to provide a robust estimation of the use of procalcitonin (ProCT) as a diagnostic marker of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), with particular focus on its specificity and negative predictive value in excluding MTC. A comprehensive computer literature search was conducted to find relevant published articles on the topic. We used a search algorithm based on a combination of the terms ‘medullary,’ ‘thyroid,’ and ‘ProCT.’ The search was updated until February 2015. To expand our search, references of the retrieved articles were also screened. A total of 39 articles were retrieved, of which nine original papers published from 2003 to 2014 were selected for the review. Some of these studies used ProCT in the preoperative diagnosis of MTC, whereas others measured ProCT during the follow-up of patients who had been previously treated for MTC. Other laboratory measurements were performed in some of the included studies. The results of the majority of the studies indicate that ProCT measurement appears to be a very promising and reliable serum marker for the diagnosis of MTC, and it is not inferior to calcitonin (CT). The sample handling is less laborious, and in the few CT-negative cases reviewed, the assay had even greater sensitivity. It would be worthwhile to establish cutoff levels using larger patient series, because we speculate that this assay could potentially replace CT measurement in the future.
Inhibition of Sam68 triggers adipose tissue browning
Authors: Zhou Junlan , Cheng Min , Boriboun Chan , Ardehali Mariam M , Jiang Changfei , Liu Qinghua , Han Shuling , Goukassian David A , Tang Yao-Liang , Zhao Ting C , Zhao Ming , Cai Lu , Richard Stéphane , Kishore Raj , Qin Gangjian
Published: May 2015

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; molecular mechanisms that promote energy expenditure can be utilized for effective therapy. Src-associated in mitosis of 68 kDa (Sam68) is potentially significant, because knockout (KO) of Sam68 leads to markedly reduced adiposity. In the present study, we sought to determine the mechanism by which Sam68 regulates adiposity and energy homeostasis. We first found that Sam68 KO mice have a significantly reduced body weight as compared to controls, and the difference is explained entirely by decreased adiposity. Interestingly, these effects were not mediated by a difference in food intake; rather, they were associated with enhanced physical activity. When they were fed a high-fat diet, Sam68 KO mice gained much less body weight and fat mass than their WT littermates did, and they displayed an improved glucose and insulin tolerance. In Sam68 KO mice, the brown adipose tissue (BAT), inguinal, and epididymal depots were smaller, and their adipocytes were less hypertrophied as compared to their WT littermates. The BAT of Sam68 KO mice exhibited reduced lipid stores and expressed higher levels of Ucp1 and key thermogenic and fatty acid oxidation genes. Similarly, depots of inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) in Sam68 KO mice appeared browner, their multilocular Ucp1-positive cells were much more abundant, and the expression of Ucp1, Cidea, Prdm16, and Ppargc1a genes was greater as compared to WT controls, which suggests that the loss of Sam68 also promotes WAT browning. Furthermore, in all of the fat depots of the Sam68 KO mice, the expression of M2 macrophage markers was up-regulated, and that of M1 markers was down-regulated. Thus, Sam68 plays a crucial role in controlling thermogenesis and may be targeted to combat obesity and associated disorders.
Endogenous interleukin 18 regulates testicular germ cell apoptosis during endotoxemia
Authors: Inoue Taketo , Aoyama-Ishikawa Michiko , Kamoshida Shingo , Nishino Satoshi , Sasano Maki , Oka Nobuki , Yamashita Hayato , Kai Motoki , Nakao Atsunori , Kotani Joji , Usami Makoto
Published: May 2015

Orchitis (testicular swelling) often occurs during systemic inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis. Interleukin 18 (IL18) is a proinflammatory cytokine and is an apoptotic mediator during endotoxemia, but the role of IL18 in response to inflammation in the testes was unclear. WT and IL18 knockout (KO) mice were injected lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxemia and examined 12 and 48 h after LPS administration to model the acute and recovery phases of endotoxemia. Caspase activation was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Protein and mRNA expression were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time RT-PCR respectively. During the acute phase of endotoxemia, apoptosis (as indicated by caspase-3 cleavage) was increased in WT mice but not in IL18 KO mice. The death receptor-mediated and mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathways were both activated in the WT mice but not in the KO mice. During the recovery phase of endotoxemia, apoptosis was observed in the IL18 KO mice but not in the WT mice. Activation of the death-receptor mediated apoptotic pathway could be seen in the IL18 KO mice but not the WT mice. These results suggested that endogenous IL18 induces germ cell apoptosis via death receptor mediated- and mitochondrial-mediated pathways during the acute phase of endotoxemia and suppresses germ cell apoptosis via death-receptor mediated pathways during recovery from endotoxemia. Taken together, IL18 could be a new therapeutic target to prevent orchitis during endotoxemia.
Pisces, Syngnathidae, Hippocampus reidi: filling distribution gaps
Authors: Hercos Alexandre P. , Giarrizzo Tommaso
Published: May 2015

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Fish, Marmelos Conservation Area (BX044), Madeira River basin, states of Amazonas and Rondônia, Brazil
Authors: Camargo Mauricio , Giarrizzo Tommaso
Published: May 2015

The present study provides a species list of fish from the Marmelos River Area – BX044 in the states of Amazonas and Rondônia in northern Brazil. During a Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) performed in October and November of 2003, 133 fish species from six orders and 24 families were recorded. The most diverse families were Characidae (47 species), Cichlidae (15 species), Loricariidae (12 species) and Pimelodidae (7 species). 23 fish species were common to the entire river basin and 4 were endemic to the aquatic system studied.
Amphibia, Anura, Hylodidae, Hylodes charadranaetes: distribution extension and notes on advertisement calls
Authors: Weber Luiz Norberto , Bilate Marcos , Procaci Leonardo Da Silva , Silva Sabrina Pereira da
Published: May 2015

None
Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae, Melanophryniscus moreirae: distribution extension
Authors: Weber Luiz Norberto , Procaci Leonardo Da Silva , Salles Rodrigo De Oliveira Lula , Silva Sabrina Pereira da , Corrêa Adriano Luz , Carvalho e Silva Sérgio Potsch de
Published: May 2015

None
Reptilia, Chelonii, Chelidae, Phrynops geoffroanus Schweigger, 1812 and Mesoclemmys vanderhaegei (Bour, 1973): distribution extension, new country record, and new province records in Argentina
Authors: Baldo Diego , Martinez Pablo , Boeris Juan M. , Giraudo Alejandro R.
Published: May 2015

None
Wspólnota akademicka Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II w Krakowie
Authors: Dyduch Jan Maciej
Published: May 2015

The academic community of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow is constituted by: the authorities, the academic teachers, the lecturers, the administration office workers, and the students, of course. By the common and combined effort, they all must strive for continuation and development of the prominent past of the university. By doing this, the university will build up its future for the sake of the Church, Poland, and Europe.
The right to freedom of religion
Authors: Dură Nicolae V.
Published: May 2015

The brief analysis of the text of the main International and European juridical instruments, i.e. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the two International Covenants adopted in 1996, the European Convention on Human Rights, the Charter of Nice (2000) and the two fundamental Treaties of EU revealed that the right to freedom of Religion is a “jus cogens” of the present-day, initially founded both on “jus divinum” and “jus naturale.”
Kim jest proboszcz zakonny? O relacji między przełożonym zakonnym a proboszczem w parafii powierzonej instytutowi zakonnemu
Authors: Skonieczny Piotr
Published: May 2015

This article presents the problematic concerning the relationship between the local Superior and the religious pastor in a parish entrusted to a religious institute, when these offices are not held by the same person. The Author presents briefly a historical evaluation of the concept of the religious parish, i.e. the movement from the beneficium to the communitas. According to the Author there are 3 principles organising this commitment: the salvation of souls, the work (opus) of the institute, and the principle of conserving religious identity. Following these principles, the Author expresses his opinion regarding the limitation of the religious pastor as “pastor proprius paroeciae”, and emphasises the fact that the religious pastor is first of all a religious, without any special rights in the religious community. Lastly, according to the Author, it would be better for religious life to use the canonical office of moderator rather than that of the pastor (cf can. 517, 1983 CIC 1983).