bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Original article. Protective effect of resveratrol against neuronal damage through oxidative stress in cerebral hemisphere of aluminum and fluoride treated rats
Authors: Nalagoni Chandra Shakar Reddy , Karnati Pratap Reddy
Published: June 2017

Aluminum has no defined biological function and it is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the presence of fluoride causes more aluminum to accumulate in the brain, resulting in increased neuronal damage. In recent years, resveratrol through its ameliorative effects was found to be a neuroprotectant. This study reports the protective effects of resveratrol on combined aluminum and fluoride induced neuronal damage through oxidative stress in rats. Protective effects of resveratrol (30 mg/kg b.w) on markers of oxidative stress were determined in rats exposed to aluminum chloride (100 mg/kg b.w) along with sodium fluoride (10 mg/kg b.w) for 8 weeks. The results showed a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in lipid peroxidation (LPx) as well as a significant (p<0.05) decrease in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Enlarged cells, neurofibrillary tangles, and vacuolar spaces showing oxidative stress in the cerebral cortex were also observed in hematoxylin and eosin stained sections in aluminum and fluoride treated rats. Administration of resveratrol along with aluminum + fluoride showed significant reversal of oxidative stress and neuronal damage in rats. Thus resveratrol potentially acts as a neuroprotectant against aluminum chloride + sodium fluoride induced neuronal damage through its anti-oxidant efficacy.
Discrete Language Units: The Case of a Czech Circumfix
Authors: Čermák František
Published: June 2017

Next to multiword lexemes, such as idioms, discrete units may be found on a lower, i.e. a morphological level in language. A notable, rather widespread but neglected field is represented by circumfixes. i.e. discrete combinations of morphemes, such as the German
gesprochen
standing before and after a lexical morpheme, a stable combination of a prefix and suffix having a stable and fixed meaning and or function. A few examples in various languages as a general classification of this are briefly shown to indicate that the phenomenon of circumfix is by no means rare. In what follows a detailed analysis of a single Czech case of the circumfix
z--lý
is offered (such as in zhrublý, zesinalý), relating to verb bases. Here, both the regular and anomalous cases is pointed at and commented briefly upon.
Antioxidant and antiproliferative potentials of methanol extract of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich in PC-3 and LNCaP cells
Authors: Adaramoye Oluwatosin Adekunle , Erguen Bettina , Nitzsche Bianca , Höpfner Michael , Jung Klaus , Rabien Anja
Published: June 2017

Background:

Our previous studies showed that fruit methanol extract from Xylopia aethiopica (MEXA) exhibited antiproliferative activity in human cervical cancer cells via the induction of apoptosis. The present study was designed to assess the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic and antioxidant effects of MEXA on prostate cancer (PCa) cells (PC-3 and LNCaP).

Methods:

PC-3 and LNCaP cells were cultured and treated with MEXA (10, 50 and 100 μg/mL). The sodium 3′-[1-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis (4-methoxy-6-nitro) benzene sulfonic acid hydrate (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were used to evaluate cell viability and cytotoxicity, respectively. DNA fragmentation was determined by cell death detection ELISA plus, and angiogenesis was assessed by chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The antioxidant activities of MEXA were determined by DPPH and hydroxyl (OH) radicals’ scavenging methods as well as through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats’ liver homogenate.

Results:

MEXA at 100, 250 and 500 μg/mL scavenged DPPH by 48%, 62%, 70% and OH radical by 39%, 58%, 67%, respectively. MEXA significantly (p<0.05) inhibited LPO in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, MEXA had antiproliferative effects on PC-3 and LNCaP with IC50 of 62.1 and 73.6 μg/mL, respectively, at 96 h. The LDH assay showed that MEXA had low toxicity in vitro at its IC50 values. The extent of DNA fragmentation by MEXA showed higher values in PC-3 and LNCaP, suggesting the possible induction of apoptosis. In contrast, MEXA did not affect the network of vessels in CAM, thus lacking anti-angiogenic property.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that MEXA induces antiproliferative activity in PCa cells through a mechanism that involves apoptosis. Therefore, MEXA may be a potential therapeutic agent for PCa.
XBRL Implementation in the Banking Sector in Montenegro
Authors: Martić Vladan , Lalević-Filipović Ana , Radović Milivoje
Published: June 2017

The EXtensible Business Reporting Language – XBRL appeared in the beginning of the 21st century and it represents one of the most important technological innovations in financial reporting, collecting and exchanging data since the introduction of electronic spreadsheets. However, although the XBRL standard is globally accepted, and it has been proved to be a standard sui generis, the implementation of the standard has not yet become a reality in Montenegro and the region. In this context, the goal of this article is to evaluate a new and, for our conditions unexplored, area from the point of application of modern methods of accounting theory and practice, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. This research is getting prominence having in mind that the EU integration process which Montenegro has already started would affect all areas of socioeconomic life and development, especially in terms of accounting practices harmonization.
Estimating Probability of Default on Peer to Peer Market – Survival Analysis Approach
Authors: Đurović Andrija
Published: June 2017

Arguably a cornerstone of credit risk modelling is the probability of default. This article aims is to search for the evidence of relationship between loan characteristics and probability of default on peer-to-peer (P2P) market. In line with that, two loan characteristics are analysed: 1) loan term length and 2) loan purpose. The analysis is conducted using survival analysis approach within the vintage framework. Firstly, 12 months probability of default through the cycle is used to compare riskiness of analysed loan characteristics. Secondly, log-rank test is employed in order to compare complete survival period of cohorts. Findings of the paper suggest that there is clear evidence of relationship between analysed loan characteristics and probability of default. Longer term loans are more risky than the shorter term ones and the least risky loans are those used for credit card payoff.
On the ga-marked subject: Its syntactic and semantic characteristics
Authors: Inoue Kazuko
Published: June 2017

According to Kayne's (1994) Linear Correspondence Axiom (LCA) languages with configurational structures are expected to derive fixed word order. Hungarian is a typical example, deriving a fixed word order while retaining configurational structures. The moment Hungarian loses its configurational structure it yields free word order. This paper claims that there are languages with configurational structures, yet which allow free word order. Kuroda's dichotomy into “agreement forced and non-forced” languages accounts for this phenomenon. Agreement forced languages like English keep fixed word order, because the subject must occupy the position of the Specifier of Tense Phrase (TP-Spec) to get its features to agree with those of Tense in terms of person, number and gender. Agreement non-forced languages like Japanese allow any argument to fill the TP-Spec position, giving rise to free word order with configurational structures. Contrary to LCA, configurational structures do not necessarily result in fixed word order.
Marking or not marking? How is number construal understood in Japanese?
Authors: Minagawa Harumi
Published: June 2017

Using natural data and a set of clearly defined criteria to select 808 target examples, this study investigates several claims made by researchers concerning number interpretation in Japanese, including the claim that for noun phrases unmarked for number, if a number construal is possible in their interpretation, then in the majority of cases number is clearly determinable as either singular or plural (Jarkey and Moore 2001); that context plays a crucial role in determining number (Umegaki 1961, Tamamura 1986, Jarkey and Moore 2001, and Mizuguchi 2004) and hence there is little need for regular explicit number marking (Okutsu 1986, Tamamura 1986); and that nouns unmarked for number tend to be interpreted as referring to a single entity (Okutsu 1986 and Moore 2004). Among other things discussed, this study confirms the marginal proportion of readings having indeterminacy of number and the high proportion of singular readings of nouns unmarked for number. The study, however, suggests evaluating with caution the claim that number interpretation relies heavily on context, pointing out that the validity of such a claim depends on how ‘context’ is defined. Tamamura’s claim that explicit marking for plurality is rarely required in Japanese is also challenged on the basis of statistical data.
Mora clipping of loanwords in Japanese
Authors: Irwin Mark
Published: June 2017

Loanwords in Japanese undergo a variety of truncation processes, including mora-clipping. Mora-clipping can itself be subdivided into back- (e.g. čokoreeto > čoko ‘chocolate’), fore- (wanisu > nisu ‘varnish’) and mid-clipping (moruhine > mohi ‘morphine’). Although back-clipping is the unmarked process, this paper seeks to answer a major issue as yet unresolved in the literature: at which mora are back-, fore- and mid-clippings typically clipped, and why? Although previous studies have claimed that syllable structure plays a major role, many exceptions remain unexplained.
Three uses of kata ‘person’ in Japanese
Authors: Hudson Mutsuko Endo
Published: June 2017

The present article analyzes the use of kata ‘person’ in contemporary Japanese. The main data of the study are the speech of students talking to professors in 12 videotaped conversations. An examination of the data reveals three usages of kata, serving exalting, beautifying and ‘buffer’ functions. The exalting usage is the traditional classification of kata (sonkeigo), a type of referent honorific, while the other two are addressee honorifics. These additions reflect the general shift from referent-controlled to addressee-controlled honorification. One possible motivation for using the beautifying and ‘buffer’ types is the ease of showing politeness, instead of converting the predicate into honorific forms. It was also found that students used hito ‘person (NEUTRAL)’ and ko ‘child, kid,’ in addition to kata. The distinction suggests a possible tendency for kata to be used for out-group social superiors, hito for people in general, and ko for in-group social equals and subordinates.
The kono … noni construction: A semantic, syntactic and pragmatic analysis
Authors: Minagawa Harumi
Published: June 2017

This study examines the kono … noni construction from semantic, syntactic and pragmatic dimensions. It suggests that this construction as a whole expresses a concessive meaning of an unexpected event happening in a temporary and generally perceived adverse situation which the speaker is currently in. It proposes common semantic characteristics of the adjectives that are allowed to occur in this construction, clarifies the function of the proximal demonstrative kono, which expresses a sense of personal connection to an event, and shows the compositional nature of noni, in which no denotes a duration within this construction. It also suggests that speaker disapproval is strongly associated with the construction, while such meaning is not inherent in the construction itself.
Extended discourse in first and second language acquisition: A challenge and an opportunity
Authors: Snow Catherine E.
Published: June 2017

First language learners acquire vocabulary in the context of participation in discourse, and the quantity and richness of that discourse is the best predictor of their progress. Similarly, we argue, engagement in discourse, in particular debate and discussion, is an effective component of classroom instruction for second and foreign language learners. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of a particular discussion-based program, Word Generation, is presented, in particular its effectiveness with current and former second language learners of English. Principles implemented in Word Generation that could be applied in any educational setting are identified.
Aspects of scientific Japanese revealed by JECPRESE
Authors: Hayashi Hiroko , Noguchi Judy
Published: June 2017

This study examines the language used by researchers in science and engineering, where clarity is essential. We prepared The Japanese-English Corpus of Presentations in Science and Engineering (JECPRESE) to examine how language is used in science and engineering to clearly and accurately present information. JECPRESE contains transcriptions of presentations given in Japanese and English by researchers. Analyses revealed vagueness in Japanese arising from the tendencies of the Japanese language to sometimes omit subjects and to lack specificity in conveying discourse strategies, verb tense, and mood. Such vagueness is considered to have roots in traditional Japanese society and culture that aim to maintain harmony in a community. However, in an age of global communications, this can be an obstacle to projecting an understandable message. Suggestions are made as to how to make scientific Japanese present clearer messages to a professional community based on linguistic considerations.
Minimal Entropy Production and Efficiency of Energy Conversion in Nonlinear Thermoelectric Systems with Two Temperatures
Authors: Rogolino Patrizia , Sellitto Antonio , Cimmelli Vito Antonio
Published: June 2017

In this paper we determine the physical conditions ensuring that the efficiency of a thermoelectric nanowire with two temperatures is optimal. We consider the case in which the entropy for unitary volume depends on the equilibrium variables only, and the case in which such a quantity depends on the dissipative fluxes, too. We prove that in these two different situations the conditions of optimal efficiency are different.
The laboratory control of anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis during the early postpartum period after cesarean delivery
Authors: Koltsova Ekaterina M. , Balandina Anna N. , Grischuk Konstantin I. , Shpilyuk Margarita A. , Seregina Elena A. , Dashkevich Natalia M. , Poletaev Alexander V. , Pyregov Alexey V. , Sukhih Gennady T. , Serebriyskiy Ilya I. , Ataullakhanov Fazly I.
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after cesarean section is up to 0.6%, and the widespread use of cesarean section draws attention to this group. The dosage and duration of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis after delivery is estimated by anamnestic risk-scales; however, the predictive potency for an individual patient’s risk can be low. Laboratory hemostasis assays are expected to solve this problem. The aim of this study was to estimate the potency of tests to reflect the coagulation state of patients receiving LMWH in the early postpartum period.

Materials and methods:

We conducted an observational study on 97 women undergoing cesarean section. Standard coagulation tests (Fg, APTT, prothrombin, D-dimer), an anti-Xa assay, rotation thromboelastometry and thrombodynamics/thrombodynamics-4D were performed. Coagulation assay parameters were compared in groups formed in the presence or absence of LMWH to estimate the laboratory assays’ sensitivity to anticoagulation.

Results:

Coagulation assays revealed hypercoagulation after delivery and a tendency toward normalization of coagulation during early postpartum. The thromboprophylaxis results revealed a higher percentage of coagulation parameters within the normal range in the LMWH group.

Conclusion:

This research is potentially beneficial for the application of thrombodynamics and thrombodynamics-4D in monitoring coagulation among patients with high VTE risk who receive thromboprophylaxis with heparin.
Palaeontological analysis of Middle Miocene siltstones at Wiślica (Carpathian Foredeep, Poland)
Authors: Płonka Katarzyna
Published: June 2017

Middle Miocene siltstones of the Skawina Formation that crop out at Wiślica, within the axial part of the Carpathian Foredeep in Poland, were analysed. The deposits studied contain numerous benthic and planktonic foraminifera, ostracods, echinoid spines, bryozoans, bivalves and otoliths. The fossils recognised document an early ‘Badenian’ (= Lang-hian in the Mediterranean area), or, more precisely, ‘Moravian’ age of the deposit. Palaeoecological analysis suggests normal-marine conditions with full salinity. The studied siltstones were deposited from middle–lower shoreface to lower–offshore, warm surface water and locally suboxic to dysoxic conditions in the sediment.
An efficient and convenient aldol addition of acyldiazomethane with aldehydes promoted by MgI2 etherate
Authors: Xie Xiaoqiang , Qi Weipeng , Sun Xinzhe , Zhang Xingxian
Published: June 2017

The aldol addition of acyldiazomethane with aromatic aldehydes, vinyl aldehyde and aliphatic aldehydes was carried out efficiently in the presence of MgI
Militärische Strategie und christliche Propaganda
Authors: Freller Thomas
Published: June 2017

Im Zuge der erst in den letzten Jahrzehnten auf solide wissenschaftliche Grundlage gestellten Forschungen zum Wesen der Konvertiten und Renegaten geriet auch Osman, später »Padre Ottomano« genannt, – ein angeblicher Sohn von Sultan Ibrahim I. – wieder in das Blickfeld internationaler Aufmerksamkeit. Dabei wurden vor allem seine Gefangennahme durch die Malteserritter im September 1644, der damit geschaffene Vorwand des osmanischen Angriffs auf das damals venezianisch besetzte Kreta und seine folgende Karriere im Dominikanerorden im Kontext des geistigen Klimas der Gegenreformation diskutiert. Die aktive Einbeziehung des Padre Ottomano in militärstrategische Konzepte zu einem Entsatz der von den Osmanen belagerten Hauptstadt Kretas, das damals venezianische Kandia (Candia/Kandiye), sowie seine Tätigkeiten als agent provocateur zur Aufwiegelung der Bevölkerung Griechenlands und des Balkans und damit zur Errichtung einer zweiten Front wurden bisher nicht untersucht. Der vorliegende Beitrag versucht, dieses Desiderat der Forschungen zur Militärgeschichte des Mittelmeers – und durch die Teilnahme bayerischer, braunschweigischer, niedersächsischer und westfälischer Truppenverbände auch Deutschlands – anhand bisher nicht ausgewerteter Archivalien und mittlerweile erschienener Quelleneditionen zu schließen. Dabei wird auch das militärische Scheitern dieser Pläne um den Padre Ottomano im Kontext der englischen, niederländischen und französischen Handelsinteressen diskutiert.
The crystal structure of tert-butyl 2,6-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazole-5(4H)-carboxylate, C10H15N3O2
Authors: Wang Kun-Yan , Yang Xiao-Li
Published: June 2017

C10H15N3O2, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 10.9501(14) Å, b = 9.2193(9) Å, c = 11.2149(14) Å, β = 103.648(4), V = 1100.2(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0476, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1054, T = 296(2) K.
Hegels Religion des absoluten Wissens?
Authors: Matějčková Tereza
Published: June 2017

Im Aufsatz wird die These vertreten, dass Hegels
Reformatorische Anregungen zur Überwindung einer fundamentalistisch motivierten Bibelauslegung in Korea
Authors: Cho Yong Seuck
Published: June 2017

Dieser Beitrag versucht, Möglichkeiten zur Überwindung des fundamentalistischen Biblizismus zu entwickeln, was durch einen Rekurs auf das reformatorische Schriftverständnis ermöglicht werden soll. Dieser Versuch könnte eventuell auch einen Anstoß zum Versöhnungsprozess der gespaltenen presbyterianischen Kirchen in Korea leisten sowie anlässlich des Reformationsjubiläums im Jahr 2017 dazu beitragen, sich intensiver mit Luther zu beschäftigen, da dessen Theologie und Schriftverständnis hier bislang leider weitgehend unbeachtet geblieben ist.
Ecological assessment of water quality in the Kabul River, Pakistan, using statistical methods
Authors: Khuram Izaz , Barinova Sophia , Ahmad Nadeem , Ullah Asad , Din Siraj Ud , Jan Samin , Hamayun Muhammad
Published: June 2017

We identified 209 species of algae and cyanobacteria at 4 sites in the Kabul River. Green algae, diatoms, and charophytes dominated in the river, which reflects regional features of agricultural activity. Species richness and algal abundance increased down the river. The Water Quality Index characterizes the quality of water down the river as medium to bad. The index of saprobity S reflects Class III water quality. The Water Ecosystem Sustainability Index (WESI) shows contamination with nutrients. According to the River Pollution Index (RPI), waters in the river have low alkalinity and low salinity, and are contaminated with nutrients. Pearson coefficients showed that water temperature plays a major role in the total species richness distribution (0.93*) and in the green algae distribution (0.89*), while cyanobacteria were stimulated also by water salinity (0.91*). Stepwise regression analysis indicated water temperature as the major regional factor that determines riverine algal diversity. Surface plots and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that salinity, nitrates, temperature, and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) can be defined as major factors affecting algal diversity. Dendrites mark the upper site of the Warsak Dam as the source of the community species diversity. Bioindication methods can give relevant and stable results of water quality and self-purification assessment that can be employed to monitor the regional water quality.
Sociolinguistic Variation in the Nativisation of BSL Fingerspelling
Authors: Brown Matt , Cormier Kearsy
Published: June 2017

British Sign Language (BSL) is a visual-gestural language distinct from spoken languages used in the United Kingdom but in contact with them. One product of this contact is the use of fingerspelling to represent English words via their orthography. Fingerspelled loans can become “nativised”, adapting manual production to conform more closely to the native lexicon’s inventory of phonemic constraints. Much of the previous literature on fingerspelling has focused on one-handed systems but, unlike the majority of sign languages, BSL uses a two-handed manual alphabet. What is the nature of nativisation in BSL, and does it exhibit sociolinguistic variation? We apply a cross-linguistic model of nativisation to BSL Corpus conversation and narrative data (http://bslcorpusproject.org) obtained from 150 signers in 6 UK regions. Mixed effects modelling is employed to determine the influence of social factors. Results show that the participants’ home region is the most significant factor, with London and Birmingham signers significantly favouring use of fully nativised fingerspelled forms. Non-nativised sequences are significantly favoured in signers of increasing age in Glasgow and Belfast. Gender and parental language background are not found to be significant factors in nativisation. The findings also suggest a form of reduction specific to London and Birmingham.
Physical Modelling of Geotechnical Structures in Ports and Offshore
Authors: Bałachowski Lech
Published: June 2017

The physical modelling of subsoil behaviour and soil-structure interaction is essential for the proper design of offshore structures and port infrastructure. A brief introduction to such modelling of geoengineering problems is presented and some methods and experimental devices are described. The relationships between modelling scales are given. Some examples of penetration testing results in centrifuge and calibration chamber are presented. Prospects for physical modelling in geotechnics are also described.
Effect of Different Structure Type Traffic On Railway Line Capacity
Authors: Gleba Radosław , Grulkowski Sławomir , Zariczny Jerzy
Published: June 2017

The article points to methods of analyzing railway traffic conditions based on two parameters: capacity and delay of trains. The impact of the differentiated railway type structure on the capacity of the railway line was presented. Particular attention has been paid to the assessment of commonly used simplifications in analyzes.
A Discrete-Continuous Method of Mechanical System Modelling
Authors: Hein Rafał
Published: June 2017

The paper describes a discrete-continuous method of dynamic system modelling. The presented approach is hybrid in its nature, as it combines the advantages of spatial discretization methods with those of continuous system modelling methods. In the proposed method, a three-dimensional system is discretised in two directions only, with the third direction remaining continuous. The thus obtained discrete-continuous model is described by a set of coupled partial differential equations, derived using the rigid finite element method (RFEM). For this purpose, firstly the general differential equations are written. Then these equations are converted into difference equations. The derived equations, expressed in matrix form, allow to create a global matrix for the whole system. They are solved using the distributed transfer function method. The proposed approach is illustrated with the examples of a simple beam fixed at both ends and a simply supported plate.
Numerical Modelling of Structures with Uncertainties
Authors: Kahsin Maciej
Published: June 2017

The nature of environmental interactions, as well as large dimensions and complex structure of marine offshore objects, make designing, building and operation of these objects a great challenge. This is the reason why a vast majority of investment cases of this type include structural analysis, performed using scaled laboratory models and complemented by extended computer simulations. The present paper focuses on FEM modelling of the offshore wind turbine supporting structure. Then problem is studied using the modal analysis, sensitivity analysis, as well as the design of experiment (DOE) and response surface model (RSM) methods. The results of modal analysis based simulations were used for assessing the quality of the FEM model against the data measured during the experimental modal analysis of the scaled laboratory model for different support conditions. The sensitivity analysis, in turn, has provided opportunities for assessing the effect of individual FEM model parameters on the dynamic response of the examined supporting structure. The DOE and RSM methods allowed to determine the effect of model parameter changes on the supporting structure response.
Effects of circuit resistance training on the quality of life and disability of women with low back pain
Authors: Krześniak Hanna , Truszczyńska-Baszak Aleksandra
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Back pain is a serious social problem which frequently affects women. So far, the effectiveness and safety of physical activities recommended to them have not been confirmed scientifically.

The aim of the work was to determine the influence of circuit resistance training on the quality of life and disability of women with back pain.

Materials and methods: The study included 25 women (mean age 52.81 ± 13.83 years) with back pain in the course of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Circuit resistance training was done on the machines with hydraulic resistance. Prior to the training, each participant was diagnosed on the basis of the McKenzie functional assessment. The quality of life was evaluated with the use of SF-36 survey, while pain intensity was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS). The level of disability was examined with Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). The examinations were repeated after a three-month period of training and compared with a control group including 31 women (mean age 43.43 ± 14.64 years) who did not take up any physical activity in this period.

Results: In the research group, 73.68% of the subjects improved their quality of life assessed with SF-36 survey, mainly in the category of physical functioning (p=0.006). Moreover, their disability decreased significantly (p=0.01) and pain subsided (p=0.003) compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Circuit resistance training decreased low back pain, reduced disability and improved the quality of life of the subjects. This type of training may be recommended to individuals with non-specific low back pain.
Quality of Outsourced Services, Opportunism and Contract Design
Authors: Beuve Jean , Chever Lisa
Published: June 2017

This paper estimates the impact of contract design on the enforceability of quality in outsourced public contracts. Using panel data from 102 cleaning contracts, our results suggest that quality enforcement depends highly on the
The use of biomarkers in detecting subclinical cardiotoxicity in doxorubicin-based treatment for paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Radu Letiția Elena , Beldiman Andra , Ghiorghiu Ioana , Oprescu Alina , Arion Constantin , Coliță Anca
Published: June 2017

The international standard protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common haemato-oncological pathology at paediatric age, uses anthracyclines as antitumor agents, potentially associated with early or late onset cardiac damage. Currently, echocardiography is the gold standard in the diagnosis of cardiotoxicity, but several biomarkers are evaluated as a possible replacement, pending more extensive clinical studies. We started a prospective study in order to determine the role of two biomarkers, troponin and heart-type fatty acid binding protein, in the evaluation of cardiotoxicity in children over one year of age, diagnosed with ALL. Between February 2015 and April 2016, 20 patients were enrolled and monitored at diagnosis, during chemotherapy and four months after the end of reinduction, through cardiac evaluation and dosing of those two markers in five different points of the treatment protocol. During the first year of follow-up, the patients did not develop clinical signs of cardiac damage, but the study showed a slight increase in troponin levels during chemotherapy, with the return to baseline value after treatment cessation, and also a correlation with the total dose of anthracyclines given to the patient. On the other hand, the second biomarker, heart-type fatty acid binding protein, did not seem to be useful in detecting subclinical cardiac damage in these patients.
Preoperative measurement of serum CA-125 levels: is it useful in the risk assessment of low volume lymph node disease in cervical cancer?
Authors: Sniadecki Marcin , Wojtylak Szymon , Wycinka Ewa , Sawicki Sambor , Kobierski Juliusz , Liro Marcin , Wydra Dariusz Grzegorz
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is observed in some cervical cancers (CCs). Is the correlation of CA-125 with the presence of nodal events useful in predicting early metastasis to the lymph nodes?

METHODS: The study included 45 patients with CC FIGO (2009) stages IA1-IIA1 and known preoperative CA-125 concentration, surgery treated (05.2011-05.2014). Investigated pretreatment: age (pre-, postmenopausal), histological type, grade, confounding factors - prior cone biopsy, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, liver or colon pathology, concomitant malignancy. LN metastases (LNM) were defined as macro (MAC, >2mm) and/or micrometastases (mic, 0.2 - 2 mm), and LVLND as mic or/and ITC (single CC cells clusters) in LNs. Ultrastaging of all LNs (sentinel and non-sentinel, 4 μm thick slices/150 μm intervals) was performed with hematoxylin and eosin staining and with immunohistochemistry (IHC - AE1/AE3 cytokeratin antibodies). Non-parametrical analysis and receiver operating curve analysis were used to determine correlation between CA-125 and LNM including LVLND.

RESULTS: The median age was 55 (23-71). 806 LNs were extracted. LNM was found in 12, LVLND in 6 patients. LNM but not LVLND was correlated with higher grade (G2-G3, p<0.05). LVLND was positively correlated with premenopausal age (p<0.05) but not with tumor histology or grade. Liver disease only was found to influence CA-125 levels (p=0.064). There were no differences within CA-125 concentration among LVLND, LNM, and node-negative patients groups, however a trend was found between higher CA-125 and lower LVLND risk.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of CA-125 may be less likely due to LVLND than to LN positivity. Grade is an important feature in prediction of LNM but not LVLND. CA-125 level was found to be not predictive of LNM nor LVLND, as confirmed by ultrastaging.
Une source du premier cours de linguistique générale de Saussure, octobre 1906
Authors: Chidichimo Alessandro
Published: June 2017

Dans cet article, je publie un texte écrit par Ferdinand de Saussure en octobre 1906 et correspondant à une proposition de programme pour le premier cours de linguistique générale qui commença le 16 janvier 1907. Ce texte a été présenté aux séances de la Faculté de Lettres et Sciences sociales de l’Université de Genève à l’occasion des discussions à propos de la succession de Saussure sur la poste d’enseignement de linguistique générale de Joseph Wertheimer. Ce document constitue la première source saussurienne confirmée de ce premier cours et s’achève, en outre, sur quelques lignes décrivant ce qui sera un deuxième cours. L’histoire saussurienne raconte, en fait, que des trois cours de linguistique générale de Saussure (1907–1911), nous ne disposons de notes manuscrites de Saussure lui-même que pour les deux derniers cours. Je reconstruis donc l’histoire du début des cours saussuriens qui furent la source du Cours de linguistique générale et je publie le document avec des annotations inhérentes à l’histoire et à la philologie saussurienne. Cette introduction au premier cours doit être ajoutée à toutes les autres sources inhérentes au Cours de linguistique générale.
Influence of Installation Effects on Pile Bearing Capacity in Cohesive Soils – Large Deformation Analysis Via Finite Element Method
Authors: Konkol Jakub , Bałachowski Lech
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the whole process of pile construction and performance during loading is modelled via large deformation finite element methods such as Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) and Updated Lagrangian (UL). Numerical study consists of installation process, consolidation phase and following pile static load test (SLT). The Poznań site is chosen as the reference location for the numerical analysis, where series of pile SLTs have been performed in highly overconsolidated clay (OCR ≈ 12). The results of numerical analysis are compared with corresponding field tests and with so-called “wish-in-place” numerical model of pile, where no installation effects are taken into account. The advantages of using large deformation numerical analysis are presented and its application to the pile designing is shown.
The Impact of Multiple Seam Mining Exploitations on Seismic Activity and State of Stress
Authors: Majcherczyk Tadeusz , Niedbalski Zbigniew
Published: June 2017

The paper presents an analysis of seismic activity for selected areas of hard coal mine executing exploitation in a rock mass with a variable degree of rock disturbance, i.e., also with a varied number of previous mined-out seams. A distribution of vertical stress and a value of vertical stress concentration coefficient were also determined in the strata of immediate roof of the seams planned for mining. In the analyzed case, despite the lack of thick and solid strata of sandstones in the roof, the rock mass emits seismic activity, where the energy largely depends upon an impact of exploitation edges and tectonic disturbance.
Technical Note. The Concept of a Computer System for Interpretation of Tight Rocks Using X-Ray Computed Tomography Results
Authors: Habrat Magdalena , Krakowska Paulina , Puskarczyk Edyta , Jędrychowski Mariusz , Madejski Paweł
Published: June 2017

The article presents the concept of a computer system for interpreting unconventional oil and gas deposits with the use of X-ray computed tomography results. The functional principles of the solution proposed are presented in the article. The main goal is to design a product which is a complex and useful tool in a form of a specialist computer software for qualitative and quantitative interpretation of images obtained from X-ray computed tomography. It is devoted to the issues of prospecting and identification of unconventional hydrocarbon deposits. The article focuses on the idea of X-ray computed tomography use as a basis for the analysis of tight rocks, considering especially functional principles of the system, which will be developed by the authors. The functional principles include the issues of graphical visualization of rock structure, qualitative and quantitative interpretation of model for visualizing rock samples, interpretation and a description of the parameters within realizing the module of quantitative interpretation.
Preface. Conditional: Conceptual and Historical Analysis
Authors: Schang Fabien
Published: June 2017

The logic of conditional is developed hereby in a series of papers, contributing to a historical and critical analysis of what the logical constant is expected to mean.
E-healthcare for diabetes mellitus type 2 patients – a randomised controlled trial in Slovenia
Authors: Iljaž Rade , Brodnik Andrej , Zrimec Tatjana , Cukjati Iztok
Published: June 2017

Background

Telemonitoring and web-based interventions are increasingly used in primary-care practices in many countries for more effective management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). A new approach in treating patients with diabetes mellitus in family practices, based on ICT use and nurse practitioners, has been introduced and evaluated in this study.

Method

Fifteen Slovene family practices enrolled 120 DM patients treated only with a diet regime and/or tablets into the study. 58 of them were included into the interventional group, and the other 62 DM patients into the control group, within one-year-long interventional, randomised controlled trial. Patients in the control group had conventional care for DM according to Slovenian professional guidelines, while the patients in the interventional group were using also the eDiabetes application. Patients were randomised through a balanced randomisation process.

Results

Significant reductions of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) values were found after 6 and 12 months among patients using this eDiabetes application (p<0.05). Among these patients, a significant correlation was also found between self-monitored blood pressure and the final HbA1c values. Diabetic patients’ involvement in web-based intervention had only transient impact on their functional health status.

Conclusion

This eDiabetes application was confirmed to be an innovative approach for better self-management of DM type 2 patients not using insulin. Both a significant reduction of HbA1c values and a significant correlation between the average self-measured blood pressure and the final HbA1c values in the interventional group were found. Nurse practitioners – as diabetes care coordinators – could contribute to better adherence in diabetes e-care.
Der russische Kohlhaas? A. V. Suchovo-Kobylin unter Verdacht
Authors: Koschmal Walter
Published: June 2017

A comparison of parallel stories in two cultures, in this case two remarkable legal cases, reveals much about both cultures' specific characteristics by highlighting the narratives' differences and similarities. This study compares one of German literature's most important novellas, Heinrich von Kleist's Michael Kohlhaas, with the "Russian Kohlhaas" Suchovo-Kobylin to investigate their proposed similarity. While doing so, it draws on Suchovo-Kobylin's diary, his contemporaries' testimonies, legal documents and archival material to reevaluate the life and work of the wrongly forgotten leading Russian dramatist of the nineteenth century, whose two-hundredth anniversary will pass on September 17, 2017. Both Suchovo-Kobylin's court case, in which he was a murder suspect, as well as corruption in Russia, which was for the first time so vehemently criticized, remain unresolved.
Textural diversity in selected Retisols in the catena of the Opalenica Plain (western Poland)
Authors: Kozłowski Michał , Komisarek Jolanta
Published: June 2017

The investigation was carried out in the catena of Retisols within the Opalenica Plain. The aim of the study was to characterize the variation in texture of selected Retisols formed from ground moraine glacial till of Leszno Phase of Vistulian glaciation. The analyzed soils are characterized by a similar degree of soil material segregation, which is characteristic for the typical glacial till. Particle size distribution and granulometric indices lead to conclusion that soils located in the catena on summit and shoulder positions, have vertical texture distribution formed primarily by lessivage process. Sandy texture of eluvial horizons noted in the Retisol of the slope pediment can be a consequence of not only lessivage but also of slope forming processes that led to the appearance of lithic discontinuity. The cluster analysis using Ward’s method and 1-rPearson as the distance measure can be helpful for identification the lithogenic uniformity and/or non-uniformity of soil parent material.
Impact of noise barriers on the dispersal of solid pollutants from car emissions and their deposition in soil
Authors: Wawer Małgorzata , Rachwał Marzena , Kowalska Joanna
Published: June 2017

Despite the existence of various methods aimed at protecting the environment from the negative influence of roads, there is a lack of adequate techniques for monitoring and reducing the spread of roadside pollution into the air and soils. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of noise barriers (sound walls) on the dispersal and soil deposition of solid pollutants from car emissions, based on both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Magnetic susceptibility measurements, trace elements analyses, and platinum (Pt) and rhodium (Rh) content determinations were performed on soil samples collected in the vicinity of various types of noise barrier. Previous investigations have shown that most traffic emissions are deposited in the close vicinity of roads (up to 10 m), with pollution levels decreasing with increasing distance from the road edge. However, the results of the present study indicate that this distribution is disturbed in areas in which noise barriers are located. Moreover, additional soil enrichment with trace elements was observed at approx. 10-15 m behind the barriers. The spatial distribution of trace elements contents in the tested soil samples corresponded to the magnetic susceptibility values. High Fe, Zn, Mn and Pb levels were observed adjacent to noise barriers composed of sawdust concrete and steel panels.
Changes of soil water regime types in the area adjacent to the Tomisławice open-cast lignite mine (central Poland)
Authors: Owczarzak Wojciech , Mocek Andrzej , Kaczmarek Zbigniew , Gajewski Piotr , Glina Bartłomiej
Published: June 2017

This work presents the results of a four-year study on the determination of the range of soil groundwater drainage caused by the operation of the Tomisławice lignite open-cast mine. The performed analyses covered the area of 9600 ha which included 24 villages. It was found that operation of Tomisławice open-cast mine caused noticeable changes of soil groundwater level in the areas adjacent to the excavation. It consequently resulted in considerable changes in soil water regimes types on grassland areas but it did not always lead to soil degradation processes. However, the deterioration of soils hydrological conditions may cause disappearance of certain hydrophilous grass species.
Coastal acid sulphate soils in Poland: a review
Authors: Hulisz Piotr , Kwasowski Wojciech , Pracz Jerzy , Malinowski Ryszard
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the state of knowledge on coastal acid sulphate soils in Poland. The properties of these soils are closely related to the influence of brackish water from the Baltic Sea, high accumulation of organic matter and human activity. The obtained results demonstrate that the sulphide accumulation in soils refers to a relatively small areas of the Polish coastal zone with the unique and very valuable habitats. They require an adequate regulation of the water relations to avoid the risk of strong soil acidification and environmental pollution by heavy metals. Currently, there are no relevant criteria for classification of acid sulphate soil materials in the Polish Soil Classification (2011). Therefore, based on the presented data, the authors proposed to identify these features at the lower classification level (for different soil types). The criteria for the Thionic and Sulfidic qualifiers used in the WRB classification (IUSS Working Group WRB 2015) could be accepted for this purpose.
Das Evangelium des Markion und die Vetus Latina
Authors: Bauer Thomas Johann
Published: June 2017

Matthias Klinghardt is convinced that the canonical
Marcion and the Corruption of Paul’s Gospel
Authors: Lieu Judith M.
Published: June 2017

That Marcion’s authoritative texts were a form of the canonical
DIANNA (diffraction analysis of nanopowders) – a software for structural analysis of nanosized powders
Authors: Yatsenko Dmitriy , Tsybulya Sergey
Published: June 2017

DIANNA is a free software developed to simulate atomic models of structures for an ensemble of nanoparticles and to calculate their whole X-ray powder diffraction patterns and the radial distribution function. The main objects of investigation are the particles whose coherent scattering domains do not exceed several nm. DIANNA is based on the ab initio method using the Debye scattering equation. This method makes it possible to obtain information on the atomic structure, shape and size of nanoparticles. It can be applied also to non-periodic materials or coherently ordered nanostructures. Basic program features, methods and some examples are demonstrated.
Implementasi Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (Anfis) untuk Peramalan Pemakaian Air di Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum Tirta Moedal Semarang
Authors: Hani'ah Ulfatun , Arifudin Riza , Sugiharti Endang
Published: June 2017

Peramalan pemakaian air pada bulan januari 2015 sampai April 2015 dapat dilakukan menggunakan perhitungan matematika dengan bantuan ilmu komputer. Metode yang digunakan adalah Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) dengan bantuan software MATLAB. Untuk pengujian program, dilakukan percobaan dengan memasukkan variabel klas = 2, maksimum epoh = 100, error = 10-6, rentang nilai learning rate = 0.6 sampai 0.9, dan rentang nilai momentum = 0.6 sampai 0.9. Simpulan yang diperoleh adalah bahwa implementasi metode Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System dalam peramalan pemakaian air yang pertama adalah membuat rancangan flowchart, melakukan clustering data menggunakan fuzzy C-Mean, menentukan neuron tiap-tiap lapisan, mencari nilai parameter dengan menggunakan LSE rekursif, lalu penentuan perhitungan error menggunakan sum square error (SSE) dan membuat sistem peramalan pemakaian air dengan software MATLAB. Setelah dilakukan percobaan hasil yang menunjukkan SSE paling kecil adalah nilai learning rate 0.9 dan momentum 0.6 dengan SSE 0.0080107. Hasil peramalan pemakaian air pada bulan Januari adalah 3.836.138m3, bulan Februari adalah 3.595.188m3, bulan Maret adalah 3.596.416 m3, dan bulan April adalah 3.776.833 m3.