bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of inhaled and oral n-acetylcysteine on airway defense mechanism
Authors: Pappová L. , Kazimierová I. , Kocmálová M. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Aim: N-acetylcysteine is the prototype of mucolytic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effect of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine on airway reactivity, cough reflex and ciliary beat frequency and parameters of mentioned defense mechanisms were assessed in physiological conditions.

Methods: An experiment was performed using healthy guinea pigs treated with inhaled (0.6 M; 5min) and oral N-acetylcysteine (20 mg/kg), administrated either acutely as a single dose or chronically during 7 days. The cough reflex and specific airway resistance were assessed by in vivo method, using a double chamber plethysmograph box. The ciliary beat frequency was evaluated in in vitro conditions on tracheal brushed samples using light microscope coupled to high speed video camera.

Results: Inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine, either administrated as a single dose or during 7 days, have shown a tendency to decrease sensitivity of the cough reflex and increase the airway reactivity. Acute administration of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine had no statistically relevant effect on the ciliary beat frequency, whereas chronic administration of both inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine led to a marked reduction in the ciliary beat frequency.

Conclusion: Chronic administration of oral and inhaled N-acetylcysteine had a negative impact on the ciliary beat frequency, which represents one of the key factors determining the rate of mucociliary clearance. Thus, administration of N-acetylcysteine is less likely to increase the expulsion of mucus by ciliary movement. In addition, the observed tendency of inhaled and oral N-acetylcysteine to increase the airway reactivity may limit its use in conditions with severe airflow obstruction.
Friction Evaluation of Laser Textured Tool Steel Surfaces
Authors: Šugárová Jana , Šugár Peter , Frnčík Martin 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Surface textures can be defined as a regularly arranged micro-depressions or grooves with defined shape and dimensions. These textures, if they are manufactured by laser ablation process, contribute to a significant improvement of the tribological, optical or various biological properties. The aim of this paper is to analyze the influence of the surface textures prepared by laser surface texturing (LST) at the friction coefficient value measured on the tool (90MnCrV8 steel) – workpiece (S235JRG1 steel) interface. Planar frontal surfaces of compression platens have been covered by parabolic dimple-like depressions with different dimensions. The morphological analysis of such manufactured depressions has been performed by laser scanning microscopy. Influence of such created textures on the tribological properties of the contact pair has been analyzed by the ring compression test method in the terms of hydrodynamic lubrication regime. The experimental research shown that by applying of surface textures with defined shape and dimensions and using an appropriate liquid lubricant at the same time, the coefficient of contact friction can be reduced nearly to the half of its original value.
Advances in Studies Related to Interleukin-12 Family and Infectious Diseases
Authors: Li Bo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractInterleukin (IL)-12 family is a group of cytokines composed of heterogeneous molecules and whose members include IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-35. IL-12 family bridges natural and adaptive immune responses and especially plays a significant role in classical adaptive immune process participated by TH1, TH17, and Treg cells. Members of IL-12 family participate in adaptive immune responses via the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway by sharing some subunits and receptors. IL-12 features an extremely complex regulatory network. During resistance of microbial infection, IL-12 and IL-23 mainly show inflammatory effects, whereas IL-27 and IL-35 commonly show antiinflammatory effects. This study reviews advances in studies related to IL-12 family members and infectious diseases and provides references to further reveal functions of IL-12 family members in occurrence and development of infectious diseases.
Recent Progress in Diagnosis Methods for Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Its Clinical Applications
Authors: Zhou Ling 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMost people with latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection can partly develop active tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, diagnosis of this condition bears significance in early TB prevention. To date, the main methods for diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) include tuberculin skin test and interferon γ release test. These two methods feature their own advantages and disadvantages. Although new diagnostic markers continually emerge, no uniform diagnostic criteria are available for TB detection. This study summarizes several methods for diagnosis of LTBI and new related markers and their application value in clinical practice.
Advances in Epidemiological Studies of Herpes Zoster
Authors: Gu Xiaoming 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) commonly causes nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Mg is a fastidious bacterium that poses difficulty in time-consuming isolation and culture. Lack of specificity for serological tests also hampers clinical research of Mg. With development of molecular biology, polymerase chain reaction tests, which exhibit high sensitivities and specificities, became primary tools for foundational and clinical studies of Mg.
Reviews of Research on the Relationship between Oral Helicobacter pylori and H. pylori Infection
Authors: Zu Lingling 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common pathogens among humans, and it is also closely related to stomach diseases. Spread of its diseases must be understood to properly control H. pylori. Oral H. pylori may also play an important role in the spread of the bacterium. This study provides an overview on the role of oral H. pylori in spread, diagnosis, and prevention of this organism. The present work also determines difficulties encountered in current studies and progress of research on the relationship between oral H. pylori and oral diseases.
Rethinking the Canon of Ancient Near Eastern Art in the Internet Age
Authors: Feldman Marian H. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe formation and perpetuation of intellectual canons – as consensually agreed upon corpora considered most significant and representative of a time, place or person – rely heavily on closed systems of knowledge. The bound-paper book exemplifies such a closed system and has been a primary form of constructing and disseminating canons of ancient works. The Internet, however, challenges the very structuring principles of knowledge production inherent in books, offering potentially boundless networks of unorchestrated knowledge bits. As scholars, teachers, and students turn more to the Internet for publication, research, and learning, sharply defined canons face disruption. This article analyzes some of the structuring principles of knowledge production and dissemination in the specific case of ancient Near Eastern art, first considering traditional book-based textbooks. These textbooks follow a model of linear temporal development that unfolds from the first to the last page. It then explores the academic trend toward edited, multi-authored compendia as a concurrent development with the open-ended, networked structure of the Internet. Both vehicles of knowledge production offer more diverse sets of works and multivocality; the Internet in particular permits a radical break from authored and edited narratives. Last, the article considers some of the possibilities, as well as limitations, inherent in the Internet, presenting several existing Internet-based platforms with a specific focus on pedogogy, in order to consider the implications and consequences for knowledge production and dissemination in the Digital Age.
Echo questions as a means of building coherence in conversational discourse
Authors: Strelchenko Natalia 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The study focuses on the cognitive-communicative characteristics of echo questions in English conversational discourse. Drawing on van Dijk's sociocognitive (mental model) theory and cognitive discourse analysis, the paper suggests viewing echo questions as a means of building/updating a mental context model of a communicative situation. As discourse comprehension presupposes building its coherent mental model, echo questions resolving misunderstanding are regarded as an instrument for increasing coherence in conversational discourse. Based on the mental model theory, the study offers a typology of misunderstandings corrected by echo questions.
The Genius of Shakespeare’s “Plagiarisms”. Case Studies: Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth
Authors: Cuțitaru Codrin Liviu 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This paper aims at exploring the cultural ambiguity which William Shakespeare remarkably extracts from the sources of his major plays, turning it, eventually, into an essential instrument of the tragic and the tragedy. What in normal/modern circumstances would easily count as “plagiarism”, becomes here, paradoxically, a token of artistic genius and brilliant creation. Our examples will be from the four outstanding tragedies—Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. The sources selected by our research will be Saxo Grammaticus’s Histoires tragiques, Cinthio’s Un Capitano Moro, the Celtic legend Leir of Britain and, obviously, Holinshed’s Chronicles. We shall try to demonstrate that the so-called cultural ambiguity adopts various forms in Shakespeare’s plays, going from the clash of civilisations (Hamlet and Othello) to the crisis of identity (Lear and Macbeth).
“I Hate You, Romeo.” A Heretic Re-writing of Romeo and Juliet
Authors: Romanowska Agnieszka 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
In the nineteen twenties last century a young poet and diplomat from Warsaw, Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, was taking part in an international congress of intellectuals in Heidelberg. During his stay in Germany he wrote The Lovers of Verona (the title in Polish reads Kochankowie z Werony), a play that offers a radical reinterpretation of the main message of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Iwaszkiewicz’s vision of the young lovers, who are infected by insurmountable enmity, was determined by his pessimistic views on the nature of love and desire, expressed also in his other plays, prose and poetry. This article discusses the circumstances behind Iwaszkiewicz’s adaptation that shed light on the reasons for this unorthodox re-writing of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. This is done to highlight the complex interrelations between authorial writing and translation activity which in case of writer-translators are determined by a net of political, social and personal factors.
Error Analysis in EFL Classroom of Lower Secondary Students
Authors: Lukáčová Zuzana , Pavelová Barbora 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper attempts to introduce current perspective on EFL students of lower secondary level in terms of speech fluency. The major objective of this study is to investigate errors in the speech of students from eleven to twelve years old. This research seeks to address the question of analysing errors in order to explore particular aspects of EFL in the initial phase of Slovak cultural context. Based on the theory of behaviourism that tackles the issue of learning as a habit, the paper deals with the possible influence of perception of abstract concepts in Slovak cultural environment on EFL learning. Furthermore, the paper examines the potential causes of errors or undue hesitation which occur in the students′ speech. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in the data analysis. The study was conducted in the form of an interview between an interlocutor and a student with data being gathered via audio-recordings which have been transcribed and analysed. It attempts to list possible areas which might be taken into consideration and adapt the EFL curriculum in the initial phase of English language learners in Slovak cultural context.
Droplet Impact in Icing Conditions – Experimental Study for WE 540
Authors: Lizer Tomasz , Remer Michał , Sobieraj Grzegorz , Psarski Maciej , Pawlak Daniel , Celichowski Grzegorz 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The work presents investigation on the water droplet impingement at a substrate with three different surface coating. The experiments are carried out for two temperatures of the surface: 23°C (room temperature) and −10°C. The water droplet contact is recorded via ultra-fast camera and simultaneously via fast thermographic camera. The wetting properties are changing for subzero temperatures of substrates.
Impact of a Thermocline on Water Dynamics in Reservoirs – Dobczyce Reservoir Case
Authors: Hachaj Paweł S. , Szlapa Monika 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
While modeling water dynamics in dam reservoirs, it is usually assumed that the flow involves the whole water body. It is true for shallow reservoirs (up to several meters of depth) but may be false for deeper ones. The possible presence of a thermocline creates an inactive bottom layer that does not move, causing all the discharge to be carried by the upper strata. This study compares the results of hydrodydynamic simulations performed for the whole reservoir to the ones carried out for the upper strata only. The validity of a non-stratified flow approximation is then discussed.
Reconsidering Esport: Economics and Executive Ownership
Authors: Karhulahti Veli-Matti 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This article starts with a literary review of the conceptual frames through which esport has been labeled academically. It shows how the concept of “electronic” has been taken as the core term for labelingesport, often accompanied by a strong emphasis on “professionalism.” The literary review is followed by the submission of an alternative conceptual frame based on the economic notion of executive ownership, which provides a theoretical grounding for esport as a cultural phenomenon. In accordance with the above, the article concludes with a reframed look at the history of esport and suggests commercial analog gaming (especially Magic: The Gathering) as its point of origin.
“I am not too old to play” – The Past, Present and Future of 50 and Over Organized Sport Leagues
Authors: Webb Evan , Stratas Aida , Karlis George 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe ageing population in Canada is dramatically increasing. According to recent demographic projections, roughly 20 percent of Canada’s population will consist of people over the age 65 by 2024. Indeed, the senior population is expected to surpass that of children under the age of 14 by 2017. This growth of the senior cohort signals opportunities for individuals over the age of 50 to challenge stereotypes and embrace active living. Organized sport leagues are a means for seniors to not only embrace active living, but to also re-live and continue living the competitive sports that they played earlier in life. The increasing number of organized sport leagues for this cohort, including the active living philosophy embraced by baby boomers, will probably lead to an increased demand for more organized sport opportunities for this population group. The purpose of this paper is to provide a current state of condition of organized sport leagues for those 50 years of age and over. Specifically, the objective of this paper is to present the evolution of organized sport leagues for those 50 and over while also making suggestions for the future provision of such services. It is concluded that: a) more research is needed to better understand the trend of 50 and over sport leagues, b) municipal sport and recreation administrators should consider establishing more 50 and over sport leagues in their recreation program delivery systems, c) 50 and over sport leagues should better address the needs of specific population groups (e.g., women and ethnic groups), and d) awareness should be enhanced for potential entrepreneurial opportunities for the establishment of 50 and over sport leagues.
Regional climatic changes and small river’s water quality in Republic of Moldova’s south (Danube River basin)
Authors: Duca Gheorghe , Xiao Hong , Nedealcov Maria 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Climate variability in decades requires detailed research aspect basin in order to take account of climate change attested, both in making various decisions applicative and at proper adaptation to these changes. Previous research results obtained in this section indicates that territory most vulnerable to climate change is largely located within the Danube basin within the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed research in this paper was to record some changes in the current period and which are forecasts on thermal regime and precipitation in the scale time 2016-2035.
Rainfall variability and floods occurrence in the city of Bamenda (Northwest of Cameroon)
Authors: Frederic Saha , Mesmin Tchindjang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
This study is based on analysis of rainfall data from 1951-2010 collected at the climatic station of Bamenda. We also use the results of a questionnaire survey applied to 172 households in at-risk neighborhoods. The inventory of some cases of flooding that occurred in the city of Bamenda was done through focus groups. The appreciation of the socio-economic and demographic environment is based on surveys among Cameroonian Households by the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and General Census of Population and Housing. Statistical examination revealed that annual rainfall in the city of Bamenda experienced a break in 1958. This break buckled the wettest decade of the series. After three decades of worsening, rainfall is experiencing rising since early 1990. The average profile of the annual distribution of rainfall shows a concentration of over 53% in 03 months (July, August and September). During these three months, the rivers of the city know their flood flows and populations in the valleys are affected. The analysis of the annual number of rainy days shows a downward trend and an increase of extreme rainfall event frequency (≥50mm in 24h). It is also apparent that more and more years are experiencing erratic distribution of their precipitation. Then, the perception of people is significantly reduced. Subsistence activities are also affected and development is facing new subtleties. In conclusion, the rainfall experienced strong variability in the city of Bamenda. This situation reinforces the risk of flooding by increasing flood water and increasing the vulnerability of populations.
Little climate optimum in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic space
Authors: Teodoreanu Elena 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Our knowledge of climate during the Little Climate Optimum (VIII-XIV centuries) in our country comes from some historical studies on climatic events occurring in countries around Romania: Hungarian, Italian peninsula, Ukraine, the Balkan peninsula and the region around Constantinople, from foreign chronicles, French, German, Russian, from some notes of foreign travelers in that territory. Were record mostly harsh winters, especially in the early interval, with frozen rivers and the Black Sea, or rainy summers, with floods, but also some very warm winters, with the flowering of trees in January, and summers long, hot and dry. Some of these events led to famine, pestilence, high morbidity.
Effects of hail suppression operational programs on hail frequency and environment in Moldova
Authors: Cazac V. , Daradur M. , Leah Tamara , Pandey R. P. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Hailstorms pose a significant threat to all development sectors of the Republic of Moldova. Despite the availability of the intensive hail suppression operational programs the issues of their efficiency are very relevant for many years. In spite of expectations and previous claims the research findings show that the hail suppression activity in Moldova leads to increase of hail incidence rate (statistically tested at the 0.05 confidence level). Active influence on the hail formation processes has also environmental implications leading to the increased pollution of the environment by the active anti-hail components in the protected areas. Given the controversial effects and missing reliable estimates of the economic benefits, as well as environmental implications, additional investments for developing of the anti hail operational programs is not recommended.
Perspectives on social vulnerability and ways to improve community resilience
Authors: Chicoș Alina , Huzui-Stoiculescu Alina , Toth Georgiana 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
Scientific recognition of the resilience concept is becoming compelling in extending the way contemporary spatial systems are analysed as well as in defining a new approach in establishing spatial planning principles and policies. In this view, our study emphasises the issue of spatial development in areas prone to earthquakes, floods and landslides. Therefore, resilience requires the assessment of vulnerable spatial components. Local governance interventions are more or less focused on risk management measures. Moreover, building safer communities through risk governance relies on different variables. Making a distinction between risk components and the predictors of increased resilience could shed light on the local decision-making process. In this paper, vulnerability addresses the lack of safety in terms of individual, household and community wellbeing when the issue of environmental restrictions emerge. In order to reduce the vulnerability of communities living in natural risk prone areas, spatial planning often turns to interdisciplinary analysis methods that allow an in-depth perspective on the interplay between social and natural elements. As such, spatial planning stands as the first step in reducing social vulnerability and should approach the less explored advantages of participatory mapping and local knowledge systems.
CFD modelling of hydrogen starvation conditions in a planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Pianko-Oprych Paulina , Zinko Tomasz , Jaworski Zdzisław 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to highlight the interest of using CFD technique as a diagnostic tool of a malfunctioning Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Hydrogen starvation of a SOFC due to nitrogen dilution is one of the cell dysfunctions and can lead to its degradation. Identification of the starvation point allows to improve cell performance and establish the best conditions for degradation tests. To illustrate a potential of the CFD tool, several simulations of a single planar SOFC and its behaviour under hydrogen starvation were performed and analysed. The results showed that at lower cell voltage values of 0.3 and 0.5 V significant gradients in the electric current were noticed due to a local reduction in hydrogen concentration. The CFD analysis allowed defining desirable mass flow rate of hydrogen to SOFCs to avoid fuel starvation. The model constitutes a helpful tool for optimizing cell design and operational conditions.