bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban Devastation: the Case Study of Podgorica, the Capital of Montenegro
Authors: Komatina Dragan , Kosanović Saja , Aleksić Julija 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The subject of the research is manifestation of urban space devastation in Podgorica through monitoring and influences which cause it. Theoretically, the paper represents a wider study of devastation genesis as an occurrence which negatively affects the urban concept of the city. Apart from the study of reasons and conditions which lead to urban space devastation, a particular significance of this research lies in the suggested mechanisms for the resolving of detected irregularities. The primary significance of the identification of devastation and its participants represents the achievement of the goal to offer effective and practical concept that should assist in preventing further urban space devastation, both in Podgorica and urban areas in general.
Alzheimer’s and Danish dementia peptides induce cataract and perturb retinal architecture in rats
Authors: Reddy G. Bhanuprakash , Reddy P. Yadagiri , Surolia Avadhesha 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Familial Danish dementias (FDDs) are autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with visual defects. In some aspects, FDD is similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)– the amyloid deposits in FDD and AD are made of short peptides: amyloid β (Aβ) in AD and ADan in FDD. Previously, we demonstrated an interaction between the dementia peptides and α-crystallin leading to lens opacification in organ culture due to impaired chaperone activity of α-crystallin. Herein, we report the in vivo effects of ADan and Aβ on the eye. ADan [reduced (ADan-red) and oxidized (ADan-oxi)] and Aβ (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) were injected intravitreally in rats. The onset of cataract was seen after injection of all the peptides, but the cataract matured by 2 weeks in the case of ADan-red, 5 weeks for ADan-oxi and 6 weeks for Aβ1-40, while Aβ1-42 had minimal effect on cataract progression. The severity of cataract is associated with insolubilization and alterations in crystallins and loss of chaperone activity of α-crystallin. Further, disruption of the architecture of the retina was evident from a loss of rhodopsin, increased gliosis, and the thinning of the retina. These results provide a basis for the dominant heredo-otoophthalmo-encephalopathy (HOOE)/FDD syndrome and indicate that ADan peptides are more potent than Aβpeptides in inflicting visual impairment.
Symbolic integration with respect to the Haar measure on the unitary groups
Authors: Puchała Z. , Miszczak J.A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We present IntU package for Mathematica computer algebra system. The presented package performs a symbolic integration of polynomial functions over the unitary group with respect to unique normalized Haar measure. We describe a number of special cases which can be used to optimize the calculation speed for some classes of integrals. We also provide some examples of usage of the presented package.
Simulation and bench studies of the constructively and technologically modernized high performance piston aircraft engine. Stage I
Authors: Ostapski W. , Wierzchoń T. , Rudnicki J. , Dowkontt S. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The paper presents an analysis of tribological wear of an assembly composed of cylinder liner and piston rings in a piston aircraft engine. In place of the previously used technology of gas nitriding of the cylinder liner (made out of 38CrAlMo6‒10 steel), formation of multi-component or composite layers by nitriding in plasma discharge environment was proposed. Also, a modification of the previously used chromium coating of the piston rings by plasma nitriding was proposed. A study on the structure and properties of surface layer diffusion manufactured by utilizing the phenomenon of cathode sputtering was carried out. Wear resistance tests were performed on a specially designed bench, with the use of isotope markers. Verification of each of the friction couples was based on using the wear of the ring as a function of the distance trip, and the roughness of the cylinder liner and ring.
A method of feature selection in the aspect of specific identification of radar signals
Authors: Dudczyk J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
This article presents an important task of classification, i.e. mapping surfaces which separate patterns in feature space in the scope of radar emitter recognition (RER) and classification. Assigning a tested radar to a particular class is based on defining its location from the discriminating areas. In order to carry out the classification process, it is necessary to define metrics in the feature space as it is essential to estimate the distance of a classified radar from the centre of the class. The method presented in this article is based on extraction and selection of distinctive features, which can be received in the process of specific emitter identification (SEI) of radar signals, and on the minimum distance classification. The author suggests a RER system which consists of a few independent channels. The task of each channel is to calculate the distance of the tested radar from a given class and finally, set the correct identification coefficient for each recognized radar. Thus, a multichannel system with independent distance measurement is obtained, which makes it possible to recognize particular radar copies. This system is implemented in electronic intelligence (ELINT) system and tested in real battlefield conditions.
Plasma levels of endothelin-1 and renal function among young and healthy adults
Authors: Fischer Andreas , Bossard Matthias , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Egli Peter , Cordewener Carolin , Estis Joel , Todd John , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz , Conen David 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background:
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a vasoconstrictive and pro-inflammatory peptide, is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association of plasma ET-1 levels and renal function among young and healthy adults.

Methods:
Individuals aged 25–41 years were enrolled in a population-based cohort study. Main exclusion criteria were established kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and a body mass index>35 kg/m2. Fasting venous plasma samples were used to measure creatinine, cystatin C and ET-1. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the creatinine based chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) formula. Multivariable regression models were constructed to assess interrelationships of plasma ET-1 with parameters of renal function.

Results:
Median age of the 2139 participants was 37 years, 47% males. Median creatinine and eGFR were 67 μmol/L and 112 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Using quartile one as the reference group, the β-coefficients (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for eGFR were 0.06 (− 1.22 to 1.35),−0.66 (− 1.95 to 0.62) and−1.70 (− 3.01 to−0.39) for quartiles 2–4 (p-for-trend=0.0056), respectively and β-coefficients (95% CIs) for cystatin C were 0.002 (− 0.01 to 0.02), 0.02 (0.003–0.03) and 0.03 (0.01–0.04) for quartiles 2–4 (p-for-trend<0.0001), respectively. Using ET-1 as a continuous variable, the β-coefficient (95% CI) for eGFR per 1-unit increase was−1.82 (− 3.19 to−0.44, p=0.0095) and 0.02 (0.01–0.04, p=0.0003) for cystatin C. Similar results were found between creatinine and ET-1 levels.

Conclusions:
ET-1 levels are strongly associated with parameters of renal function among young and healthy adults, suggesting an important role of ET-1 and endothelial function in the regulation of kidney function.
Practical motives are prominent in test-ordering in the Emergency Department
Authors: van der Horst Armando , van de Wijngaart Dennis J. , Scherrenburg Jolanda , van Dijk Nadine , Janssens Pim M.W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground:Laboratory test ordering under time pressure may impact test-ordering behavior.Methods:To investigate the test-ordering behavior of doctors working under such pressure, we designed a questionnaire for trainees and staff in the Emergency Department (ED). This questionnaire addressed topics such as necessity of requested tests, time spent on ordering, costs and availability of tests, and the time of the day. We hypothesized that ordering behavior would be guided predominantly by the medical need of tests and aimed at identifying practical motives that also have an effect.Results:Remarkably, two-third of the respondents (67%) admitted that tests were ordered that would not influence treatment policy directly and 48% of the doctors stated that tests were ordered that do not impact treatment at all. The frequency of such orders was “sometimes” and “frequent” in a 50:50 ratio. Interestingly, tests that could prove relevant at a later stage are often ordered simultaneously to reduce burden on the patient. None of the respondents spent more than 3 min on the ordering process and very few (8%) desired more time for ordering. Most respondents (81%) declared to have limited knowledge of the costs of laboratory tests. A random survey covering four tests confirmed this. Generally, turnaround time did influence ordering behavior while time of the day did not.Conclusions:In conclusion, doctors in an ED – besides first of all medical motives – heavily exploit practical (non-medical) reasoning for laboratory test ordering, e.g. taking availability of tests into account and ordering non-immediate tests.
Factors associated with increased irisin levels in the type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ates I. , Arikan M. F. , Erdogan K. , Kaplan M. , Yuksel M. , Topcuoglu C. , Yilmaz N. , Guler S. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Objective. The aim of the present study was to determine the irisin levels in patients with the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to examine the relation of irisin levels with the inflammation and autoimmunity.
Methods. This study included 35 cases diagnosed with T1DM and 36 healthy volunteers. Antiglutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD), islet cell antibody (ICA), and insulin autoantibody levels were measured in patients at the time when they were included into the study and recorded from the patient files. Serum irisin levels were measured by ELISA kit.
Results. The median irisin levels were determined higher in T1DM group compared to the control one (6.8 ng/ml vs. 4.8 ng/ml, p=0.022; respectively). Median irisin levels were higher in anti-GAD (p=0.022) and ICA (p=0.044) positive groups compared to negative groups. In T1DM group, irisin levels displayed positive correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r=0.377, p<0.001) and anti-GAD (r=0.392, p=0.020) and negative correlation with creatinine (r=-0390, p=0.021). In multivariate regression model, HbA1c (B±SE: 2.76±17683, p<0.001), and anti-GAD (B±SE: 2.311±0.610, p=0.001) were determined as independent predictors for predicting the irisin levels.
Conclusion. In patients with T1DM, which chronic inflammation and autoimmunity take part in their etiopathogenesis, anti-GAD levels were an independent risk factor for the irisin. Th is may suggest that factors such as inflammation and autoimmunity can be effective in the synthesis of irisin.
Hypoxic regulation of the expression of genes encoded estrogen related proteins in U87 glioma cells: eff ect of IRE1 inhibition
Authors: Do Minchenko , Oo Riabovol , Oo Ratushna , Oh Minchenko 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Objective. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, mediated by IRE1 (inositol requiring enzyme 1), which is a central mediator of the unfolded protein response on the expression of genes encoded estrogen related proteins (NRIP1/RIP140, TRIM16/EBBP, ESRRA/NR3B1, FAM162A/E2IG5, PGRMC2/PMBP, and SLC39A6/LIV-1) and their hypoxic regulation in U87 glioma cells for evaluation of their possible significance in the control of glioma cells proliferation.
Methods. The expression of NRIP1, EBBP, ESRRA, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes in U87 glioma cells, transfected by empty vector pcDNA3.1 (control) and cells without IRE1 signaling enzyme function (transfected by dnIRE1) upon hypoxia, was studied by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Results. Inhibition of both enzymatic activities (kinase and endoribonuclease) of IRE1 signaling enzyme function up-regulates the expression of EBBP, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes is in U87 glioma cells in comparison with the control glioma cells, with more significant changes for E2IG5 and PGRMC2 genes. At the same time, the expression of NRIP1 and ESRRA genes is strongly down-regulated in glioma cells upon inhibition of IRE1. We also showed that hypoxia increases the expression of E2IG5, PGRMC2, and EBBP genes and decreases NRIP1 and ESRRA genes expression in control glioma cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of IRE1 in U87 glioma cells decreases the eff ect of hypoxia on the expression of E2IG5 and PGRMC2 genes, eliminates hypoxic regulation of NRIP1 gene, and enhances the sensitivity of ESRRA gene to hypoxic condition. Furthermore, the expression of SLC39A6 gene is resistant to hypoxia in both the glioma cells with and without IRE1 signaling enzyme function.
Conclusions. Results of this investigation demonstrate that inhibition of IRE1 signaling enzyme function affects the expression of NRIP1, EBBP, ESRRA, E2IG5, PGRMC2, and SLC39A6 genes in U87 glioma cells in gene specific manner and these changes possibly contribute to the suppression of the cell proliferation. Most of these genes are regulated by hypoxia and preferentially through IRE1 signaling pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Eff ects of hemin, a heme oxygenase-1 inducer in L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury in adult male albino rats
Authors: Aziz N. M. , Kamel M. Y. , Rifaai R. A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjective. The aim of the current study was to assess the protective outcome of hemin, a heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducer on L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is considered to be a critical inflammatory disorder with a major impact on the patient health. Various theories have been recommended regarding the pathophysiology of AP and associated pulmonary complications.Methods. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, acute pancreatitis (AP), hemin pre-treated AP group, and hemin post-treated AP group.Results. Administration of hemin before induction of AP significantly attenuated the L-arginine- induced pancreatitis and associated pulmonary complications characterized by the increasing serum levels of amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, and histo-architectural changes in pancreas and lungs as compared to control group. Additionally, pre-treatment with hemin significantly compensated the deficits in total antioxidant capacities and lowered the elevated malondialdehyde levels observed with AP. On the other hand, post-hemin administration did not show any protection against L-arginine-induced AP.Conclusions. The current study indicates that the induction of HO-1 by hemin pre-treatment significantly ameliorated the L-arginine-induced pancreatitis and associated pulmonary complications may be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Radiology of the adrenal incidentalomas. Review of the literature
Authors: Farrugia F. A. , Martikos G. , Surgeon C. , Tzanetis P. , Misiakos E. , Zavras N. , Charalampopoulos A. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The term “adrenal incidentaloma” is a radiological term. Adrenal incidentalomas are adrenal tumors discovered in an imaging study that has been obtained for indications exclusive to adrenal conditions (Udelsman 2001; Linos 2003; Bulow et al. 2006; Anagnostis et al. 2009). This definition excludes patients undergoing imaging testing as part of staging and work-up for cancer (Grumbach et al. 2003; Anagnostis et al. 2009). Papierska et al. (2013) have added the prerequisite that the size of a tumor must be “greater than 1cm in diameter”, in order to be called incidentaloma. Although in the most cases these masses are non-hypersecreting and benign, they still represent an important clinical concern because of the risk of malignancy or hormone hyperfunction (Barzon et al. 2003). Th e adrenal tumors belong to the commonest incidental findings having been discovered (Kanagarajah et al. 2012).
European Monetary Integration as a Development Factor of Eurocurrency Market
Authors: Ćurić Predrag , Petrović Dragan , Marelj Rankica 
Published: February 2017

Summary
Economic interconnection among the European countries influenced the birth of a single economic space with a common monetary policy. In addition, the abolition of the gold standard represented an important external factor that followed the same path. In parallel with these processes, the conditions were created for developing a Eurocurrency market which favoured financial integration of Europe, as well as the creation of a single European currency. In accordance with such economic flows, Eurocurrency market emerged as a distinguished international financial market, crucial for the development of international banking. Thus, business entities were allowed to access the capital which represents the transfer of the international accumulation of the exporting country onto the European capital market, thereby resulting in more efficient financing of the member states. Thanks to similar economic effects, these processes of European monetary integrations have become imperative to other countries in the region.
Tourists and Local Stakeholders Attitudes Towards Offer and Market Position of Tourist Destination Budva
Authors: Marković Ana Tripković , Rađenović Miško , Murić Anisa 
Published: February 2017

Summary
There are various definitions of tourist destination. All of them define tourist destination as an area with specific tourist facilities and attractions, (primary and secondary elements) which tourists choose as their journey goal. Budva individually represents the largest tourist destination due to number of arrivals and overnight stays. During its life cycle Budva has gone through different phases as a tourist destination. This thesis implies that it is not enough to use only common quantitative indicator of visitor number to define proper the position of tourist destination and predict further development. This text is based on a comparative analysis of the attitudes of tourists and local stakeholders in the three field researches, conducted in the period between 2015 and 2016. The thesis comes to the conclusion that the actual growth is based on meeting the needs of existing markets and tourists. On the other side, aspect of desired market position disagrees with scores of tourist offer elements- which should be input for improvement and preparation for the next stage in the destination development.
Log-Periodic Power Law and Generalized Hurst Exponent Analysis in Estimating an Asset Bubble Bursting Time
Authors: Wątorek Marcin , Stawiarski Bartosz 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe closely examine and compare two promising techniques helpful in estimating the moment an asset bubble bursts. Namely, the Log-Periodic Power Law model and Generalized Hurst Exponent approaches are considered. Sequential LPPL fitting to empirical financial time series exhibiting evident bubble behavior is presented. Estimating the critical crash-time works satisfactorily well also in the case of GHE, when substantial „decorrelation“ prior to the event is visible. An extensive simulation study carried out on empirical data: stock indices and commodities, confirms very good performance of the two approaches.
A Puzzle of Excessive Equity Risk Premium and the Case of Poland
Authors: Kliber Paweł 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe article presents a historical review of the literature related to the empirical problem of excessive risk premium. The risk premium (the difference between the return on equities and risk-free rate) observed in financial markets cannot be reconciled with theoretical models of financial markets - it is too high (“excessive”). We present the original model from the seminal work of Mehra and Prescott (1985), where this problem has been signaled. The article gives an overview of the main trends in the literature concerning this problem, of the proposed solutions and of the extension to the model. Finally, we consider the problem in the Polish context, estimating the original Mehra-Prescott model using data from the Polish financial market.
Currency Competition in the Eurozone: An Answer to the Crisis
Authors: Spirzewski Krzysztof 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
The common currency was created as a result of theoretical considerations regarding the functioning of optimum currency areas. This theory refers to a number of benefits as well as costs. It imposes a number of requirements that are necessary for the newly created structure to be considered optimum. The economies of Eurozone countries did not meet these requirements. In consequence, the present functioning of the Eurozone encounters many disturbances - the strong differentiation of the balance of payments is a significant example. The reforms initiated in the European Union and undertaken in response to the financial crisis encompassed the Eurozone countries, yet they only concern financial policy. The adopted strategy of action arouses questions as to its effectiveness. The aim of this article is to present one of the reasons for the Eurozone crisis and a proposal for changing the monetary policy, in particular the exchange rate. In view of this objective, the main hypothesis reads as follows: one of the methods of counteracting the crisis is to introduce currency competition within the Eurozone.
Financialization and the Cultural Attitude of Polish Society towards the Banking Sector
Authors: Kurkliński Lech 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe article is dedicated to changes in the cultural attitude of Polish society towards the banking sector under the conditions of progressing financialization and arising consequences for the ban¬king sector. First of all, attention is focused on the cultural characteristics of Poles, their attitude towards finance, especially in the period of transition. The main reference to cultural conditions relates to the tendency to save, incur loans, and the attitude towards banks. It is complemented, among other things, by the model of cultural dimensions by G. Hofstede and S. Schwartz, in line with which attempts are made to explain the mechanisms shaping the financial (banking) system and the financialization tendency. This picture is confronted with the present shape and evolution of the Polish banking sector since 1989, including the role of foreign capital. In particular, attention is focused on the image of banks towards challenges related to the global financial crisis and the main problem of Polish banking institutions, namely household mortgage debt in foreign currencies. The author presents a thesis that significant financialization cannot be indicated in Poland and the historical and cultural aspects do not cause its expansion to the same degree as in a number of other countries. However, certain features, such as preference for loans rather than savings, are favorable for this direction.