bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological analysis of testicles in cats with disorders of sex development
Authors: Dzimira S. , Nizanski W. , Madej J.A. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD) are rare in cats. They can be caused by chromosomal aberrations, gene mutations or other undefined factors. The aim of the present study was to compare the histological structure and immunohistochemical reactivity of testes in cats with DSD and in healthy cats. The research material consisted of the gonads of four cats - phenotypic males with an incorrect structure of the reproductive system. The control group consisted of the testes of four healthy cats - routinely castrated phenotypical males. The material was fixed with formalin and embedded in paraffin; the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The immunohistochemical investigation were performed using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies directed against desmin, vimentin, actin of smooth muscles, S100 protein and MCM3 protein. The results obtained allow concluding that the testes of cats with DSD differed in certain respects, mainly in the number of blood vessels, from the normal testes. Moreover, the results of immunohistochemical examination indicate that in the testes of cats with DSD the number of supporting cells is lower, the amount of interstitial cells is comparable and spermatogenesis is correct es compared to those determined in the control gonads. The number of blood vessels in cats with DSD is reduced by about 30%. It confirms the recommendations for castration of these animals in order to eliminate the potential inheritance of sex development disorders.
Epidemiology of intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus and mastitis streptococci in a dairy cattle herd with a history of recurrent clinical mastitis
Authors: Vlkova H. , Babak V. , Vrtkova I. , Cervinkova D. , Marosevic D. , Moravkova M. , Jaglic Z. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present work was to examine a dairy herd with an anamnesis of recurrent clinical mastitis and decreased milk production. A total of 239 individual cow milk samples originating from asymptomatic cows were collected at four-month intervals and examined mainly for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and mastitis streptococci using standard cultivation methods. In total, 29.7% and 9.2% samples were positive for S. aureus and mastitis streptococci, respectively. Unlike for mastitis streptococci, the prevalence of animals positive for S. aureus had an increasing trend (p<0.05; Chi-squared test for trend) with rising parity. Despite in vitro susceptibility of S. aureus to potentiated penicillins and cephalosporins, the persistence of S. aureus was observed in cows undergoing intramammary treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (a potentiated penicillin antibiotic). All isolates of S. aureus were biofilm-positive and had the same macrorestriction pattern. Furthermore, no dependence was observed between the occurrence of S. aureus in milk and previous cases of clinical mastitis, reproductive and periparturient disorders and administration of antibiotics. In contrast to S. aureus, the occurrence of mastitis streptococci in milk was linked with previous cases of clinical mastitis and intramammary administration of antibiotics.
An immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocytic infiltrations in canine skin cancers
Authors: Madej J.A. , Madej J.P. , Dzimira S. , Nowak M. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Lymphocytic infiltrations located in the extracellular matrix often accompany canine skin cancer. They can be characterised as an inflammatory infiltration and/or a second tumour - lymphoma. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical analysis of a lymphocytic infiltration which accompanies spontaneous skin cancer. Twenty basal cell carcinoma, 20 non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, 20 keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and 8 sebaceous gland carcinoma samples which were accompanied by a lymphocytic infiltration and/or secondary lymphatic follicles were verified histopathologically. The expression of bcl-2, CD3, CD79α, Ki-67, MCM-3 and MCM-7 in the lymphocytic infiltration was evaluated. Four types of lymphocytic infiltrations were found: I - diffuse bcl-2+, II - diffuse bcl-2-, III - follicular bcl-2+/- where the centre was bcl-2-, and the marginal zone of the follicles and the extrafollicular area were bcl-2+ and IV - aggregated bcl-2+, where the centre and periphery were bcl-2+. The I and IV type corresponds to lymphoma, II type is non-neoplastic immune response and III type suggest reactive follicular hyperplasia. The proliferation of lymphocytes which demonstrated the expression of neoplastic markers (I and IV), suggests preneoplastic phase (pseudolymphoma) or lymphoma - the second independent tumour. A high proliferative index of the follicular blc-2+/- follicular infiltration indicates an increased immunological response of the host against skin cancer.
Effects of long-term construction noise on health of adult female Wistar rats
Authors: Zymantiene J. , Zelvyte R. , Pampariene I. , Aniuliene A. , Juodziukyniene N. , Kantautaite J. , Oberauskas V. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of long-term building construction noise from refurbishment, which including vibration, on some physiological parameters and histopathological changes of organs of Wistar rats. Twenty 12 month old female rats were divided into two groups: rats group I (n = 10) were exposed to long-term construction noise and rats group II (n = 10) were kept under normal noise level. Study results revealed that long-term construction noise from building refurbishment has an influence on body weight, haematological and some serum biochemical parameters affects caecal microbiota, and causes histopathological changes in the organs of adult female Wistar rats. It was noticed that rats in group I exihibited significantly higher mean values for total protein, albumin and lower values for glucose, AST, ALT, blood urea nitrogen, haematological and caecal microbiota parameters than rats in group II. The most common pathologies were determined in the kidney, liver and lungs. Other observed pathologies were lymphadenopathy, catarrhal inflammation of the intestines, spleen hyperplasia and mammary gland adenofibroma. Single cases were subcutaneous fibroma in the thoracic region, abortus with uterine inflammation and thymus hyperplasia with formation of cysts were found.
Distribution and immunohistochemical characteristics of cocaine- and amphetamineregulated transcript-positive nerve elements in the pelvic ganglia of the female pig
Authors: Zacharko-Siembida A. , Matysek M. , Szalak R. , Radlińska A. , Obszańska K. , Arciszewski M.B. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are widely expressed not only in the brain but also in numerous endocrine/neuroendocrine cells as well as in neurons of the peripheral nervous system. The present study investigated the distribution patterns of CART-like immunoreactivity in the pelvic plexus (PP) of the female pig. The co-expression of CART with principal neurotransmitter markers: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), serotonin (5-HT) or biologically active neuropeptides: pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), substance P (SP), calbindin was analyzed using double immunohistochemical stainings. Amongst neurons immunopositive to Hu C/D panneuronal marker as many as 4.1 ± 1.2% in right and 4.4 ± 1.6% in left pelvic ganglia were found to express CART. The vast majority of CART-IR ganglionic neurons were predominantly small in size and were evenly scattered throughout particular ganglia. Immunoreactivity to CART was also detected in numerous nerve terminals (which frequently formed pericellular formations around CART-negative perikarya) as well as in numerous nerve fibres within nerve branches interconnecting the unilateral pelvic ganglia. Immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all CART-IR neurons were cholinergic in nature and CART-IR basket-like formations frequently encircled TH-positive/CART-negative perikarya. None of CART-IR ganglionic neurons showed immunoreactivity to SP, PACAP, 5-HT or calbindin. CART-IR nerve fibres ran in a close vicinity to serotonin-containing cells or faintly labelled SP-expressing neurons. On the other hand, PACAP-IR, SP-IR (but not 5-HT-positive) nerve terminals were found to run in close proximity to CART-IR neurons. Our results indicate that: 1) CART present in PP may influence the activity of pelvic ganglionic neurons/SIF cells, 2) PP should be considered as a potential source of CART-like supply to pelvic viscera and 3) functional interactions between CART and SP or PACAP are possible at the periphery.
Polymers in separation processes
Authors: Wieszczycka Karolina , Staszak Katarzyna 
Published: May 2017

AbstractApplication of polymer materials as membranes and ion-exchange resins was presented with a focus on their use for the recovery of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Several membrane techniques were described including reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, diffusion and Donnan dialysis, electrodialysis and membrane extraction system (polymer inclusion and supported membranes). Moreover, the examples of using ion-exchange resins in metal recovery were presented. The possibility of modification of the resin was discussed, including hybrid system with metal cation or metal oxide immobilized on polymer matrices or solvent impregnated resin.
Wie vorteilhaft ist internationaler Handel?
Authors: Kohler Wilhelm , Jung Benjamin 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungDie moderne Handelstheorie hat in den vergangenen fünf Jahren einen neuen Ansatz zur Quantifizierung der Vorteile aus internationalem Handel hervorgebracht, die „neue quantitative Handelstheorie“. Benjamin Jung und Wilhelm Kohler beleuchten die besonderen Vorteile, aber auch die Grenzen dieses neuen Ansatzes. Sie konzentrieren sich auf die darin verwendete neue Wohlfahrtsformel, erklären diese für verschiedene Modellvarianten intuitiv und wenden sie auf den Vergleich zwischen Autarkie und aktuell beobachteter Situation an. Dabei betonen sie den Unterschied zwischen tarifären Handelshemmnissen (Importzöllen) und realen Handelskosten, die zum Beispiel durch internationale Regulierungsunterschiede entstehen können. Jung und Kohler kontrastieren diesen Anwendungsfall mit dem Fall der Handelsliberalisierung, in dem ausgehend von einer historisch gegebenen Situation die Handelsbarrieren reduziert werden. Die Anwendung der Wohlfahrtsformel wird in diesem Fall durch das Erfordernis erschwert, die für den Wohlfahrtseffekt wichtigen endogenen Größen für einen nichttrivialen kontrafaktischen Zustand mit geringeren Handelsbarrieren zu berechnen. Die Autoren stellen dabei die unilaterale der multilateralen Liberalisierung gegenüber. Sie präsentieren Ergebnisse für hypothetische Szenarien und berichten über neue Literatur, in der die neue quantitative Handelstheorie auch zur Berechnung der Wohlfahrtswirkungen von tatsächlichen oder konkret geplanten Handelsliberalisierungen Anwendung gefunden hat.
Ökonomische Wirkungen der Handwerksnovelle 2004: Ergebnisse einer Kontrollgruppenanalyse
Authors: Koch Andreas , Nielen Sebastian 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Die Reform der Handwerksordnung des Jahres 2004 brachte insbesondere durch die Abschaffung der Meisterpflicht für mehr als die Hälfte der Gewerbezweige des Handwerks eine umfassende Liberalisierung der Zugangsbedingungen. Der vorliegende Beitrag analysiert unter Verwendung von Daten des Zentralverbandes des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH) den Einfluss der Handwerksnovelle auf die Anzahl der Betriebe und die Ausbildungsleistung in den betroffenen Handwerken. Die Wirkungen der Handwerksnovelle werden durch das Differenz-von-Differenzen-Verfahren geschätzt, das darauf aufbaut, dass nur ein Teil der Gewerbezweige des Handwerks von der Reform betroffen war. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen starken Anstieg der Anzahl der Betriebe und einen Rückgang der absolvierten Meisterprüfungen in den betroffenen Handwerken in Folge der Reform. Bezüglich der Ausbildungsleistung werden jedoch keine statistisch signifikanten Effekte ermittelt. Umfangreiche Robustheitsanalysen bestätigen diese Ergebnisse.
Rolle rückwärts zugunsten der Bankenindustrie – Die neuen Basler Regelungen für das Zinsänderungsrisiko im Anlagebuch
Authors: Pfingsten Andreas , Claußen Catharina , Maidl Christoph , Woyand Corinna 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Trotz des anhaltenden Niedrigzinsumfelds und der damit einhergehenden erhöhten Zinsänderungsrisiken im Anlagebuch ist für diese Risikoart nach den im April 2016 erschienenen, überarbeiteten Basler Regelungen für Kreditinstitute nach wie vor keine Unterlegung mit Eigenkapital gemäß Säule 1 vorgesehen. Diese Festlegung ist zum Teil nicht mit den zuvor in der Konsultationsphase benannten Zielen der Neuregelung vereinbar und kritisch zu bewerten. Die Autoren beschreiben die geänderten regulatorischen Vorgaben und leiten mögliche Motive für die Entscheidung ab. Sie zeigen Schwachpunkte der Neuregelung auf und diskutieren diese im Hinblick auf mögliche Konsequenzen sowohl für einzelne Institute als auch für das gesamte Finanzsystem.
Perioperative increase in neutrophil CD64 expression is an indicator for intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Povsic Milena Kerin , Beovic Bojana , Ihan Alojz 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundColorectal surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative infections. Early clinical signs are difficult to distinguish from the systemic inflammatory response related to surgical trauma. Timely diagnosis may significantly improve the outcome. The objective of this study was to compare a new biomarker index CD64 for neutrophils (iCD64n) with standard biomarkers, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for the early detection of postoperative infection.MethodsThe prospective study included 200 consecutive patients with elective colorectal cancer surgery. Postoperative values of biomarkers from the postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD5 were analysed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to predict infection. The Cox regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method were used to assess prognostic factors and survival.ResultsThe increase of index CD64n (iCD64n) after surgery, expressed as the ratio iCD64n after/before surgery was a better predictor of infection than its absolute value. The best 30-day predictors of all infections were CRP on POD4 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.61–0.83) and NLR on POD5 (AUC 0.69, 99% CI 0.57–0.80). The best 15-day predictors of organ/ space surgical site infection (SSI) were the ratio iCD64n on POD1 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.58–0.86), POD3 (AUC 0.73, 99% CI 0.59–0.87) and CRP on POD3 (AUC 0.72, 99% CI 0.57–0.86), POD4 (AUC 0.79, 99% CI 0.64–0.93). In a multivariate analysis independent risk factors for infections were duration of surgery and perioperative transfusion while the infection itself was identified as a risk factor for a worse long-term survival.ConclusionsThe ratio iCD64n on POD1 is the best early predictor of intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer surgery. CRP predicts the infection with the same predictive value on POD3.
Design strategies and progress on xanthene-based fluorescent probe for metal ions
Authors: Ma Siyue , Wang Yaqi , She Mengyao , Wang Shen , Yang Zheng , Liu Ping , Zhang Shengyong , Li Jianli 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMetal ions play critical roles in numerous fundamental life processes. Hence, there is a great need to effectively monitor and image metal ions. Fluorescent probes are one of the most effective methods for measuring metal ions. In general, according to the different recognition mechanisms of fluorescent probes, they can be divided into two categories: reversible probes and irreversible probes. Among the various fluorophores, rhodamine and fluorescein, as the typical representatives of xanthene, have been paid much attention in biological imaging due to their high absorption coefficient, high fluorescence quantum yield, and water solubility. This review highlights the recent advances on chelation-based xanthene fluorescent probes that have been used for detecting metal ions. The focus has been on the design strategies to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of fluorescent probes by introducing different recognition moieties. Meanwhile, their recognition mechanism and applications are particularly highlighted.
Anti-Crime Laws and Retail Prices
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe fear of becoming a victim of crime acts as a barrier to retail trade for consumers, where retailers attempt to reduce such barriers by enduring additional costs such as insurance or security/surveillance; as a result, retail prices are affected by the possibility of crime. This paper attempts to measure such effects by considering the recent experience of Sacramento County in California, where an anti-panhandling ordinance has been issued to protect retailers. As an application, a difference-in-difference approach is employed to identify the effects of the ordinance on Sacramento gasoline prices at the retail level, by considering the gasoline prices in neighboring counties as the control group of a natural experiment. The results show that the anti-panhandling ordinance has resulted in lower gasoline prices in Sacramento County.
Tracing Causal Mechanisms in Social Movement Research in Southeast Europe: The Cases of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia – Evidence from the “Bosnian Spring” and the “Citizens for Macedonia” Movements
Authors: Stefanovski Ivan 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Recent anti-governmental social movements in countries of former Yugoslavia have awakened the spirit of contention which had been dormant for almost two decades. The overwhelming economic deprivation, accompanied by the massive violation of basic human rights of the citizens, urged the challengers to take the streets.
This paper is focused on comparison of two movements, the “Citizens for Macedonia” movement in the Republic of Macedonia and the “Bosnian Spring” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the role and influence of movements on the (non)occurrence of policy outputs which articulated claims put forward by social movement organizations (SMOs) as well as other movement actors in the two respective countries. The analysis will be conducted taking into consideration specific social movement related variables like forms/types of claims-making and repertoires of action, as well as wider political process factors such as repression by state actors, and the attitude of allies and opponents of the movements (political parties, mainstream media, general political system characteristics, international community etc.).
Regarding the methodological approach, we will apply a mixed comparative research design, with variation both on side of the independent and the dependent variables. Since the outcomes of the movements are already tangible, we will also apply elements of process tracing methodology (PTM), reconstructing the events as much as possible. My primary data collection tools encompass in-depth interviews (approximately 10 per country) with four specific categories of interviewees (SMO representatives, activists, policymakers and key informants) as well as thorough document analysis referring to the policy outputs.
Enhancing Learning Through Reflection– A Case Study of SEEU
Authors: Xhaferi Brikena , Xhaferi Gezim 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Learning through reflection is one of the most interesting experiences that students might have. It is considered a very good tool for self-assessing learning. It is believed that “teachers who promote reflective classrooms ensure that students are fully engaged in the process of making meaning” (Costa and Kallick, 2008, para.5).
Dewey (1991) was among the first researchers who based his work and research on the positive roles that reflection plays in fostering self-reflection and critical thinking. He has defined it as an active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief. Reflections give students opportunities to think and reflect about their learning and note down the obstacles they might face during this process.
The present study aims to investigate the impact of journal writing in promoting critical-thinking skills, and its impact on enhancing learning. The study uses two instruments, a student refection journal and an interview. Also, Marzano’s New Taxonomy of Educational Objectives developed in 2000 was used in the third phase of the study. This Taxonomy contains Three Systems: the Self-system, the Metacognitive system and the Cognitive system.
The overall study results show that reflection journals help students to become more independent learners, reflect on their learning experiences and identify the most useful learning strategies. Most importantly, all study participants hold positive attitudes towards reflection and they consider it as a valuable tool which can increase learning.
How the Triangle of Bologna Quality Assurance, a National Legal Framework and Internal Quality Enhancement Supports Institutional Improvement
Authors: Veronika Kareva , Zamir Dika , Heather Henshaw , Xhevair Memedi 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The Republic of Macedonia (RM) has been a part of the Bologna process since 2003. The Ministry of Education, law and policy makers and higher education institutions have actively engaged with its main concepts. In parallel with this, since the adoption of the law on higher education in 2008 and the reform of the Accreditation and Evaluation Board, there have been numerous changes and amendments culminating in the fast-tracked adoption of a new law at the beginning of 2015. Some of its solutions created a huge debate among the academic community, other intellectuals and students themselves, resulting in the postponement of that law and a kind of legal vacuum. In such turbulent circumstances, individual higher education institutions had to consider how and to what extent to adopt and develop relevant standards and guidelines, comply with the legal framework and promote good practice. The aim of this paper is to present how these three aspects, Bologna standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance (QA), a national legal framework and an institutional approach are being reflected, merged and implemented at a relatively young higher education institution. It questions the impact of these three elements on each other and how one institution’s drive for improvement is affected. This is done through a qualitative analysis of the three-fold perspectives. The conclusions and recommendations are expected to be of use to policy makers in the country and region as they evaluate how international trends and good practice fit into the socio-economic and political conditions of RM and similar countries. At the same time, it can demonstrate how far institutional quality assurance and progress can be implemented and recognized in the country itself and by some international stakeholders. It can also prove that the South East European University (SEEU) is a national leader in this field as RM has no functioning QA evaluation system, while SEEU has managed to create a well structured and operating one, based on international and institutional experiences.