Showing papers by "Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz published in 2018"
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that a large and diversified city park may be a favourable habitat for bees, comparable to the natural fauna both in terms of the number and abundance of bee species.
Abstract: Urbanisation is an expansive process and a majority of insects live in human-modified areas. At the same time, a decrease in pollinator species richness and abundance has recently been observed in Europe, which in turn may have serious ecological and economic consequences. This study investigates the abundance, species richness and functional traits of wild bees in urban city parks in comparison to natural areas. The aim of this research was to assess the potential conservation values of urban green areas for bees. The present study demonstrates that a large and diversified city park may be a favourable habitat for bees, comparable to the natural fauna both in terms of the number and abundance of bee species. However, the study also showed that there were differences in the occurrence of species with different functional traits in the city parks investigated and in the natural landscape.
66 citations
TL;DR: The assembled genome will be a valuable resource and reference for future population genomics studies on the evolution and past climate change adaptation of beech and will be helpful for identifying genes, e.g., involved in drought tolerance, in order to select and breed individuals to adapt forestry to climate change in Europe.
Abstract: Background The European beech is arguably the most important climax broad-leaved tree species in Central Europe, widely planted for its valuable wood. Here, we report the 542 Mb draft genome sequence of an up to 300-year-old individual (Bhaga) from an undisturbed stand in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park in central Germany. Findings Using a hybrid assembly approach, Illumina reads with short- and long-insert libraries, coupled with long Pacific Biosciences reads, we obtained an assembled genome size of 542 Mb, in line with flow cytometric genome size estimation. The largest scaffold was of 1.15 Mb, the N50 length was 145 kb, and the L50 count was 983. The assembly contained 0.12% of Ns. A Benchmarking with Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis retrieved 94% complete BUSCO genes, well in the range of other high-quality draft genomes of trees. A total of 62,012 protein-coding genes were predicted, assisted by transcriptome sequencing. In addition, we are reporting an efficient method for extracting high-molecular-weight DNA from dormant buds, by which contamination by environmental bacteria and fungi was kept at a minimum. Conclusions The assembled genome will be a valuable resource and reference for future population genomics studies on the evolution and past climate change adaptation of beech and will be helpful for identifying genes, e.g., involved in drought tolerance, in order to select and breed individuals to adapt forestry to climate change in Europe. A continuously updated genome browser and download page can be accessed from beechgenome.net, which will include future genome versions of the reference individual Bhaga, as new sequencing approaches develop.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of the shape of the spherical bowl punch on the perforation force was analyzed and validated by using both empirical and FEM tests, with an error between 4 and 15%.
Abstract: Due to the improvement of the mechanical properties of polymer composite belts used in vacuum belt conveyors, its perforation process causes a lot of technical issues for manufacturers worldwide The objective of this paper is to analyze the belt punching process with two cutting edges and present the influence of the piercing punch shape on the perforation force Based on the analysis, the analytical stress model was derived and validated by using both empirical and FEM tests The application of the proposed model was proved by presenting the methodology used to estimate the perforation force for the flat piercing punch based on the mechanical properties of the belt obtained from simple strength tests (uniaxial tension, compression, and shear), with an error between 4 and 15% In this report, the analysis of the piercing punch profiles was made and eight different piercing punch profiles were tested Presented results confirmed that the spherical bowl punch may be considered as a most effective tool for belt punching, because it reduced the perforation force by 60% and the precision of the created holes was the best among the tested punch profiles for all three groups of polymer composite belts By combining the obtained results, in the form of shape factors β, with the perforation force approximation model, it is possible to calculate peak force value for the specified tool profile and belt type and use this data in the design process of the punching dies
47 citations
TL;DR: The use of rye and wheat stillage for production of ethanol does not require a detoxification process and enables full attenuation of glucose after 48 h of the process, however, the use of maize stillage as a raw material must be preceded by a detoxifying process that guarantees a reduction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural concentration in the fermentation medium.
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the double bonds of unsaturated fatty acid residues were oxidized and subsequently the epoxide rings were opened by 2,2′-mercaptodiethanol and its use for rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foams.
36 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of dispersal potential in Taxus baccata, a dioecious gymnosperm tree with a wide but highly fragmented distribution, showed that, at a local spatial scale, yew seeds travel shorter distances than pollen, facilitating a rapid development of a kinship structure.
33 citations
TL;DR: • The fibers act like a transport medium for the water, which is essential for hydrolytic weathering.
32 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the TeSen tool for calculating the standard parameters necessary to evaluate luminescence ratiometric thermometers, such as Δ, S a, and S r, based on the emission spectra measured over a certain temperature range.
Abstract: This work presents the method and numerical program along with graphical user interface (GUI) for calculating the standard parameters necessary to evaluate luminescence ratiometric thermometers – the thermometric parameter Δ, absolute sensitivity S a , and relative sensitivity S r . Despite the high interest in temperature sensing materials, to the best of our knowledge, no such tool has been reported up to date. This is currently usually done by researchers using a trial and error method and is a rather laborious task, with high risk of errors. The undoubtful benefit of employing an optimization technique lies in the very fast and precise determination of the parameters employing different models. The thermometric parameters Δ, S a and S r are calculated based on the luminescence emission spectra measured over a certain temperature range. Using the TeSen tool the thermometric parameters Δ can be calculated based both on the peak maxima and integrated surface areas under the peaks. The tool also allows testing the ratio of multiple peaks, different peak ranges, and different temperature ranges in a very convenient way. In this work TeSen tool was used to study several new sensor materials, presenting new cases of single and dual center luminescent ratiometric theremometers.
31 citations
TL;DR: The workers group, due to their high contact with flour dust, revealed a higher exposure to DON, which was the mycotoxin measured in high amounts in the settled dust sample.
Abstract: Mycotoxins are toxic mold metabolites that can persist in environment long after the fungi species responsible for their production disappear. Critical workplace for mycotoxins presence has already been studied and nowadays it is possible to recognize that exposure to mycotoxins through inhalation occurs due to their presence in dust. This study aimed to assess occupational co-exposure to multiple mycotoxins in a fresh bread dough company, an occupational setting not studied until now. Occupational exposure assessment to mycotoxins was done using a LC-MS/MS urinary multi-biomarker approach. Twenty-one workers and nineteen individuals that were used as controls participated in the study. Workers/controls (spot-urine) and environment (settled dust) samples were collected and analyzed. Concerning workers group, DON-GlcA, and OTA were the most prevalent biomarkers (>LOD), 66% and 90.5%, respectively. In the control group, OTA was also one of the most detected (68%) followed by CIT (58%) and DON-GlcA (58%). DON was the mycotoxin measured in high amounts in the settled dust sample (58.2 ng/g). Both workers and controls are exposed to several mycotoxins simultaneously. The workers group, due to their high contact with flour dust, revealed a higher exposure to DON. Considering these results, risk management measures must be applied including specific and adequate health surveillance programs in order to avoid exposure and consequently the associated health consequences.
30 citations
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of the cutting edge geometry on the parameters of the perforation process are investigated. But the main goal of this paper is to specify effective tools and parameters of a perforization process for each group of composites belts.
Abstract: Perforated belts, which are used in vacuum conveyor belts, can have significantly different mechanical properties like strength, elasticity due the variety of used materials and can have different thickness from very thin (0,7 mm) to thick belts (6 mm). In order to design a complex machine for mechanical perforation, which can perforate whole range of belts, it is necessary to research the influence of the cutting edge geometry on the parameters of the perforation process. Three most important parameters, which describe the perforation process are the cutting force, the velocity and the temperature of the piercing punch. Results presented in this paper consider two different types of punching (a piercing punch with the punching die or with the reducer plate) and different cutting edge directions, angles, diameters and material properties. Test were made for different groups of composites belts – with polyurethane and polyester fabric, polyamide core or aramid-fiber reinforced polymers. The main goal of this research is to specify effective tools and parameters of a perforation process for each group of composites belts.
30 citations
TL;DR: No evidence for a relationship between the accuracy of FS and JPS at the elbow joint is found and long-term gymnastic training improves the JPS and FS of the elbow extensors.
Abstract: The aims of this study were (1) to assess the relationship between joint position (JPS) and force sense (FS) and muscle strength (MS) and (2) to evaluate the impact of long-term gymnastic training on particular proprioception aspects and their correlations. 17 elite adult gymnasts and 24 untrained, matched controls performed an active reproduction (AR) and passive reproduction (PR) task and a force reproduction (FR) task at the elbow joint. Intergroup differences and the relationship between JPS, FS, and MS were evaluated. While there was no difference in AR or PR between groups, absolute error in the control group was higher during the PR task (7.15 ± 2.72°) than during the AR task (3.1 ± 1.93°). Mean relative error in the control group was 61% higher in the elbow extensors than in the elbow flexors during 50% FR, while the gymnast group had similar results in both reciprocal muscles. There was no linear correlation between JPS and FS in either group; however, FR was negatively correlated with antagonist MS. In conclusion, this study found no evidence for a relationship between the accuracy of FS and JPS at the elbow joint. Long-term gymnastic training improves the JPS and FS of the elbow extensors.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the jump height of an individual is an exact indicator of their ability to produce maximum power.
Abstract: Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of peak power achieved during vertical jumps in order to clarify relationship between the height of jump and the ability to exert maximum power. Methods One hundred young (16.8±1.8 years) sportsmen participated in the study (body height 1.861 ± 0.109 m, body weight 80.3 ± 9.2 kg). Each participant performed three jump tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), akimbo countermovement jump (ACMJ), and spike jump (SPJ). A force plate was used to measure ground reaction force and to determine peak power output. The following explanatory variables were included in the model: jump height, body mass, and the lowering of the centre of mass before launch (countermovement depth). A model was created using multiple regression analysis and allometric scaling. Results The model was used to calculate the expected power value for each participant, which correlated strongly with real values. The value of the coefficient of determination R2 equalled 0.89, 0.90 and 0.98, respectively, for the CMJ, ACMJ, and SPJ jumps. The countermovement depth proved to be a variable strongly affecting the maximum power of jump. If the countermovement depth remains constant, the relative peak power is a simple function of jump height. Conclusions The results suggest that the jump height of an individual is an exact indicator of their ability to produce maximum power. The presented model has a potential to be utilized under field condition for estimating the maximum power output of vertical jumps.
TL;DR: The conducted research showed that the use of the biopolyol based on evening primrose oil may be an alternative to petrochemical polyols and its use in the production of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams intended for thermal insulation.
Abstract: The article presents the results of research on the synthesis of a new biopolyol based on evening primrose oil, and its use in the production of rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams intended for thermal insulation. The obtained biopolyol was subjected to analytical, physicochemical, and spectroscopic tests (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H NMR, 13C NMR) to confirm its suitability for the synthesis of polyurethane materials. Then, it was used for the partial replacement of the petrochemical polyol in the polyurethane formulation. Obtained rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams are characterized by a lower apparent density, brittleness, water absorption, and thermal conductivity coefficient λ. In addition, foams modified by biopolyols had a higher content of closed cells and higher aging resistance. The results of the conducted research showed that the use of the biopolyol based on evening primrose oil may be an alternative to petrochemical polyols. The research presented herein is perfectly consistent with the trends of sustainable development and the philosophy of green chemistry.
TL;DR: Thiazoles 3a, 3h, and 3j showed significant anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity, with IC50 values 31–52 times lower than those observed for sulfadiazine, which indicated secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP) as possible antifungal target.
Abstract: Synthesis and investigation of antifungal, anticonvulsant and anti-Toxoplasma gondii activities of ten novel (2-(cyclopropylmethylidene)hydrazinyl)thiazole 3a–3j are presented. Among the derivatives, compounds 3a–3d and 3f–3j possess very high activity against Candida spp. ATCC with MIC = 0.015–7.81 µg/ml. Compounds 3a–3d and 3f–3j possess also very high activity towards most of strains of Candida spp. isolated from clinical materials with MIC = 0.015–7.81 µg/ml. The activity of these compounds is similar and even higher than the activity of nystatin used as positive control. Additionally, compounds 3c and 3e showed interesting anticonvulsant activities in the MES test, whereas compounds 3f and 3i demonstrated the anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizures. Noteworthy, none of these compounds impaired animals’ motor skills in the rotarod test. Moreover, thiazoles 3a, 3h, and 3j showed significant anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity, with IC50 values 31–52 times lower than those observed for sulfadiazine. The results of the cytotoxicity evaluation, anti-Candida spp. and anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity studies showed that Candida spp. and Toxoplasma gondii growth was inhibited at non-cytotoxic concentrations for the mouse L929 fibroblast and the African green monkey kidney (VERO) cells. Molecular docking studies indicated secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP) as possible antifungal target.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present plant species compositional shifts in the Tatra Mts over the past 90 years and discuss the potential drivers of the changes observed using historical vegetation studies.
Abstract: Mountain vegetation is often considered highly sensitive to climate and land-use changes due to steep environmental gradients determining local plant species composition. In this study we present plant species compositional shifts in the Tatra Mts over the past 90 years and discuss the potential drivers of the changes observed. Using historical vegetation studies of the region from 1927, we resurveyed 76 vegetation plots, recording the vascular flora of each plot using the same methodology as in the original survey. We used an indirect method to quantify plant species compositional shifts and to indicate which environmental gradients could be responsible for these shifts: by calculating shifts in estimated species optima as reflected in shifts in the ecological indicator values of co-occurring species. To find shifts in species composition, focusing on each vegetation type separately, we used ordination (DCA). The species optimum changed significantly for at least one of the tested environmental gradients for 26 of the 95 plant species tested; most of these species changed in terms of the moisture indicator value. We found that the strongest shifts in species composition were in mylonite grassland, snowbed and hygrophilous tall herb communities. Changes in precipitation and increase in temperature were found to most likely drive compositional shifts in vegetation resurveyed. It is likely that the combined effect of climate change and cessation of sheep grazing has driven a species composition shift in granite grasslands communities.
TL;DR: Substantial changes in skeletal muscle strength, body mass and composition, as well as knee extensor and flexor muscle strength and serum inflammatory markers in healthy women over 65 years of age were noted.
Abstract: Skeletal muscle wasting, associated with aging, may be regulated by the inflammatory cytokines as well as by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). l-carnitine possesses anti-inflammatory properties and increases plasma IGF-1 concentration, leading to the regulation of the genes responsible for protein catabolism and anabolism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a 24-week l-carnitine supplementation on serum inflammatory markers, IGF-1, body composition and skeletal muscle strength in healthy human subjects over 65 years of age. Women between 65 and 70 years of age were supplemented for 24 weeks with either 1500 mg l-carnitine-l-tartrate or an isonitrogenous placebo per day in a double-blind fashion. Before and after the supplementation protocol, body mass and composition, as well as knee extensor and flexor muscle strength were determined. In the blood samples, free carnitine, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein and IGF-1 were determined. A marked increase in free plasma carnitine concentration was observed due to l-carnitine supplementation. No substantial changes in other parameters were noted. In the current study, supplementation for 24 weeks affected neither the skeletal muscle strength nor circulating markers in healthy women over 65 years of age. Positive and negative aspects of l-carnitine supplementation need to be clarified.
TL;DR: This study introduces the NMπ computer program designed for estimation of plant mating system and seed and pollen dispersal kernels, a re‐implementation of the NM+ program that provides new features such as support for multicore processors, explicit treatment of dioecy, and the possibility of incorporating uniparentally cytoplasmic markers.
Abstract: This study introduces the NMπ computer program designed for estimation of plant mating system and seed and pollen dispersal kernels. NMπ is a re-implementation of the NM+ program and provides new features such as support for multicore processors, explicit treatment of dioecy, the possibility of incorporating uniparentally cytoplasmic markers, the possibility of assessing assortative mating due to phenotypic similarity and inference about offspring genealogies. The probability model of parentage (the neighbourhood model) accounts for missing data and genotyping errors, which can be estimated along with regular parameters of the mating system. The program has virtually no restrictions with respect to a number of individuals, markers or phenotypic characters. A console version of NMπ can be run under a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux or Mac OS. For Windows users, a graphical user interface is provided to facilitate operating the software. The program, user manual and example data are available on http://www.ukw.edu.pl/pracownicy/plik/igor_chybicki/3694/.
TL;DR: In this paper, the possibility of the simultaneous registration of α-particles and γ-quanta by way of separation of the scintillation pulse height spectra and decay kinetics of SCF and crystal parts of such a composite scintillator was demonstrated.
Abstract: The possibility of growth by the liquid phase epitaxy method of a new type of advanced composite scintillator based on Ce3+-doped single crystalline films (SCFs) of Lu1.5Gd1.5Al1.5Ga3.5O12 garnet and substrates from single crystals (SCs) of Gd3Al2.5Ga2.5O12:Ce garnet is evidenced for the first time in this work. We show the possibility of the simultaneous registration of α-particles and γ-quanta by way of separation of the scintillation pulse height spectra and decay kinetics of SCF and crystal parts of such a composite scintillator. Namely, the significant differences in the scintillation decay kinetics of Lu1.5Gd1.5Al1.5Ga3.5O12:Ce SCF/Gd3Al2.5Ga2.5O12:Ce SC composite scintillator under excitation by α-particles of a 241Am (5.5 MeV) source and γ-quanta of 137Cs (662 keV) source are observed. The respective tα/tγ decay times ratio in the 0–500 ns range reach up to 0.5 for this type of composite scintillator; e.g., the SCF scintillators is two times faster than the substrate scintillator. For this reason,...
TL;DR: These experiments show that open-source jump mats are as valid and reliable as their proprietary counterparts at a lower cost and practitioners can be confident in using Globus or Chronojump systems to test athletes' jump height because of their negligible errors and Axon system to monitor general population.
Abstract: PURPOSE Vertical jump tests are used to assess lower-limb power of athletes in sport sciences. Flight time measurement with jump-mat systems is the most common procedure for this purpose. The aim of this study was to analyze the concurrent validity and reliability of two proprietary systems (Globus and Axon) and an open-source system (Chronojump). METHODS A conditioning electric circuit governed by a controlled wave generator is designed to substitute athletes jumping on a physical mat. In order to look for possible differences associated to timekeeping by each microcontroller device, all three systems are fed by the circuit simultaneously. RESULTS Concurrent validity was high for the three systems. Standarized typical error of estimate (TEE) was trivial, according to MBI interpretation as well as perfect Pearson correlation coefficient. Reliability was assessed based on the coefficient of variation of flight time measure, resulting in 0.17-0.63% (0.05-0.12 cm) for Globus, 0.01% (0.09 cm) for Chronojump and 5.65-9.38% (2.15-3.53 cm) for Axon. These results show that all jump-mat system produced nearly identical measures of flight time so they can be considered valid and reliable for practical purposes. In comparison, Chronojump showed the best performance whereas Axon showed enough variability and disagreement to pose a problem in testing elite athletes. CONCLUSIONS These experiments show that open-source jump mats are as valid and reliable as their proprietary counterparts at a lower cost. Therefore, practitioners can be confident in using Globus or Chronojump systems to test athletes' jump height because of their negligible errors and Axon system to monitor general population.
TL;DR: The results showed that the flowing water in the newly-formed periglacial areas (formed over the last 30years) are rich in easily soluble Al and Fe and have lower total measured contents of mineral constituents during the summer period than creeks in non-glacial catchments.
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: Computer-aided design is now the primary design tool, providing opportunities for enhancing project quality, allowing for detailed analysis of the features of the solution, and establishing design guidelines has resulted in a number of concept designs.
Abstract: Computer-aided design is now the primary design tool, providing opportunities for enhancing project quality, allowing for detailed analysis of the features of the solution. In the methodology, computer simulation elements were used. Computer simulation aims to reconstruct the course of the studied process from its mathematical model using a computer and to examine the influence of the environment (input signals) and the internal properties of the object (process parameters) on the characteristics of the object. In designing the shredder, in addition to the selection of structural features, it is also possible to perform strength and kinematic simulations, resulting in a higher quality of the target solution. The results of the simulation work presented in the paper indicate a wide range of possible applications - also in the field of food engineering and processing of polymers - eg shredder mechanisms. Particular attention has been paid to limiting the energy consumed on the deformation of samples, eg by pre-compaction of the sample before introduction To the working area of the shredder. It has been estimated that the gap between the rotating discs should be minimized. Establishing design guidelines has resulted in a number of concept designs.
TL;DR: According to the results, compounds 4a, 4b, 4d, and 4i have very strong activity against human breast carcinoma MCF-7, and diaminotriazines 4a–l showed significant anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity, with IC50 values 9–68 times lower than those observed for sulfadiazine.
Abstract: Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of antiproliferative activities against human cancer cell lines (MV4-11, MCF-7, and A549) and Toxoplasma gondii parasite of twelve novel 2,4-diaminotriazine-thiazoles are presented. The toxicity of the compounds was studied at three different cell types, normal mouse fibroblast (Balb/3T3), mouse fibroblast (L929), and human VERO cells. The structures of novel compounds were determined using 1H and 13C NMR, FAB(+)-MS, and elemental analyses. Among the derivatives, 4a–k showed very high activity against MV4-11 cell line with IC50 values between 1.13 and 3.21 µg/ml. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity of compounds 4a–k against normal mouse fibroblast Balb/3T3 cells is about 20–100 times lower than against cancer cell lines. According to our results, compounds 4a, 4b, 4d, and 4i have very strong activity against human breast carcinoma MCF-7, with IC50 values from 3.18 to 4.28 µg/ml. Moreover, diaminotriazines 4a–l showed significant anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity, with IC50 values 9–68 times lower than those observed for sulfadiazine. Molecular docking studies indicated DNA-binding site of hTopoI and hTopoII as possible anticancer targets and purine nucleoside phosphorylase as possible anti-toxoplasmosis target. Our UV–Vis spectroscopic results indicate also that diaminotriazine-thiazoles tends to interact with DNA by intercalation. Additionally, the structure and the interaction and binding energies of a model complex formed by compound 4a and two thymine molecules are investigated using quantum mechanical methods.
TL;DR: A five-week pre-season conditioning programme supplemented with only 15 sessions of plyometric exercise did not induce any additional benefits, compared to a matched format of standard jump training, in terms of improving jumping performance and maximal power in the RSA test.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of plyometric and jump training on physical performance in young male handball players. Twenty-six young male handball players were divided into two sub-groups to perform a five-week pre-season training programme supplemented with two ground-reactive protocols with an equal number of jumping exercises referred as to ground contacts: plyometric training (PLY; n = 14) and standard jump training (CON; n = 12). Before and after training, repeated sprint ability (RSA), jumping ability (JA), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and aerobic power at the anaerobic threshold (PAT) were measured. A two-factor analysis revealed significant time effects with improvements in fat mass (p = 0.012), maximal power during the incremental cycling test (p = 0.001) and PAT (p < 0.001), power decline (PDEC) and maximal power (Pmax) in the 5th repetition (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The training-induced changes in absolute and relative peak power in the RSA test and absolute VO2max approached significance (p = 0.06, p = 0.053 and p = 0.06). No intervention time × exercise protocol effects were observed for any indices of JA, RSA and aerobic capacity. A five-week pre-season conditioning programme supplemented with only 15 sessions of plyometric exercise did not induce any additional benefits, compared to a matched format of standard jump training, in terms of improving jumping performance and maximal power in the RSA test. Aerobic capacity and the fatigue index in RSA were maintained under these two training conditions.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of EB and TAIC on the mechanical and structural properties of the composites were studied using tensile and impact tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), gel fraction measurement, differential scanning calorimetriy (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG).
TL;DR: An association between AC-schema chemotherapy and deficits in delayed memory was found and a positive relationship was shown between the level of education, physical fitness and the functioning of verbal memory.
Abstract: Memory is one of the crucial human cognitive functions, and deficits in memory processes may lead to difficulties in everyday functioning. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) used in breast cancer treatment on verbal memory and learning. We also evaluated the relationship between verbal memory and psychological, somatic and socio-demographic factors. The study was carried out on a group of 31 women with early breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and 30 healthy controls. The patients underwent neuropsychological assessment using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test at three time points: before chemotherapy, mid-chemotherapy and post-chemotherapy. The examination in the controls was conducted at the same time intervals. We found an association between AC-schema chemotherapy and deficits in delayed memory. A deterioration in performance after treatment was observed in 19% of patients. The results showed no deterioration of immediate memory or the verbal learning process. Moreover, a positive relationship was shown between the level of education, physical fitness and the functioning of verbal memory. The results of the study also indicate that age and hormonal status are factors that may increase the possibility of deficits in verbal memory after AC-schema chemotherapy.
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of the geometric features of the chipper system and the dynamic process on the efficiency of the grinding is determined, based on the relevant research methodology, and a super fast camera (up to 1200 fps) is used to record the deformation of the sample and its destruction, in order to interpret the burdens there.
Abstract: In order to evaluate and improve the efficiency of the process of grinding, various investigations are conducted, based on the relevant research methodology. One of them is the method in which the crushed sample is subjected to single stroke loads. On this basis, the influence of the geometric features of the chipper system and the dynamic process on the efficiency of the grinding is determined. Charpy hammers instrument were used to perform these modifications so that the momentary force of the resistance could be recorded with varying sample alignment, blade geometry changes and others. In addition, it was proposed to use a super fast camera (up to 1200 fps) to record the deformation of the sample and its destruction, in order to interpret the burdens there. Under such idealized conditions, a range of variables has been identified that significantly affect the reduction of energy demand during grinding.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report a calculational study of electron states and the resulting electrochemical properties of uniaxially strained graphene with point defects, and they find that the heterogeneous electron transfer activity of the perfect graphene electrode rises under uniahxial strain, however, evolution of the cathodic reaction rate depends on the direction of strain.
TL;DR: In this article, the results indicated a significant enhancement in the green emission of Er3+ ions due to co-doping of the glass system with Ta2O5, Nb2O3 and ZrO2.
TL;DR: The study aimed to analyse reactions of the major groups of phytoplankton to the mixing regime of fresh and brackish waters in coastal lakes and the associated changes in physicochemical properties of lake waters, suggesting that the structure and biomass of phytochemical groups may respond gradually on the level of hydrological connectivity, or may respond abruptly creating two alternative stable states: limnetic and oligohaline.
TL;DR: In this article, a comparison of the luminescence properties of Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce and Ca2YMgScSi 3O12 :Ce single crystalline films (SCF) phosphors, grown by the liquid phase epitaxy method, was performed.