Toward a definition of MEG spike: Parametric description of spikes recorded simultaneously by MEG and depth electrodes

AbstractThere is not yet a formal definition of magnetoencephalography (MEG) spike. This study provides a parametric description and definition of clear-cut MEG spikes recorded simultaneously by MEG and depth electrodes (iEEG). A total number of 367 simultaneous MEG/iEEG spikes were selected for analysis. Distribution of morphologic spike parameters and detailed quantitative analysis of the basic morphologic characteristics of MEG spikes is provided

Determination of novel reference genes for improving gene expression data normalization in selected canine reproductive tissues – a multistudy analysis

Background Real time RT-PCR (qPCR) is a useful and powerful tool for quantitative measurement of gene expression. The proper choice of internal standards such as reference genes is crucial for correct data evaluation. In female dogs, as in other species, the reproductive tract is continuously undergoing hormonal and cycle stage-dependent morphological changes, which are associated with altered gene expression. However, there have been few attempts published so far targeted to the dog aimed at determining optimal reference genes for the reproductive organs. Most of these approaches relied on genes previously described in other species. Large-scale transcriptome-based experiments are promising tools for defining potential candidate reference genes, but were never considered in this context in canine research. Results Here, using available microarray and RNA-seq datasets derived from reproductive organs (corpus luteum, placenta, healthy and diseased uteri) of dogs, we have performed multistudy analysis to identify the most stably expressed genes for expression studies, in each tissue separately and collectively for different tissues. The stability of newly identified reference genes (EIF4H, KDELR2, KDM4A and PTK2) has been determined and ranked relative to previously used reference genes, i.e., GAPDH, β-actin and cyclophillin A/PPIA, using RefFinder and NormFinder algorithms. Finally, expression of selected target genes (luteal IL-1b and MHCII, placental COX2 and VEGFA, and uterine IGF2 and LHR) was re-evaluated and normalized. All proposed candidate reference genes were more stable, ranked higher and introduced less variation than previously used genes. Conclusions Based on our analyses, we recommend applying KDM4A and PTK2 for normalization of gene expression in the canine CL and placenta. The inclusion of a third reference gene, EIF4H, is suggested for healthy uteri. With this, the interpretation of qPCR data will be more reliable, allowing better understanding of canine reproductive physiology

Personality and temperamental features vs. quality of life of Polish seafarers

In Poland seafarers are a significantly large occupational group and their work is highly burdening andhazardous. The environmental, physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial factors have a great impacton their quality of work and life. This report examines their quality of life and the relationship betweenquality of life, personality and temperament was evaluated. A total of 300 Polish seafarers took part inthis study. Their average age is 44. Incorporated methods used were: WHOQOL-BREF, a survey for peopleworking at sea, questionnaires: NEO-FFI and PTS. The results have shown that their quality of life is quitehigh. Polish seafarers show neuroticism below average and high extraversion. They are open, agreeableand scrupulous. Their power of stimulation and inhibition processes is correct

Dynamics of stress as a predictor of health consequences in Polish drilling platform workers. Longitudinal study: part I

Background and aim: The subject of presented article is the evaluation of the relationship between the way of adaptation to work-related stress and chosen health indicators among drilling platform workers in Poland. The study procedure is a longitudinal research, including data analysis from 1993 to 2013.Materials and methods: 167 Polish platform male workers with an average age of 42 years have been examined. The studies include, according to the triangulation method, data from 3 sources: data concerningthe so-called ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ stress, personality and temperamental examinations and data concerning health state.Results: Stress affects health negatively, the higher subjective and objective stress, the worse health indicators: higher body mass index, more declared health ailments and worse evaluation of personal health (r = –0.23). Stress also affects health via 2 indirect tracts: through the kind of stress adaptation (stress dynamics) (r = –0.43) and through coping — depositional stress coping style (r = 0.41).Conclusions: Stress adaptation (stress dynamics) and coping style included in the study in longer perspective show that those drilling platform workers, who declare the decrease of stress over the years, present worse health indicators than those, who declare variability in the ways of adaptation to stress

Quality of life at sea in Polish seafarer’s evaluation

Background: Work at sea is highly burdening, hazardous and stressful. Environmental, physical, and psychosociological factors have a great impact on the seafarer’s quality of life and work. The research is a part of a broader psychological project performed on people working at sea in Poland during a period of 2011–2014. Materials and methods: This report presents the self-evaluation of life quality conducted by a total of 1,700 Polish seafarers who took part in the study. The average age of the group was 45. Following methods were used: WHOQOL-BREF and the “Survey for people working at sea”. Results: Polish seafarers gave the highest rates to their social relationships (16.27), then the psychological functioning (15.62), and environment (15.51). The physical domain gave the lowest rates (14.63). Conclusions: The results have shown that quality of life of Polish seafarers is quite high

Od dawnego do współczesnego Poznania w kryminale

From old-time to modern Poznań in detective stories The article discusses the image of Poznań in detective fiction written after 1989. The criminal stories were selected in such a way that their action takes place in different times, the purpose of the paper is to show how the choice of names affects the understanding of the novel’s content and compare the names used by the author with the real urban nomenclature with that of Poznan, both presently and in the period in which the piece is set. The main question posed is whether the time of action influences the selection of proper names and how the proper names were chosen for novels in which action takes place in earlier periods: whether the author uses historical urbanonyms, present ones or adopts a different strategy altogether. The article aims to show how the picture of Poznań is created in detective stories and how much it corresponds to reality.   Od dawnego do współczesnego Poznania w kryminale Artykuł pokazuje obraz Poznania w kryminałach napisanych po roku 1989. Kryminały zostały wybrane w taki sposób, aby ich akcja rozgrywała się w różnych czasach. Celem pracy jest pokazanie, jak dobór nazw własnych wpływa na zrozumienie treści dzieła oraz porównanie nazw z ówczesnym i współczesnym nazewnictwem miejskim Poznania. Główne pytanie stawiane w pracy dotyczy tego, czy czas akcji wpływa na dobór onimów oraz jak wygląda dobór onimów w kryminałach z akcją osadzoną we wcześniejszych latach. Czy autor odzwierciedla w powieści funkcjonujące wówczas realnie urbanonimy, opiera się na stanie współczesnym, czy obiera jeszcze inną strategię? Artykuł ma pokazać, jak kształtuje się przestrzeń Poznania w kryminale i czy historycznie oraz współcześnie odpowiada stanowi faktycznemu

Architecture dressed in rationalism

Rome, as the headquarter of fascist Italy, became the place where il Duce was fulfilling his dreams of restoring the Great Empire. The architecture that appeared in the times of the dictator, is as much progressive (it has roots in the early 20th century European Avant-garde art), as it is traditional – through its references to ideas of culture and nation. In the course of the article, I presented the conditions that gave rise to fascist architecture in Rome. Daring architectural designs, connected with widening the streets, construction of new districts, highlighting the ancient monuments, led to destruction of parts of the city (mass evictions, damaged Renaissance and Baroque monuments). Realization of those enterprises was possible only during authoritarian rule – Mussolini had no difficulty either in commissioning the construction of the new, or destruction of the old buildings. At the threshold of the approaching war, Italian architecture performed primarily an ideological function, and secondarily, it fulfilled the material and aesthetic needs of the nation