bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Strategies for Management of Respiratory Problems in Neonates
Authors: Hillman Noah , Jobe Alan H.
Published: May 2013

Multiple techniques have been developed to provide noninvasive strategies for respiratory support of the newborn that provide positive airway pressure continuously, with or without ventilation cycles, in nonintubated infants. The core physiologic variable is positive airway pressure used clinically as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP can be augmented with intermittent positive pressure breaths that are, or are not, synchronized to the breathing of the infant. Pressures delivered by high-flow nasal cannula are less predictable than those delivered by a CPAP device. A renewed interest in testing and innovating to improve noninvasive respiratory support techniques has resulted from efforts to avoid intubation, mechanical ventilation, and ultimately bronchopulmonary dysplasia. These noninvasive techniques now are used to stabilize respiratory status after birth, to manage respiratory distress syndrome, and to facilitate extubation of infants. Large trials, in aggregate, demonstrate a modest benefit from the use of CPAP soon after birth, relative to intubation, surfactant treatment, and ventilation. Small trials yield conflicting results for the relative benefits of different noninvasive techniques for the clinical management of respiratory distress syndrome and for attempts at extubation. Success with noninvasive ventilation for the management of preterm infants depends greatly on the skills and commitment of the personnel caring for the infant.
Maternal phenylketonuria
Authors: Bókay János , Kiss Erika , Simon Erika , Szőnyi László
Published: May 2013

Elevated maternal phenylalanine levels during pregnancy are teratogenic, and may result in embryo-foetopathy, which could lead to stillbirth, significant psychomotor handicaps and birth defects. This foetal damage is known as maternal phenylketonuria. Women at the childbearing age with all forms of phenylketonuria, including mild variants such as hyperphenylalaninaemia, should receive detailed counselling regarding their risks for adverse foetal effects, optimally before contemplating pregnancy. The most assured way to prevent maternal phenylketonuria is to maintain the maternal phenylalnine levels within the optimal range already before conception and throughout the whole pregnancy. Authors review the comprehensive programme for prevention of maternal phenylketonuria at the Metabolic Center of Budapest, they survey the practical approach of the continuous maternal metabolic control and delineate the outcome of pregnancies of mothers with phenylketonuria from the introduction of newborn screening until recently. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 683–687.
Psychosocial Functioning and Treatment Needs of Latency-Age Children from Drug-Involved Families
Authors: Dore Martha Morrison , Kauffman Eda , Nelson-Zlupko Lani , Granfort Elizabeth
Published: May 2013

Though the psychosocial needs of children from alcoholic families are well-documented, the effects of parental use of illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine on the psychosocial development of latency-age children are relatively unexplored. The authors examine the current literature on these effects and, drawing on this literature, propose preventive intervention for children at this developmental stage.
Weekly Paclitaxel/Carboplatin/Trastuzumab Therapy Improves Pathologic Complete Remission in Aggressive HER2-Positive Breast Cancers, Especially in Luminal-B Subtype, Compared With a Once-Every-3-Weeks Schedule
Authors: Yu Ke-Da , Liu Guang-Yu , Chen Can-Ming , Li Jian-Wei , Wu Jiong , Lu Jin-Song , Shen Zhen-Zhou , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: May 2013

Background.

The efficacy and tolerability of two different schedules of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (PCarH) for HER2-positive, locally aggressive (stage IIB–IIIC) breast cancers were evaluated in this phase II trial.

Methods.

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either weekly (12 doses over 16 weeks) or once-every-3-weeks (4 doses over 12 weeks) treatment. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete remission (pCR) in the breast and axilla. To detect an assumed 35% pCR absolute difference between the two schedules, a minimum of 26 assessable patients in each group was required (two-sided α = 0.05, β = 0.2).

Results.

A total of 56 patients were enrolled (weekly group, n = 29; every-3-weeks group, n = 27). In the intent-to-treat analysis, pCR in the breast/axilla were found in 31 patients (55%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 41%–69%). Compared with the every-3-weeks schedule, the weekly administration achieved higher pCR (41% vs. 69%; p = .03). After adjustment for clinical and pathological factors, the weekly administration was more effective than the every-3-weeks schedule, with hazard ratio of 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1–0.9; p = .03). Interestingly, weekly administration resulted in high pCR rates in both luminal-B (HER2-positive) and ERBB2+ tumors (67% vs. 71%; p = .78), whereas luminal-B (HER2-positive) tumors benefited less from the every-3-weeks schedule compared with the ERBB2+ tumors (21% vs. 62%, p = .03). These results remain after multivariate adjustment, showing weekly administration was more effective in the luminal-B (HER2-positive) subgroup (p = .02) but not in the ERBB2+ subgroup (p = .50).

Conclusion.

A more frequent administration might improve the possibility of eradicating invasive cancer in the breast and axilla, especially in the luminal-B (HER2-positive) subtype. Further studies to validate our findings are warranted.
The Relationship Between Eight GWAS-Identified Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Primary Breast Cancer Outcomes
Authors: Bayraktar Soley , Thompson Patricia A. , Yoo Suk-Young , Do Kim-anh , Sahin Aysegul A. , Arun Banu K. , Bondy Melissa L. , Brewster Abenaa M.
Published: May 2013

Learning Objectives

Describe the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have identified genetic variants associated with breast cancer risk. Discuss whether genetic risk variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are also associated with breast cancer prognosis. Describe molecular mechanisms through which germline genetic variants may influence breast cancer survival.
EuflabellaN. Igen.: Complex Horizontal Spreite Burrows in Upper Cretaceous–Paleogene Shallow-Marine Sandstones of Antarctica and Tierra del Fuego
Authors: Olivero Eduardo B. , Cabrera Maria I. López
Published: May 2013

Fine-grained sandstones and siltstones of Late Cretaceous to Eocene age in Antarctica and Tierra del Fuego yield an association of well-known shallow-marine trace fossils. Among them stick out complex spreite burrows, which are formally described asEuflabellan. igen. and subdivided into five ichnospecies with different burrowing programs and occurrences. As shown by concentrations of diatoms, radiolarians, foraminifers, and calcispheres in particular backfill lamellae, the unknown trace makers lived on fresh detritus from the surface as well as the burrowed sediment. In some ichnospecies, vertical sections show that the spreite is three-dimensionally meandering in upward direction and that upper laminae tend to rework the upper backfill of the folds underneath. This could mean a second harvest, after cultivated bacteria had time to ferment refractory sediment components, which the metazoan trace maker had been unable to digest before.
Insect Fauna of the Late Miocene Locality of Öhningen (Germany) Less Diverse than Reported: An Example of the Hydrophilid Beetles (Coleoptera)
Authors: Fikáček Martin , Schmied Heiko
Published: May 2013

The fossils originally assigned to the family Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera, Polyphaga) from the late Miocene locality of Öhningen (southern Germany) are revised. Nine hydrophilid species are recognized, most of them representing the tribe Hydrophilini. Five species are reliably assigned to genera:Hydrochara noachica(Heer, 1847), n. comb. (=Hydrophilus rehmanniHeer, 1847, n. syn.),Hydrobiomorpha braunii(Heer, 1847), n. comb. (=Hydrous escheriHeer, 1862, n. syn.),Hydrobiomorpha heerin. sp.,Hydrophilus spectabilisHeer, 1847 (=Hydrophilus knorriiHeer, 1847, n. syn., =Hydrophilus giganteusHeer, 1862, n. syn.), andHydrophilus vexatoriusHeer, 1847. Two taxa are treated as Hydrophiliniincertae sedis:Hydrophilopsis elongataHeer, 1862, andHydrous ovalisHeer, 1862. Two species represent Hydrophilidaeincertae sedis:Escheria ovalisHeer, 1847 andE. bellaHeer, 1862. The fossil genusHydrophilopsisHeer, 1862 likely represents the modern generaSternolophusSolier, 1834 orHydrobiomorphaBlackburn, 1888, the fossil genusEscheriaHeer, 1847 likely represents some modern genus within the Hydrophilini or Hydrobiusini. Six taxa are excluded from the Hydrophiloidea:Helophorus magnusHeer, 1862,H. exilisHeer, 1862 (possibly belonging to Curculionidae),Hydrobius couloniHeer, 1862 andH. godetiHeer, 1862 (both possibly belonging to Curculionidae: Zygopinae),Hydrophilus brauniivar.minorHeer, 1862, andHydrophilus stenopterusHeer, 1862 (likely a leaf fossil). Our revision revealed a rather high amount of inaccurate family and genus assignments and a moderate amount of species-level synonymy in the original treatment of Öhnigen fauna by O. Heer. The diversity of the hydrophilid beetles in Öhningen is thus lower than previously reported, but still being slightly higher compared to other European Paleogene and Neogene localities.
Cenozoic Ampullinidae and Naticidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda) from Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Griffin Miguel , Pastorino Guido
Published: May 2013

A revision of the Cenozoic Ampullinidae and Naticidae from a wide range of localities and stratigraphic units in Patagonia revealed the occurrence there of thirteen species referable to these families. Ampullinid species described areTejonia?tapia(Feruglio, 1935);Tejonia arroyoensisn. sp. andPseudamaura dubia(Petersen, 1946). Naticids are represented by the following valid species:“Natica”entrerianaBorchert, 1901;Euspira patagonica(Philippi, 1845);Notocochlis borrelloi(Brunet, 1995);Bulbus subtenuis(Ihering, 1897);Polinices santacruzensisIhering, 1907;Polinices puntarenasensisIhering, 1907;“Polinices”ortmanniIhering, 1907 (nomen dubium);Polinices minan. sp.;Glossaulax secundum(Rochebrune and Mabille, 1885); andDarwinices claudiaen. gen. n. sp.
Long‐term insect herbivory slows soil development in an arid ecosystem
Authors: Classen Aimee T. , Chapman Samantha K. , Whitham Thomas G. , Hart Stephen C. , Koch George W.
Published: May 2013

Although herbivores are well known to alter litter inputs and soil nutrient fluxes, their long‐term influences on soil development are largely unknown because of the difficulty of detecting and attributing changes in carbon and nutrient pools against large background levels. The early phase of primary succession reduces this signal‐to‐noise problem, particularly in arid systems where individual plants can form islands of fertility. We used natural variation in tree‐resistance to herbivory, and a 15 year herbivore‐removal experiment in an Arizona piñon‐juniper woodland that was established on cinder soils following a volcanic eruption, to quantify how herbivory shapes the development of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) over 36–54 years (i.e., the ages of the trees used in our study). In this semi‐arid ecosystem, trees are widely spaced on the landscape, which allows direct examination of herbivore impacts on the nutrient‐poor cinder soils. Although chronic insect herbivory increased annual litterfall N per unit area by 50% in this woodland, it slowed annual tree‐level soil C and N accumulation by 111% and 96%, respectively. Despite the reduction in soil C accumulation, short‐term litterfall‐C inputs and soil C‐efflux rates per unit soil surface were not impacted by herbivory. Our results demonstrate that the effects of herbivores on soil C and Nfluxesand soil C and Naccumulationare not necessarily congruent: herbivores can increase N in litterfall, but over time their impact on plant growth and development can slow soil development. In sum, because herbivores slow tree growth, they slow soil development on the landscape.
An Empirical Test of the Hierarchical Construct of Professionalism and Managerialism in the Accounting Profession
Authors: Carrington Thomas , Johansson Tobias , Johed Gustav , Öhman Peter
Published: May 2013

Research into the tension between professionalism and commercialism in the accounting profession is inconclusive and warrants greater attention. How to conceptualize and measure these constructs are thus pressing concerns. Using questionnaire data from 1,646 auditors in Sweden, and applying confirmatory factor analysis and structural regression models within a structural equation modeling framework to a measurement model developed by Suddaby et al. (2009), we find little empirical evidence for the existence of the two logics of professionalism and managerialism (i.e., commercialism) as two higher-order latent constructs shared by auditors. However, we find that two sub-elements of the proposed higher-order constructs do discriminate between each other in a way that could indicate two exclusive value statements in the accounting profession connected to the professionalism–commercialism tension; these are the respective emphasis on independence enforcement and client commitment.
Development and Validation of a Predicting Model of All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: De Cosmo Salvatore , Copetti Massimiliano , Lamacchia Olga , Fontana Andrea , Massa Michela , Morini Eleonora , Pacilli Antonio , Fariello Stefania , Palena Antonio , Rauseo Anna , Viti Rafaella , Di Paola Rosa , Menzaghi Claudia , Cignarelli Mauro , Pellegrini Fabio , Trischitta Vincenzo
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a parsimonious model for predicting short-term all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two cohorts of patients with T2DM were investigated. The Gargano Mortality Study (GMS, n = 679 patients) was the training set and the Foggia Mortality Study (FMS, n = 936 patients) represented the validation sample. GMS and FMS cohorts were prospectively followed up for 7.40 ±2.15 and 4.51 ±1.69 years, respectively, and all-cause mortality was registered. A new forward variable selection within a multivariate Cox regression was implemented. Starting from the empty model, each step selected the predictor that, once included into the multivariate Cox model, yielded the maximum continuous net reclassification improvement (cNRI). The selection procedure stopped when no further statistically significant cNRI increase was detected.

RESULTS

Nine variables (age, BMI, diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and antihypertensive and insulin therapy) were included in the final predictive model with a C statistic of 0.88 (95% CI 0.82–0.94) in the GMS and 0.82 (0.76–0.87) in the FMS. Finally, we used a recursive partition and amalgamation algorithm to identify patients at intermediate and high mortality risk (hazard ratio 7.0 and 24.4, respectively, as compared with those at low risk). A web-based risk calculator was also developed.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a parsimonious all-cause mortality equation in T2DM, providing also a user-friendly web-based risk calculator. Our model may help prioritize the use of available resources for targeting aggressive preventive and treatment strategies in a subset of very high-risk individuals.
The Expression of Inflammatory Genes Is Upregulated in Peripheral Blood of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jin Yulan , Sharma Ashok , Carey Colleen , Hopkins Diane , Wang Xiaoxiao , Robertson David G. , Bode Bruce , Anderson Stephen W. , Reed John Chip , Steed R. Dennis , Steed Leigh , She Jin-Xiong
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

Our previous gene expression microarray studies identified a number of genes differentially expressed in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and islet autoantibody-positive subjects. This study was designed to validate these gene expression changes in T1D patients and to identify gene expression changes in diabetes complications.

RESEARCH DESIGH AND METHODS

We performed high-throughput real-time RT-PCR to validate gene expression changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a large sample set of 928 T1D patients and 922 control subjects.

RESULTS

Of the 18 genes analyzed here, eight genes (S100A8, S100A9, MNDA, SELL, TGFB1, PSMB3, CD74, and IL12A) had higher expression and three genes (GNLY, PSMA4, and SMAD7) had lower expression in T1D patients compared with control subjects, indicating that genes involved in inflammation, immune regulation, and antigen processing and presentation are significantly altered in PBMCs from T1D patients. Furthermore, one adhesion molecule (SELL) and three inflammatory genes mainly expressed by myeloid cells (S100A8, S100A9, and MNDA) were significantly higher in T1D patients with complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.3–2.6, adjusted P value = 0.005–10−8), especially those patients with neuropathy (OR 4.8–7.9, adjusted P value <0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that inflammatory mediators secreted mainly by myeloid cells are implicated in T1D and its complications.
Secular Changes in the Age-Specific Prevalence of Diabetes Among U.S. Adults: 1988–2010
Authors: Cheng Yiling J. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Geiss Linda S. , Wang Jing , Saydah Sharon H. , Cowie Catherine C. , Gregg Edward W.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To examine the age-specific changes of prevalence of diabetes among U.S. adults during the past 2 decades.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 22,586 adults sampled in three periods of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994, 1999–2004, and 2005–2010). Diabetes was defined as having self-reported diagnosed diabetes or having a fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL or HbA1c ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol).

RESULTS

The number of adults with diabetes increased by 75% from 1988–1994 to 2005–2010. After adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, and education level, the prevalence of diabetes increased over the two decades across all age-groups. Younger adults (20–34 years of age) had the lowest absolute increase in diabetes prevalence of 1.0%, followed by middle-aged adults (35–64) at 2.7% and older adults (≥65) at 10.0% (all P < 0.001). Comparing 2005–2010 with 1988–1994, the adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) by age-group were 2.3, 1.3, and 1.5 for younger, middle-aged, and older adults, respectively (all P < 0.05). After additional adjustment for body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), or waist circumference (WC), the adjusted PR remained statistically significant only for adults ≥65 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

During the past two decades, the prevalence of diabetes increased across all age-groups, but adults ≥65 years of age experienced the largest increase in absolute change. Obesity, as measured by BMI, WHtR, or WC, was strongly associated with the increase in diabetes prevalence, especially in adults <65.
Cardiovascular Complications and Mortality After Diabetes Diagnosis for South Asian and Chinese Patients
Authors: Shah Baiju R. , Victor J. Charles , Chiu Maria , Tu Jack V. , Anand Sonia S. , Austin Peter C. , Manuel Douglas G. , Hux Janet E.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

Many non-European ethnic groups have an increased risk for diabetes; however, the published literature demonstrates considerable uncertainty about the rates of diabetes complications among minority populations. The objective of this study was to determine the risks of cardiovascular complications and of mortality after diabetes diagnosis for South Asian and Chinese patients, compared with European patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A population-based cohort study identified all 491,243 adults with newly diagnosed diabetes in Ontario, Canada, between April 2002 and March 2009. Subjects were followed until March 2011 for the first occurrence of any cardiovascular complication of diabetes (coronary artery disease, stroke, or lower-extremity amputation) and for all-cause mortality. Median follow-up was 4.7 years.

RESULTS

The crude incidence of cardiovascular complications after diabetes diagnosis was 17.9 per 1,000 patient-years among European patients, 12.0 among South Asian patients, and 7.7 among Chinese patients. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, the cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) for cardiovascular complications relative to European patients were 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–1.00; P = 0.056) and 0.50 (0.46–0.53; P < 0.001) for South Asian and Chinese patients, respectively. Mortality was lower for both minority groups (adjusted HR for South Asian patients 0.56 [95% CI 0.52–0.60]; P < 0.001; for Chinese patients 0.58 [0.55–0.62]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese patients were at substantially lower risk than European patients for cardiovascular complications after diabetes diagnosis, whereas South Asian patients were at comparable risk. Mortality after diabetes diagnosis was markedly lower for both minority populations.
The Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Genetic Variant rs5068 Is Associated With a Favorable Cardiometabolic Phenotype in a Mediterranean Population
Authors: Cannone Valentina , Cefalu’ Angelo Baldassare , Noto Davide , Scott Christopher G. , Bailey Kent R. , Cavera Giovanni , Pagano Michele , Sapienza Michelangelo , Averna Maurizio R. , Burnett John C.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that the minor allele of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) genetic variant rs5068 is associated with a favorable cardiometabolic phenotype in a general Mediterranean population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We genotyped a random sample of the residents of Ventimiglia di Sicilia, Sicily, for rs5068.

RESULTS

Genotype frequencies of rs5068 are AA, 93.5%; AG, 6.4%; and GG, 0.1%. All subsequent analyses are AA versus AG+GG. After adjusting for age and sex, the minor G allele is associated with lower BMI (estimate [SE]: −1.7 kg/m2 [0.8], P = 0.04). In the AG+GG group, males with HDL cholesterol levels <40 mg/dL are less frequent (P = 0.05) and obesity tends to be less prevalent (P = 0.07). Importantly, the G allele is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.02). After adjusting for BMI, the above associations were attenuated. Independently of age, sex, and BMI, the minor allele is also associated with lower systolic blood pressure (−6.0 mmHg [2.5], P = 0.02) and lower prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio 0.41 [95% CI 0.20–0.83], P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the minor allele of rs5068 and a favorable cardiometabolic phenotype that we previously reported in a U.S. population is now replicated in a Mediterranean population in which the G allele of rs5068 is associated with lower blood pressure, BMI, and prevalence of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. These findings may lead to a diagnostic strategy to assess cardiometabolic risk and lay the foundation for the future development of an ANP or ANP-like therapy for metabolic syndrome.
Analysis of nanosecond laser ablation of aluminum with and without phase explosion in air and water
Authors: Cao Yunfeng , Zhao Xin , Shin Yung C.
Published: May 2013

Despite extensive research work, accurate prediction of the ablation behavior in the high energy nanosecond laser ablation process is still lacking, which may differ significantly depending on laser parameters, surrounding medium, and target material characteristics. In this paper, nanosecond laser ablation of aluminum in air and water is investigated through a self-contained hydrodynamic model under different laser fluences involving no phase explosion and phase explosion. The ablation depths and profiles are predicted and validated against the literature data and experiments. In case of nanosecond laser ablation of aluminum in water, deeper crater depths are found in all the conditions studied in this work, which may be attributed to the combination effects of laser ablation and shock compression. The analysis of the shock compression in air and water indicates that the shock compression is mainly responsible for this enhancement of ablation in water.
Evaluation of corneal and eye lens irradiance for optical aided viewing
Authors: Galbiati Enrico
Published: May 2013

The use of a magnifying lens with a highly divergent laser beam may cause a big increase of the irradiance on the cornea and the eye lens. This study provides the analysis of several cases where the use of a lens lead to a corneal irradiance significantly higher than the naked-eye viewing. The examples analyzed in this study allow determining the factors that represent the increase of the corneal irradiance caused by the use of the lens. The results indicate that these factors of irradiance increase may be close to 100.
Laser-assisted plasma arc welding of stainless steel
Authors: Mahrle Achim , Rose Sascha , Schnick Michael , Beyer Eckhard , Füssel Uwe
Published: May 2013

A plasma arc and a low-power/high beam quality laser beam were coaxially combined into one process in order to obtain a more efficient and stable arc for thin sheet welding applications. Theoretical discussion of interaction mechanisms between the laser beam and the plasma arc and results of bead-on-plate welding trials carried out on AISI 304 stainless steel will be presented. Measurements were made of electrical and geometrical arc properties with and without assistance from the laser beam. Additionally, the impact of the laser beam on the weld seam geometry was evaluated. The results showed that the use of the additional low-power laser beam is capable of producing significant process improvements in comparison to the individual plasma arc process alone with respect to arc stability and welding performance.
Application of Number-Size (N-S) Fractal Model to Quantify of the Vertical Distributions of Cu and Mo in Nowchun Porphyry Deposit (Kerman, Se Iran) / Zastosowanie modelu fraktalnego n-s (liczba-rozmiar) do ilościowego określenia pionowego rozkładu Cu i Mo w złożu porfirowym (Kerman, Iran)
Authors: Daneshvar Saein Lili , Rasa Iraj , Rashidnejad Omran Nematolah , Moarefvand Parviz , Afzal Peyman , Sadeghi Behnam
Published: May 2013

Determination of the vertical distribution of geochemical elemental concentrations is of fundamental importance in mineral exploration. In this paper, eight mineralized boreholes from the Nowchun Cu-Mo porphyry deposit, SE Iran, were used to identify of the vertical distribution directional properties of Cu and Mo values using number-size (N-S) fractal model. The vertical distributions of Cu and Mo in the mineralized boreholes show a positively skewed distribution in the former and a multimodal distribution in the latter types. Elemental threshold values for the mineralized boreholes were computed by fractal model and compared with the statistical methods based on the data obtained from chemical analysis of samples. Elemental distributions are not normal in these boreholes and their median equal to Cu and Mo thresholds. The results of N-S fractal analysis reveal that Cu and Mo values in mineralized boreholes are multifractals in nature. There are at least three geochemical populations for Cu and Mo in the boreholes and Cu and Mo thresholds have ranges between 0.07%-0.3% and 50-200 ppm, respectively. The results obtained by N-S fractal model were compared with geological observations in the boreholes. Major Cu and Mo enrichment correlated by monzonitic rocks and high amounts of observed Cu and Mo ores (Chalcopyrite and molybdenite) in the boreholes.
Selection of a Practicable Shearer Loader Based on Mechanical Properties of Coal for Parvadeh 1 Mine / Wybór wrębiarko-ładowarki w oparciu o właściwości mechaniczne węgla w kopalni parvadeh 1
Authors: Bakhtavar E. , Shahriar K.
Published: May 2013

Obtaining the maximum productivity with minimum energy consumption in coaling faces, directly depends on selection of the suitable shearer loader machine with the most effective and fitness picks for it and also their arrangement on cutter head. In order to select appropriate shearer loader machine, some in-situ tests have been carried out on C1 coal seam of Parvadeh1 long wall mine located in east of Iran. Studying of the mechanical properties of C1 coal seam demonstrates an extremely low strength of coal. Thus, it was concluded that a kind of two drums shearer (model EL600) with the conical picks can be effectively worked.
Development a New Classification for Assessing the Coal Mine Mechanization / Opracowanie nowej klasyfikacji dla oceny mechanizacji w kopalniach węgla
Authors: Mehdi Hosseini Seyed , Reza Mikaeil , Mohammad Ataei , Khalokakaei Reza
Published: May 2013

The coal mine mechanization is important to achieve optimum quality and maximum efficiency of coal production. Mechanization is an objective that can result in significant cost reductions and higher levels of profitability for underground mines. The potential of coal mine mechanization depends on some important factors Such as seam inclination and thickness, geological disturbances, seam floor conditions and roof conditions. These factors should be considered in coal mine mechanization analysis. In this study, the new classification was developed with the respect to the mentioned factors. Using this system the coal seam mechanization index (CSMi) of several types of coal seams was evaluated and classified into five categories; very good, good, medium, low and very low. As a case study, the mechanization of the Takht coal seams in Golestan area of Iran was investigated using this new classification system. The results show a low potential for mechanization in most of the Takht coal seams
A surface engineering approach applicable to concrete repair engineering
Authors: Garbacz A. , Courard L. , Bissonnette B.
Published: May 2013

The objective of the paper is to analyze the effect of substrate roughness and superficial microcraking upon adhesion of repair systems using concrete surface engineering approach. The results presented in this paper have been obtained within the framework of research projects performed to develop a better understanding of the factors affecting the adhesion of repair materials through a surface engineering approach. Based on the results of investigations, the authors showed that the durability and quality of concrete repairs depend to a large degree on the characteristics of the substrate. Mechanical preparation and profiling of the concrete surface to be repaired has to be balanced with potential co-lateral effects such as superficial cracking, too often induced as a result of inappropriate concrete removal method selection, and the loss of benefits due to better mechanical anchorage. The results obtained confirm also that Concrete Surface Engineering, as a scientific concept, will definitely contribute to shed more light on how to optimize repair bond, taking into account interactions between the materials at different observation scales
Prediction of the reinforced concrete structure durability under the risk of carbonation and chloride aggression
Authors: Czarnecki L. , Woyciechowski P.
Published: May 2013

The paper presents an idea of predicting durability of concrete structures with steel reinforcement under conditions of chloride and carbonation corrosion risk. Mechanisms of destruction due to steel corrosion in such conditions are shown. The recently elaborated model of carbonation and general model of chloride diffusion have been discussed. An algorithm of the rest service life time prognosis has been shown and options of its main stages realization have been done. An example of durability prognosis for pre-stressed hollow-core floor slab with upper layer of concrete and epoxy-resin coating has been given. This example confirms the usefulness of the described prognosis method and demonstrates its helpfulness in a structure management according to the standards of EN 1504 series
Self-repairing of polymer-cement concrete
Authors: Łukowski P. , Adamczewski G.
Published: May 2013

Self-repairing means ability to the total or partial recovering of the properties which were worsened as a consequence of damage of the material. The subject of the paper is evaluation of ability to self-repair of a cement composite modified with epoxy resin without a hardener. The methodology of investigation of self-repairing building materials, developed by the authors, has been described, with controllable enforcing of the limited weakening of the material. Also, the self-repair degree has been defined as the measure of self-repairing ability of the building composites. The material model of the epoxy-cement composite has been developed on the basis of the tests results. The material optimization of the composite towards the maximum self-repairing ability has also been carried out. The results of investigation have confirmed the possibility of self-repairing of the cement composite modified with the epoxy resin without hardener. The conclusion and further research needs in the range of the self-repairing epoxy-cement composites have been pointed out
Asymptotic guarantee of success for multi-agent memetic systems
Authors: Byrski A. , Schaefer R. , Smołka M. , Cotta C.
Published: May 2013

The paper introduces a stochastic model for a class of population-based global optimization meta-heuristics, that generalizes existing models in the following ways. First of all, an individual becomes an active software agent characterized by the constant genotype and the meme that may change during the optimization process. Second, the model embraces the asynchronous processing of agent’s actions. Third, we consider a vast variety of possible actions that include the conventional mixing operations (e.g. mutation, cloning, crossover) as well as migrations among demes and local optimization methods. Despite the fact that the model fits many popular algorithms and strategies (e.g. genetic algorithms with tournament selection) it is mainly devoted to study memetic algorithms.

The model is composed of two parts: EMAS architecture (data structures and management strategies) allowing to define the space of states and the framework for stochastic agent actions and the stationary Markov chain described in terms of this architecture. The probability transition function has been obtained and the Markov kernels for sample actions have been computed.

The obtained theoretical results are helpful for studying metaheuristics conforming to the EMAS architecture. The designed synchronization allows the safe, coarse-grained parallel implementation and its effective, sub-optimal scheduling in a distributed computer environment. The proved strong ergodicity of the finite state Markov chain results in the asymptotic stochastic guarantee of success, which in turn imposes the liveness of a studied metaheuristic. The Markov chain delivers the sampling measure at an arbitrary step of computations, which allows further asymptotic studies, e.g. on various kinds of the stochastic convergence
Regional Products in the Central and Eastern European Countries that Acceded to the European Union in May 2004
Authors: Feltynowski Marcin
Published: May 2013

This article presents information about regional products registered by those Central European countries which joined the European Union structures in May 2004. Their membership facilitated the registration of regional products and their participation in the EU’s registration procedures. Regional and local products registered in the area of a country can become a base for the promotion of regional tourism in the regions of origin of these products. The brand recognition of these regional products also becomes a basis to improve the quality of the agricultural products and foodstuffs. This article presents the activities of the Central European countries which are members of the EU since 2004 in their registration of regional products. The presented data shows how many products were registered within each group of products, protected by the marks: Protected Designation of Origin, Protected Geographical Indication, and Traditional Speciality Guaranteed. Verification of the statistical data allows for analysis concerning the product class, as defined in the EU directives.
Theoretical Aspects of Collective Decision Making - Survey of the Economic Literature
Authors: Stanek Piotr
Published: May 2013

The article aims at surveying the economic literature related to collective decision making. In order to do so it proposes a coherent framework allowing for a structured analysis of the factors influencing the works of a committee. These factors are divided into external ( shaped outside of the committee e.g. by law) and internal ones (related to the composition of the committee and interactions between its members). The survey of the general economic literature related to collective decision making presented within the proposed framework yields interesting suggestions for further research, including the consequences for the shape of monetary policy committees.
Time-fractional extensions of the Liouville and Zwanzig equations
Authors: Lukashchuk Stanislav
Published: May 2013

This paper presents extensions to the classical stochastic Liouville equation of motion that contain the Riemann-Liouville and Caputo time-fractional derivatives. At first, the dynamic equations with the time-fractional derivatives are formally obtained from the classical Liouville equation. A feature of these new equations is that they have the same common formal solution as the classical Liouville equation and therefore may be used for study of the Hamiltonian system dynamics. Two cases of the time-dependent and time-independent Hamiltonian are considered separately. Then, the time-fractional Liouville equations are deduced from the short- and long-time asymptotic expansions of the obtained dynamic equations. The physical meaning of the resulting equations is discussed. The statements of the Cauchy-type problems for the derived time-fractional Liouville equations are given, and the formal solutions of these problems are presented. At last, the projection operator formalism is employed to derive the time-fractional extensions of the Zwanzig kinetic equations and the corresponding formal statistical operators from the time-fractional Liouville equations.
Biomarkers and Their Potential Use in Transplantation
Authors: Rozentals Rafails , Jušinskis Jānis , Amerika Diana
Published: May 2013

The article presents an overview of literature related to two topical issues in modern medicine: transplantation and biomarkers. There have been advances made in the use of immunoenzymometric and immunoadsorption assays in organ transplantation clinics for evaluating different situations. However, these methods fail to solve more complex and ambiguous transplantation problems: tolerance, personification of treatment, etc. In this regard, the first results of prospective studies using OMICS methods of genomics and proteinomics, in relation to the notion of transplantomics, are presented
Long-Term Changes in Hydrological Regime of the Lakes Usma, Burtnieks and Rāzna
Authors: Apsīte Elga , Kriķītis Mārtiņš , Latkovska Inese , Zubaničs Andrejs
Published: May 2013

Changes in the hydrological regime of the lakes of Latvia have been caused by several natural and human factors. This publication summarises the results of research on the long-term and seasonal changes in the water level, and thermal and ice regimes of the three biggest lakes of Latvia (Usma, Burtnieks, and Râzna) and their regional features in the period from 1926 to 2002. The levels of the lakes Usma and Râzna have been controlled, but it can be considered that changes of the water level in Lake Burtnieks have been due to the impact of natural factors during the period from 1947 to 2002. Global climate warming has caused considerable changes in the hydrological regime of the lakes during the last decades, as the water level and temperature have increased and the number of days with ice cover and the thickness of ice have decreased. A positive trend in the freezing data and statistically reliable negative trend for the ice break-up date were observed for all the lakes. Lake Usma is located in the western part of Latvia, therefore, its hydrological regime, in particular, the thermal and ice regime, differs from those of lakes Burtnieks and Râzna which are located in the northern and eastern part of Latvia, respectively.
Perennial is More Effective than Preseasonal Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Tworek Damian , Bochenska-Marciniak Malgorzata , Kuprys-Lipinska Izabela , Kupczyk Maciej , Kuna Piotr
Published: May 2013

Background

Two different regimens of subcutaneous immunotherapy (IT), perennial or preseasonal, may be used in the treatment of seasonal allergy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of perennial IT (PIT) and preseasonal IT (PSIT) in patients suffering from seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods

The study was planned as a randomized, double-blind, comparative study on the efficacy and safety of PIT and PSIT. The study group comprised 120 patients allergic to grass and rye pollen. After the observational season they were randomized to receive PIT or PSIT for 3 years. The effect of IT was assessed based on symptom severity and medication use recorded in diaries.

Results

Ninety-nine patients completed the study. No difference was seen between the groups regarding combined symptom medication score (SMS) in the first season of IT. During the second season, the difference between PIT and PSIT regarding combined SMS was 27.9% (p = 0.063) and reached 42.7% (p = 0.012) in favor of PIT in the third season. Both treatments had a similar safety profile.

Conclusion

PIT was more effective than PSIT in the treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis in patients allergic to grass and rye pollens. Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01555736.
Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with Breast Cancer in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Sandhya Chapagain , Jha AK , Manandhar T
Published: May 2013

Background Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Nepal. Even though the evaluation and treatment of patients is done as per western guidelines, there are considerable variations in risk factors, presenting stage and prognostic factors such as receptor status. Objective To evaluate the clinical profile of patients presenting with breast cancer in Nepal. Method The study was conducted at Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Bir Hospital and Department of Radiation Oncology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur from 16th July 2007 to 15th June 2008 for a period of one year and 114 patients were enrolled. Detailed history, clinical examination and necessary investigations performed. Histological features including receptor status were recorded. Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system was as per American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), fifth edition. Data was collected in preformed case report form and was managed using SPSS version 13. Results The incidence was high (34.2%) among perimenopausal women age ranging from 41 to 50. The majority of women presented with lump (98.2%) and others with pain (21.9%), nipple retraction (16.7%), ulceration (7.9%), discharge (7%), or symptoms of metastasis (6.1%). Regarding receptor status, the majority (64.0%) were Estrogen receptor (ER) and Progesterone receptor (PR) negative with 21.9 percent. ER+PR+, Younger women were more likely to be both ER and PR negative. Where available, Her-2 immunohistochemistry showed that 45.0 % of post menopausal women were Her-2 neative, compared to 64.0 % of premenopausal women. Incidence of Triple negative disease was 41.3 %. The most common stage at presentation was stage III (26.3%). Conclusion Majority of patients were perimenopausal, presenting with locally advanced disease (Stage III and Stage II) and with average tumor size two to five cm and were hormonal receptor negative. These findings are similar to other South Asian population but is inverse than profile reported in Western populations.Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012  | Page 3-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8009
Women Having Abortion in Urban Nepal: 2005 and 2010 Compared
Authors: Thapa Shyam , Neupane S , Basnett I , Read E
Published: May 2013

Background  The use of abortion services at the Maternity Hospital clinic, the largest public sector abortion clinic in Nepal, has risen over the years. Whether the profile of the clients, reasons for abortion, and contraceptive use have changed are not known and need to be investigated. Objectives This paper evaluates changes between 2005 and 2010 in the socio-demographic profile of abortion users, reasons for seeking abortion, and contraceptive use of two cohorts of women who had first-trimester abortion at the Maternity Hospital. Methods We used data from two similar surveys conducted in 2005 and 2010 among 672 and 392 women, respectively, who obtained first-trimester surgical abortion in a large public sector clinic. We analyzed trend data in service utilization and carried out a cost analysis.  Results The number of women having abortions has steadily increased over the years, and cumulatively about 19,800 women have received services. The profile of the clients at this clinic has remained essentially the same between 2005 and 2010. The typical users of abortion services at the clinic were 27 years old with two living children, mostly married, with the majority not wanting to have more children. About half of them used a contraceptive method—mostly condoms, withdrawal, the pill and rhythm—in the month of unintended pregnancy, suggesting failures with these methods. Health concerns, dislike of available methods, and perceived low risk of pregnancy were common reasons for not using a contraceptive method. Conclusion Despite increases in the number of clients, the socio-demographic profile of the abortion clients has remained similar over the years. The linkage between the abortion and family planning clinics needs to be strengthened. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 8-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8010
A Study of Prevalence of Taenia Infestation and Associated Risk Factors Among the School Children of Dharan
Authors: Sah Ram Bilakshan , Pokharel PK , Paudel IS , Acharya A , Jha N , Bhattarai S
Published: May 2013

Background Taenia prevalence has remained high among certain ethnic groups and occupational diseases in Nepal. Taenia saginata and Taenia solium species are worldwide in distribution. Infection is found most often in rural areas of developing countries with poor hygiene and living in close contact with pigs and eating undercooked pork meats. This allows the tapeworm infection to be completed and its cycle to continue. Objectives  To measure the prevalence of taenia infestation and to identify risk factors associated with taenia infestation among the school children of Dharan. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 935 Government and private school going children of Grade VI, VII, and VIII of Dharan during 2007 to 2008. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The prevalence was calculated, Chi-square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and taenia infestation. Results Taenia species was found to be high (5.5%) among the school children of Dharan. Infection rate of taenia among the male children (6.0%) was slightly higher than female (4.8%). There were no cases of taenia infestation found among children washing hands with soap. Regarding meat consumption in the non-vegetarian group, taenia infestation was found higher (6.5%) among pork eating than non-pork eating (4.7%). No significant relationship was traced among the factors in the causation of taenia infestation although slight indications present. Conclusion Taenia species was found very high among the school children of Dharan. No such association was found with the risk factors. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 14-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8011