bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the performance characteristics of CSF-TRUST and CSF-VDRL for syphilis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gu Weiming , Yang Yang , Wu Lei , Yang Sheng , Ng Lai-King
Published: February 2013

Objective

In this study, we aimed to determine the performance characteristics of toluidine red unheated serum test on cerebrospinal fluids (CSF-TRUST) as compared to venereal disease research laboratory test on cerebrospinal fluids (CSF-VDRL) for laboratory the diagnosis of neurosyphilis.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) clinics.

Participants and methods

CSF and serum samples were collected from 824 individual STD clinic patients who have syphilis and are suspected to progress to neurosyphilis within a 9-month period. CSF-VDRL and CSF-TRUST were performed parallelly on the same day when collected.Treponema pallidumparticle agglutination (TPPA) tests were also performed on the CSF and the serum samples, and biochemical analysis of the CSF samples was also performed.

Results

The overall agreement between CSF-TRUST and CSF-VDRL was 97.3%. The reactive ratios of the CSF samples were 22.1% by CSF-TRUST and 24.8% by CSF-VDRL, respectively. All CSF-TRUST-reactive cases were reactive in the CSF-VDRL. Twenty-two samples with CSF-TRUST-negative were tested CSF-VDRL-reactive with low titres (1 : 1 to 1 : 4). Over 97% of the double-reactive CSF samples (CSF-VDRL and CSF-TRUST) had an identical titre or a titre within a two-fold difference. The agreement of CSF-TPPA and CSF-VDRL was 71.9%. Similarly, the agreement of CSF-TPPA and CSF-TRUST was 69.2%.

Conclusions

Our results revealed that CSF-TRUST could be used as an option for CSF examination in settings without CSF-VDRL in place.
Algorithm 926
Authors: Thompson Ian
Published: February 2013

An algorithm for accurately computing the lower incomplete gamma function
γ
(
a
,
t
) in the case where
a
=
n
+ 1/2,
n
∈ Z and
t
< 0 is described. Series expansions and analytic continuation are employed to compute the function for certain critical values of
n
, and these results are used to initiate stable recurrence. The algorithm has been implemented in Fortran 2003, with precompuations carried out in Maple.
Exact exponential algorithms
Authors: Fomin Fedor V. , Kaski Petteri
Published: February 2013

Discovering surprises in the face of intractability.
Hormone Metabolism Genes and Mammographic Density in Singapore Chinese Women
Authors: Lee Eunjung , Su Yu-Chen , Lewinger Juan Pablo , Hsu Chris , Van Den Berg David , Ursin Giske , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min , Stram Daniel O. , Yu Mimi C. , Wu Anna H.
Published: February 2013

Background: Female steroid hormone levels and exogenous hormone use influence breast cancer risk. We investigated the association between genetic variation in the hormone metabolism and signaling pathway and mammographic density, a strong predictor of breast cancer risk.

Methods: We genotyped 161 SNPs in 15 hormone metabolism pathway gene regions and evaluated mammographic density in 2,038 Singapore Chinese women. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and mammographic density association. An overall pathway summary was obtained using the adaptive ranked truncated product test.

Results: We did not find any of the individually tested SNPs to be associated with mammographic density after a multiple testing correction. There was no evidence of an overall effect on mammographic density of genetic variation in the hormone metabolism pathway.

Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, genetic variation in hormone metabolism pathway was not associated with mammographic density in Singapore Chinese women.

Impact: Consistent with existing data from Caucasian populations, polymorphisms in hormone pathway genes are not likely to be strong predictors of mammographic density in Asian women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 984–6. ©2013 AACR.
Projected Changes in East African Rainy Seasons
Authors: Cook Kerry H. , Vizy Edward K.
Published: February 2013

A regional climate model with 90-km horizontal resolution on a large domain is used to predict and analyze precipitation changes over East Africa caused by greenhouse gas increases. A pair of six-member ensembles is used: one representing the late twentieth century and another the mid-twenty-first century under a midline emissions scenario. The twentieth-century simulation uses boundary conditions from reanalysis climatology, and these are modified for the mid-twenty-first-century simulation using output from coupled GCMs. The twentieth-century simulation reproduces the observed climate well. In eastern Ethiopia and Somalia, the boreal spring rains that begin in May are cut short in the mid-twenty-first-century simulation. The cause is an anomalous dry, anticyclonic flow that develops over the Arabian Peninsula and the northern Arabian Sea as mass shifts eastward near 20°N in response to strong warming over the Sahara. In Tanzania and southern Kenya, the boreal spring's long rains are reduced throughout the season in the future simulation. This is a secondary response to precipitation enhancement in the Congo basin. The boreal fall “short rains” season is lengthened in the twenty-first-century simulation in the southern Kenya and Tanzania region in association with a northeastward shift of the South Indian convergence zone.
Configuring the spinning technology of PTT/PET bicomponent filaments according to fabric elasticity
Authors: Liu Xiaosong , Jiao Shouye , Wang Fu-Mei
Published: February 2013

This paper studied the configuration of spinning technology of PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate)/PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bicomponent fiber via measurements obtained from the elasticity testing of fabrics made of them. The effects of four main spinning parameters on the elasticity of two series, named Z and Q, of interwoven fabrics were explained, including different ways of binding, intrinsic viscosity differences, and the percentage contents of PTT and the temperature of the hot plate. The experimental results indicated that the elongation ratios of the fabrics, which were made of PTT/PET bicomponent filaments spun by the parallel bound method, with larger differences in the intrinsic viscosity of the two ingredients and a higher temperature of the hot plate, were much larger than that of its corresponding counterparts. The elastic modulus ratio (m) and the PTT contents exhibited a cross-impact on crimp curves of PTT/PET bicomponent filament fabrics. The elongation ratios of fabrics made of PTT/PET bicomponent filaments would augment effectively as the hot plate temperature increased within a temperature range under the same posttreatment.
Modulation of central sensitisation by detoxification in MOH: Results of a 12-month detoxification study
Authors: Munksgaard Signe B , Bendtsen Lars , Jensen Rigmor H
Published: February 2013

Background

Human and animal models suggest that central sensitisation plays a role in medication-overuse headache (MOH). We aimed to study pain perception in MOH patients before and a year after withdrawal.

Methods

We examined pain perception in 35 MOH patients before and two, six and 12 months after detoxification. For baseline comparison, we tested 40 healthy controls. We measured cephalic and extra-cephalic pressure-pain thresholds and supra-threshold pressure-pain scores and extra-cephalic pain thresholds, supra-threshold pain scores and temporal summation for electrical stimulation.

Results

Of the 35 patients, 21 patients completed the entire study and remained cured of MOH. Statistically significant differences between patients and healthy controls were found in cephalic pressure-pain thresholds (137.3 kPa vs. 170 kPa, p < 0.05), extra-cephalic pressure pain thresholds (213.3 vs. 274.3 kPa, p < 0.05), in cephalic supra-threshold pressure-pain scores measured on a 100 mm visual analogue scale (61 vs. 27 mm, p < 0.05) and extra-cephalic supra-threshold pain scores for electrical stimulation (19.0 vs. 10.0 mm, p < 0.05). Cephalic supra-threshold pain scores decreased statistically significantly from 50.3 mm at baseline to 28.0 mm at the 12-month follow-up. In contrast to controls, temporal summation was not found in MOH patients before withdrawal, but after detoxification temporal summation normalised.

Conclusion

The central nervous system is sensitised in patients with MOH. For the first time we demonstrate that the pain perception continues to normalise up to a year after detoxification. This emphasises the importance of detoxification and follow-up to prevent relapse.
Nursing Documentation in Long-Term Care Settings
Authors: Voyer Philippe , McCusker Jane , Cole Martin G. , Monette Johanne , Champoux Nathalie , Ciampi Antonio , Belzile Eric , Vu Minh , Richard Sylvie
Published: February 2013

In this study on nursing documentation in long-term care facilities, a set of 9 delirium symptoms was used to evaluate the agreement between symptoms reported by nurses during monthly interviews and those documented in the nursing notes for the same 7-day observation period. Residents aged 65 and above ( N = 280) were assessed monthly over a 6-month period for the presence of delirium and its symptoms using the Confusion Assessment Method. The proportion of symptoms documented in the nursing notes ranged from 1.9% to 53.5%. A trend toward a lower proportion of documented symptoms for higher resident−nurse ratios was observed, although the difference was not statistically significant. Efforts should be made to improve the situation by revisiting the content of academic and clinical training given to nurses in addition to exploring innovative ways to make nursing documentation more efficient and less time-consuming within the current context of nurses’ work overload.
The adaptor molecule SAP plays essential roles during invariant NKT cell cytotoxicity and lytic synapse formation
Authors: Das Rupali , Bassiri Hamid , Guan Peng , Wiener Susan , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Zhong Ming-Chao , Veillette André , Orange Jordan S. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

The adaptor molecule SAP is required for T-cell receptor-induced iNKT cell killing of T- and B-cell targets. SAP-deficient iNKT cells adhere poorly to T-cell lymphoid targets and exhibit reduced polarization of lytic machinery to the immunologic synapse.
Direct-write, highly aligned chitosan-poly(ethylene oxide) nanofiber patterns for cell morphology and spreading control
Authors: Fuh Yiin Kuen , Chen Sheng Zhan , He Zhe Yu
Published: February 2013

Near-field electrospinning has been demonstrated to be able to achieve direct-write and highly aligned chitosan nanofibers (CNF) with prescribed positioning density. Cell spreading in preferential direction could be observed on parallel-aligned nanofibers, and the CNF patterns were capable of guiding cell extension when the distances between them are 20 and 100 μm, respectively. Alignment of the cells was characterized according to their elongation and orientation using the fast Fourier transform data and binary image analysis. Parallel CNF indicates that the alignment values sequentially increased as a function of positioning density such that incrementally more aligned cells were closely related to the increasing CNF positioning density. These maskless, low-cost, and direct-write patterns can be facily fabricated and will be a promising tool to study cell-based research such as cell adhesion, spreading, and tissue architecture.
Correlation between chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs and telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA expression in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Pei-Feng , Geng Ming , Cao Yong-Cheng , Yin Ying-Chun
Published: February 2013

Background

The determination of sensitive chemotherapy drugs for gastric cancer (GC) is one of the greatest challenges of adjuvant therapy. Here we evaluated the chemosensitivity of GC to anticancer drugs and the telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA expression, and investigated the relationship of them.

Methods

The GC cells which were collected from 68 patients with primary GC were primary cultured. The chemosensitivity of GC cells to anticancer drugs was evaluated successfully using the MTT assay for 60 cases of GC cells, and the hTERT mRNA expression was examined in 60 cases of GC tissues and corresponding normal gastric mucosa and 6 cases of chronic superficial gastritis mucosa by in situ hybridization.

Results

Taxol, Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil were in general more effective than Adriamycin and Mitomycin for GC cells, and the chemosensitivity to anticancer drugs was associated with tumor histological types and a worse tumor grade. Compared to normal gastric mucosa tissues, hTERT mRNA expression was significantly increased in GC (P<0.05), which was related with a worse differentiation and drug-resistance to 5-Fluorouracil or Adriamycin in GC.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate for the first time that examinations of hTERT mRNA expression as an important factor could be used to select the chemotherapeutic drugs for GC patients.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1793217009875483
A rare case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in a young healthy woman – case report
Authors: Pelemiš Mijomir , Stevanović Goran , Lavadinović Lidija , Matić Snežana , Milošević Ivana , Korać Miloš , Pelemiš Svetislav , Nedeljković Milan , Prostran Milica
Published: February 2013

Disseminated fungal infections are still rare conditions, mostly caused by Candida spp. during immunosuppression. Infection of immunocompetent individuals is uncommon. Endocarditis is a rare manifestation during candidaemia, mostly in patients with prosthetic valves. Affection of previously unaltered valves is uncommon.

Case presentation

We presented a case of a young, previously healthy female patient with endocarditis, caused by Candida parapsilosis. The initial symptom, fever, was present four months before hospital admittance. She was febrile without other symptoms and during observation in a local hospital. After her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to the Institute for infectious and tropical diseases, Belgrade. Clinical findings on admission include petechial skin rash and moderate hepatosplenomegaly. Newly developed systolic murmur was noted, and Candida parapsilosis was isolated in multiple blood cultures. Echocardiography revealed 15 × 14 mm vegetations on the right aortic vellum.

She was treated with antifungal drugs (fluconasole, liposomal amphotericin B), and the affected valve was successfully replaced. The same strain of Candida parapsilosis was isolated from the intraoperative material of the valve.

There were no markers of immunosuppression or other conditions which could affect the immune system.

Conclusion

After a prolonged period of treatment she was successfully cured, and she received a long-term intermittent suppressive fluconasole therapy for the time being.
Development of an in vitro drug sensitivity assay for Trichuris muris first-stage larvae
Authors: Wimmersberger David , Tritten Lucienne , Keiser Jennifer
Published: February 2013

Background

Trichuriasis represents a major public health problem in the developing world and is regarded as a neglected disease. Albendazole and mebendazole, the two drugs of choice against trichuriasis display only moderate cure rates, hence alternative drugs are needed. To identify candidate compounds, in vitro drug sensitivity testing currently relies on the adult Trichuris muris motility assay. The objective of the present study was to develop a simple and cost-effective drug sensitivity assay using Trichuris muris first-stage larvae (L1).

Methods

Several potential triggers that induce hatching of T. muris were studied, including gastrointestinal enzymes, acidic environment and intestinal microflora. Next, optimal culture conditions for T. muris L1 were determined assessing a wide range of culture media. T. muris L1 were incubated in the presence of mebendazole, ivermectin, nitazoxanide, levamisole or oxantel pamoate at 37°C. The viability of the parasites was evaluated microscopically after 24 hours. The usefulness of fluorescent markers (resazurin, calcein AM, ethidium homodimer-1 or fluorescein-conjugated albumin) in drug sensitivity testing was also assessed.

Results

The established L1 motility assay provided accurate and reproducible drug effect data in vitro. IC50 values for oxantel pamoate, levamisole and nitazoxanide were 0.05, 1.75 and 4.43 μg/mL, respectively. Mebendazole and ivermectin failed to show any trichuricidal effect on L1. No correlation was found between data from the four fluorescent markers and the comparative motility assay.

Conclusions

The motility assay based on L1 was found suitable for drug sensitivity screening. It is rather simple, cost-effective, time-saving and sustains medium-throughput testing. Furthermore, it greatly reduces the need for the animal host and is therefore more ethical. None of the viability markers assessed in this study were found to be satisfactory.
The mastermind approach to CNS drug therapy: translational prediction of human brain distribution, target site kinetics, and therapeutic effects
Authors: de Lange Elizabeth CM
Published: February 2013

Despite enormous advances in CNS research, CNS disorders remain the world’s leading cause of disability. This accounts for more hospitalizations and prolonged care than almost all other diseases combined, and indicates a high unmet need for good CNS drugs and drug therapies.

Following dosing, not only the chemical properties of the drug and blood–brain barrier (BBB) transport, but also many other processes will ultimately determine brain target site kinetics and consequently the CNS effects. The rate and extent of all these processes are regulated dynamically, and thus condition dependent. Therefore, heterogenious conditions such as species, gender, genetic background, tissue, age, diet, disease, drug treatment etc., result in considerable inter-individual and intra-individual variation, often encountered in CNS drug therapy.

For effective therapy, drugs should access the CNS “at the right place, at the right time, and at the right concentration”. To improve CNS therapies and drug development, details of inter-species and inter-condition variations are needed to enable target site pharmacokinetics and associated CNS effects to be translated between species and between disease states. Specifically, such studies need to include information about unbound drug concentrations which drive the effects. To date the only technique that can obtain unbound drug concentrations in brain is microdialysis. This (minimally) invasive technique cannot be readily applied to humans, and we need to rely on translational approaches to predict human brain distribution, target site kinetics, and therapeutic effects of CNS drugs.

In this review the term “Mastermind approach” is introduced, for strategic and systematic CNS drug research using advanced preclinical experimental designs and mathematical modeling. In this way, knowledge can be obtained about the contributions and variability of individual processes on the causal path between drug dosing and CNS effect in animals that can be translated to the human situation. On the basis of a few advanced preclinical microdialysis based investigations it will be shown that the “Mastermind approach” has a high potential for the prediction of human CNS drug effects.
Acute myocardial infarction is associated with endothelial glycocalyx and cell damage and a parallel increase in circulating catecholamines
Authors: Ostrowski Sisse R , Pedersen Sune H , Jensen Jan S , Mogelvang Rasmus , Johansson Pär I
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Excessive sympathoadrenal activation in critical illness contributes directly to organ damage, and high concentrations of catecholamines damage the vascular endothelium. This study investigated associations between potential drivers of sympathoadrenal activation, circulating catecholamines and biomarkers of endothelial damage and outcome in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)-patients, hypothesizing that the catecholamine surge would reflect shock degree and correlate with biomarkers of endothelial damage.

Methods

This was a prospective study of 678 consecutive STEMI-patients admitted to a single high-volume invasive heart centre for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) from September 2006 to July 2008. Blood samples were drawn immediately before pPCI. Plasma adrenaline, noradrenaline, syndecan-1 and thrombomodulin were measured retrospectively with complete data in 571 patients (84%). Median follow-up time was 28 (IQR 23 to 34) months. Follow-up was 99.7% complete. Outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, re-myocardial infarction and admission due to heart failure.

Results

Circulating noradrenaline and adrenaline correlated weakly but independently with syndecan-1 (rho = 0.15 and rho = 0.13, both P <0.01) and thrombomodulin (rho = 0.11 and rho = 0.17, both P <0.01), biomarkers of glycocalyx and endothelial cell damage, respectively. Considering biomarkers, patients with shock pre-pPCI had higher adrenaline and syndecan-1 and patients admitted to ICU post-pPCI had higher syndecan-1 (all P <0.05), and in the patients with shock (n = 51) catecholamines correlated strongly with thrombomodulin and syndecan-1 (rho = 0.31 to 0.42, all P <0.05). During follow-up, 78 (14%) patients died (37 cardiovascular deaths) and 65 (11%) were admitted with heart failure. By multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, one quartile higher plasma adrenaline was weakly but independently associated with both 30-day and long term mortality and heart failure (30-day all-cause mortality hazard ratio (95% CI) 1.39 (1.01 to 1.92), P = 0.046; 30-day heart failure 1.65 (1.17 to 2.34), P = 0.005; and long-term cardiovascular mortality 1.49 (1.08 to 2.04), P = 0.014). Furthermore, one quartile higher syndecan-1 was also weakly but independently associated with long-term all cause mortality (1.26 (1.02 to 1.57), P = 0.034).

Conclusions

In STEMI patients treated with pPCI, catecholamines correlated weakly with biomarkers of endothelial damage, with the strongest correlations and highest adrenaline and syndecan-1 levels in patients with shock. Furthermore, adrenaline and syndecan-1 were weakly but independently associated with mortality and heart failure. Acute myocardial infarction appears to cause significant endothelial cell and glycocalyx injury and a parallel increase in circulating catecholamines.
A gene expression signature of emphysema-related lung destruction and its reversal by the tripeptide GHK
Authors: Campbell Joshua D , McDonough John E , Zeskind Julie E , Hackett Tillie L , Pechkovsky Dmitri V , Brandsma Corry-Anke , Suzuki Masaru , Gosselink John V , Liu Gang , Alekseyev Yuriy O , Xiao Ji , Zhang Xiaohui , Hayashi Shizu , Cooper Joel D , Timens Wim , Postma Dirkje S , Knight Darryl A , Lenburg Marc E , Hogg James C , Spira Avrum
Published: February 2013

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease consisting of emphysema, small airway obstruction, and/or chronic bronchitis that results in significant loss of lung function over time.

Methods

In order to gain insights into the molecular pathways underlying progression of emphysema and explore computational strategies for identifying COPD therapeutics, we profiled gene expression in lung tissue samples obtained from regions within the same lung with varying amounts of emphysematous destruction from smokers with COPD (8 regions × 8 lungs = 64 samples). Regional emphysema severity was quantified in each tissue sample using the mean linear intercept (Lm) between alveolar walls from micro-CT scans.

Results

We identified 127 genes whose expression levels were significantly associated with regional emphysema severity while controlling for gene expression differences between individuals. Genes increasing in expression with increasing emphysematous destruction included those involved in inflammation, such as the B-cell receptor signaling pathway, while genes decreasing in expression were enriched in tissue repair processes, including the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway, actin organization, and integrin signaling. We found concordant differential expression of these emphysema severity-associated genes in four cross-sectional studies of COPD. Using the Connectivity Map, we identified GHK as a compound that can reverse the gene-expression signature associated with emphysematous destruction and induce expression patterns consistent with TGFβ pathway activation. Treatment of human fibroblasts with GHK recapitulated TGFβ-induced gene-expression patterns, led to the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, and elevated the expression of integrin β1. Furthermore, addition of GHK or TGFβ restored collagen I contraction and remodeling by fibroblasts derived from COPD lungs compared to fibroblasts from former smokers without COPD.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that gene-expression changes associated with regional emphysema severity within an individual's lung can provide insights into emphysema pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutic opportunities for this deadly disease. They also suggest the need for additional studies to examine the mechanisms by which TGFβ and GHK each reverse the gene-expression signature of emphysematous destruction and the effects of this reversal on disease progression.
Reversible brain inactivation induces discontinuous gas exchange in cockroaches
Authors: Matthews Philip G.D. , White Craig R.
Published: February 2013

Many insects at rest breathe discontinuously, alternating between brief bouts of gas exchange and extended periods of breath-holding. The association between discontinuous gas exchange cycles (DGCs) and inactivity has long been recognised, leading to speculation that DGCs lie at one end of a continuum of gas exchange patterns, from continuous to discontinuous, linked to metabolic rate (MR). However, the neural hypothesis posits that it is the down-regulation of brain activity and a change in the neural control of gas exchange, rather than low MR per se, which is responsible for the emergence of DGCs during inactivity. To test this, cockroaches Nauphoeta cinerea had their brains inactivated by applying a Peltier-chilled cold probe to the head. Once brain temperature fell to 8°C cockroaches switched from a continuous to a discontinuous breathing pattern. Re-warming the brain abolished the DGC and re-established a continuous breathing pattern. Chilling the brain did not significantly reduce the cockroaches' MR and there was no association between the gas exchange pattern displayed by the insect and its MR. This demonstrates that DGCs can arise due to a decrease in brain activity and a change in the underlying regulation of gas exchange, and are not necessarily a simple consequence of low respiratory demand.
The effects of experimentally elevated traffic noise on nestling white-crowned sparrow stress physiology, immune function, and life-history
Authors: Crino Ondi L. , Johnson Erin E. , Blickley Jessica L. , Patricelli Gail L. , Breuner Creagh W.
Published: February 2013

Roads have been associated with behavioral and physiological changes in wildlife. In birds, roads decrease reproductive success and biodiversity and increase physiological stress. Although the consequences of roads on individuals and communities have been well described, the mechanisms through which roads affect birds remain largely unexplored. Here, we examine one mechanism through which roads could affect birds: traffic noise. We exposed nestling mountain white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) to experimentally elevated traffic noise for five days during the nestling period. Following exposure to traffic noise we measured nestling stress physiology, immune function, body size, condition, and survival. Based on prior studies, we expected the traffic noise treatment to result in elevated stress hormones (glucocorticoids), and declines in immune function, body size, condition and survival. Surprisingly, nestlings exposed to traffic noise had lower glucocorticoid levels and improved condition relative to control nests. These results indicate that traffic noise does affect physiology and development in white-crowned sparrows, but not at all as predicted. Therefore, when evaluating the mechanisms through which roads affect avian populations other factors (e.g. edge effects, pollution, and mechanical vibration) may be more important than traffic noise in explaining elevated nestling stress responses in this species.
An algebraic property of Hecke operators and two indefinite theta series
Authors: Paşol Vicenţiu , Popa Alexandru A.
Published: February 2013

We prove an algebraic property of the elements defining Hecke operators on period polynomials
associated with modular forms, which implies that the pairing on period polynomials corresponding to the Petersson scalar product of modular forms is Hecke equivariant. As a consequence of this proof, we derive two indefinite theta series identities which can be seen as analogues of Jacobi's formula for the theta series associated with the sum of four squares.
Durchgängiges Engineering von der Anforderungserhebung bis zur Anlagenstrukturbeschreibung
Authors: Jäger Tobias , Christiansen Lars , Strube Martin , Fay Alexander
Published: February 2013

Dieser Beitrag beschreibt, wie das Engineering automatisierter industrieller Anlagen durch Zusammenführen von Prozess- und Anlagenstrukturbeschreibung verbessert werden kann. Durch die Integration einer semiformellen Prozessbeschreibung in die etablierte Microsoft Visio Umgebung und die Möglichkeit des Ergebnistransfers in AutomationML wird eine größtmögliche Akzeptanz dieses Ansatzes angestrebt. Die Verknüpfung der Prozessbeschreibung mit der Anlagenstrukturbeschreibung ermöglicht nicht nur ein durchgängiges Engineering, sondern auch ein durchgängiges Anforderungsmanagement.
Chemical interactions at the concrete/clay interface due to thaumasite form of sulfate attack
Authors: Brueckner Rene , Williamson Sarah J. , Clark Les A.
Published: February 2013

The stability of structures is determined by physical interactions between the foundations and the surrounding soil. Concrete foundations are also subject to chemical interactions at the concrete/clay interface, which can result in changes in the properties of the adjacent soil. The occurrence of the thaumasite form of sulfate attack particularly affects the skin friction between the concrete and the ground. In this investigation of the chemical interactions at the concrete/clay interface it was found that although an increase in moisture content and pH was confirmed, and this moisture and pH gradient was also observed within the thaumasite layer, no further effects on the adjacent clay due to thaumasite form of sulfate attack were found.
An exploration of multilevel modeling for estimating access to drinking-water and sanitation
Authors: Wolf Jennyfer , Bonjour Sophie , Prüss-Ustün Annette
Published: February 2013

Monitoring progress towards the targets for access to safe drinking-water and sanitation under the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) requires reliable estimates and indicators. We analyzed trends and reviewed current indicators used for those targets. We developed continuous time series for 1990 to 2015 for access to improved drinking-water sources and improved sanitation facilities by country using multilevel modeling (MLM). We show that MLM is a reliable and transparent tool with many advantages over alternative approaches to estimate access to facilities. Using current indicators, the MDG target for water would be met, but the target for sanitation missed considerably. The number of people without access to such services is still increasing in certain regions. Striking differences persist between urban and rural areas. Consideration of water quality and different classification of shared sanitation facilities would, however, alter estimates considerably. To achieve improved monitoring we propose: (1) considering the use of MLM as an alternative for estimating access to safe drinking-water and sanitation; (2) completing regular assessments of water quality and supporting the development of national regulatory frameworks as part of capacity development; (3) evaluating health impacts of shared sanitation; (4) using a more equitable presentation of countries' performances in providing improved services.
Application of solar disinfection for treatment of contaminated public water supply in a developing country: field observations
Authors: Mustafa Atif , Scholz Miklas , Khan Sadia , Ghaffar Abdul
Published: February 2013

A sustainable and low-cost point-of-use household drinking water solar disinfection (SODIS) technology was successfully applied to treat microbiologically contaminated water. Field experiments were conducted to determine the efficiency of SODIS and evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of SODIS under local climatic conditions in Karachi, Pakistan. In order to enhance the efficiency of SODIS, the application of physical interventions were also investigated. Twenty per cent of the total samples met drinking water guidelines under strong sunlight weather conditions, showing that SODIS is effective for complete disinfection under specific conditions. Physical interventions, including black-backed and reflecting rear surfaces in the batch reactors, enhanced SODIS performance. Microbial regrowth was also investigated and found to be more controlled in reactors with reflective and black-backed surfaces. The transfer of plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) released from the bottle material polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under SODIS conditions was also investigated. The maximum DEHP concentration in SODIS-treated water was 0.38 μg/L less than the value of 0.71 μg/L reported in a previous study and well below the WHO drinking-quality guideline value. Thus SODIS-treated water can successfully be used by the people living in squatter settlements of mega-cities, such as Karachi, with some limitations.
Sense Discrimination in Five English Learner’s Dictionaries
Authors: Halas Ana
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the comparison of sense discrimination strategies including the structure and organization of a polysemous word entry in five English monolingual learner’s dictionaries with the aim of gaining an insight into the aspects of sense division where the given dictionaries agree and disagree. The final outcome of the analysis is the selection of features contributing to the establishment of the user friendliest sense discrimination system in a pedagogical dictionary
Application of HDMR method to reliability assessment of a single pile subjected to lateral load
Authors: Bauer Jerzy , Kozubal Janusz , Puła Wojciech , Wyjadłowski Marek
Published: February 2013

The paper presents an application of High Dimensional Model Representation (HDMR) to reliability assessment of a single pile subjected to lateral load. The purpose is to compare HDMR with some classical method based on response surface technique.

First 3D numerical model of the problem for finite elements computations in the ABAQUS STANDARD program has been presented. The soil model is assumed to be linear elastic. However, contacts between the sidewall and the foundation of the pile and the soil are modelled as Coulomb one with friction and cohesion.

Next the Response Surface Method is briefly reviewed in conjunction with reliability approach.

Then the High Dimensional Model Representation approach is presented. In our approach the HDMR algorithm is based on polynomial of the second degree. Finally the numerical studies have been carried out. The first series of computations demonstrate the efficiency of HDMR in comparison to neural network approach. The second series allows comparison of reliability indices resulting from three different approaches, namely neural network response surface, first-order HDMR and second-order HDMR. It has been observed that for increasing values of the length of the pile reliability indices reach similar values regardless of the method response surface applied.
Application of fuzzy AHP approach to selection of organizational structure with consideration to contextual dimensions
Authors: Aslani Alireza , Aslani Feryal
Published: February 2013

The literature of organizational structure design is relatively rich along with conceptual and complex patterns. This complexity arising from the number of elements and numerous relations in addition to the nature of variables. Thereby, the lack of operational decision-making models is felt to propose adequate structural designs in practice. In this article, the researchers employ a fuzzy multi attribute decision making model (FMADM) to select the most suitable organizational structure based on expert’s judgments and by deploying contextual dimensions of the organization. Since the organizational changes especially in the structural levels are along with resistances among involved staffs, the implementation of this model is a supportive tool in addition to help the managers to make a qualified decision and change.
Pollen morphology of Ukrainian species of the genus Pedicularis L. (Orobanchaceae Vent.)
Authors: Peregrym Olena M. , Tsymbalyuk Zoya M. , Mosyakin Sergei L.
Published: February 2013

Pollen grains of 10 species of Pedicularis occurring in Ukraine were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Palynological data on 6 species are reported for the first time. General pollen morphology of the genus Pedicularis is presented. Three types of apertures (2-syncolpate, 3-colpate, and 3-syncolpate) and seven subtypes of sculpture (3-syncolpate pilate, 3-syncolpate microscabrate-tubeculate, 2-syncolpate microscabrate, 2-syncolpate microscabrate-tubeculate, 2-syncolpate microscabrate-tubeculate-perforate, 2-syncolpate microfoveolate, and 2-syncolpate microscabrate-perforate) are indentified. The subgenus Pedicularis is heterogeneous in its types of apertures and sculpture of the surface, which indicates the need of further taxonomic revision of the group.
The influence of surrounding vegetation on the flora of post-mining area
Authors: Kopeć Dominik , Zając Izabela , Halladin-Dąbrowska Anna
Published: February 2013

In 2007, extensive botanical studies were carried out in the Gagaty Sołtykowskie Reserve (Małopolska Upland, southern Poland) to compile comprehensive flora inventories n separately for a post-mining area and the surrounding forest. The main aim of the study was to assess the influence of the surrounding vegetation on the flora of a former ceramic clay mine located in the middle of a dense forest. The results show that over 30 years after closure, the former mine is now home to several valuable and protected species of vascular plants, with the rate and direction of succession determined mainly by the surrounding vegetation. Because ruderal species have no direct access to the area, non-synanthropic, indigenous species are dominant in the Gagaty Sołtykowskie Reserve (GS).
Comparative analysis of the bryophyte floras of northwest Belarus concrete fortification and the Carpathians
Authors: Sakovich Anastasia , Rykovsky Gennadij
Published: February 2013

The detailed research of bryophyte flora, carried out in 2008-2011 on fortifications from the times of the First World War and Second World War in Grodno district, resulted in recording 101 species, of which 95 species were true mosses (Bryophyta) and 6 species were hepatics (Marchantiophyta). Because the substratum displayed certain ecological similarity with carbonate rocks, we made comparative analysis of the species list. The total of 28 rare and very rare (in Belarus scale) bryophyte species were recorded, of which 3 species were included in the Red Data Book of Belarus; 3 species had a conservation status at the European level.
Orobanche alba subsp. alba and subsp. major (Orobanchaceae) in Poland: current distribution, taxonomy, plant communities, hosts, and seed micromorphology
Authors: Piwowarczyk Renata
Published: February 2013

The paper presents the current distribution of Orobanche alba subsp. major and subsp. alba in Poland, based on a critical revision of herbarium and literature data as well as results of my field studies. Most of their localities are in southeastern Poland: in the Małopolska Upland, Lublin Upland, Roztocze Hills, Polesie, Przemyśl Foothills (Pogórze Przemyskie), and Western Bieszczady Mts. These are the northernmost sites known for the species in Central Europe, so the new data extend its distribution range. Maps of distribution of both the subspecies in Poland and of subsp. major in Central Europe are included. Additionally, their seed micromorphology was compared using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The taxonomy, biology, and ecology of both the subspecies of O. alba are also discussed.
Orobanche purpurea (Orobanchaceae) in Poland: current distribution, taxonomy, plant communities, and preferred hosts
Authors: Piwowarczyk Renata
Published: February 2013

The paper presents the current distribution of Orobanche purpurea s. str. (excl. O. bohemica) in Poland, based on a critical revision of herbarium and literature data as well as results of my field research. Most of the records date back to the 19th or early 20th century and are now historical. Most of them lack also herbarium documentation. Since the 1950s the species has been found in 10 new localities, only partly documented by herbarium specimens. Currently it is present in only 4 localities, in valleys of the Lower Vistula and the Lower Oder (Odra) rivers and in the Silesian-Kraków Upland (Wyżyna alπsko-Krakowska). These are some of the northernmost sites known for the species, and the new data extend its continuous distribution range. A map of its distribution in Poland is included. The taxonomy, biology, and ecology of O.purpurea are also discussed.
Crataegus and Rosa genera in the Solec Basin and southern part of the Pińczów Hummock (Southern Poland)
Authors: Sołtys-Lelek Anna
Published: February 2013

The Crataegus and Rosa genera are critical taxa. Because of difficulties in species identification, nobody has dealt with the distribution of these genera in the Solec Basin (Niecka Solecka) and southern part of the PiOczUw Hummock (Garb PiOczowski) thus far. The aim of this work was prepare a complete list of critical species of these genera in the study area. The floristic studies were carried out in the years 2004-2009. Nineteen species were recorded: 6 hawthorns and 13 roses. Seven species were new for the flora of the studied area (4 roses and 3 hawthorns).
New Species of Charophyta, Chara polyacantha A. Braun, in Lake Engure, Latvia
Authors: Zviedre Egita , Grinberga Laura
Published: February 2013

The new charophyte species for Latvia, Chara polyacantha A. Braun, was described. This species was found in Lake Engure, the third largest lake of Latvia. In 2010, C.†polyacantha covered small, approximately 25 m2 patch, growing both in a monodominant stand and mixed with C. tomentosa in the central part of the lake.
Genetic Diversity of Leafy Liverwort Species (Jungermanniidae, Marchantiophyta) in Poland: Regional Genetic Differentiation of Leafy Liverworts
Authors: Bączkiewicz Alina
Published: February 2013

For each of 8 species of leafy liverworts, 9-10 populations were sampled in 2-3 regions of Poland. In total, 5 regions were taken into account: the Tatra National Park, Bieszczady Mts., Białowieża Forest, Pomeranian Lake District, and Suwałki Lake District. Populations of most of the studied species did not show any correlation between genetic differentiation and geographic distances. Clear differences between regional groups of populations were found in only 2 species. The other species showed a complete or partial lack of genetic differentiation between groups of populations from various geographic regions. Generally, however, mountain populations had greater genetic diversity (HT, HS) and coefficient of genetic differentiation (GST) than lowland populations. In the Tatra National Park all the studied liverworts turned out to be more diverse than in the Bieszczady Mts. Białowieża Forest created a uniform group, standing out markedly from mountainous populations but population in this region had slightly smaller genetic diversity, then in the mountains. In the Pomeranian and Suwałki Lake Districts, genetic diversity of liverworts was significantly lower than in mountains. The decrease in diversity in these regions is a likely consequence of habitat fragmentation (causing population depletion) combined with negative effects of urban development. Habitat fragmentation results in genetic drift and inbreeding depression, which cause a decrease in genetic diversity. In the Pomeranian Lake District the level of total diversity (HT) and intra-population diversity (HS) was markedly higher than in the Suwałki Lake District. It may be linked to differences in climate, in the Suwałki Lake District climate is stronger.
Multi-Zone Models of Combustion and Heat Transfer Processes in SI Engines
Authors: Hvězda Jiří
Published: February 2013

Shrnutí

Tato práce představuje sadu nově vyvinutých nástrojů implementovatelných do komplexních kódů pro simulaci spalovacích motorů pro zajištění výpočtů týkajících se vysokotlaké části termodynamického cyklu čtyřdobého zážehového motoru. Tento více-zónový simulační nástroj pracuje na základě jednoduché kvazi-dimenzionální metody reflektující reálnou geometrii spalovacího prostoru a používá specifický přístup k popisu chemické transformace složek.

V případech abnormálně rychlých chemických reakcí je klasické kinetické schéma adaptivně kombinováno s flexibilní metodou chemické rovnováhy pro zlepšení numerických vlastností soustavy rovnic.

Reálná 3-D geometrie spalovacího prostoru je zohledňována pomocí předem vytvořených geometrických charakteristik. Je zde prezentován nový univerzální nástroj zajišťující tato data.

Nový kód má schopnost pracovat v prediktivním stejně jako inverzním módu. Vybrané výsledky týkající se obou těchto režimů jsou prezentovány v závěru příspěvku.
The Operation of Automobile Engines on Biofuel E85
Authors: Polcar Adam , Skřivánek Antonín , Čupera Jiří
Published: February 2013

Shrnutí

Článek se zabývá monitorováním výstupních parametrů automobilových motorů při provozování na biopalivo E85 s Pro analýzu byla vybrána dvě vozidla a jeden motor. Měření vozidel bylo provedeno pomocí válcového dynamometru na vozidlové zkušebně. Motor byl testován na zkušebně motorů pomocí vířivého dynamometru. Jako referenční palivo byl zvolen benzín Natural 95 (BA95). Vozidla byla pro spalování E85 vybavena dodatečnými přestavbovými sadami. Seřízení motoru proběhlo pomocí programovatelné řídicí jednotky. Všechna měření probíhala při ustálených parametrech. Mezi hodnocené parametry patřila spotřeba motoru, výkon a efektivní účinnost. Výsledky měření poukazují na pozitivní vliv etanolu na spalovací proces u všech hodnocených motorů. Jak je z výsledku dále patrné má majoritní vliv na změnu výstupních parametrů i seřízení motoru resp. vstřikované dávky
Energy absorption by ferromagnetic nanoparticles in hyperthermia therapy
Authors: Kurgan Eugeniusz
Published: February 2013

A numerical method is developed for estimation of temperature distributions inside tissues heated by external RF hyperthermia with external circular coil. The computational method relies on a solution of electromagnetic field problem in sinusoidal steady state. The heat transfer problem is treated in three dimensions with axis symmetry model. Than the bioheat diffusion equation under a steady-state condition is solved to determine the temperature distributions inside tumour and surrounding tissues. The heat removal due to the blood circulation is also taken into account. Numerical results are presented for heat generated by ferromagnetic nanoparticles in order to minimize negative effects of radiofrequency radiation.