bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploiting Population Samples to Enhance Genome-Wide Association Studies of Disease
Authors: Kaufman Shachar , Rosset Saharon
Published: March 2014

It is widely acknowledged that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex human disease fail to explain a large portion of heritability, primarily due to lack of statistical power—a problem that is exacerbated when seeking detection of interactions of multiple genomic loci. An untapped source of information that is already widely available, and that is expected to grow in coming years, is population samples. Such samples contain genetic marker data for additional individuals, but not their relevant phenotypes. In this article we develop a highly efficient testing framework based on a constrained maximum-likelihood estimate in a case–control–population setting. We leverage the available population data and optional modeling assumptions, such as Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in the population and linkage equilibrium (LE) between distal loci, to substantially improve power of association and interaction tests. We demonstrate, via simulation and application to actual GWAS data sets, that our approach is substantially more powerful and robust than standard testing approaches that ignore or make naive use of the population sample. We report several novel and credible pairwise interactions, in bipolar disorder, coronary artery disease, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
High Intake of Dietary Sugar Enhances Bisphenol A (BPA) Disruption and Reveals Ribosome-Mediated Pathways of Toxicity
Authors: Branco Alan T , Lemos Bernardo
Published: March 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound to which human populations are ubiquitously exposed. Epidemiological data suggest BPA exposure might be associated with higher rates of diabetes and reproductive anomalies. Health concerns also include transgenerational consequences, but these mechanisms are crudely defined. Similarly, little is known about synergistic interactions between BPA and other substances. Here we show that acute and chronic exposure to BPA causes genome-wide modulation of several functionally coherent genetic pathways in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In particular, BPA exposure causes massive downregulation of testis-specific genes and upregulation of ribosome-associated genes widely expressed across tissues. In addition, it causes the modulation of transposable elements that are specific to the ribosomal DNA loci, suggesting that nucleolar stress might contribute to BPA toxicity. The upregulation of ribosome-associated genes and the impairment of testis-specific gene expression are significantly enhanced upon BPA exposure with a high-sugar diet. Our results suggest that BPA and dietary sugar might functionally interact, with consequences to regulatory programs in both reproductive and somatic tissues.
Late-Onset Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: Treatment and Outcome of Hyperammonemic Crisis
Authors: Bergmann Kelly R. , McCabe James , Smith T. Ryan , Guillaume Daniel J. , Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Gupta Sameer
Published: March 2014

Hyperammonemic crises in ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTC) can be associated with devastating cerebral edema resulting in severe long-term neurologic impairment and death. We present an 8-year-old boy who had late-onset OTC deficiency in which early and aggressive management of hyperammonemia and associated cerebral edema, including therapeutic hypothermia and barbiturate-induced coma, resulted in favorable neurologic outcome. Our patient presented with vomiting and altered mental status, and was found to have a significantly elevated serum ammonia level of 1561 μmol/L. Hyperammonemia was managed with hemodialysis, 10% sodium phenylacetate, 10% sodium benzoate, L-arginine, intravenous 10% dextrose, intralipids, and protein restriction. He developed significant cerebral edema with intracranial pressures >20 mm Hg, requiring treatment with 3% saline and mannitol. Despite this treatment our patient continued to have elevated intracranial pressures, which were treated aggressively with non-conventional modalities including therapeutic hypothermia, barbiturate-induced coma, and external ventricular drainage. This therapy resulted in stabilization of hyperammonemia and resolution of cerebral edema. Molecular testing later revealed a hemizygous mutation within the OTC gene. Neuropsychological testing 1 year after discharge showed normal intelligence with no visual-motor deficits, minor deficits in working memory and processing speed, and slightly below average processing speed and executive functioning.
Methods and importance of volume measurement in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery
Authors: Kunos Csaba , Gulyás Gusztáv , Pesthy Pál , Kovács Eszter , Mátrai Zoltán
Published: March 2014

Volume measurment of the breast allows for better surgical planning and implant selection in breast reconstructive and symmetrization procedures. The safety and accuracy of tumor removal, in accordance with oncoplastic principles, may be imporved by knowing the true breast- and breast tumor volume. The authors discuss the methods of volume measurement of the breast and describe the method based on magnetic resonance imaging digital volume measurment in details. The volume of the breast parenchyma and the tumor was determined by processing the diagnostic magnetic resonance scans, and the difference in the volume of the two breasts was measured. Surgery was planned and implant selection was made based on the measured volume details. The authors conclude that digital volume measurement proved to be a valuable tool in preoperative planning of volume reducing mammaplasty, replacement of unknown size implants and in cases when breast asymmetry is treated. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(11), 407–413.
The early stages of anatomy and obstetrics at the Göttingen University – 1734–1760
Authors: Rab Irén
Published: March 2014

In the Age of Enlightenment medical education was based on new fundaments. According to experts at that time, a medical faculty had to have five branches: anatomy, botany, chemistry, practical and theoretical medicine. Perhaps Göttingen was the most successful university foundation at that time, because a generous financial support was provided, outstanding professors were invited and an education without censorship was warranted. The spirit of Enlightenment affected both the structure and the standards of education of the facultas medicinae. The word-wide reputation of this faculty was earned by Albrecht von Haller. Haller conceived both the still highly regarded botanical garden and the anatomical theatre, which was the first of its kind in the German speaking area. Furthermore, he founded one of the first clinical obstetrics departments in the world. Students gained theoretical knowledge, were trained practically and had the opportunity to make scientific observations and medical experiments. This paper describes the founding era of the medical faculty of University of Göttingen from a historical-cultural view of point, based on contemporary documents from Germany and Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(11), 424–428.
THE RANDOM POROUS STRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FOAMS
Authors: Larner Max , Acker John , Dávila Lilian P.
Published: March 2014

Lightweight porous foams have been of particular interest in recent years, since they have a very unique set of properties which can be significantly different from their solid parent materials. These properties arise from their random porous structure which is generated through specialized processing techniques. Their unique structure gives these materials interesting properties which allow them to be used in diverse applications. In particular, highly porous Al foams have been used in aircraft components and sound insulation; however due to the difficulty in processing and the random nature of the foams, they are not well understood and thus have not yet been utilized to their full potential. The objective of this study was to integrate experiments and simulations to determine whether a relationship exists between the relative density (porous density/bulk density) and the mechanical properties of open-cell Al foams. Compression experiments were performed using an Instron Universal Testing Machine (IUTM) on ERG Duocel open-cell Al foams with 5.8% relative density, with compressive loads ranging from 0-6 MPa. Foam models were generated using a combination of an open source code, Voro++, and MATLAB. A Finite Element Method (FEM)-based software, COMSOL Multiphysics 4.3, was used to simulate the mechanical behavior of Al foam structures under compressive loads ranging from 0-2 MPa. From these simulated structures, the maximum von Mises stress, volumetric strain, and other properties were calculated. These simulation results were compared against data from compression experiments. CES EduPack software, a materials design program, was also used to estimate the mechanical properties of open-cell foams for values not available experimentally, and for comparison purposes. This program allowed for accurate prediction of the mechanical properties for a given percent density foam, and also provided a baseline for the Al foam samples tested via the IUTM method. Predicted results from CES EduPack indicate that a 5.8% relative density foam will have a Young’s Modulus of 0.02-0.92 GPa while its compressive strength will be 0.34-3.37 MPa. Overall results revealed a relationship between pores per inch and selected mechanical properties of Al foams. The methods developed in this study can be used to efficiently generate open-cell foam models, and to combine experiments and simulations to calculate structure-property relationships and predict yielding and failure, which may help in the pursuit of simulation-based design of metallic foams. This study can help to improve the current methods of characterizing foams and porous materials, and enhance knowledge about theirproperties for novel applications.
Effects on macronutrient contents in soil-plant irrigated with different quality waters and wastewaters
Authors: Orta de Velásquez M. T. , Velázquez Pedroza K. , Yáñez-Noguez I. , Monje-Ramírez I. , Campos-Reales-Pineda A. E.
Published: March 2014

The goals of this research were focused on investigating the effects of irrigation with untreated wastewater, ozone-enhanced primary treated wastewaters (O3EPTW), tap water and tap water + fertilizer on the macronutrient content in soil and plant tissues. The effect on plant development was evaluated by growing Lactuca sativa in soils irrigated with these different quality waters and wastewaters, and by determining the macronutrients content in water, soil and plants. In this study, the soils irrigated with O3EPTW showed increased organic matter concentrations, which is advantageous for crop cultivation. The electric conductivity for the O3EPTW irrigated soils remained below those of the tap water + fertilizer and untreated wastewater. The soil irrigated with tap water + fertilizer showed a marked decrease in pH, and its long-term use could lead to soil acidification. Macronutrient levels in plant tissues (N, K and Mg contents) were similar for all irrigation waters, except for tap water which always remained lower than the others. It was concluded that the use of O3EPTW may become a good irrigation alternative that can be employed without the health risks associated with the use of untreated wastewaters, also reducing the adverse effects on soil's salinity or acidification.
Comparative assessment of managed aquifer recharge versus constructed wetlands in managing chemical and microbial risks during wastewater reuse: a review
Authors: Hamadeh A. F. , Sharma S. K. , Amy G.
Published: March 2014

Constructed wetlands (CWs) and managed aquifer recharge (MAR) represent commonly used natural treatment systems for reclamation and reuse of wastewater. However, each of these technologies have some limitations with respect to removal of different contaminants. Combining these two technologies into a hybrid CW-MAR system will lead to synergy in terms of both water quality and costs. This promising technology will help in the reduction of bacteria and viruses, trace and heavy metals, organic micropollutants, and nutrients. Use of subsurface flow CWs as pre-treatment for MAR has multiple benefits: (i) it creates a barrier for different microbial and chemical pollutants, (ii) it reduces the residence time for water recovery, and (iii) it avoids clogging during MAR as CWs can remove suspended solids and enhance the reclaimed water quality. This paper analyzes the removal of different contaminants by CW and MAR systems based on a literature review. It is expected that a combination of these natural treatment systems (CWs and MAR) could become an attractive, efficient and cost-effective technology for water reclamation and reuse.
Mid Term Results of Distal Femoral Fractures Treated with a Polyaxial Locking Plate: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Erhardt J.B , Vincenti M , Pressmar J , Kuelling F.A , Spross C , Gebhard F , Roederer G
Published: March 2014

Objective :

Locking plates have become a standard implant in the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Newer designs allow polyaxial screw placement as well as the ability to lock the lag screws.

Methods :

The consecutive multi-centre study cohort consists of all distal femoral fractures treated with the NCB® Distal Femur plate (Zimmer, Warsaw, USA) and a minimum follow-up of twelve months. Fracture classification according the AO/ OTA system and the trauma mechanism radiological evaluation and complications were documented. Clinical evaluation consisted of the Short Form SF12 questionnaire (SF12), the Hospital for Special Surgery Score (HSS) and clinical assessment of range of motion.

Results :

Twenty-five patients with twenty-six fractures were available for follow-up with a minimum required follow-up of twelve months. 81% of the fractures were intra-articular. 48% of the patients were multi-traumatised, 38% having open fractures. All except two went to union (92%) with the primary procedure. The HSS Score was 79 (32-99) and the SF 12 (physical and mental) 40 (19-57) and 54 (21-66) at follow-up. There were five patients requiring surgical revision (19%).

Conclusion :

These fractures are often combined with concomitant injuries. Using modern locked implants high union rates can be achieved with a good function and patient satisfaction when respecting biologic and biomechanical principles.
Evaluation of Serial Urine Viral Cultures for the Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates and Infants
Authors: Chisholm Karen M. , Aziz Natali , McDowell Michal , Guo Frances P. , Srinivas Nivedita , Benitz William E. , Norton Mary E. , Gutierrez Kathleen , Folkins Ann K. , Pinsky Benjamin A.
Published: March 2014

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection worldwide. Urine viral culture is the standard for CMV diagnosis in neonates and infants. The objectives of this study were to compare the performance of serial paired rapid shell vial cultures (SVC) and routine viral cultures (RVC), and to determine the optimal number of cultures needed to detect positive cases. From 2001 to 2011, all paired CMV SVC and RVC performed on neonates and infants less than 100 days of age were recorded. Testing episodes were defined as sets of cultures performed within 7 days of one another. A total of 1264 neonates and infants underwent 1478 testing episodes; 68 (5.4%) had at least one episode with a positive CMV culture. In episodes where CMV was detected before day 21 of life, the first specimen was positive in 100% (16/16) of cases. When testing occurred after 21 days of life, the first specimen was positive in 82.7% (43/52) of cases, requiring three cultures to reach 100% detection. The SVC was more prone to assay failure than RVC. Overall, when RVC was compared to SVC, there was 86.0% positive agreement and 99.9% negative agreement. In conclusion, three serial urine samples are necessary for detection of CMV in specimens collected between day of life 22 and 99, while one sample may be sufficient on or before day of life 21. Though SVC was more sensitive than RVC, the risk of SVC failure supports the use of multimodality testing to optimize detection.
Minimum energy control of positive continuous-time linear systems with bounded inputs
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: March 2014

The minimum energy control problem for the positive continuous-time linear systems with bounded inputs is formulated and solved. Sufficient conditions for the existence of solution to the problem are established. A procedure for solving of the problem is proposed and illustrated by a numerical example
Modal-frequency spectrum of magnetic flux density in air gap of permanent magnet motor
Authors: Witczak Pawel , Kubiak Witold , Lefik Marcin , Szulakowski Jacek
Published: March 2014

The classic relationships concerning the harmonic content in the air gap field of three-phase machines are presented in form of series of rotating waves. The same approach is applied to modeling of permanent magnet motors with fractional phase windings. All main reasons of non-sinusoidal shape of flux density distribution, namely, magnets’ shape and their placement, slotting, magnetic saturation and eccentricity are also related to their counterparts in modal-frequency spectrum. The Fourier 2D spectrum of time-stepping finite element solution is confronted with results of measurements, with special attention paid to accuracy of both methods
An improved space vector modulation strategy for common-mode voltage reduction in matrix rectifier
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhang Qingfan , Hou Dianli
Published: March 2014

The matrix rectifier modulated by the classical space vector modulation (SVM) strategy generates common-mode voltage (CMV). The high magnitude and high du/dt of the CMV causes serious problems such as motor damage, electromagnetic noise and many others. In this paper, an improved SVM strategy is proposed by replacing the zero vectors with suitable couple of active ones that substantially eliminate the CMV. Theoretical analysis proves that the proposed strategy can reduce the amplitude of the CMV to half of the original value. In addition, the quality of the input and output waveforms is not affected by extra active vectors. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed strategy are shown
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THERMAL STRESSES IN A PAD-DISC BRAKE SYSTEM (A REVIEW)
Authors: Adamowicz Adam , Grzes Piotr
Published: March 2014

Rapid temperature change in components of the sliding systems induces thermal stresses due to thermal expansion. This effect is particularly evident in disc brakes working under high thermal loads. This paper deals with the finite element modelling of frictional heating process in disc brakes and clutches to study the temperature and stress distributions during operation
DYNAMIC TESTING OF COPPER MATERIAL – NUMERICAL APPROACH
Authors: Baranowski Paweł , Małachowski Jerzy , Mazurkiewicz Łukasz , Damaziak Krzysztof
Published: March 2014

Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) is one of the most important and recognisable apparatus used for characterizing the dynamic behaviour of various materials. Incident pulse generated one the incident bar usually have a rectangular shape, which is proper for some materials but for others is not. Therefore, several methods of shaping the incident pulse are used for obtaining constant strain rate conditions during tests. Very often pulse shapers made of copper or similar material are implemented due to its softness properties. In this paper such material was investigated using the FE model of SHPB. Its mechanical behaviour was characterised with and without copper disc between the striker and incident bar. Numerical simulations were carried out using explicit LS-DYNA code. Two different methods were used for modelling the copper sample: typical finite Lagrangian elements and meshless Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. As a result of two techniques used axial stress-strain characteristics were compared for three different striker’s velocity with an influence of the copper pulse shaper taking into account. Finally, FE and SPH method was compared with taking into consideration: the efficiency, computer memory and power requirements, complexity of methods and time of simulation
IMAGE OF THE SURFACE OF GAS TURBINE BLADE AS A DIAGNOSTIC SIGNAL
Authors: Błachnio Józef , Zabrocka Iwona
Published: March 2014

This paper outlines a non-destructive method that is suitable for evaluation of condition demonstrated by gas turbine blades and is based on digital processing of images acquired from the blade surface in visible light. To enable high clearness of these images the particular attention is paid to the problem of how to provide optimum conditions for investigations and mitigate geometrical distortions of images acquired from maintenance operations. The paper demonstrates that there are relationships between operation lifetime of blades and discoloration of their surfaces due to overheating of the blade material. These relationships are revealed by digital analysis of images acquired for the blade surfaces and expressed as statistical parameter of the first and second order. To improve unambiguity of the analysis results a low-pass filter was applied. It was demonstrated that these relationships are suitable for evaluation how much the status of the blade material microstructure is altered
STRENGTH AND FRACTURE TOUGHNESS OF THE WELDED JOINTS MADE OF HIGH-STRENGTH FERRITIC STEEL
Authors: Dzioba Ihor , Pała Tadeusz , Valkonen Ilkka
Published: March 2014

The paper presents experimental results of the characteristics of strength and fracture toughness of the material from the different zones of welded joints made of different participation of the linear welding energy. Strength characteristics and fracture toughness were determined in the weld material, in the area of fusion line, in the material of the heat affected zone and in the base material
CONTACT INTERACTION OF RIGID STAMP AND INFINITE ORTHOTROPIC PLATE WITH CLOSE TO ELLIPTICAL HOLE
Authors: Kotsyuba Andriy
Published: March 2014

Numerical method of finding the contact stresses under the stamp of complex shape for the case of orthotropic plates with close to an elliptical hole, which based on constructed in Bozhydarnik et al., (2007) algorithm, is developed. The distribution of contact stresses under the stamp, which shape matches the shape of the hole, is investigated
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR TESTING ROTARY MR DAMPERS WITH ENERGY HARVESTING CAPABILITY
Authors: Sapiński Bogdan , Węgrzynowski Marcin
Published: March 2014

The experimental setup has been developed for laboratory testing of electromechanical energy transducers and rotary magnetorheological (MR) dampers. The design objectives are outlined and the parameters of the key elements of the setup are summarised. The structure of the mechanical and measurement and control systems is presented. Results of functional testing of a newly developed transducer and a MR rotary damper are summarised
Learning to Take Scripture Seriously
Authors: Garner Evan D.
Published: March 2014

This paper is mainly the product of an international conference on sexuality and scripture that was held in Limuru, Kenya, during the summer of 2013. For almost two-thousand years, Christians have held different views on the role and authority of scripture in the Church. Those differences were made manifest by the participants in this conference. Largely because of their diverse cultural backgrounds, leaders from different parts of the global Christian community continue to use the Bible in the debates over human sexuality in remarkably different ways. This paper identifies the Contextual Bible Study method as a promising hermeneutical tool for finding agreement in the interpretation of scripture among individuals from such diverse backgrounds and from competing theological positions. After reviewing the Contextual Bible Study method and its applicability to the issue of human sexuality, the paper suggests the benefits of leaving behind familiar arguments over those passages of scripture most often cited in these debates in favour of a robust discussion of yet largely unexplored theological arguments.
Learning From Indaba: Some Lessons For Post-Pilling Conversations
Authors: Bridger Francis , Goddard Andrew
Published: March 2014

The Church of England’s Pilling Report recommends a series of ‘facilitated conversations at a national and diocesan level’ on the subject of human sexuality, similar to the Continuing Indaba Project in the Anglican Communion. In this article Goddard and Bridger, who were members of an independent ecumenical team that observed at first hand the work of Continuing Indaba over a period of three years, trace the history and working of the project. They offer a critical assessment of its strengths and weaknesses, drawing upon conflict resolution theories and setting indaba in the context of these. They argue that although indaba undoubtedly offers valuable insights and practices, it must learn from a wider body of knowledge and resolution approaches, and must be complemented by methodologies that give a sufficient place to theology. This is necessary in order to address fundamental questions involved in dealing with theological and cultural diversity. They conclude that only this will offer an adequate basis for the post-Pilling process to move forward.
Some Ostrowski’S Type Inequalities For Functions Whose Second Derivatives Are S-Convex In The Second Sense
Authors: Set Erhan , Sarikaya, Mehmet Zeki , Ozdemir M. Emin
Published: March 2014

Some new inequalities of the Ostrowski type for twice differentiable mappings whose derivatives in absolute value are s-convex in the second sense are given
Maximal Classes For Lower And Upper Semicontinuous Strong Świątkowski Functions
Authors: Szczuka Paulina
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we characterize the maximal additive and multiplicative classes for lower and upper semicontinuous strong Świątkowsk functions and lower and upper semicontinuous extra strong Świątkowski functions. Moreover, we characterize the maximal class with respect to maximums for lower semicontinuous strong Świątkowski functions and lower and upper semicontinuous extra strong Świątkowski functions.
Uniformly Continuous Superposition Operators In The Space Of Functions Of Bounded n-Dimensional Φ-Variation
Authors: Bracamonte Mireya , Ereú Jurancy , Giménez José , Merentes Nelson
Published: March 2014

We prove that if a superposition operator maps a subset of the space of all metric-vector-space-valued-functions of bounded n-dimensional Φ-variation into another such space, and is uniformly continuous, then the generating function of the operator is an affine function in the functional variable
Oscillation For Certain Impulsive Partial Difference Equations
Authors: Özpinar Figen , Öztürk Sermin , Koçak Zeynep Fidan
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we obtain some sufficient criteria for the oscillation of the solutions of linear impulsive partial difference equations with continuous variables
Certain Multiplier Version Of The Riemann Derangement Theorem
Authors: Wituła Roman
Published: March 2014

Aim of this paper is to consider a problem formulated in [6]. Namely, it has been proven that for any sequences
The Explicit Determinations Of Dual Plane Curves And Dual Helices In Terms Of Its Dual Curvature And Dual Torsion
Authors: Lee Jae Won , Choi Jin Ho , Jin Dae Ho
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we give the explicit determinations of dual plane curves, general dual helices and dual slant helices in terms of its dual curvature and dual torsion as a fundamental theory of dual curves in a dual 3-space
Some Fixed Point Results For Mappings In G-Metric Spaces
Authors: Mohanta S. K. , Mohanta Srikanta
Published: March 2014

We prove a common fixed point theorem for a pair of self mappings satisfying a generalized contractive type condition in a complete G-metric space. We also deal with other fixed point results for a self mapping in the setting of generalized metric space. Our results generalize some recent results in the literature
Paleocene sedimentary record of ridge geodynamics in Outer Carpathian basins (Subsilesian Unit)
Authors: Waśkowska Anna , Cieszkowski Marek , Golonka Jan , Kowal-Kasprzyk Justyna
Published: March 2014

The stratigraphic position of the Goryczkowiec Sandstone reflects the Paleocene ridge geodynamics in the Outer Carpathian basins. The Goryczkowiec Sandstone was deposited on the slope of a ridge, known as the Subsilesian Sedimentary Area that originated during reorganization of the Outer Carpathian realm. A Paleocene age of this sandstone, documented clearly by autochthonous foraminiferal and algal assemblages indicates the time of the final formation of the Subsilesian Ridge. Abundant calcareous material of biogenic origin was transported by turbidity currents into deeper zones. This material includes fragments of carbonate buildups represented by algae, bryozoans and other organisms growing in the shallower part of the ridge. The Goryczkowiec Sandstone, previously known as the Szydłowiec Sandstone, is here redefined as a new lithostratigraphic unit within the Subsilesian Sedimentary Area in the marginal Outer Carpathians in Poland. The new name clarifies the ambivalence in the lithostratigraphic nomenclature
Three-dimensional oscillating flow between two parallel plates through a porous medium
Authors: Guria M. , Ghara N. , Jana R.N.
Published: March 2014

An unsteady Couette flow between two parallel plates when upper plates oscillates in its own plane and is subjected to a constant suction and the lower plate to a injection velocity distribution through the porous medium has been analyzed. The approximate solution has been obtained using perturbation technique. It is seen that the primary velocity increases whereas the secondary velocity decreases with an increase in permeability parameter. It is also found that the primary velocity increases with an increase in the Reynolds number as well as the suction parameter. The magnitude of the secondary velocity increases near the stationary plate but decreases near the oscillating plate with an increase in the Reynolds number. Whereas, it increases with an increase in the suction parameter.
The analysis of the calculation process related to labyrinth sealing with extraction
Authors: Joachimiak D. , Joachimiak M. , Krzyślak P.
Published: March 2014

The work presents a calculation process enabling one-dimensional numerical calculations of labyrinth sealing. A DSV program determines the thermodynamic parameters of gas in the sealing chambers with extraction. The influence of the sealing length upon the stability of a matrix solution of the system of equations with the use of Cond(C) parameter is analysed. Next, the operation of the software extended with a module that enables determination of the initial pressure p0, to which the assumed mass flow for a set geometry and sealing length would correspond is discussed. The work analyzes Cond(C) and initial pressure values for various sealing lengths with an assumed leak value. The work also compares the values of static pressures on the extraction plane, as obtained from the measurements, to theoretically calculated values. The calculations and comparisons were made for various heights of incomplete sealing fissures
MHD flow of longitudinal and torsional oscillations of a circular cylinder with suction in a couple stress fluid
Authors: Nagaraju G. , Murthy J.V. Ramana
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we consider the flow an incompressible electrically conducting couple stress fluid generated by performing longitudinal and torsional oscillations of a porous circular cylinder subjected to constant suction/injection at the surface of the cylinder and in the presence of a radial magnetic field. A finite difference method is proposed to analyze the velocity components, in an infinite expansion of a couple stress fluid under vanishing couple stresses on the boundary. The effects of the magnetic parameter, couple stress parameter, Reynolds number, the ratio of couple stress viscosities parameter and suction parameter on velocity components and drag are discussed and shown graphically.
MHD natural convection flow with radiative heat transfer past an impulsively moving vertical plate with ramped temperature in the presence of hall current and thermal diffusion
Authors: Seth G.S. , Mahato G.K. , Sarkar S.
Published: March 2014

An investigation on an unsteady MHD natural convection flow with radiative heat transfer of a viscous, incompressible, electrically conducting and optically thick fluid past an impulsively moving vertical plate with ramped temperature in a porous medium in the presence of a Hall current and thermal diffusion is carried out. An exact solution of momentum and energy equations, under Boussinesq and Rosseland approximations, is obtained in a closed form by the Laplace transform technique for both ramped temperature and isothermal plates. Expressions for the skin friction and Nusselt number for both ramped temperature and isothermal plates are also derived. The numerical values of fluid velocity and fluid temperature are displayed graphically versus the boundary layer coordinate y for various values of pertinent flow parameters for both ramped temperature and isothermal plates. The numerical values of the skin friction due to primary and secondary flows are presented in tabular form for various values of pertinent flow parameters.
Surface waves in non-homogeneous, general magnetothermo, viscoelastic media of higher order
Authors: Sethi M. , Gupta K.C. , Rani M.
Published: March 2014

The aim of the present paper is to investigate surface waves in a non-homogeneous, isotropic, visco-elastic solid medium of n-th order including the time rate of strain. The theory of generalised surface waves has firstly been developed and then it has been employed to investigate particular cases of waves, viz., Stoneley, Rayleigh and Love type. The wave velocity equations have been obtained for different cases and are in well agreement with the corresponding classical result, when the effects of viscosity, temperature, magnetism as well as nonhomogeneity of the material medium are ignored.
The use the of digital image correlation in a strain analysis
Authors: Frankovský P. , Virgala I. , Hudák P. , Kostka J.
Published: March 2014

This paper provides a description of the basic principles and procedures that can be found in strain measurements by means of an experimental method known as the digital image correlation (DIC) while using the correlation system Q-400 and the evaluation software Istra4D. The second part of the paper includes the application of DIC method in strain measurements on a sample made of a PS-1A photoelastic material while using the correlation system Q-400.
Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases II: Celiac sprue and gluten intolerance
Authors: Samsel Anthony , Seneff Stephanie
Published: March 2014

Celiac disease, and, more generally, gluten intolerance, is a growing problem worldwide, but especially in North America and Europe, where an estimated 5% of the population now suffers from it. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, macrocytic anemia and depression. It is a multifactorial disease associated with numerous nutritional deficiencies as well as reproductive issues and increased risk to thyroid disease, kidney failure and cancer. Here, we propose that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide, Roundup®, is the most important causal factor in this epidemic. Fish exposed to glyphosate develop digestive problems that are reminiscent of celiac disease. Celiac disease is associated with imbalances in gut bacteria that can be fully explained by the known effects of glyphosate on gut bacteria. Characteristics of celiac disease point to impairment in many cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are involved with detoxifying environmental toxins, activating vitamin D3, catabolizing vitamin A, and maintaining bile acid production and sulfate supplies to the gut. Glyphosate is known to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes. Deficiencies in iron, cobalt, molybdenum, copper and other rare metals associated with celiac disease can be attributed to glyphosate’s strong ability to chelate these elements. Deficiencies in tryptophan, tyrosine, methionine and selenomethionine associated with celiac disease match glyphosate’s known depletion of these amino acids. Celiac disease patients have an increased risk to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which has also been implicated in glyphosate exposure. Reproductive issues associated with celiac disease, such as infertility, miscarriages, and birth defects, can also be explained by glyphosate. Glyphosate residues in wheat and other crops are likely increasing recently due to the growing practice of crop desiccation just prior to the harvest. We argue that the practice of "ripening" sugar cane with glyphosate may explain the recent surge in kidney failure among agricultural workers in Central America. We conclude with a plea to governments to reconsider policies regarding the safety of glyphosate residues in foods
Sulfur mustard induced oxidative stress and its alteration using asoxime (HI-6)
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav , Sobotka Jakub , Svobodova Hana , Stetina Rudolf
Published: March 2014

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a blister agent with cytotoxic mechanism of action. There is no suitable treatment based on administration of an antidote. In this study, Wistar rats were exposed to SM in doses of 0-40 mg/kg body weight and treated with the compound HI-6. The treatment provided no significant effect on ferric reducing antioxidant power of blood and plasma. However, HI-6 caused an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. This stressogenic response was presumably the cause of the significant elevation of the blood level of both glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione. HI-6 appears to be suitable for enhancing prophylactically oxidative stress protection from small oxidative insult
Antioxidant action and cytotoxicity on HeLa and NIH-3T3 cells of new quercetin derivatives
Authors: Danihelová Martina , Veverka Miroslav , Šturdík Ernest , Jantová Soňa
Published: March 2014

Quercetin is a natural polyphenol with proven health beneficial activities. In this study 15 new quercetin derivatives were prepared with the aim to enhance their bioavailability. Modification of their physicochemical properties could herewith improve the action in cells. The prepared compounds were tested for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. The ability to scavenge free radicals as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power of the new derivatives was not better than that of unmodified quercetin. But for acetylated esters a better cytotoxic activity was found on human cervical cancer cells HeLa than for the initial molecule. The best effect revealed chloronaphtoquinone quercetin (IC50=13.2 μM). For this compound comparable cytotoxic action on non-cancer murine fibroblast cells was detected (IC50=16.5 μM). The obtained results indicate that appropriate lipophilization of the quercetin molecule could improve its cytotoxic action in cells, probably due to its enhanced bioavailability
A Comparative Analysis of the Price Index in Transition Countries in the Time of Globalisation
Authors: Pejović Igor
Published: March 2014

Globalisation with all its features can be divided in two segments - good and bad. When we look at the good side of globalisation, it is obvious that it has erased boundaries between countries in terms of trade, education, knowledge sharing, and other new technologies, while on the other hand, the bad side is that it has created a considerable gap between developed and developing countries, then different types of commercial, political and other conditioning, and dependence on strong, developed states. A great contribution to the negative part of globalisation was of economic instability that occurred at the beginning of this century and which consequences are still present in the world. In this article, we presented the impact of economic instability on the price index trough a comparative analysis of transition countries such as Montenegro, Serbia and Croatia over a period of five years (Croatia has just recently become a member of the European Union and due to that fact it was included in this study). The survey covered price indices relating to the prices of industrial products for the domestic markets, consumer price indices, indices of the hospitality services and the prices of the agricultural products.
Distribution and phenological data of some bird species of Uganda
Authors: Bankovics Attila , Török János , Michl Gábor , Péczely Péter , Csörgő Tibor
Published: March 2014

During a twenty five days trip in Uganda a brief faunistic survey of birds, mammals and reptiles was performed. Altogether 380 bird species were observed in six National Parks and some other protected areas in the summer of 2012. From these 64 bird species are discussed here selected according the following criteria: rarity, occurrence in a new habitat or geographic area, and emergence of novel breeding phenological data of certain species. Our new records of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) along the Kazinga Channel (between Lake Edward and Lake George) are outside the current distribution range of the species. The House sparrow expanded its area about 800 km toward west from their first record in Nairobi in 1992. Our new records on White-tailed Ant-thrush (Neocossyphus poensis), Red-tailed Ant-thrush (Neocossyphus rufus), Papyrus Yellow Warbler (Chloropeta gracilirostris), Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow (Passer shelley) and Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolatus) also require the correction of distribution maps of this species in Uganda. In addition we give some remarks on the breeding phenology of Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara), Cassin’s Grey Flycatcher (Muscicapa cassini) and Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus). Our recent observational data of African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris) may have importance for the Bonn Convention. These observations might be important from conservation and ecotouristic point of views
Treatment of tongue cavernous haemangioma with direct puncture and sclerotization with ethanol
Authors: Seruga Tomaz , Lucev Jernej , Jevsek Marko
Published: March 2014

Background. Haemangiomas of tongue are rare type of malformations. They can be treated mostly conservatively but in some cases they need more aggressive treatment with preoperative intra arterial embolization and surgical resection. Lesions of tongue that are localized superficially can also be treated with direct puncture and injection of sclerosing agent (absolute ethanol).

Case report. We present a case of a 48 years old female patient, where we performed embolization of cavernous haemangioma with mixture of absolute ethanol and oil contrast. After the procedure the patient received analgetics and antioedematous therapy. After the sclerotization the planed surgery was abandoned. Control MRI examinations 6 and 12 months after the procedure showed only a small remnant of haemangioma and no signs of a larger relapse.

Conclusions. In our case the direct puncture of haemangioma and sclerotherapy with ethanol proved to be a safe and effective method to achieve preoperative devascularization of the lesion. Direct puncture of the lesion is not limited by the anatomy of the vessels or vasospasm, which can occur during the intra-arterial approach.
Solution of the Dirac equation with magnetic monopole and pseudoscalar potentials
Authors: Aghaei Sohrab , Chenaghlou Alireza
Published: March 2014

The Dirac equation in the presence of the Dirac magnetic monopole potential, the Aharonov-Bohm potential, a Coulomb potential and a pseudo-scalar potential, is solved by separation of variables using the spinweighted spherical harmonics. The energy spectrum and the form of the spinor functions are obtained. It is shown that the number j in spin-weighted spherical harmonics must be greater than $$\left| q \right| - \tfrac{1} {2}$$.
Event order generation using Reference Event based qualitative Temporal (REseT) relations in Time Event Ontology
Authors: Uma V. , Aghila G.
Published: March 2014

OWL (Web Ontology Language) is the standard language for Semantic Web and is used in defining ontologies for Web. Temporal event data are ubiquitous in nature. Temporal data can be represented qualitatively using temporal relations in OWL, enabling temporal ordering of events which plays a vital role in task planners. The basic Allen’s temporal interval relations can be used to describe relations in OWL. Allen’s interval algebra is a well known formalism used to represent and reason the temporal knowledge. In this work, Allen’s interval algebra is extended by Reference Event based Temporal (REseT) relations to reduce the ambiguity in the before relation. The extended formalism is used in the representation of relations between time intervals and the viability of ordering of events in ontology is elucidated. This paper proposes a temporal knowledge representation and reasoning based event ordering system which helps in the temporal ordering of events. The advantage of this method is that it does not introduce any additional constructs in OWL and hence the existing reasoning tools and DL based query languages are capable of generating the linear order of events. The system is investigated experimentally using the COW (Correlates of War) dataset and has been evaluated using the Percent_ Similarity measure.
Skin Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Patients with HIV infection/AIDS referred at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade: a Case Series of 38 Patients
Authors: Bjekić Milan , Šipetić Sandra
Published: March 2014

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be associated with a wide spectrum of dermatological disorders. This study reports the prevalence of dermatologic diseases and sexually transmitted infections among 38 HIV-infected adults who consecutively sought treatment at the City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases in Belgrade. Patients were referred by their primary HIV providers between January 2011 and June 2012. More than 80% of patients were men who have sex with men. The most prevalent diseases were anogenital warts (36.8%) and syphilis (34.2%), followed by folliculitis and dermatophyte infections (7.9% each). Thirty-four patients (89.5%) were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) before the first visit to the dermatologist. Although, the pattern of skin disorders was consistent with literature data, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among our patients was rather peculiar. These facts point to the need for education of sexually active persons with HIV about the consequences of sexually transmitted infections, risks of transmission of drug resistant HIV strains, as well as safe sex practice and consistent condom use.