bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease in a developed region of Guangdong Province, China: A prospective population‐based study
Authors: Zeng Zhirong , Zhu Zhenhua , Yang Yuyu , Ruan Weishan , Peng Xiabiao , Su Yuhuan , Peng Lin , Chen Jinquan , Yin Quan , Zhao Chao , Zhou Haihua , Yuan Shuai , Hao Yuantao , Qian Jiaming , Ng Siew Chien , Chen Minhu , Hu Pinjin
Published: February 2013

Background and Aims

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing in China with urbanization and socioeconomic development. There is however a lack of prospective, population‐based epidemiology study on IBD in China. The aim of the study is to define the incidence and clinical characteristics of IBD in a developed region of Guangdong Province in China.

Methods

A prospective, population‐based incidence study was conducted from July 2011 to June 2012 in Zhongshan, Guangdong, China. All newly diagnosed IBD cases in Zhongshan were included.

Results

In total, 48 new cases of IBD (17 Crohn's disease [CD]; 31 ulcerative colitis [UC]) were identified over a 1‐year period from July 2011. Age‐standardized incidence rates for IBD, UC, and CD were 3.14, 2.05, and 1.09 per 100 000 persons, respectively. The median age of UC was 38, and that of CD was 25. Terminal ileum involvement only (L1), isolated colonic disease (L2), and ileocolonic disease (L3) were reported in 24%, 6%, and 71% of patients with CD, respectively. Twenty‐four percent of patients had coexisting upper gastrointestinal disease (L4). Inflammatory (B1), stricturing (B2), and penetrating (B3) behavior were seen in 65%, 24%, and 12% of CD patients, respectively. Fifty‐nine percent of CD and 26% of UC patients had extra‐intestinal manifestations.

Conclusions

This is the first prospective, population‐based IBD epidemiological study in a developed region of China. The incidence of IBD is similar to that in Japan and Hong Kong but lower than that in South Korea and Western countries.
Toward a unified framework for understanding the various symptoms and etiology of autism andWilliams syndrome
Authors: Inui Toshio
Published: February 2013

To date, the unifying pathogenesis, or etiology, of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and Williams syndrome (WS) remains unknown, partly because of the broad variation of phenotypes and the heterogeneity of syndrome expression. In particular, in order to comprehend the etiological mechanisms of their characteristic behaviors, great importance should be placed on realizing how the neural networks of individuals with autistic disorders andWSare formed and work. As such, in this paper, cortical network abnormalities, based on data from a variety of research fields, are presented: psychopathological, histopathological, and clinicopathological studies, as well as structural (i.e., morphological) and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies, including functional connectivity analysis. Based on the structure of the network, we propose an etiology forASDandWS. Finally, we explain a variety of symptoms of these two disorders, including social and nonsocial dysfunction, based on our proposed neural network.
College Administrators as Public Servants
Authors: Palmer Daniel James
Published: February 2013

This article deploys Q methodology in an exploration of the public service orientation in the context of American postsecondary leadership. Thirty‐seven senior college administrators were asked to rank a series of statements regarding the administrative values, motives, and attitudes that underlie their own subjective views on administrative conduct. Analysis proceeded in two stages: (1) factor analysis of the administrative perspectives offered by participants and (2) qualitative comparison of these perspectives to extant scholarly portrayals of the public service orientation. Results indicate the existence of two dominant perspectives among participants. Factor 1, Societal Trusteeship, is fundamentally oriented toward the needs of external society and expresses a willingness to leverage institutional resources to improve the human condition. Factor 2, Organizational Stewardship, by contrast, is an internally oriented perspective that emphasizes institutional performance. Importantly, the factors are not dichotomous and suggest considerable cognitive complexity in the professional orientations of college executives.
Review and a Methodology to Investigate the Effects of Monolithic Channel Geometry
Authors: Depcik Christopher D. , Hausmann Austin J.
Published: February 2013

A typical monolithic catalyst consists of long, narrow, square channels containing a washcoat of catalytic material. While this geometry is the most common, other shapes may be better suited for particular applications. Of interest are hexagonal, triangular, and circular channel geometries. This paper provides a succinct review of these channel shapes and their associated heat and mass transfer correlations when used in a one plus one-dimensional model including diffusion in the washcoat. In addition, a summary of the correlations for different mechanical and thermal stresses and strains are included based on channel geometry. By including the momentum equation in the model formulation with geometry specific friction factors, this work illustrates a unique optimization procedure for light off, pressure drop, and lifetime operation according to a desired set of catalyst specifications. This includes the recalculation of washcoat thickness and flow velocity through the channels when cell density changes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Phosphate-Accumulating
Bacillus
sp., WBUNB004
Authors: DebRoy Shreya , Mukherjee Pallavi , Roy Sujata , Thakur Ashoke Ranjan , RayChaudhuri Shaon
Published: February 2013

The draft genome sequence of a nitrate- and phosphate-removing, Gram-positive
Bacillus
sp. with optimum growth at 37°C and pH 7 in nitrate broth (HiMedia M439) isolated from rhizosphere of a water lily, with a genome size of 5,465,157 bp and a G+C content of 35.0%, is reported here.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Nitrate- and Phosphate-Removing
Bacillus
sp., WBUNB009
Authors: DebRoy Shreya , Mukherjee Pallavi , Roy Sujata , Thakur Ashoke Ranjan , RayChaudhuri Shaon
Published: February 2013

The draft genome sequence (5,868,741 bp) of a nitrate- and phosphate-removing
Bacillus
sp., WBUNB009, isolated from a raw sewage canal in nitrate broth (Himedia M439) with a G+C content of 34.9% is reported. It removes 60.23% nitrate and 96% phosphate within 16 h at 37°C.
Recurrent primary paediatric herpetic whitlow of the big toe
Authors: Murphy Alexander P , Martin Premkumar , Jukka Cecilia M , Memon Aamir , Ng Sze May
Published: February 2013

A 9-month-old baby girl presented multiple times with an erythematous, papular and pustular big toe in an otherwise healthy infant. A diagnosis of cellulitis was made and she was started on oral antibiotics, and bacterial swabs were taken. After 2 weeks of worsening appearance she was admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Inflammatory markers remained normal and viral swabs were taken. No improvement was seen after 2 days and she was referred for orthopaedic and dermatological opinions. The orthopaedic team recommended debridement whereas the dermatologist suspected a primary herpetic whitlow and recommended intravenous acyclovir in addition to intravenous antibiotics. A viral swab for Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) was positive by PCR on day 3. The toe continued to improve clinically and the patient received 21 days of acyclovir in total. 27 days after discharge the infection relapsed. She was treated with a further 14 days of oral acyclovir and recovered completely.
Puzzled: Solutions and sources
Authors: Winkler Peter
Published: February 2013

Last month (February 2013) we posed a trio of brainteasers concerning probability and dice. Here, we offer solutions to all three. How did you do?
Spatial Distributions and Seasonal Variations of Tropospheric Water Vapor Content over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Wang Donghai , Zhai Panmao , Gu Guojun , He Jinhai
Published: February 2013

Spatial distributions and seasonal variations of tropospheric water vapor over the Tibetan Plateau and the surrounding areas are explored by means of water vapor products from the high-resolution Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on board the Aqua satellite and the NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP). Because NVAP has a serious temporal inhomogeneity issue found in previous studies, the AIRS retrieval product is primarily applied here, though similar seasonal variations can be derived in both datasets. Intense horizontal gradients appear along the edges of the plateau in the lower-tropospheric (500–700 hPa) water vapor and columnar precipitable water, in particular over the regions along the southeastern boundary. Rich horizontal structures are also seen within the plateau, but with a weaker gradient. In the mid- to upper troposphere (300–500 hPa), horizontal gradients are relatively weak. It is shown that there is always a deep layer of high water vapor content over the plateau with a peak around 500 hPa, which can extend from the surface to roughly 300 hPa and even to 100 hPa at some locations. This layer of high water vapor content has consistent influence on precipitating processes in the downstream regions such as the valleys of the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. Estimated vertically integrated water vapor flux and moisture divergence in the two layers (500–700 and 300–500 hPa) further confirm the effect of the Tibetan Plateau on the downstream regions. In particular, the mid- to upper-layer water vapor (300–500 hPa) tends to play an essential role during both the warm and cold seasons, confirmed by the spatial distribution of seasonal-mean precipitation.
ETHNOPRED: a novel machine learning method for accurate continental and sub-continental ancestry identification and population stratification correction
Authors: Hajiloo Mohsen , Sapkota Yadav , Mackey John R , Robson Paula , Greiner Russell , Damaraju Sambasivarao
Published: February 2013

Background

Population stratification is a systematic difference in allele frequencies between subpopulations. This can lead to spurious association findings in the case-control genome wide association studies (GWASs) used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with disease-linked phenotypes. Methods such as self-declared ancestry, ancestry informative markers, genomic control, structured association, and principal component analysis are used to assess and correct population stratification but each has limitations. We provide an alternative technique to address population stratification.

Results

We propose a novel machine learning method, ETHNOPRED, which uses the genotype and ethnicity data from the HapMap project to learn ensembles of disjoint decision trees, capable of accurately predicting an individual’s continental and sub-continental ancestry. To predict an individual’s continental ancestry, ETHNOPRED produced an ensemble of 3 decision trees involving a total of 10 SNPs, with 10-fold cross validation accuracy of 100% using HapMap II dataset. We extended this model to involve 29 disjoint decision trees over 149 SNPs, and showed that this ensemble has an accuracy of ≥ 99.9%, even if some of those 149 SNP values were missing. On an independent dataset, predominantly of Caucasian origin, our continental classifier showed 96.8% accuracy and improved genomic control’s λ from 1.22 to 1.11. We next used the HapMap III dataset to learn classifiers to distinguish European subpopulations (North-Western vs. Southern), East Asian subpopulations (Chinese vs. Japanese), African subpopulations (Eastern vs. Western), North American subpopulations (European vs. Chinese vs. African vs. Mexican vs. Indian), and Kenyan subpopulations (Luhya vs. Maasai). In these cases, ETHNOPRED produced ensembles of 3, 39, 21, 11, and 25 disjoint decision trees, respectively involving 31, 502, 526, 242 and 271 SNPs, with 10-fold cross validation accuracy of 86.5% ± 2.4%, 95.6% ± 3.9%, 95.6% ± 2.1%, 98.3% ± 2.0%, and 95.9% ± 1.5%. However, ETHNOPRED was unable to produce a classifier that can accurately distinguish Chinese in Beijing vs. Chinese in Denver.

Conclusions

ETHNOPRED is a novel technique for producing classifiers that can identify an individual’s continental and sub-continental heritage, based on a small number of SNPs. We show that its learned classifiers are simple, cost-efficient, accurate, transparent, flexible, fast, applicable to large scale GWASs, and robust to missing values.
Periodic knee injections of collagen tripeptide delay cartilage degeneration in rabbit experimental osteoarthritis
Authors: Naraoka Takuya , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Tsuda Eiichi , Yamamoto Yuji , Kusumi Tomomi , Toh Satoshi
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Collagen peptides have been reported to possess various biological activities for various cell types. The purposes of this study were, first, to examine the therapeutic effects of collagen tripeptide (Ctp) in rabbit osteoarthritis and, second, to explore a synergetic effect with hyaluronan (HA).

Methods

Osteoarthritis was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection of the right knee in 72 Japanese white rabbits and they were divided into four groups (control, Ctp, HA and Ctp/HA). Each material was injected weekly into the knee, and knee joint samples were collected 5, 10 and 15 weeks after surgery. Macroscopic and histomorphological analyses of cartilage were conducted. Expression of type II collagen and matrix metalloproteinase-13 was also analyzed immunohistochemically. A Tukey's honestly significant difference test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of difference in the macroscopic, histological and immnohistochemical results.

Results

All treatment groups exhibited slightly higher resistance to the progression of osteoarthritis than the control group macroscopically 15 weeks after surgery. Histologically, intra-articular injection of Ctp significantly reduced cartilage degradation 10 weeks after surgery, and Ctp/HA significantly reduced it 5 weeks after surgery in comparison with the control. Immunohistochemically, both Ctp-treated and Ctp/HA-treated groups had significantly increased type II collagen-positive chondrocytes at the fifth week after the surgery, although the numbers of matrix metalloproteinase-13-positive chondrocytes were not affected.

Conclusion

Periodical injections of Ctp and Ctp/HA delayed progression of cartilage degeneration of early osteoarthritis induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection in rabbits. This effect appears to be exerted by promotion of type II collagen synthesis predominantly.
Le Chemin de Povreté Et de Richesse and the Late Medieval Social Imaginary
Authors: Epurescu-Pascovici Ionuț
Published: February 2013

Authored by a modest legal professional, Le chemin de povreté et de richesse offers a remarkable entry point into the late medieval social imaginary, bringing into focus the views of the urban laity. Responding to socioeconomic instability, the author articulates a model of conduct that relies on pragmatic rationality (personified by Raison [Reason]), work, and self-discipline for the attainment of a moderate but secure social standing. While religious ethics remain important, socioeconomic factors are treated in their own right. Reflecting a complex social imaginary, the text offers a moment of genuine dialogism when maistre Barat (Deceit), the personification of the arrivistes who rely on fraud and sycophancy, defends his own path to success. The chastel de Labour, populated not by knights but by “more than a hundred thousand laborers,” subverts the hierarchy of the traditional imaginary of the three orders. This article relates the changes in the social imaginary to the beginnings of European modernity.

Le chemin de povreté et de richesse ouvre une nouvelle perspective sur l’imaginaire social du bas Moyen Age, plus proche du monde de la bourgeoisie (son auteur est un modeste homme de loi). Face à l’instabilité socio-économique, l’auteur conçoit un programme d’action qui vise un statut social moyen mais durable, s’appuyant sur les valeurs de la rationalité pratique, du labeur et de l’autodiscipline. Bien que les valeurs religieuses restent importantes, la réalité socio-économique reçoit un statut autonome. La confrontation entre les personnages allégoriques Raison et maître Barat relève d’un dialogisme authentique et d’un imaginaire social complexe. Avec la vision d’un chastel de Labour peuplé non par des chevaliers mais par « plus de cent mille ouvriers », l’auteur se distancie de l’imaginaire traditionnel et hiérarchique des trois ordres. Les changements observés dans l’imaginaire social du bas Moyen Age sont examinés à la fin de cet article par rapport à l’émergence de la modernité européenne.
The depth of the honeybee's backup sun-compass systems
Authors: Dovey Katelyn M. , Kemfort Jordan R. , Towne William F.
Published: February 2013

Honeybees have at least three compass mechanisms: a magnetic compass; a celestial or sun compass, based on the daily rotation of the sun and sun-linked skylight patterns; and a backup celestial compass based on a memory of the sun's movements over time in relation to the landscape. The interactions of these compass systems have yet to be fully elucidated, but the celestial compass is primary in most contexts, the magnetic compass is a backup in certain contexts, and the bees' memory of the sun's course in relation to the landscape is a backup system for cloudy days. Here we ask whether bees have any further compass systems, for example a memory of the sun's movements over time in relation to the magnetic field. To test this, we challenged bees to locate the sun when their known celestial compass systems were unavailable, that is, under overcast skies in unfamiliar landscapes. We measured the bees' knowledge of the sun's location by observing their waggle dances, by which foragers indicate the directions toward food sources in relation to the sun's compass bearing. We found that bees have no celestial compass systems beyond those already known: Under overcast skies in unfamiliar landscapes, bees attempt to use their landscape-based backup system to locate the sun, matching the landscapes or skylines at the test sites with those at their natal sites as best they can, even if the matches are poor and yield weak or inconsistent orientation.
Prestressing effect evaluation for a grouted shaft: a case study
Authors: Fang Kai , Zhang Zhongmiao , Zhang Qianqing , Liu Xingwang
Published: February 2013

Pressure-grouting the shaft tip has been proven to be an effective method to improve the performance of drilled shafts. In this paper, the prestressing effect during grout injection is introduced and studied. The mechanism whereby preloading affects the end bearing and side friction is illustrated and detailed. The analysis indicates that the prestressing effect will lead to the improvement of side friction due to the development of negative side friction. The tip resistance of the grouted shaft can be mobilised at a much smaller displacement, owing to the prestressing effect. A field case study is reported to further demonstrate the influence of the preloading. The prestressing effect on a post-grouted drilled shaft bearing on weathered sandstone is evaluated. The grouting pressures during and after grout injection are measured to study the variation of the locked pressures. Moreover, the measured side friction and tip resistance provide further validation of the proposed mechanism.
Immediate Loading Implant Dentistry Strategies Have Their Origins in Periodontal Prosthesis
Authors: Ganeles Jeffrey , Rose Louis F. , Norkin Frederic J. , Zfaz Samuel
Published: February 2013

Introduction: The principles of periodontal prosthesis developed in the 1950s to 1970s by Drs. Amsterdam, Abrams, and Weisgold and explained in Periodontal Therapy, edited by Drs. Goldman and Cohen, provide relevant diagnostic and therapeutic criteria and guidelines that apply to teeth as well as implants. For these situations, occlusal, restorative, surgical, esthetic, biomaterial, pharmacologic, and psychologic skills must be carefully combined for optimal results. These points are illustrated through a case presentation of a challenging patient.

Case Presentation: A 62‐year‐old woman presented to her general dentist with a chief complaint of drifting of her recent maxillary anterior restorations. On further questioning, she also complained about pain of these teeth, bilateral temporomandibular muscle pain, and tooth mobility. A treatment plan was developed in conjunction with the patient's restorative dentist to restore the patient to first‐molar occlusion using implants in the maxillary arch and a combination of teeth and implants in the mandibular arch.

Conclusion: Combining the guidelines of periodontal prosthesis with state‐of‐the‐art implant dentistry can lead to predictable, beneficial, and efficient treatment, even for the most difficult patients and circumstances.
Insecticide and Food Consumption of Spanish Slug (Arion Lusitanicus Mabille 1868) / Insektycydy A Konsumpcja Pokarmu Przez Ślinika Luzytańskiego (Arion Lusitanicus Mabille 1868)
Authors: Piechowicz Bartosz , Stawarczyk Kinga , Stawarczyk Michał
Published: February 2013

In the years 2007 and 2011, research was carried out on the impact of: pyrethroid group agents (beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin) benzoylphenyl ureas (teflubenzuron), derivatives of pyridine (pyriproxyfen), organophosphorus (diazinon) and neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid) on the food consumption by Spanish slug (Arion lusitanicus Mab). The quantity of food consumed by animals treated by plant protection agents, the quantity of food treated by insecticides consumed and food preferences of A. lusitanicus individuals were analysed. The slugs were made available a selection between food with an addition of insecticide and without it. The results obtained indicate that the preparations which contained lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin with which the animals were treated increase the quantity of food consumed by the Spanish slug. It was also shown that the food treated with lambdacyhalothrin and alpha cypermethrin is consumed in a larger amount than the food not treated by this preparation. Deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin and pyriproxyfen probably constitute food attractants for A. lusitanicus individuals and also alpha-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, beta-cyfluthrin and esfenvalerate are additive, which reduces the attractiveness of food for slug.
Application of HEC-RAS model for estimating changes in watercourse geometry during floods
Authors: Markowska Joanna , Markowski Jacek , Drabiński Andrzej
Published: February 2013

Groundwater table levels in a river valley depend, among other factors, on meteorological and hydrogeological conditions, land use and water levels in watercourses. The primary role of a watercourse is to collect surface and groundwater, and it becomes an infiltrating watercourse at high water levels. Changes in groundwater levels and the range of these changes depend chiefly on the shape, height and duration of the flood wave in the river channel.

The assessment of flood wave impact on groundwater was based on long-term measurements of groundwater levels in the Odra valley and observations of water levels in the river channel. Simulations were performed with the use of in-house software FIZ (Filtracja i Zanieczyszczenia; Filtration and Contamination), designed for modelling unsteady water flows within a fully saturated zone. A two-dimensional model with two spatial variables was employed. The process of groundwater flow through a porous medium, non-homogeneous in terms of water permeability, was described with Boussinesq equation. The equation was solved with the use of finite element method. The model was applied to assess groundwater level fluctuations in the Odra valley in the context of actual flood waves on the river.

Variations in groundwater table in the valley were analysed in relation to selected actual flood water levels in the Odra in 2001-2003 and 2010. The period from 2001 to 2003 was used to verify the model. A satisfactory agreement between the calculated and the measured values was obtained. Based on simulation calculations, it was proved that flood waves observed in 2010 caused a rise in groundwater table levels in a belt of approximately 1000 metres from the watercourses. It was calculated that at the end of hydrological year 2009/2010, the highest growths, of up to 0.80 m, were observed on piezometers located close to the Odra river channel. The passage of several flood waves on the Odra caused an increase of subsurface retention by 3.0% compared to the initial state.
Proposal for calculating the bearing capacity of screw displacement piles in non-cohesive soils based on CPT results
Authors: Krasiński Adam
Published: February 2013

Screw displacement pile technology is relatively new and is still being developed. A specific characteristic of those piles is their very considerable influence on soil properties during the installation, which renders classical bearing capacity calculation methods insufficient. Some methods for calculating the bearing capacity of screw displacement piles have already been presented in literature, for example, by Bustmante and Gianesselli [2], [3], Van Impe [17], [18], Maertens and Huybrechts [15], Ne Smith [16] as well as Basu and Prezzi [1]. This paper proposes a new method of calculating the bearing capacity of screw displacement piles in non-cohesive soil which is based on CPT results. It has been devised as a result of research project No. N N506 432936 [11], carried out in 2009-2011. At 6 experimental sites screw displacement pile static loading tests were carried out together with CPTU tests of the subsoil. The results allowed us to establish soil resistances along the shaft ts as well as under the pile base qb and their correlations to the CPT soil cone resistances qc. Two approaches, both adapted to the general guidelines of Eurocode 7 (EC7) [20], were proposed: a classical approach and the second approach with load transfer functions application.
Exploratory Assessment of the Limiting Extended Kalman Filter Properties
Authors: Antoniou Constantinos , Kondyli Alexandra , Lykogianni Georgia-Maria , Gyftodimos Elias
Published: February 2013

Most of the methodologies for the solution of state-space models are based on the Kalman Filter algorithm (Kalman, 1960), developed for the solution of linear, dynamic state-space models. The most straightforward extension to nonlinear systems is the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The Limiting EKF (LimEKF) is a new algorithm that obviates the need to compute the Kalman gain matrix on-line, as it can be calculated off-line from pre-computed gain matrices. In this research, several different strategies for the construction of the gain matrices are presented: e.g. average of previously computed matrices per interval per demand level and average of previously computed matrices per interval independent of demand level.

Two case studies are presented to investigate the performance of the LimEKF under the different assumptions. In the first case study, a detailed experimental design was developed and a large number of simulation runs was performed in a synthetic network. The results suggest that indeed the LimEKF algorithm is robust and - while not requiring the explicit computation of the Kalman gain matrix, and thus having vastly superior computational properties - its accuracy is close to that of the “exact” EKF. In the second case study, a smaller number of scenarios is evaluated using a real-world, large-scale network in Stockholm, Sweden, with similarly encouraging results. Taking the average of various pre-computed Kalman Gain matrices possibly reduces the noise that creeps into the computation of the individual Kalman gain matrices, and this may be one of the key reasons for the good performance of the LimEKF (i.e. increased robustness).
Efficiency Analysis of Solar Facilities for Building Heating and Household Water Heating Under Conditions in the Czech Republic / Analýza Efektivity Solárnych Zariadení Pre Ohrev Úžitkovej Vody A Vykurovanie Budov V Podmienkach Českej Republiky
Authors: Pivko Michal , Jursová Simona , Turjak Juraj
Published: February 2013

The paper studies the efficiency of solar facilities applied for the heating of buildings and household water heating in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is situated in the temperate zone characterized by changeable weather. It is respected in the assessment of a solar facility installation. The efficiency of solar facilities is evaluated according to energy and economic balances. It is analyzed for solar facilities heating both household water and buildings. The main problems relating to the implementation of solar facilities and their operation in the temperate zone with hot summer and freezing winter are discussed.
Remote Sensing Methods in the Identification of Oil Contaminations / Možnosti Využití Vybraných Metod Dpz Pro Identifikaci Ropných Kontaminací (Starých Ekologických Zátěží)
Authors: Smejkalová Eva , Bujok Petr
Published: February 2013

The article deals with the possibilities of using remote sensing methods for analysis, observation and identification of old ecological hazards caused by petroleum contaminations from insufficiently plugged and abandoned oil wells in the area of Hodonín. It is focused on the description and determination of areas of interests, remote sensing approaches to the problems of petroleum substance detection and establishing the methodology of an acquired data analysis. Moreover, proper methods, algorithms and satellite digital data parameters for this aim are discussed. The article also describes in-situ measurements, technical instruments and further research advancements. Finally, the proposals of the results evaluation, interpretation and complex comparisons with the results of past and future researches in the area of Nesyt - Hodonín are specified.
Serological Evidence of Co-Circulation of Different Subtypes of Swine Influenza Virus in Polish Pig Herds
Authors: Markowska-Daniel Iwona , Kwit Krzysztof , Urbaniak Kinga , Kowalczyk Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to estimate the current epidemiological situation concerning swine influenza (SI) in Poland. The study was based on an annual passive survey of 11,770 fatteners’ sera from 584 herds, taken at slaughterhouses within the last 30 months (from January 2010 till June 2012), as well as, an active monitoring conducted in 2011 and 2012, in 25 farms, using 388 sera taken from life pigs of different age/technological groups. The analysis of simultaneous circulation of different swine influenza virus (SIV) subtypes was taken into a deep consideration. The wide spread of SIV in Poland, including the occurrence of multiple SIV infections was demonstrated. In 2010 and 2011, the domination of H1N1 subtype and the most frequently co-circulation of H1N1 and H1N2 viruses was evidenced, while in the first 6 months of 2012, the co-circulation of H1N1 and H3N2 viruses was detected more often. Based on the obtained results, it can be stated that the epidemiological situation concerning SI in Poland is dynamic and similar to that observed in other European regions with high pigs’ density; however, the prevalence of antibodies and the occurrence of mixed SIV infections is lower than in Western Europe.
Dynamic Colour Changes Depending on the Temperature Inside the Final Beef Product in a Process of Frying and Grilling
Authors: Zalewska Magdalena , Półtorak Andrzej , Wyrwisz Jarosław , Zaremba Robert , Moczkowska Małgorzata , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: February 2013

Four different beef muscles (PM, SM, LTL, TB) were examined. These muscles were fried or grilled. Each muscle was observed at various internal temperatures: 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, and 75°C. At each temperature level, a measurement of colour was taken using a Minolta Chroma Meter CR-400 in a L*a*b* system. The values of the parameters L*, a*, and b* were measured on a cross-section sample (two areas) after cutting perpendicular to the fibres at the middle of its height. Area I was located at the central part of the steak with a diameter of 2 cm. Area II was located at a distance of 1 cm from the edge of the steak. From the results obtained, the difference in colour values between areas was noted. The results indicated that area I was lighter and redder in comparison to area II. The values of parameters L* and a* recorded in the first area were higher in comparison with the values from the second region, indicating that the sample in the area I was lighter and redder than in the area II at the outside of the sample. There was a large variation in the colour of the two areas. It was observed that for all sampled fried muscles, the highest difference in lightness (ΔL*) between the two test areas was obtained at a heat treatment temperature of Ti= 65°C inside the sample. With grilling the highest value for overall difference in colour between areas was from samples heated to a final temperature of Ti=60 °C.
Thevenard’s Disease - a hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type I / Thevenardova bolest - nasledna, senzorna i autonomna neuropatija tipa I
Authors: Nikolić Borut , Mišović Milan , Zorić Miodrag , Matović Dušica , Aleksić Aleksandra
Published: February 2013

Thevenard’s Disease is a rare, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy which leads to hyperkeratotyc and ulcerative lesions of the feet. We present two patients, a father and son, 39 and 18 years of age, in whom the disease first manifested in adolescence. Plantar hyperkeratosis and trophic, painless ulcerations occurred first, with subsequent feet deformities. Neurological and radiological findings pointed to chronic demyelination, polyneuropathy with damage to sensory fibers. Differential diagnosis and treatment options are discussed
Graphic Design Approaches for Visually Impaired People
Authors: Jakoubě Helena
Published: February 2013

This essay will discuss graphic design approaches for the visually impaired people. It focuses on several graphic design fields such as typography, images, printing, reading and writing, info graphic in different parts of life, packaging and web design and how they meet with the visually impaired people’s needs. Many useful things were invented and are helping the visually impaired people in their daily life but I see there are still significant problems and issues that need solutions. The graphic designers are those who can do much more to help these people to be part of the society more than before and to make their life easier. The approaches include suggestions to the simple changes as well as more difficult ones being open to more discussions and further research by the scientists and specialists.

The thought behind this essay is to improve the life of the visually impaired people through graphic design, which is a powerful tool. The graphic designer’s aim should not be to only produce visually nice work but to think of how the environment can be changed to make everybody feel comfortable in it, whether it is done through small changes or revolutionary ideas. It is important to take the needs of disabled, and this essay focuses on the visually impaired people around us that need to be brought into consideration.

I have tested myself how it feels to be ‘blind’ for some time during my research, and it helped me to clearly understand more about the whole subject. Based on my research I came up with a several ideas and helpful suggestions and solutions. Some of them might be time consuming at the beginning but when implemented I believe they could save a lot of time and mainly help the visually impaired people to enjoy their life and be an equal part of our society.
Notion of causal relations of the topological functioning model
Authors: Asnina Erika
Published: February 2013

Abstract -

The paper discusses application of the topological functioning model (TFM) of the system for its automated transformation to behavioural specifications such as UML Activity Diagram, BPMN diagrams, scenarios, etc. The paper addresses a lack of formal specification of causal relations between functional features of the TFM by using inference means suggested by classical logic. The result is reduced human participation in the transformation as well as additional check of analysis and specification of the system.
New Steroids from the Soft Coral Nephthea chabrolii
Authors: Wang Shang-Kwei , Puu Shyh-Yueh , Duh Chang-Yih
Published: February 2013

A new cytotoxic 19-oxygenated steroid, nebrosteroid Q (1) and two new cytotoxic 19-norergosterols, nebrosteroids R and S (2 and 3) were isolated from the soft coral Nephthea chabrolii collected at San-Hsian-Tai. The structures of nebrosteroids Q–S (1–3) were elucidated by spectral analysis, and their cytotoxicity against selected cancer cells as well as antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) were measured in vitro.
A revision of the genus Astatoreochromis (Teleostei, Cichlidae), East–Africa
Authors: Bayankimbona Gaspard , Vreven Emmanuel , Snoeks Jos
Published: February 2013

A taxonomic revision of the cichlid genus Astatoreochromis is presented. Eighteen meristic and 23 morphometric measurements were taken on 185 individuals, including type specimens. While fin counts separate populations from the Lake Victoria region (Astatoreochromis alluaudi) from those of the Rusizi and Malagarazi rivers in the Lake Tanganyika basin (A. vanderhorsti and A. straeleni respectively), clear differentiation was not detected between the latter two. Mann-Whitney U-tests on specimens of comparable size from the two Tanganyika populations revealed significant differences in specimens < 75 mm SL, mainly in pharyngeal jaw proportions, but also in some other measurements on the head and body. However, these differences were not detected in specimens > 75 mm SL and Astatoreochromis vanderhorsti is herein considered a junior synonym of A. straeleni. A redescription of the two valid species of Astatoreochromis, A. alluaudi and A.straeleni, is provided.
The Ugaritic Texts and the Origins of West-Semitic Literary Composition
Authors: Pardee Dennis
Published: February 2013

The discovery and decryption of Ugaritic cuneiform tablets in the 1920s has given scholars an insight into the development of alphabetic writing and the origins of biblical poetry. This book, based on the author's Schweich Lectures given in 2007, describes the origins of the cuneiform alphabetic writing system developed in Ugarit some time before 1250 bc, and the use of alphabetic writing at Ugarit, and gives a comparison of Ugaritic and Hebrew literatures.
Producing Modernity in Mexico
Authors: Washbrook Sarah
Published: February 2013

Race, ethnicity, and gender played an important role in the complex relationship between export agriculture, labour, and state power in Chiapas during the regime of Porfirio Díaz (1876–1914). This case study of tropical plantation development and major regional study of modern Mexico analyzes the politics of state-building and the history of land tenure and rural labour in the state of Chiapas in the period leading up to the outbreak of Revolution in 1910. The book also contributes to the growing history of indigenous peoples in Latin America, examining the changing relationship between Indian groups and non-Indian governments and economic interests in Chiapas during the nineteenth century. In so doing, it addresses questions of tradition, modernity, national state-building, globalization, and the development of capitalism in Latin America. The book argues that colonial caste identities and relations were no impediments to modernization. Instead, they were modified by liberalism, reinterpreted through the lenses of positivism and scientific racism, and managed through an increasingly centralized state apparatus. Indian communities emerge, then, not solely as oppressed and marginalized, but as an integral part of increasingly centralized state power and as institutions through which growing demands for labour and taxes could be made. Debt peonage, too, was upheld by the liberal state, sanctioned by the law as a natural everyday relationship, and buttressed by traditional patriarchy and gender relationships. Thus, in Chiapas the Porfirian regime recycled and redeployed pre-existing social and political relations, reinventing tradition to serve the purposes of modernization and progress.
Effect of a Cognitive Challenge Device Containing Food and Non‐Food Rewards on Chimpanzee Well‐Being
Authors: CLARK FAY E. , SMITH LAUREN J.
Published: February 2013

Exploration and problem‐solving are highly motivated behaviors in non‐human primates, but little research has focused on whether cognitively challenging tasks can enhance primates' psychological well‐being, particularly in the absence of food rewards. We evaluated whether a novel cognitive challenge device (CCD) consisting of a maze of opaque tubes enhanced the well‐being of a group of six adult chimpanzees housed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, UK, over a two‐month period. Chimpanzees had the opportunity to interact with two versions of the CCD: the first contained tokens which fell into a transparent chamber when extracted from the CCD and could not be eaten. The second contained unshelled Brazil nuts, which could be extracted and eaten. CCD‐use was low over the study, occupying on average 2.5% of observation time. However, compared to baseline levels, chimpanzees exhibited more problem‐solving behaviors (directed toward the CCD) and spent significantly more time engaged in social play when the CCD was present. Cage exploration was rare whether the CCD was present or not. Chimpanzees used the CCD (including tool‐use) significantly more when it contained tokens. The relationship between the presence of the CCD and self‐directed behavior (rough‐scratching) was difficult to interpret. Although rough‐scratching was significantly higher in the cage when the CCD was present and 18% of these scratching events occurred within one arm's length from the CCD, rough‐scratching decreased when device use increased. This study provides a preliminary investigation of the CCD and two reward types, and suggests how the design could be modified to enhance its effects. Am. J. Primatol. 75:807–816, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Syntheses, Structures, Physical Properties, and Electronic Structures of Ba2MLnTe5 (M: Ga and Ln: Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Y; M: In and Ln: Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Y).
Authors: Yin Wenlong , Wang Wendong , Bai Lei , Feng Kai , Shi Youguo , Hao Wenyu , Yao Jiyong , Wu Yicheng
Published: February 2013

The title compounds are synthesized by solid state reactions of BaTe, Ga2Te3 or In2Te3, Ln, and Te (1273—1323 K, 20—48 h) and characterized by single crystal XRD, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements, second harmonic generation measurements, and DFT electronic structure calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: Ca10Pt7Tt3 (Tt: Si, Ge). New Platinide Phases Featuring Electron‐Rich 4c—6e Bonded [Pt7Tt3]20‐ Intermetalloid Clusters.
Authors: Doverbratt Isa , Ponou Simeon , Lidin Sven , Fredrickson Daniel C.
Published: February 2013

The title compounds are prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of the elements (sealed Nb tube, 1000 °C, 24 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Ca2Ga3MgN5 — A Highly Condensed Nitridogallate.
Authors: Hintze Frauke , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

The title compound is prepared from the elements in a sodium flux with NaN3 (Nb ampule, 760 °C, 48 h).
ChemInform Abstract: A Coexistence of Ferromagnetic and Antiferromagnetic Exchange Interactions in Prussian Blue Analogue Cu0.47Ni0.48Mn0.55 [Fe(CN)6]·xH2O.
Authors: Liu Min , Xu Ming‐Xiang
Published: February 2013

The title compound is prepared by dropwise addition of a mixed aqueous solution of Cu(NO3)2, Ni(NO3)2, and Mn(NO3)2 to an aqueous solution of K3Fe(CN)6 (oxygen atmosphere, 3 h).
ChemInform Abstract: Solid‐State Synthesis of Mg2Si via Short‐Duration Ball‐Milling and Low‐Temperature Annealing.
Authors: Ioannou M. , Chrissafis K. , Pavlidou E. , Gascoin F. , Kyratsi Th.
Published: February 2013

The title compound is prepared from elemental Mg and Si by ball‐milling for 30—60 min followed by thermal treatment at 150— 500 °C for up to 300 h.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and High Pressure Phase Transitions of Monolithium Hydronium Sulfate.
Authors: Banerjee Debasis , Plonka Anna M. , Kim Sun Jin , Xu Wenqian , Parise John B.
Published: February 2013

(H3O)LiSO4 is solvothermally synthesized from a mixture of LiNO3, 1,5‐naphthalenedisulfonic acid tetrahydrate, and NH4F dissolved in DMF (autoclave, 100 °C, 4 d, 50% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Complex Open‐Framework Germanate Built by 8‐Coordinated Ge10 Clusters.
Authors: Yue Huijuan , Peskov Maxim V. , Sun Junliang , Zou Xiaodong
Published: February 2013

The new compound [(C5H14N2)2 (C5H12N2)0.5 (H2O)2.5] [Ge12.5O26(OH)2] with three‐dimensional 10‐ and 11‐ring channels is hydrothermally synthesized from mixtures of GeO2, 2‐methylpiperazine, and H2O (autoclave, 160 °C, 7 d).
ChemInform Abstract: New Layered Tin(II) Thiophosphates ASnPS4 (A: K, Rb, Cs): Synthesis, Structure, Glass Formation, and the Modulated CsSnPS4.
Authors: Banerjee Santanu , Malliakas Christos D. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: February 2013

The title compounds are synthesized from mixtures of Sn, M2S (M: K, Rb, Cs), red phosphorus, and S (sealed silica tubes, 900 °C, 72 h, ≈80% yield).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Reversible Transformation of Cun‐Bridged (n = 1, 2, or 4) Silicodecatungstate Dimers.
Authors: Suzuki Kosuke , Shinoe Masahiro , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: February 2013

Compounds (III)—(V) are characterized by XRD, cold‐spray ionization mass spectrometry, magnetic measurements, and UV/VIS spectroscopy.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetism, and Optical Properties of Cs2Cu3DyTe4.
Authors: Babo Jean‐Marie , Choi Eun Sang , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E.
Published: February 2013

The title compound is prepared by reaction of Dy, Cu, Te, and CsN3 (evacuated silica tube, 850 °C, 5 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Organocatalytic Mannich Reaction of 1‐Aryl‐2,2,2‐trifluoroethylidenecarbamic Acid Derivatives with Acetone.
Authors: Golovach N. M. , Tkachuk V. N. , Sukach V. A. , Vovk M. V.
Published: February 2013

Carbamates (I) and ureas (IV) undergo asymmetric Mannich reactions with acetone (II) to give optically active compounds (III) or (V), resp., and, by intramolecular cyclization of the latter, dihydropyrimidinones (VI).
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Phenol Derivatives from Cyclohex‐2‐enones Bearing an Alkyne Through Lewis Acid‐Catalyzed Enolization and Intramolecular Alder—Rickert Reaction.
Authors: Kinbara Atsushi , Yamagishi Takehiro , Hanzawa Naoko , Kawashima Etsuko , Miyaoka Miroaki
Published: February 2013

The reaction allows convenient access to some fused phenol systems.
ChemInform Abstract: Formation of Indoles, Dihydroisoquinolines, and Dihydroquinolines by Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Heterocyclizations.
Authors: Varela‐Fernandez Alejandro , Varela Jesus A. , Saa Carlos
Published: February 2013

Ru‐catalyzed heterocyclization of alkynyl substituted anilines, benzamides, and benzylamines yields the title heterocycles (II), (IV) and (VI), resp., under mild conditions.
ChemInform Abstract: Amberlyst®‐15: A Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Dehydration of Tertiary Alcohols.
Authors: Frija Luis M. T. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: February 2013

The reaction is selective and allows the dehydration of various tertiary alcohols including those derived from cyclohexane, linear alcohols or testosterone.
ChemInform Abstract: Zirconium‐Catalyzed Alkyne Dimerization for Selective (Z)‐Enyne Synthesis.
Authors: Platel Rachel H. , Schafer Laurel L.
Published: February 2013

Optimized conditions allow the preparation of some target compounds with good to excellent yield.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereospecific Preparation of (E)‐1,2‐Difluoro‐1,2‐disubstituted Alkenes.
Authors: Lu Long , Burton Donald J.
Published: February 2013

via Pd‐catalyzed coupling of (Z)‐vinyl stannanes (I) with aromatic iodides (II)