bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conversation with architect and urban planner Leon Krier
Authors: Samalavičius Almantas
Published: December 2013

Leon Krier hardly needs to be introduced to anyone who has a professional or academic interest in the discussions of architecture and urbanism of recent decades. An internationally established architect, architectural theorist and urban planner, he is well-known not only as the author of numerous architectural and urban design projects and master-plans, but also for his defense of what is sometimes called „neo-traditional” architecture and the values that were and continue to be associated with the role and aesthetics of the architecture of past centuries. Although he has been attacked for his non-conformist views and critical attitude towards radical modernism, Leon Krier remains an important figure in discussions of architecture and urbanism, and his interests overlap with present concerns for environment and sustainable future. The talk by the editor of the journal with Leon Krier is an attempt to discuss the flaws of contemporary architectural and urban practice as well as to indicate its roots and draft some prospects for the future.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ART AND SCIENCE OF URBAN DESIGN IN THE STUDY PROGRAMME OF ARCHITECTURE / URBANISTIKOS MENO IR MOKSLO REIKŠMĖ ARCHITEKTŪROS STUDIJŲ PROGRAMOJE
Authors: Dijokienė Dalia
Published: December 2013

Urban design is a component of art and science of architecture and an indispensable field of architectural activity. Subsequent to restoration of independence, Lithuania started travelling down the path of democratic urban design of towns and districts, which resulted in an inevitable evolution of concepts as well as mindset. Two decades of independence have passed, yet one could hardly say that everything is clearly and uniformly perceived by all players involved in activities of urban design. There is still a clear lack of common understanding of the object of art and science of urban design. As a branch of science, urban design is still somewhat misplaced in the scientific classification. This article discusses definitions of urban design used in Lithuania and abroad, gives summarised information on the formal position of urban design in documents regulating professional training, and assesses (within the context of the European Union requirements for professional qualifications) the courses on urban design basics taught under the BA degree programme of architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Santrauka Urbanistika yra sudėtinė architektūros meno ir mokslo dalis bei neatsiejama architektūrinės veiklos sritis. Lietuvai atgavus nepriklausomybę ir einant demokratinio miestų bei rajonų planavimo ir urbanistinio projektavimo keliu, neišvengiamai buvo susidurta su vartojamų sąvokų ir net mąstysenos kaita. Nors prabėgo jau antrasis nepriklausomybės dešimtmetis, tačiau negalime teigti, kad viskas tapo aišku ir vienodai suprantama urbanistikos veiklos srityje. Lietuvoje vis dar yra gilus nesusikalbėjimas dėl urbanistikos meno ir mokslo objekto. Urbanistika kaip mokslo šaka vis dar neturi vietos mokslo klasifikatoriuje. Šiame straipsnyje yra aptariamos Lietuvoje ir užsienyje vartojamos urbanistikos definicijos, apibendrinama formalioji urbanistikos padėtis studijas reglamentuojančiuose dokumentuose, Europos Sąjungos reikalavimų profesinėms kvalifikacijoms kontekste įvertinami dėstomi urbanistinio projektavimo pagrindai VGTU AF architektūros bakalauro studijose.
QUALITY OF ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION AT THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA
Authors: Fikfak Alenka
Published: December 2013

The paper presents a study on the quality of architectural education at the Faculty of Architecture (FA) of the University of Ljubljana (UL) and the changes as a result of adopting the new rules, criteria and evaluation systems. In order to improve the quality of education at FA, we look at the indicators related to the data on student learning outcomes and the education as a whole. The formal data and the comparison of performance (quality) indicators between 2006 and 2012 are shown. Additionally, the basic scope of the Long-cycle Master's Study Programme in Architecture (MSPA) is presented in terms of content and mobility. The focus of architectural education at the UL FA, which includes practical, artistic and research work, and simulates work in the architectural studio, is on Design Studio course, which is directly complemented by the Architectural Workshop course. The work that includes both the individual approach and team work promotes connections among foreign and Slovenian students. Four cases in point are presented, confirming the significance of creative work within the courses of Design Studio, Architectural Workshop and Master Thesis.
Teamwork in Medical Organizational Cultures
Authors: Vasilache Simona
Published: December 2013

The chapter discusses the specificities of organizational culture in healthcare environments, taking into account general managerial theories and their suitability to particular professional settings. The challenges of teamwork and the things to be particularly considered by decision-makers in the healthcare system are discussed and critically analyzed.
The Role of the Personal Culture in the Management of a Multicultural Team
Authors: Segal Tatiana
Published: December 2013

The chapter reviews the clash between personal and organizational culture in multicultural settings, advancing ways to mediate between the two and to apply proper strategies in order to establish sound interpersonal relations while not losing sight of the general objectives of the business organization.
Communication in a Healthcare Company
Authors: Rusnac Dina
Published: December 2013

The chapter discusses the marketing strategies of private Romanian healthcare clinics from a communication perspective, advancing methods to improve customer outreach. The study puts together data from the private medical services market and comparatively analyzes the marketing strategies, making recommendations towards the optimal cost-benefit mix.
A Multi-Level Analysis of the Change in Teaching Methods in Post-Communist Romania
Authors: Gauca Oana
Published: December 2013

The chapter provides an overview of the changes suffered by the secondary and higher education systems in the communism to post-communism transition and discusses the transformation of the teaching methods and the impact of these transformations. Most teachers aspire to make critical thinking the main objective of their instruction; most of them do not realize that to develop as thinkers students must pass through stages of development in critical thinking. The conclusions point to the fact that most teachers are unaware of the levels of intellectual development that students go through as they improve as thinkers. The research shows that significant gains in the intellectual quality of student work will not be achieved if teachers do not recognize that skilled critical thinking develops only if properly cultivated and only through predictable stages.
Internal Communication in EU Project Management in Bucharest University of Economic Studies
Authors: Irinca Andra Florina
Published: December 2013

The present research underlines the importance of communication within an organization among its main stakeholders and its influence on the external market. It passes through explaining the communication in all fields and domains, creating an overview of the institutional communication, and why it is considered difficult to effectively propagate within a large institution. In addition, the internal communication and information and research so far conducted is analyzed with respect to the findings and lessons learned. In addition, it is important to know and understand how the internal communication evolved during years and which were the main approaches identified throughout the organizations. The case study aims to evaluate the level of information and the efficiency and effectiveness of the internal communication process within Bucharest University of Economic Studies with respect to its projects developed and financed through European funds in the last six years. The study is mainly run through the help of the questionnaire that was addressed to teachers and students within the faculty and has also the purpose to help improve the related communication in the foreseeable future based on the relevant findings.
Cloud Service Platform
Authors: Zhiyuan Fang , Li Wei
Published: December 2013

Health Information eXchange (HIX) is a part of Happiness Cloud Service Platform of Happiness Guangdong in Guangdong Province of China based on innovation of cloud-based business model. This article illustrates the hospital health care business services system based on cloud computing. major business functions of HIX includes integrated mobile medical information services, and mobile health information services. Key cloud service platform capabilities include appointment of HIX registration, doctor-patient interaction and Health Manager System, medical statistical analysis, and the other integrated support module including service platform and platform management provided by two major cloud computing technologies of SaaS and PaaS. Medical cloud services of HIX is an innovative business model for cloud computing, that is, the medical and health services provided to the public going though by cloud computing all over Guangdong Province in China.
Medical Error Disclosure and Patient Safety: Legal Aspects
Authors: Guillod Olivier
Published: December 2013

Reducing the number of preventable adverse events has become a public health issue. The paper discusses in which ways the law can contribute to that goal, especially by encouraging a culture of safety among healthcare professionals. It assesses the need or the usefulness to pass so-called disclosure laws and apology laws, to adopt mandatory but strictly confidential Critical Incidents Reporting Systems in hospitals, to change the fault-based system of medical liability or to amend the rules on criminal liability. The paper eventually calls for adding the law to the present agenda of patient safety.
An Overview of the Clinical Use of Filter Paper in the Diagnosis of Tropical Diseases
Authors: Smit Pieter W. , Elliott Ivo , Peeling Rosanna W. , Mabey David , Newton Paul N.
Published: December 2013

Tropical infectious diseases diagnosis and surveillance are often hampered by difficulties of sample collection and transportation. Filter paper potentially provides a useful medium to help overcome such problems. We reviewed the literature on the use of filter paper, focusing on the evaluation of nucleic acid and serological assays for diagnosis of infectious diseases using dried blood spots (DBS) compared with recognized gold standards. We reviewed 296 eligible studies and included 101 studies evaluating DBS and 192 studies on other aspects of filter paper use. We also discuss the use of filter paper with other body fluids and for tropical veterinary medicine. In general, DBS perform with sensitivities and specificities similar or only slightly inferior to gold standard sample types. However, important problems were revealed with the uncritical use of DBS, inappropriate statistical analysis, and lack of standardized methodology. DBS have great potential to empower healthcare workers by making laboratory-based diagnostic tests more readily accessible, but additional and more rigorous research is needed.
Species of anamorphic fungi rare and new for Poland
Authors: Adamska Iwona
Published: December 2013

Morinia pestalozzioides, Seimatosporium hypericinum, Septoria artemisiae, S. artemisiae-maritimae, S. achilleicola and S. symphyti, fungi not recorded in Poland before, are described and illustrated. The species were found during studies on the occurrence of parasitic fungi conducted in selected sites in the Słowiński National Park and in the Western Pomerania between 2001 and 2004.
New and rare species of anamorphic fungi for Poland
Authors: Czerniawska Beata
Published: December 2013

Morphological characters of and disease symptoms caused by five fungal species parasitizing on plants of the Słowiński National Park and the Drawieński National Park (both located in north-western Poland) are presented. Of the species, Ramularia celastri and Ascochyta irpina are new for Poland, and Ascochyta geraniicola, Phyllosticta caricis and Septoriella junci have earlier rarely been found in this country. Moreover, the latter three fungi were found on plants so far not reported in the literature to be their hosts. Finally, the known distribution of the fungi characterized in both Poland and the other regions of the world is presented.
Usnea florida – threatened species of rich biotopes in the Polish Eastern Carpathians
Authors: Kościelak Robert
Published: December 2013

The paper presents the results of the research on Usnea florida in the Polish Eastern Carpathians. Three new sites of this species have been found in the Bieszczady National Park at an altitude of 800-880 m. U. florida grows on the bark of Fagus sylvatica, Populus tremula and Betula sp. The historical sites of this species in the Western Bieszczady Mts. have not been confirmed. In Poland U. florida has also been recorded in the Białowieża Forest and Gdańskie Pomerania.
Studies on toxicity of selected Oomycetes
Authors: Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz Kinga , Silicki Artur , Grajewski Jan , Woźniak Agnieszka
Published: December 2013

The MTT test is used to determine the cytotoxicity of species: Achlya americana, A. caroliniana, Leptomitus lacteus, Saprolegnia ferax and S. lapponica, which occurred in Lake Sitno in the Drawieński National Park (W Poland). It was stated that among five examined species of zoosporic fungi only one of them A. caroliniana, does not show cytotoxic effect. Low and mean toxicity of other tested water FLO, however, combined with the large-scale character of their appearance shows, that they can create serious threat for the spawn, fry, fish as well as the other organisms (including invertebrates) existing in water.
Glomus eburneum and Scutellospora fulgida, species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) new for Europe
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Czerniawska Beata
Published: December 2013

Morphological characters of spores and mycorrhizae of Glomus eburneum and spores of Scutellospora fulgida, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota, are described and illustrated. Additionally, the known distribution of these species in both Poland and other regions of the world is presented. Both species were not earlier reported from Europe.
Lichens of the Holy Hill orthodox sanctuary in Grabarka (NE Poland)
Authors: Matwiejuk Anna
Published: December 2013

The Holy Hill Grabarka is one of the most important orthodox sanctuaries in Poland. The sanctuary is situated in Podlasie region between Bug and Narew rivers. It grew in the shade of well developing (in the first centuries of the second millennium) towns Mielnik and Drohiczyn. The most striking thing is that the church is surrounded by a forest of thousands of crosses brought by pilgrims. The study present 64 species of epiphytic, epixylic, epilythic and epigeic lichens. Among 64 lichen species 11 are considered to be threatened in Poland.
Glomus intraradices and Pacispora robiginia, species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) new for Poland
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Czerniawska Beata , Zubek Szymon , Turnau Katarzyna
Published: December 2013

Morphological characters of spores and mycorrhizae of Glomus intraradices, as well as spores of Pacispora robiginia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of the phylum Glomeromycota, were described and illustrated. Additionally, the known distribution of these species in both Poland and other regions of the world was presented. Both the species were not so far recorded in Poland and this paper is the second report of the finding of P. robiginia in the
Recent records of hypogeous fungi in Greece
Authors: Diamandis Stephanos , Perlerou Charikleia
Published: December 2013

Uncertainty among Greek farmers who are in search of new and profitable crops has increased interest in truffle cultivation. Recent research has come up with 23 taxa of hypogeous fungi new for Greece including gastronomically valuable species. Natural ecosystems of Quercus pubescens, Q. frainetto, Q. ilex and Q. coccifera seem to be rich in hypogeous species. Ecosystems with Corylus avellana, Carpinus betulus, Mediterranean pines and even poplar plantations were found to also host hypogeous fungi. These records, supported by historical information about the existence of truffles in Greece, seem to be encouraging hints for systematic truffle cultivation.
Contribution to chorology of Xylobolus frustulatus in Poland
Authors: Stasińska Małgorzata
Published: December 2013

Xylobolus frustulatus (Pers.: Fr.) Boidin, one of the rare and threatened fungi in Poland, is reported from two new localities in Western Pomerania and Western Carpathians. Updated map of distribution of Xylobolus frustulatus in Poland is provided.
Fungi isolated from phyllosphere of fodder galega (Galega orientalis)
Authors: Cwalina-Ambrozik Bożena , Sienkiewicz Stanisław
Published: December 2013

The object of the experiment was fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) cultivated in 2001-2003 as field crop on three plots: 1. without fertilization, 2. 40 kg P2O5 × ha-1 and 80 kg K2O × ha-1, 3. 80 kg P2O5 × ha-1 and 160 kg K2O × ha-1. During the dry and warm vegetation season of 2002 almost two times fewer isolates were obtained from the leaves than in 2003 that was the most abundant in fungi. Yeasts-like fungi (30% of the total number of isolates) and saprotrophic fungi with dominated species: Acremonium strictum (8.5%), genus Epicoccum (7.8%), Humicola (9.5%) and Penicillium (18.9%) were the fungi most frequently populating the leaves of galega. The share of pathogens in the total number of isolates obtained from the phyllosphere was 10.6%. They were represented by fungi of Ascochyta spp., Botrytis cinerea, genus Fusarium, Phoma medicaginis and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Reduction by 1.9 to 4.6% in the number of fungi isolated from the phyllosphere of galega without fertilization as compared to galega cultivated in combinations with fertilization was recorded. Generally, the smallest number of pathogens was recovered from galega fertilized with 40 kg P2O5 × ha-1 and 80 kg K2O × ha-1. B. cinerea most frequently populated galega in combination without fertilization, genus Fusarium fungi in combination without fertilization and with fertilization with 80 kg P2O5 × ha-1 and 160 kg K2O × ha-1, while Ascochyta spp. were isolated from galega with fertilization only.
Fungi isolated from the rhizosphere of spring cruciferous plants
Authors: Majchrzak Barbara , Okorski Adam , Chodorowski Bogusław
Published: December 2013

Fungal communities isolated from the rhizosphere of spring cruciferous plants were analysed in the study. It was found that the rhizosphere of crucifers was colonized primarily by fungi of the order Mucorales and of the genus Fusarium. Members of the genus Fusarium dominated in the rhizoplane. The roots of cruciferous plants secrete glucosinolates – secondary metabolites known for their antifungal properties, thus affecting the communities of soil-dwelling fungi.
Is a remarkable species – Caloplaca flavescens (lichenized fungi) – new to the Polish lichen biota?
Authors: Śliwa Lucyna , Wilk Karina
Published: December 2013

Caloplaca flavescens is reported for the first time from Poland with all known localities citation. Diagnostic characters for the species are narrow, convex marginal lobes that are separated by furrows and gray crystals within the thallus cortex that are prominent in polarized light as well as lemon-shaped ascospores. Species of similar appearance include C. aurantia, C. thallinicola and some members of C. saxicola group. Differences between these species are briefly discussed. An up-to-date distribution map for C. flavescens in Poland is presented.
Some new records of Rhizocarpon from North-Eastern Poland and North-Western Belarus
Authors: Golubkov Vladimir , Matwiejuk Anna
Published: December 2013

New localities of Rhizocarpon distinctum, R. geographicum and R. reductum are reported from NE Poland. Rhizocarpon distinctum, R. grande, R. hochstetteri, R. lavatum, R. petraeum, R. polycarpum and R. reductum are reported from NW Belarus for the first time. Rhizocarpon hochstetteri, R. lavatum and R. polycarpum are new to Belarus. A key to species occurring in the area is given.
Notes on Caloplaca lucifuga (Teloschistales, Ascomycota) in Poland
Authors: Kubiak Dariusz , Zalewska Anna
Published: December 2013

The current knowledge on the occurrence of Caloplaca lucifuga, a rare lichen with an inconspicuous crustose sorediate thallus, is discussed. Both previous and new localities are presented. The most important data on the ecology and general distribution of the species are given. Diagnostic characters related to the morphology, anatomy and chemistry of C. lucifuga that help to differentiate it from similar species are described.
Japewia tornoensis and further localities of J. subaurifera found in the Carpathians
Authors: Czarnota Paweł
Published: December 2013

Japewia tornoensis is reported for the first time from the Carpathians and Poland. Further localities of J. subaurifera, known so far from a single Carpathian collection in the Polish Tatra Mts., are also presented. Some diagnostic features and general distribution of both species are provided and similar taxa are discussed.
Some new records of Verrucaria from Beskid Niski Mts.
Authors: Krzewicka Beata
Published: December 2013

Based on the historical collections of J. Motyka and J. Nowak deposited in LBL and KRAM herbaria 26 species of Verrucaria s.l. are reported from Beskid Niski Mts. Verrucaria elaeina is reported from Poland for the first time, whereas as much as 23 species are new to the region.
Goidanichiella sphaerospora the world’s second report
Authors: Kwaśna Hanna , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta
Published: December 2013

A specimen of Goidanichiella sphaerospora was found in Pinus sylvestris forest soil in Międzychód, northwestern Poland (52.601, 15.889883), in October 2009. This is the world’s second record of G. sphaerospora. Bimorphic conidial heads and conidia are reported for the first time. Goidanichiella sphaerospora forms Aspergillus- and Penicillium-like conidial heads. Conidia formed at +24oC are oval to ellipsoidal, often apiculate, smooth, rather thick-walled, hyaline, with one oil drop inside, 3-4 x 2-3 µm. Additional ellipsoidal to cylindrical, thin-walled, 4-6.5 (-8) x 2-3.0 µm conidia are formed only after incubation for at least 7 days at +4oC in darkness.
Hygrocybe salicis-herbaceae (Agaricomycetes, Hygrophoraceae): an arctic-alpine species new to the South-Eastern Carpathians (Romania)
Authors: Ronikier Anna
Published: December 2013

New localities of Hygrocybe salicis-herbaceae were observed during the research on the fungi of the alpine zone in the Carpathians. This is the first record of this arctic-alpine fungus in the South-Eastern Carpathians. Macro- and micromorphological characters of the Carpathian collections are compared with the descriptions from other regions. A revision of literature data indicates that the sites in the Parâng Mts. reported here are the only known localities of the species from the entire Carpathian range.
The first locality of Chalciporus rubinus (Boletales, Basidiomycota) in Poland
Authors: Halma Marek , Szypuła Jerzy
Published: December 2013

Chalciporus rubinus (W.G. Sm.) Singer, described in 1868 from England, was found in a city park in Wrocław. This is the first record of the species from Poland. Macro- and micromorphological characters of the Polish specimens are described and illustrated. The delimitation of Ch. rubinus, the knowledge of its distribution, ecology and conservation status is summarised.
Rinodina degeliana: a corticolous lichen species overlooked in Poland
Authors: Kubiak Dariusz
Published: December 2013

New localities of Rinodina degeliana in Poland are described. The morphology, chemistry, distribution and ecology of the species are discussed and characters that help to differentiate R. degaliana from similar lichens are presented. The species is relatively frequent in lime-hornbeam forests of northern and central Poland.
Octaviania asterosperma (hypogeous Basidiomycota). Recent data to ecology and distribution
Authors: Mleczko Piotr , Kozak Maciej , Ławrynowicz Maria , Dubiel Grzegorz
Published: December 2013

Phylogenetic analyses place Octaviania asterosperma in the Boletales, with Leccinum being the closest relative. Results of the structural investigation of O. asterosperma ectomycorrhiza with Fagus sylvatica confirm this systematic position. In Europe the species is an ectomycorrhizal partner of broad-leaved trees, such as Carpinus, Corylus, Fagus, Quercus and Tilia. This paper aims at presenting the new data to the distribution of O. asterosperma in Central Europe. The description of the basidiocarps discovered in Poland in the recent years is also given, together with evidence for the parasitic relationship of Sepedonium laevigatum with O. asterosperma. We also present the information concerning all known localities of the species in Poland and its distribution map. Data on the ecologz, distribution and status O. asterosperma in Europe, and some structural aspects of basidiocarps and spores, are also summarized.
Mycena romagnesiana collected in the Bieszczady Mts.
Authors: Komorowska Halina
Published: December 2013

Mycena romagnesiana described by Maas Geesteranus (1991), is reported from two localities in Bieszczady Mts (SE Poland). Macro- and micromorphological description supplemented with the author’s observations of the dry material and its colour picture are given. Drawings of microcharacters and distribution map of species in Europe are provided.
New records of Microbotryum species parasitizing Caryophyllaceae from Ukraine
Authors: Savchenko Kyrylo G. , Heluta Vasyl P.
Published: December 2013

Four records of smut fungi belonging to the genus Microbotryum Lév.are reported. Two species were found on new hosts, namely M. dianthorum on Dianthus borbasii and D. pseudoserotinus and M. superbum on D. stenocalyx. Microbotryum lagerhemii on Lychnis viscaria is a new species for Ukraine.
Effect of aminoacids on the fungicidal activity of quaternary ammonium salts
Authors: Piątkowski Jerzy , Świątek Michał
Published: December 2013

Amphipatic compounds exhibit an antimicrobial action both on bacteria and fungi. It is caused by a penetrative property of hydrophobic carbon chain of the compuound into a plasma membrane as well as by additional interaction of membrane elements and a hydrophilic amphipathic compound head. Bactericidal and fungicidal activity of this compound strongly depends on chemical environmental factors. In general, microorganisms are not as sensitive in a full medium as in a minimal one and the level of sensitivity rises when the amphipatic compounds are presend in destilled water. Similarly, the sensitivity is stronger in fluid than on solid medium. Our researches revealed however that some aminoacids, although they are complex organic compounds, increase the microbial sensitivity to some tested compound. This efect depends on a microorganism and on a kind of compound. The highest hipersensitivity has been observed against yeast-like fungi when arginine was a cooperating aminoacid. The effect concerns Trichosporon but not E.coli, not occurs in relation to SDS, quaternary ammonium salt IA, and bisammonium salts. Certainly the effect exhibit QAS, which have simple composition of hydrophilic „head” consisting only of methyl group, attaching to alkilic chain possessing keton group, build of 14 or 16 carbon atoms.
Contribution to the lichen biota of the Pogórze Wiśnickie foothills (Carpathians)
Authors: Śliwa Lucyna
Published: December 2013

The Pogórze Wiśnickie foothills are situated in close vicinity to the Kraków agglomeration and is highly influenced by human activity. Lichen studies in the area revealed 163 species so far. A current checklist of the lichen biota of the territory is provided with numerous new regional records, e.g. Bacidina sulphurella, Evernia prunastri, Fuscidea pusilla, Lecanora albellula, Lepraria ecorticata, Mycobilimbia epixanthoides, Ramalina farinacea, R.. fastigiata, Ropalospora viridis, Verrucaria praetermissa and V. tectorum.
Deficits in early neural tube identity found in CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Haldipur Parthiv , Millen Kathleen J
Published: December 2013

Long predicted from studies of model vertebrates, the first human example of abnormal patterning of the early neural tube leading to underdevelopment of the cerebellum has been demonstrated.
Thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer‐based nanocomposites for food packaging films: Effects of nanoclay loading
Authors: Kim Seong Woo , Cha Sang‐Ho
Published: December 2013

For the application of single‐layer food packaging films with improved barrier properties, an attempt was made to prepare ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer‐based nanocomposite films by incorporation of organically modified montmorillonite nanoclays via a two‐step mixing process and solvent cast method. The highly intercalated tactoids coexisted with exfoliated clay nanosheets, and the extent of intercalation and exfoliation depended significantly on the level of clay loadings, which were confirmed from both XRD measurements and TEM observations. It was revealed that the inclusion of nanoclay up to an appropriate level of content resulted in a remarkable enhancement in the thermal, mechanical (tensile strength/modulus), optical, and barrier properties of the prepared EVOH/clay nanocomposite films. However, excess clay loadings gave rise to a reduction in the tensile properties (strength/modulus/elongation) and optical transparency due to the formation of clay tactoids with a larger domain size. With the addition of only 3 wt % clay, the oxygen and water vapor barrier performances of the nanocomposite films were substantially improved by 59 and 90%, respectively, compared to the performances of the neat EVOH film. In addition, the presence of clay nanosheets in the EVOH matrix was found to significantly suppress the moisture‐derived deterioration in the oxygen barrier performance, implying the feasibility of applying the nanocomposite films to single‐layer food packaging films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40289.
Dual band Trapezoidal antenna with Partial Ground and Meander line feed for GPS and WiMAX applications
Authors: Boney Macmillan , Rahim Sharul Kamal Abdul , Dewan Raimi , Sa'ad Bashir Muhammad
Published: December 2013

A dual band Trapezoidal antenna with Partial Ground and Meander line feed is proposed in this article. The antenna designed operates at 1.42–1.62 and 3.49–3.73 GHz simultaneously, which makes it suitable for 1.5 GHz global positioning system (GPS) and 3.5 GHz worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) frequency bands, respectively. The antenna is fabricated on low‐cost FR‐4 substrate with 1.6 mm thickness. The proposed antenna consists of a trapezoidal‐shaped patch and a partial ground etched on bottom side of the strip. The antenna is fed through a meandered transmission line which reduces the overall antenna size. Moreover, the partial ground plane used facilitated the antenna radiation pattern to omnidirectional. The antenna is measured to observe the performance in comparison with simulated result. Gains of 1.7 and 3.4 dBi are recorded, with high gain especially at the second frequency band of the design. There is very good agreement between the simulation and measurement results. Hence, the antenna is suitable for GPS and WiMAX band applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:497–502, 2014
Bandwidth‐enhancement of an ultrathin polarization insensitive metamaterial absorber
Authors: Ghosh Saptarshi , Bhattacharyya Somak , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: December 2013

An ultrathin polarization insensitive microwave metamaterial absorber is discussed, which consists of a periodic array of swastika‐like structure printed on FR4 dielectric substrate backed by copper ground. The structure is simulated to give rise to nearly unity (99.64%) absorption at 10.10 GHz (X‐band). The proposed structure is symmetric in nature and provides high absorption for any angle of polarization under normal incidence. It also shows high absorption (∼81%) for incident angle upto 60o. Further, a 2 × 2 array using two different variants of the same resonating structure has been studied and by optimizing its geometrical dimensions, the absorption peaks are brought closer to provide an enhanced bandwidth having full width at half maximum of 0.68 GHz (10.04–10.72 GHz). Both the single‐band and bandwidth‐enhanced structures are then fabricated and experimentally studied which shows good agreement with the simulated results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:350–355, 2014
Synthesis and characterization of greenish‐blue emitting vinyl copolymer containing pyrene and triarylamine moieties
Authors: Wang Jianli , Leung Louis M , SO Shu‐Kong , Chan Cyrus Y H , Wong Michael Y
Published: December 2013

Two fluorescent monomers N‐phenyl‐N‐(4‐vinylphenyl)pyren‐1‐amine (vinyl‐PyPA) and 1‐vinyl pyrene (VPy) were synthesized in good yields. A series of soluble conductive vinyl copolymers P(PyPA‐co‐VPy) containing vinyl‐PyPA and VPy moieties in different composition ratios were prepared by free radical solution polymerization. These copolymers showed high Tg (190−201 °C) and good thermal stability. The photoluminescence emission maxima of the copolymers were all in the range 474.5−478.5 nm, which was similar to the poly(N‐phenyl‐N‐(4‐vinylphenyl)pyren‐1‐amine) (P(PyPA)) (475 nm) but blue shifted compared with poly(1‐vinyl pyrene) (PVPy) (490.5 nm). The lifetime of the copolymers increased from 10.2 to 29.7 ns with an increase in pyrene content. The copolymers had higher quantum yields (0.51) than those of the homopolymers of P(PyPA) (0.48) and PVPy (0.13). The highest occupied molecular orbital of the copolymers remained relatively unchanged from P(PyPA), while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital varied from −2.41 eV to −2.51 eV with an increase in pyrene ratio in the copolymers. The energy bandgaps of the copolymers (from 2.70 eV to 2.81 eV) were smaller than those of P(PyPA) (2.82 eV) and PVPy (3.47 eV). Two polymer light‐emitting diode (PLED) series were attempted including indium tin oxide (ITO) (fluorocarbon (CFx) treated)/P(PyPA‐co‐VPy)/LiF/Al and ITO(CFx treated)/P(PyPA‐co‐VPy)/1,3,5‐Tri(1‐phenyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)phenyl (TPBi)/LiF/Al. The results suggested that the PyPA moiety is hole conducting and the PLEDs can achieve high luminance from 650 to 1150 cd m−2 (at 100 mA cm−2) only when an electron injecting layer TPBi is employed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A formal framework for service modeling and prototyping
Authors: Riccobene Elvinia , Scandurra Patrizia
Published: December 2013

Service-oriented Computing
is rapidly gaining importance across several application domains due to its capability of composing autonomous and loosely-coupled services. In order to support the engineering of service-oriented software applications, foundational theories, service modeling notations, evaluation techniques fully integrated in a pragmatic software engineering approach are required. This article introduces a framework for modeling and prototyping service-oriented applications. The framework consists of a precise and executable language,
SCA-ASM
, for model-based design, and of a tool for early and quick design evaluation of service assemblies. The language combines the OASIS/OSOA standard
Service Component Architecture
(SCA) capability of modeling and assembling heterogeneous service-oriented components in a technology agnostic way, with the rigor of the
Abstract State Machine
(ASM) formal method able to model notions of service behavior, interactions, orchestration, compensation and context-awareness in an abstract but executable way. The tool is based on existing execution environments for ASM models and SCA applications. An SCA-ASM model of a service-oriented component, possibly not yet implemented in code or available as off-the-shelf, can be (i) simulated and evaluated
offline
, i.e. in isolation from the other components; or (ii) executed as
abstract implementation
(or
prototype
) together with the other components implementations according to the chosen SCA assembly. As proof of concept, a case study taken from EU research projects has been considered to show the functionalities and potentialities of the proposed framework.
Expression of 19 microRNAs in glioblastoma and comparison with other brain neoplasia of grades I–III
Authors: Visani Michela , de Biase Dario , Marucci Gianluca , Cerasoli Serenella , Nigrisoli Evandro , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Albani Fiorenzo , Baruzzi Agostino , Pession Annalisa ,   the PERNO study group
Published: December 2013

Several biomarkers have been proposed as useful parameters to better specify the prognosis or to delineate new target therapy strategies for glioblastoma patients. MicroRNAs could represent putative target molecules, considering their role in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and their specific tissue expression. Although several studies have tried to identify microRNA signature for glioblastoma, a microRNA profile is still far from being well‐defined.

In this work the expression of 19 microRNAs (miR‐7, miR‐9, miR‐9∗, miR‐10a, miR‐10b, miR‐17, miR‐20a, miR‐21, miR‐26a, miR‐27a, miR‐31, miR‐34a, miR‐101, miR‐137, miR‐182, miR‐221, miR‐222, miR‐330, miR‐519d) was evaluated in sixty formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded glioblastoma samples using a locked nucleic acid real‐time PCR. Moreover, a comparison of miRNA expressions was performed between primary brain neoplasias of different grades (grades IV–I).

The analysis of 14 validated miRNA expression in the 60 glioblastomas, using three different non‐neoplastic references as controls, revealed a putative miRNA signature: mir‐10b and miR‐21 were up‐regulated, while miR‐7, miR‐31, miR‐101, miR‐137, miR‐222 and miR‐330 were down‐regulated in glioblastomas. Comparing miRNA expression between glioblastoma group and gliomas of grades I–III, 3 miRNAs (miR‐10b, mir‐34a and miR‐101) showed different regulation statuses between high‐grade and low‐grade tumors. miR‐10b was up‐regulated in high grade and significantly down‐regulated in low‐grade gliomas, suggesting that could be a candidate for a GBM target therapy.

This study provides further data for the identification of a miRNA profile for glioblastoma and suggests that different‐grade neoplasia could be characterized by different expression of specific miRNAs.
The Clinical Utility of Makeshift Beds in Disaster Shelters
Authors: Nara Masayuki , Ueda Shinsaku , Aoki Masashi , Tamada Tsutomu , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Hongo Michio
Published: December 2013

Objective

Strong earthquakes have been reported to increase the incidence of diseases. One reason for these increases may be the stress from the poor living environment for evacuees in disaster shelters. To reduce stress, makeshift cardboard beds were introduced in shelters in the Ishinomaki region, one of the areas heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake, 4 months after the earthquake. The study was performed to determine whether use of the beds offered a reduction in the disease burden.

Methods

Blood pressure and blood D-dimer values, often used as diagnostic tests for venous thrombosis, were checked. The timed Up & Go (TUG) test, which assesses functional mobility; a questionnaire survey about symptoms (cough, insomnia, and lumbago); and an SF-8 health survey, a health-related quality of life survey, were also administered before and 1 month after introducing the beds.

Results

Blood pressure measurements, TUG test results, and questionnaire survey scores improved significantly 1 month after the introduction of the beds. Also, evacuees with higher blood D-dimer values tended to show improvement, suggesting that the beds may have had a good effect on persons with underlying venous thrombotic disorders.

Conclusion

Makeshift beds of cardboard could be very useful in disaster shelters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:573–577)
Contribution of different Ca2+ channels to the acrosome reaction-mediated initiation of sperm motility in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster
Authors: Takayama-Watanabe Eriko , Ochiai Hiroto , Tanino Shunpei , Watanabe Akihiko
Published: December 2013

Initiation of sperm motility in urodeles, which is induced by a sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS) in the sequestered granules on the surface of egg jelly, is mediated by the acrosome reaction (AR), which is triggered by an AR-inducing substance (ARIS) on a sheet-like structure. Details of the unique process of the interaction between egg jelly and sperm in these species is still unclear. The current study showed the fine structure of egg jelly in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster, a urodele species, revealing that its outer surface was covered by a sheet-like structure of approximately 0.29 μm in thickness. Granules of approximately 2 μm in diameter with small particles of approximately 54 nm were attached to its surface and distributed inhomogeneously just beneath the sheet-like structure. Emission spectrometry revealed that the Ca2+ concentration was maintained at a high level compared with that of the blood plasma and the vas deferens fluid, suggesting that egg jelly is a reliable source of Ca2+ for the sperm–egg interaction. Blockers of the T-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC), but not the L-type VDCC, inhibited both AR and initiation of sperm motility. Conversely, Ni+, which affects the α1 H subunit of T-type VDCC, only inhibited the initiation of sperm motility. These data suggest that, in response to ARIS and SMIS, sequential gating of distinct Ca2+ channels occurs in the AR, followed by the initiation of sperm motility on the surface of the egg jelly in C. pyrrhogaster at fertilization.
mTOR target NDRG1 confers MGMT-dependent resistance to alkylating chemotherapy
Authors: Weiler Markus , Blaes Jonas , Pusch Stefan , Sahm Felix , Czabanka Marcus , Luger Sebastian , Bunse Lukas , Solecki Gergely , Eichwald Viktoria , Jugold Manfred , Hodecker Sibylle , Osswald Matthias , Meisner Christoph , Hielscher Thomas , Rübmann Petra , Pfenning Philipp-Niklas , Ronellenfitsch Michael , Kempf Tore , Schnölzer Martina , Abdollahi Amir , Lang Florian , Bendszus Martin , von Deimling Andreas , Winkler Frank , Weller Michael , Vajkoczy Peter , Platten Michael , Wick Wolfgang
Published: December 2013

Significance

N
-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a central and druggable molecular hub integrating diverse therapy-induced microenvironmental factors to promote resistance toward alkylating chemotherapy. We suggest that NDRG1-mediated chemoprotection is achieved via binding and stabilizing methyltransferases, such as O
6
-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase.
Active approach for breast cancer genetic counseling during radiotherapy: long‐term psychosocial and medical impact
Authors: Baars J.E. , Bleiker E.M.A. , van Riel E. , Rodenhuis C.C. , Velthuizen M.E. , Schlich K.J. , Ausems M.G.E.M.
Published: December 2013

Genetic counseling and DNA testing (GCT) for breast cancer is increasingly being actively offered to newly diagnosed patients. Little is known about the consequences of such an approach. Therefore, the long‐term psychosocial and medical impact of referring breast cancer patients for GCT during an early phase of treatment was studied. A group of 112 breast cancer patients who had been actively offered GCT during adjuvant radiotherapy 7–14 years earlier, returned a self‐report questionnaire. We compared their experiences with a group of 127 breast cancer patients who had not met the criteria for GCT. In total, 239 women participated in this long‐term follow‐up study (72% response rate). Nearly 75% of them had received regular mammography surveillance in the past 3 years. Preventive surgery was reported more often in the counseling group (specifically in the BRCA1/2 mutation carriers). Like the comparative group, only a minority of patients who had received GCT were experiencing high levels of depression (5%) or psychological distress (14%). Breast cancer patients can be actively approached and referred for GCT at the beginning of their radiotherapy without a threat to psychological functioning in the long term.
Neopterin is associated with cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality in renal transplant patients
Authors: Pihlstrøm Hege , Mjøen Geir , März Winfried , Olav Dahle Dag , Abedini Sadollah , Holme Ingar , Fellström Bengt , Jardine Alan , Pilz Stefan , Holdaas Hallvard
Published: December 2013

Background

Inflammatory markers show significant associations with cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality after kidney transplantation. Neopterin, reflecting interferon‐γ‐release, may better reflect the proinflammatory state of recipients than less specific markers.

Methods

Kidney transplant recipients in the Assessment of LEscol in Renal Transplant (ALERT) trial were examined and investigated for an association between serum neopterin and subsequent clinical events: graft loss, major cardiovascular events (MACE) and all‐cause mortality.

Results

After adjustment for established and emerging risk factors neopterin expressed as neopterin‐to‐creatinine ratio was significantly associated with MACE (p = 0.009) and all‐cause mortality (p = 0.002). Endpoints were more frequent with increasing quartiles of neopterin‐to‐creatinine ratio. The incidence rates of MACE and all‐cause mortality were significantly increased in the upper quartiles compared with the first.

Conclusions

This long‐term prospective analysis in stable kidney allograft recipients suggests that neopterin is associated with long‐term risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause mortality, but not renal outcomes.
Is statin‐induced diabetes clinically relevant? A comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Bell D. S. H. , DiNicolantonio J. J. , O'Keefe J. H.
Published: December 2013

In those predisposed to the development of diabetes (the insulin resistant, obese and older patients) statins may increase the risk of developing diabetes. Despite the fact that the conversion to diabetes is generated from post hoc analyses, it seems to be a class effect with a dose–response relationship. However, statins have not been clearly shown to increase diabetic microvascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy). Thus, the clinical significance of increased glucose levels in patients treated on statins is uncertain. While the exact mechanism for how statins increase the risk of diabetes is unknown, a possible explanation is through a reduction in adiponectin levels. Despite the fact that higher statin doses are more likely to lead to new‐onset diabetes, for every case of diabetes caused, there are approximately three cardiovascular events reduced with high dose versus moderate dose statin therapy. Overall, the small risk of developing type 2 diabetes with statin therapy is far outweighed by the potential of statins to decrease cardiac events.
Case of Paradoxical Embolic Transient Ischemic Attack from an Unusual Extra Cardiac Shunt Detected on a Contrast‐Enhanced Echocardiogram
Authors: Sheikh Mujeeb , Emery Marie , Curtis Allison , King Stacie , Colyer William R.
Published: December 2013

Paradoxical embolism due to extracardiac right to left shunts (RLSs) manifesting as stroke remains anecdotal. We describe a case of 63‐year‐old female who presented with a transient ischemic attack and at agitated saline contrast echocardiogram was found to have an unusual type of an extracardiac RLS. Further evaluation leads to diagnosis of superior vena cava (SVC) thrombosis from a prior indwelling central venous catheter. The SVC thrombosis induced systemic‐pulmonary venous collaterals were responsible for this unusual extracardiac RLS and paradoxical transient ischemic attack. We discuss the diagnosis and management of this rare clinical case.