bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for group B Streptococcus in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taminato Mônica , Fram Dayana , Torloni Maria Regina , Belasco Angélica Gonçalves Silva , Saconato Humberto , Barbosa Dulce Aparecida
Published: March 2014

Infection with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is considered an important public health problem. It is associated with: Neonatal sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, neonatal death, septic abortion, chorioamnionitis, endometritis and other perinatal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the best screening strategy for GBS in pregnant women. For this a systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in the Nursing Department of the Federal University of São Paulo, Cochrane Center, Brazil. Sources used were, EMBASE, LILACS, Medline, list of references, personal communication and the Cochrane library. The criterion for the selection of the studies was; studies which analyze some type of screening for GBS in pregnant women. Independent of the comparator, all analyses were in favor of a universal screening program for reducing the incidence of neonatal sepsis. The evidence obtained in this study suggests that the strategy of universal screening of pregnant women associated with the use of prophylactic antibiotics is safe and effective.
Bosutinib in Combination With the Aromatase Inhibitor Exemestane: A Phase II Trial in Postmenopausal Women With Previously Treated Locally Advanced or Metastatic Hormone Receptor-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Moy Beverly , Neven Patrick , Lebrun Fabienne , Bellet Meritxell , Xu Binghe , Sarosiek Tomasz , Chow Louis , Goss Paul , Zacharchuk Charles , Leip Eric , Turnbull Kathleen , Bardy-Bouxin Nathalie , Duvillié Ladan , Láng István
Published: March 2014

Author Summary

Background.

Bosutinib is an oral, selective Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor with activity in breast cancer (BC). We evaluated bosutinib plus exemestane as second-line therapy in previously treated hormone receptor-positive (HR+) locally advanced or metastatic BC.

Methods.

This was a phase II study with patients enrolled in a single-arm safety lead-in phase. Patients receiving bosutinib at 400 mg or 300 mg/day (based on toxicity) plus exemestane at 25 mg/day were monitored for adverse events (AEs) and dose-limiting toxicities for 28 days, and initial efficacy was assessed. After the lead-in and dose-determination phase, randomized evaluation of combination therapy versus exemestane was planned.

Results.

Thirty-nine of 42 patients (93%) experienced treatment-related AEs including diarrhea in 28 (67%) and hepatotoxicity in 11 (26%); overall serious treatment-related AEs were recorded in 4 (10%). No liver toxicity met Hy's law criteria. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 5 of 13 patients receiving 400 mg (38%) and 3 of 26 patients receiving 300 mg (12%) of bosutinib; all resolved on treatment discontinuation. One patient (300 mg/day) achieved confirmed partial response; three (400 mg/day, n = 2; 300 mg/day, n = 1) maintained stable disease for >24 weeks; a best response of progressive disease occurred in 15 of 42 patients (36%). Median progression-free survival was 12.3 weeks (80% confidence interval: 11.0–15.6).

Conclusion.

The risk-benefit profile of bosutinib at 300 mg/day plus exemestane resulted in early study termination before the randomized portion. Alternative bosutinib regimens merit investigation in BC.
Attachment Needs and Social Networking Sites
Authors: Özad Bahire Efe , Uygarer Gülen
Published: March 2014

Attachment is a significant human need throughout life. Recent developments in communication technologies indicate that social networking sites (SNS) play a significant role in forming relationships. In addition to forming real-life relationships, students also form new relationships
and maintain already existing relationships through SNS. In other words, in line with uses and gratifications theory, new media are used to gratify students' needs. In this study conducted in 2011, we compared real-life friendships with friendships formed through SNS, in fulfilling the attachment
needs of students at the English Preparatory School at the Eastern Mediterranean University. We found statistically significant differences between attachments formed in real life and those formed through SNS. Therefore, we determined that SNS play a significant role in satisfying the need
for attachment among young people who are at the outset of their tertiary education.
Euler-Euler granular flow model of liquid fuels combustion in a fluidized reactor
Authors: Nemoda Stevan , Mladenovic Milica , Paprika Milijana , Dakic Dragoljub , Eric Aleksandar , Komatina Mirko
Published: March 2014

The paper deals with the numerical simulation of liquid fuel combustion in a
fluidized reactor using a two-fluid Eulerian-Eulerian fluidized bed modeling
incorporating the kinetic theory of granular flow (KTGF) to gas and solid
phase flow prediction. The comprehensive model of the complex processes in
fluidized combustion chamber incorporates, besides gas and particular phase
velocity fields? prediction, also the energy equations for gas and solid
phase and the transport equations of chemical species conservation with the
source terms due to the conversion of chemical components. Numerical
experiments show that the coefficients in the model of inter-phase
interaction drag force have a significant effect, and they have to be
adjusted for each regime of fluidization. A series of numerical experiments
was performed with combustion of the liquid fuels in fluidized bed (FB), with
and without significant water content. The given estimations are related to
the unsteady state, and the modeled time period corresponds to flow passing
time throw reactor column. The numerical experiments were conducted to
examine the impact of the water content in a liquid fuel on global FB
combustion kinetics.
The Concentration of Phosphatidylethanolamine in Mitochondria Can Modulate ATP Production and Glucose Metabolism in Mice
Authors: van der Veen Jelske N. , Lingrell Susanne , da Silva Robin P. , Jacobs René L. , Vance Dennis E.
Published: March 2014

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) N-methyltransferase (PEMT) catalyzes the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in the liver. Mice lacking PEMT are protected against diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. We investigated the role of PEMT in hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in chow-fed mice. A pyruvate tolerance test revealed that PEMT deficiency greatly attenuated gluconeogenesis. The reduction in glucose production was specific for pyruvate; glucose production from glycerol was unaffected. Mitochondrial PC levels were lower and PE levels were higher in livers from Pemt−/− compared with Pemt+/+ mice, resulting in a 33% reduction of the PC-to-PE ratio. Mitochondria from Pemt−/− mice were also smaller and more elongated. Activities of cytochrome c oxidase and succinate reductase were increased in mitochondria of Pemt−/− mice. Accordingly, ATP levels in hepatocytes from Pemt−/− mice were double that in Pemt+/+ hepatocytes. We observed a strong correlation between mitochondrial PC-to-PE ratio and cellular ATP levels in hepatoma cells that expressed various amounts of PEMT. Moreover, mitochondrial respiration was increased in cells lacking PEMT. In the absence of PEMT, changes in mitochondrial phospholipids caused a shift of pyruvate toward decarboxylation and energy production away from the carboxylation pathway that leads to glucose production.
The added value of the electrical neuroimaging for the evaluation of marketing stimuli
Authors: Vecchiato G. , Toppi J. , Astolfi L. , Cincotti F. , De Vico Fallani F. , Maglione A.G. , Borghini G. , Cherubino P. , Mattia D. , Babiloni F.
Published: March 2014

There is a large interest in the marketing world to use the neuroimaging tools as a possible aid to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial advertisement. Such an area of study is called “neuromarketing”. Here we illustrate some applications of electrical neuroimaging, a discipline using EEG and intensive signal processing techniques for the evaluation of such marketing stimuli. We will show which kind of information is possible to gather with these methodologies while persons are watching marketing relevant stimuli. Such information is related to the memorization and attention of commercial advertisements. We noted that temporal and frequency patterns of EEG signals are able to return descriptors of cognitive process in subjects that watched such commercial announcements. The described EEG methodologies could be then employed both to better design new products that are going to be promoted on the market as well as to analyse the global cognitive impact of commercial videos already broadcasted.
A comparison of algorithms for separation of synchronous subspaces
Authors: Almeida M. , Bioucas-Dias J. , Vigário R. , Oja E.
Published: March 2014

Independent Subspace Analysis (ISA) consists in separating sets (subspaces) of dependent sources, with different sets being independent of each other. While a few algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem, they are all completely general in the sense that they do not make any assumptions on the intra-subspace dependency. In this paper, we address the ISA problem in the specific context of Separation of Synchronous Sources (SSS), i.e., we aim to solve the ISA problem when the intra-subspace dependency is known to be perfect phase synchrony between all sources in that subspace. We compare multiple algorithmic solutions for this problem, by analyzing their performance on an MEG-like dataset.
Closed-loop control algorithm for some class of nonholonomic systems using polar representation
Authors: Pazderski D. , Szulczyński P. , Kozłowski K.
Published: March 2014

This paper is focused on the convergence problem defined for some class of a two input affine nonholonomic driftless system with three-dimensional state. The problem is solved based on a polar transformation which is singular at the origin. The convergence is ensured using static-state feedback. The necessary conditions for construction of the algorithm are formally discussed. The solution, in general, is local, and the feasible domain is strictly related to the properties of the control system. In order to improve algorithm robustness a simple hybrid algorithm is formulated. The general theory is illustrated by two particular systems and the results of numerical simulations are provided.
Control of a unicycle-like robot with trailers using transverse function approach
Authors: Pazderski D. , Kozłowski K. , Waśkowicz D.K.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents the application of a smooth kinematic algorithm to control multi-body vehicle which consists of the unicyclelike tractor with three trailers. The controller takes advantage of the transverse functions and properties of the IV-order two input chained system. The derivation of the algorithm is presented in details. In order to improve the performance of the controller in the real application a selected tuning techniques are discussed. The properties of the closed-loop control system are examined based on results of numerical simulations concerning the point stabilization and trajectory tracking tasks.
Analysis of actual accuracy in cardiac output measurements by means of thermodilution
Authors: Gawlikowski M. , Pustelny T.
Published: March 2014

The essential examination in hemodynamic monitoring of the patient is the cardiac output (CO) measurement. Nowadays, in clinical practice the most popular method is indicator dilution, particularly thermodilution. It is realized by applying the Swan-Ganz catheter and observing changes of the indicator concentration. This method is sensitive to many factors and the obtained results should be treated cautiously. The paper presents theoretical and experimental studies of metrological phenomena in CO measurements by means of thermodilution, paying special attention to medical aspects of the measurements. It has been pointed out that the actual unreliability of the mentioned method reaches values from 20% to 45%, which is in opposition to the technical data of patient’s monitors (typical accuracy about 5%).
Positive stable realizations of discrete-time linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: March 2014

The problem of existence and determination of the set of positive asymptotically stable realizations of a proper transfer function of linear discrete-time systems is formulated and solved. Necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of the set of the realizations are established. A procedure for computation of the set of realizations are proposed and illustrated by numerical examples.
Multi-loop control system design
Authors: Alekseev A.S. , Zamyatin S.V. , Rudnicki V.A.
Published: March 2014

The approach based on a special case of the Laplace transform, which allows to design multi-loop system is considered. The tuning regulators program on the base of this approach is developed. The numerical example is shown.
Active optical fibres for application in laser and broadband ASE sources
Authors: Dorosz D. , Dorosz J. , Zając A. , Żmojda J. , Kochanowicz M.
Published: March 2014

The article brings into focus the present state of technology employing active fibres doped with rare earth (RE) ions for applications requiring power supply of several dozen watts and broadband ASE sources. Current trends in development of glasses and in construction of active fibres used in fibre sources of radiation within VIS-NIR range are presented. Technological constraints in the doping of fibre core glasses are discussed, with particular consideration of optimal RE concentration for technical applications. Characteristics of glasses are offered, and the glasses are used for manufacturing optical fibres with luminescence within the visible as well as near- and mid-infrared ranges. Also, requirements and luminescence properties concerning glasses co-doped with e.g. Nd3+/Yb3+,Tm3+/Ho3+ and Yb3+/Tb3+ are discussed. Results of research on the impact of technological parameters of glass matrices on luminescence properties of core glasses and optical fibres are quoted. For the doped glasses of which luminescence in a wide spectral range is desired, conditions for their processing into optical fibre systems are mentioned. Additionally, the impact of phonon energy in the glass on producing emission in a specified spectral range is analyzed. Furthermore, the article presents directions of technological studies to solve problems persisting in the phase of glass matrix design, as well as in determining the influence of fibre drawing process on the luminescence properties of core glasses and optical fibres, confirming the differences in luminescence stemming from the drawing process. Finally, some original designs of core glasses and active multicore fibre systems devised for construction of fibre radiation sources are presented.
Lasers in the dual use technologies
Authors: Mierczyk Z.
Published: March 2014

In the more developed countries the use of modern technologies in the national economy is a general process allowing joint funding of a security research and development by both sources, state and private. The last one is especially involved in applications of modern technologies. One of the examples of important modern technologies being under development in many countries are dual-use technologies, which include IT technologies, sensors, effective energy sources, material science, nanotechnology, micro- and nano-electronics, photonics, biotechnology and quantum medicine. In this paper chosen technologies fulfilling the needs of the military technique and security monitoring systems, which have found their applications in the different branches of industry like power engineering, transportation, construction industry, metrology, protection of environment and the medicine, are discussed. The examples include the devices and lasers systems for different threats monitoring, which have been developed at the Military University of Technology. The research studies carried out on the analysis of various materials based on their spectroscopic characteristics: absorption, emission, dispersion, polarization and fluorescence in different mediums have led to the development of laser telemetry devices, environment monitoring devices and spatial imagery, as well as devices for medical diagnostics and therapy. Mentioned systems are composed of functional modules, which were developed to meet the real needs. These systems can be expanded further by addition of extra detectors of chemical materials and physical properties, and improving measuring functions and data transmission and processing.
Fiber-based laser frequency combs
Authors: Soboń G. , Abramski K.M.
Published: March 2014

For the last decade a very attractive field of laser physics, namely the optical frequency comb technique, has been intensively developed. Fiber lasers play particular role in that area. The motivation of their development is obtaining broadband comb systems with well-defined and stable mods (comb teeth). This paper presents a basic overview devoted to the fiber-based optical frequency combs.
A reconfigurable structure electronic commutator for a dual BLDC motor EV drive
Authors: Biskup T. , Bodora A. , Domoracki A.
Published: March 2014

An electronic commutator that can drive a PM BLDC motor either in the full bridge or half bridge configuration has been developed. This commutator allows increasing the motor speed over the nominal value, hence the motor is able to operate within a wide constant power speed range. An application of the commutator with a reconfigurable structure for the double drive of a small electric vehicle Elipsa has been presented. The driveline consists of two independent commutators feeding the motors coupled by gears with rear wheels of the vehicle. Both commutators are controlled by a common control system based on a signal microcontroller. The results of road tests indicate new areas of BLCD motor drives application. The fact that the BLCD motor work in the second speed range does not require any changes in the motor construction and at the same time does not significantly deteriorate the drive efficiency is an indisputable advantage of the presented solution
Numerical simulations of acoustic waves with the graphic acceleration GAMER code
Authors: Murawski K. , Murawski K. , Schive H.-Y.
Published: March 2014

We present results of numerical simulations of acoustic waves with the use of the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) acceleration GAMER code which implements a second-order Godunov-type numerical scheme and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The AMR implementation is based on constructing a hierarchy of grid patches with an octree data structure. In this code a hybrid model is adopted, in which the time-consuming solvers are dealt with GPUs and the complex AMR data structure is manipulated by Central Processing Units (CPUs). The code is highly parallelized with the Hilbert space-filling curve method. These implementations allow us to resolve well desperate spatial scales that are associated with acoustic waves. We show that a localized velocity (gas pressure) pulse that is initially launched within a uniform and still medium triggers acoustic waves simultaneously with a vortex (an entropy mode). In a flowing medium, acoustic waves experience amplitude growth or decay, a scenario which depends on a location of the flow and relative direction of wave propagation. The amplitude growth results from instabilities which are associated with negative energy waves.
Simple analytic conditions for stability of fractional discrete-time linear systems with diagonal state matrix
Authors: Busłowicz M.
Published: March 2014

In the paper the problems of practical stability and asymptotic stability of fractional discrete-time linear systems with a diagonal state matrix are addressed. Standard and positive systems are considered. Simple necessary and sufficient analytic conditions for practical stability and for asymptotic stability are established. The considerations are illustrated by numerical examples.
Influence of the stator winding resistance on the field-weakening operation of the DRFOC induction motor drive
Authors: Nguyen-Thac K. , Orlowska-Kowalska T. , Tarchala G.
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an analysis of the influence of the stator winding resistance on the field-weakening operation of the induction motor drive based on the Direct Rotor Flux Oriented Control (DRFOC) is presented. Two scenarions of the optimal field-weakening algorithm (with and without stator winding resistance taken into account) have been compared and verified through simulation and experiment, under different operation conditions of the DRFOC drive system with 3 [kW] induction motor.
Positive realizations with reduced numbers of delays for 2D continuous-discrete linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek T.
Published: March 2014

A new method is proposed for determination of positive realizations with reduced numbers of delays of linear 2D continuousdiscrete systems. Sufficient conditions for the existence of the positive realizations of a given proper transfer function are established. It is shown that there exists a positive realization with reduced numbers of delays if there exists a positive realization without delays but with a greater dimension. The proposed method is demonstrated on a numerical example.
Ultrasonic-vibration assisted arc-welding of aluminum alloys
Authors: Krajewski A. , Włosiński W. , Chmielewski T. , Kołodziejczak P.
Published: March 2014

The structure and hardness of the surface-welds and fusion-welds made on a 2017A aluminum alloy waveguide using the MIG and TIG methods with and without the participation of ultrasonic vibrations were examined. Cross-sections of the fusions and surface-welds thus obtained were observed in a microscope and the hardness distributions were determined. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the melted metal pool by a vibrating substrate which in our experiments was a waveguide. The interactions of the ultrasonic vibrations with the molten metal during its solidification and also with the heat-affected zone were examined at various phases of the vibration wave. The ultrasonic vibrations affected the structure of a weld. These changes are strongly depended on the wave phase.
Element Analysis of Small and even Smaller Objects by ICPMS and LA-ICPMS
Authors: Borovinskaya Olga , Burger Marcel , Flamigni Luca , Gschwind Sabrina , Tabersky Daniel , Wang Hao A. O. , Hattendorf Bodo , Koch Joachim , Günther Detlef
Published: March 2014

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is increasingly used for non-traditional applications such as the analysis of solids at high spatial resolution when combined with laser ablation or the analysis of engineered nanoparticles. This report highlights recent projects and discusses
the potentials and limitations these techniques offer. High-resolution laser ablation instrumentation allows element imaging at the ?m-scale and can, therefore, be applied to, e.g., the mapping of metal isotope-labeled antibodies in biological tissues. Despite these advancements,
the quantitative analysis of laser-produced aerosols is still a major concern. Here, the accuracy of analysis was found to strongly depend on particle size distribution but also on the morphology and composition of particles. In order to achieve a controlled supply of nanoparticles for analysis
by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, a dedicated microdroplet injection system was developed and characterized. This system allows a reproducible injection of single nanoparticles together with internal standards to determine their mass and composition.
Spontaneous improvement in urological dysfunction in children with congenital spinal lipomas of the conus medullaris
Authors: Badhiwala Jetan H. , Thompson Eric M. , Lorenzo Armando J. , Kulkarni Abhaya V.
Published: March 2014

Congenital spinal lipomas of the conus (SLCs) are among the most common closed neural tube defects. The treatment of SLC is an area of controversy because the true natural history of this condition is unknown. Here, the authors present two cases of SLC presenting in infancy with compromised lower urinary tract function, which was objectively confirmed by abnormal urodynamic studies. In both cases, there was spontaneous improvement in urodynamic parameters, with stable normal urinary function at the long-term follow-up. Although cases of spontaneous radiological regression of SLC have very infrequently been reported, they have not been associated with the reversal of already present neurological deficits. This report reinforces the need for further delineation of the true natural history of SLC and highlights the dynamic nature of associated neurological compromise over time.
Indirect decompression for a prior severe C1–2 dislocation causing progressive quadriparesis
Authors: Kim Kyeong Hwan , Lee Dong Bong , Kim Ho-Joong , Riew K. Daniel , Kim Boo Seop , Chang Bong-Soon , Lee Choon-Ki , Yeom Jin S.
Published: March 2014

Combined anterior and posterior surgery is frequently chosen for the treatment of prior, severe C1–2 dislocations that occurred during early childhood because of the difficulty in achieving reduction and satisfactory decompression. The authors treated a prior, severe C1–2 dislocation that was causing progressive quadriparesis. The patient was a 14-year-old boy who had suffered a C1–2 fracture-dislocation at 3 years of age and had been treated with a Minerva body jacket cast. The treatment involved posterior C1–2 segmental screw fixation, without direct bone decompression or additional surgery. Satisfactory neural decompression was achieved with the techniques used, and complete bone union was confirmed. The patient showed satisfactory neurological recovery at the 5-year follow-up assessment.
Biologism in Psychiatry: A Young Man’s Experience of Being Diagnosed with “Pediatric Bipolar Disorder”
Authors: Parry Peter
Published: March 2014

Pediatric bipolar disorder is a diagnosis that arose in the mid 1990s in the USA and has mostly remained confined to that nation. In this article a young American man (under a pseudonym) describes his experience of having the diagnosis throughout his adolescent years. His story was conveyed via correspondence and a meeting with the author, an Australian child psychiatrist. The young American’s story reveals several issues that afflict contemporary psychiatry, particularly in the USA, where social and economic factors have contributed to the rise of a dominant biomedical paradigm—or “biologism”. This focus on the “bio” to the relative exclusion of the “psychosocial” in both diagnosis and treatment can have serious consequences as this young man’s story attests. The author explores aspects of his tale to analyze how the pediatric bipolar disorder “epidemic” arose and became emblematic of a dominant biologism. This narrative points to the need, depending on the service and country, to return to or retain/improve a balanced biopsychosocial perspective in child and adolescent mental health. Child psychiatry needs to advocate for health systems that support deeper listening to our patients. Then we can explore with them the full range of contextual factors that contribute to symptoms of individual and family distress.
The Demographics of Deception: What Motivates Authors Who Engage in Misconduct?
Authors: Steen R.
Published: March 2014

We hypothesized that scientific misconduct (data fabrication or falsification) is goal-directed behavior. This hypothesis predicts that papers retracted for misconduct: are targeted to journals with a high impact factor (IF); are written by authors with additional papers withdrawn for misconduct; diffuse responsibility across many (perhaps innocent) co-authors; and are retracted slower than papers retracted for other infractions. These hypotheses were initially tested and confirmed in a database of 788 papers; here we reevaluate these hypotheses in a larger database of 2,047 English-language papers. Journal IF was higher for papers retracted for misconduct (p < 0.0001). Roughly 57% of papers retracted for misconduct were written by a first author with other retracted papers; 21% of erroneous papers were written by authors with >1 retraction (p < 0.0001). Papers flawed by misconduct diffuse responsibility across more authors (p < 0.0001) and are withdrawn more slowly (p < 0.0001) than papers retracted for other reasons. Papers retracted for unknown reasons are unlike papers retracted for misconduct: they are generally published in journals with low IF; by authors with no other retractions; have fewer authors listed; and are retracted quickly. Papers retracted for unknown reasons appear not to represent a deliberate effort to deceive.
REAL ESTATE CADASTRAL DATA COLLECTION PROBLEMS, IMAGING AND WORKS INTENSITY IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Gaudėšius Rimvydas
Published: March 2014

Immovable properties mainly include land and objects related to it and that are not possible to be moved from one place to another without changing their purpose and decreasing their value. Legal ownership to this property has always been and will always be important for an individual. Registration of the real estate (thereinafter – RE) and information about drawn up ownership is the foundation for creation of any other systems. Geographic information system (thereinafter – GIS) being used wider in all over the world, data bases containing information about registered property are being created. RE registration systems are related to economically and politically advanced societies and whereas states are differently advanced on a social environmental level, this process is also unevenly developed in different countries; the importance, accuracy and presentation of registered data to concerned society are valued differently, too.

The scientific article analyses real estate cadastral data bases existent in Lithuania that are created by different institutions, prevalent features of data evaluation and related problems. Characteristics of cadastral data collection in other states are also reviewed. Posed the problem of inaccuracy of cadastral data collected, who influences a dispute and frauds. Moreover, the article draws attention to the necessity to improve the process of works performed in Lithuania in order to simplify data determination and increase its accuracy. The article also shows the intensity of the work performed in the administrative areas and after calculations are made, further course of works will be forecasted.
ARCHITECTURE COMPETITIONS – A SPACE FOR POLITICAL CONTENTION. SOCIALIST ROMANIA, 1950–1956
Authors: Popovici Ioana Cristina
Published: March 2014

This is an account of the relationship between architecture and power in Romania during the Stalinist period. A cursory glance at Arhitectura – the only specialist magazine to resume publication after the change in regime – suggests compliance with political direction, and professional interest in translating the theoretical method of Socialist Realism into a specific, culturally localized architectural language. Architecture competitions are a medium of intersection between theory and practice, power and the profession, ideology and economy – a space where political contention based on professional knowledge becomes possible even in totalitarian regimes. Between 1950 and 1956, Arhitectura published several competitions which, far from reinforcing Socialist Realism as the dominant architectural discourse, exposed the method’s internal contradictions and utopianism. In the ensuing confusion, there emerged a creative, practice-based counter-discourse centered on previously hegemonic dialects (the ‘national’). Based in equal amounts on the pre-established dynamics of professional culture, and on the willingness and ability of the architecture field to speculate the rules of the political game, this counter-discourse gradually led to the dismantling of Socialist Realism into alternative readings of Socialist architecture.
GEOPOLITICS OF TABULA RASA: PERSIAN GARDEN AND THE IDEA OF CITY
Authors: Khosravi Hamed
Published: March 2014

Historically Persian Garden symbolizes a well-ordered landscape, which is mostly associated with the leisure and enjoyment of the kings. However here it is read as inevitable form of built environment within the Iranian plateau. Garden (bāgh) not only creates a minimum condition for a life, but it is the spatial device through which the power of the sovereign dominates the territory. In the harsh landscape of Iran gardens were micro-cosmos; camps that protected life and let it flourish within the tabula rasa. In such a condition any distinction between various forms of life ceases to exist and life becomes the ‘ideal life’, kings represent God and city becomes paradise.
In-vitro effects of PDE5 inhibitor and statin treatment on the contractile responses of experimental MetS rabbit's cavernous smooth muscle
Authors: Erden Yasin , Korgalı Esat , Dundar Gokce , Ayan Semih , Gokce Gökhan , Yildirim Sahin , Gultekin Emin Yener
Published: March 2014

Objective: Hypercholesterolaemia promotes erectile dysfunction through increased superoxide formation and decreased nitric oxide bioactivity in cavernosal tissue. The role of nitric oxide on erectile function is well known. Statins have lipid lowering properties and can modulate endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability. Sildenafil, enhances smooth muscle relaxation in corpus cavernosum. We invastigated in-vitro effects of sildenafil and rosuvastatin on nonadrenergic, non-cholinergic and nitric oxide mediated cavernosal smooth musle relaxation in metabolic syndrome rabbits, since alterations in this pathway are recognised in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic erectile dysfunction. Methods: Ten male rabbits were fed a standart diet as control group, fourty male rabbits were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet for 12 weeks. Hypercholesterolemic group were divided for without treatment, rosuvastatin treatment, sildenafil teratment, and rosuvastatin + sildenafil treatment (N = 10 per groups). Results: Serum levels of cholesterol and glucose were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). After theraphy no differences were found among the groups in relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside. The relaxation responses to carbachol and EFS were significantly reduced in metabolic syndrome group to control group (p < 0.05), but there were no differences between the other groups and control group. There was a significantly lower in-vitro relaxation response in the metabolic syndrome rabbits than in controls and the others (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both agents improve in-vitro relaxation responses of erectile tissue from metabolic syndrome rabbits to endothelial non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic and nitric oxide. This finding supports to the results of other clinical studies with these drugs.
Use of inflatable penile prostheses AMS CX with momentary squeeze in a patient with Peyronie’s disease after removal of two previously implanted penile prostheses
Authors: Vicini Patrizio , De Marco Ferdinando , Antonini Gabriele , De Berardinis Ettore , Giovannone Riccardo , Pecoraro Stefano , Azzarri Luigi , Gentile Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

Objective: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic wound-healing condition of the tunica albuginea that results in penile deformity, curvature, hinging, narrowing and shortening, penile pain, and in some cases, erectile dysfunction (ED). Surgery remains the gold standard treatment option, ensuring the faster and trustworthy treatment. For those patients who have erectile dysfunction and PD, penile prosthesis placement with straightening procedure is the best method to solve both diseases. The aim of this article is to present the use of hydraulic penile prostheses AMS CX with Momentary Squeeze associated with a complete isolation of the neurovascular bundle in a complex case after removal of two previously implanted prostheses in a man suffering from Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction. Material and method: A 50 year-old patient underwent two previous prosthetic implants in another hospital. The first implantation was performed using an infrapubic approach followed by placement of a three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis. After six months the prosthesis was removed using an infra-pubic approach and two soft prosthesis Virilis II were implanted during the same surgery. One year after the second operation we implanted a hydraulic penile prosthesis AMS CX with Mo - mentary Squeeze after complete isolation of the neurovascular bundle, fixing the two crural tips at the same level of albuginea of the two corpora cavernosa. Result: Twelve months after surgery the penis was completely straight without penile shortening and the patient was fully satisfied with his sexual life. Conclusion: The procedure enabled a perfect alignment of the cylinders along the longitudinal axis and penile prosthetic symmetry to obtain a good penile rigidity and a perfect penile straightening.
The impact of non-urologic drugs on sexual function in men
Authors: Fusco Ferdinando , Franco Marco , Longo Nicola , Palmieri Alessandro , Mirone Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

Sexual dysfunctions have commonly been reported as the resulting side effects of many drugs. To understand the impact of a single drug, the mechanism of action of the most commonly prescribed drugs and the physiological mechanisms of sexual function have to be taken into dual consideration. Psychotropic drugs (Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Antiepileptic) in particular result in both short and long-term effects on sexual function. Antihypertensive drugs have also produced evidence certifying their role in determining sexual dysfunction. Patients affected with sexual dysfunction are often aged and assume several drugs and, while Iatrogenic sexual dysfunction is prevalent in men, urological drugs are not the only drugs to be held accountable. Many different drugs acting on different sites and with several mechanisms of action can induce sexual dysfunction. The drug classes involved are widely diffused and frequently assumed in combination therapies.
Functional morphology of the brain of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse, 1840)
Authors: Ibe Chikera S. , Onyeanusi Barth I. , Hambolu Joseph O.
Published: March 2014

A gross morphological study of the brain of the African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse, 1840) was undertaken in order to document its normal features and assess the structure-function paradigm. The study was conducted by direct observation of 29 adult African giant pouched rats’ brains. In the telencephalon, the cerebral cortex was devoid of prominent gyri and sulci, but the large olfactory bulb and tract relaying impulses to the olfactory cortex were very prominent. The large size of the olfactory bulb correlated with the established sharp olfactory acuity of the rodent. In the mesencephalic tectum, the caudal colliculi were bigger than the rostral colliculi, indicating a more acute sense of hearing than sight. In the metencephalon, the cerebellar vermis, the flocculus and the paraflocculus were highly coiled and, thus, well developed. The myelencephalon revealed a better organised ventral surface than dorsal surface; the cuneate fascicle, the intermediate sulcus and the lateral sulcus were not evident on the dorsal surface, but there were clearly visible pyramids and olivary prominence on the ventral surface. In conclusion, the highly coiled cerebellar vermis, flocculus and paraflocculus, as well as the conspicuous pyramids and olivary prominence are indicative of a good motor coordination and balance in the African giant pouched rat.
Interpretations of the Chinese Boxer Rebellion in the Slovenian Press at the Beginning of the 20th Century
Authors: LIPUŠČEK Uroš
Published: March 2014

This essay deals with the Slovene reaction to the military intervention of eight coalition forces in China during the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. To Slovenes, China was then seen as a faraway land that had been visited by some Slovene missionaries, noblemen and travellers throughout the past centuries. Nevertheless, much interest was expressed by the Slovene public and press in the events surrounding the Boxer Rebellion. Despite the fact that the Austro-Hungarian military was part of the international coalition that intervened in Chinese internal affairs, the leading Slovene newspapers of the period supported the right of the Chinese people to defend their country against the big powers of the time, who tried to dismember China and enforce the regime of capitulation.
Miyazawa Kenji: Interpretation of his Literature in Present Japan
Authors: MORITOKI ŠKOF Nagisa
Published: March 2014

This paper seeks an answer to the question of why Kenji Miyazawa is attracting people’s attention now more than ever, with particular focus on Miyazawa’s view on Buddhism and nature, as expressed in his literature, by considering its value in contemporary Japan. This paper takes three features as examples: “the true happiness”, changing phenomena, and interaction between human beings and nature; and it concludes that Miyazawa’s messages support people in present-day Japan and assure them that they are on the right path in the long flow of the universe’s historical timeline.
Age, gender, and earlier opioid requirement associations with the rate of dose escalation in long-term opioid therapy
Authors: Han, MD, PhD Huijun , Kass, DVM, PhD Philip H. , Wilsey, MD Barth L. , Li, PhD Chin-Shang
Published: March 2014

Objectives: To examine the association of risk factors, age, gender, and earlier opioid requirement with the rate of dose escalation in long-term opioid therapy.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 1,922 individuals identified from California’s prescription drug monitoring program database who continuously used opioids from 1999 to 2007. A linear mixed-effects model was used to examine the association of age, gender, and baseline dose requirement with the rate of subsequent opioid dose change. Because of different reporting requirements before and after January 1, 2005, the analyses were conducted separately for patients’ opioid use in two periods (6 years between 1999 and 2004 and 3 years between 2005 and 2007).Results: Both the 6-year and the 3-year data showed a significant age association, with younger patients having a higher rate of dose escalation than older patients (p = 0.021 and <0.0001, respectively). Females had a lower rate of dose escalation than males, although the result did not achieve statistical significance in the 6-year data (p = 0.165 and 0.013, respectively). The higher the dose requirement a patient had at baseline, the lower the rate of dose escalation (p < 0.0001 in both periods).Conclusions: Age, gender, and earlier dose requirement were associated with the rate of dose change in 9-year long-term opioid therapy. Patients aged 75-100 years, being female or having large dose requirement at an earlier stage of therapy may experience a slower dose escalation or even dose decline.Keywords: opioids, substance abuse, epidemiology, drug tolerance
On the early history of the Finnish Meteorological Institute
Authors: Nevanlinna H.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. This article is a review of the foundation (in 1838) and later developments of the Helsinki (Finland) magnetic and meteorological observatory, today the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI). The main focus of the study is in the early history of the FMI up to the beginning of the 20th century. The first director of the observatory was Physics Professor Johan Jakob Nervander (1805–1848). He was a famous person of the Finnish scientific, academic and cultural community in the early decades of the 19th century. Finland was an autonomously part of the Russian Empire from 1809 to 1917, but the observatory remained organizationally under the University of Helsinki, independent of Russian scientific institutions, and funded by the Finnish Government. Throughout the late-19th century the Meteorological Institute was responsible of nationwide meteorological, hydrological and marine observations and research. The observatory was transferred to the Finnish Society of Sciences and Letters under the name the Central Meteorological Institute in 1881. The focus of the work carried out in the Institute was changed gradually towards meteorology. Magnetic measurements were still continued but in a lower level of importance. The culmination of Finnish geophysical achievements in the 19th century was the participation to the International Polar Year programme in 1882–1883 by setting up a full-scale meteorological and magnetic observatory in Sodankylä, Lapland.
Did Adria rotate relative to Africa?
Authors: van Hinsbergen D. J. J. , Mensink M. , Langereis C. G. , Maffione M. , Spalluto L. , Tropeano M. , Sabato L.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. The first and foremost boundary condition for kinematic reconstructions of the Mediterranean region is the relative motion between Africa and Eurasia, constrained through reconstructions of the Atlantic Ocean. The Adria continental block is in a downgoing plate position relative to the strongly curved Central Mediterranean subduction-related orogens, and forms the foreland of the Apennines, Alps, Dinarides, and Albanides-Hellenides. It is connected to the African plate through the Ionian Basin, likely with lower Mesozoic oceanic lithosphere. If the relative motion of Adria vs. Africa is known, its position relative to Eurasia can be constrained through the plate circuit, and hard boundary conditions for the reconstruction of the complex kinematic history of the Mediterranean are obtained. Kinematic reconstructions for the Neogene motion of Adria vs. Africa interpreted from the Alps, and from Ionian Basin and its surroundings, however, lead to scenarios involving vertical axis rotation predictions ranging from ∼0 to 20° counterclockwise. Here, we provide six new paleomagnetic poles from Adria, derived from the Lower Cretaceous to Upper Miocene carbonatic units of the Apulian peninsula (southern Italy). These, in combination with published poles from the Po Plain (Italy), the Istria peninsula (Croatia), and the Gargano promontory (Italy), document a post-Eocene 9.5 ± 8.7° counterclockwise vertical axis rotation of Adria. This result provides no support for models invoking significant Africa–Adria rotation differences between the Early Cretaceous and Eocene. The Alpine and Ionian Basin end-member kinematic models are both permitted within the documented rotation range, yet are mutually exclusive. This apparent enigma can be solved only if one or more of the following conditions (requiring future research) are satisfied: (i) Neogene shortening in the western Alps has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 150 km); (ii) Neogene extension in the Ionian Basin has been significantly underestimated (by as much as 420 km); and/or (iii) a major sinistral strike-slip zone has decoupled North and South Adria in Neogene time. Here we present five alternative reconstructions of Adria at 20 Ma that highlight the enigma: they fit the inferred rotation pattern from this study or previously proposed kinematic reconstructions from the surrounding.