bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Projection Throw Distance of a Pedestrian upon the Collision with a Vehicle
Authors: Oţăt Oana Victoria , Oţăt Victor
Published: January 2016

Recent statistics on the main causes of road traffic accidents and subsequently the main causes of victims’ injuries which may ultimately lead to fatalities, indicate that within urban areas the first place is occupied by prohibited road-crossing, accounting for over 20% of the causes for road traffic accidents. Hence, one of the major direct consequences arising is the severe injury of the pedestrians-up to their fatalities-due to prohibited road crossing through unauthorized places. Thus, the present paper underpins a research study on the vehicle-pedestrian collision, based on a statistical analysis of the pedestrian model, most frequently involved in road traffic accidents. The statistical analysis will be then reinforced by a theoretical study regarding this type of collision. In order to validate the mathematical model, applied to determine the projection throw distance of a pedestrian, we have also proposed a virtual simulation of the vehicle - pedestrian collision, described within the last section of the present research paper.
Optimal Analysis of a Route of the Public Transport System
in Targu Jiu City
Authors: Constantinescu Augustin , Popa Mitroi Gheorghe , Trotea Mario
Published: January 2016

In this paper it is presented a way of optimizing a public passenger transport route from Targu Jiu city. It was analyzed the current conditions of public passenger transport, measurements were carried out on the route and questionings of passengers used to establish input data for optimization. The most important result of this optimization is to establish an optimal distance between stations on the analyzed route away to ensure a minimum time of the passengers traveling at acceptable commercial speed and driving conditions imposed by Tg. Jiu city specific.
Studies Regarding Semaphoring Effectiveness in Oversaturated Intersections
Authors: Oprica Theodor , Ilie Dumitru , Vînătoru Matei
Published: January 2016

Need for transport accelerated growth recorded in the past years results in worsening road congestion phenomenon, with negative effects in all domains of life. Thus, some road junctions’ capacity is exceeded during peak hours and traffic lights are not effective any more. In these situations, modifications to infrastructure or/and changes in the local policy plan are required. However, these cannot be performed immediately and remain rather a solution that will operate later. The authors attempt to find out a satisfying semaphoring scheme for these time slices, outlining the effects.
Study about the Vehicle Orientation on the Trajectory during Transient Movements
Authors: Bolcu Dumitru , Stănescu Marius Marinel , Miriţoiu Cosmin Mihai , Burada Cristian Oliviu
Published: January 2016

In this paper, it is deduced the ordinary differential equation that results in angle variation between the vehicle mass centre rate and the vehicle fore-aft axis. There are presented the wheels turning angles variations dependent on the angle that gives the vehicle orientation on trajectory. There are studied the following cases: the transfer from linear to circular motion, the transfer from circular to linear motion and the movement amidst poles. For each of these motions, there are presented the vehicle orientation angle variations on trajectory for three distinct rates. It is also presented the travelling rate influence on how the vehicle is situated on trajectory.
The Theory of Sonics and its Applications in the Automotive Engineering - Part I: Systematization of the Theory of Sonics
Authors: Radulescu Mircea
Published: January 2016

The paper presents a short systematization of the Theory of Sonics in a synthetic manner. Beginning with the definitions of sonic resistances, one can obtain practical computing formulas for various types of simple resistances and impedances or some of their connections. The resulting data is shown in tables which contain practical calculation formulae, useful in teaching activities and scientific researches.
The Modal Analysis for the Helicoidally Spring of the Macpherson Automotive Suspension
Authors: Bogdan Mihaela Liana , Geonea Ionut , Simniceanu Loreta , Otat Victor , Popa Dragos Laurentiu
Published: January 2016

The paper presents a modal analysis for the helicoidally spring from the compound of the Macpherson automotive suspension. In the first part, it is described the device used for the experimental study and then, the measurement equipment used, too. First of all, it is represented the kinematical scheme and 3D representation for the device mechanism included the helicoidally spring necessary to the dynamic analysis. After this, are made some measurements of different parameters of the helicoidally spring obtaining the experimental values which are compared finally with the simulation results.
IL-4 Inhibits the Biogenesis of an Epigenetically Suppressive PIWI-Interacting RNA To Upregulate CD1a Molecules on Monocytes/Dendritic Cells
Authors: Zhang Xue , He Xin , Liu Chao , Liu Jun , Hu Qifei , Pan Ting , Duan Xiaobing , Liu Bingfeng , Zhang Yiwen , Chen Jingliang , Ma Xingru , Zhang Xu , Luo Haihua , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2016

The discovery of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) revealed the complexity of the RNA world. Although piRNAs were first deemed to be germline specific, substantial evidence shows their various roles in somatic cells; however, their function in highly differentiated immune cells remains elusive. In this study, by initially screening with a small RNA deep-sequencing analysis, we found that a piRNA, tRNA-Glu–derived piRNA [td-piR(Glu)], was expressed much more abundantly in human monocytes than in dendritic cells. By regulating the polymerase III activity, IL-4 potently decreased the biogenesis of tRNA-Glu and, subsequently, td-piR(Glu). Further, we revealed that the td-piR(Glu)/PIWIL4 complex recruited SETDB1, SUV39H1, and heterochromatin protein 1β to the CD1A promoter region and facilitated H3K9 methylation. As a result, the transcription of CD1A was significantly inhibited. Collectively, we demonstrated that a piRNA acted as the signal molecule for a cytokine to regulate the expression of an important membrane protein for lipid Ag presentation.
Local GM-CSF–Dependent Differentiation and Activation of Pulmonary Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Protect against Progressive Cryptococcal Lung Infection in Mice
Authors: Chen Gwo-Hsiao , Teitz-Tennenbaum Seagal , Neal Lori M. , Murdock Benjamin J. , Malachowski Antoni N. , Dils Anthony J. , Olszewski Michal A. , Osterholzer John J.
Published: January 2016

Patients with acquired deficiency in GM-CSF are susceptible to infections with Cryptococcus neoformans and other opportunistic fungi. We previously showed that GM-CSF protects against progressive fungal disease using a murine model of cryptococcal lung infection. To better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which GM-CSF enhances antifungal host defenses, we investigated temporal and spatial relationships between myeloid and lymphoid immune responses in wild-type C57BL/6 mice capable of producing GM-CSF and GM-CSF–deficient mice infected with a moderately virulent encapsulated strain of C. neoformans (strain 52D). Our data demonstrate that GM-CSF deficiency led to a reduction in: 1) total lung leukocyte recruitment; 2) Th2 and Th17 responses; 3) total numbers of CD11b+ dendritic cells (DC) and CD11b− and CD11b+ macrophages (Mϕ); 4) DC and Mϕ activation; and 5) localization of DC and Mϕ to the microanatomic sites of alveolar infection. In contrast, GM-CSF deficiency resulted in increased accumulation of DC and Mϕ precursors, namely Ly-6Chigh monocytes, in the blood and lungs of infected mice. Collectively, these results show that GM-CSF promotes the local differentiation, accumulation, activation, and alveolar localization of lung DC and Mϕ in mice with cryptococcal lung infection. These findings identify GM-CSF as central to the protective immune response that prevents progressive fungal disease and thus shed new light on the increased susceptibility to these infections observed in patients with acquired GM-CSF deficiency.
The New Zealand Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015 - For Better or Worse?
Authors: Finnie David , Ameer Ali Naseem
Published: January 2016

Adjudication has been statutorily introduced as an alternative dispute resolution method in 14 jurisdictions including New Zealand. Whilst adjudication under the New Zealand Construction Contracts Act 2002 has been hailed a success, further refinements were proposed in the Construction Contracts Amendment Bill first published in 2013. As part of the legislative process, 48 submissions were made to the Commerce Committee. There was general support for most of the amendments, but some parties expressed concerns on some of the changes. A documentary analysis of the Amendment Bills and submissions to the Commerce Committee was made to critically evaluate the changes proposed and establish if they were improvements. The findings show the major changes proposed include (i) removing most of the distinctions between the treatment of residential and commercial contracts under the Act, (ii) extending the scope of the Act to apply to contracts for certain professional services, (iii) removing the distinction between enforcement of payment determinations and of those relating to rights and obligations, and (iv) making the enforcement process more efficient. The findings also show that during a period of over two years from when the Bill was first introduced in January 2013, one other significant improvement for retentions to be held in trust was made. A few proposals to further refine the Bill such as the suggestion to mandate retentions to be kepts in a separate trust account were however not accepted. The Construction Contract Amendment Bill (Bill 97-3) was uninanimously passed during the third and final reading in Parliament on 20 October 2015 with most of the amendments coming into force on 1 December 2015, those incorporating professional services on 1 September 2016, and the retention provisions on 31 March 2017. Royal assent was given on 11 October 2015 leading to the enactment of the Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015.
Construction Procurement: Modelling Bidders’ Learning in Recurrent Bidding
Authors: Oo Bee Lan , Ling Florence Yean Yng , Soo Alexander
Published: January 2016

Construction remains a significant area of public expenditure. An understanding of the process of changes in construction pricing, and how the process can be manipulated through the release of bidding feedback information is vital, in order to best design clients’ procurement policies. This paper aims to statistically model inexperienced individual bidders’ learning in recurrent bidding under partial and full information feedback conditions. Using an experimental dataset, the developed linear mixed model contains three predictor variables, namely: time factor, information feedback conditions, and bidding success rate in the preceding round. The results show nonlinearity and curvature in the bidders’ learning curves. They are generally less competitive in time periods after a winning bid with lower average bids submitted by those subjected to full information feedback condition. In addition, the model has captured the existence of heterogeneity across bidders with individual-specific parameter estimates that demonstrate the uniqueness of individual bidders’ learning curves in recurrent bidding. The findings advocate for adequate bidding feedback information in clients’ procurement design to facilitate learning among contractors, which may in turn lead to increased competitiveness in their bids.
What is to be Done? : Climate Change for Beginners
Authors: Elmualim Abbas
Published: January 2016

Bon, Ranko (2014). What is to be done? : Climate Change for Beginners. Hesperiaedu, Belgrade. 150 pages. ISBN: 978-8679560735
Text as Palimpsest: Gender in the Work of Agota Kristof
Authors: Cutcan Simona
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates the portrayal of gender in the work of Swiss-Hungarian writer Agota Kristof. Texts from her oeuvre that belong to different literary genres and creative periods are analyzed through a framework of materialist feminism, masculinity studies and narratology. Based on an analysis of the incidence of the female voice, two aesthetic strategies can be observed: on the one hand, Kristof’s early texts show a certain interest in women’s subjectivity, on the other, her later writings foreground male characters and their perspective. Overall, women are portrayed as homebound wives and mothers and men are dominant as narrators, writers and protagonists. While this seems to reflect the patriarchal dichotomy, other elements undermine this reading: male characters are weak and marginal, and in a few significant texts, women’s life in the family is represented as a prison from which they wish to escape. In these texts, the female character’s voice reveals the internal conflict between her aspirations and the pressures to conform to prescribed roles, which, in some instances, leads to subversion in the form of violence against her husband. Thus, though on the surface Kristof’s work seems to reinforce or merely reflect patriarchy, the deeper layers of meaning bring into succeeding focus a fundamental interrogation of gender roles.
Contextualizing History in Hungarian Films of the New Millennium
Authors: Orban Clara
Published: January 2016

Hungarian films produced after the year 2000 build on the historical reality of the fall of communism and anticipate, or come to terms with, entry into the European Union.  This article will explore six films that deal with history through multiple perspectives to dramatize the dynamic between historical events and human responses to them.  These films reference history, or efface it, as a way of problematizing the relationship between human behavior and history.  Colossal Sensation [Világszám – Dodó és Naftalin] (2005) and Children of Glory [Szabadság, szerelem] (2006), for example, examine Hungarians’ moments of defiance during the 1956 uprising but shape historical events to fit human constructs.  Contemporary history provides satire of rising capitalism in The District! [Nyócker!] (2005) whose plot weaves historical figures into a modern rendition of Romeo and Juliette.  Miracle in Krakow [Csoda Krakkóban] (2004) also presents a book as its central metaphor, and, like The District!, the book allows some of history’s uglier moments to be erased.  Béla Tarr’s Werkmeister Harmonies [Werkmeister harmóniák] (2000) and Nimród Antal’s Control [Kontroll] (2003), films without overt historical markers, provide allegorical visions of societal unrest that can be read as allusions to millennial concerns.
Towards a Methodology of the Intercultural Teaching of Hungarian Literature to Speakers of Hungarian as a Second/Foreign Language
Authors: Horváth Györgyi
Published: January 2016

Although there are many Hungarian Studies scholars teaching literature to Hungarian language learners around the world, there are practically no resources available about what is happening in these classes, and what linguistic, literary and cultural challenges they pose for students and teachers. In her study, Györgyi Horváth discusses her ten-year teaching experience as a teacher of Hungarian literature to Hungarian language learners within the Hungarian Studies Program, a one-year off-site university program offered to international students, accredited by the University of Pécs, and hosted by the Balassi Institute, Budapest. She discusses the institutional and program framework she worked in, gives a detailed account of the linguistic, literary and especially the cultural competencies that were in play in these courses, and also formulates some general methodological insights about teaching Hungarian literature to language learners. Horváth concludes that teaching literature cross-culturally widens the cultural horizons of students as well as of their teachers, offering them a space for increased cultural awareness and self-reflection.
György Faludy. Silver Pirouettes. Trans. Paul Sohar.
Authors: Hargitai Péter
Published: January 2016

Reviewed by Péter Hargitai
Steven Tötösy de Zepetnek and Louise O. Vasvári, eds. Comparative Hungarian Cultural Studies
Authors: Nagy Dorottya
Published: January 2016

Reviewed by Dorottya Nagy
Sándor Szathmári. Voyage to Kazohinia. Trans. Inez Kemenes
Authors: Oberly William
Published: January 2016

Reviewed by William Oberly
Judit Kováts. Megtagadva [Denied]
Authors: Rosen Ilana
Published: January 2016

Reviewed by Ilana Rosen
Mónika Kozári. A nyugdíjrendszer magyarországon Mária Teréziától a második világháborúig [The Pension System in Hungary from Maria Theresa to World War II]
Authors: Sipos Balázs
Published: January 2016

Reviewed by Balázs Sipos
Identification of appropriate patients for preoperative evaluation: A quality improvement project
Authors: Trentman Terrence , Graber Robert C. , Goss Darin V. , Didehban Roshanak , Hagstrom Susan G. , Fowl Richard J.
Published: January 2016

Objective: Appropriate preoperative evaluation is essential for safe surgical care. Cost containment and “best practice” suggest that preoperative testing should be matched to patient co-morbidities and the magnitude of the planned procedure. The purpose of this project was to reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to our preoperative evaluation clinic (POE), increase clinic capacity for medically complex patients including diabetics, and quantify the reduction in institutional cost associated with the project.Methods: In addition to other educational activities, a simplified algorithm and optional screening tool were created to assist surgeons with determining which patients should go to POE. A sub-group of pilot surgeons were selected to participate and their POE referral performance was tracked and shared with them. Surgeons were encouraged to send all of their diabetic patients through POE. A cost analysis was carried out to quantify changes in institutional average cost per case for preoperative evaluation, before vs. after project launch. The first quarter of 2013 (pre-project launch) was compared to first quarter 2015.Results: Pilot surgeons reduced referrals to POE by 30%, while decreasing the institutional average cost per case of preoperative evaluation by > 50%. Clinic capacity for complex patients increased, although diabetic referrals remained flat during the project. There was no increase in day of surgery cancellations.Conclusions: This project demonstrates that patterns of preoperative evaluation for healthy patients undergoing low-acuity surgery can be changed, bringing about cost savings, without increasing day of surgery cancellations.
Implicit Values behind Young Architects’ Moral Level: A Case Study in Malaysia
Authors: Khan Tareef Hayat , Rana Sohel
Published: January 2016

Moral principles are perpetually of immense significance in human society. Kohlberg has been recognized in the scholar world as the forerunner in identifying moral levels. Though subjective, his six levels of morality set the platform for other researchers to look deeply into it across many parameters. Later on, attempts were also made to measure morality quantitatively. Defining Issues Test (DIT) is one of the most recognized one. Studies went one step deeper with professional ethics being considered as a component of general morality. The challenge was that, while measuring ethics, a universal tool seemed to be unfair to judge different professionals. Moreover, in most cases, code of conducts, instead of morality, was the platform to measure Ethics. Construction-related Moral-judgment Test (CMT) was one of few newly developed tools to measure professional ethics, with ‘construction’ in this case being the profession. This study customized CMT, specific to architects in the context of Malaysia, but adopted Kohlberg’s moral levels as the platform to judge morality, instead of measuring ethical level on the basis of practicing codes of conducts in the profession. Investigating on a sample of 135 young architects around Malaysia selected through stratified random sampling, the study found some implicit interesting factors that emerged. It showed that working experience might be strongly correlated with increasing level of morality, but at young age, it might show a different direction in the curve.
Descriptive Analysis Regarding Use of Wechat among University Students in China
Authors: Zhu Xing Yu , Chhachhar Abdul Razaque
Published: January 2016

The main purpose this study is to explore that how the international students use Wechat in China and what kind of functions and social networking apply on Wechat. Furthermore the study indicated regarding what was most important opinion and information students adopt on Wechat. This research study is descriptive analysis about usage and Wechat as source of communication and contact with family, friends and teacher is highlighted in the paper. Total 200 international students respondents randomly were selected for data collection from Tsinghua University Beijing, China the 65.5% male and 34.5% of the female participated in the study the main findings of the study 94.5% of the respondents use Wechat to contact with friends and main purpose of use Wechat is the result showed 97.5% send message their friends and teachers. However, the 44% of the respondents agree the information that people tag and write on Wechat could be reliable. Furthermore, there many functions are available on Wechat where people can get benefit like call the taxi, transfer money recharge money in mobile phone and games but most of the respondents did not use it properly due to lack of Chinese language bearer among international students. Therefore it is possible that Wechat can introduce some new Apps where international students can get more benefit from it.
Hybridization of Eastern and Western Cultural and Innovation of Product Design
Authors: Wu Qing
Published: January 2016

This paper discusses the differences of origin and characteristics of eastern and western cultures. On the basis of comparing different culture, the significance of cultural exchange and fusion on product innovation design is stated. By taking some examples to illustrate the fusion of different cultures can provide designers with rich design inspiration, and lead designers to get succeeded in design. It is necessary to discuss how to carry forward and inheriting traditional culture of eastern and western in the context of globalization. It seems that the best way to promote the development of product innovation design is with critical thinking to the traditional eastern and western cultural.
Job Attribute Preference of Executives: A Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Yasmin Shakila , Mahmud Khaled , Afrin Farzan
Published: January 2016

This research explores the job attribute preferences of executives in Bangladesh. Unlike most past researches that deployed isolated estimation methods, this research used conjoint analysis, a marketing research tool to measures the relative utilities and trade-off matrices of different job attributes. Data was collected from 140 executive MBA students from a premier business school in Dhaka using a questionnaire presenting an array of hypothetical job offers. Salary & benefit and person-job match are found to be the top two most preferred job attributes. Workenvironment and company- reputation are indicated as the two least important job attributes. Simulation was run to demonstrate the trade-offs people make in their job choice decisions. Case-wise conjoint results show no significant difference among different demographic groups (e.g. married-single, have-don’t have dependents and others) in terms of the order of importance of the job attributes. However, the value of the relative importance was found to be slightly different for different demographic groups.This research is important for academics as it demonstrate a new technique to analyze job attribute preferences. Managers can use the results of this study for designing jobs to attract and retain the best talents of the market. They can use the simulation process demonstrated here for optimizing overall preference of their job offers. 
Out-migration: A Relief Valve for a Local Economy-A Case Study of Hanoi's Female Workers in the Context of Economic Crisis and Recession
Authors: Vu Mai Tuyet Thi
Published: January 2016

Economic crisis and recession has been the context for many research taking through. However, no little research has been done on out-migration of female workers in Vietnam, particularly in Ha Noi. Basing on an empirical research and using mainly the survey results, this paper seeks to understand how the pattern and trend of the out-migration female workers has been changed; what factors determined the out-migration and how the consequences are in the context of the economic crisis and recession. This paper also improves the out-migration act as a “relief valve” for a local economy where jobs and investment opportunities are scarce and the migration out flow from urban to rural is more vulnerable to economic shocks.
The Effects of Servant Leadership on Employee’s Job Withdrawal Intention
Authors: Ng Xin Le , Choi Sang Long , Soehod Khairiah
Published: January 2016

This study employed survey research to investigate the effects of servant leadership on employee job withdrawal intention. Employees are valuable assets to organization. Leaders are important to decrease employee's job withdrawal intention. Servant leadership style is important to build a good relationship with their employees. Respondents consist of employees that work at small medium enterprises in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Using questionnaires to collect data and AMOS to analyze data. The results reveal a negative relationship between servant leadership and employee’s job withdrawal intention. Thus, it provides evidence that servant leadership is able to reduce employee’s job withdrawal intention. This study provides some ideas for leader on how to retain quality workers.
Zaburzenia odpowiedzi immunologicznej w raku płuca—Nowy cel terapii
Authors: Domagała-Kulawik Joanna , Osińska Iwona
Published: January 2016

Rak płuca zajmuje pierwsze miejsce wśród przyczyn zgonów na nowotwory złośliwe. W znaczącej większości przypadków wysoki stopień zaawansowania choroby w chwili rozpoznania uniemożliwia zastosowanie leczenia przyczynowego bądź czyni to leczenie nieskutecznym. Jako nowotwór lity o małej specyfice antygenowej rak płuca wymyka się spod nadzoru immunologicznego i ataku komórek cytotoksycznych. Główną rolę w przeciw nowotworowej obronie układu odporności odgrywają limfocyty cytotoksyczne, których populacja różni się indywidualnie. Rozpoznanie antygenów nowotworowych przez komórki dendrytyczne i aktywację komórek cytotoksycznych hamuje wiele mechanizmów o działaniu supresorowym i regulatorowym. Głównymi komórkami osłabiającymi obronę immunologiczną są limfocyty T regulatorowe (Tregs). Ich funkcja zależy od ekspresji czynnika Foxp3 oraz obecności cząsteczki CTLA-4. Wykazano znaczne zwiększenie populacji Tregs, Foxp3 i CTLA-4 w komórkach raka płuca oraz w puli limfocytów naciekających guz. Inne elementy hamujące odpowiedź immunologiczną i promujące rozwój guza to populacja limfocytów Th17, polaryzacja makrofagów w kierunku M2, obecność mieloidalnych komórek supresorowych (MDSCs), znacznie zwiększone stężenia cytokin TGFβ i IL-10 w mikrośrodowisku guza. Rozpoznanie tych mechanizmów może mieć ważne implikacje terapeutyczne. W fazie badań klinicznych jest kilka rodzajów leków modulujących odpowiedź immunologiczną, których część wykazuje pewną skuteczność. Immunoterapia w raku płuca opiera się na wzmożeniu efektu cytotoksycznego (np. poprzez hamowanie CTLA-4, pobudzenie funkcji komórek dendrytycznych, hamowanie apoptozy limfocytów) lub produkcję szczepionek antynowotworowych z wykorzystaniem znanych antygenów, jak MAGE A3, MUC1, EGF, TGFβ. Immunoterapia w raku płuca ma charakter terapii personalizowanej—przed podjęciem leczenia wskazane jest dokładne rozpoznanie stanu układu odporności pacjenta. Umożliwia to badanie krwi obwodowej, ale bardziej wartościowe wydaje się wykorzystanie w tym celu metody BAL z dokładną oceną mikrośrodowiska guza.
WspółCzesne Metody Wykrywania Mutacji Genu EGFR Jako Czynnika Predykcyjnego Dla Terapii Ukierunkowanej Molekularnie Chorych NA Niedrobnokomórkowego Raka PłUca—Czy Istnieje “ZłOty Standard” Diagnostyczny?
Authors: Skroński Michał , Szpechciński Adam , Chorostowska-Wynimko Joanna
Published: January 2016

Zgodnie z aktualnymi zaleceniami polskimi i międzynarodowymi, wykrywanie mutacji somatycznych genu EGFR powinno być nieodzownym etapem rutynowej diagnostyki chorych na zaawansowaną postać gruczołowego raka płuca, u których rozważana jest terapia inhibitorami kinazy tyrozynowej. Klasyczne metody analizy genetycznej, takie jak sekwencjonowanie metodą Sangera, prezentują jednak ograniczoną efektywność diagnostyczną ze względu na molekularną heterogenność materiałów tkankowych//cytologicznych od chorych na raka płuca. Coraz większe znaczenie w praktyce laboratoryjnej zdobywają natomiast specjalistyczne techniki analizy mutacji o wysokiej czułości detekcji, przede wszystkim oparte na PCR w czasie rzeczywistym. Stały, dynamiczny rozwój technologii stosowanych w biologii molekularnej, zwłaszcza opracowanie metod sekwencjonowania nowej generacji, pozwala oczekiwać stosunkowo szybkiego wdrożenia równoległej analizy wielu biomarkerów predykcyjnych dla nowych terapii ukierunkowanych molekularnie, a także nieinwazyjnej diagnostyki mutacji genu EGFR w pozakomórkowej frakcji DNA izolowanego z krwi obwodowej.
Importance of Education in Bronchial Asthma Treatment—Gender Differences
Authors: Jankowska-Polańska Beata , Pleśniak Justyna , Seń Mariola , Uchmanowicz Izabella , Rosińczuk Joanna
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Despite significant progress in understanding mechanisms and effective treatment there are still therapeutic failures in patients treated for bronchial asthma. Education is vital in the therapeutic process. It improves the control of the disease at the individual level by influencing the adherence and compliance. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 patients suffering from bronchial asthma and treated according to GINA 2002 guidelines in Allergy Clinic. Asthma control test (ACT), analysis of patients’ medical documentation and a self-constructed questionnaire concerning health promotion and education were used in the study. Aim of this work was to assess differences in the influence of education on results of bronchial asthma control between sexes. Results: Average duration of asthma was similar in women and men (13.0 ± 11.16 vs.12.7 ± 9.74 years). Weaker asthma control was found in women (ACT 17.7 vs. 20.4), as well as lower FEV1 values (80−50% of predicted value in 60.3% of women vs. 43.25 of men). In women an analysis of correlation concerning patients’ knowledge and conducted health education with asthma control revealed a statistically significant positive correlation of knowledge acquired from the allergologist with asthma control, information about proceeding in acute attack, whereas negative correlation with asthma control with knowledge passed on by family doctor was found. Among the male respondents positive correlations of knowledge with asthma control within the scope of knowledge from allergologist and information concerning proceeding in asthmatic attack were found, while negative correlation with information coming from family doctor was revealed. Conclusions: Health education in patients with asthma should be conducted by a specialist in allergic diseases and well-prepared healthcare professionals.
Evaluation of the Quality of Life in Subjects with a History of Severe Anaphylactic Reaction to the Hymenoptera Venom
Authors: Nowak Natalia , Bazan-Socha Stanisława , Pulka Grażyna , Pełka Karolina , Latra Paulina
Published: January 2016

Introduction: Sensitization to the Hymenoptera venom is one of the main causes of anaphylaxis in Poland. Venom immunotherapy is the only effective treatment in such cases. Comprehensive patient care includes also education. The aim of our study was to assess the state of knowledge and to evaluate the quality of life and the anxiety level in patients allergic to the Hymenoptera venom after anaphylactic reaction. Materials and Methods: The survey was carried out in the period of the insects flight in 61 adult subjects (35 wasp and 26 bee allergic), using a validated Vespid Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (VQLQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and subjective assessment of anxiety level. The majority of respondents received venom immunotherapy. Results: Sensitized to the wasp venom had significantly impaired quality of life (VQLQ score) as compared to the bee venom allergic (p = 0.014). The intensity of anxiety decreased with the duration of immunotherapy (p = 0.01). The majority of subjects knew how to recognize and treat anaphylaxis, but only 8% employed an identification card and about 50% implemented rules of the pre-exposition prophylaxis. Conclusions: History of a severe anaphylaxis to the Hymenoptera venom affected the quality of life. Venom immunotherapy reduced anxiety. We hope that presented surveys and their results might be useful in qualifying for immunotherapy in clinically uncertain cases.
Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Docetaxel in a Patient Treated for Breast Cancer—A Case Report
Authors: Pankowska-Supryn Monika , Załęska Monika , Roszkowska-Śliż Barbara , Roszkowski-Śliż Kazimierz
Published: January 2016

Docetaxel is a semisynthetic cytostatic drug that belongs to the family of taxoids. Docetaxel inhibits normal interphase and mitotic cellular function, causing cell death. Docetaxel is indicated for the treatment of breast, lung and prostate cancers, head and neck cancer and gastric adenocarcinoma. Interstitial pneumonitis is an uncommon side effect of docetaxel. We report a case of docetaxel induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a patient with breast cancer.
Chronic Pneumonia Due to Klebsiella oxytoca Mimicking Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Gera Kamal , Roshan Rahul , Varma-Basil Mandira , Shah Ashok
Published: January 2016

Klebsiella species infrequently cause acute community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The chronic form of the disease caused by K. pneumoniae (Friedlander’s bacillus) was occasionally seen in the pre-antibiotic era. K. oxytoca is a singularly uncommon cause of CAP. The chronic form of the disease caused by K. oxytoca has been documented only once before. A 50-year-old immunocompetent male smoker presented with haemoptysis for 12 months. Imaging demonstrated a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe with emphysematous changes. Sputum stains and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were negative. However, three sputum samples for aerobic culture as well as bronchial aspirate cultured pure growth of K. oxytoca. A diagnosis of chronic pneumonia due to K. oxytoca was established and with appropriate therapy, the patient was largely asymptomatic. The remarkable clinical and radiological similarity to pulmonary tuberculosis can result in patients with chronic Klebsiella pneumonia erroneously receiving anti-tuberculous therapy.
“Luck’s Always to Blame”: Silent Wounds of a Penetrating Gunshot Trauma Sustained 20 Years Ago
Authors: Tomos Ioannis , Manali Effrosyni , Argentos Stylianos , Raptakis Thomas , Papiris Spyros
Published: January 2016

Gunshot tracheal injuries represent life-threatening events and usually necessitate emergent surgical intervention. We report a case of an exceptional finding of a patient with retained ballistic fragments in the soft tissues of the thorax, proximal to the right subclavian artery and the trachea, carrying silently his wounds for two decades without any medical or surgical intervention. The bullet pellet on the upper part of the trachea seen accidentally in the chest computed tomography, was also found during bronchoscopy. In short “luck’s always to blame”.
Cooperation between Polish and French Pneumonologists
Authors: Zielonka Tadeusz , Cofta Szczepan
Published: January 2016

A conference jointly organised by Polish and French pneumonologists was held for the eighth time [...]
Poster Presentations at the 8th Canadian Conference on Dementia (CCD), Ottawa, October 2015
Authors: Authors Various
Published: January 2016

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PD-L1 and Lung Cancer: The Era of Precision-ish Medicine?
Authors: Borczuk Alain C. , Allen Timothy Craig
Published: January 2016

The success of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in lung cancer, both in squamous and nonsquamous non–small cell carcinoma, has led to US Food and Drug Administration approval for 2 medications that have as part of their prescribing information an associated immunohistochemistry-based companion or complementary diagnostic test for programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The intense interest in drug development in this area has resulted in additional agents with associated diagnostics looming on the horizon in 2016. In the era of precision medicine, the paradigm of paired molecular target and molecular test, which serves as a model of oncogenic mutation-driven cancer therapy, is challenged by the proliferation of immunohistochemistry-based tests with different antibodies, instruments, and scoring. The difficulty inherent to targeted therapy aimed at a moving target is discussed, as well as the emerging challenges to pathologists and oncologists who seek to optimize care in this complex therapeutic arena.
EmergingCo: A Virtual “South-South” Biotech Model
Authors: Gautam Ajay
Published: January 2016

The article proposes a “virtual” biotech model for the emerging markets - termed EmergingCo - and develops a comparative financial model to argue that such a virtual biotech can deliver drug candidates from discovery through proof-of-concept (Phase II) more cost effectively than the traditional drug development paradigm. Data from published studies on drug development costs have been compared with a cost structure model for EmergingCo using a framework where all R&D can be accomplished through a virtual network of partnerships within emerging markets. A couple of case studies from China and India are used to lend support to the cost structure model. Such a model, either as a venture backed company or a virtual unit of big pharma, could provide an alternate vehicle for delivering mid-to late stage clinical candidates, similar to Lilly's Chorus model.
Alignement et extension : des plans pour Bône
Authors: Bensaâd Redjel Nadia , Labii Belkacem
Published: January 2016

Les plans urbains conçus par la colonisation française pour Bône (actuellement Annaba en Algérie) n’ont jamais été traités. Ils représentent non seulement deux temps forts de l’histoire de l’urbanisme de la ville mais ils sont aussi une illustration de l’application de modèles classiques dans la composition urbaine. Dans cet article, nous présentons les éléments qui contribuent à en identifier la conception. L’examen de ces plans (le plan d’alignement de 1855, dressé par l’architecte de la ville, tout aussi bien que le plan d’aménagement, d’embellissement et d’extension de 1932-1933 fait par l’équipe d’urbanistes Danger) en révèle le conformisme aux géométries classiques (tracés, parcellaire, fronts bâtis), alors que leurs concepteurs ont pratiqué des univers différenciés. Aux similitudes des dessins des plans, s’ajoutent des continuités en termes de thèmes et de dispositions contenues dans les deux cas. Mais le plan de Danger qui coïncide aussi avec la structure de la ville revêt une importance plus grande du fait de la réponse qu’il apporte aux questions esthétiques et fonctionnelles mais surtout celle de la circulation face à quoi le plan Gonssolin évoque surtout une préoccupation esthétique.
Molecular basis for allosteric specificity regulation in class Ia ribonucleotide reductase from Escherichia coli
Authors: Zimanyi Christina M , Chen Percival Yang-Ting , Kang Gyunghoon , Funk Michael A , Drennan Catherine L
Published: January 2016

Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) converts ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides, a reaction that is essential for DNA biosynthesis and repair. This enzyme is responsible for reducing all four ribonucleotide substrates, with specificity regulated by the binding of an effector to a distal allosteric site. In all characterized RNRs, the binding of effector dATP alters the active site to select for pyrimidines over purines, whereas effectors dGTP and TTP select for substrates ADP and GDP, respectively. Here, we have determined structures of Escherichia coli class Ia RNR with all four substrate/specificity effector-pairs bound (CDP/dATP, UDP/dATP, ADP/dGTP, GDP/TTP) that reveal the conformational rearrangements responsible for this remarkable allostery. These structures delineate how RNR ‘reads’ the base of each effector and communicates substrate preference to the active site by forming differential hydrogen bonds, thereby maintaining the proper balance of deoxynucleotides in the cell.
Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in composite MgO/CoFeB/Ta/[Co/Pd]n structures
Authors: Garcia-Vazquez Valentin , Chang Yao-Jen , Canizo-Cabrera A. , Garzon-Roman Abel , Wu Te-ho
Published: January 2016

The impact of a non-magnetic Ta spacer layer on the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of composite magnetic structures constituted by ultra-thin Co/Pd multilayers (MLs) and MgO/CoFeB was studied. Composite structures lacking a Ta layer present in-plane magnetic anisotropy. The strong perpendicular anisotropy observed in sole Co/Pd MLs is not sufficient to pull the magnetic moment out of the film plane, not even after annealing at 300 or 350 °C. PMA with squareness values close to unity and annealing stability up to 350 °C is observed after the insertion of an ultra-thin Ta layer. Our study demonstrates that Ta layer is essential for obtaining perpendicular magnetic axis in MgO/CoFeB/Ta/[Co/Pd]6. The exchange coupling between the MgO/CoFeB bilayer and the Co/Pd MLs is ferromagnetic with sharp switching characteristics. Perpendicular composite structures with sharp magnetization reversal and annealing stability are relevant in perpendicular CoFeB-based magnetic tunnel junctions for the development of gigabit-scale nonvolatile memory.
Magnetic irreversibility: An important amendment in the zero-field-cooling and field-cooling method
Authors: Dias Fábio Teixeira , Vieira Valdemar das Neves , Nunes Sabrina Esperança , Pureur Paulo , Schaf Jacob , Farinela da Silva Graziele Fernanda , Gouvêa Cristol de Paiva , Wolff-Fabris Frederik , Kampert Erik , Obradors Xavier , Puig Teresa , Rovira Joan Josep Roa
Published: January 2016

The present work reports about experimental procedures to correct significant deviations of magnetization data, caused by magnetic relaxation, due to small field cycling by sample transport in the inhomogeneous applied magnetic field of commercial magnetometers. The extensively used method for measuring the magnetic irreversibility by first cooling the sample in zero field, switching on a constant applied magnetic field and measuring the magnetization M(T) while slowly warming the sample, and subsequently measuring M(T) while slowly cooling it back in the same field, is very sensitive even to small displacement of the magnetization curve. In our melt-processed YBaCuO superconducting sample we observed displacements of the irreversibility limit up to 7 K in high fields. Such displacements are detected only on confronting the magnetic irreversibility limit with other measurements, like for instance zero resistance, in which the sample remains fixed and so is not affected by such relaxation. We measured the magnetic irreversibility, T
irr(H), using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) from Quantum Design. The zero resistance data, T
c0(H), were obtained using a PPMS from Quantum Design. On confronting our irreversibility lines with those of zero resistance, we observed that the T
c0(H) data fell several degrees K above the T
irr(H) data, which obviously contradicts the well known properties of superconductivity. In order to get consistent T
irr(H) data in the H–T plane, it was necessary to do a lot of additional measurements as a function of the amplitude of the sample transport and extrapolate the T
irr(H) data for each applied field to zero amplitude.
A charge-based deep level transient spectroscopy measurement system and characterization of a ZnO-based varistor and a Fe-doped SrTiO3 dielectric
Authors: Okamoto Takafumi , Long Jeffrey , Wilke Rudeger H. T. , Stitt Joseph , Maier Russell , Randall Clive A.
Published: January 2016

A charge-based deep level transient spectroscopy (Q-DLTS) method is applied to provide insights into the electronic behavior near grain boundaries and may provide new insights into mechanisms such as fatigue, degradation, dielectric aging, and dielectric breakdown. Here, we tested the Q-DLTS in both a ZnO varistor material and Fe-doped SrTiO3 materials. Comparisons are made to other data on ZnO varistors, and we obtain very good agreement for the energy levels. The status of deep traps in Fe-doped SrTiO3 dielectrics has been investigated where the relaxation was contrasted in a single crystal and polycrystalline ceramic materials. The relaxation is only observable in the polycrystalline materials, and was absent in single crystal Fe-doped crystals indicating that the deep traps originating from the Schottky barriers at the grain boundaries provide the DLTS signals. The energy associated with this grain boundary trap was found to be 1.26 eV.
Dispersion of carbon nanotubes by poly(Ni-ethenetetrathiolate) for organic thermoelectric hybrid materials
Authors: Oshima Keisuke , Asano Hitoshi , Shiraishi Yukihide , Toshima Naoki
Published: January 2016

Thermoelectric materials convert heat energy to electric energy and vice versa. We have succeeded in developing new hybrid thermoelectric materials with high thermoelectric performance by using poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nanodispersed poly(metal 1,1,2,2-ethenetetrathiolate) (n-metal-PETT). n-Metal-PETT can work as a promoter not only for carrier transfer between CNTs but also for the dispersion of CNTs. We prepared the dispersed n-Cu-PETT and n-Ni-PETT by using surfactant molecules in the synthetic processes. These materials had sufficient semiconductor properties, i.e., n-Cu-PETT in a pressed block showed a Seebeck coefficient of 18 µV K−1, while n-Ni-PETT showed −40 µV K−1. When these n-metal-PETTs were mixed with PVC and CNTs, the three-compound films containing n-Ni-PETT showed a power factor of 58.6 µW m−1 K−2.
Transmission electron microscopy investigation of oxidation of (110)NiAl single crystal with wedge-shaped profile
Authors: Fedchenko Olena , Chernov Sergey V. , Klimenkov Michael , Protsenko Serhiy I. , Nepijko Sergej A. , Schönhense Gerd
Published: January 2016

Low energy electron diffraction (LEED), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) investigations of oxidation processes in (110)NiAl single crystal of wedge like shape, i.e., on the sample’s areas of different thickness, were carried out. It was found that in the result of several cycles of ion etching, annealing and oxidation the upper layer of (110)NiAl is enriched with Ni. With the increase of Ni concentration from 50 to 100 at. %, the stoichiometry of the near surface area changes and the new phases of Ni3Al and Ni with Al doping are formed one after another. Up to Ni content of 75 at. % the defects concentration in the near-surface area increases and above 75 at. % it drops again. This leads to the change in orientation and azimuth direction of aluminum oxide (alumina). By varying the conditions of γ-Al2O3 epitaxial growth on (110)NiAl with (100), (110), and (111) orientations, we found that this oxide can be grown with different azimuthal directions, for example [440](111)γ-Al2O3 ∥ [002](110)NiAl and [440](111)γ-Al2O3 ∥ [022](110)NiAl.