bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the salivary gland: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tasaki Takashi , Matsuyama Atsuji , Tabata Takahisa , Suzuki Hideaki , Yamada Sohsuke , Sasaguri Yasuyuki , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: February 2013

Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia (SMCE) of the salivary gland is a rare variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. We report a case of SMCE in the right submandibular gland of a 79‐year‐old man. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed cohesive clusters of atypical squamous epithelial cells admixed with cells containing intracytoplasmic mucin and eosinophils. Histologically, the tumor was composed of epithelial nests with keratinizing cells occasionally present at the center, as well as peripherally located atypical basaloid cells, and some mucin‐containing cells embedded in a fibrosclerotic stroma, which were accompanied by a prominent lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic infiltrate. Inflammatory infiltrate and stromal fibrosclerosis also were seen in the non‐neoplastic salivary gland tissue adjacent to the tumor. Immunohistochemically, many plasma cells were IgG4‐positive. The postoperative serum IgG4 level was elevated. Our reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction using formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue failed to detect any fusion‐gene transcripts which are specifically identified in ordinary mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The findings of the present case suggest that this rare type of salivary gland carcinoma may be associated with a chronic inflammatory condition such as IgG4‐related sclerosing disease. Only 23 cases of sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with or without eosinophilic infiltratie have been reported to date in such an anatomical location.
Granuloma cells in chronic inflammation express CD205 (DEC205) antigen and harbor proliferating T lymphocytes: Similarity to antigen‐presenting cells
Authors: Ohtani Haruo
Published: February 2013

Granulomas are classified as immune or foreign body granulomas. Of these, the immune granulomas, a hallmark of granulomatous inflammation, are closely related to cell‐mediated immune responses. The aim of the present study is to characterize immune granuloma cells in 33 patients with granulomatous inflammation focusing on the expression of CD205 (DEC205), a cell surface marker of antigen presenting cells, and their spatial relationship to T cells. CD205 was frequently expressed by immune granuloma cells, in contrast to foreign body granuloma cells that lacked CD205 expression. T cells were not only distributed in a lymphocyte collar around the granuloma, but also present among the granuloma cells (termed ‘intra‐granuloma T cells’). Intra‐granuloma T cells stained positive for Ki‐67 (median positivity = 9.4%) by double immunostaining for CD3 and Ki‐67. This indicated the presence of proliferative stimuli within the granuloma that could activate the intra‐granuloma T cells. The labeling index of Ki‐67 in intra‐granuloma T cells was significantly higher than that of T cells in the lymphocyte collar (P < 0.0001) or T cells in the T cell zone (paracortex) of chronic tonsillitis or reactive lymphadenitis (P = 0.002). These data indicate a close similarity between immune granulomas and antigen presenting cells.
Validity and reproducibility of Ki‐67 assessment in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Ogino Jiro , Asanuma Hiroko , Hatanaka Yutaka , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Gotoda Hiroko , Muraoka Shunji , Tsuji Takayuki , Fukazawa Yuichiro , Yamashiro Katsushige , Kondo Nobuo , Iwaki Hiroyuki , Miyokawa Naoyuki , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: February 2013

With the aim of standardizing Ki‐67 immunohistochemistry, we assessed interobserver and interlaboratory variability of the Ki‐67 labeling index and Ki‐67 score among eight general pathologists for 24 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and 12 leiomyosarcomas, which were predominantly of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, mesentery and retroperitoneum, based on a review of a tissue microarrays subjected to immunohistochemistry with antibodies for Ki‐67. For Ki‐67 immunostaining of mesenchymal tumors of the GI tract, including GISTs, differences were seen in the scores given by regional hospitals. Conversely, for two categories of the Ki‐67 labeling index, namely <10% and ≥10%, concordance of the Ki‐67 score between microscopic observation and image analysis, and between the observers, was good, but it was not good for the other four categories of the index for <5%, 5–9%, 10–29%, and ≥30%. The concordance of the Ki‐67 scores between the observers in two categories was higher using the Ki‐67 pre‐stained tissue microarrays (TMAs) within each participating institute than that using the Ki‐67 stained TMAs between the participating institutes. The reproducibility of a 10% cut‐off value for the Ki‐67 labeling index to predict the prognosis of GISTs was relatively high, but there is an urgent need to standardize the staining technique.
Minimal Spatial Accelerometer Configurations
Authors: Williams Thomas R. , Raboud Donald W. , Fyfe Ken R.
Published: February 2013

It is well established that it is necessary to use a minimum of six accelerometers to determine the general motion of a rigid body. Using this minimum number of accelerometers generally requires that a nonlinear differential equation be solved for the angular velocity and that the estimate of angular velocity that is obtained from the solution of this equation be used in the calculation of the specific force at a point. This paper serves two main purposes. First it discusses, for the first time, the geometric conditions that must be satisfied by an arrangement of six accelerometers so that it is possible, in principle, to determine the motion of the body to which they are attached. Second, a special class of minimal accelerometer configurations that yields angular acceleration as a linear combination of accelerometer measurements is identified, and a design methodology for this special class is presented.
Management of maxillectomy defect with a hybrid hollow bulb obturator
Authors: Singh Kamleshwar , Singh Saumyendra V , Mishra Niraj , Agrawal Kaushal Kishor
Published: February 2013

A woman having already undergone maxillectomy came to the department complaining of difficulty in eating and speech. During the construction of an obturator, the bulb area should be hollowed to reduce weight so that the teeth and supporting tissues are not stressed unnecessarily. The conventional open design drains fluid from the adjacent mucosa, possibly increasing the weight of the prosthesis, and is difficult to clean. The closed bulb design does not drain secretions and may cause obstruction and susceptibility to infection in the paranasal and pharyngeal regions, though it is easier to maintain. An alternative to the two designs, combining their advantages, is presented in this report. As the open hollow part of the obturator was shallow, it was easy to clean. Making the inferior part of the bulb hollow and closed led to a reduction in the overall weight of the prosthesis while increasing its resonance.
The interplay of Graves’ disease and twin molar pregnancy
Authors: Barrera Jerome Rebollos , Sandoval Mark Anthony Santiago , Quiwa Leslie Quizon , Paz-Pacheco Elizabeth
Published: February 2013

Twin molar pregnancy with coexistent viable fetus in a patient with Graves’ disease is a rare entity. The patient is a 37-year-old woman who was hospitalised owing to persistent vomiting and vaginal bleeding. The pregnancy test was positive and the pelvic ultrasound disclosed twin gestation of complete mole and a coexistent viable 12-week fetus. β-Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) and free thyroid hormones were both elevated. The patient was also a diagnosed case of Graves’ disease prior to this pregnancy. Given the risks for perinatal complications, the patient was offered early termination of pregnancy. She, however, decided to continue her pregnancy and control the hyperthyroidism with an antithyroid drug (ATD). A week after her discharge from the hospital, she had spontaneous abortion and the histopathology of the abortus revealed complete hydatidiform mole and a 13-week fetus.
‘Miscarriage or abortion?’ Understanding the medical language of pregnancy loss in Britain; a historical perspective
Authors: Moscrop Andrew
Published: February 2013

Clinical language applied to early pregnancy loss changed in late twentieth century Britain when doctors consciously began using the term ‘miscarriage’ instead of ‘abortion’ to refer to this subject. Medical professionals at the time and since have claimed this change as an intuitive empathic response to women's experiences. However, a reading of medical journals and textbooks from the era reveals how the change in clinical language reflected legal, technological, professional and social developments. The shift in language is better understood in the context of these historical developments, rather than as the consequence of more empathic medical care for women who experience miscarriage.
The story of the teapot in DHTML
Authors: Beckman Brian , Meijer Erik
Published: February 2013

It is easy to do amazing things, such as rendering the classic teapot in HTML and CSS.
Restoration of klotho gene expression induces apoptosis and autophagy in gastric cancer cells: tumor suppressive role of klotho in gastric cancer
Authors: Xie Biao , Zhou Jianping , Shu Guoshun , Liu Dong-cai , Zhou Jiapeng , Chen Jinhui , Yuan Lianwen
Published: February 2013

Background

The loss of tumor suppressor gene expression is involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). Klotho is a recently identified tumor suppressor gene that epigenetically inactivated in gastric cancer. However, the signaling pathways involved in the suppressive role of klotho have rarely been reported in gastric cancer. In this study, we investigated the involvement of klotho in gastric cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy as well as the associated signaling.

Methods

Methylation of klotho gene promoter in GC-7901, MNK-45 and AGS gastric cancer cells as well as GES-1 normal gastric epithelial cells was detected by bisulfate-based PCR. Restoration of klotho gene expression was established by applying a demethylating agent and delivering aklotho gene expression vector into GC-7901 cells. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis and cycling were analyzed by flow cytometry. Autophagy was measured by detecting LC3-I and LC3-II expression. Protein levels and phosphorylation were measured by Western blot assay.

Results

Methylation of klotho gene promoter and expression of the klotho gene were detected in GC cells. Restoration of klotho gene expression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and increased LC3-I/LC3-II expression in GC cells. Restoration of klotho gene expression downregulated the phosphorylation levels of IGF-1 receptor, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR proteins. Both apoptosis and autophagy inhibitors blocked klotho-induced apoptosis and autophagy.

Conclusion

Klotho is a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer, which regulates IGF-1R phosphorylation and the subsequent activation of IRS-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
A murineZic3transcript with a premature termination codon evades nonsense-mediated decay during axis formation
Authors: Ahmed Jehangir N. , Ali Radiya G. , Warr Nicholas , Wilson Heather M. , Bellchambers Helen M. , Barratt Kristen S. , Thompson Amelia J. , Arkell Ruth M.
Published: February 2013

The ZIC transcription factors are key mediators of embryonic development and ZIC3 is the gene most commonly associated with situs defects (heterotaxy) in humans. Half of patient ZIC3 mutations introduce a premature termination codon (PTC). In vivo, PTC-containing transcripts might be targeted for nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). NMD efficiency is known to vary greatly between transcripts, tissues and individuals and it is possible that differences in survival of PTC-containing transcripts partially explain the striking phenotypic variability that characterizes ZIC3-associated congenital defects. For example, the PTC-containing transcripts might encode a C-terminally truncated protein that retains partial function or that dominantly interferes with other ZIC family members. Here we describe the katun (Ka) mouse mutant, which harbours a mutation in the Zic3 gene that results in a PTC. At the time of axis formation there is no discernible decrease in this PTC-containing transcript in vivo, indicating that the mammalian Zic3 transcript is relatively insensitive to NMD, prompting the need to re-examine the molecular function of the truncated proteins predicted from human studies and to determine whether the N-terminal portion of ZIC3 possesses dominant-negative capabilities. A combination of in vitro studies and analysis of the Ka phenotype indicate it is a null allele of Zic3 and that the N-terminal portion of ZIC3 does not encode a dominant-negative molecule. Heterotaxy in patients with PTC-containing ZIC3 transcripts probably arises due to loss of ZIC3 function alone.
MiRNA-181b suppresses IGF-1R and functions as a tumor suppressor gene in gliomas
Authors: Shi Zhu-mei , Wang Xie-feng , Qian Xu , Tao Tao , Wang Lin , Chen Qiu-dan , Wang Xi-rui , Cao Lei , Wang Ying-yi , Zhang Jun-xia , Jiang Tao , Kang Chun-sheng , Jiang Bing-hua , Liu Ning , You Yong-ping
Published: February 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded, 18- to 23-nt RNA molecules that function as regulators of gene expression. Previous studies have shown that microRNAs play important roles in human cancers, including gliomas. Here, we found that expression levels of miR-181b were decreased in gliomas, and we identified IGF-1R as a novel direct target of miR-181b. MiR-181b overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenesis by targeting IGF-1R and its downstream signaling pathways, PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK1/2. Overexpression of IGF-1R rescued the inhibitory effects of miR-181b. In clinical specimens, IGF-1R was overexpressed, and its protein levels were inversely correlated with miR-181b expression. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-181b functions in gliomas to suppress growth by targeting the IGF-1R oncogene and that miR-181b may serve as a novel therapeutic target for gliomas.
Autocrine effects of neuromedin B stimulate the proliferation of rat primary osteoblasts
Authors: Saito Hiroki , Nakamachi Tomoya , Inoue Kazuhiko , Ikeda Ryuji , Kitamura Kazuo , Minamino Naoto , Shioda Seiji , Miyata Atsuro
Published: February 2013

Neuromedin B (NMB) is a mammalian bombesin-like peptide that regulates exocrine/endocrine secretion, smooth muscle contraction, body temperature, and the proliferation of some cell types. Here, we show that mRNA encodingNmband its receptor (Nmbr) are expressed in rat bone tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that NMB and NMBR colocalize in osteoblasts, epiphyseal chondrocytes, and proliferative chondrocytes of growth plates from mouse hind limbs. Then, we investigated the effect of NMB on the proliferation of rat primary cultured osteoblasts. Proliferation assays and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assays demonstrated that NMB augments the cell number and enhances DNA synthesis in osteoblasts. Pretreatment with the NMBR antagonist BIM23127 inhibited NMB-induced cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. Western blot analysis showed that NMB activates ERK1/2 MAPK signaling in osteoblasts. Pretreatment with the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor U0126 attenuated NMB-induced cell proliferation and DNA synthesis. We also investigated the effects of molecules that contribute to osteoblast proliferation and differentiation onNmbexpression in osteoblasts. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) and transforming growth factor β1 increase and decreaseNmbmRNA expression levels respectively. Finally, proliferation assays revealed that the NMBR antagonist BIM23127 suppresses E2-induced osteoblast proliferation. These results suggest that NMB/NMBR signaling plays an autocrine or paracrine role in osteoblast proliferation and contributes to the regulation of bone formation.
ALPPS (Associated Liver Partition and Portal vein ligation for Staged hepatectomy) – gyorsabb, nagyobb májhypertrophia
Authors: Hahn Oszkár , Dudás Ibolyka , Pajor Péter , Györke Tamás , Korom Csaba , Zsirka-Klein Attila , Kupcsulik Péter , Harsányi László
Published: February 2013

Absztrakt

Esetismertetés: 75 éves, nagyméretű, többgócú colorectalis májmetastasisban szenvedő nőbeteg esetét ismertetjük. Májsebészeti konzíliumát megelőzően többféle protokoll szerint több széria kemoterápiában részesült. A kezelések ellenére a korábban pár centiméteres metastasis mérete 5 hónap alatt mintegy háromszorosára nőtt. Az áttét kiterjesztett jobb oldali hemihepatectomiával technikailag eltávolítható lett volna, azonban a maradék májtömeg (FLR) kevésnek bizonyult. Az FLR indukált hypertrophizálása céljából portalis occlusiós eljárásra volt szükség. Az onkológiai kezelés ellenére tapasztalt rendkívül gyors tumorprogressziós tendencia miatt időnyerés céljából egy Magyarországon eddig nem alkalmazott, kétlépcsős eljárást (ALPPS: PVL + in situ split) választottunk. A gyors ütemű (9 nap) és jelentős (94%) hypertrophia után a májresectio elvégezhetővé vált. A beteg gyógyultan távozott.
A coastal groundwater management model with Indian case study
Authors: Basack Sudip , Bhattacharya Amartya Kumar , Maity Prabir
Published: February 2013

The complexity of the hydrogeological setup in coastal areas calls for the adoption of scientific groundwater management techniques. Excessive withdrawal of groundwater in coastal zones will lead to depression of the water table, with associated hazards such as putting the well out of use, rendering abstraction uneconomic with increased lift. A sustained regional groundwater drawdown below sea level runs the risk of saline water intrusion, even for confined coastal aquifers. Uncontrolled groundwater development may lead to reversal of the freshwater gradient, thereby resulting in saline water ingress into coastal aquifers. There are, however, several established methodologies to control and minimise the problems associated with groundwater extraction followed by saline water intrusion. This study developed a convenient and easily implementable analytical model for coastal groundwater management aimed at the control of saltwater intrusion. The technique includes withdrawal of coastal freshwater by means of qanat-well structures associated with artificial recharge through rainwater harvesting aided by percolation ponds and recharge wells. The proposed methodology is suitable specifically for not highly urbanised coastal areas with significant annual precipitation, good hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer and a low depth of fresh groundwater. As a case study, the model is applied to a coastal zone of the Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Adequate quantifications of the efficiency of the methodology are incorporated and relevant conclusions are drawn.
Assessment of the impact of the Odra river water levels on groundwater levels in Rzeczyca region
Authors: Chalfen Mieczysław , Głuchowska Beata , Pływaczyk Leszek
Published: February 2013

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

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

Variations in groundwater table in the valley were analysed in relation to selected actual flood water levels in the Odra in 2001-2003 and 2010. The period from 2001 to 2003 was used to verify the model. A satisfactory agreement between the calculated and the measured values was obtained. Based on simulation calculations, it was proved that flood waves observed in 2010 caused a rise in groundwater table levels in a belt of approximately 1000 metres from the watercourses. It was calculated that at the end of hydrological year 2009/2010, the highest growths, of up to 0.80 m, were observed on piezometers located close to the Odra river channel. The passage of several flood waves on the Odra caused an increase of subsurface retention by 3.0% compared to the initial state.
A strain dependent stiffness of stiff cohesionless and cohesive soils
Authors: Lipiński Mirosław J. , Wdowska Małgorzata K.
Published: February 2013

In the last three decades an interest has grown in prediction of soil stiffness. In case of dense cohesionless soils or natural overconsolidated cohesive soils the working strain to which soil stiffness is referred to covers the range 0.01-1.0%. On the basis of results of comprehensive experimental worked based on advanced triaxial tests results two formulae for Young’s modulus distribution accounting for strain range were derived for fine dense sand and heavy overconsolidated sandy clay. The formula for sand accounts also for stress level. In case of overconsolidated sandy clay, stress history, in the form of yield stress, is also accounted for.
A new species of Specklinia (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from Colombia
Authors: Kolanowska Marta
Published: February 2013

During field work conducted in Colombia, a new species of the genus Specklinia Lindl., S. pereziana was found. The new species is described and illustrated. Information about its habitat and ecology is provided. Specklinia pereziana is similar to S. muricaudata, from which it differs in leaf shape and floral characters - the main differences between the species are discussed.
Arabis Recta Vill. (Brassicaceae) In Poland: Distribution, Habitats And Threat Assessment
Authors: Nobis Marcin , Nobis Agnieszka
Published: February 2013

Arabis recta is one of the rarest species in Poland. It has been reported from 15 sites, mostly in the Nida Basin (Ma≥opolska Upland). The plant is a component of xerothermic grasslands but it can also grow in arable fields and fallows. In Poland, Arabis recta is considered to be threatened by natural succession and herbicide use. However, according to recent studies, it should be treated as an endangered species (EN category) in the country.
Comparative analysis of the chosen field-weakening methods for the Direct Rotor Flux Oriented Control drive system
Authors: Nguyen-Thac K. , Orlowska-Kowalska T. , Tarchala G.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, an analysis of the induction motor control scheme based on the Direct Rotor Flux Oriented Control (DRFOC) for a whole speed range, including field-weakening (FW) regions is presented. Two field-weakening algorithms have been compared and verified through simulation with a 3.0 [kW] induction motor drive.
Recovery braking of variable-structure electronic commutator for BLDC motor
Authors: Biskup Tomasz
Published: February 2013

Permanent magnet motors are more and more frequently used in various applications. In this group motors with a trapezoidal EMF deserve a special attention. They are characterized by a simple construction, high efficiency and high torque overload. A certain drawback of BLDC motors are difficulties with an operation at a speed above the nominal value. The article presents the results of investigations into the variablestructure electronic commutator designed for the drive of a small electric vehicle equipped with BLDC motors. Such a solution allows extending the standard range of the drive’s speed. The considerations contained in the article focus on the possibilities and effects of regeneration mode in the proposed topology of converter. A theoretical analysis has been presented as well as computer simulations carried out by means of Matlab- Simulink, which were then verified at a laboratory. The tests were finished with trials conducted using a small electric vehicle Elipsa.
Buckling Analysis of Composite Cylindrical Shells Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Jam Jafar Eskandari , Asadi Esmail
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the authors investigate a cylindrical shell reinforced by carbon nanotubes. The critical buckling load is calculated using analytical method when it is subjected to compressive axial load. The Mori-Tanaka method is firstly utilized to estimate the effective elastic modulus of composites having aligned oriented straight CNTs. The eigenvalues of the problem are obtained by means of an analytical approach based on the optimized Rayleigh-Ritz method. There is presented a study on the effects of CNTs volume fraction, thickness and aspect ratio of the shell, CNTs orientation angle, and the type of supports on the buckling load of cylindrical shells. Furthermore the effect of CNTs agglomeration is investigated when CNTs are dispersed none uniformly in the polymer matrix. It is shown that when the CNTs are arranged in 90_ direction, the highest critical buckling load appears. Also, the results are plotted for different longitudinal and circumferential mode numbers. There is a specific value for aspect ratio of the cylinder that minimizes the buckling load. The results reveal that for very low CNTs volume fractions, the volume fraction of inclusions has no important effect on the critical buckling load.
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Water Buffaloes Raised in the Notecka Forest Region (Poland)
Authors: Kobak Paulina , Pilarczyk Bogumiła
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with gastrointestinal parasites in water buffaloes raised in the Notecka Forest region in the Wielkopolska Province (Poland). Coproscopic examinations were performed between January and June 2009. The mean prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the water buffalo herd was 44%. Gastrointestinal nematodes (10%) and flukes (Fasciola hepatica - 32% and Paramphistomum cervi - 11%) were found in the examined animals. The high prevalence of infection with gastrointestinal parasites was caused by the lack of an appropriate helminth control programme. Despite the fact that they are raised on marshy meadows, where good conditions for parasites’ development exist, these animals were not systematically dewormed. It is necessary to devise a helminth control programme for the studied water buffalo herd.
Effect of 2-Methoxyestradiol on Gonadotropin Secretion and Oxidative Status of Porcine Pituitary Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kosior-Korzecka Urszula , Radwańska Paulina , Wójcik Marta
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) on GnRH-induced LH and FSH secretion by porcine pituitary cells in vitro. Moreover, the concentrations of superoxide anion radical (O2
-), as a possible mediator of 2-ME action, and malonyldialdehyde (MDA), as an oxidative stress indicator, were estimated. Pituitary cells were cultured in McCoy 5A medium with GnRH (positive control), with GnRH and 3.3×10-11-3.3×10-7M/L of 2-ME, or with GnRH and 2.7×10-9- 2.7×10-8 M/L of 17β-estradiol. The secretion of gonadotropins, as well as concentrations of superoxide anion and MDA were analysed after 2-72 h of the experiment. A positive correlation between 2-ME dose and FSH secretion from anterior pituitary cells (r=0.72, 0.95, 0.92, 0.90, 0.85, and 0.82 after 2, 6, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively) was demonstrated. In contrast, a negative correlation between 2-ME concentration and LH secretion was observed (r=-0.82, -0.72, -0.85, -0.89, -0.93, and -0.79 after 2, 6, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively). The concentration of O2
-. was increasing under the influence of the rising doses of 2-ME, whereas the mean level of MDA was not changing significantly.
Analysis of Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Selected Rural Households in the Lublin Region
Authors: Sroka Jacek , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: February 2013

The article describes the analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection among people and animals from the selected rural households in the Lublin province. To identify the potential sources of infection, parasitological and/or PCR examinations of the samples of water, soil, cats’ faeces, and meat eaten by the household members were carried out. The study indicated high percentages of seropositive results among the household members (N=57) and domestic animals (N=94) - 61.4 % and 53.2%, respectively. In two households, the parasite was detected in drinking water. The study results seem to confirm the possibility of family character of toxoplasmosis, and point at the environmental conditions leading to the infection in rural environment.
Effect of Herbal Extracts on Some Haematological Parameters of Calves During Rearing
Authors: Bombik Teresa , Bombik Elżbieta , Frankowska Aneta , Trawińska Beata , Saba Leon
Published: February 2013

Clinically healthy Polish Holstein-Friesian calves were divided into two groups: a control group (12 individuals) and an experimental group (12 individuals). The experimental group calves received a mixture of 20% water herbal extracts prepared from Urtica dioica, Hb., Hypericum perforatum, Hb., Melissa officinalis, Fol., Chamomillae recutita Anth., Calendula officinalis, Flos, and Plantago lanceolata, Fol. The mixture was given from the 2nd to 14th week of their life. Control calves received no addition of herbal extracts to their diet. Red blood cell count, white blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, and mean corpuscular volume were determined in the 4th, 9th, and 14th week of the experiment. The beneficial effect of the herbal mixture on the level of the examined haematological parameters was demonstrated in all tested weeks. In the calves from experimental group, a significantly higher red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, and corpuscular volume, and lower white blood cell count were found. There were no statistically significant differences in the haematocrit values between both groups.
Measurement of small values of hydrostatic pressure difference / Pomiar małych wartości różnicy ciśnień hydrostatycznych
Authors: Broda Krzysztof , Filipek Wiktor
Published: February 2013

In order to describe the fluid flow through the porous centre, made of identical spheres, it is necessary to know the pressure, but in fact - the pressure distribution. For the flows in the range that was traditionally called laminar flow (i. e. for Reynolds numbers (Bear, 1988; Duckworth, 1983; Troskolański, 1957) from the range 0,01 to 3) it is virtually impossible with the use of the tools directly available on the market. Therefore, many scientists who explore this problem have concentrated only on the research of the velocity distribution of the medium that penetrates the intended centre (Bear, 1988) or pressure distribution at high hydraulic gradients (Trzaska & Broda, 1991, 2000; Trzaska et al., 2005). It may result from the inaccessibility to the measurement methods that provide measurement of very low hydrostatic pressures, such as pressure resulting from the weight of liquid located in the gravitational field (Duckworth, 1983; Troskolański, 1957). The pressure value c. 10 Pa (Troskolański, 1957) can be generated even by 1 mm height difference between the two levels of the free water surface, which in fact constitutes the definition of gauging tools of today measuring the level of the hydrostatic pressure.

Authors proposed a method of hydrostatic pressure measurement and devised a gauging tool. Then a series of tests was conducted aiming at establishing what is the influence of various factors, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, velocity of measurement completion, etc. on the accuracy and method of measurements. A method for considerable reduction of hysteresis that occurs during measurement was also devised.

The method of measurement of small hydrostatic difference measurements allows for the accuracy of measurement of up to 0.5 Pa. Measurement results can be improved successfully by one order of magnitude, which for sure would entail necessary temperature stabilization of the tool. It will be more difficult though to compensate the influence of atmospheric pressure on the measurement process.
Energy Carriers Use in the World: Natural Gas – Conventional and Unconventional Gas Resources / Wykorzystanie Nośników Energii w Świecie: Zasoby Gazu Ziemnego w Złożach Konwencjonalnych i Niekonwencjonalnych
Authors: Siemek Jakub , Nagy Stanisław
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses forecasts of energy carrier use with particular emphasis on the changing position of natural gas due to global climatic conditions and the increasing role of unconventional natural gas reservoirs. Allocation of natural gas resources in the world are discussed as well as global gas consumption and conditions for development of transport infrastructure and storage. The most important indicators of the energy security of countries are presented. The basic properties of unconventional deposits, and differences in the production/extraction of gas from the conventional and unconventional fields are given. In the paper are also discussed natural gas reserves in Poland, including possible non-conventional resources in the fields and issues of increasing the role of gas as an energy carrier in Poland in the background of the energy changes in Europe and the world.
An Estimation of Profitability of Investment Projects in The Oil and Gas Industry Using Real Options Theory / Ocena Opłacalności Projektów Inwestycyjnych W Przemyśle Naftowym Z Wykorzystaniem Teorii Opcji Realnych
Authors: Kosowski Piotr , Stopa Jerzy
Published: February 2013

Paper discusses issues relating to the valuation of investment efficiency in the oil and gas industry using a real options theory. The example of investment pricing using real options was depicted and it was confronted with the analysis executed with the use of traditional methods.

Indicators commonly used to evaluate profitability of investment projects, based on a discounted cash flow method, have a few significant drawbacks, the most meaningful of which is staticity which means that any changes resulting from a decision process during the time of investment cannot be taken into consideration. In accordance with a methodology that is currently used, investment projects are analysed in a way that all the key decisions are made at the beginning and are irreversible. This approach assumes, that all the cash flows are specified and does not let the fact that during the time of investment there may appear new information, which could change its original form. What is also not analysed is the possibility of readjustment, due to staff managment’s decisions, to the current market conditions, by expanding, speeding up/slowing down, abandoning or changing an outline of the undertaking. In result, traditional methods of investment projects valuation may lead to taking wrong decisions, e.g. giving up an owned exploitation licence or untimely liquidation of boreholes, which seem to be unprofitable.

Due to all the above-mentioned there appears the necessity of finding some other methods which would let one make real and adequate estimations about investments in a petroleum industry especially when it comes to unconventional resources extraction. One of the methods which has been recently getting more and more approval in a world petroleum economics, is a real options pricing method. A real option is a right (but not an obligation) to make a decision connected with an investment in a specified time or time interval. According to the method a static model of pricing using DCF is no longer used; an investment project is divided into a series of steps and after each one there is a range of possible investment decisions, technical and organizational issues and all the others called ‘real options’. This lets one take many different varieties of modyfiying a strategy while pricing the project. This also makes it possible to react to the changing inner and outer situation and introducing new information while accomplishing the investment project. Owing to those, the decision process is a continuous operation, what is an actual vision of a real investment project management in the petroleum industry.
Comparative Analysis of Selected Models of Water Coning in Gas Reservoirs / Analiza Porównawcza Wybranych Modeli Powstawania Stożków Wodnych w Złożach Gazowych
Authors: Smulski Rafał
Published: February 2013

Exploitation of natural gas fields with edge or underlying water is usually defined per analogy to the oil fields. The existing models do not correspond to reality as they do not describe relevant processes related with a turbulent gas flow near the well. The natural gas exploitation with productivity greater than critical may be advantageous in view of summaric depletion and rate of depletion. Article presents: the analysis of the selected critical rates models, determining the influence of specific parameters on the critical rate values, introducing new modified formula for critical rates, and comparative calculations for various configurations with the numerical model.
Stability analysis of a shallow depth metro tunnel: a numerical approach / Analiza stabilności płytkiego tunelu metra z wykorzystaniem metod numerycznych
Authors: Monjezi Masoud , Nafe Rahmani Babak , Rahman Torabi Seyed , Nath Singh Trilok
Published: February 2013

In this paper, an attempt has been made to use numerical modelling for simulating a long halt in construction process at a shallow depth metro tunnel and investigate the effects of soil nailing to increase the tunnel face strength. Finite difference software FLAC with high applicability in a continuum environment was adopted for this study. The tunnel is being excavated for Tehran metro project. Shield tunnelling with roadheader and back hoe cutting tools is applied in the excavation process. Mohr-Coulomb elasto-plastic constitutive law is considered to model the ground. After two months halting in excavation process, tunnel instability and ground subsidence were recorded in thirteen different monitoring points. Numerical simulation results showed a close approximation (11-16%) between measured and FLAC computed displacements of the tunnel crown in case of unsupported face, which is in close proximity and a proof indicates the reliability of simulation. Also, simulation results exhibit a significant reduction in the ground subsidence and tunnel instability in case of supported face by means of the soil nailing.
Advanced studies on coal injection into a cavitation cell for the purpose of comminution / Badania procesu wtłaczania węgla do komór kawitacyjnych w celu rozdrabniania
Authors: Galecki Greg , Akar Gul , Sen Sezai , Li Yaqing
Published: February 2013

In this study, the effect of coal comminution with waterjets enhanced by cavitation was investigated. The experiments were carried out using mono-size coal feeds in a batch closed circuit, in a specially designed cell to induce cavitation at 69 MPa inlet pressure and back pressures of zero and 0.345 MPa. Test results were evaluated on the product calculated surface area and the Rosin-Rammler parameters. The experiments showed that the maximum particle size reduction was achieved during the first run through the comminution circuit operated without back pressure. However, a decreasing tendency in comminution efficiency was noted with the number of runs through the system. The use of 0.345 MPa back pressure resulted in a wider size distribution of the product.
A method of pricing an asset lost in a mining catastrophe / Metoda wyceny środka trwałego utraconego w wyniku katastrofy górniczej
Authors: Turek Marian , Michalak Aneta
Published: February 2013

The authors of the paper present a problem of pricing assets lost in result of mining catastrophes. In the subsequent steps of a pricing procedure the Authors suggest a methodology of an asset identification in relation to its technical, functional and environmental wear and particular methods of calculating its value. In the paper there were market, property and income method included, it especially concerned the technique of pair comparison, average price correction and statistical market analysis as well as the technique of replacement cost, reconstruction cost and investment method.
Fuzzy Model of Autogenous Suspension Coal Cleaning / Model Rozmyty Procesu Wzbogacania Węgla W Zawiesinie Autogenicznej
Authors: Benović Tomo , Miljanović Igor , Vujić Slobodan
Published: February 2013

The paper presents one of the possible approaches to fuzzy logic modeling of coal cleaning in autogenous suspension. In the scope of reviewing the problem in general, the process algorithm and the structural model of coal cleaning were set up. The paper deals with the flow of fuzzy logic model creation following the example of coal cleaning plant of the “Bogutovo selo” open pit mine of the Mine and Thermal Power Plant Ugljevik. The model is set up on the MATLAB software platform. Fuzzy model testing results, presented at the end of paper confirms applicability and reliability of the model. The discrepancies between the model and the real process parameters are within the limits of allowed industrial error.
Prediction of Performance of Diamond Wire Saw with Respect to Texture Characteristics of Rock / Prognozowanie Wydajności Pracy Strunowej Piły Diamentowej W Odniesieniu Do Charakterystyki Tekstury Skał
Authors: Ghaysari N. , Ataei M. , Sereshki F. , Mikaiel R.
Published: February 2013

In this study, prediction of production rate in diamond wire saw has been investigated. Performance measurements of diamond wire saw carried out in 7 different quarries of carbonate rocks in Iran. For determination textural properties, rock samples were collected from these quarries. At first, a thin section was prepared for each rock and then 5 digital photographs were taken from each section. After this, all images were digitized using AutoCAD software. Then, area, perimeter, longest diameter and shortest diameter were assigned. According to these parameters, all of the other textural characteristics and texture coefficient were determined too. The correlation between sawing rate and textural characteristics were evaluated using multiple and simple regression analyses. Then developed model was validated by P-value test. It was concluded that area, perimeter, diameter equivalent and index of grain size homogeneity are very effective on production rate. Production rate using diamond wire saw can reliably be predicted using developed model.
Optimization of a Directional Borehole Trajectory as the Criterion of Minimum Cost of Performance / Optymalizacja Trajektorii Otworu Kierunkowego Dla Kryterium Minimalizacji Kosztu Jego Wykonania
Authors: Gonet Andrzej
Published: February 2013

New drilling technical and technological solutions enhance the development of directional drilling, enabling better control of direction of drilling and real-time 3D information about the position of the bit in the borehole rendered by the control and measurement apparatuses. The 2D and 3D method of designing the trajectory of a borehole axis has been modified in this paper. In both cases the minimum cost of drilling of a borehole in an interval from the beginning of its deflecting (KOP) up to the ultimate destination point was assumed to be the optimization criterion.

Another assumption says that the admissible dogleg will never be exceeded over the entire interval of the borehole axis.

Commonly more and more boreholes are performed from one place or one drilling platform. Such drilling is aimed at, e.g. developing unconventional deposits of natural gas or improving the depletion factor by injecting water or CO2. In such cases the boreholes are located densely, which may result in their colliding. Hence, attention was drawn to the fact that in such cases inaccuracies of apparatuses measuring the angle of deflection of the borehole, azimuth, length of the borehole and formation of error ellipsoids around a given point should be accounted for. The assumed method of positioning the borehole axis is also important. For a considerable length of the borehole axis the calculations are simple but time-consuming, therefore specialist computer programs are recommended. The trajectories of directional boreholes should be designed taking into account the position of the neighboring boreholes and inaccuracy of measuring equipment, as in this way the level of risk of potential collisions of boreholes axes can be determined.
Heat Power Determination of Dv-290 Refrigerator’s Evaporator on the Basis of Thermodynamic Parameters of Inlet Air / Określenie Mocy Cieplnej Parownika Chłodziarki Dv-290 Na Podstawie Parametrów Termodynamicznych Powietrza Wlotowego
Authors: Nowak Bernard , Kuczera Zbigniew
Published: February 2013

The present paper introduces a method for calculating the thermal power of DV-290 mining air cooler’s evaporator. The power usually differs from the nominal power given by the manufacturer. The thermodynamic parameters of cooled air are not obtained as a result of in situ measurements, but in indirect manner that is by determining the evaporation and condensation’s pressure values of R407C refrigerant. The pressure dependencies formulated as a function of air enthalpy at the evaporator’s inlet were obtained using calculations of a computer program which solves the system of equations describing heat and mass transfer in the refrigerator’s compressor on the basis of previous measurements of air performed before and after its cooling. The obtained dependencies are demonstrated in a graphical (fig. 2 and fig. 3) and analytical (the regression equations (19) and (20)) manner, the values of correlation coefficients are also presented. For the known evaporation and condensation pressure values of the refrigerant, and thus for its basic physical parameters the complete thermal power of the evaporator was determined, that is its: air cooling overt power, dehumidification occult power, temperature, relative humidity and specific humidity of air after its cooling.

In addition, using the mentioned method, the capacity of DV-290 refrigerator’s evaporator is provided for the given thermodynamic parameters of air before cooling, along with air thermodynamic parameters after cooling.