bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated serum dipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a direct comparison
Authors: Varga Tímea , Firneisz Gábor , Nagy Géza , Somogyi Anikó
Published: May 2010

A dipeptidil-peptidáz-4 enzim – amely azonos a T-lymphocyta membránfelszínhez kötött CD26 molekulával – az inkretin hormonok bontásával jelentős szerepet játszik a szénhidrát-anyagcsere szabályozásában.
Célkitűzés:
Vizsgálatunk célja az volt, hogy meghatározzuk az éhomi és postprandialis szérum-DPP-4 enzimaktivitását 41 1-es, 87 2-es típusú cukorbetegben, valamint 25 egészséges személyben.
Módszer:
A szérum-DPP-4-enzimaktivitás meghatározása microplate-alapú kinetikus eljárással történt éhomi, majd étkezést követően 60 és 120 perces időszakokban.
Eredmények:
A DPP-4-enzimaktivitás mind éhomi, mind postprandialis állapotban szignifikánsan magasabb volt az 1-es típusú diabetesben szenvedőknél, mint a 2-es típusú diabeteses vagy a kontrollszemélyekben. Nem találtunk változást az enzimaktivitásban egyik csoporton belül sem a postprandialis és az éhomi állapot között. Nem volt korreláció sem az éhomi plazmaglükóz- és a szérum-DPP-4-enzimaktivitás, sem a HbA
1c
és a szérum-DPP-4-enzimaktivitás között.
Következtetés:
Eredményeink felvetik annak a valószínűségét, hogy a DPP-4-gyel kapcsolatba hozható vércukorszint-változás nem a szérumban mérhető DPP-4-aktivitás-változás következménye, hanem parakrin módon ható DPP-4-hatásként jelentkezik. Az 1-es típusú diabetesben észlelhető emelkedett DPP-4-enzimaktivitás ugyanakkor a pancreas autoimmun folyamatára utalhat, de hormonális feed-back mechanizmust, esetleg célszervkárosodást is jelezhet.
Risk of Cancer Following Hospitalization for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Li Xinjun , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina
Published: May 2010

Objectives.

Cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two common diseases that may share risk factors. We aimed at determining subsequent cancer risks in patients hospitalized for T2D in Sweden.

Methods.

T2D patients were obtained from the nationwide Hospital Discharge Register; cancers were recorded from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for cancer following last hospitalization for T2D. The comparison group was the general Swedish population.

Results.

The number of hospitalized T2D patients from 1964 to 2007 was 125,126, of whom 26,641 had an affected family member. Altogether 24 cancers showed an elevated risk when follow-up was started after the last hospitalization. The highest SIRs were for pancreatic (6.08) and liver (4.25) cancers. The incidences of these cancers were even elevated when follow-up was started 5 years after the last hospitalization for T2D, with primary liver cancer showing the highest SIR of 4.66. Also increased were the incidences of upper aerodigestive tract, esophageal, colon, rectal, pancreatic, lung, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and kidney cancers. Prostate cancer showed a lower risk. Familial T2D patients showed no exceptional elevated cancer risks but their prostate cancer and melanoma risks were lower.

Conclusions.

This study, covering approximately one half of Swedish T2D patients, showed an elevated risk for several cancers after hospitalization for T2D, probably indicating the profound metabolic disturbances of the underlying disease. The highest risks were found for liver and pancreatic cancers. No excess cancer risks were observed in familial diabetics. The lower risk for prostate cancer remains intriguing.
The Influence of Sludge Interchange Times on the Oxic‐Settling‐Anoxic Process
Authors: Sun Lianpeng , Randall C.W. , Novak J.T.
Published: May 2010

The oxic‐settling‐anoxic (OSA) system operated as a sequencing batch reactor was studied. Sludge was interchanged between the aerobic and anaerobic reactors, and the number of daily interchange times was changed from 1 to 4 during the experiments. When the sludge was interchanged 1 time/d, the reduction of excess sludge mass was only 52.8%. When the sludge was interchanged 4 times/d, the reduction of excess sludge mass was 77.4%; reductions in the total chemical oxygen demand, total solids, and total volatile solids of both the anaerobic sludge and the aerobic settled sludge were the greatest; and more soluble iron was released from the anaerobic sludge. The water quality of the final effluent in the two systems was close. The investigation showed that interchange times are important in improving sludge reduction efficiency, and the parameter should be regarded as an important operating factor in the OSA process.
Interaction between Denitrification and Phosphorus Removal in a Sequencing Batch Reactor Phosphorus Removal System
Authors: Yuan Qiuyan , Oleszkiewicz Jan
Published: May 2010

Batch experiments were performed to investigate simultaneous denitrification and phosphorus removal by denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (DNPAO). The results showed that while using the same amount of carbon source, DNPAOs are able to uptake phosphorus by using nitrate as an electron acceptor. It was observed that higher nitrate concentration required a longer anoxic period for denitrifying phosphate uptake. In addition, the effect of the presence of nitrate in substrate was studied. Phosphorus release occurred as long as substrate was present in the anaerobic phase regardless of nitrate concentrations. It also was noticed that nitrate hindered the release of phosphorus in the anaerobic stage because of denitrifiers competing with phosphorus accumulating organisms for their carbon source. The DNPAOs, however, remained competitive in a system with nitrate in the anaerobic phase.
The Role of Dispersed Nocardioform Filaments in Activated Sludge Foaming
Authors: Narayanan B. , de Leon C. , Radke C.J. , Jenkins D.
Published: May 2010

Activated sludge foaming caused by filamentous microorganisms is a major wastewater treatment plant operating problem. This paper presents the results of an investigation of the role of dispersed nocardioforms in activated sludge foaming. Dispersed nocardioforms had a greater propensity for foaming than floc‐bound nocardioforms. The mode of effluent withdrawal from an aeration basin plays a major role in determining the relative proportion of dispersed and floc‐bound nocardioforms in the activated sludge. Reactors with “trapping” features (sub‐surface mixed liquor withdrawal) had significantly higher dispersed nocardioform populations than reactors with “non‐trapping” features (surface mixed liquor withdrawal). High dispersed nocardioform filament concentrations were correlated with a high propensity for foaming. Cationic polymer and poly‐aluminum chloride reduced foaming by flocculating dispersed nocardioforms, thereby converting them to floc‐bound nocardioforms. Low non‐ionic surfactant concentrations changed the relative proportions of dispersed and floc‐bound nocardioforms by deflocculating floc‐bound filaments and converting them to the dispersed growth form. This could act as a trigger for initiating the rapid‐onset nocardioform foaming events observed at activated sludge plants.
Uncertainty, the Demand for Health Care, and Precautionary Saving
Authors: Nocetti Diego , Smith William T
Published: May 2010

We analyze the demand for medical care and precautionary saving in a framework with uncertainty surrounding the incidence of illness and the effectiveness of medical treatments and a representation of preferences that disentangles ordinal preferences, risk preferences, and intertemporal smoothing preferences. We consider a pure consumption model with exogenous health capital and a model where young consumers invest in preventive care to increase their future health stock. In both cases, we establish conditions for the different sources for uncertainty to induce precautionary saving and we evaluate how uncertainty affects the demand of curative and preventive care. We also show that given the self-insurance function of preventive care, consumers' welfare may increase with the degree of uncertainty surrounding health care effectiveness.
Understanding UPP
Authors: Epstein Roy J. , Rubinfeld Daniel L
Published: May 2010

Joseph Farrell and Carl Shapiro have proposed a measure of Upward Pricing Pressure (UPP) as offering a presumption of anticompetitive unilateral effects in a merger. We explain that the underlying framework (which relies on Bertrand competition) is in fact a special case of a more general merger simulation methodology. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the framework as a policy tool.
The future of morality and international justice
Authors: Rakic Vojin
Published: May 2010

The focus of this paper will be on the issue of justice, specifically in international relations. In that context, a number of existing theories of international justice will be briefly reviewed. Afterwards, I will turn to the question of what justice actually is. The assertion that justice is based on the idea of freedom will be substantiated. I will attempt to support my position with Doyle's and Kant's argumentation. It will be concluded that there are robust arguments in favor of the thesis that our historical development is marked by a gradual expansion of freedom and justice. Furthermore, we have strong reasons to aspire liberal internationalism based on the idea of humanity's gradual approximation of some form of global state because such a conception might be the best warrant of justice in international relations.
Carl Schmitt's attitude towards total war and total enemy on the eve of the outbreak of WWII
Authors: Molnar Aleksandar
Published: May 2010

Carl Schmitt is usually perceived as the theorist of total state, total war and total hostility. In the article, the author however tries to show that from 1937 to 1944, Schmitt was arguing that total war and total hostility were dangerous for Germany (as well as for the rest of Europe) and warned against perpetuation of all efforts to totalize enemy that started in 1914. In his theoretical endeavors in this period there was place for the total state only - and especially for the total state strong enough to resist temptation of declaring total war on total enemy. The total state he recommended Hitler and his Nazi comrades was German Reich, as a part of Europe ordered and divided in the huge spaces (Grossraumordnung). Positioned in the centre of Europe, between the rest of the powers (France, Italy, USSR as well as the Scandinavian states), Germany should be careful enough to wage war only against its Eastern enemies (Poland and maybe USSR) and only in order to achieve 'just' borders. Occupying in this way its huge space Germany should devote itself to the task of exploitation of various peoples such as Poles, Chechs and Slovaks, which were perceived as incapable of having their states and doomed to serve the master race - the Germans.
'Cet arrière-goût de violence': On violence against violence
Authors: Bojanic Petar
Published: May 2010

I will attempt to explain the connection between violence (someone's violence) and my own or Levinas's or the State's violence as a response to the initial violence (Violence against Violence) and finally the violence which remains in the mouth, throat, aftertaste [gout] or in disgust [degout]. 'Cet arri?re-go?t de violence' or 'un quelconque arri?re-go?t de degout' [a sort of aftertaste of disgust].
Democracy: Between the essentially contested concept and the agonistic practice: Connolly, Mouffe, Tully
Authors: Sladecek Michal
Published: May 2010

The text considers points of view of theoreticians of the radical pluralism (democracy): Connolly (William Connolly), Mouffe (Chantal Mouffe) and Tully (James Tully) with regard to the status and the nature of concepts in the political discourse, as well as the consequences of these conceptual presumptions to understanding democracy. The three authors emphasize the essential contestability of political concepts, the paradox of liberal democracy and the need to revise standard rational consensus theories of democracy. Also, the three authors take over the specific interpretation of Vittgenstein to the direction of political theory the centre of which consists of everyday contingent practices of politics as well as dissent about their assessment. The text analyzes the extent to which this reading is compatible to Wittgenstein's position. The author defends the opinion that the essential contestability does not imply agonism and denial of the significance of rules and tries to indicate to the points of illegitimate transition from antiessentialism to unconsensus rules. Also, the text underlines the flaws of dissent conception of democracy and social integration.
Man who reads: Instead of an essay
Authors: Dakovic Nenad
Published: May 2010

In this essay author is investigating one of the possible ways into post-philosophy, philosophy that does not exist.
Theory of names and cognitive linguistics: The case of the metaphor
Authors: Dobric Nikola
Published: May 2010

The philosophical and, in a lesser degree, linguistic debate about the notion of names has been raging for a long time. The processes behind naming are presented and explained in various ways. This paper will try to give a new insight into the motivation behind the creation of new names as seen from the linguistics viewpoint. Metaphor, as one of the major sources of motivation from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, is the basic form of human conceptualization. The first part of the paper presents the current theories about names. The second part describes the basic principles of cognitive linguistics as related to metaphors. The third part deals with providing the evidence regarding metaphor involvement in original creation of people's names, while the last part of the paper presents examples from the Serbian language.
Follow up of some anthropometric and ergometric parameters during 8 week resistance training
Authors: Drapsin Miodrag , Barak Otto , Popadic-Gacesa Jelena , Klasnja Aleksandar , Naumovic Nada , Grujic Nikola
Published: May 2010

Muscle cell adaptation to physical activity is well known. Hypertrophy is one of the basic changes but metabolic changes are following the anatomic ones as well. The aim of the study was to follow up the changes of the ergometric parameters and surface area of the thigh muscles evoked by the heavy resistance strength training. The study included 15 male subjects, who took part in the heavy resistance strength training lasting 8 weeks. Anthropometric (surface area of the thigh muscles) and ergometric (peak power) parameters were measured at the beginning and at the end of the 8 week period in order to evaluate the changes in the thigh muscles. The surface area of the thigh muscles increased significantly (p<0.05) (the left leg 9.26?0.32 cm2 and the right leg 9.07?0.57 cm2). Metabolic changes were assessed via Wingate test and also showed significant increase (p<0.05). This finding indirectly indicates the increase in anaerobic capacity of the trained muscles. The heavy resistance training evidently influenced the changes in the trained muscles. After the 8 week period both antropometric and metabolic changes were evident, and significant.
Correlation of hearing function findings in regard to other, subsequent complication of diabetes mellitus type 1
Authors: Pudar Goran , Vlaski Liljana , Filipovic Danka , Tanackov Ilija
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Hearing loss is considered to be a subsequent complication of diabetes. Material and methods. Auditory function was analyzed in 50 patients suffering from diabetes mellitus type I, and through results of pure-tone audiometry and brainstem auditory evoked potentials in regard to the existence of subsequent complications of the disease, diabetic neuropathy (n = 20) and retinopathy (n = 13). Results and discussion. The results were correlated with the ones in those having a disease, but without these complications and the control group of 30 healthy examinees of the adequate gender and age. Patients suffering from this disease for over 10 years (83.33%), were found to have high frequency of diabetic neuropathy, increased average sensorineural hearing loss (73.04%). The average age was significantly higher (35.5 ? (3SD = 5.3) in accordance with 23.2? (3 SD = 6.3), and the disease lasted much longer (17.5 years towards 5.7 years) in those suffering from neuropathy. In the presence of diabetic retinopathy it was found that the average sensorineural hearing loss was increased for 50.43%, in comparison to those without signs of retinopathy. The average sensorineural hearing loss was found to be higher for 62.58% to 76.81% in patients with retinopathy preproliferance and retinopathy profilerance than in those with established retinopathy nonproliferance. In the presence of diabetic retinopathy, a significant difference was observed in latencies of III and IV waves from the right, and latencies of I, IV and V waves from the left ear, this is, interwaves latencies of I-III on the right ear and III-V and I-V on the left ear. Conclusion.. Subsequent complications of diabetes mellitus type 1 (neuropathy and retinopathy) have positive correlation with the significant level of sensorineural hearing loss, particulary expressed in function of patients' age, and latencies extention of brainstem auditory evoked potentials.
Mobbing: Special reference to the nursing profession
Authors: Milutinovic Dragana , Prokes Bela , Gavrilov-Jerkovic Vesna , Filipovic Danka
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Heinz Leymann defined this phenomenon as a hostile and unethical communication. In his definition Leymann points out that the distinction between 'conflict' and 'mobbing' does not focus on what is done or how it is done, but rather on the frequency and duration of whatever is done. The exposure to the strain of mobbing begins to result in psychiatrically or psychosomatically pathological conditions due to the accumulation of negative emotions. Leyman emphasizes four main factors which cause harassment in the workplace: lack of clarity of goals in work, inadequate management, victim's social status and low moral standards in the work environment. Epidemiological Findings. The epidemiological data in the European Union, indicate great national differences relative to the percentage of those subjected to mobbing, with increasing exposure rates in all professions, the highest being found in education (14%) and health services. Mobbing in Nursing Profession. Nurses are considered a professional group at a rather high risk for trauma caused by harassment in the workplace. 'Horizontal violence' is a widely used term regarding mobbing actions in nursing profession even though vertical violence is present both in this profession and all other health services. Horizontal violence is implied due to the traditional assumption that nurses have a subordinate role compared to doctors, which often brings them into conflict with their peers. Conclusion. Mobbing may be prevented by systematic primary prevention, information, education, and training in communication skills. As a result, we could expect to get a higher quality of nursing care and healthier nurses.
Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease
Authors: Kesic Ljiljana , Petrovic Dragan , Obradovic Radmila , Gasic Jovanka , Todorovic Kosta
Published: May 2010

Introduction. This review highlights the relations between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease, as well as the pathogenic mechanisms which are still the subject of investigations. The possible pathogenic mechanisms important for developing periodontal disease in the diabetics are: vascular gingival changes, the disorders in the metabolism of the collagen, disorders in the function of the polimorphonuclear leukocytes and specific microbial flora in the parodontal pockets. Conclusion. It is clear that adequate early recognition and good treatment are very important and significant for treatment of diabetic periodontal disease.
Diagnostic significance of immunofluorescent tests in dermatology
Authors: Medenica Ljiljana , Skiljevic Dusan
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Immunofluorescence (IF) is a laboratory technique introduced to dermatology in 1960s for the purposes of investigating the patophysiology and establishing the diagnosis of skin diseases, particularly autoimmune bullous diseases and connective tissues diseases. There are three basic types of IF techniques: the direct IF (DIF), which is used for the detection of antibodies and complement components fixed in the tissue, the indirect IF (IIF), which is used for the detection of circulating antibodies in patients' serum, and complement-fixed IIF (K-IIF), which is more sensitive in the detection of complement-binding circulating antibodies. Autoimmune bullous diseases. Autoimmune bullous diseases (ABD) can be divided into two groups, depending on the site of blister formation: intraepidermal and subepidermal ABD. The detection of antibodies against the adhesion molecules by DIF techique in both groups of ABD has almost 100% diagnostic accuracy. The titer of circulating antibodies detected and measured by IIF correlates with the activity of pemphigus, but not with the pemphigoid. There are also two modified IIF techniques routinely used, split-skin DIF and IIF, both are most employed in differentiating of subepidermal ABD, since they share many clinical, histopathological and immunopathological features. Connective tissue diseases. DIF test is most useful in diagnosing the connective tissue diseases (CTD), especially lupus erythematosus. Since there are false positive and negative results, DIF findings should be correlated with clinical histological and serological features. Vasculitis. DIF test is used for detection of different immunoreactansts in leukocytoclastic vasculitis and Henoch-Schoenlein purpura. Lichen planus, erythema multiforme. The characteristic pattern of fluorescence in DIF test can be found in most patients with these diseases.
The role of oxidative stress in alcoholic liver injury
Authors: Radosavljevic Tatjana , Mladenovic Dusan , Vucevic Danijela
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Oxidative stress plays an important role in pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury. The main source of free oxygen species is cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, which can be induced by ethanol. Role of cytochrome P4502E1 in ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species produced by this enzyme are more important in intracellular oxidative damage compared to species derived from activated phagocytes. Free radicals lead to lipid peroxidation, enzymatic inactivation and protein oxidation. Role of mitochondria in alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species is increased, and glutathione content is decreased in chronically ethanolfed animals. Oxidative stress in mitochondria leads to mitochondrial DNA damage and has a dual effect on apoptosis. Role of Kupffer cells in alcohol-induced liver injury. Chronic ethanol consumption is associated with increased release of endotoxin from gut lumen into portal circulation. Endotoxin activates Kupffer cells, which then release proinflammatory cytokines and oxidants. Role of neutrophils in alcohol-induced liver injury. Alcoholic liver injury leads to the accumulation of neutrophils, which release reactive oxygen species and lysosomal enzymes and contribute to hepatocyte damage and necrosis. Role of nitric oxide in alcohol-induced oxidative stress. High amounts of nitric oxide contribute to the oxidative damage, mainly by generating peroxynitrites. Role of antioxidants in ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Chronic ethanol consumption is associated with reduced liver glutathione and ?-tocopherol level and with reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Conclusion. Oxidative stress in alcoholic liver disease is a consequence of increased production of oxidants and decreased antioxidant defense in the liver.
Evaluation of myocardial relaxation in conditions of cardiac remodeling
Authors: Djukanovic Nina , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Mujovic Vujadin
Published: May 2010

The term cardiodynamics refers to dynamic events associated with cardiac contraction and relaxation. The occurring wave of excitement spreads very quickly along the entire atrial musculature and after a brief AV retention it affects all muscle cells of the ventricles. Excitation, that is, the increase in action potentials, precedes the contraction of the myocardium, which follows the 'all or none' rule. Each contraction results in relaxation of the myocardium, so that the contraction and relaxation cycles continually follow each other in succession. The entire cardiodynamics, hemodinamics, i.e. signaling mechanisms of the heart are altered in the remodeling (alternation) condition of the left ventricular myocardium, i.e. the musculature and the whole arterial wall. Remodeling of the cardiac wall and layers of the arterial wall is a negative factor, because it leads to disturbances of the cardiac contraction and relaxation cycles and incites progression of the arterial hypertension, emergence of atherosclerosis and arterial stenosis. Today, the genetic base of the cardiac remodeling is the object of intensive studies. Cardiomyopathies are primary disorders of the myocardium associated with abnormalities of the cardiac wall thickness, the size of chambers, contractions, relaxations, signal conduct and rhythm. They are the major cause of morbidity and mortality for all age groups. Mechanisms of these events on the molecular level will be discussed in the following study.
Consultative psychiatry examinations of patients: Review of twelve months retrospective follow up
Authors: Skakic Olivera , Trajanovic Ljiljana
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Psychiatric symptoms in hospitalized somatic patients are not rare in practice, and therefore consultative psychiatric examinations are an important part of the treatment of patients in non-psychiatric departments. The term consultative psychiatry refers to psychiatric evaluation, advising and treatment of numerous and various psychiatric disorders in physically ill patients in non-psychiatric departments. The aim of the research was to determine the wards at which psychiatric consultations were the most frequent as well as the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Material and method. The research included 887 patients hospitalized at the clinics of the Clinical Centre Nis, examined by consultant psychiatrists during the twelve month period. The research instrument was medical documentation (files of psychiatrist-consultants after the completed consultation). Results and conclusion. The greatest number of psychiatric consultations was made at the Endocrinology Clinic, followed by the Neurology Clinic and the Surgery Clinic, and then at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases. Most diagnoses were syndromological-descriptive, which entailed a relatively high percentage of multiple diagnoses. The most frequent diagnostic groups were chronic and acute psycho-organic syndromes, which cause a bad compliance and can lead to difficulties during somatic examination, intervention or pharmacological treatment. Immediately following are mental disorders due to the use of psychoactive substances, situational reactions and suicide attempts. The obtained results have shown that consultative psychiatric examinations were made in urgent conditions (aggressive patients), with few control examinations, which means without the follow up of the given therapy, without the use of psychotherapy and the principles of liaison psychiatry.
Oxidative stress in patients on mechanical ventilation
Authors: Marjanovic Vesna , Djordjevic Vidosava , Marjanovic Goran
Published: May 2010

Introduction. The appearance and intensity of oxidative stress were analyzed in the course of mechanical ventilation and parameters that could point toward potential lung damage. Material and methods. In three time intervals on day 1, 3 and 7 of mechanical ventilation, parameters such as: triglycerides, cholesterol, lactate, serum lactic dehydrogenase, acid-base balance and lipid peroxidation products - thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were followed in 30 patients with head injuries. Results. A decrease in the level of partial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (p<0.01) and PaO2/FiO2 index (p<0.05) in arterial blood was recorded on day 3 of mechanical ventilation. This was accompanied with an increase in alveolar-arterial difference (AaDO2) (p<0.05), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p<0.001) and lactic dehydrogenase (p<0.001) comparing to day 1 of mechanical ventilation. The patients with initial PaO2>120 mmHg, had significant increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and AaDO2 (p<0.05) and fall of PaO2 (p<0.001) on day 3 of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion. Oxidative stress and lipid peroxide production are increased during third day of mechanical ventilation leading to disruption of oxygen diffusion through alveolar-capillary membrane and reduction of parameters of oxygenation.
Disseminated BCG infection in patients with urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Korac Milos , Milosevic Branko , Lavadinovic Lidija , Janjic Aleksandar , Brmbolic Branko
Published: May 2010

Introduction. Bacillus Calmette-Gu?rin - a live, attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis has been used in immunotherapy of patients with superficial urinary bladder carcinoma. Some patients develop complications after intravesical instillation of BCG: high temperature followed by hematuria or granulomatous prostatits, epidydimoorchitis, urethral obstruction, and less than 1% have a systemic disease followed by dissemination of bacteria into other organs. Case report. A 50-year-old man underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. One month after the operation BCG intravesical instillations were administered for three weeks. After the fourth instillation, our patient developed high fever, fatigue, vomiting, dark urine, light stools, and jaundice. On admission he was jaundiced with a high fever, enlarged liver and spleen and laboratory findings which included high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pancytopenia, elevated liver enzymes, especially alkaline phosphatase and aminotranspherases. The bone-marrow biopsy showed granulomatous inflamation suggesting mycobacterial spread in the bone marrow, liver and spleen and sepsis. The patient was initially treated with antituberculous therapy, but his state did not improve until corticosteroids were added to the antituberuculous treatment regimen. Conclusion. Although dissemination of BCG is a rare complication of intravesical BCG treatment of the bladder carcinoma, it may result in prolonged fever and granulomatous inflamation of the liver, spleen, lungs, bone marrow and BCG sepsis. Antituberculous agents in combination with corticosteroids comprise the treatment of choice for disseminated BCG infection.
Laser roll welding of dissimilar metal joint of zinc coated steel to aluminum alloy
Authors: Ozaki Hitoshi , Kutsuna Muneharu , Nakagawa Shigeyuki , Miyamoto Kenji
Published: May 2010

There is a subject to reduce the weight of car body by replacing steel to aluminum alloys as some structural body parts for improving fuel consumption and suppressing CO2 generation. As one of the solutions, the hybrid body structure concept using aluminum alloys and high strength steels is proposed recently. However, it is well known that fusion welding of steel and aluminum is difficult due to the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds at the joint interface. Therefore, new welding processes by which these dissimilar materials can be joined in high reliability and productivity are demanded. “Laser roll welding” has been developed for joining of dissimilar metals by Kutsuna, Rathod, and Tsuboi in 2002 (Japanese Patent No. 3535152 and No. 3692135). Controlling the formation of the brittle imtermetallic compounds was tried by application of laser roll welding to get a sound joint. In the present work, laser roll welding of zinc coated steel and aluminum alloy was fundamentally investigated, and the process parameters were studied. Furthermore, the influences of process parameters on the weldability, the formation of intermetallic compound layer, and the joint properties have been investigated to get a sound joint. When intermetallic compound layer thickness was less than 10 μm, failure of tensile shear test specimen occurred in the base metal of the zinc coated steel.
Finite volume model for laser-soot interaction for a laser transmission welding process
Authors: Mayboudi L. S. , Birk A. M. , Zak G. , Bates P. J.
Published: May 2010

Laser transmission welding, a technique to join thermoplastic components, involves a laser beam passing through a laser-transmitting part being absorbed by a laser-absorbing part at the weld interface. The heat generated at the interface melts a thin layer of the plastic in both parts and forms a joint. Laser-absorbing agents such as dyes or soot particles are added to the laser-absorbing part to make it absorbing to the laser beam. Thermal and optical interaction of the soot particles and polymer with laser beam determines heating, melting, and, consequently, welding of plastics. To form a strong bond, it is important that the weld interface be exposed to sufficient heat to melt the polymer without degrading it. This paper investigates the thermal response of soot particles to a diode laser heat source. A thermal model is presented herein for a soot particle that is surrounded by a semicrystalline material (PA6) and solved using finite volume technique. The results are then compared to the ones obtained from a finite element analysis solved with a commercial software (ANSYS®). The microscale model predictions for the peak temperature of the soot particle appear to be reasonable when compared with the results of the macroscale finite element models for the same process parameters and set up developed in the previous work of the authors.
Thermal stress analysis on laser cross scribe of glass
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Hasaka Noburu , Morita Hideki , Ohmura Etsuji
Published: May 2010

In CO2 laser scribe processing of glass, an initial crack on the start edge of the glass is indispensable. When carrying out laser cross scribe, there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line. However, the second scribing progresses across the first scribed line. In this research, in order to clarify the phenomena of laser cross scribe, the laser irradiation experiments were carried out at various velocities of the second scribing. Using the same conditions as the experiments, three-dimensional thermal stress analyses were conducted by a finite element method. As a result, two kinds of forms were found in the progresses of the second scribing. One is a form that the first scribed crack surfaces are bonded by strong compression at high temperature in the heating area during the second scribing. The other is a form that the tensile stress in the cooling area which makes the second scribing progress is transmitted by the frictional force generated in the first scribed crack surface. Consequently the second scribing progresses across the first scribed line although there is no initial crack on the edge of the first scribed line.
Control of penetration depth fluctuations in single-mode fiber laser welds
Authors: Reiter Matt J , Farson Dave F , Mehl M
Published: May 2010

Circular focus spot oscillation was investigated as a means of suppressing penetration spiking and related defects in partial penetration single-mode fiber laser welds. Initially, partial penetration welds in stainless steel square-butt joints with linear travel were made to quantify weld and weld spiking characteristics. Then, welds were made with linear travel and superimposed circular oscillations having a range of angular frequencies and diameters. Oscillation parameter ranges which significantly decreased penetration spiking were identified. Additional tests quantified the ability of fiber mode laser welding with circular oscillation to accommodate part alignment mismatch errors.
Surface effects of alumina ceramics machined with femtosecond lasers
Authors: Meeker J. , Segall A. E. , Semak V. V.
Published: May 2010

Laser machining is now an accepted method for shaping and modifying ceramics and is rapidly replacing other methods such as grinding and etching. In fact, new innovations such as short pulsed or femtosecond lasers have drastically decreased the amount of unwanted damage associated with laser machining. However, laser machining does still alter the surface and can change the flaw populations and the strength. In order to investigate this effect, the flaw populations and strengths of both unaltered and femtosecond laser machined surfaces were compared. Four point bend tests and a Weibull analysis were used to determine the strength and variability of each sample. From the Weibull analysis, a negligible increase in the characteristic strength was observed. However, the Weibull modulus consistently increased, thus indicating less varied values of strength for the surface treated samples relative to the unmachined samples. Fractography confirmed these findings by indicating more consistent flaw shapes on the machined surface of the specimen.
Records of the Middle - And Late Holocene Palaeoenvironmental Changes in the Pcim-Sucha Landslide Peat Bogs (Beskid Makowski Mts., Polish Outer Carpathians)
Authors: Margielewski Włodzimierz , Michczyński Adam , Obidowicz Andrzej
Published: May 2010

The paper presents analysis of depositional sequences of two peat bogs situated in the depressions developed within the landslide landforms Pcim Sucha in the Beskid Makowski Mts. (Outer Carpathians). The older peat bog, with depositional sequence 3.75 m long, started to form at the decline of the Boreal Phase ca 7570-7330 cal BC. Palynological and lithological analyses as well as numerous (18) radiocarbon datings of different horizons in the sediment enabled reconstruction of palaeoenvironmental changes of the Middle and Late Holocene. Increase in climate humidity at the beginning of the Atlantic, Subboreal and Subatlantic Phases were observed as deliveries of minerogenic material to the peat bog basin and formation of illuvial and mineral layers within peat. The particularly intensive delivery of allochtonous material to the peat bog took place at the beginning of the Subatlantic Phase and was the result of both significant humid climate and increased human impact (colonization of the Przeworsk Culture) in the landslide area. Rejuvenation of the landslide zone and formation of the second landslide were connected with this period and processes. Deposits of peat bog situated within this younger landslide, which are ca 1.3 m thick, are significantly contaminated with mineral material.
The Forest Vegetation of the Tolfa-Ceriti Mountains (Northern Latium - Central Italy)
Authors: Pietro Romeo , Azzella Mattia , Facioni Laura
Published: May 2010

The Forest Vegetation of the Tolfa-Ceriti Mountains (Northern Latium - Central Italy)

The forests of the Tolfa-Ceriti mountains (Latium, central Italy) were investigated through a phytosociological approach. 249 relevés were performed and treated with multivariate analysis. 13 woodland communities were identified, of which 7 belong toQuercetalia pubescenti-petraeae, 1 toFagetalia sylvaticae, 1 toPopuletaliaand 4 toQuercetalia ilicis. The thermophilous Turkey oak-forests occurring on the trachytic hills of the Ceriti Mountains and on the flysch substrates of the Tolfa Mountains were included inRubio peregrinae-Quercetum cerridisass. nova.Quercus cerrisandFraxinus angustifoliasubsp.oxycarpawoodland communities of the footslopes have been ascribed toFraxino oxycarpae-Quercetum cerridis, while the widespread mesophilus Turkey oak forests have been ascribed toMelico-Quercetum cerridis. Cephalantero longifoliae-Quercetum cerridishas been restricted to acid and oligotrophic soils.Quercus petraeawoodlands, occurring on trachytic substrates have been described as a new association namedCarici olbiensis-Quercetum petraeaeass. nova. All these mixed oak woods have been included in the allianceCrataego laevigatae-Quercion cerridisArrigoni 1997. The nomenclatural problems concerning the prior nameTeucrio siculi-Quercion cerridisUbaldi 1988 are also discussed. The beech forests of the higher altitudes have been included inFraxino orni-Fagetum sylvaticae, while theAlnus glutinosaravine woodlands have been described as belonging to the new associationPolysticho setiferi-Alnetum glutinosae. Secondary communities ofAcer monspessulanumandAcer campestredeveloped on flysch substrates, and ofErica arboreaandArbutus unedo(Erico-Arbutetum unedonis) developed on trachytic substrates, have also been identified. Finally two types ofQuercus ilexwood have been identified:Cyclamino repandi-Quercetum ilicis, on sandstones, and the new associationArbuto unedonis-Quercetum ilicisass. nova on volcanic soils. This latter community can be considered as a coenological and geographical vicariant in central Italy of the sicilianErico-Quercetum ilicis.
Notes on phytosociology of Juniperus Excelsa in Macedonia (Southern Balkan Peninsula)
Authors: Matevski Vlado , Čarni Andraž , Kostadinovski Mitko , Marinšek Aleksander , Mucina Ladislav , Paušič Andrej , Šilc Urban
Published: May 2010

Notes on phytosociology ofJuniperus Excelsain Macedonia (Southern Balkan Peninsula)

Juniperus excelsais an East Mediterranean species found also in marginal, sub-mediterranean regions of the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It prefers shallow soils in the warmest habitats of the zone of thermophilous deciduous forests. In the past the rank of alliance and the name ofJuniperion excelsae-foetidissimaehave been suggested for the vegetation dominated byJuniperus excelsain the Balkan Peninsula. In this paper we present the valid description of the alliance in accordance with the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. The validation of theJuniperion excelsae-foetidissimaerequired description of a new association - theQuerco trojanae-Juniperetum excelsae.TheJuniperion excelsae-foetidissimaeis classified within the order ofQuercetalia pubescentisKlika 1933 (theQuercetea pubescentisDoing-Kraft ex Scamoni et Passarge 1959).
Saturation Effects of Dark Magneto-Optical Resonances Observed on the Alkali D1 Line
Authors: Kalvans L. , Kalvāns L.
Published: May 2010

Saturation Effects of Dark Magneto-Optical Resonances Observed on the AlkaliD1Line

Theoretical studies of saturation effects of dark magneto-optical resonances are presented. A model based on the optical Bloch equations is applied to simulate numerically the alkaliD1excitation in external magnetic field. The laser power densities at which the expected dark resonance contrast reaches maximum are analyzed and correlated with the quantum superposition states induced by exciting laser field. Fictional hyperfine structure constants for the excited state are used to vary the selection efficiency of hyperfine transitions.
Leaf Warblers (Phylloscopus spp.) As a Model Group in Migration Ecology Studies
Authors: Ciach Michał
Published: May 2010

Leaf Warblers (Phylloscopus spp.) As a Model Group in Migration Ecology Studies

The aim of this paper is to review information on systematic position, distribution ranges, habitat requirements, morphology, and ecology of the leaf warblers (Phylloscopus spp.). Closely related species of this group present different migration strategies. Exhibiting many inter-specific similarities in morphology and ecological requirements, leaf warblers reveal high intra-specific variability. The morphological differentiation of individual species, subspecies, populations, and age-sex groups, affords considerable possibilities for migration studies, especially those concerning the basis of migration strategy. Leaf warblers make a group of model species, being a good subject for ecological studies. The knowledge of their migration strategies may be a good reference point for understanding a general pattern of the migration of European passerines.
Resistance to decay caused by fungi of common oak (Quercus robur L.) wood from trees of different health status
Authors: Szczepkowski Andrzej
Published: May 2010

Odporność drewna dębu szypułkowego (Quercus roburL.), z drzew o różnym stanie zdrowotnym, na rozkład powodowany przez grzyby
Social importatance of public forest functions - desirable for recreation model of tree stand and forest
Authors: Gołos Piotr
Published: May 2010

Społeczne znaczenie publicznych funkcji lasu - pożądany dla rekreacji i wypoczynku model drzewostanu i lasu
The progress and opportunities of genomics in the breeding of forest trees
Authors: Szyp-Borowska Iwona
Published: May 2010

Postęp i możliwości zastosowania genomiki w hodowli drzew leśnych
Effect of food on development of the Melolonta hippocastani F. beetles (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae)
Authors: Woreta Danuta , Sukovata Lidia
Published: May 2010

Wpływ pokarmu na rozwój chrząszczy chrabąszcza kasztanowca (Melolontha hippocastani F.) (Coleoptera, Melolonthidae)
A new species of Stichorkis (Orchidaceae, Malaxidinae) from Sarawak in Malaysia
Authors: Margońska Hanna
Published: May 2010

A new species of Stichorkis (Orchidaceae, Malaxidinae) from Sarawak in Malaysia

A new species Stichorkis mieczyslawiana is described and illustrated. A brief explanation of the status and characteristics of genus Stichorkis are given.
Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in Poland
Authors: Nobis Marcin , Nobis Agnieszka
Published: May 2010

Eragrostis pilosa (L.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae) in Poland

The paper presents new data on the occurrence of Eragrostis pilosa in Poland. The species has been considered as an ephemerophyte in the Polish flora. A new locality of E. pilosa was found in the railway areas of Nowosielce near Sanok (southern Poland) in 2007. The occurrence of the species at this locality was confirmed in 2008 and 2009. Because the species is established in anthropogenic habitats, it might be regarded as an epecophyte in Poland.
The flora of the former Łęczyca iron ore dumps
Authors: Siciński Jan , Sieradzki Jarosław
Published: May 2010

The flora of the former Łęczyca iron ore dumps

Iron ore mines of the Łęczyca region started operating in the sixties and seventies of the 20th century and brought about considerable changes in the agricultural landscape of the town of Łęczyca and its vicinity. As a result of the ore exploitation, rock dumps as well as local depressions were created there. The subject of the present research was flora occurring in areas transformed by iron ore mining in the Łęczyca region. The flora is of spontaneous and anthropogenic (as a result of planting - reclamation) character. The results of the conducted research indicate that areas transformed by mining significantly increase their biological diversity.
Impact of forest management on genetic diversity of Quercus petraea populations: a case study from the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area (Czech Republic)
Authors: Pospíšková Markéta , Dostálek Jiří
Published: May 2010

Impact of forest management on genetic diversity of Quercus petraea populations: a case study from the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area (Czech Republic)

In the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area (Czech Republic), the relation between genetic diversity and intensity of management was studied in 3 populations of Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl. (sessile oak). Microsatellite analysis was used to assess genetic diversity. The results indicate that differences between populations in average number of alleles per locus are so small that no genetic difference can be proved between them. The values of heterozygosity for all 3 studied populations confirm the absence of significant genetic differences among them.