bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel population of subepithelial platelet-derived growth factor receptor α-positive cells in the mouse and human colon
Authors: Kurahashi Masaaki , Nakano Yasuko , Peri Lauren E. , Townsend Jared B. , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: February 2013

Recently platelet-derived growth factor-α-positive cells (PDGFRα+cells), previously called “fibroblast-like” cells, have been described in the muscle layers of the gastrointestinal tract. These cells form networks and are involved in purinergic motor neurotransduction. Examination of colon from mice with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven from the endogenous Pdgfra (PDGFRα-eGFP mice) revealed a unique population of PDGFRα+cells in the mucosal layer of colon. We investigated the phenotype and potential role of these cells, which have not been characterized previously. Expression of PDGFRα and several additional proteins was surveyed in human and murine colonic mucosae by immunolabeling; PDGFRα+cells in colonic mucosa were isolated from PDGFRα-eGFP mice, and the gene expression profile was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We found for the first time that PDGFRα was expressed in subepithelial cells (subepithelial PDGFRα+cells) forming a pericryptal sheath from the base to the tip of crypts. These cells were in close proximity to the basolateral surface of epithelial cells and distinct from subepithelial myofibroblasts, which were identified by expression of α-smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin. PDGFRα+cells also lay in close proximity to varicose processes of nerve fibers. Mouse subepithelial PDGFRα+cells expressed Toll-like receptor genes, purinergic receptor genes, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 4 receptor gene, and hedgehog signaling genes. Subepithelial PDGFRα+cells occupy an important niche in the lamina propria and may function in transduction of sensory and immune signals and in the maintenance of mucosal homeostasis.
Molecular Pathways: Extracting Medical Knowledge from High-Throughput Genomic Data
Authors: Goldstein Theodore C. , Paull Evan O. , Ellis Matthew J. , Stuart Joshua M.
Published: February 2013

High-throughput genomic data that measures RNA expression, DNA copy number, mutation status, and protein levels provide us with insights into the molecular pathway structure of cancer. Genomic lesions (amplifications, deletions, mutations) and epigenetic modifications disrupt biochemical cellular pathways. Although the number of possible lesions is vast, different genomic alterations may result in concordant expression and pathway activities, producing common tumor subtypes that share similar phenotypic outcomes. How can these data be translated into medical knowledge that provides prognostic and predictive information? First-generation mRNA expression signatures such as Genomic Health's Oncotype DX already provide prognostic information, but do not provide therapeutic guidance beyond the current standard of care, which is often inadequate in high-risk patients. Rather than building molecular signatures based on gene expression levels, evidence is growing that signatures based on higher-level quantities such as from genetic pathways may provide important prognostic and diagnostic cues. We provide examples of how activities for molecular entities can be predicted from pathway analysis and how the composite of all such activities, referred to here as the “activitome,” helps connect genomic events to clinical factors to predict the drivers of poor outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3114–20. ©2013 AACR.
New one-pot synthesis of Au and Ag nanoparticles using green rust reactive particle as a micro-reactor
Authors: Ayadi Sondra , Perca Cristian , Legrand Ludovic
Published: February 2013

A new, simple, and fast one-pot synthesis of supported Au or Ag nanoparticles is implemented, for which a reactive Fe(II)-bearing green rust inorganic particle is used as an individual micro-reactor acting as both the reducing agent and support for the resulting metal nanoparticles. The mechanism involves both the solid-state oxidation of the green rust support (sulfate or carbonate) and the reduction-precipitation of soluble metal precursor. The resulting nanohybrids have a platy inorganic part supporting about one to ten nanoparticles with sizes in the 20 to 120 nm range.
Jumping from the surface of water by the long-legged flyHydrophorus(Diptera, Dolichopodidae)
Authors: Burrows Malcolm
Published: February 2013

The fly, Hydrophorus that is 4 mm long and has a mass of 4.7 mg moves around upon and jumps from water without its tarsi penetrating the surface. All 6 tarsi have a surface area of 1.3 mm-2 in contact with the water but did not dimple its surface when standing. Jumping was propelled by depression of the trochantera and extension of the tibiae of both hind and middle legs which are 40% longer than the front legs and 170% longer than the body. As these four legs progressively propelled the insect to take-off, they each created dimples on the water surface that expanded in depth and area. No dimples were associated with the front legs, which were not moved in a consistent sequence. The wings opened while the legs were moving and then flapped at a frequency of 148 Hz. The body was accelerated in a mean time of 21 ms to a mean take-off velocity of 0.7 m s-1. The best jumps reached velocities of 1.6 m s-1, required an energy output of 7 µJ and a power output of 0.6 mW, with the fly experiencing a force of 140 g. The required power output indicates that direct muscle contractions could propel the jump without the need for elaborate mechanisms for energy storage. Take-off trajectories were steep with a mean of 87 degrees to the horizontal. Take-off velocity fell if a propulsive tarsus penetrated the surface of the water. If more tarsi became submerged, take-off was not successful. A second strategy for take-off was powered only by the wings and was associated with slower (1 degree ms-1 compared with 10 degrees ms-1 when jumping) and less extensive movements of the propulsive joints of the middle and hind legs. No dimples were then created on the surface of the water. When jumping was combined with wing flapping, the acceleration time to take-off was reduced by 84 % and the take-off velocity was increased by 168 %. Jumping can potentially therefore enhance survival when threatened by a potential predator.
Sex-specific effects of prenatal stress on glucose homoeostasis and peripheral metabolism in rats
Authors: Brunton Paula J , Sullivan Katie M , Kerrigan David , Russell John A , Seckl Jonathan R , Drake Amanda J
Published: February 2013

Glucocorticoid overexposure during pregnancy programmes offspring physiology and predisposes to later disease. However, any impact of ethologically relevant maternal stress is less clear, yet of physiological importance. Here, we investigated in rats the short- and long-term effects in adult offspring of repeated social stress (exposure to an aggressive lactating female) during late pregnancy on glucose regulation following stress, glucose–insulin homoeostasis and peripheral expression of genes important in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and glucocorticoid action. Prenatal stress (PNS) was associated with reduced birth weight in female, but not male, offspring. The increase in blood glucose with restraint was exaggerated in adult PNS males compared with controls, but not in females. Oral glucose tolerance testing showed no effects on plasma glucose or insulin concentrations in either sex at 3 months; however, at 6 months, PNS females were hyperinsulinaemic following an oral glucose load. In PNS males, plasma triglyceride concentrations were increased, with reduced hepatic mRNA expression of 5α-reductase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (Pparα(Ppara)) and a strong trend towards reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (Pgc1α(Ppargc1a)) andPparγ(Pparg) expression, whereas onlyPgc1αmRNA was affected in PNS females. Conversely, in subcutaneous fat, PNS reduced mRNA expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βhsd1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck(Pck1)), adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) and diglyceride acyltransferase 2 (Dgat2) in females, but onlyPepckmRNA expression was reduced in PNS males. Thus, prenatal social stress differentially programmes glucose homoeostasis and peripheral metabolism in male and female offspring. These long-term alterations in physiology may increase susceptibility to metabolic disease.
Experimental Observation of Formation Processes in Si/SiO2 Interface Defects Using in-situ UHV-ESR System
Authors: Mizuochi N. , Futako W. , Yamasaki S.
Published: February 2013

We investigated the process of Pb center generation during silicon oxidation following oxygen termination on a clean Si surface, based on which we discuss the microscopic origin of Pb centers. We constructed a UHV-ESR system which enabled measurements to be carried out at a low temperature of around 100 – 120 K, and used the system to study the Si(111)-7×7 surface after slight exposure to O2. Based on the observed ESR spectra, we discuss the electronic structure of the Si(111)-7×7 surface.
A Novel Method to Synthesize Blue-Luminescent Doped GaN Powders
Authors: Garcia R. , Thomas A. , Bell A. , Ponce F. A.
Published: February 2013

A new method to synthesize highly luminescent GaN:Mg powders has been developed. This method has a high control over the concentration of magnesium in the final product. The method consists of reacting a high purity (99.999 %) galliummagnesium alloy with ultra-high purity ammonia in a horizontal quartz tube reactor at high temperatures for several hours. Electron microscopy showed that the light-gray powders produced by this method consist of at least two different shaped crystallites; large columnar crystals sized around 10 μm and small platelets crystals between 1 and 2 μm. X-ray diffraction showed that those crystallites have a well defined wurtzite structure. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) showed a high intensity blue emission around 2.94 eV (422 nm). At helium temperature the well known Mg-related donor-acceptor pair band was observed at 3.25 eV (380 nm) by PL and CL.
Increasing participation in incentive programs for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Sorice Michael G. , Oh Chi-Ok , Gartner Todd , Snieckus Mary , Johnson Rhett , Donlan C. Josh
Published: February 2013

Engaging private landowners in conservation activities for imperiled species is critical to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Market‐based approaches can incentivize conservation behaviors on private lands by shifting the benefit–cost ratio of engaging in activities that result in net conservation benefits for target species. In the United States and elsewhere, voluntary conservation agreements with financial incentives are becoming an increasingly common strategy. While the influence of program design and delivery of voluntary conservation programs is often overlooked, these aspects are critical to achieving the necessary participation to attain landscape‐scale outcomes. Using a sample of family‐forest landowners in the southeast United States, we show how preferences for participation in a conservation program to protect an at‐risk species, the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), are related to program structure, delivery, and perceived efficacy. Landowners were most sensitive to programs that are highly controlling, require permanent conservation easements, and put landowners at risk for future regulation. Programs designed with greater levels of compensation and that support landowners' autonomy to make land management decisions can increase participation and increase landowner acceptance of program components that are generally unfavorable, like long‐term contracts and permanent easements. There is an inherent trade‐off between maximizing participation and maximizing the conservation benefits when designing a conservation incentive program. For conservation programs targeting private lands to achieve landscape‐level benefits, they must attract a critical level of participation that creates a connected mosaic of conservation benefits. Yet, programs with attributes that strive to maximize conservation benefits within a single agreement (and reduce risks of failure) are likely to have lower participation, and thus lower landscape benefits. Achieving levels of landowner participation in conservation agreement programs that deliver lasting, landscape‐level benefits requires careful attention not only to how the program structure influences potential conservation benefits, but also how it influences landowners and their potential to participate.
Introduction of Inquiry Based Science Education into Polish Science Curriculum - General Findings of Teachers’ Attitude / Wdrożenie Nauczania Przez Odkrywanie Do Polskiej Podstawy Programowej W Zakresie Przedmiotów Przyrodniczych - Badanie Opinii Nauczycieli
Authors: Bernard Paweł , Maciejowska Iwona , Odrowąż Ewa , Dudek Karol , Geoghegan Rory
Published: February 2013

The new Polish science curriculum was launched in the 2008 and currently is being implemented in upper secondary schools. The new general objectives of education, and students’ key competences that should be developed during science classes were defined in that document. Presented competences are in line with competences that might be developed by Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE). IBSE is currently a popular instructional method in many countries and it is being strongly promoted by European Union. In the article the role of IBSE in the new Polish science curriculum is described and related to the method of ‘Independent Investigation to Acquire Knowledge’ that was formerly known in the national pedagogy. The article also presents results of a survey questionnaire that was conducted among Polish science teachers. The aim of the study was to measure the attitude of Polish teachers, pupils and society to IBSE. Based on the results the current position and degree of implementation of IBSE in Polish schools was estimated. Additionally the positive and negative factors affecting the implementation of IBSE were presented.
Teachers’ Response to Serbian EFL Learners’ Pronunciation Errors
Authors: Jerotijević Danica
Published: February 2013

The present paper aims at discovering what type of feedback Serbian teachers resort to when correcting their students’ mispronounced words or utterances. To accomplish the previously stated aim of the study, we conducted a survey investigating teachers’ preferences for specific types of corrective feedback and the results indicate that the most frequently employed type of feedback among Serbian EFL teachers is recast, whereas the least preferred one is direct or explicit correction. The total of 55 teachers from primary, secondary schools and colleges participated in the survey.
Narratives of Spaces, Places, and People: M.C. Beaton’s Highlands and Highlanders
Authors: Danciu Magda
Published: February 2013

The paper attempts to suggest re-reading literary texts from the perspective of the interconnections between settings and individuals in the process of forging the latter’s place-identity. This environmental concept, meant to foreground the importance of the place for the development of the sense of the self, is to be operated with in a selection of books authored by the Scottish mystery writer, M.C. Beaton.
Numerical model of the catchments of the oziąbel and wołczyński strumień rivers – Wołczyn municipality
Authors: Olichwer Tomasz , Wcisło Marek , Staśko Stanisław , Buczyński Sebastian , Modelska Magdalena , Tarka Robert
Published: February 2013

The article presents a numerical model designed for determining groundwater dynamics and water balance of the catchments of the Oziąbel (Czarna Woda) river and the Wołczyński Strumień river in Wołczyn region. Hydrogeological mapping and modelling research covered the area of 238.9 km2. As a result of measurements performed in 2008-2009, flows were determined in major rivers and water table positions were measured at 26 points. In the major part of the area described, the water table, lying at the depth of 1.5-18.7 m, has unconfined character, and the aquifer is built of Neogene (Quaternary) sands and gravels. In the area under study, groundwaters are drawn from 6 wells with total withdrawal of 6133 m3/d. The numerical modelling was performed with the use of Visual Modflow 3.1.0 software. The area was partitioned by a discretization grid with a step size l = 250 m. The conceptual model of the hydrogeological system is based on hydrological data gathered over a period of one year, data from HYDRO bank database, cross-sections and maps. The boundaries of the modelled hydrogeological system were established on the watersheds of the Wołczyński Strumień river and the Oziąbel river, apart from the areas where they run together. The modelled area was extended (271.5 km2) around the Wołczyński Strumień river catchment to achieve a more effective mapping of the anthropogenic impact on its balance and the hydrodynamic system of the catchment area. The structure is characterised by the occurrence of one or rarely two aquifers separated by a pack of Quaternary clays. The investigation produced a detailed water balance and its components.
Description of hydraulic and strength properties of anisotropic geomaterials
Authors: Pietruszczak S. , Pande G.N.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a simple generalization of Darcy’s law is proposed for the description of hydraulic properties of anisotropic porous materials. The coefficient of permeability is defined as a scalarvalued function of orientation. The principal directions of permeability are determined from a fabric descriptor specifying the distribution of average pore size. An example is provided for identification of material parameters, which is based on an idealized “pipe network model”. A procedure for defining the anisotropy in strength properties, which incorporates a conceptually similar approach, is also reviewed and an illustrative example is provided.
Hair removal in women with an 800-nm diode laser: self-reported satisfaction and expectations from treatment are not the same / Uklanjanje dlaka kod žena diodnim laserom talasne dužine 800 nm - zadovoljstvo i očekivanja od postupka nisu isti
Authors: Adamič Metka , Pavlović Miloš D. , Stamenković Miroslav , Nenadić Dane
Published: February 2013

Laser hair reduction is an established method for unwanted hair removal. A significant esthetic component to the treatment necessitates patient-related outcomes are duly taken into account. Satisfaction and expectations may be either interrelated or independent outcome measures. A mail survey was sent out to 250 women who had undergone laser hair removal at least 6 months after their last treatment. The 6-item questionnaire concerned areas of the body treated, number of treatments, perceived hair loss, level of satisfaction with the treatment, fulfillment of expectations from the treatment, and reasons for not being satisfied with the treatment and/or unmet expectations. Response rate to the mail survey was 69%. One hundred fifty five (90%) patients were satisfied with the treatment, whereas 18 (10%) patients were dissatisfied with the treatment. Treatment did not meet expectations in 33 (19%) patients. When looking into the causes of their dissatisfaction and/or unmet expectations, the lower effectivness was the only factor which significantly affected the above otcomes (p<0.05). Though we intuitively link expectations to satisfaction, their relationship is complex, and further studies should aim at construction of standardized scales to measure patients’ satisfaction and expectation, in order to further improve effectiveness of laser hair removal.
Alternative treatment of psoriasis - is rifampicin a mild immunosupressor? / Alternativna terapija psorijaze: da li rifampicin ima blago imunosupresivno dejstvo?
Authors: Grozev Ivan , Kazandjeva Jana , Tsankov Nikolai
Published: February 2013

Psoriasis is a common T-cell-mediated autoimmune inflammatory disease. Conventional systemic therapy includes: methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids and psoralen ultraviolet A, which are effective, but associated with toxicity and adverse effects which may limit their long-term use. Although effective as well, data on the long-term safety of newly introduced biologic agents are still not available. Herein, we present our clinical experience with rifampicin in the treatment of psoriasis, and review of literature regarding its potential mechanisms of action.
Permafrost at the Ice Base of Recent Pleistocene Glaciations–Inferences from Borehole Temperature Profiles
Authors: Majorowicz Jacek
Published: February 2013

Paleo-temperature reconstruction from precise depth (>2.0 km) well temperature logs can offer information on whether the bed of an ice sheet was frozen. Inversion or upward extrapolation of the >2-km-deep geothermal profile is the only method by which temperature evolution at the base of long-disappeared ice sheets such as the Laurentide and Fennoscandian in the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere in North America and Europe can be inferred. It is obvious from the results from well temperature profiles that there were spatial variations in temperature at the base of the ice sheets during glaciations. This comes as no surprise, since modern-day measurements of temperature profiles through the ice of existing glaciers show a similarly large variability. Present bedrock temperatures measured beneath the central part of the Yukon Rusty glacier are near 0°C to -2°C while Greenland ice sheet base temperatures are -8 and -13°C. In case of very low paleo-temperatures derived from the interpretation of temperature profiles in the areas presently outside the current extent of glacial ice it can be shown that low temperature conditions under glacial ice could facilitate the existence of moderate (some 100-200 m) to thick (0.5 km-1 km) permafrost conditions. It is speculated here that, in many cases, paleo-glacial cold base ice could have existed right on top of paleo-permafrost in sediments just below. Such ice-bonded permafrost may have been frozen to glacial ice above, forming pillars which fixed glacial ice to permafrost below, thus limiting ice movement in such places and resulting in the -extended persistence of permafrost.
Assessment of coal mining subsidence damage in soma-turkey coalfield using fem modelling / ocena szkód górniczych związanych z osiadaniem gruntu w zagłębiu węglowym soma w turcji, z wykorzystaniem metody elementów skończonych
Authors: Deliormanli Ahmet Hamdi
Published: February 2013

Soma has mine subsidence problems associated with production. Therefore, property and infrastructure damage will be related with coal-mine subsidence in Soma. In this study, depending on the underground coal mine production method, damage of subsidence on energy line was determined in Soma-Turkey coalfield. Subsidence may still occur in these areas. Therefore, determining subsidence is very important. Finite element methods (FEM) and field measurements were used for determining the parameters of mechanisms. The software, Phase2, used for the numerical modeling was developed by Rockscience Inc. The results obtained from modeling have been found to be compatible with previous studies and have been compared with actual field observation.
Numerical Model of Borehole Heat Exchanger in Ansys CFX Software / Numeryczny Model Otworowego Wymiennika Ciepła W Pakiecie Ansys Cfx
Authors: Śliwa Tomasz , Gołaś Andrzej , Wołoszyn Jerzy , Gonet Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The paper presents the results of numerical simulation of thermal response test (TRT) and the results of the experiment of TRT in Johan Paul the second Centre “Have No Fear!” in Cracow. The aim of the study is to determine and compare the values of effective thermal conductivity of rocks obtained in TRT experiment with the results obtained from the numerical simulation of TRT. The results are shown as graphs of temperature variation in the time on inlet and outlet of the borehole heat exchanger (BHE) and as drawings of thermal distribution. Borehole heat exchanger is constructed of a single u-tube at a depth of 180 m. In the numerical simulation of TRT was included geological profile of the rock mass and the associated changes in thermal properties of rocks. Temperature dependence of liquid viscosity were also adopted. Groundwater flow has been neglected. Presented mathematical model based on energy balance equation, Navier-Stokes equation and flow continuity equation was solved using the finite volume method. To numerical calculation was used ANSYS CFX software.
Coal Seam Methane Pressure as a Parameter Determining the Level of the Outburst Risk – Laboratory and in Situ Research / Ciśnienie Złożowe Jako Parametr Określający Stan Zagrożenia Wyrzutami Metanu I Skał – Badania Laboratoryjne I Kopalniane
Authors: Skoczylas Norbert
Published: February 2013

Scarcity of research focusing on the evaluation of the coal seam methane pressure as a parameter determining the outburst risk makes it difficult to assess the value for which the level of this risk increases considerably. It is obvious that, apart from the gas factor, the evaluation of the threat should also take into account the strength factor. The research presented in this paper attempted at estimating the level of the outburst risk on the basis of the coal seam methane pressure value and firmness of coal. In this work, the author seeks to present both the relevant laboratory research and the measurements carried out in mines.
Prediction of Backbreak in Open Pit Blasting by Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System / Prognozowanie Spękań Skał Przy Pracach Strzałowych W Kopalniach Odkrywkowych Przy Użyciu Metod Neuronowych I Wnioskowania Rozmytego (Anfis) Zastosowanych W Modelu Adaptywnym
Authors: Bazzazi Abbas Aghajani , Esmaeili Mohammad
Published: February 2013

Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is powerful model in solving complex problems. Since ANFIS has the potential of solving nonlinear problem and can easily achieve the input-output mapping, it is perfect to be used for solving the predicting problem. Backbreak is one of the undesirable effects of blasting operations causing instability in mine walls, falling down the machinery, improper fragmentation and reduction in efficiency of drilling. In this paper, ANFIS was applied to predict backbreak in Sangan iron mine of Iran. The performance of the model was assessed through the root mean squared error (RMSE), the variance account for (VAF) and the correlation coefficient (R2) computed from the measured of backbreak and model-predicted values of the dependent variables. The RMSE, VAF, R2 indices were calculated 0.6, 0.94 and 0.95 for ANFIS model. As results, these indices revealed that the ANFIS model has very good prediction performance.
Kamienie dekoracyjne i architektoniczne południowo-wschodniej Polski – złoża, zasoby i perspektywy eksploatacji
Authors: Bromowicz Jan , Figarska-Warchoł Beata
Published: February 2013

Streszczenie

Przedstawiono stan kopalń na tle tradycji wydobycia i użytkowania surowców kamiennych. Wytypowano czynne kamieniołomy, w których tradycyjnie pozyskiwane były bloki, jak też i takie, w których z racji wykształcenia serii złożowych, bloki mogą być przedmiotem eksploatacji w przyszłości. Oceniono też złoża, w których niegdyś wydobywano materiały kamienne powszechnie stosowane jako materiały dekoracyjne w krajowej architekturze, mimo że aktualnie są one nieczynne. W sumie przeanalizowano ponad 230 złóż.

Zaprezentowano, uzasadnione ekonomicznie, perspektywy rozwoju wydobycia materiałów dekoracyjnych i architektonicznych w Polsce południowo-wschodniej na tle wymagań rynku europejskiego i możliwości wynikających zarówno z ograniczeń środowiskowych, jak i zasobowych. Ustalono, że są one zróżnicowane w zależności od walorów dekoracyjnych poszczególnych skał, ich bloczności i wielkości zasobów. Wydzielono skały i złoża, które mają możliwości rozwoju wydobycia na skalę europejską, krajową i lokalną. Pierwsze to zlepieńce zygmuntowskie, wapienie morawickie i zalesiackie oraz dolomity diploporowe. Zakres krajowy mogą mieć odpowiednio zagospodarowane złoża paleozoicznych wapieni okolic Kielc i Krzeszowic oraz niektóre bloczne złoża piaskowców z obrzeżenia Gór Świętokrzyskich i Karpat. Rozwój na skalę lokalną mają zapewnione drobne złoża piaskowców w obrzeżeniu Gór Świętokrzyskich i z Karpat oraz wapieni na Jurze Krakowsko-Częstochowskiej, produkujące materiał wykorzystywany w małej architekturze.

Wykazano zagrożenie dla złóż skał blocznych, związane ze stosowaniem materiałów wybuchowych przy wykorzystaniu ich zasobów do produkcji kruszyw łamanych. Dla złóż najbardziej atrakcyjnych skał uzasadniono konieczność ich ochrony przed eksploatacją w innych celach niż produkcja bloków. Stwierdzono, że powrót do zarzuconych kamieniarskich tradycji jest możliwy i konieczny z racji licznych powiązań, poprzez historię, architekturę i sztukę, z kulturą narodową. Wymaga on sporych inwestycji dla unowocześnienia sposobu zagospodarowania złóż, a także związanych z promocją polskich kamieni na rynku europejskim. Należy przy tym uwzględnić możliwość zaangażowania funduszy Unii Europejskiej.
New Data on Distribution of Lemmopsis Pelodes in Lithuania
Authors: Motiejūnaitė Jurga
Published: February 2013

Motiejūnaitė J., 2012: New data on distribution of Lemmopsis pelodes in Lithuania [Nauji duomenys apie Lemmopsispelodes paplitimą Lietuvoje]. - Bot. Lith., 18(2): 166-168.

New localities of a rare terricolous lichen Lemmopsis pelodes in Lithuania are presented. Distribution and ecology of the species in Lithuania and Europe are discussed.
Intra et parasellar chordoma
Authors: Iacob G. , Crăciun M. , Parascan Liliana , Sajin Maria
Published: February 2013

A rare case of giant intra and parasellar chordoma, mimicking a pituitary prolactinoma is presented. The tumor involving pituitary fossa and surrounding structures was removed via a bifrontal approach. The pathology exhibited the typical histological patterns of a chordoma. The authors present a rare case of a giant sellar and parasellar chordoma and review the literature on that.
Image-guided stereotactic biopsy of infiltrative, multicentric and deep-seated supratentorial cerebral gliomas
Authors: Brehar F.M. , Gorgan R.M. , Lisievici M.
Published: February 2013

Infiltrative cerebral gliomas remain a neurosurgical challenge despite the latest achievements in neuroimaging techniques and microsurgical approaches. In this paper the authors present their experience in 85 cases of stereotactic biopsies performed for infiltrative, multicentric and deep-seated cerebral gliomas. The stereotactic and neuroimagistic tools used for these procedures included the Leksell stereotactic system and the software: Stereotactic Planning System (SPS), NTPS 8.2. The histopatological results (according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification) were: 51 cases of glioblastomas (grade IV) (60%), 7 cases of anaplastic astrocytomas (grade III) (8,2%), 13 cases of grade II diffuse astrocytomas (15,3%), 6 cases of grade I astrocytomas (7,1%), one case of grade II oligodendroglioma (1,2%), 3 cases of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (grade III) (3,5%), one case of grade I ganglioglioma (1,2%), one case of anaplastic ganglioglioma (grade III) (1,2%), and 2 cases of anaplastic ependymomas (grade III) (2,3%). In 21 cases (24,7%) the immunohistochemistry has been performed in order to obtain an accurate histopathological result. In this series, the early postoperative mortality was 0%, with no cases of clinically significant hemorrhages after biopsy procedures. Temporary increase of neurological deficits has been noticed in 7 patients (8,2%). In conclusion, image-guided stereotactic biopsy represents now a safe and accurate diagnostic method for cerebral gliomas, which can favorably influence the therapeutic management of the patients
A peptidic hydrogel that may behave as a “Trojan Horse”
Authors: Castellucci Nicola , Sartor Giorgio , Calonghi Natalia , Parolin Carola , Falini Giuseppe , Tomasini Claudia
Published: February 2013

A physical hydrogel prepared with the low-molecular-weight hydrogelator (LMWHG) CH2(C3H6CO-L-Phe-D-Oxd-OH)2 and water/ethanol mixture was applied as a potential “Trojan Horse” carrier into cells. By SEM and XRD analysis we could demonstrate that a fibrous structure is present in the xerogel, making a complex network. The gelator is derived from α-amino acids (Thr, Phe) and a fatty acid (azelaic acid) and is biocompatible: it was dosed to IGROV-1 cells, which internalized it, without significantly affecting the cell proliferation. To check the internalization process by confocal microscopy, fluorescent hydrogels were prepared, introducing the fluorescent dansyl moiety into the mixture.
AN EYE INPUT DEVICE FOR PERSONS WITH THE MOTOR NEURON DISEASES
Authors: Wu Chung-Min , Chuang Chueh Yu , Hsieh Ming-Che , Chang Shei-Hsi
Published: February 2013

This study proposes an Eye input device by electro-oculogram (EOG) recognition for individuals with the motor neuron diseases (MNDs). In this study, the level of the unstable EOG signal is transformed into standard logic level signal by using the baseline tracing algorithm. The standard logic level signal is used as Morse code sequences which is recognized by the sliding fuzzy recognition algorithm embedded in a microprocessor. The result demonstrates that the unstable EOG signals can be successfully transformed into alphanumeric characters and the recognition rate is approximately 99% for the novice users. Accordingly, we designed an inexpensive user computer interface for helping the disabled persons to communicate with others, the user can input text with their eyes to access the computer and household appliances, such as lamps, fans and TV sets.
Sustainable Development by Rural Energy Resources Allocation in India
Authors: Jinturkar A. M. , Deshmukh S. S.
Published: February 2013

Energy resource planning in rural is a powerful tool for sustainable development. A fuzzy goal programming approach is used for rural energy resource allocation for heating and cooking. The detail survey has been conducted to determine the potential of biogas and biomass and to find energy consumption pattern in the four villages of Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. Four fuzzy objective functions and six constrains, based on the local availability are considered in this model. Four scenarios have been developed which are equal priority, cost priority, emission priority and local resources priority. Due to vast uncertainty in energy data at micro level, fuzzy goal approach has been found suitable to take into consideration the variation in energy consumption rate. The proposed model can provide the best possible options for micro-level energy planning to the decision maker. Optimized use of energy resources is therefore, the important strategy for sustainable energy development.
A Selection of Optimal Electrical Energy Equipment Using Integrated Multi Criteria Decision Making Methodology
Authors: Maniya K. D. , Bhatt M. G.
Published: February 2013

A selection of optimal electrical energy equipment provides the better energy economics in terms of saving in energy or fully utilization of energy, saving in running cost and also provides the better human comfort. Hence, in the present work integrated multi criteria decision making methodology is presented for selection of appropriate electrical energy equipment. The proposed methodology is integration two diverse multi criteria decision making methods; Analytical hierarchy (AHP) and Preference selection index (PSI) method. In the proposed methodology, integrated normalized selection index is computed for every electrical energy equipments and based on it all the electrical energy equipments are ranked and appropriate electrical energy equipment is selected for a given application. Finally, a simple case study is demonstrated to validate the proposed methodology and its potential applicability for real cases.
Disruptive Space Technologies
Authors: Jan van der Veen Egbert , Giannoulas Dimitrios A. , Guglielmi Marco , Uunk Thijs , Schubert Daniel
Published: February 2013

The theory of Disruptive Technologies explains the evolution of technologies that disturb the status quo of both dominant technology platforms and competitive market layouts. In this paper, the theory of Disruptive Technologies for the space sector is explored. This exploration is required because the Disruptive Technology theory is currently based upon the innovation dynamics of mass consumer markets, which are significantly different from the dynamics of the low volume, highly governmentally influenced space sector. The objective is to clarify the dynamics of innovation in space (with particular respect to technological disruptions) in order to help decision makers in their effort to support innovation in the development of space technologies. This is done by analyzing the dynamics of the space sector and the theory of Disruptive Technologies in respect to its applicability to the space sector. The result of these analyses leads to the creation of a theory that is tailored to the specific innovation dynamics of the space sector. The theory is termed Disruptive Space Technologies. Key element of this theory is the fact that Disruptive Technologies in the space sector focus mainly on technology disruption rather than market disruption.
CITS
Authors: Spruit Marco , de Bruijn Wouter
Published: February 2013

Organizations know that investing in security measures is an important requirement for doing business. But how much should they invest and how should those investments be directed? Many organizations have turned to a risk management approach to identify the largest threats and the control measures that could help mitigate those threats. This research presents the Cost of IT Security (CITS) Framework to support analysis of the costs and benefits of those control measures. This analysis can be performed by using either quantification methods or by using a qualitative approach. Based on a study of five distinct security areas–Identity Management, Network Access Control, Intrusion Detection Systems, Business Continuity Management and Data Loss Prevention–nine cost factors are identified for IT security, and for only five of those nine a quantitative approach is feasible for the cost factor. This study finds that even though quantification methods are useful, organizations that wish to use those should do this together with more qualitative approaches in the decision-making process for security measures.
IC and Strategy as Practice
Authors: Dumay John , Guthrie James
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into, and a critique of, the relationship between IC and different approaches to strategy in developing competitive advantage in the knowledge economy. The authors examine the ‘practice’ of developing strategy to offer a different view on thinking about strategy from an IC lens, using the example of an Australian music school. The paper is novel because it analyses critically how IC can apply to developing strategy and how to implement IC strategically in practice. IC and strategy have been evolving along parallel paths, converging along the concept of practice. The paper contributes to both the literature on strategy and IC by concluding that, rather than being concerned with becoming an IC or strategy “practitioner”, people should be concerned with becoming “participants” involved in developing the future and thus better connect to praxis in the workplace.
Defect study of molecular beam epitaxy grown undoped GaInNAsSb thin film using junction-capacitance spectroscopy
Authors: Monirul Islam Muhammad , Miyashita Naoya , Ahsan Nazmul , Okada Yoshitaka
Published: February 2013

Defects in undoped GaInNAsSb thin film (i-GaInNAsSb) were investigated by junction-capacitance technique using admittance and transient photocapacitance (TPC) spectroscopy. An electron trap D2 was identified at 0.34 eV below the conduction band (EC) of i-GaInNAsSb using admittance spectroscopy. Optical transition of valance band (EV) electrons to a localized state OH1 (EV + 0.75 eV) was manifested in negative TPC signal. Combined activation energy of OH1 and D2 defect corresponds to the band-gap of i-GaInNAsSb, suggesting that OH1/D2 acts as an efficient recombination center. TPC signal at ∼1.59 eV above EV was attributed to the nitrogen-induced localized state in GaInNAsSb.
Response of Macromolecular Structure to Deformation in Tectonically Deformed Coal
Authors: Xiaoshi LI , Yiwen JU , Quanlin HOU , Junjia FAN
Published: February 2013

The structural evolution of tectonically deformed coals (TDC) with different deformational mechanisms and different deformational intensities are investigated in depth through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis on 31 samples of different metamorphic grades (Ro, max: 0.7%–3.1%) collected from the Huaibei coalfield. The results indicated that there are different evolution characteristics between the ductile and brittle deformational coals with increasing of metamorphism and deformation. On the one hand, with the increase of metamorphism, the atomic plane spacing (d002) is decreasing at step velocity, the stacking of the BSU layer (Lc) is increasing at first and then decreasing, but the extension of the BSU layer (La) and the ratio of La/Lc are decreasing initially and then increasing. On the other hand, for the brittle deformational coal, d002 is increasing initially and then decreasing, which causes an inversion of the variation of Lc and La under the lower‐middle or higher‐middle metamorphism grade when the deformational intensity was increasing. In contrast, in the ductile deformational coals, d002 decreased initially and then increased, and the value of Lc decreased with the increase of deformational intensity. But the value of La increased under the lower‐middle metamorphism grade and increased at first and then decreased under the higher‐middle metamorphism grade. We conclude that the degradation and polycondensation of TDC macromolecular structure can be obviously impacted during the ductile deformational process, because the increase and accumulation of unit dislocation perhaps transforms the stress into strain energy. Meanwhile, the brittle deformation can transform the stress into fractional heat energy, and promote the metamorphism and degradation as well. It can be concluded that deformation is more important than metamorphism to the differential evolution of the ductile and brittle deformational coals.
Recurrence Characteristics of Major Earthquakes in the Tangshan area, North China
Authors: Kang LIU , Guosheng QU , Jianqiang CHEN , Weiguo WANG , Baokun NING
Published: February 2013

The Tangshan area lies in the North China plain where an Ms 7.8 earthquake occurred in 1976, which is associated with a hidden active fault. To reveal the recurrence characteristics of major quakes in this area over a relatively long time, we have conducted a comprehensive study using geological investigations, shallow seismic exploration, boreholes, trench observations and geological dating. Five paleoearthquakes were recognized in a 6.4m‐deep trench west to the Tangshan Asylum. Among them, the former three events occurred between 56.78 ± 4.83ka and 89.39 ± 7.60 ka, and the fourth event occurred around 6.9 ka, respectively, and then followed by the fifth in 1976. Seven boreholes were deployed crossing the ground fissure formed by the 1976 Tangshan earthquake at the site of No. 10 Middle School, where we have identified 25 liquefaction events in the boreholes TZC6–5 and 6–7. By the comprehensive analysis of the trench, the liquefaction events from the boreholes and the depth‐time curves of drill cores, we suggest a new recurrence model of major quakes in this area. It is not a constant recurring cycle since 210 ka, instead consisting of six alternating seismically quiet and active stages. Of them, stage I (>177 ka) was a quiescent period in seismicity, stage II (from 143 ka to 177 ka) was an active one, stage III (from 102 ka to 143 ka) was quiescent again, stage IV (from 56 ka to 102 ka) had many quakes, stage V (from 6.9 ka to 56 ka) became quiet, and stage VI (from 6.9 ka to now) was the beginning of a new seismically active period.
An accurate performance analysis of an FFR scheme in the downlink of cellular systems under large-shadowing effect
Authors: Pijcke Benoit , Gazalet Marc , Zwingelstein-Colin Marie , Coudoux François-Xavier
Published: February 2013

We address the problem of analyzing the performances of interference-limited cellular networks in large-scale shadowing environments. Focusing on the fractional frequency reuse (FFR) framework, we examine how to optimally assign mobile users in a cell either to the full frequency reuse part or to the orthogonal part of the FFR band. Instead of using traditional Monte Carlo simulations, which do not provide sufficiently accurate results under important shadowing, we propose a fast and accurate numerical method. We consider a fast-fading environment and we use the ergodic capacity as the performance measure. Applying a distributed power control and scheduling strategy, we examine both cases where access points have knowledge of partial- or full-channel state information (CSI); for the latter, we also propose an approximated waterfilling strategy. The interest of our method lies in the fact that it allows for a fast and accurate analysis of the performances of FFR. In addition, it takes into account a broad range of shadowing environments.
James Joyce’S Dublin and Lars Saabye Christensen’s Oslo. Geocritical Readings
Authors: Rus Andra-Lucia
Published: February 2013

This paper analyzes the literary representations of Dublin and Oslo in the novels of James Joyce, respectively Lars Saabye Christensen. The methodology derives from concepts introduced by Bertrand Westphal in his books on geocriticism, with a special emphasis on the performative nature of literature in relation to space production.
Grace Signal Filtering as a Means of Determining Equivalent Water Thickness in Poland
Authors: Biryło Monika , Nastula Jolanta
Published: February 2013

In the paper an Equivalent Water Thickness (EWT) determination as a way of observing gravity variations is described. Since raw data acquired directly from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment - GRACE satellites is unsuitable for analysis due to stripes occurrence, a filtering algorithm must be used. In this paper, authors are testing two isotropic (Gauss, CNES/GRGS) filters and two anisotropic filters (Wiener- -Kolomogorov, ANS). Correlation, amplitude ratio, and modification were determined as well as maps were generated.
Isolation of Yersinia Enterocolitica O:9 From Cows Positive in Serological Examination of Bovine Brucellosis
Authors: Weiner Marcin , Szulowski Krzysztof , Iwaniak Wojciech
Published: February 2013

The paper presents the results of bacteriological and molecular investigations on the presence of Y. enterocolitica O:9 in the head, mammary and genital lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and uterus samples originating from 58 cows slaughtered due to the positive results of serological examinations for brucellosis. All samples were cultured for Brucella and Y. enterocolitica and examined in multiplex PCR assay (mPCR), in order to identify the universal 16S rRNA Brucella sp. marker and amplify the perosamine synthetase (per) gene, specific for Y. enterocolitica O:9 only. Out of 58 examined animals, in 23 cases the presence of Y.
enterocolitica was demonstrated. Typical Yersinia-suspected colonies were seen after 24-48 h incubation on Cefsulodin-Irgasan- Novobiocin (CIN) Yersinia selective solid medium. The mPCR analysis confirmed the presence of predicted amplicon of 312 bp, typical for Y. enterocolitica O:9 in 20 out of 58 lymph node samples tested and similarly, as in bacteriological examination, other samples were negative. The presence of the 16S rRNA gene of Brucella, generating the amplicon of 905 bp, was not observed in any of the samples tested.