bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEETING THE GROWTH CHALLENGE
Authors: Weidman Mark , Keshavarzi Kiarash
Published: September 2014

How do you grow a business? Mark Weidman and Kiarash Keshavarzi provide compellingly practical lessons from Wheelabrator Technologies
Implementation of Emergency Department Transfer Communication Measures in Minnesota Critical Access Hospitals
Authors: Klingner Jill , Moscovice Ira , Casey Michelle , McEllistrem Evenson Alex
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Previously published findings based on field tests indicated that emergency department patient transfer communication measures are feasible and worthwhile to implement in rural hospitals. This study aims to expand those findings by focusing on the wide‐scale implementation of these measures in the 79 Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in Minnesota from 2011 to 2013.

Methods

Information was obtained from interviews with key informants involved in implementing the emergency department patient transfer communication measures in Minnesota as part of required statewide quality reporting. The first set of interviews targeted state‐level organizations regarding their experiences working with providers. A second set of interviews targeted quality and administrative staff from CAHs regarding their experiences implementing measures.

Findings

Implementing the measures in Minnesota CAHs proved to be successful in a number of respects, but informants also faced new challenges. Our recommendations, addressed to those seeking to successfully implement these measures in other states, take these challenges into account.

Conclusions

Field‐testing new quality measure implementations with volunteers may not be indicative of a full‐scale implementation that requires facilities to participate. The implementation team's composition, communication efforts, prior relationships with facilities and providers, and experience with data collection and abstraction tools are critical factors in successfully implementing required reporting of quality measures on a wide scale.
A new sunscreen application technique to protect more efficiently from ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Jeanmougin Michel , Bouloc Anne , Schmutz Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2014

Background

UV radiation protection is an important health issue. Sophisticated sunscreen formulations have been developed to improve compliance. However, sunscreen is still inadequately applied, leaving large body areas without effective protection.

Aim

This study aims to validate a newly developed sunscreen application technique for adults and children.

Methods

Fifty‐eight volunteers were recruited to participate in a monocenter, intraindividual, sequential, comparative study. The covering potential of their currently used sunscreen application technique and of a newly developed systematized application technique (Dose, Apply, Spread) were compared. Evaluation criteria included the amount of product applied, the homogeneity of sunscreen application as measured by the Wood's lamp, and the volunteers' appreciation of the new technique.

Results

Fifty‐eight volunteers participated in the study: 20 women, 19 men, and 19 children. Respecting the new application technique resulted in a statistically significant (P < 0.05) more evenly spread sunscreen on the different parts of the body and an increase in the amount of product applied. Furthermore, the body surface area covered was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the new technique was well perceived and accepted by the volunteers.

Conclusion

The proposed new application technique ensures that more sunscreen will be used and that it will be applied more evenly. Educational work could help improve the efficient use of sunscreens, therefore providing better UV protection.
Complex Classical Motion in Potentials with Poles and Turning Points
Authors: Bender Carl M. , Hook Daniel W.
Published: September 2014

Complex trajectories for Hamiltonians of the form are studied. For , time‐reversal symmetry prevents trajectories from crossing. However, for trajectories may indeed cross, and as a result, the complex trajectories for such Hamiltonians have a rich and elaborate structure. In past work on complex classical trajectories, it has been observed that turning points act as attractors; they pull on complex trajectories and make them veer toward the turning point. In this paper, it is shown that the poles of have the opposite effect—they deflect and repel trajectories. Moreover, poles shield and screen the effect of turning points.
Spontaneous transient hyperpolarizations in the rabbit small intestine
Authors: Kito Yoshihiko , Kurahashi Masaaki , Mitsui Retsu , Ward Sean M. , Sanders Kenton M.
Published: September 2014

Key points

Recently, it was shown that fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs) possess the apparatus to mediate purinergic motor neurotransmission in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the electrophysiological properties of FLCs in situ have not been determined.

We recorded two patterns of slow waves from longitudinal smooth muscle cells and circular smooth muscle cells, large amplitude slow waves from interstitial cells of Cajal, and spontaneous transient hyperpolarizations (STHs) from FLCs in the rabbit small intestine using intracellular recording combined with dye injection to identify the cellular morphology of impaled cells.

Drugs that inhibit the signalling pathway involved in purinergic neurotransmission inhibited STHs in FLCs. Small amplitude STHs were recorded in smooth muscle cells but not in interstitial cells of Cajal, suggesting that STHs from FLCs were conducted passively to smooth muscle cells.

We conclude that FLCs display the molecular apparatus necessary to mediate purinergic neurotransmission and may tonically dampen smooth muscle excitability in the rabbit small intestine by an ongoing discharge of STHs.

Four types of electrical activity were recorded and related to cell structure by intracellular recording and dye injection into impaled cells in muscles of rabbit small intestine. The specific cell types from which recordings were made were longitudinal smooth muscle cells (LSMCs), circular smooth muscle cells (CSMCs), interstitial cells of Cajal distributed in the myenteric region (ICC‐MY) and fibroblast‐like cells (FLCs). Slow waves (slow wavesSMC) were recorded from LSMCs and CSMCs. Slow waves (slow wavesICC) were of greatest amplitude (>50 mV) and highest maximum rate of rise (>10 V s−1) in ICC‐MY. The dominant activity in FLCs was spontaneous transient hyperpolarizations (STHs), with maximum amplitudes above 30 mV. STHs were often superimposed upon small amplitude slow waves (slow wavesFLC). STHs displayed a cyclical pattern of discharge irrespective of background slow wave activity. STHs were inhibited by MRS2500 (3 μm), a P2Y1 antagonist, and abolished by apamin (0.3 μm), a blocker of small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels. Small amplitude STHs (<15 mV) were detected in smooth muscle layers, whereas STHs were not resolved in cells identified as ICC‐MY. Electrical field stimulation evoked purinergic inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) in CSMCs. Purinergic IJPs were not recorded from ICC‐MY. These results suggest that FLCs may regulate smooth muscle excitability in the rabbit small intestine via generation of rhythmic apamin‐sensitive STHs. Stimulation of P2Y1 receptors modulates the amplitudes of STHs. Our results also suggest that purinergic inhibitory motor neurons regulate the motility of the rabbit small intestine by causing IJPs in FLCs that conduct to CSMCs.
Thin electron beam defined hydrogen silsesquioxane spacers for vertical nanowire transistors
Authors: Memišević Elvedin , Lind Erik , Wernersson Lars-Erik
Published: September 2014

A method to fabricate inorganic vertical spacer layers with well-controlled thickness down to 40 nm using electron beam exposure is demonstrated. These spacers are suitable in vertical nanowire transistor configuration. As spacer material, the authors use hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), a material with low permittivity and high durability. They show that the resulting HSQ thickness can be controlled by electron dose used and it also depend on the initial thickness of the HSQ layer. To achieve good reproducibility, the authors found it necessary to fully submerge the nanowires beneath the HSQ layer initially and that the thickness of HSQ before exposure needs to be determined. Finally, they introduce these steps in an existing transistor process and demonstrate vertical nanowire transistors with high performance.
Draft Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter baumannii Strain ABBL099, a Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Outbreak Isolate with a Novel Multilocus Sequence Type
Authors: Ozer Egon A. , Fitzpatrick Margaret A. , Hauser Alan R.
Published: September 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii
is associated with hospital-acquired infections and can cause persistent outbreaks. Here we report the draft genome sequence of ABBL099, a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of
A. baumannii
belonging to a novel sequence type and representative of clonal isolates cultured from patients at one institution over a 4-year time period.
Risk of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis in patients with hepatic impairment
Authors: Kolhe Nitin , Lewis Jeremy , McCulloch Thomas Alasdair
Published: September 2014

We describe a case of a 54-year-old man with a 2-month history of biliary colic associated with a common bile duct stone. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and developed postoperative acute kidney injury stage 3. A renal biopsy was performed and demonstrated myoglobin in the renal tubules. Retrospective creatine kinase analysis was suggestive of rhabdomyolysis. It is thought this was precipitated by simvastatin accumulation in the context of a period of hepatic impairment and elevated liver enzymes.
Differential response to bacteria, and TOLLIP expression, in the human respiratory tract
Authors: Moncayo-Nieto Olga Lucia , Wilkinson Thomas S , Brittan Mairi , McHugh Brian J , Jones Richard O , Conway Morris Andrew , Walker William S , Davidson Donald J , Simpson A John
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The observation that pathogenic bacteria are commonly tolerated in the human nose, yet drive florid inflammation in the lung, is poorly understood, partly due to limited availability of primary human cells from each location. We compared responses to bacterial virulence factors in primary human nasal and alveolar cells, and characterised the distribution of Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP; an inhibitor of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling) in the human respiratory tract.

Methods

Primary cells were isolated from nasal brushings and lung tissue taken from patients undergoing pulmonary resection. Cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, CpG-C DNA or tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Cytokines were measured in cell supernatants. TOLLIP was characterised using quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence.

Results

In primary alveolar, but not primary nasal, cells peptidoglycan significantly increased secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF. TLR2 expression was significantly higher in alveolar cells and correlated with IL-8 production. TOLLIP expression was significantly greater in nasal cells.

Conclusion

In conclusion, primary human alveolar epithelial cells are significantly more responsive to peptidoglycan than primary nasal epithelial cells. This may partly be explained by differential TLR2 expression. TOLLIP is expressed widely in the human respiratory tract, and may contribute to the regulation of inflammatory responses.
CT findings of a multilobular tumour of bone arising from the skull of a cat
Authors: Rousset N. , Harris Karen Phillippa , Herrtage M. E.
Published: September 2014

A seven‐year‐old female neutered domestic short hair (DSH) cat was presented with a three‐week history of increased upper respiratory tract noise and dysphagia. Initial investigations included pharyngeal examination under general anaesthesia that demonstrated a left‐sided bulging of the pharyngeal wall. A CT study of the head and thorax revealed the extent of a mass arising from the left ventrolateral calvarium. In addition, a contralateral extra‐axial intracranial mass and a unilateral thyroid nodule were also evident. No pulmonary metastases were detected. Surgical biopsy confirmed a multilobular tumour of bone (MLTB). Due to the tumour extent and presence of an additional extra‐axial lesion, surgery was discouraged. The patient was discharged with palliative analgesia and euthanased three weeks later. The CT findings for MLTB of the feline skull have not been previously reported and are similar to the more common skull manifestation in dogs.
Ubiquitous protective effects of cyclosporine A in preventing cardiac arrest-induced multiple organ failure
Authors: Cour Martin , Abrial Maryline , Jahandiez Vincent , Loufouat Joseph , Belaïdi Elise , Gharib Abdallah , Varennes Annie , Monneret Guillaume , Thibault Hélène , Ovize Michel , Argaud Laurent
Published: September 2014

Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) appears to be a pivotal event in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Resuscitated cardiac arrest (CA) leads to the post-CA syndrome that encompasses, not only myocardial dysfunction, but also brain injury, failure of other organs (kidney, liver, or lung), and systemic response to I/R. We aimed to determine whether cyclosporine A (CsA) might prevent multiple organ failure following CA through a ubiquitous mPTP inhibition in each distant vital organ. Anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits were subjected to 15 min of CA and 120 min of reperfusion. At the onset of resuscitation, the rabbits received CsA, its non-immunosuppressive derivative NIM811, or vehicle (controls). Survival, hemodynamics, brain damage, organ injuries, and systemic I/R response were analyzed. Fresh mitochondria were isolated from the brain, heart, kidney, liver, and lung to assess both oxidative phosphorylation and permeability transition. CsA analogs significantly improved short-term survival and prevented multiple organ failure, including brain damage and myocardial dysfunction ( P < 0.05 vs. controls). Susceptibility of mPTP opening was significantly increased in heart, brain, kidney, and liver mitochondria isolated from controls, while mitochondrial respiration was impaired ( P < 0.05 vs. sham). CsA analogs prevented these mitochondrial dysfunctions ( P < 0.05 vs. controls). These results suggest that CsA and NIM811 can prevent the post-CA syndrome through a ubiquitous mitochondrial protective effect at the level of each major distant organ.
Disabled-2 Is Required for Efficient Hemostasis and Platelet Activation by Thrombin in Mice
Authors: Tsai Hui-Ju , Huang Chien-Ling , Chang Yao-Wen , Huang Ding-Yuan , Lin Chung-Ching , Cooper Jonathan A. , Cheng Ju-Chien , Tseng Ching-Ping
Published: September 2014

Objective—

The essential role of platelet activation in hemostasis and thrombotic diseases focuses attention on unveiling the underlying intracellular signals of platelet activation. Disabled-2 (Dab2) has been implicated in platelet aggregation and in the control of clotting responses. However, there is not yet any in vivo study to provide direct evidence for the role of Dab2 in hemostasis and platelet activation.

Approach and Results—

Megakaryocyte lineage-restricted Dab2 knockout (Dab2
−/−
) mice were generated to delineate in vivo functions of Dab2 in platelets. Dab2
−/−
mice appeared normal in size with prolonged bleeding time and impaired thrombus formation. Although normal in platelet production and granule biogenesis, Dab2
−/−
platelets elicited a selective defect in platelet aggregation and spreading on fibrinogen in response to low concentrations of thrombin, but not other soluble agonists. Investigation of the role of Dab2 in thrombin signaling revealed that Dab2 has no effect on the expression of thrombin receptors and the outside-in signaling. Dab2
−/−
platelets stimulated by low concentrations of thrombin were normal in G
αq
-mediated calcium mobilization and protein kinase C activation, but were defective in G
α12/13
-mediated RhoA-ROCKII activation. The attenuated G
α12/13
signaling led to impaired ADP release, Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin and integrin αIIbβ3 activation, fibrinogen binding, and clot retraction. The defective responses of Dab2
−/−
platelets to low concentrations of thrombin stimulation may contribute to the impaired hemostasis and thrombosis of Dab2
−/−
mice.

Conclusions—

This study sheds new insight in platelet biology and represents the first report demonstrating that Dab2 is a key regulator of hemostasis and thrombosis by functional interplay with G
α12/13
-mediated thrombin signaling.
Picking the Good Apples
Authors: Howard George , Voeks Jenifer H. , Meschia James F. , Howard Virginia J. , Brott Thomas G.
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

The Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial was completed with a low stroke and death rate. A lead-in series of patients receiving carotid artery stenting was used to select the physician-operators for the study, where performance was evaluated by complication rates and by peer review of cases. Herein, we assess the potential contribution of statistical evaluation of complication rates.

Methods—

The ability to discriminate between stent operators who can successfully meet the published guideline of <3% combined rate of stroke and death is calculated under the binomial distribution, based on a small consecutive case series (n=24 patients).

Results—

A criterion of ≤2 stroke or death events among the 24 patients (<8% event rate) was required of operators. Setting such a high criterion, however, ensures an inability to
exclude
operators who cannot meet the criteria. In fact, if a good operator is defined as having a 2% event rate and a poor operator as a 6% event rate, even a series of 240 patients would (on average) still exclude 5.4% of the good operators and include 4.6% of the poor operators.

Conclusions—

The low periprocedural event rates in the trial suggest success in separating skillful operators from less skillful. However, it seems unlikely that statistical assessment of event rates in the lead-in contributed to successful selection, but rather successful selection was more likely because of peer review of subjective and other factors including patient volume and technical approaches.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00004732.
PIT MEMBRANES OF EPHEDRA RESEMBLE GYMNOSPERMS MORE THAN ANGIOSPERMS
Authors: Dute Roland R. , Bowen Lauren A. , Schier Sarah , Vevon Alexa G. , Best Troy L. , Auad Maria , Elder Thomas , Bouche Pauline , Jansen Steven
Published: September 2014

Bordered pit pairs of Ephedra species were characterized using different types of microscopy. Pit membranes contained tori that did not stain for lignin. SEM and AFM views of the torus surface showed no plasmodesmatal openings, but branched, secondary plasmodesmata were occasionally noted using TEM in conjunction with ultrathin sections. The margo consisted of radial microfibrils as well as finer diameter tangential fibrils. The former formed fascicles of fibrils that merged into even thicker buttresses during the act of pit membrane aspiration. AFM showed a discontinuous layer of non-microfibrillar material on the surface of both torus and margo. It is hypothesized that this material is responsible for adhesion of the pit membrane to the surface of the pit border during the process of aspiration. Taken as a whole, intervascular pit membranes of Ephedra more closely resemble those of conifers than those of torus-bearing pit membranes of angiosperms.
Two new Anoplocheylus species (Acari: Trombidiformes: Pseudocheylidae) from Kurdistan province of Iran
Authors: KHANJANI MOHAMMAD , HOSEINI MOHAMMAD AHMAD , AMINI FATEMEH
Published: September 2014

Two new species of the genus Anoplocheylus Berlese, 1910 are described: Anoplocheylus marivaniensis sp. nov. collected from soil and rotten leaves under oak trees and Anoplocheylus qorvehiensis sp. nov. from soil under Astragalus sp. bushes in Kurdistan province, Iran. A key to females of all known species of Anoplocheylus is provided, based on original descriptions and other literature.
A stress fracture of the base of the acromion: a case report
Authors: Malavolta Eduardo Angeli , Assunção Jorge Henrique , Sunada Edwin Eiji , Gracitelli Mauro Emilio Conforto , Ferreira Neto Arnaldo Amado
Published: September 2014

Background

Stress fractures of the base of the acromion are rare and tend to progress well when conservatively treated. The need for surgery due to this type of fracture has only been reported in two case reports.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old patient, manual laborer, with a stress fracture at the base of the acromion that required surgical treatment due to persistent symptoms and consolidation failure.

Conclusion

We described a new mechanism of injury for stress fractures of the base of the acromion. After the failure of conservative treatment, the patient exhibited good results with osteosynthesis with a plate and screws, with no need for a bone graft.
Effect of repeated freeze-thaw cycles on geographically different populations of the freeze tolerant wormEnchytraeus albidus(Oligochaeta)
Authors: Fisker Karina V. , Holmstrup Martin , Malte Hans , Overgaard Johannes
Published: September 2014

Freeze tolerant organisms survive internal ice formation, however, the adaptations to repeated freeze-thaw cycles are often not well investigated. Here we report how three geographically different populations of Enchytraeus albidus (Germany, Iceland and Svalbard) respond to three temperature treatments: Constant thawed (0°C), constant freezing (-5°C) and fluctuating temperature (0 to -5°C) over a period of 42 days. Survival varied between treatments and populations such that enchytraeids from arctic locations have a higher survival following prolonged freeze periods compared to temperate populations. However, enchytraeids from temperate locations have the same survival rate as arctic populations when exposed to repeated freeze-thaw events. Across all populations metabolic rate decreased markedly in frozen animals (-5°C) compared to thawed controls (0°C). This decrease is likely due to the lower temperature of frozen animals, but also due to the transition to the frozen state per se. Animals exposed to repeated freeze-thaw events had an intermediate metabolic rate and freeze-thaw events were not associated with pronounced excess energetic costs. Overwintering under either condition was not associated with a decrease in lipid content, however during exposure to constant freezing and repeated freeze-thaw events there was a noticeable decrease in carbohydrate stores over time. Thus, animals exposed to constant freezing showed a decrease in glycogen stores, while both glucose and glycogen content decreased over time when the organisms were exposed to repeated freezing. The results therefore suggest that carbohydrate resources are important as a fuel for E. albidus during freezing whereas lipid resources are of marginal importance.
Extracellular glucose can fuel metabolism in RBCs from high glycemic Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) but not low glycemic short-horned sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius)
Authors: Driedzic William R. , Clow Kathy A. , Short Connie E.
Published: September 2014

Energy metabolism was assessed in RBCs from Atlantic cod and short-horned sculpin, two species that have markedly different levels of blood glucose. The objective was to determine if the level of extracellular glucose impacts rates of glucose metabolism. Blood glucose level was 2.5 mmol l-1 in Atlantic cod and 0.2 mmol l-1 in short-horned sculpin, respectively. Oxygen consumption, lactate production, and glucose utilization were measured in whole blood and related to g RBC. Glucose utilization was assessed by measuring both glucose disappearance and by the production of 3H2O from [2-3H]-glucose. RBCs from both species have an aerobic based metabolism. In Atlantic cod, extracellular glucose is sufficient to provide the sum of glucosyl equivalents to support both oxidative metabolism and lactate production. In contrast, extracellular glucose can account for only 10% of the metabolic rate in short-horned sculpin RBCs. In both species, about 70% of glucose enters the RBCs via facilitated transport. The difference in rates of extracellular glucose utilization is related to the extremely low levels of blood glucose in short-horned sculpin. In this species energy metabolism by RBCs must be supported by alternative fuels.
COMPARE OF GENERATIONAL STRATEGY APPLICATION IN GOLDBERG AND HOLLAND MODELS FOR THE HOMOGENEOUS MINIMAX PROBLEM SOLUTION
Authors: Trotsyuk Natalya Igorevna , Kobak Valery Grigoryevich
Published: September 2014

The comparative analysis of the effectiveness of Goldberg and Holland’s classical models and their modifications using various options of the generational strategy is presented. The concept assuming that the number of individuals in a generation does not change is used in the classical genetic algorithms. An approach advancing the efficiency of standard Goldberg and Holland’s models through varying the number of individuals in a generation is considered. Various embodiments of the generational strategy are used to solve the homogeneous minimax scheduling problem related to the class of NP-complete problems. The computational experiment conducted for a various number of processors and works has shown that this approach can significantly improve the genetic algorithm efficiency by small changes in the standard models allowing obtain the solution that is closer to the accurate solution.
DC MOTOR DISCRETE CONTROL TECHNIQUE
Authors: Aydinyan Andrey Razmikovich , Tsvetkova Olga Leonidovna , Molchanov Alexander Alexeyevich
Published: September 2014

The technique of the discrete control of a continuous object is considered by the example of a DC motor. The proposed method can simplify the procedure of selecting the desired properties of the synthesized control system, and reduce the control identification to a standard problem on the linear equation system solution with regard to the inequality constraints at each sample spacing. The desired properties of the synthesized system are specified through the reference transient. The quadratic performance criterion that characterizes the deviation of the transition process from the reference at the equally separated moments of time is applied. This approach allows a real-time control of the object with account to the restrictions of both to the controlling action, and to the phase control system coordinates. Thus, it is possible to achieve absence of overshoot and oscillability.
ON ESTIMATION OF ENERGY QUANTITY SPENT ON WEAR UNDER CUTTING CONDITIONS
Authors: Ryzhkin Anatoly Andreyevich , Shuchev Konstantin Grigoryevich , Moiseyev Denis Vitalyevich , Vistoropskaya Flora Alexandrovna
Published: September 2014

Primary channels of the energy dissipation under friction and material cutting are considered. On the basis of the known testing data, it is shown that not all the energy released in these processes is spent on the wear process with the formation of wear particles. A new approach is used to calculate friction and wear characteristics. Proposed dependences differ from the known ones in that they to the fuller extent take into account the quantity of the friction energy “responsible” for the deterioration.The known approaches to assess the energy balance under friction and cutting are analyzed. The relationship between the surface energy and absorbed energy of materials is shown through comparing energy (thermal) costs in macrovolumes and on the actual contact spots. A quantity of energy “responsible” for wear is estimated in the first approximation.
Syn i ojciec w „Bojaźni i drżeniu” Sørena Kierkegaarda
Authors: Szabat Marta
Published: September 2014

This article concerns events of the Old Testament – Yahweh commands Abraham to sacrifice his only son – Isaac – on Mount Moriah. This passage from the Old Testament, from the Book of Genesis, became the basis of Søren Kierkegaard’s considerations in Fear and Trembling. In the text I refer to, on the one hand, Kierkegaard’s considerations, while on the other hand I try to identify other possible interpretive tropes that could be useful, for example, during classes on the subject of faith or the status of ethical dilemmas in the modern world.
Logika i praktyka. Z badań nad życiem Kazimierza Ajdukiewicza
Authors: Gan-Krzywoszyńska Katarzyna , Leśniewski Piotr
Published: September 2014

The paper introduces unique excerpts from Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz’s correspondence, which illustrate the reasons why his stance on sustaining courses in logic as mandatory classes was so uncompromising. Authors also briefly sketch their own position on this matter. Additionally, a model partition of philosophical issues with reference to the Stoic division is described.
High-precision terahertz spectroscopy for noninvasive medicine diagnostics
Authors: Vaks Vladimir , Domracheva Elena , Sobakinskaya Ekaterina , Chernyaeva Mariya
Published: September 2014

In recent years methods for exhaled breath analysis have been developing all around the world. The exhaled breath analysis could result in a powerful tool for noninvasive medicine. The work presented in this paper is concerned with gas analyzers for exhaled breath diagnostics. The analyzers are based on high-precision spectrometers of the THz frequency range, which provide high resolution, high sensitivity and detect a wide range of detectable substances. The spectrometers work on non-stationary effects (phase-switching and fast sweep of frequency). The analyzers have been successfully applied for the detection of various biomarkers (nitric oxide, acetone, ammonia, methanol, ethanol) in the breath of conditionally healthy volunteers and patients with various cancerous and noncancerous diseases.
A process analysis for microchannel deformation and bonding strength by in-mold bonding of microfluidic chips
Authors: Chu Chunpeng , Jiang Bingyan , Zhu Laiyu , Jiang Fengze
Published: September 2014

A novel combination of thermal bonding and in-mold assembly technology was created to produce microfluidic chips out of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which is named “in-mold bonding technology”. In-mold bonding experiments of microfluidic chips were carried out to investigate the influences of bonding process parameters on the deformation and bonding strength of microchannels. The results show that bonding temperature has the greatest impact on the deformation of microchannels, while bonding pressure and bonding time have more influence on deformation in height than in top width. Considering the bonding strength, the bonding temperature and the bonding pressure have more impact than the bonding time. The time is crucial for the sealing of the chips. By setting the bonding parameters reasonably, the microchannel deformation is <10%, while the bonding strength of the chips is 350 kPa. The production cycle of the chip is reduced to <5 min.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Heat Transfer during Quenching in CNT Nanofluids
Authors: Gao Weimin , Kong Lingxue , Hodgson Peter
Published: September 2014

Nanofluids exhibit superior thermal properties to conventional fluid and particle-fluid suspensions and show a great potential as quenching media for quench hardening of steel components. The heat transfer mechanism in nanofluid is very complex and unclear. In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method is used to theoretically study the heat transfer from a metal surface at different temperatures to a water-based nanofluid with functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs). To model the quenching process, an initial temperature jump between the nanofluid and an iron slab is employed, and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations are performed. The MD results reveal the heat transfer process in the initial stage of quenching and at the first moment of contact of a liquid nanofluid with a hot metal surface. The thermodynamics and transport properties of the nanofluid and the heat transfer characteristics are discussed with the atomistic details of the interactions of the FCNT with the iron atoms and the water molecules.
Effect of Dopant Oxidation State and Annealing Atmosphere on the Functional Properties of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanocrystalline Powder and Thin Films
Authors: Santiago Rivera Miguel A. , Montes Albino Gina M. , Pérez Oscar Perales
Published: September 2014

The effective incorporation of dopant species into ZnO host structure should induce changes in its physical and chemical properties enabling the establishment of novel multi-functional properties. Doping with transition metal ions and the subsequent exchange interaction between available spins of the magnetic species are expected to induce a ferromagnetic behavior. This ferromagnetic functionality will enable the application of this material in data storage and spintronics-based devices. The present research addresses the study of the effect of the oxidationstate of Fe species and the influence of the annealing atmosphere on the structural and functional properties of nanocrystalline ZnO-based powders.
Briefing: The future of construction materials research
Authors: Goodier Chris I. , Mangabhai Raman , Bai Yun , Tyrer Mark , Trout Edwin
Published: September 2014

This briefing paper describes the second Young Researchers' Forum in Construction Materials, which took place on 19 February 2014. The event provided an opportunity for young researchers to meet and communicate, and showcased the variety and diversity of current research into construction materials and materials technology – ranging from the mainstream, well-researched materials to less conventional alternatives. Six sessions were provided for delegates from both industry and academia. Prizes were awarded to recognise the best presentations from young researchers.
Psychologizing the “Finder-Seeker” Creator Typology: Relations between the Creative Approach Questionnaire (CAPPQ) and other Measures
Authors: Durmysheva Yana , Kozbelt Aaron
Published: September 2014

To better understand Galenson's (2001, 2006) “finder-seeker” typology of creative persons, we tested 111 undergraduates, correlating measures of each category (finder and seeker) with established psychological measures. Each participant received both a finder and a seeker score based on responses to the Creative Approach Questionnaire ( CAppQ), refined by Rasch statistical analysis. Finder and seeker scores were themselves uncorrelated across participants, suggesting that Galenson's two types represent orthogonal dimensions rather than distinct categories. Higher finder scores were related to lower scores on need for cognition and Eastern thinking styles; higher seeker scores were related to higher scores on ambiguity tolerance and verbal and figural divergent thinking performance, as well as lower scores on need for cognitive closure and Western thinking styles. Most of these correlational results held when reanalyzed by stepwise regression. These findings suggest Galenson's finder-seeker typology is amenable to grounding in mainstream psychological measures.
Bull semen quality parameters and impact of exogenous factors on semen quality
Authors: Snoj Tomaz
Published: September 2014

Use of quality sires in the artificial insemination of cattle leads to the
increased production in cattle breeding. In EU countries and the countries
which cooperate in semen trade with EU countries bulls? health status and
minimal criteria for semen quality are regulated by law. Bull semen quality
is influenced by several exogenous factors. Semen quality parameters are
influenced by season. The highest values of ejaculate volume and total sperm
output were found during the summer, while the lowest values were found in
winter period. Some xenobiotics can also affect semen parameters. Correlation
between semen quality and pesticide use in limited geographic area was found,
namely bull semen quality decreased in the period when pesticide use
increased.
Understory Development in an Oak Forest in Northern -Hungary: the Subcanopy Layer
Authors: Misik Tamás , Kárász Imre , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: September 2014

Structural changes in the shrub layer were analysed in a Hungarian oak forest after the oak decline pandemics. This paper focuses on the following questions: (1) which of the woody species tolerated better the forest conditions after oak decline? (2) What are the ecological factors that explain the successful response of woody species to changes in light and thermal conditions? In the monitoring plot, the structural condition of specimens only above 8.0 m was observed. After the appearance of oak decline some Acer campestre, Cornus mas and Acer tataricum specimens appeared that reached between 8.0-13.0 m in height. Significant differences were revealed between top canopy density and foliage cover of the subcanopy and between top canopy density and mean cover of field maple. The findings of the study indicate that the forest responded to oak decline with significant structural rearrangement in the shrub layer and that three woody species compensated for the remarkable foliage loss in the top canopy. These species formed a second crown layer directly below the canopy formed by oaks.
Enhancement of the Corporate Environmental Performance
Authors: Polgár András , Pájer József
Published: September 2014

In the course of the implementation of the environmental management system (EMS), during the planning phase it is of high priority to explore, select and analyse the relevant environmental aspects and impacts. This is the precondition to enhance the real environmental performance (EP). The applied processes are often specific, formal and influenced by the self-interest of a company. The purpose of our work was the uniformly interpretable evaluation of the varied processes, and the creation of an EMS enhancement model through which the physical EP can be improved. The quantitative empirical research (2010-2011) has been conducted by using questionnaires in 114 domestic and multinational companies applying an EMS according to the international standard ISO 14001.

In the created database, we have determined the variables which are relevant and adjustable in the process, through a descriptive and multivariable statistical survey. On the basis of the identified performance dimensions, corporate performance indices have been created: the environmental motivation (MOT), environmental performance (EPI), environmental impact evaluation (EIE) and environmental management (EMI) as well as the aggregative index (AGG). With their help, the evaluation of the surveyed corporate performance can be executed uniformly, in a quantifiable way, without any intervention in the corporate processes. Along the outliers of EMS optimization variables, we have identified development points. Their impact was assessed by sensitivity analysis of the indices. The described method offers a model for EMS development, based on self-evaluation.
Investigation of hydrogen bonding between nitrosamine and sulfuric acid using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Bavafa Sadeghali , Mahboubi Mona
Published: September 2014

DFT calculations were performed to analyze those interactions; B3LYP and B3PW91 methods were applied and the following basis sets were used: 6-311++G(2d, 2p), 6-311++G(3df, 3pd) and aug-cc-pVDZ. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and atom in molecules (AIM) theory were applied to understand the nature of the interactions. The most stable complex NS1 with an eight-membered cyclic structure contains two O- H· ··O and N-H·· ·O hydrogen bonding interactions. From the values of r(r) at O·· ·H critical points, it can be concluded that the H-boding in eight-membered cyclic NS1 is stronger than other. The elongation of the O-H bond length is caused by the electron-density transfer to the O-H antibonding orbital.
Interaction Between Bt-Transgenic Cotton and the Whitefly’s Parasitoid, Encarsia Formosa (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)
Authors: Azimi Solmaz , Rahmani Shima , Tohidfar Masoud , Ashouri Ahmad , Bandani Alireza , Talaei-Hassanlouei Reza
Published: September 2014

Transgenic Bt cotton developed against lepidopteran pests may not be compatible with parasitoid of secondary pests such as Bemisia tabaci which attack many plants such as cotton. In this study, the effects of Bt cotton on the demographic parameters of Encarsia formosa, parasitoid of B. tabaci were assessed. The data were analysed using the age specific, two-sex life table parameters. The results indicated that pre-adult developmental time, the total preoviposition period (TPOP) and the adult preoviposition period (APOP) in the Bt cotton were significantly longer than in the non-Bt cotton. Also, fecundity and body size in both lines were significantly different. The fecundity was 23.64±0.73 and 43.75±0.89 eggs/females in the Bt and non-Bt cotton, respectively. All the population parameters were affected by the Bt cotton. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was 0.15 day-1 in the non-Bt cotton but it was 0.10 day-1 in the Bt cotton. The finite rate of increase (λ) was 1.11 day-1 in the non-Bt cotton whilst it was 1.08 in the Bt cotton. The net reproductive rate (R0) in the non-Bt cotton was 36.75 but in the Bt cotton these parameters showed 19.62 offspring/individual. Also, the mean generation time (T ) in the non-Bt and Bt cotton was 22.69 and 27.79 days, respectively. The results illustrated, that although transgenic crops are effective tools for management of the target pests, they can adversely affect, either directly or indirectly, the natural enemies dependent on these plants.
Restoration and assessment of water resources of drained lakes. Example of Chełmno Lakeland (Poland)
Authors: Ptak Mariusz
Published: September 2014

Based on cartographic materials, three lakes drained in the previous centuries have been reconstructed. It was found that by restoring them to their original state their total surface area would rise by 140 ha. Knowing the water surface level, determined on the basis of the range of peat soils and contour lines, the author reconstructed the bathymetric plans of the lakes. This, in turn, allowed a determination of the volume of water stored in their basins. It amounted to ca. 2.5 million m3. The approach adopted in the paper draws attention to an important element, i.e. to lakes which no longer exist in Poland and which have disappeared as a result of hydrotechnical works. Their restoration to their original state could become an important link in water retention and delaying the land phase of the water cycle. Activities aimed at retaining water in reception basins are carried out in Poland, among others, through the small retention program. Within this project, facilities such as artificial storage reservoirs are being built. In the light of the foregoing, before making a decision to build such a reservoir, it is worth considering the possibility to restore the natural components of the environment, which is more justifiable, both from the point of view of subsequent functioning of the environment and economic factors.
Meconema Meridionale Costa, 1860 (Orthoptera: Tettigonioidea: Meconematidae) – The First Record In Poland
Authors: Liana Anna , Michalcewicz Jakub
Published: September 2014

This first record of Meconema meridionale in Poland comes from Kraków, where several specimens were observed in the urban greenery of a housing estate in the autumn of 2013. A total of 24 adult specimens were collected, most of them within a relatively small area in the city district of Prądnik Czerwony, and two in the district of Podgórze. All specimens were recorded in circumstances indicating a relatively recent accidental introduction of this species.
Trypoxylon Kostylevi Antropov, 1985 (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) – A New Species for Poland – And a Key to Polish Species of Trypoxylon Latreille, 1796
Authors: Olszewski Piotr , Pawlikowski Tadeusz
Published: September 2014

The paper presents the first information about the occurrence of Trypoxylon kostylevi ANTROPOV, 1985 in Poland on the basis of a female and a male collected from the Mazurian Lakeland. Brief characteristics of the species and its distribution in Europe are given. A key to the species of the genus Trypoxylon recorded in Poland is provided
Chalybion Omissum (Kohl, 1889) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae, Sceliphrini): New Records from the Balkan Peninsula (Southern Bulgaria)
Authors: Olszewski Piotr , Ljubomirov Toshko , Pawlikowski Tadeusz , Barczak Tadeusz
Published: September 2014

The paper presents new information about the occurrence of Chalybion omissum (KOHL, 1889) in central part of Balkan Peninsula (southern Bulgaria). Seven specimens were caught at 4 sites: N of Kurdzhali (UTM: LG61), Usstrem village (MG55), NE of Kalimantsi village (GL09), NE of Madzharovo (MG01).
The Effect of Community Linguistic Isolation on Language-Minority Student Achievement in High School
Authors: Drake Timothy Arthur
Published: September 2014

Research on language-minority student outcomes has revealed sizeable and persistent achievement gaps. The reasons for these gaps are often closely linked with other factors related to underperformance, including generational status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Using sociocultural second-language acquisition theories and community linguistic capital as a theoretical frame, this study builds upon the extant literature to examine the relationship between community linguistic isolation and language-minority 10th-grade student achievement outcomes. I find that language minority achievement gaps are three to five tenths of a standard deviation in reading and math but that the effect is attenuated by increased levels of linguistic isolation. These results appear robust to a number of specifications. Possible reasons for the attenuation are also discussed.
Counseling Challenges with Variants of Uncertain Significance and Incidental Findings in Prenatal Genetic Screening and Diagnosis
Authors: Westerfield Lauren , Darilek Sandra , Van den Veyver Ignatia
Published: September 2014

Prenatal genetic screening and testing provides prospective parents information about the health of their fetus. It is offered to find or address an increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities or other genetic conditions in the fetus or to identify the cause of fetal structural abnormalities detected by prenatal imaging. Genome-wide tests, such as the already widely-used chromosomal microarray analysis and emerging diagnostic whole exome and whole genome sequencing, have improved the ability to detect clinically significant findings, but have also increased the chance of detecting incidental findings and variants of uncertain significance. There is an extensive ongoing discussion about optimal strategies for diagnostic laboratories to report such findings and for providers to communicate them with patients. While consensus opinions and guidelines are beginning to appear, they often exclude the prenatal setting, due to its unique set of challenging considerations. These include more limited knowledge of the impact of genetic variants when prospectively detected in an ongoing pregnancy, the absence or limitations of detecting clinically recognizable phenotypes at the time of testing and the different decision-making processes that will ensue from testing. In this review, we examine these challenges within the medical ethical framework unique to prenatal care.