bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Year Effect of a Nurse-Led Psychosocial Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meulen Ingeborg C. , May Anne M. , Ros Wynand J.G. , Oosterom Miriam , Hordijk Gert-Jan , Koole Ron , Leeuw J. Rob J.
Published: February 2013

Background.

Many patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience depressive symptoms after treatment. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a psychosocial nurse counseling and after intervention (NUCAI) versus usual care on the depressive and HNC-related physical symptoms of patients with HNC at 1 year after diagnosis.

Methods.

A total of 205 patients with HNC were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 103) or usual care (n = 102), with stratification for gender and tumor stage. The NUCAI, which consisted of six bimonthly 45-minute counseling sessions, was a problem-focused intervention aimed at helping patients to manage the physical, psychological, and social consequences of HNC and its treatment. It was nurse-led and offered in combination with regular medical follow-up visits at the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands. Depressive symptoms at 1 year after diagnosis were the primary outcome. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis for the total sample and for a predefined subgroup of patients with raised levels of depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression score ≥12; n = 91) at baseline using mixed-effect models.

Results.

One year after HNC treatment, levels of depressive symptoms were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group in the total sample and in the subgroup of patients with raised levels of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion.

The NUCAI was feasible and effective in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with HNC 1 year after HNC treatment, and especially in patients with raised levels of depressive symptoms. The results of this study need to be confirmed in future studies before the NUCAI can be used in daily clinical practice.
Evaluation of Enterococcus-infecting phages as indices of fecal pollution
Authors: Santiago-Rodriguez Tasha M. , Marcos Patricia , Monteiro Silvia , Urdaneta Miguel , Santos Ricardo , Toranzos Gary A.
Published: February 2013

No microbial source tracking tool satisfies all the characteristics of an ideal indicator of human fecal pollution. For this reason, the potential of Enterococcus faecalis phages (enterophages) as markers of this type of contamination was tested by using eight Enterococcus type strains as the possible hosts. The prevalence of enterophages in animal feces and domestic sewage were determined, as were the inactivation rates in raw sewage at 4 °C and surface and tap waters at 22 °C. Enterophages were exclusively detected in raw sewage (up to 66.0 plaque forming units (PFU)/100 mL), suggesting a strictly human origin; and exhibited inactivation rates of approximately 0.002 to 0.05, 0.3 to 0.5 and 0.4 to 1.4 log day−1 in raw sewage and surface and tap waters, respectively, similar to those of previous reports on human enteric viruses under similar conditions. Interestingly, phages infecting other Enterococcus type strains were detected in both animal feces and domestic sewage in concentrations of up to 335.8 PFU/g and 96.0 PFU/100 mL, and certain phage isolates infected several of the strains tested. This clearly indicates the possible promiscuous nature of some Enterococcus phages and thus opens up the opportunity to further characterize these as indices of specific fecal sources.
Teaching Experimental Chemistry in English Schools / Nauczanie Chemii Doświadczalnej W Angielskich Szkołach
Authors: Szydło Zbigniew A.
Published: February 2013

An historical background to the teaching of chemistry is presented, together with examples of great teachers from the past. Some aspects of the modern English school chemistry syllabus are discussed, both from the point of view of its theoretical content and its aim in helping children to develop practical skills. Chemistry Clubs, Open days and popular science lectures are also mentioned as a means of stimulating interest in chemistry as taught in schools.
Brain and whole-body FDG-PET in diagnosis, treatment monitoring and long-term follow-up of primary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Maza Sofiane , Buchert Ralph , Brenner Winfried , Munz Dieter Ludwig , Thiel Eckhard , Korfel Agnieszka , Kiewe Philipp
Published: February 2013

Background. Positron emission tomography (PET) with F-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) provides remarkable accuracy in detection, treatment monitoring and follow-up of systemic malignant lymphoma. Its value in the management of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is less clear.

Patients and methods. In a prospective trial, 42 FDG-PET examinations were performed in ten immunocompetent patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent PCNSL before and repeatedly during and after the treatment. Brain and whole body FDG-PET were compared to brain MRI and extra-cerebral CT, respectively.

Results. Before the treatment, 6 of 10 patients had congruent findings on FDG-PET and MRI of the brain. Three patients had lesions on brain MRI, not detected by FDG-PET. One patient had additional FDG-PET positive lesions inconspicuous in MRI. The follow-up suggested FDG-PET to be false positive in these lesions. After the treatment, brain PET was in agreement with MRI in 6 of 8 patients. In the remaining 2 patients there were persistent lesions in brain MRI whereas FDG-uptake was reduced to normal values. In the long-term follow-up of 5 patients (63-169 weeks), 3 patients retained normal in both PET and MRI. In 2 patients a new focal pathologic FDG-uptake was detected 69 and 52 weeks after the end of the treatment. In one of these patients, recurrence was confirmed by MRI not until 9 weeks after PET.

Conclusions. Brain FDG-PET may contribute valuable information for the management of PCNSL, particularly in the assessment of the treatment response. Integration of FDG-PET into prospective interventional trials is warranted to investigate prognostic and therapeutic implications.
The Reader’s Mind Beyond the Text – The Science of Cognitive Narratology
Authors: Tucan Gabriela
Published: February 2013

The paper argues that narrative functions as a valuable resource for thought and also for developing human cognition and mental work. More specifically, the paper outlines an approach to studying narratives as basic cognitive tools for thinking, and thus my contribution will continue to explore several cognitive processes that allow readers to comprehend narrative texts.
The Charophytes of Israel: historical and contemporary species richness, distribution, and ecology
Authors: Romanov Roman E. , Barinova Sophia S.
Published: February 2013

The historical and contemporary species richness, distribution, and ecology of Israel charophytes are described. The first charophyte collection in this region was made in the 19th century. Almost all reported localities were found earlier than 1970; some of them were not described. At the end of the 20th century, only two localities of two species were reported. According to the literature, 13 species, including two undetermined species of Chara, and nearly 23 exact localities are known from Northern and Central Israel. We found seven species and one variety of charophytes in 23 new localities in eight river drainage basins from six ecological regions of Israel during the period extending from 2001-2011. One genus n Tolypella, and two species n Chara intermedia and Tolypella glomerata, were found for the first time in Israel. There are 15 species and four genera of charophytes known from the studied territory based on published and original data. The common habitats of charophytes in Israel are river channels, pools, and, especially, artificial water bodies. The Chara vulgaris var. longibracteata, C. gymnophylla and C. contraria are the most frequently encountered species. The species ecology is briefly characterized by selected environmental variables. It may be that charophytes are rather rare plants in Israel and that their distribution in space and time is strongly variable due to the absence of large water bodies in this region, great variability of natural environmental conditions and severe continuous transformations of the environment by human activity for millennia.
Influence of electric vehicle charging rates on transformer derating in harmonic-rich battery charger applications
Authors: Jouybari-Moghaddam Hessamoddin
Published: February 2013

A study on plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging load and its impacts on distribution transformers loss-of-life, is presented in this paper. The assessment is based on residential PEV battery charging. As the exact forecasting of the charging load is not possible, the method for predicting the electric vehicle (EV) charging load is stochastically formulated. With the help of the stochastic model, the effect of fixed, time of use, and real-time charging rates on the charging load and the resultant impact on transformer derating is investigated. A 38-bus test system is adopted as the test system including industrial harmonic sources. Test results demonstrate that uncontrolled EV charging might causes a noticeable change in the K-factor of the transformer, emerging the need for derating, while applying real-time rates for battery charging loads conquers this problem even in case of harmonic-rich chargers.
Estimation of parameters of selected converter drives
Authors: Beniak Ryszard
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a method for estimation of converter drive parameters. This estimation encompassed three types of drives, i.e. a static Scherbius drive, a drive with a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and a drive with a voltage inverter. For drive modelling and parameter estimation, the author implemented original programmes written in FORTRAN. As well as these, the paper describes an objective function applied for the estimation. The author also compares gradient and gradientless methods, which are applied for minimization of the objective function. Finally, the author explains the estimation results for example drives, focusing on the coincidence of theoretical and empirical waveforms. The abovementioned procedure led to the general rule, which facilitates estimation efficiency.
Analysis of permanent magnet linear motor parameters taking its heating into account
Authors: Waindok Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The calculation results of the static field parameters for permanent magnet linear synchronous motor have been presented in this work. The influence of the construction temperature on the parameters has been analyzed mathematically. Models for magnetic and temperature fields determination have been formulated. Two kinds of permanent magnets (NdFeB and SmCo) have been considered. The distribution of the thermal field has been obtained using the finite element method (FEM).
Specification of forces in rotational separator
Authors: Gronowska Marlena A.
Published: February 2013

Today, intensive urban development calls for new technologies in the field of environmental engineering. Extensive infrastructure requires more roads and motorways, as well as larger areas covered with concrete, which altogether leads to greater volumes ofwater creating surface run-off. Rotational separators, besides lamella and coalescence units, may provide a highly efficient method for treatment of storm water running off roads and motorways. This paper is focused on two important aspects of the operation of rotational separators: forces acting on a particle in liquid flow, and pressure distribution in the chamber. The resulting relations constitute crucial elements in the future method of designing such devices.
Bacterial Contamination of Calf Carcasses During Production Cycle
Authors: Paszkiewicz Waldemar , Pyz-Łukasik Renata
Published: February 2013

The objective of the presented study was to determine microbial contamination of calf muscle tissues in relation to slaughtering process of calves during a slaughter day. In order to determine the total aerobic bacteria count, and the presence of bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family and enterococci, 32 carcasses were examined (eight each slaughter day), while 40 carcasses (10 each slaughter day) were examined for the detection of Salmonella organisms. Microbiological evaluation of each bacterial group was performed according to the Polish Norms. In most cases, no significant differences were reported between the total aerobic counts on calf carcass surfaces as determined at each slaughter cycle. The daily log mean values were lower by 1 up to 1.5 log, respectively, than the maximal bacteria count (M). Bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family were isolated from 59.4% of the evaluated samples. However, contamination with these bacteria was insignificant - 1.7 x 10 cfu/cm2. Enterococci were isolated from all investigated samples and contamination ranged from 1.1 x 10 cfu/cm2 up to 4.1 x 102 cfu/cm2. Salmonella strains were not found in any of the evaluated samples. The order of the slaughtering calves during a slaughter day and the day of the week when the examination was performed did not have any influence on total microbial contamination of carcasses. Thus, sanitary conditions in the examined abattoir were satisfactory and slaughter process was conducted at a high quality level
Immunolocalisation of α and β Oestrogen Receptors in Basolateral Amygdala of Rabbit Males
Authors: Lonc Grzegorz
Published: February 2013

Expression of α (ER-α) and β (ER-ß) oestrogen receptors in neurons of basolateral complex of the amygdala was studied in rabbit males. The examinations were carried out on brains of 12 sexually mature rabbit males weighing 3-4 kg. An immunohistochemical method (IHC) with primary Er-α antibodies, NCL-L6F11 and Er-ß: NCL-ERbeta clone EMR02 was applied. The percentage of immunoreactive neurons was determined. Morphometric and statistical analysis of immunoreactive (ER+) neurons was carried out including the localisation of IHC reaction within the examined neurons. The main place of IHC-ER-α reaction was the cytoplasm of nervous cells, whereas in the examination of IHC-ER-β, the reaction was observed mainly within cell nucleus. The nuclei of basolateral complex are a region of relatively high percentage of ER-β+ neurons and lower percentage of ER-α+ neurons in comparison with other nuclei of the amygdala. Basolateral nucleus was characterised by a higher percentage of ER- β+ neurons in which the reaction was observed in the cytoplasm.
Effect of Oral Administration of Zinc Sulphate with Simultaneous Use of Nonspecific Immunostimulation on the Course of Trichophytosis in Beef Cattle
Authors: Gołyński Marcin , Lutnicki Krzysztof , Kostro Krzysztof
Published: February 2013

The paper assesses the treatment of cutaneous fungal infection in young beef cattle caused by Trichophyton verrucosum using orally administered zinc sulphate for 28 d at 2 g per animal per day and subcutaneous application of 2.5 mg/kg levamisole administered three times every 7 d. The study was conducted on animals at the age of 110 to 122 d, which were divided into two experimental groups: group I (animals suffering from ringworm with low levels of zinc in serum) and group II (animals suffering from ringworm with normal levels of zinc in serum). The remaining animals (control group) were divided into three subgroups: K (clinically healthy animals, which had normal serum levels of zinc), KI (animals infected with ringworm and showing a reduced level of zinc), and KII (animals suffering from ringworm with normal serum zinc levels). During the study the following parameters were investigated: clinical signs of fungal infection, zinc content in serum, percentage of phagocytic cells, and phagocytic index. The symptoms of the disease were observed only in group II on day 56. In group I, an increase in the percentage of phagocytic cells was observed, as compared to the original values, on days 7, 21, and 56 and a fall in this parameter was noted on days 14 and 28. In group II, there was a decrease on day 14 and an increase in comparison to the original values, followed by a gradual fall till day 56 of the experiment. In group I, phagocytic index remained on a stable level till day 56 and in group II until day 28, and subsequently began to increase gradually. It was found that oral supplementation of zinc sulphate combined with nonspecific immunostimulation may be applied in fighting skin fungal infection in cattle, and that zinc and levamisole may exhibit synergism affecting the evolution of nonspecific immunity.
Effect of Feed Supplemented With Vitamin C on Microbial Flora of Swine Faeces and Blood Morphology
Authors: Trawińska Beata , Lechowski Jerzy , Polonis Antoni , Kowaleczko Marta
Published: February 2013

The studies involved gilts 6 weeks pre-partum allocated into the control and experimental groups. The experimental group received vitamin C at the dose of 2.5g/100 kg b.w./day. Faeces for analyses were collected for 3- and 6- week period of vitamin C dietary inclusion. The faecal material underwent quantitative and qualitative bacteriological evaluation. The count of Enterobacteriaceae was evaluated. The qualitative examination of these bacteria was made using the micro-plate method API 20E. Feed supplemented with vitamin C contributed to a statistically significant decline of the total bacterial count of Enterobacteriaceae in faeces. The qualitative bacterial analyses showed the presence of E. coli, Providecia sp., Proteus sp., and Salmonella sp. in the control and experimental groups. Enterobacter sp. was recovered only in the control group, while Lactobacillus sp. in the experimental group. The dietary administration of vitamin C significantly decreased the number of the studied bacterial species, except Salmonella rods. No statistically significant differences in the number of most blood morphotic elements following the 6- week supply of vitamin C were found; only the granulocyte count significantly increased, while lymphocyte numbers declined. Ascorbic acid inhibited the growth of pathogenic intestinal flora and reduced the pathogenic and relatively pathogenic bacteria count in the gastrointestinal tract and notably contributed to enhanced growth of beneficial bacteria.
Induction of DPM Changes in Broiler Chickens and Characteristics of Myopathy Symptoms
Authors: Kijowski Jacek , Kupińska Emilia
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to induce deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) lesions in 42 to 45-day-old broiler chickens of the Ross 308 and Flex genetic lines, kept under standard intensive breeding management conditions applied in Poland, and to assess the degree of myopathy. A total of 110 and 120 carcasses, respectively, were examined. The study method consisted of the exposure of the birds to a stress factor (forced wing flapping) at specific time intervals prior to slaughter and at different durations of the stress factor. As a result of the conducted experiment, DPM symptoms appeared in the examined chickens. The symptoms of the progressing anomaly were divided into four stages. The first stage was characterised by the occurrence of bloody extravasations, stage II was characterised by a pale pink colour of muscles, stage III - greening of the muscle tissue, while stage IV was connected with necrosis and white-grey-green colour of muscles. The application of the forced wing flapping several days before slaughter (1, 3 d) resulted in the incidence of earlier symptoms of myopathy - stages I and II. Stimulation of wing flapping 5, 7, and 14 d before slaughter caused subsequent DPM stages (i.e. stages III and IV). In the group of the youngest birds subjected to the stress factor at 21 d before slaughter, DPM lesions were not found. Moreover, the longer the duration (15-60 s) of the stress factor, the greater the intensity of this phenomenon was observed. Bilateral DPM symptoms occurred more frequently than unilateral symptoms. Recorded results show that increased wing flapping is a significant factor inducing DPM in 42 to 45-day-old broiler chickens. These investigations indicated a possibility to determine the degree of DPM lesions depending on the passage of time from the induction of the anomaly to the slaughter of birds.
Tissue Pathomorphology and Immunohistochemistry in Mink (Neovison Vison) Fed Blood Plasma Supplemented Diet in the Period of Preparation for Breeding
Authors: Nowakowicz-Dębek Bożena , Śmiech Anna , Zoń Andrzej , Bis-Wencel Hanna , Ondrasovicova Olga , Wlazło Łukasz , Wnuk Wioletta
Published: February 2013

The research carried out at a mink farm aimed to determine the effect of blood plasma supplemented diet applied at the period preparing mink for reproduction on the animal organism. The studies included four groups of mink. The control group received a non-supplemented diet, while the experimental groups had feed with additive of 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of beef-pork plasma in the daily feed ration. The pathomorphological and immunohistochemical evaluation was performed on the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen, and bowel from all the groups. Pathomorphological and immunohistochemical changes of various intensity were observed in the examined organs from all experimental groups.
Microbiological and Marine Biotoxins Contamination of Raw Bivalve Molluscs Commercially Available in Poland
Authors: Pomykała Remigiusz , Michalski Mirosław , Jóźwik Artur , Osek Jacek
Published: February 2013

The study was carried out on live bivalve molluscs available on Polish market. Microbiological tests were performed for the presence of Salmonella sp., Vibrio parahaemolyticus, spore-forming anaerobe bacteria, and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus sp., and for the enumeration of Escherichia coli. ELISA was used for the determination of marine biotoxins, paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), and diarrhoeic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Microbiological examinations were performed according to ISO and Polish Standards. Salmonella sp. was not detected in any sample tested. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were identified in 9.0% of the samples. V. parahaemolyticus was isolated from 17.0% of mussels. Shellfish were highly contaminated by anaerobes, which were isolated from 68.0% of the samples. The number of E. coli ranged from <2.0 x 101 up to >1.8 x 104 MPN/100 g. The majority of mussels were free from the marine biotoxins tested or contained them bellow the permitted level. The analysis of microbiological and toxicological status of raw bivalve molluscs available on Polish market indicates that they are generally safe for the consumers.
Comparison of the Proximal Phalanx Parameters in Warmblood and Coldblood Horses with the Use of Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Authors: Dzierzęcka Małgorzata , Charuta Anna
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to compare densitometric and geometric parameters of the proximal phalanges in forelimbs of Warmblood and Coldblood horses, at 15%, 50%, and 85% of the bone proximal length. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to analyse the structure of phalanges. The following parameters were determined: bone mineral content, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, cortical area, cortical thickness, periosteal circumference, endocortical circumference, and strength strain index. The most significant differences between pastern bones in thoracic limbs of the horses were visible in the proximal and distal metaphyseal parts, for instance. at 15% and 85% of the bone length, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that at 15% of the bone length, total bone area, trabecular area, periosteal circumference, and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Warmblood horses. At the mid-shaft, volumetric bone mineral density and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Coldblood horses. At 85% of the bone length, volumetric bone mineral density, total bone area, trabecular area, periosteal circumference, and endocortical circumference were significantly higher in Coldblood horses.
Psoriatic onycho-pachydermo-periostitis / Psoriatični onihopahidermoperiostitis
Authors: Perić-Hajzler Zorica , Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija , Zolotarevski Lidija
Published: February 2013

Psoriatic onycho-pachydermo-periostitis has been recognized as an uncommon subset of psoriatic arthritis, and to date, only a few cases have been reported. In general, psoriatic onycho-pachydermo-periostitis is regarded as a unique variant of psoriatic arthritis, but its pathology and pathophysiology are not well understood. Although psoriatic onychopachydermo- periostitis is usually found in patients with psoriasis, it can also be found in patients without psoriatic skin lesions. It is characterized by psoriatic nail changes (usually onycholysis), painful swelling of the soft tissue close to the distal phalanges, and radiographic changes of the distal phalanges with periosteal reaction and bone erosions. We present a 58-year-old man with a 3-year history of deformation, thickened nails and pustules on the skin of his fingers and toes, and painful redness of the nail bed accompanied with pain in small joints. The family history was negative. After confirmation of the diagnosis, methotrexate: 15 mg weekly, was initiated which led to symptoms improvement. Treatment of psoriatic onycho-pachydermo-periostitis is difficult. It is based on treatment modalities used for other forms of psoriatic arthritis, such as sulphasalazine, methotrexate, and anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody therapy with adalimumab and etanercept. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually ineffective. Retinoids, subungual cyclosporine and corticosteroid therapy also showed inefficient. In our patient, methotrexate has shown efficacy in symptom improvement.
Optical properties of the human skin / Optičke osobine ljudske kože
Authors: Gajinov Zorica , Matić Milan , Prćić Sonja , Đuran Verica
Published: February 2013

Visual perception of human skin is determined by the light that reflects off the skin surface to retina and interpretation of these information by visual centers in the brain cortex. Skin has a partly translucent and turbid structure and visual perceptions depend on interactions between the light and structures of the skin surface and below it, through absorption, reflection and scattering. Light absorption by the skin depends on the composition, absorption spectra and amount (volume fraction) of chromophores. Subsurface scattering occurs within the skin layers: Rayleigh scattering (subcellular structures sized up to 1/10 of incident wavelength) and Mie scattering (collagen, melanosomes). Due to fluctuations of the refractive index within tissue components and intense scattering, the spatial distribution of light within the skin is diffuse. Skin images are created by the light that reflects off the skin after being color-modified by absorption and being scattered on the skin surface and internal skin structures.
A Case of Granulomatous Rosacea: Successful treatment with Topical Azelaic acid 20% cream / Granulomatozna rozacea – lokalno lečenje azelaičnom kiselinom u obliku 20% krema – prikaz slučaja
Authors: Vlaov-Žarkov Olga , Vučković Nada , Jovanović Marina
Published: February 2013

Granulomatous rosacea is considered to be the only true variant of rosacea. Diascopy of larger lesions often reveals apple-jelly nodules, indicating their granulomatous histology. Other signs and symptoms of rosacea are not required to make a diagnosis of granulomatous rosacea. The response to treatment may be slow, which must be the most important consideration for both the clinician and the patient. We present an otherwise healthy 62-year-old non-atopic woman with a 15-year history of episodic facial flushing, often accompanied by a burning sensation without sweating. Exclusively affecting the face, lesions had a high tendency to spread each year. The patient was a lifelong non-smoker. A seller on the local market, she spent most of her time outdoors. She had no positive family history of rosacea. At the time of presentation, she was not taking any medications, except for topical neutral creams. Multiple reddish-brown papules without comedones, associated with telangiectasia were scattered over the erythematous background on the chin, forehead, cheeks, nose, glabella and eyelids, while small pustules clustered over the eyelids. The nasolabial folds, neck and ears were not affected. There was neither lymphadenopathy, nor ocular involvement. Based on the history, physical, laboratory and other relevant investigations including histopathology, the diagnosis of granulomatous rosacea was established. The therapy was conducted with topical azelaic acid 20% cream, twice daily for six months. Clinical evaluation was done every 14 days during the first month, and once monthly during the next five months. Affter two weeks, there was a significant decrease in the mean inflammatory lesion count. At the end of the therapy, telangiectasia and facial erythema almost disappeared. There were no side effects. Apart from several short episodes of erythema, during the five-year-long follow-up, there were no other signs of the disease. In conclusion, azelaic acid 20% cream may be an effective and safe treatment option for some patients with granulomatous rosacea.
Selected Chemical Properties of Necrosols from the Abandoned Cemeteries Słabowo and Szymonka (Great Mazurian Lakes District)
Authors: Majgier Leszek , Rahmonov Oimahmad
Published: February 2013

The paper shows the occurrences of cemetery soils and the physico-chemical features of soils in the cemeteries Słabowo and Szymonka (Great Mazurian Lakes District). Necrosols are anthropogenic soils and belong to Urbanosols. They form only in the area of cemeteries. Four soil profiles (Necrosols) were investigated in terms of morphological description and chemical properties especially phosphorus (Pt), organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (Nt). These profiles were compared with the reference profile (Rusty soil, according to WRB 2007 Brunic Arenosol) made outside the cemetery. On the basis of research Necrosol has been defined as a soil formed by special human activity in cemeteries and burial grounds with specific soil horizon sequence, and also physical and chemical properties.
A Hierarchical Preference Voting System for Mining Method Selection Problem / Wykorzystanie Systemu Głosowania Zakładający Hierarchię Preferencji Przy Wyborze Odpowiedniej Metody Wybierania
Authors: Nourali Hamidreza , Nourali Saeid , Ataei Mohammad , Imanipour Narges
Published: February 2013

To apply decision making theory for Mining Method Selection (MMS) problem, researchers have faced two difficulties in recent years: (i) calculation of relative weight for each criterion, (ii) uncertainty in judgment for decision makers. In order to avoid these difficulties, we apply a Hierarchical Preference Voting System (HPVS) for MMS problem that uses a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to produce weights associated with each ranking place. The presented method solves the problem in two stages. In the first stage, weights of criteria are calculated and at the second stage, alternatives are ranked with respect to all criteria. A simple case study has also been presented to illustrate the competence of this method. The results show that this approach reduces some difficulties of previous methods and could be applied simply in group decision making with too many decision makers and criteria. Also, regarding to application of a mathematical model, subjectivity is reduced and outcomes are more reliable.
Preliminary determination of the suitability of slags resulting from coal gasification as a pozzolanic raw material / Wstępne Określenie Przydatności Żużli Ze Zgazowania Węgla Jako Surowca Pucolanowego
Authors: Mazurkiewicz Maciej , Tkaczewska Ewelina , Pomykała Radosław , Uliasz-Bocheńczyk Alicja
Published: February 2013

Streszczenie

Wymagania dotyczące ochrony środowiska, takie jak: ograniczenie emisji CO2, NOx i SO2 spowodowały coraz większe zainteresowanie nowymi technologiami energetycznego wykorzystania węgla. Jednąz testowanych i promowanych obecnie technologii jest zgazowanie węgla. Jednak, jak każda technologia produkcji energii wykorzystująca węgiel, powoduje ona powstawanie odpadów: popiołów lotnych i żużli. Ze względu na niewielką ilość instalacji zgazowania węgla funkcjonujących obecnie w świecie, odpady te sąwniewielkim stopniupoznane, dlatego też przed podjęciem decyzji o wprowadzaniu technologii zgazowania węgla, powinno się opracować technologię utylizacji powstających w niej odpadów. Najlepszym rozwiązaniem będzie oczywiście opraco­wanie kierunku ich gospodarczego wykorzystania. Jedną z możliwości rozpatrywanych dla gospodarczego wykorzystania żużli ze zgazowania jest zastosowanie ich jako składnika spoiw mineralnych o charakterze pucolanowym.

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań aktywności pucolanowej dwóch żużli: żużla ze zgazowania węgla z instalacji energetycznego zgazowania oraz podziemnego zgazowania. Ze względu na skład chemiczny żużel MI można zaklasyfikować jako żużel zasadowy o składzie chemicznym zbliżonym do krzemionkowego po­piołu lotnego ze spalania węgla kamiennego. Z kolei żużel BA, z powodu czteroktrotnie wyższej zawartości tlenku wapnia, należy do grupy żużli słabozasadowych. Podstawowym i jedynym składnikiem mineralnym żużla MI jest faza szklista. W żużlu BA, obok fazy szklistej, tworzą się również fazy krystaliczne, a mianowicie: mullit 3 AI2O3 · 2 SiO2, kwarc p-SiO2-, anortyt Ca(Al2Si2O8), gehlenit Ca2Al[(Si,Al)2O7], wollastonit Ca3[Si3O9], 2CaO · SiO2 i 4 CaO • Al2O3 • Fe2O3. W wyniku badań stwierdzono, że żużel BA wykazuje większe wartości wskaźnika aktywności pucolanowej (75,1% po 90 dniach) od żużla MI (69,9% po 90 dniach). Niestety, wstępne badania pozwalają stwierdzić, że żużle te charakteryzują się zbyt niską aktywnością pucolanową i nie mogą być traktowane jako materiał pucolanowy w technologii produkcji cementu i betonu.
Alien species Impatiens parviflora invasion into forest communities of Lithuania
Authors: Dobravolskaitė Rasa
Published: February 2013

Dobravolskaitė R., 2012: Alien species Impatiens parviflora invasion into forest communities of Lithuania [Svetimžemės rūšies Impatiens parviflora invazija į Lietuvos miškų bendrijas]. - Bot. Lith., 18(1): 3-12. Alien plants threaten native communities by altering their species composition and reducing native biodiversity. Forests are considered to be relatively stable ecosystems and resistant to plant invasions. Impatiens parviflora DC. is one of the most intensively spreading alien plant species in the forests of Lithuania. Phenotypic variations among I. parviflora populations in three different habitat types (with different species of dominant tree and the coverage of the first tree layer) in the environs of Vilnius (South East Lithuania) were analysed. The results of the investigation enabled to evaluate alien plant species I. parviflora invasion into different forest communities and estimate relationships between plants of forest communities and I. parviflora. The study has shown that this invasive species is spreading not only in disturbed areas, but also in places where other species do not grow due to the lack of the light. However, the number of individuals is increasing in proportion while the coverage of trees and shrubs is decreasing. The rise of the level of illumination increases not only the number of individuals in the populations, but also the above-ground biomass of I. parviflora: plants are larger, produce more side shoots. The correlation between the coverage of I. parviflora and native species statistically is significantly negative (r = -0.78) in the disturbed places.
Basilar artery fenestration associated with aneurysms treated by endovascular approach
Authors: Dima Stefanita , Radoi Mugurel
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Arterial fenestrations are associated with saccular aneurysms that are often difficult to treat with open surgical techniques. Basilar artery fenestration reported in the literature is highly variable depending on the technique used. Typically fenestration occurs at the lower end of the basilar artery just at the vertebral arteries join. For basilar artery fenestrations associated with aneurysms endovascular embolization could be the first treatment choice.

Methods: This study presented three cases of patients having basilar artery fenestration associated with aneurysm that were treated endovascularly. All patients underwent endovascular embolization by femoral approach, under general anesthesia.

Results: In all three cases, no new neurological deficits were reported. Balloon remodeling technique was necessary in one patient that presented kissing aneurysms. The length of the follow-up was 3 years for 2 patients, and 1 year for one patient. All the aneurysms, except one, presented a small recanalization at four vessels digital subtraction angiography (DSA) control, but it remained stable even at the three years control.

Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of basilar artery aneurysms associated with fenestrations is a safe and durable option. No second embolization procedure was necessary in our cases. No limb of the fenestration was necessary to be sacrificed. Larger series of patients treated with this method are needed to support our evidence.
Readings of the Question of Rights in the Merchant of Venice--A Romanian Perspective
Authors: Nicolaescu Mădălina
Published: February 2013

It is the main aim of this essay to analyse the modulations and inflections introduced in the treatment of law in Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice in the process of cross-cultural transmission and dissemination of the play in the nineteenth century. Focus will be placed on the shift of emphasis from issues related to the law in Shakespeare’s text to issues related to rights in two Romanian adaptations derived from French and German texts.
Nineteenth Century Romanian Public Space: The Final Frontier for Women?
Authors: Duţu Carmen Beatrice
Published: February 2013

“Far from being unitary or monolithic or autonomous things, cultures actually assume more  elements, alterities, differences, than they consciously exclude.” (Said 15). Building on gender studies discourse, the present paper builds on Said’s view of cultural experiences at large as stated in the quotation above and attempts to illustrate what was at stake in the (trans)cultural relationship between space, place and textuality in the making of the Romanian romantic novel.
The Position of Women in Arundhati Roy’s the God of Small Things and Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day
Authors: Kutluk Asli
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is to analyse women’s state in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things and Anita Desai’s Clear Light of Day. In both novels, women struggle with the world they live in because of their womanhood. Their situation can be discussed briefly in terms of Gayatri Spivak’s famous essay, “Can the Subaltern Speak?”
Commodification and Identity in Chick Lit
Authors: Alb Anemona
Published: February 2013

This paper looks at the parochial facets of femininity versus their globalized avatars as apparent in two chick lit novels, Helen Fielding’s “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” 1999 and one of the novels in Sophie Kinsella’s The Shopaholic series, “Shopaholic Abroad” 2001. The paradigm I am operating within is that of consumerism and commodification as the new forms of globalization. More specifically, the paper sets out to investigate the extent to which global and local facets of (feminine) identity overlap, thus engendering what I label ‘glocal’ femininities, and the role of the commodification thereof.
What did the Enlightenment Lead to: Women’s Activism, Women’s Movement or Feminism? A Case-Study of France and the Usa
Authors: Zelinka Elisabeta
Published: February 2013

The Enlightenment triggered different reactions among women in Europe (the most illustrious case is France) and in the USA. The present paper analyses these reactions kindled by the Enlightenment in the two abovementioned geopolitical and cultural realms. It also analyses the development of certain social movements triggered by these reactions. Therefore, the epicentral question that I will attempt to answer is: what did the Enlightenment lead to in Europe (as exemplified by France) and in the USA: women’s activism, women’s movement, or feminism? Why did the Enlightenment influence the women’s rights movement differently in these two countries?
Women Under Siege. The Shakespearean Ethics of Violence
Authors: Percec Dana , Şerban Andreea
Published: February 2013

This paper discusses notions of physical violence, domestic violence, and sexual assault and the ways in which these were socially and legally perceived in early modern Europe. Special attention will be paid to a number of Shakespearean plays, such as Titus Andronicus and Edward III, but also to the narrative poem The Rape of Lucrece (whose motifs were later adopted in Cymbeline), where the consumption of the female body as a work of art is combined with verbal and physical abuse.
She’s the Man: Gender Dynamics in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night
Authors: Hanţiu Ecaterina
Published: February 2013

More than any other Shakespearean play, Twelfth Night demonstrates hogender can be performed and impersonated with the use of voice, costume and mannerisms. The play explores the relationship between gender and desire, allowing us to understand the complex ways in which Shakespeare responded imaginatively to sex, gender and sexuality as determinants of human identity. The article also discusses various movie versions of the play.
Fashioning the Queen - Elizabeth I as Patron of Translations
Authors: Zaharia Oana-Alis
Published: February 2013

The present paper aims to explore the role of Queen Elizabeth I as literary patron and dedicatee of translations by focusing on the dedication that precedes Geoffrey Fenton’s rendering of Francesco Guicciardini’s Storia d’Italia. Fenton’s extensive dedication to the Queen is extremely revealing of the manner in which the system of patronage was understood in Elizabethan England. Moreover, it facilitates our understanding of the translator’s role and position at the Elizabethan court, of the political and cultural implications of choosing the Queen as the patron of a translation.
Representations of Femininity in Seventeenth Century Conduct Manuals for Gentlemen
Authors: Biscetti Stefania
Published: February 2013

This paper investigates conceptual representations of women in 17th century conduct manuals for gentlemen published in England before and after the Civil War. The aim is to see whether the socio-cultural transformations produced by the Revolution are reflected in the metaphorical expressions referring to the female sex in a highly conservative textual genre
The Modern Woman and Women’s Emancipation in 19th Century English and Romanian Comedies
Authors: Mitea Ioana-Florina
Published: February 2013

The construction of feminine characters in nineteenth century English and Romanian comedies reflects the changes that the two societies were experiencing, especially the fact that women were no longer confined to domestic life. The plays feature women assimilating the latest fashions and lifestyles, their aspirations to change their status and their steps towards emancipation
Why Feminist Critical Literacy Matters: The Reorganisation of Capitalist Economies and the Significance of Socially Engaged Literature for Young Adults
Authors: Burcar Lilijana
Published: February 2013

The latest capitalist restructuring has resulted in new conditions of employment, seriously affecting possibilities for people’s self-realization. Women have been hurt the most and face an increasing feminisation of poverty. This paper foregrounds the importance of literary socialisation in preparing young people to accept or reject neoliberal gendered scripts.
Vascular Elasticity and Grip Strength Are Associated With Bone Health of the Hemiparetic Radius in People With Chronic Stroke: Implications for Rehabilitation
Authors: Pang Marco Y.C. , Yang Feigo Z.H. , Jones Alice Y.M.
Published: February 2013

Background

People with stroke often have increased bone loss and fracture rate. Increasing evidence has demonstrated a link between cardiovascular health and bone loss in other patient populations.

Objective

The study objectives were: (1) to compare the bone density and geometry of the radius diaphysis on the left and right sides in people with chronic stroke and people who were matched for age (control participants) and (2) to examine the relationship between the bone strength index at the hemiparetic radius diaphysis and vascular health in people with chronic stroke.

Design

This was a case-control study.

Methods

The radius diaphysis on both sides was scanned with peripheral quantitative computed tomography in 65 participants with chronic stroke and 34 control participants. Large-artery and small-artery elasticity indexes were evaluated with a cardiovascular profiling system.

Results

The paretic radius diaphysis had significantly lower values for cortical bone mineral density, cortical thickness, cortical area, and the bone strength index but a larger marrow cavity area than the nonparetic radius diaphysis in participants with chronic stroke, whereas no bone measurement showed a significant side-to-side difference in control participants. Multiple regression analyses showed that the large-artery elasticity index and grip strength remained significantly associated with the bone strength index at the hemiparetic radius diaphysis after controlling for age, sex, time since stroke diagnosis, body mass index, and physical activity (R2=.790).

Limitations

This study was cross-sectional and could not establish causality. The radius diaphysis is not the most common site of fracture after stroke.

Conclusions

Both the integrity of the vasculature and muscle strength were significantly associated with the bone strength index at the hemiparetic radius diaphysis in participants with chronic stroke. The results may be useful in guiding rehabilitative programs for enhancing bone health in the paretic arm after stroke.
Predictors of resource utilization in transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease
Authors: Little Andrew S. , Chapple Kristina
Published: February 2013

Object

The short-term cost associated with subspecialized surgical care is an increasingly important metric and economic concern. This study sought to determine factors associated with hospital charges in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease in an effort to identify the drivers of resource utilization.

Methods

The authors analyzed the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) hospital discharge database from 2007 to 2009 to determine factors that influenced hospital charges in patients who had undergone transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease. The NIS discharge database approximates a 20% sample of all inpatient admissions to nonfederal US hospitals. A multistep regression model was developed that adjusted for patient demographics, acuity measures, comorbidities, hospital characteristics, and complications.

Results

In 116 hospitals, 454 transsphenoidal operations were performed. The mean hospital charge was $48,272 ± $32,060. A multivariate regression model suggested that the primary driver of resource utilization was length of stay (LOS), followed by surgeon volume, hospital characteristics, and postoperative complications. A 1% increase in LOS increased hospital charges by 0.60%. Patient charges were 13% lower when performed by high-volume surgeons compared with low-volume surgeons and 22% lower in large hospitals compared with small hospitals. Hospital charges were 12% lower in cases with no postoperative neurological complications. The proposed model accounted for 46% of hospital charge variance.

Conclusions

This analysis of hospital charges in transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing disease suggested that LOS, hospital characteristics, surgeon volume, and postoperative complications are important predictors of resource utilization. These findings may suggest opportunities for improvement.