bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
140 Characters or Less: How Is the Twitter Mediascape Influencing the Egyptian Revolution?
Authors: Johnson Ginger A. , Tudor Brant , Nuseibeh Hasan
Published: February 2013

The globalization of media allows for the images and stories of marginalized and excluded groups to be seen and heard by more people than ever before, creating ‘mediascapes’ in which such populations compete for visibility on an imagined global stage. We liken 140-character Twitter messages, sent and received regarding North African social protests, as one such mediascape providing a slice of reality into the political ideology of Egyptian youth. Informed by anthropological theory and utilizing the powerful data collection techniques available to computer systems technicians, this research explores the possibilities of analyzing Twitter data related to Egypt’s 2011 political protests. In consideration of the role of Twitter in 2009 Iranian elections, this was chosen as the media platform to analyze Egyptian events. Five properties make it an ideal form to express political protest. Twitter is: 1) quick, providing real-time information in 140 characters or less, 2) free, 3) personal, 4) highly mobile and resistant to government control and 5) it can be anonymous. In seeking to answer our research questions on the role Twitter continues to play in Egyptian protests, we analyzed Twitter feeds to test for the existence of ‘authorities’ and ‘hubs’. Authorities can be considered the leaders of social protest movements (those persons creating original content in Twitter and playing an active role in setting up meeting days, times and places), while hubs serve as data dissemination points with large Twitter followings.
A Comparative Stability Analysis of Atlantic and Pacific Niño Modes*
Authors: Lübbecke Joke F. , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: February 2013

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific and the analogous Atlantic Niño mode are generated by processes involving coupled ocean–atmosphere interactions known as the Bjerknes feedback. It has been argued that the Atlantic Niño mode is more strongly damped than ENSO, which is presumed to be closer to neutrally stable. In this study the stability of ENSO and the Atlantic Niño mode is compared via an analysis of the Bjerknes stability index. This index is based on recharge oscillator theory and can be interpreted as the growth rate for coupled modes of ocean–atmosphere variability. Using observational data, an ocean reanalysis product, and output from an ocean general circulation model, the individual terms of the Bjerknes index are calculated for the first time for the Atlantic and then compared to results for the Pacific. Positive thermocline feedbacks in response to wind stress forcing favor anomaly growth in both basins, but they are twice as large in the Pacific compared to the Atlantic. Thermocline feedback is related to the fetch of the zonal winds, which is much greater in the equatorial Pacific than in the equatorial Atlantic due to larger basin size. Negative feedbacks are dominated by thermal damping of sea surface temperature anomalies in both basins. Overall, it is found that both ENSO and the Atlantic Niño mode are damped oscillators, but the Atlantic is more strongly damped than the Pacific primarily because of the weaker thermocline feedback.
Sensitivity of Hydrological Simulations of Southeastern United States Watersheds to Temporal Aggregation of Rainfall
Authors: Bastola Satish , Misra Vasubandhu
Published: February 2013

This study investigates the sensitivity of the performance of hydrological models to certain temporal variations of precipitation over the southeastern United States (SEUS). Because of observational uncertainty in the estimates of rainfall variability at subdaily scales, the analysis is conducted with two independent rainfall datasets that resolve the diurnal variations. In addition, three hydrological models are used to account for model uncertainty. Results show that the temporal aggregation of subdaily rainfall can translate into a markedly higher volume error in flow simulated by the hydrological models. For the selected watersheds in the SEUS, the volume error is found to be high (~35%) for a 30-day aggregation in some of the selected watersheds. Hydrological models tend to underestimate flow in these watersheds with a decrease in temporal variability in precipitation. Furthermore, diminishing diurnal amplitude by removing subdaily rainfall corresponding to times of climatological daily maximum and minimum has a detrimental effect on the hydrological simulation. This theoretical experiment resulted in the underestimation of flow, with a disproportionate volume error (of as high as 77% in some watersheds). Observations indicate that over the SEUS variations of diurnal variability of rainfall explain a significant fraction of the seasonal variance throughout the year, with especially strong fractional variance explained in the boreal summer season. The results suggest that, should diurnal variations of precipitation get modulated either from anthropogenic or natural causes in the SEUS, there will be a significant impact on the streamflow in the watersheds. These conclusions are quite robust since both observational and model uncertainties have been considered in the analysis.
Geographic and urban–rural disparities in the total prevalence of neural tube defects and their subtypes during 2006–2008 in China: a study using the hospital-based birth defects surveillance system
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Zhu Jun , Wang Yanping , Mu Dezhi , Dai Li , Zhou Guangxuan , Li Qi , Wang He , Li Mingrong , Liang Juan
Published: February 2013

Background

Previous reports on the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China did not include cases of NTDs that were less than 28 weeks of gestational age (GA) and hence did not accurately reflect the total prevalence of NTDs or the geographic and urban–rural disparities in their prevalence. This article includes cases of NTDs that were less than 28 weeks of GA.

Methods

Data used in this study were collected from 2006 to 2008 using a nationwide hospital-based registry, the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network. The total prevalence ratio (PR) of NTDs and their subtypes, the ratios of PR (PRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to analyse geographic disparities at both the regional (north, south) and provincial levels and to analyse disparities between rural and urban areas.

Results

Overall, the total PR of NTDs was 14.0 per 10,000 births. The PRR of NTDs of rural women between the north and south region was 2.26 (95% CI: 2.04-2.52), which was much higher than that of urban women (PRR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.41-1.72). The three subtypes of NTDs had different geographic distribution at the level of province. The urban–rural PRR of NTDs was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.94-2.34) in the north but only 1.47 (95% CI: 1.31-1.66) in the south.

Conclusions

There is a high total prevalence of NTDs, which remains one of the major public health concerns in China. Eliminating the geographic and urban–rural disparities in the disease burden is a priority for future intervention.
Three-point boundary value problems of fractional functional differential equations with delay
Authors: Li Yanan , Sun Shurong , Yang Dianwu , Han Zhenlai
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we study three-point boundary value problems of the following fractional functional differential equations involving the Caputo fractional derivative:

"Equation missing"

where

D

α

C

,

D

β

C

denote Caputo fractional derivatives,

2
<
α
<
3

,

0
<
β
<
1

,

η
∈
(
0
,
1
)

,

1
<
λ
<

1

2
η

. We use the Green function to reformulate boundary value problems into an abstract operator equation. By means of the Schauder fixed point theorem and the Banach contraction principle, some existence results of solutions are obtained, respectively. As an application, some examples are presented to illustrate the main results.

MSC:34A08, 34K37.
Insect herbivores can choose microclimates to achieve nutritional homeostasis
Authors: Clissold Fiona J. , Coggan Nicole , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: February 2013

The interaction between temperature and diet quality can affect the life-history of ectotherms. The rate and ratio at which protein and carbohydrate are obtained from food are an important aspect of diet quality, and insects have a well-developed capacity to adjust their feeding behaviour and postingestive physiology to regulate intake and allocation of these nutrients. If the supply of protein and carbohydrate varies with temperature (e.g. via effects on intake, digestion or metabolism), then herbivorous insects can use thermoregulatory behaviour to help achieve nutritional homeostasis. When fed the host grass Triticum aestivum, Locusta migratoria nymphs absorbed and allocated protein and carbohydrate to growth with the same efficiency at 38°C as at 32°C, however, at the higher temperature, they ingested more food. In contrast, when feeding on Themeda triandra, the nymphs absorbed carbohydrate with higher efficiency at 32°C and protein at 38°C. Using synthetic diets, we induced either a protein or a carbohydrate deficiency in experimental insects and showed that locusts placed in a thermal gradient following a meal of T. triandra selected 32°C when deprived of carbohydrate, and 38°C when protein-deficient. This capacity to use thermoregulatory behaviour to redress an imposed nutritional imbalance improved with experience of feeding on T. triandra. As predicted, locusts fed T. aestivum always chose higher temperatures, irrespective of nutritional state. Our results have consequences for understanding host plant choice by herbivores and interpreting the effects of changed environmental temperatures and microclimate on animal-plant interactions.
Is cold acclimation of benefit to hibernating rodents?
Authors: Egginton Stuart , May Shaun , Deveci Durmus , Hauton David
Published: February 2013

The thermal challenge associated with cold acclimation (CA) and hibernation requires effective cardio-respiratory function over a large range of temperatures. We examined the impact of acute cooling in a cold-naive hibernator to quantify the presumed improvement in cardio-respiratory dysfunction triggered by CA, and estimate the role of the autonomic nervous system in optimising cardiac and respiratory function. Golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were held at a 12h:12h light/dark (L:D) photoperiod and room temperature (21°C euthermic control) or exposed to simulated onset of winter in an environmental chamber, by progression to 1h:23h L:D and 4°C over 4weeks. In vivo acute cooling (core temperature Tb=25°C) in euthermic controls led to a hypotension (P<0.05), bradycardia (P<0.05) but preserved cardiac output (NS). CA induced a hypertension at normothermia (Tb=37°C) but on cooling led to decreases in diastolic pressure below euthermic controls (P<0.05) and a decrease in cardiac output (P<0.05), despite an increase in left ventricular conductance (P<0.05). Power Spectral Analysis of heart rate variability suggested a decline in vagal tone on cooling euthermic hamsters (P<0.05 at Tb=25°C). Following CA, vagal tone was increased at Tb=37°C (P<0.05), but declined more quickly on cooling (Tb=25°C) to preserve vagal tone at levels similar to euthermic controls at Tb=37°C. For the isolated heart, CA led to concentric hypertrophy (P<0.05) with decreased end-diastolic volume (P<0.05) but with no change in intrinsic heart rate at either T=37°C or T=25°C (NS). Mechanical impairment was noted at T=37°C following CA, with peak developed pressure decreased by 50% (P<0.05) and peak rate-pressure product decreased by 65% (P<0.05); this difference was preserved at T=25°C. For euthermic hearts, coronary flow showed thermal sensitivity, decreasing 65% on cooling (T=25°C; P<0.05). By contrast, CA hearts had low coronary flow (P<0.05 compared to euthermic control) but with a loss of thermal sensitivity (NS). Together, these observations suggest that CA induced a functional impairment in the myocardium that limits performance of the cardiovascular system at euthermia, despite increased autonomic input to preserve cardiac function. On acute cooling this autonomic control was lost and cardiac performance declined further than for cold-naive hamsters, suggesting CA may compromise elements of cardiovascular function to facilitate preservation of those more critical for subsequent rewarming.
A cute and highly contrast-sensitive superposition eye - the diurnal owlfly Libelloides macaronius
Authors: Belušič Gregor , Pirih Primož , Stavenga Doekele G.
Published: February 2013

The owlfly Libelloides macaronius (Insecta: Neuroptera) has large bipartite eyes of the superposition type. The spatial resolution and sensitivity of the photoreceptor array in the dorsofrontal eye part was studied with optical and electrophysiological methods. Using structured illumination microscopy, the interommatidial angle in the central part of the dorsofrontal eye was determined to be Δφ = 1.1°. Eye shine measurements with an epi-illumination microscope yielded an effective superposition pupil size of about 300 facets. Intracellular recordings confirmed that all photoreceptors were UV-receptors (λmax = 350 nm). The average photoreceptor acceptance angle was 1.8°, with a minimum of 1.4°. The receptor dynamic range was two log units, and the Hill coefficient of the intensity-response function was n = 1.2. The signal-to-noise ratio of the receptor potential was remarkably high and constant across the whole dynamic range (RMS noise = 0.5% Vmax). Quantum bumps could not be observed at any light intensity, indicating low voltage gain. Presumably, the combination of large aperture superposition optics feeding an achromatic array of relatively insensitive receptors with a steep intensity-response function creates a low-noise, high-spatial-acuity instrument. The sensitivity shift to the UV range reduces the contrasts within the sky image. These properties of the visual system are optimal for detecting small insect prey as contrasting spots against both clear and cloudy skies.
Erweiterung des V-Modells® für den Entwurf von verteilten Automatisierungssystemen
Authors: Frank Timo , Eckert Karin , Hadlich Thomas , Fay Alexander , Diedrich Christian , Vogel-Heuser Birgit
Published: February 2013

Die zunehmende Automatisierung und die daraus resultierende Komplexität haben zur Folge, dass es unabdingbar ist, verteilte Steuerungsarchitekturen aufzubauen. Die Komplexität verteilter Steuerungsarchitekturen verlangt nach Methoden, die den Entwurf solcher Systeme erleichtern. Das Ziel des hier vorgestellten Ansatzes ist eine gezielte Unterstützung des Entwicklers durch eine Kombination von Beschreibungsmittel, Merkmalen und Entwurfsmustern über mehrere Ebenen eines angepassten Vorgehensmodells hinweg.
AY4, an agonistic anti-death receptor 4 MAB, induces apoptotic cell death in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells via downregulation of Bcl-xL with reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Lee Bok-Soon , Cha Hyun-Young , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Yong-Sung , Kim Chul-Ho
Published: February 2013

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive human tumor with a median survival of 6 months. We previously developed an agonistic anti-death receptor 4 MAB, AY4, and demonstrated the antitumor effects of AY4 in head and neck cancer cells. Presently, we show that ATC cells are sensitive to AY4 and that the sensitivity correlates with the reduced expression level of Bcl-xL and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. AY4 induced death of C-643, U-HTH 7, HTH83, and SW1736 cells. To elucidate the role of ROS generation in AY4-induced apoptosis of ATC cells, U-HTH 7 and SW1736 cells were pretreated with an antioxidant (N-acetyl cysteine, NAC) followed by AY4 treatment. The cell death was blocked by NAC. AY4-induced cell death was accompanied by the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-xL (BCL2L1). To examine the link between the apoptotic response and Bcl-xL protein expression, U-HTH 7 cells were transfected with Bcl-xL plasmid. The consequence of the overexpression of Bcl-xL appeared to decrease AY4-mediated cell death by blocking ROS generation in U-HTH 7 cells. By contrast, Bcl-xL knockdown using small interfering RNA of Bcl-xL enhanced AY4 sensitivity in HTH83 and C-643 cells and rendered the cells sensitive to AY4-induced cell death. The results support the conclusion that the expression level of Bcl-xL is important in the AY4-induced apoptosis of ATC cells through ROS generation. AY4 may be a promising tool for ATC therapy.
Silicon Light Emissions from Boron Implant-Induced Extended Defects
Authors: Pan G. Z. , Ostroumov R. P. , Ren L. P. , Lian Y. G. , Wang K. L.
Published: February 2013

We studied the electroluminescence (EL) of boron-implanted p-n junction Si LEDs in correlation with the implant-induced extended defects of different types. By varying the post implant annealing conditions to tune the extended defects and by using plan-view transmission electron microscopy to identify them, we found that {113} defects along Si<110> are the ones that result in strong silicon light emission of the p-n junction Si LEDs other than {111} perfect prismatic and {111} faulted Frank dislocation loops. The EL peak intensity at about 1.1 eV of {113} defect-engineered Si LEDs is about twenty-five times higher than that of dislocation defect-engineered Si LEDs. The EL measured at temperatures from room temperature to 4 K indicated that the emissions related to the extended defects are from silicon band edge radiative recombination.
Classifying Common Oral Clefts: A New Approach after Descriptive Registration
Authors: Luijsterburg Antonius J.M. , Rozendaal Anna M. , Vermeij-Keers Christi
Published: February 2013

Objective

Using the Dutch Oral Cleft Registration, which records the morphology and topography of common oral clefts, a new classification based on the (patho)embryology of the primary and secondary palates was tested.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

The fifteen cleft palate teams in the Netherlands register patients to the national registry.

Patients

All unoperated patients with common oral clefts reported between 1997 and 2006 inclusive were included.

Main Outcome Measures

The classification is based on the pathoembryological events that ultimately result in various subphenotypes of common oral clefts. Patients within the three categories cleft lip/alveolus (CL/A), cleft lip/alveolus and palate (CL/AP), and cleft palate (CP) were divided into three subgroups: fusion defects, differentiation defects, and fusion and differentiation defects. A timetable was constructed to relate the type of clefting to the time of derailment during embryonic development.

Results

3512 patients were included. Patients with CL/A showed 22% fusion defects, 75% differentiation defects, and 3% fusion and differentiation defects. CL/AP patients and CP patients mostly showed fusion defects (70% and 89%, respectively). We were able to relate almost all (over 90%) cleft subphenotypes to specific weeks in embryonic development.

Conclusions

This classification provides new cleft subgroups that may be used for clinical and fundamental research. The subphenotypes of these subgroups originate from different time frames during embryonic development and different cell biological mechanisms, thereby enabling more accurate data for, e.g., gene identification and/or environmental factors.
A rainfall model for drought risk analysis in south-east UK
Authors: Duan Juan , McIntyre Neil , Onof Christian
Published: February 2013

Drought risk assessment ideally requires long-term rainfall records especially where inter-annual droughts are of potential concern, and spatially consistent estimates of rainfall to support regional and inter-regional scale assessments. This paper addresses these challenges by developing a spatially consistent stochastic model of monthly rainfall for south-east UK. Conditioned on 50 gauged sites, the model infills the historic record from 1855–2011 in both space and time, and extends the record by synthesising droughts which are consistent with the observed rainfall statistics. The long record length allows more insight into the variability of rainfall and potentially a stronger basis for risk assessment than is generally possible. It is shown that, although localised biases exist in both space and time, the model results are generally consistent with the observed record including for a range of inter-annual droughts and spatial statistics. Simulations show that some of the most severe inter-annual droughts on the record may recur, despite a trend towards generally wetter winters.
Quality and disinfection trials of consumption water in storage reservoirs for rural area in the Marrakech region (Assif El Mal)
Authors: Aziz Faissal , Mandi Laila , Boussaid Abdellatif , Boraam Fatima , Ouazzani Naaila
Published: February 2013

Traditional reservoirs for water storage are important systems of water supply in rural areas of Morocco. These reservoirs are fed by rainwater and/or directly from rivers through open channels; the stored water is used without any treatment as drinking water by the surrounding population. The present study aimed to assess the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of stored water and the corresponding sediment in six traditional reservoirs (R1 to R6) located in the rural municipality of Assif El Mal. We tested two inexpensive methods of disinfecting the stored water: chlorination and solar disinfection in bottles. The results show a rise of organic and mineral concentrations. Regarding bacteriological quality, a critical contamination level was detected (8 × 105 CFU/100 ml in water and 9 × 107 CFU/g in sediment) according to the 2002 Moroccan Standards for drinking water (0 CFU/100 ml). In the disinfection tests, chlorine disinfection removed all studied germs after just 1 hour, and the solar exposure process removed the majority of bacteria (after 3 hours) except those with a resistant form (Clostridia).
Drinking water quality and source reliability in rural Ashanti region, Ghana
Authors: Arnold Meghan , VanDerslice James A. , Taylor Brooke , Benson Scott , Allen Sam , Johnson Mark , Kiefer Joe , Boakye Isaac , Arhinn Bernard , Crookston Benjamin T. , Ansong Daniel
Published: February 2013

Site-specific information about local water sources is an important part of a community-driven effort to improve environmental conditions. The purpose of this assessment was to gather this information for residents of rural villages in Ghana. Sanitary surveys and bacteriological testing for total coliforms and Escherichia coli (EC) using Colilert® were conducted at nearly 80 water sources serving eight villages. A focus group was carried out to assess the desirability and perceived quality of water sources. Standpipes accounted for almost half of the available water sources; however, a third of them were not functioning at the time of the survey. EC bacteria were found in the majority of shallow wells (80%), rivers (67%), and standpipes (61%), as well as 28% of dug wells. Boreholes were free of EC. Residents felt that the standpipes and boreholes produced safe drinking water. Intermittent service and poor water quality from the piped supply has led to limited access to drinking water. The perception of residents, that the water from standpipes is clean and does not need to be treated at home, is particularly troubling in light of the poor bacteriological quality of water from the standpipes.
Functional Dependence Between Expectancy of People’S Life and Mankind Population During the Time of Demographic Transition / Funkcjonalna Zależność Trwałości Życia Ludzi Od Liczebności Ludzkości Świata W Okresie Przejścia Demograficznego
Authors: Zinkovskyy Volodymyr G. , Zhuk Olga V. , Oloś Grzegorz , Jabłecki Robert , Zhuk Maksym
Published: February 2013

In this work is an attempt to mathematically prove the existence of the demographic transition taking into account one of its features, such as extension of human life dependent on the growth of the human population. Determined the functional form of this dependence, and the relationship between the probability of death, life expectancy, and social involving in the states of T (the influence of “traditional” values of concepts) and R (in the range of rules and possibilities of modern civilization).
An Increase in Imported Goods, Imports Have Increased – The Role of Teaching Pronunciation in an Esp Classroom
Authors: Đurović Tatjana , Silaški Nadežda
Published: February 2013

The fact that English has become the major lingua franca of international business and economy has influenced the goal of teaching pronunciation in an ESP economics classroom: the nativelike speaking skill as the ultimate goal has been superseded by a more realistic and more reasonable goal - the adoption of intelligibility and communicability skills. We argue here, however, that pronunciation skills should be included in a university level ESP economics course syllabus. We point out common pronunciation errors made by economics students due to first-language transfer, exemplifying our points with various types of exercises aiming at overcoming their pronunciation problems.
Using Field Trip as a Teaching Method: A Walking Tour of Timişoara as Seen by British Writers
Authors: Crişan Marius-Mircea
Published: February 2013

This article proposes a literary walking tour of Timişoara as seen by British authors who visited the city from the beginning of the 17th century to present. The article proposes a synthesis of the authors’ perceptions of some of the main attractions of Timişoara: the Bega Canal, the Victory Square, the Liberation Square, the Union Square and the Bastion.
Selling Their Research: The Linguistic Realization of Rhetoric Moves in English Thesis Abstracts Written by Hungarian Undergraduates
Authors: Doró Katalin
Published: February 2013

Abstracts are short and dense summaries of the main aspects of academic work. Major rhetoric moves, such as the aim the research, description of the methodology, the summary of the results, are identified in 52 undergraduate theses written by Hungarian students of English. Emphasis is given to the academic lexical bundles, the use of tenses and aspects, personal pronouns, modal auxiliaries, hedging in the realization of these moves. Comparison is made between novice and experienced writers. The pedagogical implications of the findings are also discussed.
Modelling flow changes in potential climate change conditions – an example of the Kaczawa basin
Authors: Kuchar Leszek , SŁAWOMIR IWAŃSKI , Jelonek Leszek , Szalińska Wiwiana
Published: February 2013

Climate change, regardless of the causes shaping its rate and direction, can have far-reaching environmental, economic and social impact. A major aspect that might be transformed as a result of climate change are water resources of a catchment. The article presents a possible method of predicting water resource changes by using a meteorological data generator and classical hydrological models. The assessment of water resources in a catchment for a time horizon of 30-50 years is based on an analysis of changes in annual runoff that might occur in changing meteorological conditions. The model used for runoff analysis was the hydrological rainfall-runoff NAM model. Daily meteorological data essential for running the hydrological model were generated by means of SWGEN model. Meteorological data generated for selected climate change scenarios (GISS, CCCM and GFDL) for the years 2030 and 2050 enabled analysing different variants of climate change and their potential effects. The presented results refer to potential changes in water resources of the Kaczawa catchment. It should be emphasized that the obtained results do not say which of the climate change scenarios is more likely, but they present the consequences of climate change described by these scenarios.
Possibilities of construction of multi-functional flood pools in the mountains of Podkarpacie region, Poland
Authors: Jaremski Jan
Published: February 2013

The proposed concept of building storage reservoirs in mountainous Podkarpacie area will decidedly influence flood situation of this region and will decrease the extent of losses caused by the arising of landslides. A suitable geological structure allows for cheap construction of reservoirs. Dislocations and fault fissures are filled with weathering materials because of their mineralogical structure, i.e., swelling minerals cause self-sealing of the bottom. A lack of water-bearing layers eliminates uncontrolled outlet of water to the ground.
The genus Orobanche L. (Orobanchaceae) in the Małopolska Upland (S Poland): distribution, habitat, host preferences, and taxonomic problems
Authors: Piwowarczyk Renata
Published: February 2013

The paper presents the distribution of Orobanche species (parasitic herbs known as broomrapes) in the Małopolska Upland (Wyoyna Małopolska) in southern Poland. During floristic research conducted there in 1999-2011, 12 species of this genus were recorded: O. alba, O.alsatica, O .arenaria, O.bartlingii, O .caryophyllacea, O. coerulescens, O. elatior s.str., O. kochii, O. lutea, O. pallidiflora, O. picridis and O.ramosa. Eight species were not previously known from this area. Information on the hosts, abundance, and habitat preferences at the localities is given, and an updated map of the distribution in the Małopolska Upland is included. The taxonomic position of O. elatior s.str. and O.k ochii, diagnostic features to differentiate between them, and a revised map of distribution of both species in Poland are also presented.
Higher order reversal curves in some hysteresis models
Authors: Chwastek Krzysztof
Published: February 2013

Some physical concepts important for a hysteresis model (effective field, anhysteretic magnetization) are discussed on the example of Jiles-Atherton model. The Jiles-Atherton model reveals some drawbacks, which make this model more difficult to be applied in electrical engineering. In particular, it does not describe accurately the magnetization curves after a reversal, moreover complex magnetization cycles are poorly represented. On the other hand, the phenomenological description proposed by Takács seems to be a valuable alternative to the Jiles-Atherton formalism. The concept of effective field may be easily incorporated in the description.
Numerical Study of Friction Factor and Heat Transfer Characteristics for Single-Phase Turbulent Flow in Tubes with Helical Micro-Fins
Authors: Jasiński Piotr
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a numerical study on the heat transfer and pressure drop, related to flow in pipes with helical micro-fins. For all tested geometries, one applied a constant wall heat flux and fully developed 3D turbulent flow conditions. The influence of the angle of micro fins (referred to the tube axis) on thermal-flow characteristics were tested. The value of this angle was varied - with a step of 10 degrees - from 0 to 90 degrees (representing grooves parallel and perpendicular to the axis, respectively). Before numerical investigation, the pipe with helical angle of 30 degree was tested on an experimental stand. The results obtained from experiment and numerical simulations were compared and presented on the charts. As an effect of the numerical simulations, the friction factor f and Nusselt number characteristics was determined for the range of Re=104 ÷ 1.6 × 106. The analysis of the results showed high, irregular influence of the helical angle on thermal characteristics and pressure drops. Additionally, the ratios: f / fplain, Nu/Nuplain and efficiency indexes (Nu/Nuplain)/( f / fplain) as a function of the Reynolds number for every helical angle were shown on the charts.
Effect of Storage on Microbiological Quality of Honey
Authors: Różańska Hanna , Osek Jacek
Published: February 2013

One hundred and nine samples of honey representing different botanical types were microbiologically retested for the total number of aerobic bacteria per 1 g, the presence of anaerobic bacteria in 0.1 g, and number of yeasts and moulds per 1 g after one year of storage. The samples displayed different levels of microbiological contamination. The mean of total number of aerobic bacteria varied from 1.9 x 101 CFU/g to 4.6 x 103 CFU/g depending on the type of honey. This value, in comparison with year 2010 was lower in the case of 75 samples (68.8%), higher in 14 samples (12.8%), and stable in the remaining 20 samples (18.4%). The mean number of moulds and yeasts was 9.8 x 101 CFU/g and it was lower in 46 samples (42.2%). In 46 samples no changes were noted. The presence of anaerobic spore forming bacteria was noted in 18 samples. The presence of these microorganisms in 73 honey samples (67.0%) did not change since 2010.
Effect of Increased Urea Levels on Mouse Preimplantation Embryos Developed in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Bystriansky Ján , Burkuš Ján , Juhás Štefan , Fabian Dušan , Koppel Juraj
Published: February 2013

High plasma urea nitrogen concentration has been proposed as an important factor contributing to the decline in reproductive parameters of domestic animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of urea on the development of preimplantation embryos in a mouse model. During in vivo tests, acute renal failure (ARF) accompanied by hyper-uraemia was induced by intramuscular administration of glycerol (50%) into hind limbs of fertilised dams. During in vitro tests, embryos collected from healthy dams were cultured in a medium with the addition of various concentrations of urea from the 4-cell stage to the blastocyst stage. Stereomicroscopic evaluation and fluorescence staining of embryos obtained from dams with ARF showed that high blood urea is connected with an increase in the number blastocysts containing at least one apoptotic cell and in the incidences of dead cells per blastocyst, but it did not affect their ability to reach the blastocyst stage. In vitro tests showed that culture of embryos with urea at concentration of 10 mM negatively affected the quality of obtained blastocysts. Blastocysts showed significantly lower numbers of cells and increased incidence of dead cells. An increase in apoptosis incidence was observed even in blastocysts obtained from cultures with 5 mM urea. Urea at concentrations 50 mM and higher negatively affected the ability of embryos to reach the blastocyst stage and the highest used concentrations (from 500 mM) caused overall developmental arrest of embryos at the 4- or 5- cell stage. These results show that elevated levels of urea may cause changes in the microenvironment of developing preimplantation embryos, which can negatively affect their quality. Embryo growth remains un-affected up to very high concentrations of urea.
Homogeneity and Stability of Samples Used for Proficiency Testing in Enumeration of Coagulase Positive Staphylococci
Authors: Korpysa-Dzirba Weronika , Rola Jolanta G. , Osek Jacek
Published: February 2013

This study describes preparation of test samples composed of freeze-dried strain of S. aureus and powdered milk as a matrix. In the first part of the study, the number of S. aureus cells freeze-dried in skim milk or horse serum were compared at two levels of contamination (104 and 105 cfu g-1). The analysis of the samples was performed three times within a week. The preliminary results showed that the samples composed of S. aureus freeze-dried in horse serum were more stable and homogeneous than those prepared with skim milk. These results were further confirmed after analysing a higher number of such samples. Therefore, this procedure was then chosen for preparation of the samples for proficiency tests (PTs). Homogeneity and stability of these samples were checked according to ISO 13528. The results obtained showed that the samples met the criteria of stability and homogeneity required for PTs and were used in PT for enumeration of S. aureus in powdered milk.
Uva1 Phototherapy in the Management of Sclerodermatous Graft-Versus-Host Disease (Gvhd): a report of two cases / Uva1 fototerapija u lečenju sklerodermatoznog oblika hronične Gvhd: Prikaz dva slučaja
Authors: Fassihi Hiva , Iqbal Kamran , Garibaldinos Trish , Sarkany Robert , Scarisbrick Julia , Novaković Ljubomir
Published: February 2013

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Approximately 10% of patients with GVHD develop sclerodermatous changes, which can cause significant morbidity and are often refractory to standard systemic immunosuppression. We present two cases of sclerodermatous GVHD. The first is a 39-year-old man, who had a matched sibling, undergoing allogeneic HSCT for severe aplastic anemia. The second patient is a 7-year-old boy, who had an allogeneic HSCT from his HLA-identical mother for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both patients presented with widespread sclerotic changes, resulting in joint contractures and significant functional difficulties. Studies have shown UVA1 phototherapy to be a promising and well tolerated treatment modality in patients with sclerotic skin diseases. Both of our patients were treated with UVA1, which resulted in a significant skin softening, improvement in joint mobility and quality of life. UVA1 appears to be an effective treatment for refractory sclerodermatous GVHD; however, long-term clinical studies in larger groups are needed to accurately evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Treatment of acne vulgaris: a literature review / Lečenje običnih akni (acne vulgaris) – pregled literature
Authors: Subotić Milica , Đuran Verica
Published: February 2013

Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease, which affects individuals of all races and ages. In Caucasians, almost 85% of individuals between 12 and 25 years, as well as 25% of adults, are affected with some forms of acne. The pathophysiology of acne is multifactorial, and thus, the treatment must cover all the possible causes of acne. For this reason, acne therapy is mostly a combination therapy, with the main goal to achieve clinical improvement, without scarring and residuals, as much as possible. The treatment should be planned individually, depending on the clinical appearance, severity and psychological profile of the patient. The treatment usually takes time and requires dedication and patience of both the patient and the physician.
Bullous lichen planus in childhood – A case report / Bulozni lichen planus u dečijem uzrastu
Authors: Arsov Biljana , Popadić Svetlana , Nikolić Miloš
Published: February 2013

In Europe, only 1% of all patients with lichen planus are children. We report a case of lichen planus in a 5-year-old boy with blisters developing on papules. There was no history of Hepatitis B virus vaccination in the past 12 months. Routine laboratory analyses showed no abnormalities. Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies were negative. Our patient had disseminated and coalesced papules on the trunk and extremities with vesicles and bullae on the hands and feet. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planus and bullous lichen planus. Negative direct immunofluorscence test excluded lichen planus pemphigoides. The boy was treated with prednisone 1 mg/kg/ day (the dose was gradually tapered and discontinued over the next 1.5 month), ultraviolet B phototherapy, fluocinolon acetonide, and topical pimecrolimus 1% cream till complete remission after 2.5 months. Bullous form of lichen planus is seen in 1-16% of all children with lichen planus. Two months upon the completion of therapy, there were no signs of relapse. In our case, short course of systemic corticosteroids and ultraviolet B phototherapy have been safe and effective. This was the only pediatric case of bullous lichen planus treated in our Clinic in the last 20 years. Long-term prognosis of childhood lichen planus is not predictable, and there is no consensus regarding the treatment of childhood lichen planus.
History of Dermatology and Venereology in Serbia - Part I: Medieval Dermatovenereology / Istorija Dermatovenerologije U Srbiji - I Deo: Srednjovekovna Dermatovenerologija
Authors: Lalević-Vasić Bosiljka M. , Bobić Branko
Published: February 2013

Medieval medicine in Serbia used to be the scientific medicine of that time. It included dermatology and venereology, which developed into an independent discipline in the second half of the 19th century. The most relevant sources for studying dermatology and venereology are Serbian medieval medical and therapeutic codices. The terms used in the manuscripts report about the diseases people in Serbia suffered from and were treated for in the Middle Ages. The following diseases were reported: scabies, leprosy, fungal scalp infections, as well as psoriasis, crusts (pyococcal ulcers), granulation, baldness, excessive body hair, leg wounds and old wounds, facial spots, unspecified skin diseases, urethritis and syphilis. Special attention was also given to cosmetics. Topical remedies were applied - various herbs, sulphur, mercury, tar, pyrethrum, plasters, ground glass, auripigment - in the form of a powder, liniment, ointment or plaster.
Th e 2nd Congress of the Pan-Slavic Association of Dermatovenereologists, belgrade 1931
Authors: Lalević-Vasić Bosiljka M.
Published: February 2013

The Pan-Slavic Association of Dermatovenereologists (PSADVs) was founded in May 1928, and it included dermatologic associations of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia. Its president was Prof. Krzysztalowicz from Poland. The 1st Congress of this association was held in Warsaw in 1929, and the 2nd Congress was organized by the Association of Dermatovenereologists of Yugoslavia (ADVY), in Belgrade in 1931. The president of the Organizing Committee was Prof. Đorđe Đorđevic, and the secretary Assoc. Prof. Milan Kićevac from the Clinic of Dermatovenereology in Belgrade. The Congress was attended by representatives of Slavic national associations, as well as by representatives of French, Romanian, Greek and Turkish dermatology. The number of participants amounted to 160 physicians and 60 members of their families.

According to the report of Ilić S., 104 papers had been presented: 48 from Yugoslavia (37 from Serbia, 3 from Croatia, 3 from Macedonia, and 5 from Bosnia), 23 from Czechoslovakia, 18 from Poland, 8 from France, 5 from Romania, 1 from Turkey, and 1 from Greece.

Most papers were from the area of sexually transmitted diseases: 43 papers (41.35% of the total number). Out of these, 27 papers were on syphilis, followed by gonorrhea with 9 papers. There were both research and experimental papers. The authors insisted on assessing diagnostic and therapeutic issues, as well as disease prevention.

The second most frequent group of diseases accounted for eczema. The problem included the defi nition and pathogenesis of the disease. The third group of diseases was tuberculosis. The results of experiments on animals were studied pointing out the need for reclassifi cation of skin tuberculosis in relation to internal tuberculosis.

A small number of papers were on other infections of the skin and genitals, as well as individual cases of various dermatoses. During the Congress, social events were also organized, as well as a banquet on the ship Alexander I cruising on the Danube and Sava. Optional travel tours to all parts of Yugoslavia were also offered.

Soon after the Congress, foreign journals published reports on its high professional level and the entire organization.
Exposure-Dependent Variations in Air Temperature and Humidity on the Moraine of the Aavatsmark Glacier (Nw Spitsbergen) in the Summer Season of 2010
Authors: Araźny Andrzej , Przybylak Rajmund
Published: February 2013

The article presents results of research on the development of air temperature and relative humidity at a height of 5 cm above the active surface of the terminal lateral moraine of the Aavatsmark Glacier, relative to its exposure in the summer season of 2010. Variations in the two conditions were analysed for five measurement sites situated on northerly (SN), easterly (SE), southerly (SS) and westerly (SW) slopes, as well as on the flat top surface of the moraine (STop), in different weather conditions. The article also includes a temperature and humidity stratification in the near surface air layer (5-200 cm) above the moraine. The issues were investigated for mean values from the whole period of research, as well as for individual days demonstrating distinct degrees of cloudiness and wind speed.
3D numerical modeling of road tunnel stability – The Laliki project / Modelowanie 3D DLA oceny stateczności tunelu drogowego w Lalikach
Authors: Majcherczyk Tadeusz , Niedbalski Zbigniew , Kowalski Michał
Published: February 2013

The paper presents an evaluation of 3D numerical modeling of the first road tunnel built mining method in Poland, on the Polish-Slovakian border. The Laliki tunnel presents a unique case for an assessment of 3D numerical modeling as a tool for tunnel design due to detailed data being available from monitoring during construction. Geotechnical evaluation carried out for the project proved insufficient, which called for an urgent necessity to work out an additional reinforcement of preliminary lining, using forepoling as the arch support. Stability analyses of the tunnel with new lining were carried out on the basis of 3D numerical modeling of displacements and stresses around the tunnel.
Prediction of penetration rate of rotary-percussive drilling using artificial neural networks – a case study / Prognozowanie postępu wiercenia przy użyciu wiertła udarowo-obrotowego przy wykorzystaniu sztucznych sieci neuronowych – studium przypadku
Authors: Aalizad Seyed Ali , Rashidinejad Farshad
Published: February 2013

Penetration rate in rocks is one of the most important parameters of determination of drilling economics. Total drilling costs can be determined by predicting the penetration rate and utilized for mine planning. The factors which affect penetration rate are exceedingly numerous and certainly are not completely understood. For the prediction of penetration rate in rotary-percussive drilling, four types of rocks in Sangan mine have been chosen. Sangan is situated in Khorasan-Razavi province in Northeastern Iran. The selected parameters affect penetration rate is divided in three categories: rock properties, drilling condition and drilling pattern. The rock properties are: density, rock quality designation (RQD), uni-axial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, porosity, Mohs hardness, Young modulus, P-wave velocity. Drilling condition parameters are: percussion, rotation, feed (thrust load) and flushing pressure; and parameters for drilling pattern are: blasthole diameter and length. Rock properties were determined in the laboratory, and drilling condition and drilling pattern were determined in the field. For create a correlation between penetration rate and rock properties, drilling condition and drilling pattern, artificial neural networks (ANN) were used. For this purpose, 102 blastholes were observed and drilling condition, drilling pattern and time of drilling in each blasthole were recorded. To obtain a correlation between this data and prediction of penetration rate, MATLAB software was used. To train the pattern of ANN, 77 data has been used and 25 of them found for testing the pattern. Performance of ANN models was assessed through the root mean square error (RMSE) and correlation coefficient (R2). For optimized model (14-14-10-1) RMSE and R2 is 0.1865 and 86%, respectively, and its sensitivity analysis showed that there is a strong correlation between penetration rate and RQD, rotation and blasthole diameter. High correlation coefficient and low root mean square error of these models showed that the ANN is a suitable tool for penetration rate prediction.