bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the working liquid compressibility on the picture of volumetric and mechanical losses in a high pressure displacement pump used in a hydrostatic drive
Authors: Paszota Zygmunt
Published: July 2012

Effect of the working liquid compressibility on the picture of volumetric and mechanical losses in a high pressure displacement pump used in a hydrostatic drive

Working liquid compressibility may considerably change the values and proportions of coefficients of volumetric and mechanical energy losses in the displacement pump used in a hydrostatic drive system. This effect can be particularly seen in the operation under high pressure and also in the system, where aeration of the working liquid can occur. In the Part I a diagram is presented, proposed by the author, of power increase in a hydrostatic drive system (hydraulic motor, pump) opposite to the direction of power flow, replacing the Sankey diagram of power decrease in the direction of power flow. Mathematical model is presented of volumetric losses in the pump and its laboratory verification.
Cytogenetic and Morphological Analysis of De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adults: A Single Center Study in Jordan
Authors: Ayesh M , Khassawneh B , Matalkah I , Alawneh K , Jaradat S
Published: July 2012

Cytogenetic and Morphological Analysis of De Novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Adults: A Single Center Study in Jordan

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults is known to be a heterogeneous disease with diverse chromosomal abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities are found with a high incidence in specific ethnic groups and in certain geographical areas. We report the results of cytogenetic studies of 35 adult Jordanian Arab patients withde novoAML diagnosed according to the French-American-British (FAB) criteria. Four patients did not have metaphases secondary to hypocellular bone marrow. The most common morphological subtype was M5 (55%) followed by M3 (19%). Cytogenetic abnormalities were present in 20 patients (65%); t(15;17) translocation in six patients (19%), inv(16) in four patients (13%), t(11;17) in two patients (4%), and the t(8;21) translocation was not present in any patient. Trisomy 8 was the most common numerical chromosomal abnormality [four patients (13%)].

There were variations and similarities with similar ethninc Arab populations. The most common chromosomal abnormalities were t(15;17), +8 and inv(16). Further and larger crossborder studies are needed.
Mitochondrial DNA 4977 bp Deletion in Chronic Cervicitis and Cervix Cancers
Authors: Kara M , Tatar A , Borekci B , Dagli F , Oztas S
Published: July 2012

Mitochondrial DNA 4977 bp Deletion in Chronic Cervicitis and Cervix Cancers

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations have been implied in many diseases including cancer and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the 4977 bp deletion of the mtDNA and chronic cervicitis or cervix cancer in patients. The study included a group of patients with chronic cervicitis or cervix cancer, and a control group consisting of individuals without any cervical tissue disease. A total of 72 subjects in an East Turkish population were included in the study. Of these, 35 had chronic cervicitis, 21 had cervix cancer and 16 served as the control group. Isolation of mtDNA was performed from the tissues of these patients and then mtDNA deletions were studied using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the cancer groups, there were 9.5% heteroplasmic and homoplasmic deletions. There were no homoplasmic deletions in the cervicitis and control groups, but the frequencies of heteroplasmic deletions were 80.0 and 31.2%, respectively. Chronic inflammation leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be the cause of the high mtDNA 4977 bp deletion frequencies in cancer and cervicitis. The older age of the cancer patient may suggest that ageing in addition to long time exposure to ROS may lead to deletions and subsequently cancer. This is the first study to investigate the relationship of the mtDNA 4977 bp deletion to chronic cervicitis and cervix cancer.
The Many Faces of Oral-Facial-Digital Syndrome
Authors: Sukarova-Angelovska E , Angelkova N , Palcevska-Kocevska S , Kocova M
Published: July 2012

The Many Faces of Oral-Facial-Digital Syndrome

The oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndrome is a heterogeneous group of abnormalities that share anomalies of the oral cavity, face and digits of hands and feet. On the basis of other anomalies of brain, kidneys, limbs, eyes and other organs, at least 13 subgroups have been described. We here describe four unrelated patients with this syndrome, who have the typical facial, oral and digital anomalies and also anomalies of other organs and systems. Facial features, digital malformations, as well as the existence of additional malformations all of which can be classified into different subgroups. The report points out the difficulty in delineation of the subtypes of OFD syndrome because of the overlapping features between OFD subgroups.
Muscle Hemangiomatosis Presenting as a Severe Feature in a Patient with the Pten Mutation: Expanding the Phenotype of Vascular Malformations in Bannayan-Riley-ruvalcaba Syndrome
Authors: Soysal Y , Acun T , Lourenço C , Marques W , Yakıcıer M
Published: July 2012

Muscle Hemangiomatosis Presenting as a Severe Feature in a Patient with the Pten Mutation: Expanding the Phenotype of Vascular Malformations in Bannayan-Riley-ruvalcaba Syndrome

Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (BRRS) is a rare autosomal, dominantly-inherited, hamartoma syndrome with distinct phenotypic features. Mutations in the PTEN gene have been identified in PTEN hamartoma tumor syndromes. Our aim was to determine the correlation of phenotype-genotype relationships in a BRRS case. We have evaluated a PTEN mutation in a patient with vascular anomalies and the phenotypic findings of BRRS. We described an 8-year-old girl with the clinical features of BRRS, specifically with vascular anomalies. The mutation in the PTEN gene was identified by DNA sequencing. In our patient, we defined a de novo nonsense R335X (c.1003 C>T) mutation in exon 8, which results in a premature termination codon. Due to vascular anomalies and hemangioma, the patient's left leg was amputated 1 year after the hemangioma diagnosis. Bannayan - Riley - Ruvalcaba syndrome patients with macrocephaly and vascular anomalies should be considered for PTEN mutation analysis and special medical care.
Direct-Drive Synchronous Generators with Excitation from Strontium-Ferrite Magnets: Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Serebryakov A. , Levin N. , Sokolov A.
Published: July 2012

Direct-Drive Synchronous Generators with Excitation from Strontium-Ferrite Magnets: Efficiency Improvement

The authors consider the possibility to raise the specific power of synchronous generators with excitation from inexpensive permanent magnets. For this purpose, it is proposed to use tooth-wise windings and permanent magnets based on inexpensive magneto-hard material, e.g. strontium-ferrite. The magnets are to be placed between the rotor teeth, the alternate polarity of which is facing the air-gap. This provides a simpler and cheaper technology of making such a generator and improves its reliability. The proposed rational bevelling of the stator teeth not only raises the specific power of the generator but also reduces the level of noise and vibrations, extends the longevity of the magnets and bearings as well as facilitates the starting torque of the electric machine, e.g. if it is employed as wind generator.
The Global Transformation of Belly Dancing: A Cross-Cultural Investigation of Counter-Hegemonic Responses
Authors: Popp Ashley M. , Yen Chia-Ju
Published: July 2012

The first part of this study, explored by Ashley Popp, presents an investigation into a relatively unexamined area of physical education: an analysis of a transcultural phenomenon in the history of dance. Data has been collected from primary sources and archival evidence to assess competing ideologies inherent in the transformation of a particular art form. In the analysis of the cultural migration through which belly dance was transferred from the Middle East to the United States, an adaptive reaction to the hegemonic relationships of culture, race, gender, and class has been observed. Beyond performance aesthetics, links have been made between the act of belly dancing and the building of women’s self-esteem, as researched by Chia-Ju Yen. The main purpose of her study was to explore how facial burn patients cope with disfigurement and the unfriendly attitudes of others, and examines the alteration of body image via inspiration provided by the performance of belly dance. This research was conducted from the perspective of an anthropologically thickdescription research method, and a case study was performed using in-depth interviews, including narratives by a woman who had suffered facial injuries. The results of the research showed that through family support, hard work and a decisive and studious personality, the patient was able to cope with the discriminatory attitude of others. The performance of belly dance not only made her emphasize her body, but also enriched her life.
Free Time versus Occupied and Unoccupied Time in a Philosophical Context
Authors: Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: July 2012

In the paper, previous conceptions of free time and the various definitions that are connected with it are challenged. The author assumed that the subject might not have free time at his/her disposal, because that time does not concern the subject at all. The subject did not have free time in the past; the subject can neither shape it in the present nor in the future. Free time does not concern him/her at all, because free time as such does not exist at all. We have only to do with occupied and unoccupied time. The first form of time concerns the past and the present. Future time is not occupied both in that sense that it does not exist yet and that it never exists.

Moreover, the author considers the existence, understanding, and possibility of the cognition of time as such. Thus, he rejects various common theories of time. He refers to the Kantian, subjective, “self-related” conception of time and he attempts to strengthen it with the Heideggerian transcendental theory of time. According to the author, it is derived from, among other things, the considerations on being done by some of the ancient philosophers: Anaximander, Pythagoras and his followers, Parmenides, Plato, and Aristotle.
Effect of Silage from Maize and Strip-Cropped Sorghum and Maize on Dairy Cow's Yield and Milk Composition
Authors: Śliwiński Bogdan , Brzóska Franciszek , Węglarzy Karol , Bereza Małgorzata
Published: July 2012

Effect of Silage from Maize and Strip-Cropped Sorghum and Maize on Dairy Cow's Yield and Milk Composition

In an experiment conducted on 34 mid-lactation dairy cows of the Red-and-White and Black-and-White breed, in a random square design, the effect of maize or sorghum-maize silage present in partly mixed ration (PMR) on milk yield, milk composition and blood serum parameters was investigated. The PMR diet contained maize silage, which compared with PMR diet contained sorghum-maize silage made from strip-cropped plants. Both fodder plants were harvested with a 4-row precision chopper, which cut 2 rows of maize and 2 rows of sorghum, giving mixed maize/sorghum forage. The feeding experiment lasted 84 days and consisted of four sub-periods, each 21 days in length to record milk yield, feed and milk chemical composition, and blood parameters. In addition to PMR diets containing part of ration compound feedingstuffs, the cows received part of compound feedingstuffs given at feed stations to meet their nutritional requirement. The compound feedingstuffs in station were controlled by an electronic system related to actual cow's milk yield. Chemical composition of both silages and milk production efficiency were compared. The average dry matter intake in both groups was 18.80 vs 20.4±1.95 kg/day, but compound feedingstuff intake from station was 3.61 vs 4.56 (P>0.01). Milk yield was 21.8 and 20.5±0.51 kg/day, respectively (P>0.01). The amount of standardized fat and protein content of milk (FPCM) was 21.0 and 20.2 kg/g ±0.48 kg/day (P≥0.01). No significant differences were found in the fat, protein, casein, lactose, urea, total solids and solids not fat percentage of milk or in milk traits (acidity, renneting time, density) among groups (P≥0.01). Feeding cows PMR ration with maize silage significantly elevated total cholesterol (P<0.05), but decreased urea levels in blood plasma (P<0.01). It is concluded that strip cropping of sorghum and maize could be an alternative to maize grown as a pure stand in maize high-risk areas for dairy cows in mid-lactation.
The Effect of Feed Additive Containing Vitamins and Trace Elements on the Elements Profile and Growth of Skin Derivatives in Horses
Authors: Jančíková Petra , Horký Pavel , Zeman Ladislav
Published: July 2012

The Effect of Feed Additive Containing Vitamins and Trace Elements on the Elements Profile and Growth of Skin Derivatives in Horses

An important role of nutritional supplements in the quality and growth of skin derivatives is not sufficiently explored. The aim of our experiment was to recognize how the application of selected vitamins and an organic source of zinc and copper affects the growth and elemental content of hooves and hairs. Sixteen warm-blooded horses were divided into two groups. Both groups received the same basic feeding ration, which was enriched with a feed additive for the experimental group. The contents of individual elements in hoof and hair samples were established using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. Samples from the experimental group of horses showed a significantly increased amount of zinc (P<0.01), copper and manganese (P<0.05) deposited in the hoof and a significantly decreased (P<0.05) amount of manganese, iron, and calcium deposited in the hair after nine months of monitoring. Differences between initial and final samples of hooves and hair were insignificant in the control group. The growth rate of hair and hoof wall was significantly higher (P<0.01) in horses from the experimental group than from the control one. Horses receiving the feed additive achieved a faster growth of the hoof horn with an adequate quality of hooves in our experiment. The experiment shows that the hair is not a reliable indicator of nutritional status of horses. However, assessing the impact of individual vitamins and trace elements, or the impact of various sources of trace elements on the elements profile and growth rate of skin derivatives of horses should be subject to further observation.
Effect of Brunic Arenosols Use on Selected Physicochemical Properties in Organic Matter
Authors: Kondratowicz-Maciejewska Krystyna , Kobierski Mirosław , Murawska Anna
Published: July 2012

Wpływ Rodzaju Użytkowania Gleb Rdzawych na Wybrane Właściwości Fizykochemiczne Materii Organicznej
Properties of Soils from the Places Where Sulphur was Stored
Authors: Sołek-Podwika Katarzyna , Ciarkowska Krystyna
Published: July 2012

Właściwości Gleb z Miejsca Składowania Siarki
Effect of magnetic field on seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower
Authors: Matwijczuk A. , Kornarzyński K. , Pietruszewski S.
Published: July 2012

Effect of magnetic field on seed germination and seedling growth of sunflower

The impact of a variable magnetic field, magnetically treated water and a combination of both these factors on the germination of seeds and the final mass at the initial stage of growth sunflower plants was presented. Investigations were carried out in pots filled with sand, tin an air-conditioned plant house with no access to daylight using fluorescent light as illumination. A statistical significance positive impact was achieved for the samples subjected to the interaction of both stimulating factors simultaneously, the magnetic field and the impact of treated water several times on the speed of seed germination and final plant mass. Negative impacts were obtained for the majority of the test cases, for the magnetically treated water, the short duration of activity of the magnetic field and for the connection of the magnetic field and low-flow times.
Calibration equations for two capacitance water content probes
Authors: Paraskevas C. , Georgiou P. , Ilias A. , Panoras A. , Babajimopoulos C.
Published: July 2012

Calibration equations for two capacitance water content probes

This paper presents the calibration equations of two capacitance probes for monitoring the soil water content in a lysimeter field. Capacitance probes provide readings at desired depths and time intervals. The calibration equations are derived by regression analysis between measurements of scaled frequency and volumetric soil water content. The calibration equations are compared with the manufacturer default equations to estimate the irrigation water depth. The accuracy of capacitance probes in monitoring soil water content increased by using the site-specific calibration equations rather than the manufacturer default equation.
Effect of pH and zinc stress on micropore system of rye roots
Authors: Szatanik-Kloc A.
Published: July 2012

Effect of pH and zinc stress on micropore system of rye roots

After zinc stress the total micropore volume decreased remarkably while the average micropore radius increased remarkably for the rye roots. Pore size distribution functions of the roots after the additional zinc application showed the decrease of the small micropore fraction fromca2 to 10 nm and the increase of the large micropore fromca22 to 50 nm. The root surface pores were fractal. After the stress pore fractal dimension increased. The changes of the microporosity observed in the roots surface can be related to the high content of zinc in the cell wall and/or due to the shortage of Ca+2the intercellular spaces particularly in the tissues of seminal cortex of the studied roots might have grown.
Diffractive and interferometric methods to characterize photopolymers with liquid crystal molecules as holographic recording material
Authors: Gallego S. , Márquez A. , Ortuño M. , Francés J. , Pascual I. , Beléndez A.
Published: July 2012

We present two methods, interferometry at the zero spatial frequency limit and analysis of diffracted orders for very low spatial frequency gratings, to characterize photopolymers with dispersed nematic liquid crystals. These methods provide us with real time information about the transformations taking place inside the material during recording.
Distribution of temperature in a single lens due to absorption of light and heat conduction: an adaptive solver
Authors: Moritz M. J.
Published: July 2012

We develop an algorithm for the solution of the stationary heat-equation in a single lens due to absorption of light, heat-conduction and transfer of the heat to the environment while we assume rotational symmetry for the whole situation. The proceeding is based on an easy to implement finite difference scheme, which is best suited for rectangular areas. Therefore, we have to transform the heat equation and the boundary conditions from the original domain, i.e. the surface of section of the lens by the aid of tensor methods to a rectangle. So the algorithm generates a grid, which adopts automatically to the actual shape of the lens. In this sense, we characterize the method as adaptive. In the examples, we investigate the effect of a high-transmission glass on the distribution of temperature and further demonstrate the adjustment to a realistic lens shape with a strong deviation from a spherical surface in form of a kink near the edge. We compare the results with a simple model for the distribution of temperature and show the strong dependency of the results on the transmission of the materials.
The Animal Locator: a new method for accurate and fast collection of animal locations for visible species
Authors: Pasquaretta Cristian , Bogliani Giuseppe , Ranghetti Luigi , Ferrari Caterina , von Hardenberg Achaz
Published: July 2012

Ranging behaviour is one of the most important aspects of the life history of many species. Spatial distributions of individuals in the wild is linked to factors such as foraging, mating, population density, availability of resources and competition. Accurate data on the spatial location of individuals over time is often difficult to collect. Here, we propose a new simple, non‐invasive and economic method for collecting accurate spatial data usable for many different species of free‐ranging animals. Our instrument for collecting animal locations consists of three elements: a laser range finder, a laser tilt sensor and a protractor. This instrument can obtain three‐dimensional parameters of the space from a fixed point allowing the user to collect geographical locations of the animals and, in general, of any point of interest. The device we tested showed a very low average error among (1.76 ± 0.643 m) and within (1.79 ± 0.058 m) observers, and the locations we obtained were all within the 95% probability of the tolerance intervals for the 20 positions which we measured repeatedly with a Global Position System for each of 10 different test locations. We tested a range of different distances to the target points (from 20 to 222 m), and we propose formulas to calculate precision of the instrument inside this interval. Precision of estimated locations was between 0.32 to 3.55 m from the real location and it was slightly related to distance of the target point (r = 0.38, P = 0.054). As an example of its practical application, we present data on the use of the instrument within the framework of a study on a population of free‐ranging individually tagged alpine marmots Marmota marmota.
Estimating detection probability for Canada lynx Lynx canadensis using snow‐track surveys in the northern Rocky Mountains, Montana, USA
Authors: Squires John R. , Olson Lucretia E. , Turner David L. , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Kolbe Jay A.
Published: July 2012

We used snow‐tracking surveys to determine the probability of detecting Canada lynx Lynx canadensis in known areas of lynx presence in the northern Rocky Mountains, Montana, USA during the winters of 2006 and 2007. We used this information to determine the minimum number of survey replicates necessary to infer the presence and absence of lynx in areas of similar lynx density (approximately 2.8 lynx/100 km2) with confidence. The probability of detecting lynx in mountainous habitats that support resident populations was 0.80‐0.99 when surveys were conducted on an 8 × 8 km2 grid with 10 km of search effort per cell. Snow‐track surveys were highly successful at detecting the presence of Canada lynx over large landscapes. Two survey replicates established absence of Canada lynx with 95% certainty. The high probability of detection associated with snow‐track surveys makes this method useful for documenting populations of Canada lynx in areas where their status is uncertain.
Effects of habitat improvement actions (HIAs) and reforestations on pheasantsPhasianus colchicusin northern Italy
Authors: Nelli Luca , Meriggi Alberto , Vidus‐Rosin Anna
Published: July 2012

Over the last 50 years, the modernisation and mechanisation of agricultural techniques caused important habitat alterations in agricultural ecosystems that lead to the decline of farmland wildlife populations throughout Europe. During 2008 and 2009, we investigated the effects of Habitat Improvement Actions (HIAs) and reforestations on populations of common pheasantPhasianus colchicusin order to evaluate the influence of both habitat management strategies on pheasant male density and distribution. We estimated the density of territorial males in four study areas located in the western Po Plain (northern Italy) through the method of crowing cock counts during the breeding season. We analysed the spatial distribution of territorial males in relation to the HIA and reforestation patches comparing points with crowing cocks with random ones. Moreover, we analysed the effects of habitat characteristics including HIAs and reforestations on male pheasant density by multiple regression analyses with theoretic information approach and multimodel inference. Our results showed that both HIAs and reforestations had an important role in determining male distribution. Moreover,HIAs and reforestations were good predictor variables of male pheasant density. We concluded that HIAs and reforestations provide common pheasant with suitable habitats and can represent proper solutions for enhancing habitat diversity and quality in intensive agro‐ecosystems.
Foraging patterns of habitat use reveal landscape of fear of Nubian ibex Capra nubiana
Authors: Iribarren Cecilia , Kotler Burt P.
Published: July 2012

Different environmental features may serve as cues of the risk of predation. Therefore, when foraging in heterogeneous landscapes, the costs of predation for optimal foragers should vary along with the environmental features. In our study, we describe how foraging costs of predation vary spatially for Nubian ibex Capra nubiana with respect to characteristics of their natural environment, i.e. we quantified their ‘landscape of fear’. To do so, we established a five by five array of feeding trays within the natural environment of free‐ranging Nubian ibex and measured the variation of giving‐up densities (GUD, i.e. the amount of food remaining in a resource patch following exploitation) in relation to the landscape variables. The ibex' perceptions of risk of predation increased with distance from cliff and slope edges, and decreased with vegetation cover. Although several environmental variables are probably involved in the determination of an animal's foraging behaviour, with our study we revealed the most prominent features influencing the landscape of fear of Nubian ibex. Since Nubian ibex are endangered, this information is relevant for planning their conservation and management.
Changes in Pain, Function, and Gait Mechanics Two Years following Total Ankle Arthroplasty Performed with Two Modern Fixed-Bearing Prostheses
Authors: Queen Robin M. , De Biasio Justin C. , Butler Robert J. , DeOrio James K. , Easley Mark E. , Nunley James A.
Published: July 2012

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) continues to grow as an alternative to arthrodesis for patients who suffer from end-stage ankle arthritis. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in gait mechanics from before surgery to 1 and 2 years after surgery in patients who received a fixed-bearing TAR. Methods: Fifty-one patients with a primary fixed-bearing TAR and no complications requiring further surgery were identified from a database and enrolled in this non-randomized study. Subjects were examined preoperatively, and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Three-dimensional joint mechanics and ground reaction forces (GRF) were collected during level walking. The Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go (TUG), VAS, and the AOFAS-Hindfoot score were assessed for each subject at each time point. Results: TUG, VAS and AOFAS-Hindfoot score along with all measured kinetic parameters demonstrated significant improvements across all of the time points ( p < 0.05). Four Square Step Test time was significantly improved between the preoperative and 2-year postoperative time point ( p < 0.05). Measured ankle dorsiflexion angles did not demonstrate significant change between any time points. Conclusions: All of the observed changes suggest improved or maintained functioning in patients who received a TAR with the greatest improvement occurring within the first year. Sagittal plane ankle range of motion and dorsiflexion angle at heel strike were unchanged across all of the time points. The results of this study indicate that patients with end-stage osteoarthritis demonstrate improvements in pain and gait up to 2 years following surgery while maintaining ankle range of motion.

Level of Evidence: IV, Prospective study
Use of tactile feedback to control exploratory movements to characterize object compliance
Authors: Su Zhe , Fishel Jeremy A. , Yamamoto Tomonori , Loeb Gerald E.
Published: July 2012

Humans have been shown to be good at using active touch to perceive subtle differences in compliance. They tend to use highly stereotypical exploratory strategies, such as applying normal force to a surface. We developed similar exploratory and perceptual algorithms for a mechatronic robotic system (Barrett arm/hand system) equipped with liquid-filled, biomimetic tactile sensors (BioTac® from SynTouch LLC). The distribution of force on the fingertip was measured by the electrical resistance of the conductive liquid trapped between the elastomeric skin and a cluster of four electrodes on the flat fingertip surface of the rigid core of the BioTac. These signals provided closed-loop control of exploratory movements, while the distribution of skin deformations, measured by more lateral electrodes and by the hydraulic pressure, were used to estimate material properties of objects. With this control algorithm, the robot plus tactile sensor was able to discriminate the relative compliance of various rubber samples.
Relative Expression of Vitamin D Hydroxylases, CYP27B1 and CYP24A1, and of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Heterogeneity of Human Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Age, Gender, Tumor Location, and Malignancy: Results from Factor and Cluster Analysis
Authors: Brozek Wolfgang , Manhardt Teresa , Kállay Enikö , Peterlik Meinrad , Cross Heide S.
Published: July 2012

Previous studies on the significance of vitamin D insufficiency and chronic inflammation in colorectal cancer development clearly indicated that maintenance of cellular homeostasis in the large intestinal epithelium requires balanced interaction of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and prostaglandin cellular signaling networks. The present study addresses the question how colorectal cancer pathogenesis depends on alterations of activities of vitamin D hydroxylases, i.e., CYP27B1-encoded 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1a-hydroxylase and CYP24A1-encoded 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase, and inflammation-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Data from 105 cancer patients on CYP27B1, VDR, CYP24A1, and COX-2 mRNA expression in relation to tumor grade, anatomical location, gender and age were fit into a multivariate model of exploratory factor analysis. Nearly identical results were obtained by the principal factor and the maximum likelihood method, and these were confirmed by hierarchical cluster analysis: Within the eight mutually dependent variables studied four independent constellations were found that identify different features of colorectal cancer pathogenesis: (i) Escape of COX-2 activity from restraints by the CYP27B1/VDR system can initiate cancer growth anywhere in the colorectum regardless of age and gender; (ii) variations in COX-2 expression are mainly responsible for differences in cancer incidence in relation to tumor location; (iii) advancing age has a strong gender-specific influence on cancer incidence; (iv) progression from well differentiated to undifferentiated cancer is solely associated with a rise in CYP24A1 expression.
The Photodegradation of Quercetin: Relation to Oxidation
Authors: Dall’Acqua Stefano , Miolo Giorgia , Innocenti Gabbriella , Caffieri Sergio
Published: July 2012

The photostability of quercetin in alcoholic solutions was studied. Both UVA and UVB light induced degradation of quercetin, yielding a single product 1 deriving from oxidation and addition of an alcohol molecule to the 2,3 double bond. The same mechanism operated when quercetin was dissolved in alkaline solutions, and again a product 2 due to oxidation and addition of water was characterized. Comparison with quercetin analogs confirmed that, despite the presence of five hydroxy groups in quercetin, those in positions 3, 3′, and 4′ are mainly involved in the antioxidant activity of the compound , as well as in its photolability.
Seasonal Variation of Cistus ladanifer L. Diterpenes
Authors: Alías Juan Carlos , Sosa Teresa , Valares Cristina , Escudero José Carlos , Chaves Natividad
Published: July 2012

The exudate of Cistus ladanifer L. consists mainly of two families of secondary metabolites: flavonoids and diterpenes. The amount of flavonoids present in the leaves has a marked seasonal variation, being maximum in summer and minimum in winter. In the present study, we demonstrate that the amount of diterpenes varies seasonally, but with a different pattern: maximum concentration in winter and minimum in spring-summer. The experiments under controlled conditions have shown that temperature influences diterpene production, and in particular, low temperatures. Given this pattern, the functions that these compounds perform in C. ladanifer are probably different.
Un réalisme contemporain : les narrations documentaires
Authors: Ruffel Lionel
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’époque contemporaine voit se développer les narrations littéraires documentaires, ces œuvres qui relèvent tout à la fois de la relation de voyage, de l’enquête sociologique, de l’essai politique, du récit biographique et autobiographique. En ses fondements mêmes, la narration documentaire est marquée par l’hétérogénéité. Ainsi de la position auctoriale, celle du « journalisme littéraire », appellation décriée en France, mais genre à part entière dans le monde anglo-saxon. Le « matériau » est lui aussi très varié, puisqu’il se compose, entre autres de descriptions géographiques, de récits historiques, de nombreux entretiens, de micro-narrations, de « confessions » etc. La matérialité des textes en est affectée, puisqu’ils ont fréquemment recours aux différences typographiques et à l’image (dessins, photographies, schémas les plus divers). Loin de dissimuler ces strates d’hétérogénéité, ces narrations documentaires les revendiquent, sans toutefois se laisser gagner par le chaos, car elles s’inscrivent dans un mouvement de cartographie cognitive du monde et de sa complexité. Dans leur volonté de s’ouvrir à la puissance du réel, elles contestent, tout en empruntant leurs méthodes, les pouvoirs du journalisme, des sciences sociales, et d’une idée de la littérature indexée sur le réalisme. Elles posent ainsi de manière inédite la question même du littéraire.
L'esprit documentaire
Authors: Jouet Jacques
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’œuvre de Jacques Jouet, poète, essayiste, romancier et auteur de théâtre, membre de l’Oulipo, témoigne d’un intérêt certain pour le document et ses possibilités d’appropriation par la littérature. L’Histoire poèmes constitue ainsi un recueil de poèmes « documentés », qui chacun évoquent un événement historique précis, et dont la source est livrée explicitement. Il revient dans ce numéro sur le rapport que la littérature et son propre travail d’écrivain entretiennent avec le document, et nous livre un extrait inédit d’une œuvre « documentée » en cours.
Témoigner et traduire : sur Ulysse à Auschwitz
Authors: Rastier François , Pégny Gaëtan
Published: July 2012

Résumé On ignore généralement que Primo Levi fut aussi un poète et un traducteur. Loin d’être anecdotiques, ces deux aspects de son œuvre contribuent à son projet esthétique et éthique. Le témoignage de l’extermination s’adresse en effet à l’humanité toute entière et les traductions de Levi, tout en témoignant d’un cosmopolitisme résolu, lui permettent de prolonger allusivement sa mission testimoniale. Gaëtan Pégny questionne à ce propos François Rastier sur son livre Ulysse à Auschwitz – Primo Levi, le survivant .
Jeux sur mobile : les développeurs et le rôle des plates-formes de logiciels
Authors: Feijóo Claudio , Gómez-Barroso José Luis
Published: July 2012

Résumé Les jeux sur mobile sont un exemple majeur à la fois d’une application réussie sur les mobiles et du nombre croissant de plates-formes pour les médias et les industries de loisirs. Explorant cette convergence, l’article analyse les caractéristiques principales du marché des jeux sur mobile et de son écosystème industriel, ses activités et acteurs principaux. L’article se concentre sur le rôle des différentes plates-formes de logiciels et sur les défis et opportunités futures pour les développeurs de jeux sur mobile dans un nouveau scénario dominé par les plates-formes de mobile.
L'agencement de la triche. Aborder la triche dans les MMORPG comme un imbroglio
Authors: De Paoli Stefano , Kerr Aphra
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article se penche sur le phénomène de triche dans les jeux de rôle en ligne massivement multijoueurs (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games : MMORPG), en mobilisant le concept d’agencement. Il critique le caractère essentialiste de la définition la plus courante de la triche désignant les actions qui procurent un avantage déloyal aux tricheurs. Les auteurs proposent au contraire d’aborder à la triche sur un appui empirique, comme le produit des relations réciproques établies entre les différents éléments composant un MMORPG. Ils s’intéressent spécifiquement à ce que produisent et actualisent les relations entre l’architecture du jeu, le code et les documents juridiques. La notion d’imbroglio sociotechnique est au final présentée comme nouveau socle pour une définition alternative de la triche dans les jeux en ligne.
Practice Analysis of Road Traffic Crashes Accident of a City in China
Authors: Hu Li Wei , Xiong Jian
Published: July 2012

Many studies focused on the development of crash analysis approaches have resulted in aggregate practices and experiences to quantify the safety effects of human, geometric, traffic and environmental factors on the expected number of deaths, injuries, and/or property damage crashes at specific locations. Traffic crashes on roads are a major cause of road crashes in the metropolitan area of Xi’an. In an attempt to identify causes and consequences, reported traffic crashes for six years in Xi’an were analyzed using a sample of 2038 reports. The main types of information from such reports were extracted, coded, and statistically analyzed. Important results were obtained from frequency analyses as well as multiple contributory factors related to traffic crashes, including crash severity, time and location of occurrence, geometry of the road, AADT and v/c. This paper presents the results of such analyses and provides some recommendations to improve traffic safety and further studies to analyze potential crash locations.
Influence of High-Grade Highway Construction on Industry-Economic Belt in Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Li Shu Xia , Qin Shi Huan
Published: July 2012

With the victory of “Three-year decisive battle”of road construction in Heilongjiang Province and the formation of high-grade highway network, high-grade highways gradually have profound effects on promoting economic and social development and enhancing the public life level, as well as meeting the traffic demands in Heilongjiang province. The influence of the highway construction on industrial-economic belt in Heilongjiang province was analyzed. As an example, by forecasting various index of Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar Industrial Corridor, we confirmed that the construction of high-grade highways in Heilongjiang play positive roles in industrial-economic belt.
Two-Stage Data Mining Based Vehicle Navigation Algorithm in Urban Traffic Network
Authors: Li Xian Tong , An Shi
Published: July 2012

Along with the development of Intelligent Transportation System, traffic detectors collect numerous transportation state data in information databases and accumulate. Such data is greatly meaningful to the vehicle navigation. In this paper, we propose a noble two-stage algorithm about vehicle navigation by using data mining methods on the historical and current transportation dataset. This algorithm begins with picking sensitive data about start and end point in an urban traffic network, and data from related (or nearest) road fragments. Referring to current time and season, the algorithm gives an evaluation to every related road fragments and outputs a most reasonable route between start and end point. The experimental and theoretical analyzes show that this algorithm can form an efficient and effective route in reasonable time.
Multi-Stakeholders Comparative Assessment of Freeway Traffic Conditions by Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shen , Quan Wei
Published: July 2012

Effective assessment of traffic conditions is a key issue involved in alleviating freeway congestion, evaluating capital improvements and estimating travel time. Since the goals and objectives of assessment are inherently an expression of the various stakeholders affected by the traffic conditions, the assessment process and result must address the interests of all stakeholders. In this paper, a methodology and its application to assess traffic conditions on urban freeways are described. The methodology, which synthesizes Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), can devise an overall traffic conditions assessment regarding various stakeholders’ preferences. Application of the methodology to six real-life freeway corridors in Jilin Province indicated that the stakeholders can gain new insight into the overall traffic conditions behind multiple performance measures with our method, and the assessment results is helpful in identifying transportation investment priorities for specific regions and improving resource utilization among competing sectors.
Research on Route Selection Model of Road Network Emergency Evacuation under Ice and Snow
Authors: Zhang Ya Ping , Song Cheng Ju , Yang Zhi Chao , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2012

The route selection of road network emergency evacuation is of great practical significance for possible emergencies in future. Based on analysis the principles of emergency path selection, the paper considers urban roads, which meets certain basic conditions as evacuation after the initial choice, take the traffic capacity, intersection density, vehicle delays in the intersection into consideration, and establish the route selection model of road network emergency evacuation under ice and snow.
Modeling and Simulation of Bus Priority Oriented Urban Road Network Elastic Equilibrium
Authors: Liu Li Hua , Zhang Ya Ping , Wei Yu
Published: July 2012

As the poor applicability of rail transit and elevated road limited by economy, population and many other factors, the waste of road resources caused by bus lane, maximizing application of available road resources and bus facilities, reducing the environmental pollution is the critical issue faced by current situation of urban transportation development in China. Guided by Bus Priority Oriented, utilized comprehensive techniques, such as ABC classification, bi-level programming model, sensitivity analysis, this paper constructed a theoretical frame of elastic equilibrium based on system optimization. Taking time and environment as optimized objectives, This paper established the Bi-Level multiobjective programming model based on travel time, and programmed with MATLAB for the calculation. Finally, the case study is illustrated. the software VISSIM was adopted to realize the simulation of the volume before and after the implementation of elastic plan in urban areas of PingDingshan. The simulation results showed the validity and feasibility of the modeling and simulation of Bus Priority Oriented urban road network elastic equilibrium.
Reinforcing the Bridges in Tunnel Excavation Region by Using a Method Combining Jacking Superstructure and Grouting Substructure
Authors: Jin Bao , Liu Yang
Published: July 2012

It is crucial to alleviate the effect of construction of underground transportation on the safety of the bridges in tunnel excavation region since it is inevitable for the tunnel to go across the city viaduct. To solve above problem, a technique of bridge reinforcement was proposed, which combines the jacking superstructure of bridges and grouting substructure. With this technique, the uneven settlement of the bridge foundation could be controlled as well as the change of the upper structure of bridges could be limited in a reasonable interval. Finally, the effectiveness of proposed method is demonstrated by reinforcing a real bridge in the region of subway construction in Guangzhou, China.
The Effect Analysis of Wind Load on Vehicle-Bridge Coupled Dynamic Behavior
Authors: Li Yan , Sun Hang
Published: July 2012

A computer simulation method of solving vehicle-bridge system vibration response considering wind load is presented based on mode integration theory. Vehicle model and fluctuating wind load model are established, corresponding vehicle stiffness and damping matrix is educed in the method. A practical cable-stayed bridge dynamic analysis is completed successfully by programming with fore mentioned method. Wind load have a great influence on bridge vibration acceleration under low wind velocity. Vehicle vertical dynamic response is influenced evidently by wind induced bridge vibration, its lateral response is controlled by wind load and bridge response. The effect on system dynamic response of wind load is remarkable. For other type large span bridges the method also can be referred and have important application value in interrelated research. The accuracy of calculation is high enough for practical purposes.
Error Analysis and Amendment Technology of Vibration Wire Strain Sensors
Authors: Li Zhong Long , Zhu Xiao Di , Liu Zhen Yu , Xu De Jian
Published: July 2012

With good stability and high reliability, vibration wire strain sensors were extensive applied in many momentous projects. In the paper, the basic principle and working characteristics of vibration wire strain sensors were introduced. Also, those error reasons from the aspect of working principle, the aspect of structural bending deformation and the aspect of temperature field were analyzed. In the end, amendment technology was given out, providing valuable reference of improving structural strain accuracy.
Modified Formula of Estimating Fundamental Frequency of Girder Bridge with Uniform Cross-Section
Authors: Gao Qing Fei , Wang Zong Lin , Liu Yang , Guo Bin Qiang
Published: July 2012

Based on present research, there is a big difference between the estimation of the first frequency of Girder Bridge obtained by the design code of bridges, issued by department of transportation of China in 2004, and the theoretical value in some cases. To overcome above issue, theoretical analysis combined with numerical simulation was applied to estimate the fundamental frequency of Girder Bridge with uniform cross-section. The effect of the ratio between side span and central span on the estimating fundamental frequency was discussed in detail. Finally, an improved method was proposed to estimate the first frequency of Girder Bridge, and the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified.
Dynamic Response Analysis of Half-through CFST Arch Bridges Affected by Crossbeams Setting
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Yan
Published: July 2012

As one of the most important components of CFST arch bridges, the cross beams should affect the bridges’ dynamic performance and response magnificently by means of affecting these three factors mentioned above. Based on the Maocaojie Bridge, its FEM models of half-through CFST arch bridges with different settings of cross beams are built. The different seismic responses of six operating conditions are calculated with three dimensional earthquake waves input. The internal force and displacement envelope diagrams of arch ribs are extracted and analyzed in situations of in-plane moment, out-plane moment, vertical displacement and transverse displacement. It can conclude that the joint section between arch rib and bridge deck should be designed carefully because of its large displacement and internal force, and the cross beams should be optimized to safety the arch bridge dynamic response considering lateral rigidity. The conclusions may be useful to the seismic design and strengthening treatment of CFST arch bridges. To strengthen the joint section between arch rib and bridge deck or optimize the setting of cross beams will increase the ductility of half-through CFST arch bridge and decrease the damages caused by large earthquake.