bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of the immune system incurs energetic costs but has no effect on the thermogenic performance of house sparrows during acute cold challenge
Authors: King Marisa O. , Swanson David L. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryTrade-offs between the immune system and other condition dependent life-history traits (reproduction, predator avoidance, and somatic growth) have been well documented in both birds and mammals. However, no studies have examined the impact of immune activation on thermoregulatory performance during acute cold exposure. Because of their high surface-area-to-volume ratios, small birds incur high energetic costs associated with thermoregulation during cold exposure. Consequently, we predicted that the immune system and the thermoregulatory system would compete for energetic resources. To test this, we immunologically challenged adult house sparrows (Passer domesticus) with 5 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an acute phase response (APR) and measured both resting (RMR = minimum metabolic rate) and summit (Msum = maximal metabolic rate during cold exposure) metabolic rates. We found that birds injected with LPS had significantly higher RMR and Msum than birds injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), indicating that LPS-treated birds were able to support both the cost of immune activation and that of thermoregulation under conditions eliciting maximal thermogenic performance. These results suggest that, in the absence of a pathogen, birds that experience short-term activation of the immune system have higher energetic costs during cold exposure, but immune activation does not compromise maximum thermoregulatory performance.
Electronically Stimulated Degradation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Schmidt J. , Bothe K. , Macdonald D. , Adey J. , Jones R. , Palmer D. W. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractCarrier lifetime degradation in crystalline silicon solar cells under illumination with white light is a frequently observed phenomenon. Two main causes of such degradation effects have been identified in the past, both of them being electronically driven and both related to the most common acceptor element, boron, in silicon: (i) the dissociation of iron-boron pairs and (ii) the formation of recombination-active boron-oxygen complexes. While the first mechanism is particularly relevant in metal-contaminated solar-grade multicrystalline silicon materials, the latter process is important in monocrystalline Czochralski-grown silicon, rich in oxygen. This paper starts with a short review of the characteristic features of the two processes. We then briefly address the effect of iron-boron dissociation on solar cell parameters. Regarding the boron-oxygen-related degradation, the current status of the physical understanding of the defect formation process and the defect structure are presented. Finally, we discuss different strategies for effectively avoiding the degradation.
Defects Induced by Helium Implantation: Impact on Boron Diffusivity
Authors: Cayrel F. , Alquier D. , Dubois C. , Jerisian R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHigh dose helium implantation followed by a suitable thermal treatment induces defects such as cavities and dislocations. Gettering efficiency of this technique for metallic impurities has been widely proved. Nevertheless, dopants, as well as point defects, interact with this defect layer. Due to the presence of vacancy type defects after helium implantation, boron diffusion can be largely influenced by such a buried layer. In this paper, we study the influence of helium induced defects on boron diffusion. The boron diffusion in presence of these defects has been analyzed as a function of different parameters such as distance between boron profile and defect layer and defect density. Our results demonstrate that the major impact known as boron enhanced diffusion can be partially or completely suppressed depending on parameters of experiments. Moreover, these results clarify the interaction of boron with extended He-induced defects.
Anticipating Apocalypse: Power Structures and the Periphery in Doris Lessing’s the Fifth Child and Ben, in the World
Authors: Islam Muhammad Saiful 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This article argues that unremitting conflicts between the power centres and the individuals from the borderline spaces of the society characterise Doris Lessing’s novels The Fifth Child and Ben, in the World. The paper seeks to further the argument by applying Michel Foucault’s early work on power and Zygmunt Bauman’s theory on liquid, thus postmodern, fear to manifest the implosion of the contemporary civilization that lives on global/local disparities and operates through subversive surveillance.
Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment as a Model for Examining Foetal Gender-Specific Effects on the Bone Metabolism of Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate gender-specific effects of a maternal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) at multiple maximum therapeutic doses during the last 25 d of pregnancy on the bone tissue metabolism in neonatal piglets. BMD and BMC were measured. The geometry, histomorphometry, and mechanical properties of bones were determined. The assessment of selected hormones, cytokines, and amino acids was performed in 35-day-old piglets. DEX administered prenatally inhibited neonatal bone development, as well as bone mineral density, and geometrical and mechanical properties of bones. Neonatal GC-induced bone loss was linked with disturbed somatotropic axis function and decreased serum concentration of GH in male piglets and decreased concentration of IGF-1 in females. Prenatal DEX treatment led to an increase in the concentration of insulin and enhanced activity of bone specific alkaline phosphatase in piglets of both genders.
Occurrence of Genes Encoding Virulence Factors in Bordetella Bronchiseptica Strains Isolated from Infected and Healthy Pigs
Authors: Stępniewska Katarzyna , Markowska-Daniel Iwona 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine genotypic profiles of Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bbr) strains, based on the occurrence of genes encoding virulence factors, such as flagella (fla), dermonecrotoxin (dnt), and exogenous ferric siderophore receptor (bfrZ), using PCR. 209 tested Bbr strains were obtained from Polish swine herds with different health status (with progressive atrophic rhinitis - PAR, suspected for PAR, and unknown). In total, seven different Bbr genotypes were determined. In 39.2% of Bbr isolates all three genes were present. In 41.1% of the isolates only two genes were detected. The most common genotype dnt+bfrZ-fla+ was present in 60 (28.5%) Bbr strains, 65% of them were obtained from farms with PAR. Twenty five (12%) Bbr isolates were identified as dnt-bfrZ+fla+ genotype and, as above, they were more frequently isolated from clinical cases of disease (84%). Among 31 (14.8%) strains only fla gene was evident, and in nine (4.3%) only dnt gene was present. There were no Bbr strains with bfrZ gene only. These results confirm the heterogenicity among Bbr strains.
Is Poultry Exudate a Missing Link in Spreading Campylobacter SP. In Poland?
Authors: Daczkowska-Kozon Elżbieta Grażyna , Sawicki Wojciech , Czekajło-Kołodziej Urszula 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the work was to find out what is the prevalence and burden of Campylobacter sp. in the poultry exudates, what are the predominant species, how diverse they are, and can poultry exudates be considered as the essential carriers of campylobacters posing a health risk of campylobacteriosis in Poland. Broilers’ and turkeys’ exudates, collected directly from the bulk containers at the day of delivery were subjected to pre-enrichment and direct plate counting according to ISO 10272 (1995) with presumptive C.
jejuni strains subjected to confirmatory genetic identification by the nested PCR and RAPD typing. The results indicated that over 90% of the exudates tested carried Campylobacter sp., with their number being significantly higher in broilers’ (103 to105 cfu mL-1) compared to turkeys’ (102 to 104 cfu mL-1) (P≤0.05), and essentially higher (P≤0.05) for the broiler parts’ “skin on” exudates. C.
jejuni was the only species present in the turkeys’ and predominant in broilers’ parts’ exudates. RAPD-typing of the isolates revealed 14 distinct RAPD types with the majority of C. jejuni isolates considered to be closely related.
Screening of Paenibacillus Larvae Spores in Apiaries from Eastern Poland. Nationwide Survey. Part I
Authors: Pohorecka Krystyna , Skubida Marta , Bober Andrzej , Zdańska Dagmara 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Screening of the prevalence of Paenibacillus larvae spores in honey bee colonies in apiaries from 162 districts, belonging to nine provinces was carried out during 2009-2011. The honey samples were examined by the use of a culture method. Based on the number of CFUs grown on Columbia sheep blood agar medium, the level of infection and probability of American foulbrood outbreak was estimated. Altogether, 6,510 pooled honey samples from 32,550 bee colonies located in 2,294 apiaries were collected. P. larvae was identified in 45% of the surveyed apiaries. The widest distribution of P. larvae was found in the Małopolskie province. Culture-positive honey samples were obtained for 71% of the apiaries and in a half of them, the level of spores was high. In the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province, the presence of the bacterium was detected in 58% of the apiaries. In the remaining provinces, from 26% to 47% of the apiaries were contaminated with P. larvae spores
Lead in the Blood of Dogs Living in Variously Contaminated Environment
Authors: Monkiewicz Jerzy , Rogowska Katarzyna A. , Mielnikiewicz Anna , Grosicki Andrzej 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of lead in blood of dogs from Polish urban polluted areas including the Lower Silesia Region (LSR; 102 dogs), KGHM Polish Copper Region (PCR; 102 dogs), and Upper Silesia Industrial Region (USIR; 102 dogs). Moreover, it was investigated whether age, height, gender, and weight influence blood lead concentrations in the dogs. The mean concentrations of lead in dogs from LSR, PCR, and USIR were 16.18 μg/L, 31.82 μg /L, and 32.53 μg /L, respectively. In the same age groups of dogs, the concentrations of lead were the smallest and significantly lower in LSR than those reported in PCR and USIR. Mean blood concentrations of lead demonstrated a decreasing tendency in regard to the height of the examined dogs - 30.00 μg /L (low dogs), 27.37 μg /L (medium dogs), and 25.12 μg /L (high dogs).These findings indicate that blood lead concentrations mainly depend on lead contamination of the dogs’ habitat. In all regions examined, lead concentrations significantly increased with the length of the dogs’ life. Height, weight, and gender had no significant effect on lead content.
Malignant transformation of a chronic leg ulcer: a case report / Maligna alteracija hronične venske ulceracije na podkolenici: prikaz slučaja
Authors: Kostić Kristina , Mladenović Tomislav , Zečević Radoš 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of epidermal keratinocytes which may arise de novo, or at already affected skin areas of different etiology, including chronic vascular ulcers (CVUs). We present a 74-year-old female patient, hospitalized in the Department of Dermatology, with venous ulceration of the lower right leg, 10x5 cm in size, with well-demarcated edges, and the base covered with fibrin and granulation tissue. The ulceration appeared 7 years ago, while 3 years ago it spread rapidly with pain in the right lower leg. In the beginning, the patient was treated with local and systemic antibiotic therapy. Later, hydrocoloid dressings and compressive bandages were applied, and after that hyperoxygenation was performed in the hyperbaric chamber. Although the above-mentioned therapy was applied correctly, it was not efficient. Since malignant alteration was suspected, two biopsies were taken and in both, histopathologic analysis showed granulation tissue without dysplasia. The third biopsy, however, performed a month after the second one, revealed a squamous cell carcinoma. After further investigations, amputation of the right lower leg was suggested. Therefore, in cases with extended CVUs without no adequate therapeutical response during a long period of time, malignant transformation should be considered, and multiple biopsies at various sites should be performed.
Tuberous sclerosis complex - a case report / Kompleks tuberozne skleroze – prikaz slučaja
Authors: Petrova Nada , Gocev Gjorgji , Angelovska Elena 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem, autosomal dominant disorder affecting children and adults, which results from mutations in either of two genes, TSC1 (encoding hamartin) or TSC2 (encoding tuberin). Tuberous sclerosis complex often causes disabling neurologic disorders, including epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Major features of the disease include dermatologic manifestations, such as facial angiofibromas, renal angiomyolipomas, and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. We report a 20-year-old woman with epilepsy and subnormal intelligence, who was admitted for evaluation of multiple facial papules that have gradually increased in number over the past 15 years. She had been previously diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex based on findings of cardiac ventricular rhabdomyomas, tuberosclerotic nodules of glial proliferation in the cerebral cortex, and renal angiomyolipoma. The facial papules were angiofibromas, confirming the clinical presentation of tuberous sclerosis complex. Detailed examination of the skin and mucosa revealed Shagreen patches, nontraumatic subungual and gingival fibroma, all features of tuberous sclerosis complex. A multidisciplinary team approach was used for diagnosis and medical care of tuberous sclerosis complex in order to treat many organ systems affected by tuberous sclerosis in our patient. The patient received antiepileptic medications, while rapamycin was recommended.
Neurofibromatosis type I (von Recklinghausen’s disease): A Report of Three Cases / Neurofibromatoza tip I (von Recklinghausenova bolest): prikaz tri slučaja
Authors: Kostić Kristina , Dinić Miroslav , Mijušković Željko , Zolotarevski Lidija , Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija , Zečević Radoš 
Published: February 2013

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disease that usually affects the skin, nervous system and bones. Diagnosis is made by matching at least two of the following 7 diagnostic criteria: six or more caféau- lait macules over 15 mm in diameter, two or more neurofibromas, axillary and/or inguinal freckles, optic glioma, two or more Lisch’s nodules (iris hamartoma), changes in the bones in the form of sphenoid dysplasia, thinning of the cortex of long bones and existence of neurofibromatosis in the first degree relatives. We report three patients, two men and a woman aged 18 to 33 years, in whom the first changes occurred at puberty, and there was no positive family history in any of them. All three patients had café-au-lait spots over 15 mm in diameter and numerous localized neurofibromas on the skin of the trunk and extremities that were histologically verified. In two patients, ophthalmic examinations recorded Lisch’s nodules in the iris. In one of the patients, MRI of the head, revealed presence of oval lesions with diameters of 10-15 mm, which may correspond to neurofibromas, and in the other patient fibrous dysplasia of the femur and tibia were observed. Psychological testing in one patient revealed IQ at the lower limits of average (IQ 68). After the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I, the patients were given advice about the disease and a plan for the monitoring and control of possible symptoms, and also the possibility of genetic testing during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach is required for diagnosing and monitoring of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Urticaria pigmentosa in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome – a case report / Urtikarija pigmentoza kod obolelog od sindroma stečene imunodeficijencije – prikaz slučaja
Authors: Stojanović Slobodan , Brkić Snežana , Jovanović Marina , Vučković Nada 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The authors present a case of a man with urticaria pigmentosa and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - AIDS. The patient was diagnosed as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) - positive in the year 2000, at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. Urticaria pigmentosa was detected (nine years later) during a dermatological examination at the Dermatovenerology Department of the Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Center of Vojvodina. Urticaria pigmentosa is the most common manifestation of cutaneous mastocytosis. The patient was taking long term antiviral therapy for several years. Approximately 2 years after the onset of urticaria pigmentosa, this patient developed septicemia and ascites along with hepatosplenomegaly, liver damage, chronic cholecystitis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and relative eosinophilia. The patient had increased total serum IgE levels and tested positive for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in a 24-hour urine test from the very beginning of urticaria pigmnentosa and during the course of his illness. Immunohistochemical results of dermal biopsy of the affected area confirmed the diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa. Histology findings confirmed presence of typical dermal mast cell infiltrates with distinct oval and spindle granules that were CD117+ and CD1a-. Systemic mastocytosis was excluded by liver and bone marrow biopsies. To our knowledge, we present the third case of associated mastocytosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome published in world literature so far, in order to indicate the possible interaction between HIV infection and mast cells.
Investigating ground vibration to calculate the permissible charge weight for blasting operations of Gotvand-Olya dam underground structures / Badania drgań gruntu w celu określenia dopuszczalnego ciężaru ładunku wybuchowego przy pracach strzałowych w podziemnych elementach tamy w Gotvand-Olya
Authors: Soltani-Mohammadi Saeed , Bakhshandeh Amnieh Hassan , Bahadori Moein 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Ground vibration, air vibration, fly rock, undesirable displacement and fragmentation are some inevitable side effects of blasting operations that can cause serious damage to the surrounding environment. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is the main criterion in the assessment of the amount of damage caused by ground vibration. There are different standards for the determination of the safe level of the PPV. To calculate the permissible amount of the explosive to control the damage to the underground structures of Gotvand Olya dam, use was made of sixteen 3-component (totally 48) records generated from 4 blasts. These operations were recorded in 3 directions (radial, transverse and vertical) by four PG-2002 seismographs having GS-11D 3-component seismometers and the records were analyzed with the help of the DADISP software. To predict the PPV, use was made of the scaled distance and the Simulated Annealing (SA) hybrid methods. Using the scaled distance resulted in a relation for the prediction of the PPV; the precision of the relation was then increased to 0.94 with the help of the SA hybrid method. Relying on the high correlation of this relation and considering a minimum distance of 56.2 m to the center of the blast site and a permissible PPV of 178 mm/s (for a 2-day old concrete), the maximum charge weight per delay came out to be 212 Kg.
Modeling of Accurate Variable Slope Angles in Open-Pit Mine Design Using Spline Interpolation / Modelowanie Zmiennego Kąta Nachylenia Stoku W Projektowaniu Kopalni Odkrywkowych Za Pomocą Interpolacji Funkcjami Sklejającymi (Metodą Spline’Ów)
Authors: Shishvan Masoud Soleymani , Sattarvand Javad 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In this paper a new method of modeling variable slope angles has been presented based on the spline interpolation method. Slope angle modeling and defining precedency of the blocks are the vital parts of almost any open pit optimization algorithm. Traditionally heuristic patterns such as 1:5 or 1:9 have been used to generate slope angles. Cone template based models were later employed in developing variable slope angles. They normally use a linear interpolation process for determination of slope angles between the given directions which leads to sharp and non-realistic pits. The other elliptical alternatives suffer from having limitations in defining slope angles in non-geographical directions. The method is capable to consider any number of slope angles in any desired direction as well as creating quite accurate and realistic pit shapes. Three major types of the spline interpolation including cubic, quadratic and cardinal are tested, however, the cubic form is preferred due to more realistic outcomes. Main steps of the method are described through a numerical case study.
Optimization of DNA isolation and PCR parameters for RAPD analysis of Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae)
Authors: Servienė Elena , Kemežienė Irena , Kasperovičienė Jūratė , Čapukoitienė Brigita , Rančelienė Vida , Koreivienė Judita 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Servienė E., Kemežienė I., Kasperovičienė J., čapukoitienė B., Rančelienė V., Koreivienė J., 2012: Optimization of DNA isolation and PCR parameters for RAPD analysis of Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae) [DNR izoliavimas ir PGR parametrų optimizavimas Gonyostomum semen (Raphidophyceae) dumblių RAPD analizei]. - Bot. Lith., 18(1): 40-45. The genomic DNA purification method for Gonyostomum semen algae was optimized by applying different DNA purification techniques and rational modifications. This method allowed to obtain high quality DNA preparations suitable for the phylogenetic analysis and genetic variability investigation of algae. DNA isolated by this method yielded strong and reliable amplification products showing their applicability for RAPD-PCR using random decamer primers. In the present study, the RAPD protocol was optimized for the evaluation of Gonyostomum biodiversity.
A Contribution to the Lichen Flora of Melville Bugt North of Lat. 75°N, North West Greenland
Authors: Eric Steen Hansen 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Hansen E. S., 2012: A contribution to the lichen flora of Melville Bugt north of lat. 75°N, North West Greenland [Papildomi duomenys apie Melville Bugt (šiaurės vakarinė Grenlandija) kerpių florą šiauriau 75°N platumos]. - Bot. Lith., 18(2): 117-122.
The paper lists 59 species of lichens from Melville Bugt north of 75°N. Of these, 54 species were recorded for the first time. The lichen vegetation consists of species found in more or less wind-exposed fell fields, snow patches and on rocks.
Technique possibilities for volumetric assessment of intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Chiriac A. , Iliescu B. , Dobrin N. , Poeată I. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Volume measurement techniques of intracranial aneurysms from 3D rotational angiography vary on different factor settings and, therefore, are operator-dependent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application and the precision of ellipsoidal approximation (mathematics and computer technique) and software methods to measure intracranial aneurysms volume starting from planar (DR and SD) and 3- dimensional (3D) angiographic images. The reliability of the methods was statistically compared in a clinical setting of 42 angiograms and 100 measurements performed by the same users. This study suggests that both techniques could be used for clinical applications with similar efficiency results.