bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of spironolactone treatment on endothelial function in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Bajuk Studen Katica , Šebeštjen Miran , Pfeifer Marija , Preželj Janez 
Published: December 2010

ObjectiveAccumulating evidence connects polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Endothelial dysfunction is present in PCOS and represents an early, reversible marker of cardiovascular damage. As androgens and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system are implicated in the atherogenesis process of PCOS, we tested the hypothesis that treatment with spironolactone, an androgen and mineralocorticoid receptor blocking drug, might reverse endothelial dysfunction in PCOS.PatientsA total of 30 non-obese PCOS patients, compared with 20 body mass index matched control subjects, were evaluated. PCOS patients were given spironolactone 100 mg daily in 21-day long intervals followed by a 7-day pause, for 6 months.MeasurementsFlow-mediated dilatation (FMD), glyceryl trinitrate-induced dilatation, free testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA-sulfate, total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides were determined at baseline and after 6 months.ResultsResults are expressed as median (25–75th percentile). At baseline, FMD was significantly lower in PCOS patients than in controls: 6.0 (0.0–11.7) vs 10.2 (6.8–15.9) %, P=0.018. This difference disappeared after 6 months of spironolactone treatment, as FMD in PCOS patients significantly increased to 8.3 (5.7–10.3) %, P=0.034, and was no longer different from controls. In PCOS patients, serum androgen levels did not change during treatment, while total and LDL-cholesterol decreased significantly from 4.8 (4.1–5.1) mmol/l to 4.4 (3.9–4.8) mmol/l and from 2.5 (2.1–3.1) to 2.2. (2.1–2.5) mmol/l, P<0.05 and P<0.05 respectively.ConclusionTreatment with spironolactone normalized endothelial function and improved cholesterol levels in non-obese PCOS patients.
The Yak1 Protein Kinase Lies at the Center of a Regulatory Cascade Affecting Adhesive Growth and Stress Resistance inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Malcher Mario , Schladebeck Sarah , Mösch Hans-Ulrich 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn Saccharomyces cerevisiae, adhesive growth on solid surfaces is mediated by the flocculin Flo11 to confer biofilm and filament formation. Expression of FLO11 is governed by a complex regulatory network that includes, e.g., the protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. In addition, numerous regulatory genes, which have not been integrated into regulatory networks, affect adhesive growth, including WHI3 encoding an RNA-binding protein and YAK1 coding for a dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated protein kinase. In this study, we present evidence that Whi3 and Yak1 form part of a signaling pathway that regulates FLO11-mediated surface adhesion and is involved in stress resistance. Our study further suggests that Whi3 controls YAK1 expression at the post-transcriptional level and that Yak1 targets the transcriptional regulators Sok2 and Phd1 to control FLO11. We also discovered that Yak1 regulates acidic stress resistance and adhesion via the transcription factor Haa1. Finally, we provide evidence that the catalytic PKA subunit Tpk1 inhibits Yak1 by targeting specific serine residues to suppress FLO11. In summary, our data suggest that Yak1 is at the center of a regulatory cascade for adhesive growth and stress resistance, which is under dual control of Whi3 and the PKA subunit Tpk1.
Incidence of Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infections in the United States, 2006
Authors: Flagg Elaine W. , Weinstock Hillard 
Published: December 2010

OBJECTIVES:Neonatal herpes simplex virus (nHSV) infections, although relatively rare, cause significant morbidity and mortality. Estimates of nHSV incidence across the United States vary widely and have been derived by using a variety of methods. We estimated the incidence of nHSV infections for the United States during 2006, as well as demographic-specific rates, by using nationally and regionally weighted estimates from a population-based sample of inpatient data.METHODS:We examined inpatient records of infants aged 60 days or younger at admission using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients with a length of stay that exceeded 7 days (or deceased during hospitalization) were identified at discharge from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for herpes simplex (054.0–054.9). Cases for which patients had been transferred from another hospital or readmitted were excluded from case counts.RESULTS:We found an overall US incidence of 9.6 per 100 000 births in 2006. Rates per 100 000 births among US regions were 8.2 in the Northeast, 12.9 in the Midwest, 8.9 in the South, and 8.8 in the West. Rates of 13.8, 9.9, and 7.5 were observed for black, white, and Hispanic newborns, respectively; these differences were not statistically significant. Rates were significantly higher among cases for which the expected primary payer was Medicaid (15.1) compared with private insurance or managed health care (5.4). Median age at admission was 10 days; 25% of admissions were on the day of birth.CONCLUSIONS:This description of regional and demographic-specific nHSV incidence rates for the United States provides important new information on the extent of this potentially devastating disease.
Distributions of Sharks across a Continental Shelf in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Drymon J. Marcus , Powers Sean P. , Dindo John , Dzwonkowski Brian , Henwood Terry A. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Declines in shark populations have sparked researchers and fishery managers to investigate more prudent approaches to the conservation of these fish. As managers strive to improve data collection for stock assessment, fisheries-independent surveys have expanded to include data-deficient areas such as coastal regions. To that end, a catch series from a nearshore survey off Alabama was combined with data from a concurrent offshore survey with identical methodology to examine the depth use of sharks across the continental shelf (2–366 m). The combined data set contained 22 species of sharks collected from 1995 to 2008: 21 species in the offshore data set (1995–2008) and 12 species in the nearshore data set (2006–2008). Depth was a significant factor determining species' distributions, primarily for Atlantic sharpnose Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, blacknose Carcharhinus acronotus, and blacktip C. limbatus sharks. Blacknose sharks had the highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) in the middepth stratum (10–30 m), blacktip sharks had consistently higher CPUE in the shallow depth stratum (&lt;10 m), and Atlantic sharpnose sharks showed high abundance throughout both the shallow and middepth strata. Length frequency and sex ratio analyses suggest that Atlantic sharpnose and blacknose sharks are using waters greater than 30 m deep for parturition, whereas adult blacktip sharks are probably using shallow waters for parturition. Our abundance patterns illustrate a continuum of depth use across the inner continental shelf. Surveys that do not encompass the entirety of this ecosystem fail to accurately characterize the distributions of these important predators.
Persecutory Guilt, Surveillance and Resistance: The Emotional Themes of Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Madrid Samara , Dunn-Kenney Maylan 
Published: December 2010

This research examines the emotional themes and discourse of emotion of early childhood educators using a post-structuralist theoretical framework of emotion. The data selected and analyzed is taken from 4 two-hour discussion groups that were conducted over an eight-week period with four female early childhood educators. The emotional themes and patterns that emerged from the discussion groups and artifacts, teacher journals, and follow-up interviews were analyzed and then followed with a micro-level analysis. The findings revealed that the three most common emotion words discussed were ‘stress’, ‘worry’, and ‘frustration’, which were linked to surveillance and a discourse around persecutory guilt through institutional and relational systems, fostering implicit resistance among participants. I really struggle with teaching first and second grade … I don't have my early childhood degree … I feel like I'm always balancing what's appropriate for them but then, at the same time, what they're gonna be tested on in third grade. (Mary, field notes, March 2008)
Finite Element Modelling of the Behaviour of a Certain Class of Composite Steel-Concrete Beam-To-Column Joints / Skonczenie-Elementowe Modelowanie Zachowania Sie Pewnej Klasy Wezłów Zespolonych Stalowo-Betonowych W Połaczeniach Rygli Ze Słupami
Authors: Gizejowski M. A. , Barcewicz W. , Salah W. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Beam-to-column end-plate joints can be classified as rigid (fully restrained), semi-rigid (partially restrained) or pinned, depending on their type, configuration and the connector arrangement. Fully restrained joints are needed for rigid frames in which there is assumed that the frame joints have sufficient rigidity to maintain - under the service state - the angles between the intersecting members, ensuring the full moment transfer. In contrast in semi-continuous frames, partially restrained joints are characterized by relative rotations occurring between the intersecting members so that the bending moment can only be transferred partially. In recent years, the idea of using partially restrained, unstiffened joints in building structures has gained momentum since this idea appears to be more practical and economical. Semi-continuous frames can resist actions by the bending moment transfer in partially restrained joints, allowing in the same time for a certain degree of rotation that enhances the overall ductile performance of these structures. One of the effective ways that affects ductility of end-plate beam-to-column joints is to use thinner end-plates than those used nowadays in practical applications. In the current study, a certain class of steel-concrete composite joints is examined in which the thickness of end-plates is to be equivalent to approximately 40-60% of the bolt diameter used in all the composite joints investigated in the considered joint class. This paper is an extension of the authors’ earlier investigation on numerical modelling of the behaviour of steel frame joints. The aim of current investigations is to develop as simple as possible and yet reliable three-dimensional (3D) FE model of the composite joint behaviour that is capable of capturing the important factors controlling the performance of steel-concrete end-plate joints in which the end-plate thickness is chosen to be lesser than that used nowadays in conventional joint detailing. A 3D FE model constructed for composite joints of the considered joint class is reported in this paper and numerical simulations using the ABAQUS computer code are validated against experimental investigations conducted at the Warsaw University of Technology. Comparison between the nonlinear FE analysis and full scale experimental results of the considered class of composite joints is presented which conclusively allows for the accuracy assessment of the modelling technique developed. Comparison between the FE results and test data shows a reasonable agreement between the numerical FE model developed and physical model of experimentally examined joint specimens. Finally, practical conclusions for engineering applications are drawn.
The Influence of Selected Parameters of Cyclic Process on Cohesive Soils Shear Characteristics at Small Strain / Wpływ Wybranych Parametrów Procesu Cyklicznego Na Charakterystyki Scinania Gruntów Spoistych W Zakresie Małych Odkształcen
Authors: Jastrzebska M. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The subject of the paper comprises a cohesive soil response to a cyclic loading applied in the range of small strains (10-5 ÷ 10-3). To this end tests of undrained cyclic shear in a triaxial compression apparatus were carried out on homogeneous material - kaoline from Tułowice. The tests were carried out on a modernised test bed, enabling full saturation of samples using the back pressure method, as well as a precise, intra-chamber measurement of small strains. Maintaining a constant deviatoric stress amplitude for NC and OC soils, the effect of its size (A = 0.75 Δq or A = 0.375 Δq) as well as the influence of strain rate on material characteristics “deviatoric stress (excess pore water pressure) - axial strain” and effective stress paths were tested. While analysing the results obtained, a phenomenon of closing and stabilising initially open and moving loops were found, in contrast to proposal by Jardine [8]. The observed increments in the axial strain during cyclic loading operation, at the same levels of lateral effective stress, were greater for normally consolidated than for overconsolidated soils. At the same time, at each next cycle, these increments were smaller and smaller, assuming even the value equal to zero for the tenth cycle. Similar relationships occurred during the increase in the pore water pressure during the cyclic load action. For the set number of cycles n = 10 they were that small - max. 46% (and decreasing with each consecutive cycle) that they did not result in weakening of the material. Taking the trend of decreasing Δu increments into account it was possible to accept that the conclusion considered was right irrespective of the cycles’ number.
Quasi-Static Failure Criteria for Concrete / Quasi-Statyczne Kryteria Zniszczenia Betonu
Authors: Jankowiak T. , Łodygowski T. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe behaviour of concrete under quasi-static loadings for uniaxial compression, tension and plane stress conditions is studied. The failure criteria of concrete are discussed as well as the methods of constitutive parameters identification are elaborated. The attention is focus on an energetic interpretation of selected failure criteria. The numerical example with concrete damage plasticity material model is shown
Analysis of Reliability and Stability of Bar Structures / Analiza Niezawodnosci I Statecznosci Konstrukcji Pretowej
Authors: Radon U. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn the paper, the Hasofer-Lind index is applied for determining the probability of stability loss of truss structure under random load. In 1974 Hasofer-Lind proposed a modified reliability index that did not exhibit the invariance problem. The “correction” is the evaluation the limit state function at a point known as the “design point”, instead of the mean values. The design point is generally not known a priori, an iteration technique must be used to find out the reliability index. The paper shows how the reliability index changes under the influence of different variables mean value, standard deviation, and probability density function
Strengthening of Slab-Column Connections with CFRP Strips / Wzmacnianie Połaczen Płyta-Słup Za Pomoca Tasm CFRP
Authors: Urban T. , Tarka J. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The paper describes experimental research of slab-column connections examined on specimen designed as a part of reinforced concrete structure with flat slabs. The aim of the research was to verify the efficiency of slab reinforcement concept against punching shear by increasing slab’s mechanical reinforcement ratio by applying additional external reinforcement in the form of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips. The capacity enhancement in comparison to unstrengthened slab obtained 36%.
Application of Neural Networks for Control of District Heating \ Wykorzystanie Sieci Neuronowych Do Regulacji W Ciepłownictwie
Authors: Chmielnicki W.J. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The annual usage of heat for the demand of heating systems in municipal sector has been estimated as about 650PJ. It is mostly addressed for the demand of central heating systems and hot water consumption. The mode of adopted solutions concerning regulation and control, as well as energy management system, essentially influence its consumption. In the case of residential buildings, the costs of energy constitute the greatest share related to the total cost of building maintenance. Providing buildings with modern digital systems for control and regulation of heating installations is a basic condition enabling their rational usage. In currently employed solutions, algorithms PI or PID are usually applied. However, due to the non-linear properties of heating control systems, they do not secure proper quality. The sequences are often unstable and major control deviations occur. The application of neural networks is an alternative solution to those presently employed. They are especially recommended for adaptive control of non-stationary systems. Such cases occur in heating objects since they demonstrate non-linear properties with a great range of variability of parameters; this especially refers to district heating equipped with flux-through heat exchangers. In this paper, a compile model of heating system control aided by neural networks is presented. The results of the investigation clearly prove the usefulness of such solutions, cause the quality of control is much better than that one applied in traditional systems. Presently, works on the implementation of the proposed solutions are under way.
Influence of Fly Ash From Co-Combustion of Coal and Biomass on Scaling Resistance of Concrete / Wpływ Popiołu Lotnego Ze Współspalania Wegla I Biomasy Na Odpornosc Betonu Na Powierzchniowe Łuszczenie
Authors: Kosior-Kazberuk M. , Józwiak-Niedzwiedzka D. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Industrial utilization of fly ash from various kinds of fuel plays an important role in the environmentally clean and cost effective power production. The primary market for fly ash utilization is as a pozzolanic addition in concrete production. The paper concerns the concretes containing fly ash called Fly Ash from Biomass (FAB) from co-combustion of hard coal and wood biomass (wood chips). Characterization of the fly ash was carried on by means of X-ray diffractometry and E-SEM/EDS analysis. The results of laboratory studies undertaken to evaluate the influence of FAB on concrete resistance to surface scaling due to cyclic freezing and thawing in the presence of NaCl solution were presented. The tests were carried out for concretes containing up to 25% of fly ash related to cement mass. Additionally, the microstructure of air-voids was described. It was concluded that the FAB has significant effect on concrete freeze/thaw durability. The replacement of cement by fly ash from co-combustion progressively transformed the concrete microstructure into less resistant against freeze/thaw cycles and excessive dosage (over 15%) may dangerously increase the scaling.
Finite Element Analysis of Plate on Layered Tensionless Foundation
Authors: Buczkowski R. , Torbacki W. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
The method of calculations of a thick plate on the two-parameter layered foundation by the finite element method is presented. The numerical model allows to add a few (number of) foundation layers. The expressions for the element stiffness matrices of the foundation are based on 18-node zero-thickness interface elements. For modelling of thick plates the 9-node Mindlin element of the Lagrange family is used. The formulation of the problem takes into account the shear deformation of the plate and unilateral contact conditions between plate and foundation. The tensionless character of the foundation is achieved by removing from the global stiffness matrix the appropriate part of foundation stiffness attached to the node being in the separation stage. The advantages of the proposed algorithm are illustrated by numerical examples.
Sex Differences in Use of Psychotropic Drugs and Drug-Induced Side Effects in Schizophrenia Patients: Findings of the Research on Asia Psychotropic Prescription (REAP) Studies
Authors: Xiang Yu-Tao , Wang Chuan-Yue , Si Tian-Mei , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , He Yan-Ling , Ungvari Gabor S. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Yang Shu-Yu , Chong Mian-Yoon , Shinfuku Naotaka , Tan Chay Hoon , Kua Ee Heok , Fujii Senta , Sim Kang , Yong KH , Trivedi Jitendra Kumar , Chung Eun Kee , Udomratn Pichet , Chee Kok-Yoon , Sartorius Norman 
Published: December 2010

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the sex differences in prescribing patterns of psychotropic drugs and drug-induced side effects in schizophrenia patients in Asia using the data of the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Pattern (REAP) surveys. Method: The prescription patterns of 6,441 schizophrenia inpatients in six Asian countries and regions were investigated during the 2001–2009 period. The patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and their prescriptions for psychotropic drugs were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. Results: Univariate analyses found the following factors to be significantly associated with the male sex: a younger age, higher doses of antipsychotics, less prominent delusions and hallucinations, more prominent negative symptoms, less likelihood of a prescription for second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), greater use of antipsychotic polypharmacy, mood stabilizers and depot antipsychotics, more frequent tardive dyskinesia (TD), and less weight gain. In multivariate analyses, fewer prescriptions for SGAs, greater use of mood stabilizers, anticholinergics, antipsychotic polypharmacy and depot antipsychotics, extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) and TD, and less weight gain were independently associated with the male sex. Conclusions: Sex is one of the independent contributors to psychotropic prescription and side effects in Asian schizophrenia patients. Psychopharmacological treatment guidelines for schizophrenia should consider the sexes separately.
Actes de tatouage : figures d'un féminin-maternel incarcéré
Authors: Puyuelo Rémy 
Published: December 2010

Résumé La présence auprès de populations très abîmées, abusées narcissiques, inorganisées psychiques au sens de Pierre Marty dans sa proposition de névrose de comportement, amène l’auteur à réfléchir aux actes de tatouage survenant dans le cadre de consultations et de suivis psychothérapiques. Quelles places, quelles fonctions occupent ces actes de tatouage dans la rencontre de ces sujets avec des objets réels et vivants visant à un travail de mentalisation ?