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It is frequently assumed that by virtue of their hearing losses, deaf students are visual learners. Deaf individuals have some visual–spatial advantages relative to hearing individuals, but most have been linked to use of sign language rather than auditory deprivation. How such cognitive differences might affect academic performance has been investigated only rarely. This study examined relations among deaf college students' language and visual–spatial abilities, mathematics problem solving, and hearing thresholds. Results extended some previous findings and clarified others. Contrary to what might be expected, hearing students exhibited visual–spatial skills equal to or better than deaf students. Scores on a Spatial Relations task were associated with better mathematics problem solving. Relations among the several variables, however, suggested that deaf students are no more likely to be visual learners than hearing students and that their visual–spatial skill may be related more to their hearing losses than to their sign language skills.

Technical development and practical evaluation of a laboratory built, out-of-plane digital speckle pattern interferometer (DSPI) are reported. The instrument was used for non-invasive, non-contact detection and characterization of early-stage damage, like fracturing and layer separation, of painted objects of art. A fully automated algorithm was developed for recording and analysis of vibrating objects utilizing continuous-wave laser light. The algorithm uses direct, numerical fitting or Hilbert transformation for an independent, quantitative evaluation of the Bessel function at every point of the investigated surface. The procedure does not require phase modulation and thus can be implemented within any, even the simplest, DSPI apparatus. The proposed deformation analysis is fast and computationally inexpensive. Diagnosis of physical state of the surface of a panel painting attributed to Nicolaus Haberschrack (a late-mediaeval painter active in Krakow) from the collection of the National Museum in Krakow is presented as an example of an in situ application of the developed methodology. It has allowed the effectiveness of the deformation analysis to be evaluated for the surface of a real painting (heterogeneous colour and texture) in a conservation studio where vibration level was considerably higher than in the laboratory. It has been established that the methodology, which offers automatic analysis of the interferometric fringe patterns, has a considerable potential to facilitate and render more precise the condition surveys of works of art.

Optimization of reactive power flow is one of the problems of optimal power flow in a power system. Solution of that problem has positive impact on economic and safe power system operation. Aim of the paper is to present the investigation of results of optimization of reactive power flow in a power system with the use of genetic algorithms for two different objective functions from the voltage-stability view point. One of these functions represents system active power losses and the second one is a voltage-stability-oriented index. The stability features of the optimized power system state are examined using two line stability indices and contingency analysis. At the end of the paper, a discussion of the obtained results of investigation is given.

Computer analysis of the O4 polysaccharide gene cluster of Escherichia coli revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding strongly hydrophobic polypeptides. O antigen polymerase, which is encoded by the rfc gene, is a potential membrane protein and therefore should be hydrophobic. To identify the rfc gene, these two ORFs were subjected to insertional mutagenesis. A chloramphenicol resistance cassette was designed which, when properly inserted, does not cause a polar effect in downstream genes. Each of two ORFs, cloned into a plasmid vector, was inactivated with this cassette. Two types of mutants bearing chromosomal insertions of the cassettes in each ORF were constructed by homologous recombination. These mutants were characterized by PCR, Southern blotting, and transverse-alternating-field electrophoresis. Only one class of mutants exhibited the expected O polymerase-deficient phenotype; they produced O4-specific, semirough lipopolysaccharide. Therefore, this ORF was identified as the rfc gene. The chromosomal rfc mutation was complemented in trans by the rfc gene expressed from a plasmid vector.

Absorption of hydrogen by iron membranes modified by plasma nitriding, nitrocarburizing, sulphur-oxy-nitriding and oxy-nitrocarburizing was studied by the electrochemical permeation technique. Hydrogen was generated by cathodic polarization in 0.1 M NaOH at 25°C. The permeation rate of hydrogen through plasma treated membranes was by two or three orders of magnitude lower than that through an unmodified membrane. Diffusivities and concentrations of hydrogen were determined for outer compound layers, inner diffusion layers, and an unmodified iron substrate. Contributions to the reduced hydrogen absorption were evaluated for the hindrance of the hydrogen entry into the compound layers, and for the hindrance of hydrogen transport through the compound and diffusion layers.

Wounds are known to serve as portals of entry for group A Streptococcus (GAS). Subsequent tissue colonization is mediated by interactions between GAS surface proteins and host extracellular matrix components. We recently reported that the streptococcal collagen-like protein-1, Scl1, selectively binds the cellular form of fibronectin (cFn) and also contributes to GAS biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. One structural feature of cFn, which is predominantly expressed in response to tissue injury, is the presence of a spliced variant containing extra domain A (EDA/EIIIA). We now report that GAS biofilm formation is mediated by the Scl1 interaction with EDA-containing cFn. Recombinant Scl1 proteins that bound cFn also bound recombinant EDA within the C-C' loop region recognized by the α(9)β(1) integrin. The extracellular 2-D matrix derived from human dermal fibroblasts supports GAS adherence and biofilm formation. Altogether, this work identifies and characterizes a novel molecular mechanism by which GAS utilizes Scl1 to specifically target an extracellular matrix component that is predominantly expressed at the site of injury in order to secure host tissue colonization.

A fully automated algorithm was developed for the recording and analysis of vibrating objects with the help of digital speckle pattern interferometry utilizing continuous-wave laser light. A series of measurements were performed with increasing force inducing vibration to allow the spatial distribution of vibration amplitude to be reconstructed on the object’s surface. The developed algorithm uses Hilbert transformation for an independent, quantitative evaluation of the Bessel function at every point of the investigated surface. The procedure does not require phase modulation, and thus can be implemented within any, even the simplest, DSPI apparatus. The proposed deformation analysis is fast and computationally inexpensive.

The feedback linearisation technique is used in order to control an underactuated 5-link biped model. A dynamic model with impacts is described and used for simulation. The choice of either absolute or relative angles for output function is briefly discussed and configuration space is checked for the occurance of singularities in the decoupling matrix.

With this article I wanted to invite to a discussion in front of the proposal of Quine who poses the hypothesis of the indeterminacy of the linguistic translation. I would like to move the debate that rid around this hypothesis, to the field of the natural sciences in order to find the foundation of a new system of rationality that can overcome the positivist model of science, which with its reductionist assumptions, hinders the interdisciplinary work proposed in times of globalization. In the Quine's proposal, in my view, we can find valuable theoretical elements that open up possibilities for new paradigms of the science. El presente artículo pretende invitar a una discusión frente a la propuesta de Quine, quien plantea la hipótesis de la indeterminación de la traducción lingüística. El debate que se libró alrededor de esta hipótesis quisiera trasladarlo al campo de las ciencias naturales con el fin de buscar la fundamentación de un nuevo sistema de racionalidad, que permite superar el modelo positivista de las ciencias naturales, el cual, con sus suposiciones reduccionistas, obstaculiza el trabajo interdisciplinar que se propone en los tiempos de globalización. En la propuesta quiniana, a mi modo de ver, podemos encontrar valiosos elementos teóricos que abren las posibilidades a nuevos paradigmas de la ciencia.

With this article I wanted to invite to a discussion in front of the proposal of Quine who poses the hypothesis of the indeterminacy of the linguistic translation. I would like to move the debate that rid around this hypothesis, to the field of the natural sciences in order to find the foundation of a new system of rationality that can overcome the positivist model of science, which with its reductionist assumptions, hinders the interdisciplinary work proposed in times of globalization. In the Quine's proposal, in my view, we can find valuable theoretical elements that open up possibilities for new paradigms of the science. El presente artículo pretende invitar a una discusión frente a la propuesta de Quine, quien plantea la hipótesis de la indeterminación de la traducción lingüística. El debate que se libró alrededor de esta hipótesis quisiera trasladarlo al campo de las ciencias naturales con el fin de buscar la fundamentación de un nuevo sistema de racionalidad, que permite superar el modelo positivista de las ciencias naturales, el cual, con sus suposiciones reduccionistas, obstaculiza el trabajo interdisciplinar que se propone en los tiempos de globalización. En la propuesta quiniana, a mi modo de ver, podemos encontrar valiosos elementos teóricos que abren las posibilidades a nuevos paradigmas de la ciencia.

Orthophthalaldehyde high level disinfectants are contraindicated for use with urological instruments such as cystoscopes due to anaphylaxis-like allergic reactions during surveillance of bladder cancer patients. Allergic reactions and mucosal injuries have also been reported following colonoscopy, laryngoscopy, and transesophageal echocardiography with devices disinfected using orthophthalaldehyde. Possibly these endoscopes were not adequately rinsed after disinfection by orthophthalaldehyde. We examined this possibility by means of a zone-of-inhibition test, and also a test to extract residues of orthophthalaldehyde with acetonitrile, from sections of endoscope insertion tube materials, to measure the presence of alkaline glutaraldehyde, or glutaraldehyde plus 20% w/w isopropanol, or ortho-phthalaldehyde that remained on the endoscope materials after exposure to these disinfectants followed by a series of rinses in water, or by aeration overnight. Zones of any size indicated the disinfectant had not been rinsed away from the endoscope material. There were no zones of inhibition surrounding endoscope materials soaked in glutaraldehyde or glutaraldehyde plus isopropanol after three serial water rinses according to manufacturers' rinsing directions. The endoscope material soaked in orthophthalaldehyde produced zones of inhibition even after fifteen serial rinses with water. Orthophthalaldehyde was extracted from the rinsed endoscope material by acetonitrile. These data, and other information, indicate that the high level disinfectant orthophthalaldehyde, also known as 1,2-benzene dialdehyde, cannot be rinsed away from flexible endoscope material with any practical number of rinses with water, or by drying overnight.

The paper describes a project aiming at delivering novel structural health monitoring (SHM) systems capable of taking advantage of the reduction of wiring costs typical of wireless sensor networks and at the same time achieving a further cost reduction by e.g. not relying on a centralized communication gateway architecture. Such novel approaches would deliver a “place-and-forget” SHM solution that would be affordable even for historical structures that are considered of lower importance due to their smaller dimension, lower fame or reduced preservation budget. In order to provide the practitioners in the field of cultural heritage with a tool which goes beyond the mere accumulation of data, but instead provides help in the sense of warnings (e.g. if damaging factors increase) and recommendations for action (e.g. window pening/closing, ventilation on/off, heating on/off, etc.) data fusion and interpretation is implemented within the monitoring system. Three main case studies (located in Berlin - Germany, Schwäbisch Gmünd - Germany, and Bologna - Italy) are used to demonstrate and to validate the work that is done in the core work packages. Three test sites (located in Hebron - West- Bank, Palestine, and Vienna – Austria) served for ethod and system enhancement.

Laboratory and on-site testing activities part on Historical timber elements. NDT methods

A system for studying Z-DNA formation in the Escherichia coli chromosome was developed. Prior investigations in recombinant plasmids showed that alternating (Pur-Pyr) sequences can adopt a left-handed Z-DNA conformation both in vitro and in vivo. We constructed mobile, transposon-based cassettes carrying cloned (Pur-Pyr) sequences containing an EcoRI site in the center. These cassettes were subsequently inserted into different locations in the E. coli chromosome in a random fashion. A number of stable insertions were characterized by Southern analysis and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis mapping. A cloned temperature-sensitive MEcoRI methylase was expressed in trans as the probe to study Z-DNA formation in vivo. In this system, the control EcoRI sites were quickly methylated when cells were placed at the permissive temperature. Strong inhibition of the methylation was observed, however, only for the EcoRI sites embedded in a 56-bp run of (C-G). In contrast, the shorter sequence of 32 bp did not show this behavior. Prior in vitro determinations revealed that the longer tract required less energy to stabilize the Z-helix than the shorter block. We conclude that the observed inhibition of methylation is due to Z-DNA formation in the E. coli chromosome. In vitro, these sequences undergo the B- to Z-DNA transition at a supercoil density of -0.026 for the 56-bp insert and -0.032 for the 32-bp block. Since only the longer (C-G) tract but not the shorter run adopted the left-handed conformation in the chromosome, we propose that these densities establish the boundaries in the different chromosomal loci investigated; these boundaries are in good agreement with the extremes found in plasmids.

Paper presents global feedback linearisation problem for a 3-link underactuated pendulum. Singularities of decoupling matrix are analysed and removed by additional physical parameters requirements. Preliminaries for the class of nonlinear singularity-free feedback linearisation controlled systems are estimated.

Background West Virginia has the worst oral health in the United States, but the reasons for this are unclear. This pilot study explored the etiology of this disparity using culture-independent analyses to identify bacterial species associated with oral disease. Methods Bacteria in subgingival plaque samples from twelve participants in two independent West Virginia dental-related studies were characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM) analysis. Unifrac analysis was used to characterize phylogenetic differences between bacterial communities obtained from plaque of participants with low or high oral disease, which was further evaluated using clustering and Principal Coordinate Analysis. Results Statistically different bacterial signatures (P < 0.001) were identified in subgingival plaque of individuals with low or high oral disease in West Virginia based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Low disease contained a high frequency of Veillonella and Streptococcus, with a moderate number of Capnocytophaga. High disease exhibited substantially increased bacterial diversity and included a large proportion of Clostridiales cluster bacteria (Selenomonas, Eubacterium, Dialister). Phylogenetic trees constructed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that Clostridiales were repeated colonizers in plaque associated with high oral disease, providing evidence that the oral environment is somehow influencing the bacterial signature linked to disease. Conclusions Culture-independent analyses identified an atypical bacterial signature associated with high oral disease in West Virginians and provided evidence that the oral environment influenced this signature. Both findings provide insight into the etiology of the oral disparity in West Virginia.

Hydrogen permeation through unnitrided and nitrided iron membranes was studied by the electrochemical technique. The membranes were charged with hydrogen by cathodic polarization in 0.1 M, NaOH. It was found that nitriding significantly reduced the permeation rate of hydrogen. Diffusivities and concentrations of hydrogen were calculated for an outer compound (nitride) layer, an inner diffusion layer, and an unmodified iron substrate. The reduced absorption of hydrogen by the nitrided membranes was explained in terms of the hindrance of the entry of hydrogen into the compound layer (the surface effect) and the hindrance of its transport in the compound and diffusion layers (the barrier effect).

Group A streptococci (GAS) utilize soluble human complement regulators to evade host complement attack. Here, we characterized the binding of the terminal complement complex inhibitor complement Factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1) and of the C3 convertase regulator Factor H to the streptococcal collagen-like proteins (Scl). CFHR1 and Factor H, but no other member of the Factor H protein family (CFHR2, CFHR3, or CFHR4A), bound to the two streptococcal proteins Scl1.6 and Scl1.55, which are expressed by GAS serotypes M6 and M55. The two human regulators bound to the Scl1 proteins via their conserved C-terminal attachment region, i.e. CFHR1 short consensus repeats 3-5 (SCR3-5) and Factor H SCR18-20. Binding was affected by ionic strength and by heparin. CFHR1 and the C-terminal attachment region of Factor H did not bind to Scl1.1 and Scl2.28 proteins but did bind to intact M1-type and M28-type GAS, which express Scl1.1 and Scl2.28, respectively, thus arguing for the presence of an additional binding mechanism to CFHR1 and Factor H. Furthermore mutations within the C-terminal heparin-binding region and Factor H mutations that are associated with the acute renal disease atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome blocked the interaction with the two streptococcal proteins. Binding of CFHR1 affected the complement regulatory functions of Factor H on the level of the C3 convertase. Apparently, streptococci utilize two types of complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins; type A proteins, as represented by Scl1.6 and Scl1.55, bind to CFHR1 and Factor H via their conserved C-terminal region and do not bind the Factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1). On the contrary, type B proteins, represented by M-, M-like, and the fibronectin-binding protein Fba proteins, bind Factor H and FHL-1 via domain SCR7 and do not bind CFHR1. In conclusion, binding of CFHR1 is at the expense of Factor H-mediated regulatory function at the level of C3 convertase and at the gain of a regulator that controls complement at the level of the C5 convertase and formation of the terminal complement complex.

The balance of essential elements (e.g. carbon [C], nitrogen [N], and phosphorus [P]) between consumers and their resources influences not only the growth and reproduction of the consumers but also the nutrients they regenerate. Flagellate protists are significant predators of aquatic bacteria and directly influence nutrient flow to higher trophic levels and, through excretion, influence the mineral element composition of dissolved nutrients. Because the element stoichiometry of protists is poorly characterized, we varied the resource composition of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens and used it to grow the mixotrophic bacterivorous flagellate Ochromonas danica. Using a mass balance approach, the element composition of O. danica was found to vary depending upon the nutrient composition of the prey and ranged between 482:36:1 and 80:12:1 (C:N:P molar). Homeostasis plots suggested that flagellate protists weakly regulate their element composition and are likely to regenerate different elements depending upon the nature of the element limiting growth of their prey.

Streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) is a virulence factor on the surface of group A Streptococcus (GAS). We have reported previously that several Scl1 proteins derived from various M-type GAS strains, including M41, can bind to low-density lipoprotein, but the Scl1 protein derived from the M6-type GAS strain cannot. Here, we demonstrated that recombinant protein, designated C176, derived from Scl1.41 of the GAS M41-type strain also binds both plasma and purified high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Next, we determined that the intact noncollagenous region of C176 was necessary and sufficient for HDL binding. C176-HDL interaction could be eliminated by the presence of low concentrations of the nonionic detergent, Tween 20, indicating the hydrophobic nature of this interaction. We finally showed that whole GAS cells expressing native Scl1.41 protein absorbed HDL from human plasma in the absence of Tween 20, but M6-type GAS cells did not. Altogether, our results add further evidence to the importance of GAS-lipoprotein binding.

Streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) is a virulence factor on the surface of group A Streptococcus (GAS). We have reported previously that several Scl1 proteins derived from various M-type GAS strains, including M41, can bind to low-density lipoprotein, but the Scl1 protein derived from the M6-type GAS strain cannot. Here, we demonstrated that recombinant protein, designated C176, derived from Scl1.41 of the GAS M41-type strain also binds both plasma and purified high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Next, we determined that the intact noncollagenous region of C176 was necessary and sufficient for HDL binding. C176–HDL interaction could be eliminated by the presence of low concentrations of the nonionic detergent, Tween 20, indicating the hydrophobic nature of this interaction. We finally showed that whole GAS cells expressing native Scl1.41 protein absorbed HDL from human plasma in the absence of Tween 20, but M6-type GAS cells did not. Altogether, our results add further evidence to the importance of GAS–lipoprotein binding.

The streptococcal collagen-like protein-1, Scl1, is widely expressed by the well-recognized human pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS). Screening of human ligands for binding to recombinant Scl1 identified cellular fibronectin and laminin as binding partners. Both ligands interacted with the globular domain of Scl1, which is also able to bind the low-density lipoprotein. Native Scl1 mediated GAS adherence to ligand-coated glass cover slips and promoted GAS internalization into HEp-2 cells. This work identifies new ligands of the Scl1 protein that are known to be important in GAS pathogenesis and suggests a novel ligand-switching mechanism between blood and tissue environments, thereby facilitating host colonization and GAS dissemination.

This paper aims to show how the emerging paradigm, -a new theory of rationality proposed by Beynam and returned by Miguel Martinez- provides important elements in the epistemic foundation of Information Science, including an Information and Documentation System-SID. To this end first will be a conceptual approximation of what is meant by taking the proposed SID Miguel Angel Rendon, then examine the extent of the most important paradigms adopted by the discipline to follow the design of emerging paradigm, to show how this new proposal is based on the tendency to order in open systems, in a systemic ontology and a complementarity of approaches, provides greater understanding of the epistemic aspects of Information Science.

The Bacillus cereus group includes three closely related species, B. anthracis , B. cereus , and B. thuringiensis , which form a highly homogeneous subdivision of the genus Bacillus . One of these species, B. anthracis , has been identified as one of the most probable bacterial biowarfare agents. Here, we evaluate the sequence and length polymorphisms of the Bacillus collagen-like protein bcl genes as a basis for B. anthracis detection and fingerprinting. Five genes, designated bclA to bclE , are present in B. anthracis strains. Examination of bclABCDE sequences identified polymorphisms in bclB alleles of the B. cereus group organisms. These sequence polymorphisms allowed specific detection of B. anthracis strains by PCR using both genomic DNA and purified Bacillus spores in reactions. By exploiting the length variation of the bcl alleles it was demonstrated that the combined bclABCDE PCR products generate markedly different fingerprints for the B. anthracis Ames and Sterne strains. Moreover, we predict that bclABCDE length polymorphism creates unique signatures for B. anthracis strains, which facilitates identification of strains with specificity and confidence. Thus, we present a new diagnostic concept for B. anthracis detection and fingerprinting, which can be used alone or in combination with previously established typing platforms.

Otoneurologic bedside examination with testing eye movements gives valuable information about static and dynamic properties of balance system and may give topodiagnostyc information about the side of lesion in patients with vertigo, dizziness and disequilibrium.was to present the scheme of otoneurological bedside examination and usefulness of ocular motor disturbances index in evaluation of Multiple Sclerosis patients status.Sixty patients with diagnosis of MS, seen in outpatient neurology clinic, Medical University of Lodz, from 2002 to 2004, were enrolled into the study. Patient's history of vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss and vision disturbances were evaluated. The clinical bedside ocularmotor examination was performed in all patients. It was composed of seven tests on the basis on which we introduce ocular motor disturbances index--IRZ.The most frequent abnormalities were found in clinical saccadic test in 30% and smooth pursuit in 22%. MS patients who had in clinical eye movements examination IRZ bigger than 3 point formed the abnormal clinical examination group' (ACE)-- 31.7%. In u 68.3% the index was less than normal clinical examination group' (NCE). The longer duration of the disease was observed in ACE group. Comparisons of functional neurological score EDSS and for cerebellar and brainstem subscale were significantly greater in ACE group.Otoneurological bedside examinations with dynamic tests and introducing quantitative the ocular motor disturbances index is a valuable method of evaluation of visual-ocularmotor reflex and may be used in monitoring MS course of disease.

En la historia de la sociedad moderna –basada en la discriminación económica y en ideas competitivas de poder– la teoría de la evolución darwiniana, por medio de la selección natural de las especies, llegó como una justificación de aptitudes biológicas para su estructura socioeconómica. Pareció que el papel del individuo era contribuir a perpetuar la especie; todo lo que se tenía que hacer era dejar que los fenómenos naturales siguieran su curso. La ciencia, en especial la biología, aparecía justificando la premisa “cualquier cosa por el bien de la humanidad”. In the history of modern society, based on economic discrimination and competitive ideas of power, the Darwinian theory of evolution came as a excuse for their biological socioeconomic structure, through natural selection of species. Apparently the individual role was help to preserve the species, just let the natural phenomena run their course. Science,especially biology, appeared to justify the premise that “anything for the good of mankind”.Key words: Autopoiesis, science, systems development, organzation, theory

In the history of modern society, based on economic discrimination and competitive ideas of power, the Darwinian theory of evolution came as a excuse for their biological socioeconomic structure, through natural selection of species. Apparently the individual role was help to preserve the species, just let the natural phenomena run their course. Science,especially biology, appeared to justify the premise that “anything for the good of mankind”.Key words: Autopoiesis, science, systems development, organzation, theory En la historia de la sociedad moderna –basada en la discriminación económica y en ideas competitivas de poder– la teoría de la evolución darwiniana, por medio de la selección natural de las especies, llegó como una justificación de aptitudes biológicas para su estructura socioeconómica. Pareció que el papel del individuo era contribuir a perpetuar la especie; todo lo que se tenía que hacer era dejar que los fenómenos naturales siguieran su curso. La ciencia, en especial la biología, aparecía justificando la premisa “cualquier cosa por el bien de la humanidad”.

The paper deals with identification of topology errors, i.e. identification of incorrect modelling of the physical connections of a power system, which is one of the most important tasks of the real-time modeling of a power system. The paper presents the method, based on utilization of introduced-by-authors so-called unbalance indices and artificial neural networks. Values of the unbalance indices create characteristic sets for different cases of modeling of branches and nodes of the considered power system. In the paper, analyses of the mentioned sets is made. The analysis allows to point out these cases of topology errors, which can be distinguished by examination of values of the unbalance indices. The analysis gives bases for determination of the cases, for which the considered method is efficient. The presented considerations are illustrated by the case study. At the end, the features of the method are summed up.

Glutaraldehyde and ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) are widely used as the active ingredients of high level disinfectants for heat-sensitive, semicritical medical instruments. However, both of these chemicals have limitations in their spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Glutaraldehyde disinfectants are poorly mycobactericidal, and require impractically long exposure times to kill spore-forming bacteria. OPA disinfectants kill many types of mycobacteria in practical exposure times, but require 32 hours to pass the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) sporicidal test, and do not claim to be sterilants. These could be serious limitations that contribute to the formation of biofilms in endoscopes, after which the endoscopes are difficult to disinfect. The objective of our research was to discover a disinfectant formulation, based on aldehydes, that killed mycobacteria and spore-forming bacteria in a practical exposure time and temperature.Solutions of glutaraldehyde or OPA were prepared with various concentrations of alcohols, sodium and potassium salts, chelating agents, and detergents at alkaline pH values, and tested against cultures of mycobacteria and spore-forming bacteria to find a formulation that would kill these bacteria in practical exposure times at 20 degrees C or 25 degrees C.Concentrations ofor =20% w/w isopropanol andor =8% potassium acetate in combination withor =3.5% w/w glutaraldehyde at alkaline pH values killed 6 log(10) of mycobacteria within 10 minutes at 20 degrees C. Similar combinations killed 6 log(10) of Bacillus subtilis in suspension within 30 minutes at 25 degrees C, and B subtilis within 60 minutes at 20 degrees C. The sporicidal activity of OPA was not increased by combination with isopropanol and potassium acetate salts.Aldahol high-level disinfectant (US FDA K041360), a formulation of 3.5% glutaraldehyde in combination with 20% w/w isopropanol and 8% potassium acetate, kills mycobacteria within 10 minutes at 20 degrees C and kills 6 log(10) of cultures of the spore-forming bacteria B subtilis within 60 minutes at 20 degrees C.

Stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) results in the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), a transcriptional factor associated with carcinogenesis. Proinflammatory cytokines are capable of activating a tumor cell death program by reducing EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation. This study aimed to identify EGFR expression in laryngeal carcinoma and determine the relationship with STAT3 and proinflammatory/regulatory cytokine secretion. An analysis of EGFR expression (membranous EGFR-m and cytoplasmic EGFR-c) was performed in tumor tissues by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in 45 medical cases of laryngeal carcinoma. STAT3 expression in freshly isolated tumor and non-cancerous normal epithelial cells by RT-PCR was analyzed in 24 patients after total larynx resection. The concentrations of TNFalpha, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IFNgamma secreted by purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or contained in whole blood samples were measured by ELISA. The relationship between EGFR and mRNA STAT3 expression as well as the level of secreted cytokines was investigated. In our study, 93.3% tumors expressed EGFR-m and 37.8% EGFR-c. It also revealed a statistically significant dependence of the EGFR status on STAT3 expression in neoplastic tissues. Tumors with IHC EGFR-m positive staining >50% of the total number of cells, as well as with EGFR-c positive staining, were characterized by the most frequent presence of STAT3 expression. Our data demonstrate a significant negative relationship between EGFR-m expression and TNFalpha concentration, and a positive connection between membranous EGFR and IL-8 or IFNgamma levels recorded in isolated PBMCs. Furthermore, this study revealed a significant relationship between EGFR-c immunoexpression and IL-8 or IFNgamma concentration. Our findings have confirmed a key role of EGFR in determining the proliferative and malignant potential of laryngeal carcinoma.

Objective: In natural populations, infection and condition may act synergistically to trigger a vicious circle: poor condition predisposes to host infections, which further reduce condition, and so on. If this vicious circle originates from a reduced resistance to infection, it will not only result in greater proneness to becoming infected of those that are in poorer condition, but it may also cause infections of higher intensity. Here, we investigate the temporal relationship between host condition and intensity of infection by a specific pathogen using as a system the dynamics of the protozoan Trypanosoma microti in field vole (Microtus agrestis) populations. Methods and results: With two years of longitudinal data from three monthly-sampled populations, we evaluated if individuals acquiring a high intensity of infection previously had lower haematological indicators of condition (red blood cells [RBCs] and lymphocyte counts) than those that acquired lower infection intensities. Also, the association of these indicators with past and present trypanosome blood levels was investigated. The individuals that developed high levels of parasitaemia were those that previously had low lymphocyte counts. Greater intensity of infection corresponded with lower RBCs only in low to moderate weight females, and no effect of intensity of infection on lymphocyte counts was observed. However, delayed effects of high trypanosome intensity were seen on both RBCs and lymphocytes. Conclusions: The vicious circle may also result in high infection intensity: individuals in poor condition are not only more likely to become infected by one pathogen; they may also be the most important source of infection for that and for other pathogens, and thus key protagonists for parasite dynamics. Fil: Beldomenico, Pablo Martín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Telfer, Sandra. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Gebert, Stephanie. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Lukomski, Lukasz. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Bennett, Malcolm. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Begon, Michael. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido

Recent studies have provided evidence that endemic pathogens may affect dynamics in animals. However, such studies have not typically considered that infected individuals might have a preceding underlying poor condition. We examined whether individuals in poor condition are more likely to become infected by an endemic pathogen, using as a system the dynamics of cowpox virus in field voles. With data from monthly sampled vole populations, a nested case-control study evaluated whether susceptible individuals with poorer condition had higher probabilities of contracting cowpox. The influence of condition was found to be considerable, especially for males. At times when a susceptible male with good body condition had a relatively low probability of becoming infected, a susceptible male with poor body condition was twice as likely to contract cowpox; if this male was also anaemic, the chances were almost quadrupled. We discuss the care needed when interpreting the findings of wildlife disease studies. Fil: Beldomenico, Pablo Martín. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina Fil: Telfer, S.. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Lukomski, L.. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Gebert, S.. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Bennett, M.. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido Fil: Begon, M.. University of Liverpool; Reino Unido

In studied analyzed role of the cytokines in pathology of neoplasms of various origin the importance of these proteins in regulation of immunocompetent cells function has been described. The aim of this study was to estimate of cho sen cytokines concentration produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in whole blood in patients with laryngeal carcinoma and to analyze the connection of cytokines profile with clinicopathological features. MATERIALA AND METHODS: 55 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated at ENT Department Medical University of Lodz between 2003-2007 were analyzed. For estimation of cytokine secretion the cultures of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (T lymphocytes) and the whole blood were established. Production of cytokines in supernatants was detected by Elisa. Connections with clinicomorphological features (pT, pN, Anneroth, Batsakis i Lunas' classification) were analyzed.Authors reported statistical correlation between chosen cytokines concentration and clinicomorphological parameters: pT and IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha produced by isolated cells and IL-2, IL-6, TNFa and IFNgamma in whole blood, pN and IL-8, IL-10, IFNgamma; ABL score and IL-6, TNFalpha, IFNgamma produced by isolated cells and IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNFalpha, IFNgamma in whole blood.Our studied indicated the important influence of proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines produced by immunocompetent cells for course of neoplasm disease, aggressiveness and advance in laryngeal carcinoma.

Tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon and represent 2-4% of head and neck neoplasms. Most tumors originate in the parotid gland, from which 10 to 15% are found to be malignant. Different methods of surgical treatment can be performed depending on the type, localization and size of tumor.Retrospective analysis of the medical data of 138 patients with parotid gland tumors who where treated in our departament between 1997-2007 was done.There were 74 women and 64 men. Benign tumors were found in 104 patients with the pleomorphic adenoma as the most common (53 cases). The rest histological type were Whartin's tumor, myoepithelial and basal cell adenoma respectively. Malignant neoplasms were diagnosed in 16 patients, most commonly mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The most frequent localization of the tumor after dividing the parotid gland into four parts was postero-inferior pole. 68 patients (49.27%) had superficial parotidectomy, extracapsular dissection was performed in 65 cases (47.1%).Frequency of tumors of the parotid gland, their histological types and methods of surgical treatment in our data support other studies. Ultrasonography is the key procedure in the diagnosis of tumors of the parotid gland, qualification into surgical treatment and postoperative observation. In extracapsular dissection the risk of the facial nerve paralysis is lower than in other technics.

Vascular malformations are the most common anomalies appearing from birth to any adulthood. They are not clinically and morphologically homogenous group. They may occur at different place but most often in the subcutaneous or submucous space in the oral cavity, pharynx, the paranasal sinuses and nose. The aim of this study was to present the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of head and neck vascular malformations in patients hospitalized in ENT Department University of Lodz from 2001 to 2006. From 17 patients with vascular malformations we choose four to careful evaluation. Two patients had neck vascular malformation, two had the paranasal and nose sinuses tumors. Presented lesions were categorized as "low-flow" vascular malformation. In two cases there was vascular and lymphatic malformation, deeply located in the neck. In two cases arisen in the nose and the paranasal sinuses, there were capillary and cavernous types. We pointed out the clinical signs and diagnostic problems in deep vascular tumors and bleeding risk concerning treatment procedure. Even a needle biopsy and radiological imagining did not confirm the preoperative diagnosis. CT and MRI is recommended to delineate the extend the lesion, and evaluation of its special anatomical location, surrounding arteries, vessels and important neck structure prior to surgery. In the paranasal and nose tumor CT could show bone destructions as well.Surgical careful excision has been favorable in depth neck laying and extended paranasal and nose vascular malformation. Because of the risk of bleeding careful hemostasis are important challenges in the surgical removal, so embolization is preferred in some cases.

Occult foci of neoplasm cells in lymph nodes (referred to as micrometastases) in various squamous cell carcinomas may be discovered by immunohistochemistry by using anti-CKs (cytokeratine filaments) policlonal antibodies which reactive with epithelial cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic family enzymes represent a group of endopeptidases which are capable to degrading components of the extracellular matrix and have been implicated as playing an important role in cancer invasion and metastases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological parameters and to investigate MT1-MMP expression in laryngeal carcinoma to relate the expression to CKs in pN0 lymph nodes.To presented the direct correlation between the morphological features of tumor front and the probability of micrometastases and prediction of prognosis we have analyzed 22 patients operated for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. The total score of TFG classification, tumor clinicomorphological features and grade of matrix metalloproteinase membrane type 1 staining in tumor front were analyzed to predict the presence of micrometastases and prognosis. Immunohistochemical methods with a panel of CKs antigens in lymph nodes and MT1-MMP expression in tumor tissue were performed.Our study showed that the total morphologic score TFG is very useful in the prediction of micrometastases in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The statistical analysis has revealed a significant correlation between the total TFG score and the depth of invasion and the presence of micrometastases. Positive MT1-MMP expression in 68.2% cases was observed. There was no significant relationship for immunoexpression of MT1-MMP in examined group of patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma and positive poliCKs stain in lymph nodes.The results of study suggest that extended traditional pathologic evaluation by features from the TFG classification, especially the depth of invasion, could aid in diagnosis of micrometastases. The positive expression of poliCKs in the conventional pathological examination of pN0 lymph nodes appears to play an important role in determining prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the larynx.

Authors introduced diagnostic procedures, clinico-morphological features and treatment results of 16 cases of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses inverted papillomas treated surgically on Department of Laryngological Oncology of Medical University of Lodz between 2002-2006. References review, definition, classification, clinico-hiostopathological criteria and treatment methods of Schneiderian papilloma were introduced in study.

The most important mechanism of host humoral immunity in antitumor response is cytokines activity produced by T lymphocytes. The aim of this preliminary study was estimation of IL-6 and IL-8 serum concentration in patients with squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma and analysis of indirect influence of neoplasm cells to the function of T lymphocytes and modification of proinflammatory cytokines profile.7 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated at ENT Department Medical University of Lodź between 2003-2005 were analyzed. For estimation of proinflammatory cytokine secretion the cocultures of isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes, centrum and margin neoplasm cells and noncancerous cells were established. Production of cytokines in supernatants was detected by Elisa.Authors reported that in vitro epithelial cells of the larynx is able to secrete of IL-8, but not IL-6. The presence of normal epithelial cells and carcinoma cells in lymphocyte culture may increase concentration of IL-6 and IL-8 especially with normal laryngeal epithelium cells.Laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells could modified T lymphocytes activity and production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8.

This paper presents the project SMooHS, Smart Monitoring of Historic Structures, which brings together scientists from 7 countries working to establish a competitive and simple to use monitoring technique based on wireless sensors. The proposal aims to deliver novel structural health monitoring (SHM) systems capable of taking advantage of the reduction of wiring costs typical of wireless sensor networks and at the same time achieving a further cost reduction by e.g. not relying on a centralized communication gateway architecture. Such novel approaches would deliver a “place-and-forget” SHM solution. Although the market offers a large number of different sensors their applicability for long-term monitoring of cultural heritage has not been validated in detail. Especially the long term stability and the reliability of the measured data might be problematic. In order to provide the practitioner in the field of cultural heritage with a tool which goes beyond the mere accumulation of data, but instead provides help in the sense of warnings (e.g. if damaging factors increase) and recommendations for action (e.g. window opening/closing, ventilation on/off, heating on/off, etc.) data fusion and interpretation is implemented within the monitoring system. Three main case studies (located in Berlin - Germany, Schwäbisch Gmünd - Germany, and Bologna - Italy) are planned to be used to demonstrate and to validate the work that is done in the core work packages. Three test sites (located in Jarash - Jordan, Hebron - West-Bank, Palestine, and Vienna – Austria) serve for method and system enhancement. The proposed wireless system is user friendly, to be used by practitioners in the field, modular (modules for specific questions arising at the object to be monitored and sensor combinations), open source, for maximum transparency and open for extensions and new modules. The modularity and open source concept are most important for making a dynamic tool, which can be updated and broadened continuously with new research results, both from partners within this project team and from other research groups with their special expertise. However, the system needs to be simple taking also the low budget available in many cases for such a system into account.