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Words of Tohkaku Wada: medical heritage in Japan

PubMed Central

Matsumoto, M.; Inoue, K.; Kajii, E.

2001-01-01

The origins of Japan's medical ideas, which are deeply rooted in its religion, culture and history, are not widely understood in medical societies of other countries. We have taken up the task of summarising this tradition here so that some insight can be gained into the unique issues that characterise the practice of medicine in Japan. We borrow from the sayings of Tohkaku Wada, a medical philosopher of late eighteenth-century Japan, for a look at Japanese medical tradition. Wada's medical thought was very much reflective of the Buddhism, Zen, and swordsmanship that informed eighteenth-century philosophy in Japan. His central concepts were "chu" and "sei", that is, complete and selfless dedication to the patient and the practice of medicine. This paper explores Wada's thought, explaining it mainly from the standpoint of Japanese traditional culture. Key Words: Tohkaku Wada • ethics • philosophy • Buddhism • Zen • Japan PMID:11233381
Words of Tohkaku Wada: medical heritage in Japan.

PubMed

Matsumoto, M; Inoue, K; Kajii, E

2001-02-01

The origins of Japan's medical ideas, which are deeply rooted in its religion, culture and history, are not widely understood in medical societies of other countries. We have taken up the task of summarising this tradition here so that some insight can be gained into the unique issues that characterise the practice of medicine in Japan. We borrow from the sayings of Tohkaku Wada, a medical philosopher of late eighteenth-century Japan, for a look at Japanese medical tradition. Wada's medical thought was very much reflective of the Buddhism, Zen, and swordsmanship that informed eighteenth-century philosophy in Japan. His central concepts were "chu" and "sei", that is, complete and selfless dedication to the patient and the practice of medicine. This paper explores Wada's thought, explaining it mainly from the standpoint of Japanese traditional culture.
Prediction of seizure-onset laterality by using Wada memory asymmetries in pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates.

PubMed

Lee, Gregory P; Park, Yong D; Hempel, Ann; Westerveld, Michael; Loring, David W

2002-09-01

Because the capacity of intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) memory assessment to predict seizure-onset laterality in children has not been thoroughly investigated, three comprehensive epilepsy surgery centers pooled their data and examined Wada memory asymmetries to predict side of seizure onset in children being considered for epilepsy surgery. One hundred fifty-two children with intractable epilepsy underwent Wada testing. Although the type and number of memory stimuli and methods varied at each institution, all children were presented with six to 10 items soon after amobarbital injection. After return to neurologic baseline, recognition memory for the stimuli was assessed. Seizure onset was determined by simultaneous video-EEG recordings of multiple seizures. In children with unilateral temporal lobe seizures (n = 87), Wada memory asymmetries accurately predicted seizure laterality to a statistically significant degree. Wada memory asymmetries also correctly predicted side of seizure onset in children with extra-temporal lobe seizures (n = 65). Although individual patient prediction accuracy was statistically significant in temporal lobe cases, onset laterality was incorrectly predicted in < or =52% of children with left temporal lobe seizure onset, depending on the methods and asymmetry criterion used. There also were significant differences between Wada prediction accuracy across the three epilepsy centers. Results suggest that Wada memory assessment is useful in predicting side of seizure onset in many children. However, Wada memory asymmetries should be interpreted more cautiously in children than in adults.
Temporal lobe volume predicts Wada memory test performance in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis.

PubMed

Ding, Kan; Gong, Yunhua; Modur, Pradeep N; Diaz-Arrastia, Ramon; Agostini, Mark; Gupta, Puneet; McColl, Roderick; Hays, Ryan; Van Ness, Paul

2016-02-01

The Wada test is widely used in the presurgical evaluation of potential temporal lobectomy patients to predict postoperative memory function. Expected asymmetry (EA), defined as Wada memory lateralized to the nonsurgical hemisphere, or a higher score after injection of the surgical hemisphere would be considered favorable in terms of postoperative memory outcome. However, in some cases, nonlateralized memory (NM) results, with no appreciable asymmetry, may occur because of impaired scores after both injections, often leading to denial of surgery. The reason for such nonlateralized Wada memory in patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remains unclear. Given that quantitative morphometric magnetic resonance imaging studies in TLE patients have shown bilateral regional atrophy in temporal and extratemporal structures, we hypothesized that the volume loss in contralateral temporal structures could contribute to nonlateralized Wada memory performance. To investigate this, we examined the relationship between the volume changes of temporal structures and Wada memory scores in patients with intractable TLE with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) using an age- and gender-matched control group. Memory was considered nonlateralized if the absolute difference in the total correct recall scores between ipsilateral and contralateral injections was <11%. Among 21 patients, Wada memory was lateralized in 15 and nonlateralized in 6 patients, with all the nonlateralized scores being observed in left TLE. The recall scores after ipsilateral injection were significantly lower in patients with an NM profile than an EA profile (23 ± 14% vs. 59 ± 18% correct recall, p ≤ 0.001). However, the recall scores after contralateral injection were low but similar between the two groups (25 ± 17% vs. 25 ± 15% correct recall, p=0.97). Compared to controls, all the patients showed greater volume loss in the temporal regions. However, patients with a NM profile showed
Newton's Method and the Wada Property: A Graphical Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frame, Michael; Neger, Nial

2007-01-01

Imagine trying to paint a picture with three colors--say red, blue, and yellow--with a blue region between any red and yellow regions, a red region between any blue and yellow regions, and a yellow region between any red and blue regions, down to infinitely fine details. Regions arranged in this way satisfy what is called the Wada property. At…
Can fMRI safely replace the Wada test for preoperative assessment of language lateralisation? A meta-analysis and systematic review.

PubMed

Bauer, Prisca R; Reitsma, Johannes B; Houweling, Bernard M; Ferrier, Cyrille H; Ramsey, Nick F

2014-05-01

Recent studies have shown that fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) may be of value for pre-surgical assessment of language lateralisation. The aim of this study was to systematically review and analyse the available literature. A systematic electronic search for studies comparing fMRI with Wada testing was conducted in the PubMed database between March 2009 and November 2011. Studies involving unilateral Wada testing, study population consisting exclusively of children younger than 12 years of age or involving five patients or fewer were excluded. 22 studies (504 patients) were included. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted to obtain pooled estimates of the positive and negative predictive values of the fMRI using the Wada test as the reference standard. The impact of several study features on the performance of fMRI was assessed. The results showed that 81% of patients were correctly classified as having left or right language dominance or mixed language representation. Techniques were discordant in 19% of patients. fMRI and Wada test agreed in 94% for typical language lateralisation and in 51% for atypical language lateralisation. Language production or language comprehension tasks and different regions of interest did not yield statistically significant different results. It can be concluded that fMRI is reliable when there is strong left-lateralised language. The Wada test is warranted when fMRI fails to show clear left-lateralisation.
Functional MR imaging or Wada test: which is the better predictor of individual postoperative memory outcome?

PubMed

Dupont, Sophie; Duron, Emmanuelle; Samson, Séverine; Denos, Marisa; Volle, Emmanuelle; Delmaire, Christine; Navarro, Vincent; Chiras, Jacques; Lehéricy, Stéphane; Samson, Yves; Baulac, Michel

2010-04-01

To retrospectively determine whether blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can aid prediction of postoperative memory changes in epileptic patients after temporal lobe surgery. This study was approved by the local ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Data were analyzed from 25 patients (12 women, 13 men; age range, 19-52 years) with refractory epilepsy in whom temporal lobe surgery was performed after they underwent preoperative functional MR imaging, the Wada test, and neuropsychological testing. The functional MR imaging protocol included three different memory tasks (24-hour delayed recognition, encoding, and immediate recognition). Individual activations were measured in medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions of both hemispheres. The prognostic accuracy of functional MR imaging for prediction of postoperative memory changes was compared with the accuracy of the Wada test and preoperative neuropsychological testing by using a backward multiple regression analysis. An equation that was based on left functional MR imaging MTL activation during delayed recognition, side of the epileptic focus, and preoperative global verbal memory score was used to correctly predict worsening of verbal memory in 90% of patients. The right functional MR imaging MTL activation did not substantially correlate with the nonverbal memory outcome, which was only predicted by using the preoperative nonverbal global score. Wada test data were not good predictors of changes in either verbal or nonverbal memory. Findings suggest that functional MR imaging activation during a delayed-recognition task is a better predictor of individual postoperative verbal memory outcome than is the Wada test. RSNA, 2010
Geolocalisation of athletes for out-of-competition drug testing: ethical considerations. Position statement by the WADA Ethics Panel

PubMed Central

Caulfield, Timothy; Estivill, Xavier; Loland, Sigmund; McNamee, Michael; Knoppers, Bartha Maria

2018-01-01

Through the widespread availability of location-identifying devices, geolocalisation could potentially be used to place athletes during out-of-competition testing. In light of this debate, the WADA Ethics Panel formulated the following questions: (1) should WADA and/or other sponsors consider funding such geolocalisation research projects?, (2) if successful, could they be proposed to athletes as a complementary device to Anti-Doping Administration and Management System to help geolocalisation and reduce the risk of missed tests? and (3) should such devices be offered on a voluntary basis, or is it conceivable that they would be made mandatory for all athletes in registered testing pools? In this position paper, the WADA Ethics Panel concludes that the use of geolocalisation could be useful in a research setting with the goal of understanding associations between genotype, phenotype and environment; however, it recognises that the use of geolocalisation as part of or as replacement of whereabouts rules is replete with ethical concerns. While benefits remain largely hypothetical and minimal, the potential invasion of privacy and the data security threats are real. Considering the impact on privacy, data security issues, the societal ramifications of offering such services and various pragmatic considerations, the WADA Ethics Panel concludes that at this time, the use of geolocalisation should neither be mandated as a tool for disclosing whereabouts nor implemented on a voluntary basis. PMID:29500253
Geolocalisation of athletes for out-of-competition drug testing: ethical considerations. Position statement by the WADA Ethics Panel.

PubMed

Borry, Pascal; Caulfield, Timothy; Estivill, Xavier; Loland, Sigmund; McNamee, Michael; Knoppers, Bartha Maria

2018-04-01

Through the widespread availability of location-identifying devices, geolocalisation could potentially be used to place athletes during out-of-competition testing. In light of this debate, the WADA Ethics Panel formulated the following questions: (1) should WADA and/or other sponsors consider funding such geolocalisation research projects?, (2) if successful, could they be proposed to athletes as a complementary device to Anti-Doping Administration and Management System to help geolocalisation and reduce the risk of missed tests? and (3) should such devices be offered on a voluntary basis, or is it conceivable that they would be made mandatory for all athletes in registered testing pools? In this position paper, the WADA Ethics Panel concludes that the use of geolocalisation could be useful in a research setting with the goal of understanding associations between genotype, phenotype and environment; however, it recognises that the use of geolocalisation as part of or as replacement of whereabouts rules is replete with ethical concerns. While benefits remain largely hypothetical and minimal, the potential invasion of privacy and the data security threats are real. Considering the impact on privacy, data security issues, the societal ramifications of offering such services and various pragmatic considerations, the WADA Ethics Panel concludes that at this time, the use of geolocalisation should neither be mandated as a tool for disclosing whereabouts nor implemented on a voluntary basis. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
[The classic text Sugiyama Sindenryu, as re-compiled by Masanaga Wada].

PubMed

Oura, Hiromasa; Ichikawa, Yuri

2009-09-01

Sugiyama acupuncture style was developed from 1688-1704 by Waichi Sugiyama and his students. This style emerged as one of the major styles of Japanese acupuncture. The classical text Sugiyama Shindenryu_describes the techniques of the Sugiyama style. It was compiled for the successors of Waichi Sugiyama 1698-1743. The existence of this text was known only through an outline found in a mimeographed book in 1928. In 2003, Sugiyama Shindenryu was found by the Kenshoukai Association. Dr. Oura and Dr. Kosodo called this text the "Kenshoukai Bon" which was the only surviving complete text of Sugiyama Shindenryu. In 2008, another copy of Sugiyama Shindenryu was found by Doueki Ogura in his personal library and is known as the "Ogura Zou Bon" text. In this article, I would like to examine the Sugiyama Shindenryu texts in a comparative study of the "Kenshoukai Bon" text and the "Ogura Zou Bon" text. From our results, we would like to point out new three discoveries. (1) The "Kenshoukai Bon" text was recompiled from 1868-1870 by Masanaga Wada. (2) Masanaga Wada was a successor of Waichi Sugiyama. (3) The "Ogura Zou Bon" text is the surviving style of an original text from before the time it was recompiled.
Is functional MR imaging assessment of hemispheric language dominance as good as the Wada test?: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Dym, R Joshua; Burns, Judah; Freeman, Katherine; Lipton, Michael L

2011-11-01

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively assess functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging lateralization of language function in comparison with the Wada test. This study was determined to be exempt from review by the institutional review board. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A structured Medline search was conducted to identify all studies that compared functional MR imaging with the Wada test for determining hemispheric language dominance prior to brain surgery. Studies meeting predetermined inclusion criteria were selected independently by two radiologists who also assessed their quality using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. Language dominance was classified as typical (left hemispheric language dominance) or atypical (right hemispheric language dominance or bilateral language representation) for each patient. A meta-analysis was then performed by using a bivariate random-effects model to derive estimates of sensitivity and specificity, with Wada as the standard of reference. Subgroup analyses were also performed to compare the different functional MR imaging techniques utilized by the studies. Twenty-three studies, comprising 442 patients, met inclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity of functional MR imaging for atypical language dominance (compared with the Wada test) were 83.5% (95% confidence interval: 80.2%, 86.7%) and 88.1% (95% confidence interval: 87.0%, 89.2%), respectively. Functional MR imaging provides an excellent, noninvasive alternative for language lateralization and should be considered for the initial preoperative assessment of hemispheric language dominance. Further research may help determine which functional MR methods are most accurate for specific patient populations. RSNA, 2011
Roles of the Wada Test and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Identifying the Language-dominant Hemisphere among Patients with Gliomas Located near Speech Areas.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Tatsuya; Muragaki, Yoshihiro; Maruyama, Takashi; Abe, Kayoko; Kawamata, Takakazu

2017-01-15

This study examined the accuracy of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in identifying the language-dominant hemisphere and the situations in which the Wada test can be skipped among patients with gliomas located near speech areas. We examined 74 patients [48 men (64.9%); mean ± standard deviation age of 42.7 ± 13.6 years (range: 13 to 70 years); 71 right-handed, 2 left-handed, and 1 ambidextrous] with gliomas located near speech areas. All patients underwent the Wada test and fMRI, and 34 patients underwent awake surgery. The "last-and-first" task was administered during fMRI. The Wada test was successful in determining the language-dominant hemisphere in 73 patients (98.6%): left hemisphere in 68 patients (91.9%), right hemisphere in 4 patients (5.4%), and bilateral in 1 patient (1.4%). The dominant hemisphere for right-handed patients (n = 71) was the left hemisphere in 67 patients (94.3%), right hemisphere in 3 patients (4.2%), and undetectable in 1 patient (1.4%). The fMRI was successful in determining the language-dominant hemisphere in 53 patients (71.6%). The results of the Wada test and fMRI were inconsistent in 5 patients (8.6%), of which 3 (5.2%) exhibited dominance in opposite hemispheres. Furthermore, 2 of these 3 cases (2.7%) were contralateral false positive cases, whereby fMRI identified the right-hemisphere as language dominant for right-handed individuals with tumors in the left hemisphere. Based on these findings, we concluded that the Wada test can be skipped if language dominancy can be detected by fMRI.
Pharmacology of stimulants prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

PubMed Central

Docherty, J R

2008-01-01

This review examines the pharmacology of stimulants prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Stimulants that increase alertness/reduce fatigue or activate the cardiovascular system can include drugs like ephedrine available in many over-the-counter medicines. Others such as amphetamines, cocaine and hallucinogenic drugs, available on prescription or illegally, can modify mood. A total of 62 stimulants (61 chemical entities) are listed in the WADA List, prohibited in competition. Athletes may have stimulants in their body for one of three main reasons: inadvertent consumption in a propriety medicine; deliberate consumption for misuse as a recreational drug and deliberate consumption to enhance performance. The majority of stimulants on the list act on the monoaminergic systems: adrenergic (sympathetic, transmitter noradrenaline), dopaminergic (transmitter dopamine) and serotonergic (transmitter serotonin, 5-HT). Sympathomimetic describes agents, which mimic sympathetic responses, and dopaminomimetic and serotoninomimetic can be used to describe actions on the dopamine and serotonin systems. However, many agents act to mimic more than one of these monoamines, so that a collective term of monoaminomimetic may be useful. Monoaminomimietic actions of stimulants can include blockade of re-uptake of neurotransmitter, indirect release of neurotransmitter, direct activation of monoaminergic receptors. Many of the stimulants are amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives, including agents with abuse potential as recreational drugs. A number of agents are metabolized to amphetamine or metamphetamine. In addition to the monoaminomimetic agents, a small number of agents with different modes of action are on the list. A number of commonly used stimulants are not considered as Prohibited Substances. PMID:18500382
FMRI Is a Valid Noninvasive Alternative to Wada Testing

PubMed Central

Binder, Jeffrey R.

2010-01-01

Partial removal of the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) is a highly effective surgical treatment for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy, yet roughly half of patients who undergo left ATL resection show decline in language or verbal memory function postoperatively. Two recent studies demonstrate that preoperative fMRI can predict postoperative naming and verbal memory changes in such patients. Most importantly, fMRI significantly improves the accuracy of prediction relative to other noninvasive measures used alone. Addition of language and memory lateralization data from the intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) test did not improve prediction accuracy in these studies. Thus, fMRI provides patients and practitioners with a safe, non-invasive, and well-validated tool for making better-informed decisions regarding elective surgery based on a quantitative assessment of cognitive risk. PMID:20850386
Determination of hemispheric language dominance using functional magnetic resonance imaging and the Shiritori (Japanese word chain) task in patients with epilepsy: Comparison with the Wada test.

PubMed

Kashida, Yumi; Otsubo, Toshiaki; Hanaya, Ryosuke; Kodabashi, Atsushi; Tsumagari, Noriko; Sugata, Sei; Hosoyama, Hiroshi; Iida, Koji; Nakamura, Katsumi; Tokimura, Hiroshi; Fujimoto, Toshiro; Arita, Kazunori

2016-08-01

The Wada test has been the gold standard for determining hemispheric language dominance (HLD) in the presurgical evaluation of patients scheduled for neurosurgical procedures. As it poses inherent risks associated with intra-arterial catheter techniques and as it occasionally fails to indicate language dominance, an alternative reliable test is needed. We quantitatively assessed the results of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using the Shiritori task, a Japanese word chain, to identify the threshold for correctly predicting HLD. The subjects were 28 patients with intractable epilepsy scheduled to undergo the Wada test and focus resection. We set the region of interest (ROI) on the bilateral Brodmann areas 44 and 45 (BA 44 and 45). To compare the functional activity at both ROIs we calculated the language laterality index (LI) using the formula: [VL-VR]/[VL+VR]×100, where VL and VR indicated the number of activated voxels in the left and right ROIs, respectively. As 2 patients were excluded due to the lack of activation in either ROI, the final study population consisted of 26 patients. By the Wada test, HLD was left in 20, right in 3, and equivocal in 3. At a cut-off of LI+50, the predictive sensitivity and specificity for left HLD were 85% (17/20) and 100%; right HLD was predicted in a single patient (sensitivity 33.3%, specificity 100%). The fMRI using the Shiritori task showed good activation in ROI of BA 44 and 45. At a cut-off of LI+50, LI of BA 44 and 45 predicted HLD identified by the Wada test with high specificity. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Bilateral capacity for speech sound processing in auditory comprehension: evidence from Wada procedures.

PubMed

Hickok, G; Okada, K; Barr, W; Pa, J; Rogalsky, C; Donnelly, K; Barde, L; Grant, A

2008-12-01

Data from lesion studies suggest that the ability to perceive speech sounds, as measured by auditory comprehension tasks, is supported by temporal lobe systems in both the left and right hemisphere. For example, patients with left temporal lobe damage and auditory comprehension deficits (i.e., Wernicke's aphasics), nonetheless comprehend isolated words better than one would expect if their speech perception system had been largely destroyed (70-80% accuracy). Further, when comprehension fails in such patients their errors are more often semantically-based, than-phonemically based. The question addressed by the present study is whether this ability of the right hemisphere to process speech sounds is a result of plastic reorganization following chronic left hemisphere damage, or whether the ability exists in undamaged language systems. We sought to test these possibilities by studying auditory comprehension in acute left versus right hemisphere deactivation during Wada procedures. A series of 20 patients undergoing clinically indicated Wada procedures were asked to listen to an auditorily presented stimulus word, and then point to its matching picture on a card that contained the target picture, a semantic foil, a phonemic foil, and an unrelated foil. This task was performed under three conditions, baseline, during left carotid injection of sodium amytal, and during right carotid injection of sodium amytal. Overall, left hemisphere injection led to a significantly higher error rate than right hemisphere injection. However, consistent with lesion work, the majority (75%) of these errors were semantic in nature. These findings suggest that auditory comprehension deficits are predominantly semantic in nature, even following acute left hemisphere disruption. This, in turn, supports the hypothesis that the right hemisphere is capable of speech sound processing in the intact brain.
Evolution of the Structure and Mechanical Strength of a Coal Particle During Combustion in the Atmosphere of Air and the Mixture of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide / Ewolucja Struktury Oraz Wytrzymałości Mechanicznej Ziarna Węgla Podczas Spalania W Atmosferze Powietrza Oraz Mieszaninie Tlenu I Dwutlenku Węgla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pełka, Piotr; Golański, Grzegorz; Wieczorek, Paweł

2013-09-01

The research was conducted on the basis of four different types of hard coal and one type of brown coal. There are typical coals commonly used as fuel in Polish CFB boilers. The combustion process was conducted at a temperature of 850°C and the atmosphere of ambient air as well as in the mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide in different proportions. The research was carried out using specially prepared cubical coal particles with measurements of 15×15mm and also 10×10 mm. The change of the mechanical properties was analyzed based on three parameters, i.e. compression strength, Vickers hardness and fracture toughness. The analysis was supplemented by microscopic images of the surface of the particles using an atomic force microscope. The results obtained clearly indicated the mechanical changes of the coal during its combustion, particularly at the moment of ignition of the char. Moreover, the results correlate very well with the processes of coal comminution that have been described by other authors (Basu, 1999; Chirone et al., 1991) during combustion in the circulating fluidized bed and also explain the sudden change of susceptibility to erosion in the conditions with and without combustion. The measured values can be used as strength parameters in the modelling of the mass loss of coal particles in conditions of circulating fluidized bed combustor that are hard to describe. Badania przeprowadzono na podstawie czterech węgli kamiennych różnego typu oraz jednego węgla brunatnego. Są to typowe węgle energetyczne wykorzystywane powszechnie jako paliwo w kotłach fluidyzacyjnych w Polsce. Proces spalania był prowadzony w temperaturze 850°C w atmosferze powietrza atmosferycznego oraz w atmosferze mieszaniny tlenu oraz dwutlenku węgla w różnych proporcjach. Badania przeprowadzono na spreparowanych do tego celu sześciennych próbkach węgla o wymiarach 15×15 mm oraz 10×10 mm. Zmianę własności mechanicznych przeanalizowano w oparciu o trzy parametry
Rethinking of the heuristic-analytic dual process theory: a comment on Wada and Nittono (2004) and the reasoning process in the Wason selection task.

PubMed

Cardaci, Maurizio; Misuraca, Raffaella

2005-08-01

This paper raises some methodological problems in the dual process explanation provided by Wada and Nittono for their 2004 results using the Wason selection task. We maintain that the Nittono rethinking approach is weak and that it should be refined to grasp better the evidence of analytic processes.
A voxel-based asymmetry study of the relationship between hemispheric asymmetry and language dominance in Wada tested patients.

PubMed

Keller, Simon S; Roberts, Neil; Baker, Gus; Sluming, Vanessa; Cezayirli, Enis; Mayes, Andrew; Eldridge, Paul; Marson, Anthony G; Wieshmann, Udo C

2018-03-23

Determining the anatomical basis of hemispheric language dominance (HLD) remains an important scientific endeavor. The Wada test remains the gold standard test for HLD and provides a unique opportunity to determine the relationship between HLD and hemispheric structural asymmetries on MRI. In this study, we applied a whole-brain voxel-based asymmetry (VBA) approach to determine the relationship between interhemispheric structural asymmetries and HLD in a large consecutive sample of Wada tested patients. Of 135 patients, 114 (84.4%) had left HLD, 10 (7.4%) right HLD, and 11 (8.2%) bilateral language representation. Fifty-four controls were also studied. Right-handed controls and right-handed patients with left HLD had comparable structural brain asymmetries in cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar regions that have previously been documented in healthy people. However, these patients and controls differed in structural asymmetry of the mesial temporal lobe and a circumscribed region in the superior temporal gyrus, suggesting that only asymmetries of these regions were due to brain alterations caused by epilepsy. Additional comparisons between patients with left and right HLD, matched for type and location of epilepsy, revealed that structural asymmetries of insula, pars triangularis, inferior temporal gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex, ventral temporo-occipital cortex, mesial somatosensory cortex, and mesial cerebellum were significantly associated with the side of HLD. Patients with right HLD and bilateral language representation were significantly less right-handed. These results suggest that structural asymmetries of an insular-fronto-temporal network may be related to HLD. © 2018 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wada testing reveals frontal lateralization for the memorization of words and faces.

PubMed

Kelley, W M; Ojemann, J G; Wetzel, R D; Derdeyn, C P; Moran, C J; Cross, D T; Dowling, J L; Miller, J W; Petersen, S E

2002-01-01

Neuroimaging studies have suggested that specific regions of the frontal and medial temporal cortex are engaged during memory formation. Further, there is specialization across these regions such that verbal materials appear to preferentially engage the left regions while nonverbal materials primarily engage the right regions. An open question, however, has been to what extent frontal regions contribute to successful memory formation. The present study investigates this question using a reversible lesion technique known as the Wada test. Patients memorized words and unfamiliar faces while portions of their left and right hemispheres were temporarily anesthetized with sodium amytal. Subsequent memory tests revealed that faces were remembered better than words following left-hemisphere anesthesia, whereas words were remembered better than faces following right-hemisphere anesthesia. Importantly, inspection of the circulation affected by the amytal further suggests that these memory impairments did not result from direct anesthetization of the medial temporal regions. Taken in the context of the imaging findings, these results suggest that frontal regions may also contribute to memory formation in normal performance.

Near-infrared spectroscopic study and the Wada test for presurgical evaluation of expressive and receptive language functions in glioma patients: with a case report of dissociated language functions.

PubMed

Sato, Yosuke; Uzuka, Takeo; Aoki, Hiroshi; Natsumeda, Manabu; Oishi, Makoto; Fukuda, Masafumi; Fujii, Yukihiko

2012-02-29

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has proven to be useful for the evaluation of language lateralization in healthy subjects, infants, and epileptic patients. This study for the first time investigated the expressive and receptive language functions separately, using NIRS in presurgical glioma patients. We also describe a special case with dissociated pattern of language functions. Ten glioma patients were examined. Using NIRS, the hemodynamic changes during a verb generation task or story listening task were measured in the cerebral hemisphere on either side covering the language areas. Following the NIRS study, the Wada test was performed in all the patients. The NIRS study revealed increases of oxyhemoglobin and decreases of deoxyhemoglobin in the language areas elicited by both tasks. In 9 patients, who were all right-handed, the expressive and receptive language functions were lateralized to the left hemisphere. The results of the NIRS study were completely consistent with those of the Wada test. In the remaining 1 patient with a right sided insular glioma, who was right-handed, the NIRS study revealed stronger activation of the right inferior frontal region during the verb generation task, and stronger activation of the left superior temporal region during the story listening task. This dissociated language function was validated by the Wada test and the postoperative neurological course. These results demonstrate that a NIRS study using our technique is extremely valuable for preoperative assessment of the language functions and exemplifies how a preoperative NIRS study can allow detection of unforeseen language lateralization. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Studying the Global Bifurcation Involving Wada Boundary Metamorphosis by a Method of Generalized Cell Mapping with Sampling-Adaptive Interpolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiao-Ming; Jiang, Jun; Hong, Ling; Tang, Dafeng

In this paper, a new method of Generalized Cell Mapping with Sampling-Adaptive Interpolation (GCMSAI) is presented in order to enhance the efficiency of the computation of one-step probability transition matrix of the Generalized Cell Mapping method (GCM). Integrations with one mapping step are replaced by sampling-adaptive interpolations of third order. An explicit formula of interpolation error is derived for a sampling-adaptive control to switch on integrations for the accuracy of computations with GCMSAI. By applying the proposed method to a two-dimensional forced damped pendulum system, global bifurcations are investigated with observations of boundary metamorphoses including full to partial and partial to partial as well as the birth of fully Wada boundary. Moreover GCMSAI requires a computational time of one thirtieth up to one fiftieth compared to that of the previous GCM.
Multimodality language mapping in patients with left-hemispheric language dominance on Wada test

PubMed Central

Kojima, Katsuaki; Brown, Erik C.; Rothermel, Robert; Carlson, Alanna; Matsuzaki, Naoyuki; Shah, Aashit; Atkinson, Marie; Mittal, Sandeep; Fuerst, Darren; Sood, Sandeep; Asano, Eishi

2012-01-01

Objective We determined the utility of electrocorticography (ECoG) and stimulation for detecting language-related sites in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance on Wada test. Methods We studied 13 epileptic patients who underwent language mapping using event-related gamma-oscillations on ECoG and stimulation via subdural electrodes. Sites showing significant gamma-augmentation during an auditory-naming task were defined as language-related ECoG sites. Sites at which stimulation resulted in auditory perceptual changes, failure to verbalize a correct answer, or sensorimotor symptoms involving the mouth were defined as language-related stimulation sites. We determined how frequently these methods revealed language-related sites in the superior-temporal, inferior-frontal, dorsolateral-premotor, and inferior-Rolandic regions. Results Language-related sites in the superior-temporal and inferior-frontal gyri were detected by ECoG more frequently than stimulation (p < 0.05), while those in the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions were detected by both methods equally. Stimulation of language-related ECoG sites, compared to the others, more frequently elicited language symptoms (p < 0.00001). One patient developed dysphasia requiring in-patient speech therapy following resection of the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions containing language-related ECoG sites not otherwise detected by stimulation. Conclusions Language-related gamma-oscillations may serve as an alternative biomarker of underlying language function in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance. Significance Measurement of language-related gamma-oscillations is warranted in presurgical evaluation of epileptic patients. PMID:22503906
Multimodality language mapping in patients with left-hemispheric language dominance on Wada test.

PubMed

Kojima, Katsuaki; Brown, Erik C; Rothermel, Robert; Carlson, Alanna; Matsuzaki, Naoyuki; Shah, Aashit; Atkinson, Marie; Mittal, Sandeep; Fuerst, Darren; Sood, Sandeep; Asano, Eishi

2012-10-01

We determined the utility of electrocorticography (ECoG) and stimulation for detecting language-related sites in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance on Wada test. We studied 13 epileptic patients who underwent language mapping using event-related gamma-oscillations on ECoG and stimulation via subdural electrodes. Sites showing significant gamma-augmentation during an auditory-naming task were defined as language-related ECoG sites. Sites at which stimulation resulted in auditory perceptual changes, failure to verbalize a correct answer, or sensorimotor symptoms involving the mouth were defined as language-related stimulation sites. We determined how frequently these methods revealed language-related sites in the superior-temporal, inferior-frontal, dorsolateral-premotor, and inferior-Rolandic regions. Language-related sites in the superior-temporal and inferior-frontal gyri were detected by ECoG more frequently than stimulation (p < 0.05), while those in the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions were detected by both methods equally. Stimulation of language-related ECoG sites, compared to the others, more frequently elicited language symptoms (p < 0.00001). One patient developed dysphasia requiring in-patient speech therapy following resection of the dorsolateral-premotor and inferior-Rolandic regions containing language-related ECoG sites not otherwise detected by stimulation. Language-related gamma-oscillations may serve as an alternative biomarker of underlying language function in patients with left-hemispheric language-dominance. Measurement of language-related gamma-oscillations is warranted in presurgical evaluation of epileptic patients. Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Superselective Wada test for ruptured spontaneous fusiform middle cerebral artery aneurysm: a technical case report.

PubMed

Rajpal, Sharad; Moftakhar, Roham; Bauer, Andrew M; Turk, Aquilla S; Niemann, David B

2011-09-01

Spontaneous fusiform aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (sfaMCA) are quite uncommon and tend to occur in young adults. The use of superselective angiography for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms can help delineate vital angioarchitecture and assist with perioperative planning and treatment modality. The use of superselective Wada testing (SWT) for treatment of a ruptured sfaMCA involving the dominant hemisphere, however, has never been described in the English literature. We report a case of a ruptured sfaMCA involving the dominant hemisphere where superselective angiography and SWT were utilized to predict the ability to occlude a major vessel without adverse neurological sequelae. A healthy young patient presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Initial CT-angiogram of the head identified a left-sided fusiform MCA aneurysm measuring 1.3 cm by 0.5 cm in maximum dimensions. Diagnostic angiography evaluation demonstrated an irregular, fusiform aneurysm involving the central (Rolandic) trunk of the left MCA. An SWT was then performed through an SL 10 microcatheter with injection of sodium amytal. Verbal, motor and cognitive testing were performed twice and revealed no neurological defects. The patient underwent subsequent coil embolization of the aneurysm. Formal post-procedure evaluation revealed no speech, language or cognitive deficits. She was eventually discharged home and remained without neurological deficits at her follow-up appointment 12 months after her initial presentation. Intraoperative SWT can be performed as part of the initial evaluation for patients with sfaMCA of the dominant cerebral hemisphere to help choose the appropriate treatment algorithm and predict post-treatment neurological deficits.
Contributions to singing ability by the posterior portion of the superior temporal gyrus of the non-language-dominant hemisphere: First evidence from subdural cortical stimulation, Wada testing, and fMRI

PubMed Central

Suarez, Ralph O.; Golby, Alexandra; Whalen, Stephen; Sato, Susumu; Theodore, William H.; Kufta, Conrad V.; Devinsky, Orrin; Balish, Marshall; Bromfield, Edward B.

2009-01-01

INTRODUCTION Although the substrates that mediate singing abilities in the human brain are not well understood, invasive brain mapping techniques used for clinical decision making such as intracranial electrocortical testing and Wada testing offer a rare opportunity to examine music-related function in a select group of subjects, affording exceptional spatial and temporal specificity. METHODS We studied eight patients with medically refractory epilepsy undergoing indwelling subdural electrode seizure focus localization. All patients underwent Wada testing for language lateralization. Functional assessment of language and music tasks was done by electrode grid cortical stimulation. One patient was also tested non-invasively with functional MRI. Functional organization of singing ability compared to language ability was determined based on four regions-ofinterest: left and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and left and right posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG). RESULTS In some subjects, electrical stimulation of dominant pSTG can interfere with speech and not singing, whereas stimulation of non-dominant pSTG area can interfere with singing and not speech. Stimulation of the dominant IFG tends to interfere with both musical and language expression, while non-dominant IFG stimulation was often observed to cause no interference with either task; and finally, that stimulation of areas adjacent to but not within non-dominant pSTG typically does not affect either ability. FMRI mappings of one subject revealed similar music/language dissociation with respect to activation asymmetry within the regions-of-interest. CONCLUSION Despite inherent limitations with respect to strictly research objectives, invasive clinical techniques offer a rare opportunity to probe musical and language cognitive processes of the brain in a select group of patients. PMID:19570530
Correlation of Risk Analysis Method Results with Numerical and Limit Equilibrium Methods in Overall Slope Stability Analysis of Southern Wall of Chadormalu Iron Open Pit Mine-Iran / Korelacja wyników analizy ryzyka z wynikami obliczeń numerycznych oraz wynikami uzyskanymi w oparciu o metodę równowagi granicznej zastosowanych do badania stabilności wyrobiska pochyłego na południowej ścianie odkrywkowej kopalni rud żelaza w chadormalu w Iranie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahangari, Kaveh; Paji, Arman Gholinezhad; Behdani, Alireza Siami

2013-06-01

Slope stability analysis is one of the most important factors in designing open pit mines. Therefore an optimal slope design that supports both aspects of economy and safety is very significant. There are many different methods in slope stability analysis including empirical, limit equilibrium, block theory, numerical, and probabilistic methods. In this study, to analyze the overall slope stability of southern wall of Chadormalu iron open pit mine three numerical, limit equilibrium and probabilistic methods have been used. Software and methods that is used for analytical investigation in this study are FLAC software for numerical analysis, SLIDE software and circuit failure chart for limit equilibrium analysis and qualitative fault tree and semi-quantitative risk matrix for probabilistic analysis. The results of all above mentioned methods, was a circular failure occurrence in Metasomatite rock zone between 1405 to 1525 m levels. The main factors of failure occurrence in this range were heavily jointing and existing of faults. Safety factors resulted from numerical method; Circular chart method and SLIDE software are 1.16, 1.25 and 1.27 respectively. Regarding instability and safety factors in Metasomatite rock zone, in order to stabilize the given zone, some considerations such as bench angle and height reduction should be planned. In results of risk matrix method this zone was mentioned too as a high risk zone that numerical and limit equilibrium methods confirmed this. Badanie stabilności wyrobiska pochyłego jest jednym z najważniejszych czynników uwzględnianych przy projektowaniu kopalni odkrywkowych. Optymalne zaprojektowanie wyrobiska pochyłego z uwzględnieniem czynników ekonomicznych oraz bezpieczeństwa jest niezmiernie ważne. Istnieje wiele metod badania stabilności wyrobiska pochyłego, między innymi metody empiryczne, metoda równowagi granicznej, teoria bloków oraz metody numeryczne i probabilistyczne. W pracy tej omówiono zastosowanie
Passive fMRI mapping of language function for pediatric epilepsy surgical planning: validation using Wada, ECS, and FMAER.

PubMed

Suarez, Ralph O; Taimouri, Vahid; Boyer, Katrina; Vega, Clemente; Rotenberg, Alexander; Madsen, Joseph R; Loddenkemper, Tobias; Duffy, Frank H; Prabhu, Sanjay P; Warfield, Simon K

2014-12-01

In this study we validate passive language fMRI protocols designed for clinical application in pediatric epilepsy surgical planning as they do not require overt participation from patients. We introduced a set of quality checks that assess reliability of noninvasive fMRI mappings utilized for clinical purposes. We initially compared two fMRI language mapping paradigms, one active in nature (requiring participation from the patient) and the other passive in nature (requiring no participation from the patient). Group-level analysis in a healthy control cohort demonstrated similar activation of the putative language centers of the brain in the inferior frontal (IFG) and temporoparietal (TPG) regions. Additionally, we showed that passive language fMRI produced more left-lateralized activation in TPG (LI=+0.45) compared to the active task; with similarly robust left-lateralized IFG (LI=+0.24) activations using the passive task. We validated our recommended fMRI mapping protocols in a cohort of 15 pediatric epilepsy patients by direct comparison against the invasive clinical gold-standards. We found that language-specific TPG activation by fMRI agreed to within 9.2mm to subdural localizations by invasive functional mapping in the same patients, and language dominance by fMRI agreed with Wada test results at 80% congruency in TPG and 73% congruency in IFG. Lastly, we tested the recommended passive language fMRI protocols in a cohort of very young patients and confirmed reliable language-specific activation patterns in that challenging cohort. We concluded that language activation maps can be reliably achieved using the passive language fMRI protocols we proposed even in very young (average 7.5 years old) or sedated pediatric epilepsy patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The punishment of gene doping - The relation between WADA prohibited lists, German Medicinal Products Act, German Doping Agents Amounts Ordinance, and Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany.

PubMed

Parzeller, Markus

2011-10-01

The genetic constitution of athletes influences efficiency. Knowledge of genetic influences provides an opportunity for medical diagnostic and therapeutic attempts. Beside risks and therapeutic aspects, however, the possibilities of abuse for gene doping purposes in sports also exist. Genetic screening or gene therapy may have an advantage for athletes who use these methods. In juridical comments, it is pointed out that gene doping so far plays no role in sports, but that the legislator must consider a development in this area. Preventing abuse requires legal regulations. These regulations can include sanctions. This paper deals with the gene doping prohibition of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as confirmed and accepted by the monitoring group according to Articles 10 and 11 of the European Anti-Doping Convention by the Council of Europe, the prohibition of (gene) doping in sports of the German Medicinal Products Act (Arzneimittelgesetz - AMG) and the German Doping Agents Amounts Ordinance (Dopingmittel-Mengen-Verordnung-DmMV) of the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG). The comprehensibility of the doping ban on the norm addressee was tested with a questionnaire. In connection with legal regulations of the German constitution, gene doping is discussed and problems which may arise by a state doping prohibition are pointed out. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of Concentration-Number and Concentration-Volume Fractal Models to Recognize Mineralized Zones in North Anomaly Iron Ore Deposit, Central Iran / Zastosowanie Modeli Fraktalnych Typu K-L (Koncentracja-Liczba), Oraz K-O (Koncentracja Objętość) Do Rozpoznawania Stref Występowania Surowców Mineralnych W Regionie Złóż Rud Żelaza North Anomaly, W Środkowym Iranie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afzal, Peyman; Ghasempour, Reza; Mokhtari, Ahmad Reza; Haroni, Hooshang Asadi

2015-09-01

Identification of various mineralized zones in an ore deposit is essential for mine planning and design. This study aims to distinguish the different mineralized zones and the wall rock in the Central block of North Anomaly iron ore deposit situated in Bafq (Central Iran) utilizing the concentration-number (C-N) and concentration-volume (C-V) fractal models. The C-N model indicates four mineralized zones described by Fe thresholds of 8%, 21%, and 50%, with zones <8% and >50% Fe representing wall rocks and highly mineralized zone, respectively. The C-V model reveals geochemical zones defined by Fe thresholds of 12%, 21%, 43% and 57%, with zones <12% Fe demonstrating wall rocks. Both the C-N and C-V models show that highly mineralized zones are situated in the central and western parts of the ore deposit. The results of validation of the fractal models with the geological model show that the C-N fractal model of highly mineralized zones is better than the C-V fractal model of highly mineralized zones based on logratio matrix. Identyfikacja stref występowania surowców mineralnych jest kwestia kluczową przy planowaniu wydobycia i projektowaniu kopalni. Celem pracy jest rozróżnienie stref o różnej zawartości surowców mineralnych oraz pasma skalnego w środkowej części zagłębia Bafq (środkowa cześć Iranu) przy wykorzystaniu modeli fraktalnych typu koncentracja-liczba i koncentracja-objętość. Model koncentracja-liczba pozwala na wyróżnienie czterech stref występowania surowca, definiowanych poprzez progową zawartość żelaza w rudzie na poziomie 8%, 21%, i 50% oraz strefy <8% i >50% zawartości żelaza, co odpowiada pasmu skalnemu oraz strefie o wysokim stopniu zawartości rudy. Model koncentracja-objętość wskazuje na istnienie stref geochemicznych określonych poprzez progowe wartości zawartości żelaza: 12%, 21%, 43% i 57 % oraz strefy <12%, co odpowiada ścianie skalnej. Obydwa modele stwierdzają obecność stref o wysokim stopniu zawarto
A Comparison Between PSRK and GERG-2004 Equation of State for Simulation of Non-Isothermal Compressible Natural Gases Mixed with Hydrogen in Pipelines / Porównanie równań stanu opracowanych według metody PSRK oraz GERG-2004 wykorzystanych do symulacji zachowania ściśliwych mieszanin gazu ziemnego i wodoru w rurociągach, w warunkach przepływów nie-izotermicznych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uilhoorn, Frits E.

2013-06-01

In this work, the GERG-2004 equation of state based on a multi-fluid approximation explicit in the reduced Helmholtz energy is compared with the predictive Soave-Redlich-Kwong group contribution method. In the analysis, both equations of state are compared by simulating a non-isothermal transient flow of natural gas and mixed hydrogen-natural gas in pipelines. Besides the flow conditions also linepack-energy and energy consumption of the compressor station are computed. The gas flow is described by a set of partial differential equations resulting from the conservation of mass, momentum and energy. A pipeline section of the Yamal-Europe gas pipeline on Polish territory has been selected for the case study. W artykule dokonano porównania wyników uzyskanych przy wykorzystaniu równania stanu GERG- 2004 opartego na jawnym przybliżeniu wyników dla wielu cieczy w oparciu o zredukowaną energię Helmhotza oraz wyników uzyskanych w oparciu o metodę Soave-Redlich Kwonga. Obydwa równania stanu porównano poprzez przeprowadzenie symulacji stanów przejściowych przepływów gazu ziemnego oraz mieszanin gazu ziemnego i wodoru w rurociągach w warunkach przepływów nie-izotermicznych. Oprócz warunków przepływu, określono energię w napełnionym układzie oraz zużycie energii przez stację kompresora. Przepływ gazu opisano zbiorem równań różniczkowych cząstkowych, wyprowadzonych w oparciu o prawa zachowania masy, pędu i energii. Jako studium przypadku wybrano fragment rurociągu jamalskiego (Yamal- Europa) przebiegającego przez terytorium Polski.
Distribution of caffeine levels in urine in different sports in relation to doping control before and after the removal of caffeine from the WADA doping list.

PubMed

Van Thuyne, W; Delbeke, F T

2006-09-01

Caffeine concentrations were measured in the urine of 4633 athletes tested for doping control in the Ghent Doping Control Laboratory in 2004. Determination of these concentrations was done using an alkaline extraction with a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol (9 : 1; v/v) followed by high performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). The method was validated according to ISO 17 025 standards (International Organisation for Standardisation). Quantification was done by using a linear calibration curve in the range from 0 to 20 microg/ml. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.10 microg/ml. Because the results were not normally distributed, transformation of the data was done to evaluate the difference in detected concentrations in several sports. This resulted in an overall average concentration of 1.12 +/- 2.68 microg/ml. Comparison of the most frequently tested sports in 2004 demonstrated that caffeine concentrations in samples originating from power lifters are significantly higher in comparison to urines taken in other sports. Also, a significant difference between caffeine concentrations found in cycling and concentrations found in other sports, including athletics and some ball sports, was observed. A comparison was made between results obtained in 2004 and results obtained before the removal of caffeine from the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) doping list indicating that average caffeine concentrations decreased after the withdrawal of caffeine from the list of prohibited substances. The overall percentage of positive samples between the two periods remained the same although the percentage of positive samples noticed in cycling increased after the removal of caffeine from the doping list.
Harmonization of anti-doping rules in a global context (World Anti-Doping Agency-laboratory accreditation perspective).

PubMed

Ivanova, Victoria; Miller, John H M; Rabin, Olivier; Squirrell, Alan; Westwood, Steven

2012-07-01

This article provides a review of the leading role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in the context of the global fight against doping in sport and the harmonization of anti-doping rules worldwide through the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Program. Particular emphasis is given to the WADA-laboratory accreditation program, which is coordinated by the Science Department of WADA in conjunction with the Laboratory Expert Group, and the cooperation with the international accreditation community through International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and other organizations, all of which contribute to constant improvement of laboratory performance in the global fight against doping in sport. A perspective is provided of the means to refine the existing anti-doping rules and programs to ensure continuous improvement in order to face growing sophisticated challenges. A viewpoint on WADA's desire to embrace cooperation with other international organizations whose knowledge can contribute to the fight against doping in sport is acknowledged.
Comparison of Hemispheric Activation during Mental Word and Rhyme Generation Using Transcranial Doppler Sonography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krach, Soren; Hartje, Wolfgang

2006-01-01

The Wada test is at present the method of choice for preoperative assessment of patients who require surgery close to cortical language areas. It is, however, an invasive test with an attached morbidity risk. By now, an alternative to the Wada test is to combine a lexical word generation paradigm with non-invasive imaging techniques. However,…
Drugs in Sport

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mottram, David

2012-01-01

Drugs may be used by athletes for a number of reasons, including performance enhancement. The role of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is vital to ensure a winning performance has been achieved by fair means. Substances and methods that are included on the WADA Prohibited List are described. The procedures for testing banned substances are…
Update on Banned Substances 2013

PubMed Central

Barnes, Kenneth P.; Rainbow, Catherine R.

2013-01-01

Context: Doping has been pervasive throughout the history of athletic competitions and has only recently been regulated by organizations such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). These regulatory bodies were created to preserve fair play and maintain the safety of the participants. Their updated 2013 lists of banned substances and practices include a variety of drugs and practices that could cause harm to an athlete or give one an unfair competitive advantage. Evidence Acquisition: Published websites for the WADA, USADA, and NCAA were investigated. These governing bodies update and publish their lists annually. Results: The WADA, USADA, and NCAA monitor anabolic steroids, hormones, growth factors, β-agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, masking agents, street drugs, manipulation of blood and blood components, chemical and physical manipulation, gene doping, stimulants, narcotics, glucocorticosteroids, and β-blockers. Some substances may be used by athletes but require formal exemption. The WADA has also recently created a category of nonapproved substances that have yet to be identified to curb athletes from experimenting with new doping agents. Conclusion: The lists of banned substances and practices per the WADA, USADA, and NCAA are in place to ensure the integrity of sports and maintain safe competition. Health care providers who work with athletes under the jurisdiction of these organizations should review updated lists of banned substances when prescribing medications. PMID:24427415
Use of Preoperative Functional MRI to Predict Verbal Memory Decline After Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery

PubMed Central

Binder, Jeffrey R.; Sabsevitz, David S.; Swanson, Sara J.; Hammeke, Thomas A.; Raghavan, Manoj; Mueller, Wade M.

2010-01-01

Purpose Verbal memory decline is a frequent complication of left anterior temporal lobectomy (L-ATL). The goal of this study was to determine whether preoperative language mapping using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is useful for predicting which patients are likely to experience verbal memory decline after L-ATL. Methods Sixty L-ATL patients underwent preoperative language mapping with fMRI, preoperative intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) testing for language and memory lateralization, and pre- and postoperative neuropsychological testing. Demographic, historical, neuropsychological, and imaging variables were examined for their ability to predict pre- to postoperative memory change. Results Verbal memory decline occurred in over 30% of patients. Good preoperative performance, late age at onset of epilepsy, left dominance on fMRI, and left dominance on the Wada test were each predictive of memory decline. Preoperative performance and age at onset together accounted for roughly 50% of the variance in memory outcome (p < .001), and fMRI explained an additional 10% of this variance (p ≤ .003). Neither Wada memory asymmetry nor Wada language asymmetry added additional predictive power beyond these noninvasive measures. Discussion Preoperative fMRI is useful for identifying patients at high risk for verbal memory decline prior to L-ATL surgery. Lateralization of language is correlated with lateralization of verbal memory, whereas Wada memory testing is either insufficiently reliable or insufficiently material-specific to accurately localize verbal memory processes. PMID:18435753
Intended or Unintended Doping? A Review of the Presence of Doping Substances in Dietary Supplements Used in Sports.

PubMed

Martínez-Sanz, José Miguel; Sospedra, Isabel; Ortiz, Christian Mañas; Baladía, Eduard; Gil-Izquierdo, Angel; Ortiz-Moncada, Rocio

2017-10-04

The use of dietary supplements is increasing among athletes, year after year. Related to the high rates of use, unintentional doping occurs. Unintentional doping refers to positive anti-doping tests due to the use of any supplement containing unlisted substances banned by anti-doping regulations and organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The objective of this review is to summarize the presence of unlabeled doping substances in dietary supplements that are used in sports. A review of substances/metabolites/markers banned by WADA in ergonutritional supplements was completed using PubMed. The inclusion criteria were studies published up until September 2017, which analyzed the content of substances, metabolites and markers banned by WADA. 446 studies were identified, 23 of which fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. In most of the studies, the purpose was to identify doping substances in dietary supplements. Substances prohibited by WADA were found in most of the supplements analyzed in this review. Some of them were prohormones and/or stimulants. With rates of contamination between 12 and 58%, non-intentional doping is a point to take into account before establishing a supplementation program. Athletes and coaches must be aware of the problems related to the use of any contaminated supplement and should pay special attention before choosing a supplement, informing themselves fully and confirming the guarantees offered by the supplement.
Drug policy in sport: hidden assumptions and inherent contradictions.

PubMed

Smith, Aaron C T; Stewart, Bob

2008-03-01

This paper considers the assumptions underpinning the current drugs-in-sport policy arrangements. We examine the assumptions and contradictions inherent in the policy approach, paying particular attention to the evidence that supports different policy arrangements. We find that the current anti-doping policy of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) contains inconsistencies and ambiguities. WADA's policy position is predicated upon four fundamental principles; first, the need for sport to set a good example; secondly, the necessity of ensuring a level playing field; thirdly, the responsibility to protect the health of athletes; and fourthly, the importance of preserving the integrity of sport. A review of the evidence, however, suggests that sport is a problematic institution when it comes to setting a good example for the rest of society. Neither is it clear that sport has an inherent or essential integrity that can only be sustained through regulation. Furthermore, it is doubtful that WADA's anti-doping policy is effective in maintaining a level playing field, or is the best means of protecting the health of athletes. The WADA anti-doping policy is based too heavily on principals of minimising drug use, and gives insufficient weight to the minimisation of drug-related harms. As a result drug-related harms are being poorly managed in sport. We argue that anti-doping policy in sport would benefit from placing greater emphasis on a harm minimisation model.
GC-C-IRMS in routine doping control practice: 3 years of drug testing data, quality control and evolution of the method.

PubMed

Polet, Michael; Van Eenoo, Peter

2015-06-01

In order to detect the misuse of endogenous anabolic steroids, doping control laboratories require methods that allow differentiation between endogenous steroids and their synthetic copies. Gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) is capable of measuring the carbon isotope ratio of urinary steroids and this allows differentiation between both. GC-C-IRMS and its application to doping control has evolved a lot during the last decade and so have the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) technical documents that describe how GC-C-IRMS should be applied. Especially the WADA technical document of 2014 introduced a number of obligatory quality controls and a fixed methodology that should be used by all the doping control laboratories. This document imposed more uniform methods between the laboratories in order to decrease the interlaboratory standard deviation and acquire similar results for the analysis of the same urine samples. In this paper, 3 years of drug testing data of our GC-C-IRMS method in routine doping control practice is described, with an emphasis on the new WADA technical document and its implementation. Useful data for other doping control laboratories is presented focussing on general method setup, quality control and data collected from routine samples. The paper concentrates on how IRMS results shift or remain similar by switching to the 2014 WADA technical document and gives insight in a straightforward approach to calculate the measurement uncertainty.

Intended or Unintended Doping? A Review of the Presence of Doping Substances in Dietary Supplements Used in Sports

PubMed Central

Mañas Ortiz, Christian; Ortiz-Moncada, Rocio

2017-01-01

Introduction: The use of dietary supplements is increasing among athletes, year after year. Related to the high rates of use, unintentional doping occurs. Unintentional doping refers to positive anti-doping tests due to the use of any supplement containing unlisted substances banned by anti-doping regulations and organizations, such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The objective of this review is to summarize the presence of unlabeled doping substances in dietary supplements that are used in sports. Methodology: A review of substances/metabolites/markers banned by WADA in ergonutritional supplements was completed using PubMed. The inclusion criteria were studies published up until September 2017, which analyzed the content of substances, metabolites and markers banned by WADA. Results: 446 studies were identified, 23 of which fulfilled all the inclusion criteria. In most of the studies, the purpose was to identify doping substances in dietary supplements. Discussion: Substances prohibited by WADA were found in most of the supplements analyzed in this review. Some of them were prohormones and/or stimulants. With rates of contamination between 12 and 58%, non-intentional doping is a point to take into account before establishing a supplementation program. Athletes and coaches must be aware of the problems related to the use of any contaminated supplement and should pay special attention before choosing a supplement, informing themselves fully and confirming the guarantees offered by the supplement. PMID:28976928
The enigma of inhaled salbutamol and sport: unresolved after 45 years.

PubMed

Fitch, Ken D

2017-07-01

During the past 45 years, there have been more changes on the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List (the List) to the status of inhaled salbutamol than any other substance. With 658 athletes, 6.1% of all participating athletes approved to inhale salbutamol at the 2008 Beijing Games, it is one of the medications used most frequently by Olympic athletes. Nevertheless, since the 2008 Games, WADA has made numerous changes to inhaled salbutamol on the List including prohibiting its use, then a year later permitting it without prior notification and recommending a pharmacokinetic study if an athlete exceeds the urinary threshold of 1000 ng/mL. Recently, an elite athlete undertook two pharmacokinetic studies and the results have raised several questions. These include whether WADA should continue to permit nebulized salbutamol as an acceptable method of inhalation and there is some justification for nebulized salbutamol to be prohibited in sport. Another question is whether the modified advisory on salbutamol in the 2017 List appropriately informs athletes of the risks of exceeding the urinary threshold and the recent changes may not inform athletes optimally. Finally, concern is expressed at the persistent failure of WADA to apply a correction down to a specific gravity of 1.020 when an exogenous substance is identified in the urine of a dehydrated athlete. It is recommended that this should be implemented. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual prediction of change in delayed recall of prose passages after left-sided anterior temporal lobectomy.

PubMed

Jokeit, H; Ebner, A; Holthausen, H; Markowitsch, H J; Moch, A; Pannek, H; Schulz, R; Tuxhorn, I

1997-08-01

Prognostic variables for individual memory outcome after left anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) were studied in 27 patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. The difference between pre- and postoperative performance in the delayed recall of two prose passages (Story A and B) from the Wechsler Memory Scale served as measure of postoperative memory change. Fifteen independent clinical, neuropsychological, and electrophysiological variables were submitted to a multiple linear regression analysis. Preoperative immediate and delayed recall of story content and right hemisphere Wada memory performance for pictorial and verbal items explained very well postoperative memory changes in recall of Story B. Delayed recall of Story B, but not of Story A, had high concurrent validity to other measures of memory. Patients who became seizure-free did not differ in memory change from patients who continued to have seizures after ATL. The variables age at epilepsy onset and probable age at temporal lobe damage provided complementary information for individual prediction but with less effectiveness than Wada test data. Our model confirmed that good preoperative memory functioning and impaired right hemispheric Wada memory performance for pictorial items predict a high risk of memory loss after left ATL. The analyses demonstrate that the combination of independent measures delivers more information than Wada test performance or any other variable alone. The suggested function can be used routinely to estimate the individual severity of verbal episodic memory impairment that might occur after left-sided ATL and offers a rational basis for the counseling of patients.
Intelligent, Energy Saving Power Supply and Control System of Hoisting Mine Machine with Compact and Hybrid Drive System / Inteligentne, Energooszczędne Układy Zasilania I Sterowania Górniczych Maszyn Wyciągowych Z Napędem Zintegrowanym Lub Hybrydowym

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymański, Zygmunt

2015-03-01

In the paper present's an analysis of suitableness an application of compact and hybrid drive system in hoisting machine. In the paper presented the review of constructional solutions of hoisting machines drive system, driving with AC and DC motor. In the paper presented conception of modern, energy sparing hoisting machine supply system, composed with compact motor, an supplied with transistor or thyristor converter supply system, and intelligent control system composed with multilevel microprocessor controller. In the paper present's also analysis of suitableness application an selected method of artificial intelligent in hoisting machine control system, automation system, and modern diagnostic system. In the paper one limited to analysis of: fuzzy logic method, genetic algorithms method, and modern neural net II and III generation. That method enables realization of complex control algorithms of hosting machine with insurance of energy sparing exploitation conditions, monitoring of exploitation parameters, and prediction diagnostic of hoisting machine technical state, minimization a number of failure states. In the paper present's a conception of control and diagnostic system of the hoisting machine based on fuzzy logic neural set control. In the chapter presented also a selected control algorithms and results of computer simulations realized for particular mathematical models of hoisting machine. Results of theoretical investigation were partly verified in laboratory and industrial experiments. Przedstawiono analizę celowości wprowadzania, napędów zintegrowanych oraz napędów hybrydowych, do układów napędowych maszyn wyciągowych. Zamieszczono przegląd rozwiązań konstrukcyjnych wybranych hybrydowych oraz zintegrowanych napędów maszyn wyciągowych z silnikami DC i AC. Opisano koncepcję nowoczesnego, energooszczędnego układu zasilania górniczych maszyny wyciągowej, złożonego z silnika zintegrowanego, (tranzystorowego
Canonical Variate Analysis of Chlorophyll Content in Plants Exposed to Different Lead Concentrations in Ambient Air Conditions/ Analiza Zmiennych Kanonicznych Zawatości Chlorofilu W Roślinach Eksponowanych Na Różne Stężenia Ołowiu W Powietrzu Atmosferycznym

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budka, Anna; Kayzer, Dariusz; Zbierska, Janina; Borowiak, Klaudia; Barałkiewicz, Danuta; Hanć, Anetta

2014-09-01

Praca prezentuje rezultaty biomonitoringu ołowiu w zróżnicowanych warunkach środowiskowych. Do oceny zawartości poziomu ołowiu wykorzystano rośliny życicy wielokwiatowej. Dodatkowo w liściach oznaczono zawartość chlorofilu (a+b, a oraz b) w świeżej masie. Rośliny eksponowano w okresie wegetacyjnym roku 2011 na pięciu stanowiskach badawczych różniących się parametrami środowiskowymi oraz w warunkach kontrolnych. Rośliny eksponowano w 28-dniowych okresach badawczych. Wyniki zawartości Pb oraz poziomów chlorofili w różnych miejscach ekspozycyjnych oraz seriach testowano z zastosowaniem wielowymiarowej analizy wariancji. Wykazano zmienność zawartości Pb oraz poziomów wszystkich form chlorofilu w różnych miejscach ekspozycyjnych i seriach. Najniższe zawartości ołowiu oraz najwyższe poziomy wszystkich form chlorofilu zaobserwowano na stanowisku podmiejskim. W pracy wykazano przydatność analizy zmiennych kanonicznych do graficznej prezentacji wyników biomonitoringu powietrza. This paper presents the results of biomonitoring of Pb in ambient air. For this purpose Italian ryegrass was used to evaluate Pb level. Additionally chlorophyll forms (a+b, a and b) were measured in leaves. Plants were exposed at 5 sites varying in environmental characteristics in the 2011 growing season. A similar set of plants was conducted in control conditions. Three 28-day long exposure series were performed. The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between Pb level and chlorophyll content in various exposure sites and series using multivariate analysis of variance. The analysis revealed variability of Pb and all chlorophyll forms contents in different exposure sites and series. The lowest level of Pb concentrations was noted at a sub-urban site together with the highest level of all chlorophyll forms contents. Canonical variate analysis could be a proper tool for a graphical data presentation of Pb level in plants exposed to various environmental
The Use of 3D Graphic Modelling in Geoarchaeological Investigations (Bykowszczyzna Archaeological Site near Kock, E Poland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Łojek, Jacek

2012-01-01

The objective of this paper was to use the ArcView 3.2 application for spatial modelling of the exploration forms (pits) in the Bykowszczyzna 8 archaeological site. The 3D digital documentation at a specific scale makes possible easy archiving, presentation, and simple spatial analyses of the examined objects. The ArcView 3.2 programme and its extensions (Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst), commonly used as analytical tools in geomorphology, were inventively used for inventory-making in the archaeological site. Traditional field sketches were only a base, which enables entering data into the programme, and don't documentation material in itself as it used to be. The method of data visual ization proposed by the author gives new possibilities for using the GIS platform software. W artykule zaprezentowano projekt wykorzystania aplikacji ArcView 3.2 w modelowaniu obrazu form eksploracyjnych na stanowisku archeologicznym Bykowszczyzna 8. Stanowisko zostało objęte programem ratowniczych badań archeologicznych w związku z budową obwodnicy miasta Kocka na trasie krajowej nr 19 relacji Siemiatycze-Lublin-Nisko. Zasadniczy etap prac archeologicznych na stanowisku Bykowszczyzna 8 obejmował pozyskanie oraz inwentaryzację materiału zabytkowego wypełniającego formy. W wyniku wybrania tego materiału, w obszarze stanowiska pozostają charakterystyczne jamy gospodarcze, które stanowią negatywowy obraz wypełnienia formy. Kształt jam jest dokumentowany w postaci szkiców oraz fotografii. Dokumentacja ta stanowi punkt wyjścia procesu digitalizacji (materiał źródłowy). Treścią artykułu jest sporządzenie cyfrowej dokumentacji zawierającej plany stanowiska w kilku poziomach szczegółowości (dla pasa, pola oraz pojedynczych form) oraz wygenerowanie modeli w standardzie 3D. Dokumentacja taka umożliwia łatwą archiwizację oraz czytelną prezentację wybranych obiektów. Możliwe jest również wykonanie analiz przestrzennych. Funkcje programu ArcView 3.2. oraz
Temporal Lobe White Matter Asymmetry and Language Laterality in Epilepsy Patients

PubMed Central

Ellmore, Timothy M.; Beauchamp, Michael S.; Breier, Joshua I.; Slater, Jeremy D.; Kalamangalam, Giridhar P.; O’Neill, Thomas J.; Disano, Michael A.; Tandon, Nitin

2009-01-01

Recent studies using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have advanced our knowledge of the organization of white matter subserving language function. It remains unclear, however, how DTI may be used to predict accurately a key feature of language organization: its asymmetric representation in one cerebral hemisphere. In this study of epilepsy patients with unambiguous lateralization on Wada testing (19 left and 4 right lateralized subjects; no bilateral subjects), the predictive value of DTI for classifying the dominant hemisphere for language was assessed relative to the existing standard - the intra-carotid Amytal (Wada) procedure. Our specific hypothesis is that language laterality in both unilateral left- and right-hemisphere language dominant subjects may be predicted by hemispheric asymmetry in the relative density of three white matter pathways terminating in the temporal lobe implicated in different aspects of language function: the arcuate (AF), uncinate (UF), and inferior longitudinal fasciculi (ILF). Laterality indices computed from asymmetry of high anisotropy AF pathways, but not the other pathways, classified the majority (19 of 23) of patients using the Wada results as the standard. A logistic regression model incorporating information from DTI of the AF, fMRI activity in Broca’s area, and handedness was able to classify 22 of 23 (95.6%) patients correctly according to their Wada score. We conclude that evaluation of highly anisotropic components of the AF alone has significant predictive power for determining language laterality, and that this markedly asymmetric distribution in the dominant hemisphere may reflect enhanced connectivity between frontal and temporal sites to support fluent language processes. Given the small sample reported in this preliminary study, future research should assess this method on a larger group of patients, including subjects with bihemispheric dominance. PMID:19874899
Presurgical language fMRI: Mapping of six critical regions

PubMed Central

Walshaw, Patricia D.; Hale, Kayleigh; Gaillard, William D.; Baxter, Leslie C.; Berl, Madison M.; Polczynska, Monika; Noble, Stephanie; Alkawadri, Rafeed; Hirsch, Lawrence J.; Constable, R. Todd; Bookheimer, Susan Y.

2017-01-01

Abstract Language mapping is a key goal in neurosurgical planning. fMRI mapping typically proceeds with a focus on Broca's and Wernicke's areas, although multiple other language‐critical areas are now well‐known. We evaluated whether clinicians could use a novel approach, including clinician‐driven individualized thresholding, to reliably identify six language regions, including Broca's Area, Wernicke's Area (inferior, superior), Exner's Area, Supplementary Speech Area, Angular Gyrus, and Basal Temporal Language Area. We studied 22 epilepsy and tumor patients who received Wada and fMRI (age 36.4[12.5]; Wada language left/right/mixed in 18/3/1). fMRI tasks (two × three tasks) were analyzed by two clinical neuropsychologists who flexibly thresholded and combined these to identify the six regions. The resulting maps were compared to fixed threshold maps. Clinicians generated maps that overlapped significantly, and were highly consistent, when at least one task came from the same set. Cases diverged when clinicians prioritized different language regions or addressed noise differently. Language laterality closely mirrored Wada data (85% accuracy). Activation consistent with all six language regions was consistently identified. In blind review, three external, independent clinicians rated the individualized fMRI language maps as superior to fixed threshold maps; identified the majority of regions significantly more frequently; and judged language laterality to mirror Wada lateralization more often. These data provide initial validation of a novel, clinician‐based approach to localizing language cortex. They also demonstrate clinical fMRI is superior when analyzed by an experienced clinician and that when fMRI data is of low quality judgments of laterality are unreliable and should be withheld. Hum Brain Mapp 38:4239–4255, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:28544168
The use of performance-enhancing substances (doping) by athletes in Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Al Ghobain, Mohammed

2017-01-01

BACKGROUND: Data on doping violation in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Our aim was to investigate the Saudi experience of anti-doping and review all positive samples and adverse analytical findings (AAFs) of Saudi athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed databases of the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee from 2008 to May 2016. The samples originated from various sporting events and were collected in and outside sport competitions. The substances investigated were those included in the annual lists of prohibited substances produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). All urine samples were tested in laboratories accredited by the WADA. Samples were declared positive if they contained any prohibited substance on the WADA list for that year. RESULTS: In 4482 urine samples tested, 141 positive samples (3.1%) and 195 AAFs of prohibited substances were detected. The prevalence of positive samples was highest in 2012 (6.6%) and lowest in 2015 (1%). The most prevalent prohibited substances detected were anabolic steroids (32.8%) and stimulants (27.6%). The most frequently detected compounds were amphetamines (22%) and tetrahydrocannabinol (12.8%). The highest prevalence of AAFs was in bodybuilders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of doping in Saudi Arabia seems to be higher than western countries, but this needs to be confirmed with further research. PMID:28932159
Study of the endogenous steroid profile of male athletes from the Brazilian National Soccer Championship 2009.

PubMed

Nicolich, Rebecca S; Padilha, Monica C; de Aquino Neto, Francisco R

2010-01-01

Changes in the endogenous profile of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) may be interpreted as markers of doping. The objective of this study was to evaluate the endogenous profile of AAS in male athletes of the 2009 Brazilian National Soccer Championship, in normal conditions, particularly in the light of the revision of World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Technical Document on the Interpretation of Endogenous AAS in athletes for doping control drafted in that year, as well as comparing these results to profiles already published in the literature. The upper limit of the 95% central reference interval of the following parameters for the studied population were estimated to be significantly higher than WADA's criteria, with a confidence of 90%: DHEA (about 2.3 times higher), Adiol (1.2 times higher), Bdiol (2.7 times higher), and Adiol/E (6 times higher). These findings seem to imply that WADA's criteria proposed in 2009 for DHEA, Adiol, Bdiol, and Adiol/E may not have been applicable to the studied population. Moreover, their comparison to previously published studies pointed to the need to evaluate in detail the appropriateness of adopting these criteria as universal, since there seems to be variations among different populations of athletes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of GH abuse in sport: Past, present and future.

PubMed

Barroso, Osquel; Schamasch, Patrick; Rabin, Olivier

2009-08-01

Due to its considered performance enhancing effects, human growth hormone (hGH) is abused as a doping agent in sport. Its misuse also carries potentially serious side effects to a person's health. Consequently, hGH and its releasing factors are prohibited in sport, as established in the Prohibited List which is updated and published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In order to fight the menace that hGH doping poses to the spirit of sport and to the health of athletes, the sport movement and the anti-doping authorities, initially led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and later by WADA, have put substantial efforts into developing tests for its detection. Currently, a primary analytical approach, the isoform differential immunoassay, has been implemented in WADA-accredited laboratories. In parallel, a second, indirect approach for the detection of hGH abuse, based on the quantification of hGH-associated biological markers, has been developed. The final aim is to combine both methodologies to improve the sensitivity and expand the time window to detect doping with hGH. In addition, novel analytical procedures, based on proteomic and genomic technologies as well as the use of mass spectrometry-based methods of detection, are being investigated for future application in hGH anti-doping tests.
Investigating the use of stimulants in out-of-competition sport samples.

PubMed

Boghosian, Thierry; Mazzoni, Irene; Barroso, Osquel; Rabin, Olivier

2011-11-01

The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the List), an International Standard published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), determines which substances and methods are prohibited in sport in- and out-of-competition. Stimulants are included within drug class S.6 under the in-competition testing section of the List. Athletes may be tempted to use stimulants as ergogenic aids in-competition in order to temporarily improve their mental and/or physical functions by increasing alertness, aggressiveness, motivation, locomotion, heart rate, and reducing fatigue. The Prohibited List Expert Group, responsible for the maintenance of the List, approved WADA funding for a two-year study to determine whether athletes were also using stimulants to benefit from their performance-enhancing effects during the training phase between competitions (i.e., out-of-competition). This study, involving 11 WADA-accredited laboratories, found that the use of stimulants by athletes during training was not significantly prevalent (0.36% of positive findings), suggesting that this issue does not, at the moment, pose a further challenge to the fight against doping in sport. In addition, the study supports the current structure in the Prohibited List that differentiates banned substances into the in- and out-of-competition classifications.
From local uncertainty to global predictions: Making predictions on fractal basins

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

In nonlinear systems long term dynamics is governed by the attractors present in phase space. The presence of a chaotic saddle gives rise to basins of attraction with fractal boundaries and sometimes even to Wada boundaries. These two phenomena involve extreme difficulties in the prediction of the future state of the system. However, we show here that it is possible to make statistical predictions even if we do not have any previous knowledge of the initial conditions or the time series of the system until it reaches its final state. In this work, we develop a general method to make statistical predictions in systems with fractal basins. In particular, we have applied this new method to the Duffing oscillator for a choice of parameters where the system possesses the Wada property. We have computed the statistical properties of the Duffing oscillator for different phase space resolutions, to obtain information about the global dynamics of the system. The key idea is that the fraction of initial conditions that evolve towards each attractor is scale free—which we illustrate numerically. We have also shown numerically how having partial information about the initial conditions of the system does not improve in general the predictions in the Wada regions. PMID:29668687
The use of performance-enhancing substances (doping) by athletes in Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Al Ghobain, Mohammed

2017-01-01

Data on doping violation in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Our aim was to investigate the Saudi experience of anti-doping and review all positive samples and adverse analytical findings (AAFs) of Saudi athletes. This study analyzed databases of the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee from 2008 to May 2016. The samples originated from various sporting events and were collected in and outside sport competitions. The substances investigated were those included in the annual lists of prohibited substances produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). All urine samples were tested in laboratories accredited by the WADA. Samples were declared positive if they contained any prohibited substance on the WADA list for that year. In 4482 urine samples tested, 141 positive samples (3.1%) and 195 AAFs of prohibited substances were detected. The prevalence of positive samples was highest in 2012 (6.6%) and lowest in 2015 (1%). The most prevalent prohibited substances detected were anabolic steroids (32.8%) and stimulants (27.6%). The most frequently detected compounds were amphetamines (22%) and tetrahydrocannabinol (12.8%). The highest prevalence of AAFs was in bodybuilders. The prevalence of doping in Saudi Arabia seems to be higher than western countries, but this needs to be confirmed with further research.
The role of SRSF1 in cancer.

PubMed

Sokół, Elżbieta; Bogusławska, Joanna; Piekiełko-Witkowska, Agnieszka

2017-05-17

SRSF1 jest wielofunkcyjnym białkiem biorącym udział w procesach związanych z metabolizmem RNA. Następstwem zaburzeń ekspresji SRSF1, obserwowanych w wielu typach nowotworów, są nieprawidłowości w składaniu pre-mRNA, zmiany stabilności transkryptów i poziomu translacji onkogenów oraz genów supresorowych. Regulując różnicowe składanie transkryptów genów CCND1, RAC1, KLF6, BCL2L1, MCL1 oraz CASP9, SRSF1 indukuje zmiany w cyklu komórkowym, proliferacji i apoptozie. Czynnik SRSF1 wpływa także na angiogenezę nowotworową i przerzutowanie, m.in. promując powstawanie proangiogennych wariantów VEGF oraz wariantu splicingowego genu RON, który aktywuje proces przejścia nabłonkowo-mezenchymalnego. Ze względu na istotną rolę SRSF1 w rozwoju i progresji nowotworów, białko to jest obiecującym celem terapii przeciwnowotworowych wykorzystujących związki hamujące jego aktywność. W artykule przedstawiono najnowsze informacje o wpływie SRSF1 na nowotworzenie oraz jego potencjalne znaczenie w opracowaniu nowych strategii w leczeniu chorych z nowotworami.
Basic analytical methods for identification of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in doping control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Postnikov, P. V.; Krotov, G. I.; Efimova, Yu A.; Rodchenkov, G. M.

2016-02-01

The design of new erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for clinical use necessitates constant development of methods for detecting the abuse of these substances, which are prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code and are included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. This review integrates and describes systematically the published data on the key methods currently used by WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratories around the world to detect the abuse of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, including direct methods (various polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis techniques, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, membrane enzyme immunoassay and mass spectrometry) and indirect methods (athlete biological passport). Particular attention is given to promising approaches and investigations that can be used to control prohibited erythropoietins in the near future. The bibliography includes 122 references.
The complexities of anti-doping violations: a case study of sanctioned cases in all performance levels of USA cycling

PubMed Central

Henning, April D; Dimeo, Paul

2015-01-01

The use of banned substances and techniques in sport is regulated by anti-doping rules co-ordinated by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The purposes of these rules are to protect the health of the athlete, the level playing field and what WADA refers to as the spirit of sport. In this article, we review the known cases of sanctions in USA cycling since 2001. We show that the diversity of cases expands upon the simplistic, one-dimensional understanding of doping as risky and cheating. Contrary to this paradigm, we establish a typology of cases that challenges the one size fits all approach and, more specifically, we argue that WADA should develop new policies with independent standards for amateur and masters athletes. PMID:26688790
Parametric Factors for the Tangential-Rotary Picks Quality Assessment / Wskaźniki Parametryczne Oceny Jakości Noży Styczno-Obrotowych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauze, Krzysztof; Bołoz, Łukasz; Wydro, Tomasz

2015-03-01

Procedure of the quality assessment of tangential-rotary picks used in various types of mining machines, has been described in the present study. Authorial method of the quality assessment of tangential- -rotary picks based on examination of geometrical and material factors, including pick wear rate, has been discussed. The method is based on parametrical factors and the described examinations tailored to determined conditions of the machine operations, including user requirements. Testing results collected in form of measurement cards allow selection of the optimal pick, including the influence of chosen parameters into the pick wear rate. Frezujące organy są elementami roboczymi wielu maszyn takich jak górnicze kombajny ścianowe i chodnikowe, frezarki pracujące w przemyśle skalnym oraz frezarki drogowe i spągowe. Urabianie organami wyposażonymi w noże styczno-obrotowe znajduje obecnie wiele zastosowań do skrawania węgla, rud metali, skał, betonu oraz asfaltu. Noże te wyparły starsze rozwiązania, czyli noże styczne oraz promieniowe, dzięki większej trwałości oraz zachowaniu podczas eksploatacji odpowiedniego kształtu ostrza czyli prawidłowych kątów skrawania. Maszynom urabiającym, a w szczególności kombajnom ścianowym oraz chodnikowym stawia się coraz bardziej restrykcyjne wymagania dotyczące wydajności, niezawodności, bezpieczeństwa i komfortu pracy załogi. W celu zapewnienia prawidłowej pracy maszyny należy w pierwszym rzędzie zadbać o prawidłowy dobór narzędzi skrawających wraz z uchwytami nożowymi oraz organem urabiającym. Mając na uwadze procedury przetargowe oraz prawo zamówień publicznych obowiązujące w Polsce opracowano taki sposób badania noży, aby możliwe było jednoznaczne wybranie najlepszej oferty przy zachowaniu jak najniższej ceny. Wskaźniki oceny jakości noży zostały sparametryzowane, dzięki czemu możliwe jest dostosowanie opracowanych procedur do badania no
In-Situ Treatment of Groundwater Contaminated with Underground Coal Gasification Products / Oczyszczanie In-Situ WÓD Podziemnych Zanieczyszczonych Przez Produkty Podziemnego Zgazowania WĘGLA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suponik, Tomasz; Lutyński, Marcin

2013-12-01

skutecznie i długotrwale chronić środowisko wodne przed zanieczyszczeniami. Jako materiał reaktywny w pracy wybrano, na podstawie zdolności oczyszczania, granulowany węgiel aktywny (do usuwania związków organicznych) oraz żelazo metaliczne i alternatywnie zeolity (do usuwaniazwiązków nieorganicznych i pozostałych związków organicznych po złożu węgla aktywnego). Badania prowadzone były w dwóch instalacjach badawczych składających się z pompy perystaltycznej oraz dwóch szeregowo połączonych szklanych kolumn filtracyjnych (rys. 1). W obu instalacjach pierwsza kolumna wypełniona była granulowanym węglem aktywnym, zaś druga odpowiednio w pierwszej i drugiej instalacji, żelazem metalicznym i zeolitami. Materiał reaktywny poza zdolnościami do usuwania zanieczyszczeń, musi również charakteryzować się długotrwałą i stabilną przepuszczalnością dla wód. Dlatego też jego skład ziarnowy dobrano w taki sposób, aby współczynnik filtracji materiału reaktywnego zawierał się między 2x10-4 i 6x10-3 m/s (co oznacza że powinien charakteryzować się maksymalnymi wartościami współczynnika filtracji dla piasku drobnoziarnistego i gruboziarnistego). Tabele 3 i 4 przedstawiają odpowiednio skład ziarnowy materiału reaktywnego zastosowanego w badaniach laboratoryjnych oraz jego główne parametry hydrogeologiczne. Zastosowany w badaniach roztwór przygotowany został poprzez zmieszanie wody destylowanej z odpowiednimi masami odczynników chemicznych, uzyskując w ten sposób stężenia zanieczyszczeń podobne do wartości przedstawionych w pracach (Kapusta & Stańczyk, 2011; Liu & in., 2006). W tabelach 5 i 6 oraz na rysunkach 2-8 przedstawiono wartości parametrów fizykochemicznych oraz stężeń substancji chemicznych zmierzonych w wodach pobranych z instalacji badawczych 1 i 2. We wnioskach pracy stwierdzono, iż granulowany węgiel aktywny jest odpowiednim materiałem do usuwania z wód fenoli, BTX, wielopierścieniowych w
Impact of ethnicity, gender, and dehydration on the urinary excretion of inhaled salbutamol with respect to doping control.

PubMed

Dickinson, John; Hu, Jie; Chester, Neil; Loosemore, Mike; Whyte, Greg

2014-11-01

To examine the impact of dehydration, ethnicity, and gender on urinary concentrations of salbutamol in relation to the threshold stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Repeated measures open-label. Eighteen male and 14 female athletes (9 white males, 9 white females, 2 Afro-Caribbean males, 2 Afro-Caribbean females, 6 Asian [Indian subcontinent] males, and 4 Asian females) were recruited. All participants were nonasthmatic. After inhalation of 800 μg or 1600 μg of salbutamol, athletes exercised in a hot controlled environment (35°C, 40% relative humidity) at a self-selected pace until a target weight loss (2% or 5%) was achieved. Urine concentration of free salbutamol. After inhalation of 1600 μg salbutamol, 20 participants presented with a urine salbutamol concentrations above the current WADA limit (1000 ng/mL) and decision limit (1200 ng/mL) resulting in an adverse analytical finding. There were no differences according to gender or ethnic origin. Dehydration equivalent to a body mass loss greater than 2% concomitant to the acute inhalation of 1600 μg of salbutamol may result in a urine concentration above the current WADA limit and decision limit leading to a positive test finding independent of gender or ethnic origin. Asthmatic athletes using salbutamol should receive clear dosing advise and education to minimize the risk of inhaling doses of salbutamol that may produce urine concentrations of salbutamol above 1200 ng/mL.

Gas chromatographic quadrupole time-of-flight full scan high resolution mass spectrometric screening of human urine in antidoping analysis.

PubMed

Abushareeda, Wadha; Lyris, Emmanouil; Kraiem, Suhail; Wahaibi, Aisha Al; Alyazidi, Sameera; Dbes, Najib; Lommen, Arjen; Nielen, Michel; Horvatovich, Peter L; Alsayrafi, Mohammed; Georgakopoulos, Costas

2017-09-15

This paper presents the development and validation of a high-resolution full scan (FS) electron impact ionization (EI) gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry (GC/QTOF) platform for screening anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) in human urine samples. The World Antidoping Agency (WADA) enlists AAS as prohibited doping agents in sports, and our method has been developed to comply with the qualitative specifications of WADA to be applied for the detection of sports antidoping prohibited substances, mainly for AAS. The method also comprises of the quantitative analysis of the WADA's Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) endogenous steroidal parameters. The applied preparation of urine samples includes enzymatic hydrolysis for the cleavage of the Phase II glucuronide conjugates, generic liquid-liquid extraction and trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization steps. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) acquisition was applied on few selected ions to enhance the specificity and sensitivity of GC/TOF signal of few compounds. The full scan high resolution acquisition of analytical signal, for known and unknown TMS derivatives of AAS provides the antidoping system with a new analytical tool for the detection designer drugs and novel metabolites, which prolongs the AAS detection, after electronic data files' reprocessing. The current method is complementary to the respective liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC/MS) methodology widely used to detect prohibited molecules in sport, which cannot be efficiently ionized with atmospheric pressure ionization interface. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Pheromones: a new ergogenic aid in sport?

PubMed

Papaloucas, Marios; Kyriazi, Kyriaki; Kouloulias, Vassilis

2015-10-01

Nowadays, antidoping laboratories are improving detection methods to confirm the use of forbidden substances. These tests are based both on direct identification of new substances or their metabolites and on indirect evaluation of changes in gene, protein, or metabolite patterns (genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics). The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) officially monitors anabolic steroids, hormones, growth factors, β-agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, masking agents, street drugs, manipulation of blood and blood components, chemical and physical manipulation, gene doping, stimulants, narcotics, glucocorticosteroids, and β-blockers. However, several other substances are under review by WADA. Pheromones accomplish the structure and function of life from its first step, while they have an impact on the body's performance. Both testosterone and pheromones have an ergogenic effect that could potentially affect an athlete's performance. The authors share their questions concerning the potential impact of pheromones in sports.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation in North Atlantic Long-Finned Pilot Whales, Globicephala melas

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-06-01

Delphinapterus leucas : mitochondrial DNA sequence variation within and among North American populations. M.Sc. thesis. McMaster University. Brown, G.G...Delphinapteras leucas ) (Brennin 1992), minke whales {Balaenoptera acutorostratd) (Wada et al. 1991), bottlenose dolphins {Tursiops truncatus) (Dowling & Brown
Experimental Testing of Innovative Cold-Formed "GEB" Section / Badania Eksperymentalne Innowacyjnego Kształtownika Giętego Na Zimno Typu "Geb"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Łukowicz, Agnieszka; Urbańska-Galewska, Elżbieta; Gordziej-Zagórowska, Małgorzata

2015-03-01

One of the major advantages of light gauge steel structures made of cold-formed steel sections is their low weight so the production of typical single-storey steel structures of this kind of profiles is still rising. The well known profiles, e.o. Z-sections, C-sections and the so called hat-sections studied and described in the literature, are used mainly as purlins or truss components. A new profile GEB was patented for the use for primary load-bearing member in fabricated steel frames. According to the code [1] every novel cross section should be tested to assign the deformation shape and bearing capacity. The paper deals with the numerical and experimental research of bearing capacity of cold formed GEB profiles. The deformation shape and limit load was obtained from bending tests. The GEB cross section bearing capacity was also determined according to codes [1, 2]. Jedną z najważniejszych zalet lekkich konstrukcji metalowych, wytwarzanych z kształtowników giętych na zimno, jest ich mała masa, dlatego też, producenci coraz częściej wykorzystują możliwości profili giętych do wytwarzania typowych konstrukcji halowych w budownictwie systemowym. Proces gięcia na zimno, pozwala na formowanie różnego rodzaju przekrojów poprzecznych, które mogą być wykorzystywane jako elementy konstrukcji. Typowe kształty elementów. tzn. Z, C oraz tzw. przekroje kapeluszowe, które zostały przebadane i opisane w literaturze, wykorzystuje się głównie jako płatwie lub części składowe wiązarów kratowych. Nowo opatentowany przekrój typu GEB ma być wykorzystany jako element nośny konstrukcji ramowych. W związku z tym innowacyjny kształt oraz parametry geometryczne przekroju takiego kształtownika, związane z możliwością jego wyprodukowania oraz z warunkami nośności, stateczności oraz sztywności, muszą być optymalne. Według normy PN-EN 1993-1-3, każdy nowo uformowany przekrój powinien być przebadany pod kątem nośności elementu i formy
Brief History of Anti-Doping.

PubMed

Ljungqvist, Arne

2017-01-01

The fight against doping in sport as we know it today commenced by the creation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Medical Commission in 1961 following the death of a Danish cyclist during the Rome Olympic Games the year before. After a slow start, the fight got under way as from the early 1970s under the leadership of the IOC and of the International Association of Athletics Federations. Despite a lack of understanding and weak support even from the sports community, a series of measures were taken during the 1970s and 1980s which still form cornerstones of today's anti-doping strategy. In addition to information and education campaigns, the most important examples are the introduction of procedural rules for doping controls, the establishment and follow-up of a list of prohibited substances and methods, the accreditation of doping control laboratories, the introduction of in- and out-of-competition testing, rules for therapeutic use exemption, and the introduction of blood sampling. During the 1990s, the anti-doping fight gained increasing support both inside and outside the sport community. In order to harmonize the wide variety of rules that had developed both in sport organizations and at the domestic level and to promote anti-doping activities, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was jointly created by the Olympic movement and the public authorities in 1999. WADA is today carrying on the fight supported by the universally accepted WADA Code and an International Anti-Doping Convention under UNESCO. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Energy Carriers Use in the World: Natural Gas - Conventional and Unconventional Gas Resources / Wykorzystanie Nośników Energii w Świecie: Zasoby Gazu Ziemnego w Złożach Konwencjonalnych i Niekonwencjonalnych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siemek, Jakub; Nagy, Stanisław

2012-11-01

This paper discusses forecasts of energy carrier use with particular emphasis on the changing position of natural gas due to global climatic conditions and the increasing role of unconventional natural gas reservoirs. Allocation of natural gas resources in the world are discussed as well as global gas consumption and conditions for development of transport infrastructure and storage. The most important indicators of the energy security of countries are presented. The basic properties of unconventional deposits, and differences in the production/extraction of gas from the conventional and unconventional fields are given. In the paper are also discussed natural gas reserves in Poland, including possible non-conventional resources in the fields and issues of increasing the role of gas as an energy carrier in Poland in the background of the energy changes in Europe and the world. W pracy omówiono prognozy energetyczne wykorzystania energii ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem zmieniającej się pozycji gazu ziemnego z uwagi na uwarunkowania klimatyczne oraz wzrastającą role niekonwencjonalnych złóż gazu ziemnego. Omówiono alokację zasobów gazu ziemnego w świecie, zużycie gazu w regionach oraz warunki rozbudowy infrastruktury transportu i magazynowania. Przedstawiono najważniejsze wskaźniki dotyczące bezpieczeństwa energetycznego krajów. Omówiono podstawowe własności złóż niekonwencjonalnych oraz różnice w charakterze wydobycia gazu ze złóż konwencjonalnych i niekonwencjonalnych. Omówiono zasoby gazu w Polsce, w tym możliwe zasoby w złożach niekonwencjonalnych oraz zagadnienia zwiększenia roli gazu jako nośnika energii w Polsce w tle energetycznych zmian Europy i świata.
A Histological Assessment of Lung Injury in Rats Exposed to Inhaled Sulfur Mustard across Dose and Time

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

J (2008) Health effects of exposure to vesicant agents. In: Chemical Warfare Agents – Chemistry , Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics. Eds...sulfphide and the protective effect of flavonoids . Toxicology 69: 35-42. Wada S, Nishimoto Y, Miyanishi M, Kambe S, Miller R W(1968) Mustard gas as
Preparation and accreditation of anti-doping laboratories for the Olympic Games.

PubMed

Botrè, Francesco; Wu, Moutian; Boghosian, Thierry

2012-07-01

This article outlines the process of preparation of an anti-doping laboratory in view of the activities to be performed on the occasion of the Olympic Games, focusing in particular on the accreditation requirements of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and ISO/IEC 17025, as well as on the additional obligations required by the International Olympic Committee, which is the testing authority responsible for the anti-doping activities at the Olympics. Due to the elevated workload expected on the occasion of the Olympic Games, the designated anti-doping laboratory needs to increase its analytical capacity (samples processed/time) and capability by increasing the laboratory's resources in terms of space, instrumentation and personnel. Two representative cases, one related to the Winter Olympic Games (Torino 2006) and one related to the Summer Olympic Games (Beijing 2008), are presented in detail, in order to discuss the main aspects of compliance with both the WADA and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
The effect of fasting during Ramadan on parameters of the haematological and steroidal modules of the athletes biological passport - a pilot study.

PubMed

Alsaadi, K; Voss, S C; Kraiem, S; Alwahaibi, A; Alyazedi, S; Dbes, N; Goebel, R; Mohamed-Ali, V; Alsowaidi, S; Seyam, A M; Bashraheel, A S; Alsayrafi, M; Georgakopoulos, C

2015-01-01

This study investigated the effect of Ramadan on the haematological and steroid module of the Athletes Biological Passport (ABP) of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Nine healthy physically active subjects were tested in the morning and afternoon for two days before and three days during Ramadan. Sample collection and all analyses were performed according to WADA technical documents. Although there were significant changes in the haemoglobin concentration during Ramadan, especially during the first fasting week, none of the subjects in this study exceeded the individually calculated thresholds of the ABP. No significant effects on testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio were observed but only the afternoon specific gravity (SG) of the urine was elevated. Thus, when urinary steroid concentrations are required, SG corrections need to be performed. The haematological and the steroid module of the ABP can be reliably applied during Ramadan as the observed changes are only marginal. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2017-01-01

There has been an immense amount of visibility of doping issues on the international stage over the past 12 months with the complexity of doping controls reiterated on various occasions. Hence, analytical test methods continuously being updated, expanded, and improved to provide specific, sensitive, and comprehensive test results in line with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) 2016 Prohibited List represent one of several critical cornerstones of doping controls. This enterprise necessitates expediting the (combined) exploitation of newly generated information on novel and/or superior target analytes for sports drug testing assays, drug elimination profiles, alternative test matrices, and recent advances in instrumental developments. This paper is a continuation of the series of annual banned-substance reviews appraising the literature published between October 2015 and September 2016 concerning human sports drug testing in the context of WADA's 2016 Prohibited List. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors, Sport and Doping.

PubMed

Di Luigi, Luigi; Sansone, Massimiliano; Sansone, Andrea; Ceci, Roberta; Duranti, Guglielmo; Borrione, Paolo; Crescioli, Clara; Sgrò, Paolo; Sabatini, Stefania

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil) are drugs commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. PDE5i are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) but are alleged to be frequently misused by healthy athletes to improve sporting performance. In vitro and in vivo studies have reported various effects of PDE5i on cardiovascular, muscular, metabolic, and neuroendocrine systems and the potential, therefore, to enhance performance of healthy athletes during training and competition. This suggests well-controlled research studies to examine the ergogenic effects of PDE5i on performance during activities that simulate real sporting situations are warranted to determine if PDE5i should be included on the prohibited WADA list. In the meantime, there is concern that some otherwise healthy athletes will continue to misuse PDE5i to gain an unfair competitive advantage over their competitors.
Annual banned-substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Geyer, Hans

2018-01-01

Several high-profile revelations concerning anti-doping rule violations over the past 12 months have outlined the importance of tackling prevailing challenges and reducing the limitations of the current anti-doping system. At this time, the necessity to enhance, expand, and improve analytical test methods in response to the substances outlined in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List represents an increasingly crucial task for modern sports drug-testing programs. The ability to improve analytical testing methods often relies on the expedient application of novel information regarding superior target analytes for sports drug-testing assays, drug elimination profiles, alternative test matrices, together with recent advances in instrumental developments. This annual banned-substance review evaluates literature published between October 2016 and September 2017 offering an in-depth evaluation of developments in these arenas and their potential application to substances reported in WADA's 2017 Prohibited List. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tight Analysis of a Collisionless Robot Gathering Algorithm

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-28

local-multiplicity detection. In SSS , pages 384– 398, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2009. Springer-Verlag. [20] T. Izumi, Y. Katayama, N. Inuzuka, and K. Wada...T. Izumi, M. G. Potop-Butucaru, and S. Tixeuil. Connectivity- preserving scattering of mobile robots with limited visibility. In SSS , pages 319–331
Thirteen years of the fight against doping in figures.

PubMed

Aguilar, Millán; Muñoz-Guerra, Jesús; Plata, María Del Mar; Del Coso, Juan

2017-06-01

Every year, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) publishes the main statistics reported by the accredited laboratories, which provide very valuable information for assessing changes in the patterns of doping in sports over time. Using the information provided since 2003 as the basis for the analysis, the evolution of doping/anti-doping figures over the last decade can be examined in reasonable detail, at least in reference to samples analyzed and categories of substances more commonly found in athletes' samples. This brief analysis of the WADA statistical reports leads us to the following outcomes: the increase in anti-doping pressure from 2003 to 2015, as evidenced by increased numbers of samples analyzed and banned substances, has not directly produced a higher frequency of adverse/atypical findings. Although this could be interpreted as steady state in the capacity to detect doping through this whole period, it also resulted in a significant increase in the absolute number of samples catalogued as doping (from 2247 in 2003 to 5912 in 2015). Anabolic agents have been the most common doping substances detected in all statistics reports while the remaining groups of substances are much less frequently found in doping control samples. Given that one might have expected the enhancement of the anti-doping programme led by WADA over this last decade to have increased the percentage of adverse/atypical findings, the fact that it did not might indicate the need to take another step in sampling strategies, such as 'more intelligent testing' based on the differences in the prevalence of doping substances among sports. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motor laterality as an indicator of speech laterality.

PubMed

Flowers, Kenneth A; Hudson, John M

2013-03-01

The determination of speech laterality, especially where it is anomalous, is both a theoretical issue and a practical problem for brain surgery. Handedness is commonly thought to be related to speech representation, but exactly how is not clearly understood. This investigation analyzed handedness by preference rating and performance on a reliable task of motor laterality in 34 patients undergoing a Wada test, to see if they could provide an indicator of speech laterality. Hand usage preference ratings divided patients into left, right, and mixed in preference. Between-hand differences in movement time on a pegboard task determined motor laterality. Results were correlated (χ2) with speech representation as determined by a standard Wada test. It was found that patients whose between-hand difference in speed on the motor task was small or inconsistent were the ones whose Wada test speech representation was likely to be ambiguous or anomalous, whereas all those with a consistently large between-hand difference showed clear unilateral speech representation in the hemisphere controlling the better hand (χ2 = 10.45, df = 1, p < .01, η2 = 0.55) This relationship prevailed across hand preference and level of skill in the hands itself. We propose that motor and speech laterality are related where they both involve a central control of motor output sequencing and that a measure of that aspect of the former will indicate the likely representation of the latter. A between-hand measure of motor laterality based on such a measure may indicate the possibility of anomalous speech representation. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved.
Doping control container for urine stabilization: a pilot study.

PubMed

Tsivou, Maria; Giannadaki, Evangelia; Hooghe, Fiona; Roels, Kris; Van Gansbeke, Wim; Garribba, Flaminia; Lyris, Emmanouil; Deventer, Koen; Mazzarino, Monica; Donati, Francesco; Georgakopoulos, Dimitrios G; Van Eenoo, Peter; Georgakopoulos, Costas G; de la Torre, Xavier; Botrè, Francesco

2017-05-01

Urine collection containers used in the doping control collection procedure do not provide a protective environment for urine, against degradation by microorganisms and proteolytic enzymes. An in-house chemical stabilization mixture was developed to tackle urine degradation problems encountered in human sport samples, in cases of microbial contamination or proteolytic activity. The mixture consists of antimicrobial substances and protease inhibitors for the simultaneous inactivation of a wide range of proteolytic enzymes. It has already been tested in lab-scale, as part of World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) funded research project, in terms of efficiency against microbial and proteolytic activity. The present work, funded also by WADA, is a follow-up study on the improvement of chemical stabilization mixture composition, application mode and limitation of interferences, using pilot urine collection containers, spray-coated in their internal surface with the chemical stabilization mixture. Urine in plastic stabilized collection containers have been gone through various incubation cycles to test for stabilization efficiency and analytical matrix interferences by three WADA accredited Laboratories (Athens, Ghent, and Rome). The spray-coated chemical stabilization mixture was tested against microorganism elimination and steroid glucuronide degradation, as well as enzymatic breakdown of proteins, such as intact hCG, recombinant erythropoietin and small peptides (GHRPs, ipamorelin), induced by proteolytic enzymes. Potential analytical interferences, observed in the presence of spray-coated chemical stabilization mixture, were recorded using routine screening procedures. The results of the current study support the application of the spray-coated plastic urine container, in the doping control collection procedure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Language Lateralization in Children Using Functional Transcranial Doppler Sonography

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haag, Anja; Moeller, Nicola; Knake, Susanne; Hermsen, Anke; Oertel, Wolfgang H.; Rosenow, Felix; Hamer, Hajo M.

2010-01-01

Aim: Language lateralization with functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) and lexical word generation has been shown to have high concordance with the Wada test and functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults. We evaluated a nonlexical paradigm to determine language dominance in children. Method: In 23 right-handed children (12…
Homotopic Language Reorganization in the Right Hemisphere after Early Left Hemisphere Injury

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tivarus, Madalina E.; Starling, Sarah J.; Newport, Elissa L.; Langfitt, John T.

2012-01-01

To determine the areas involved in reorganization of language to the right hemisphere after early left hemisphere injury, we compared fMRI activation patterns during four production and comprehension tasks in post-surgical epilepsy patients with either left (LH) or right hemisphere (RH) speech dominance (determined by Wada testing) and healthy…
Properties of Waste from Coal Gasification in Entrained Flow Reactors in the Aspect of Their Use in Mining Technology / Właściwości odpadów ze zgazowania węgla w reaktorach dyspersyjnych w aspekcie ich wykorzystania w technologiach górniczych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pomykała, Radosław

2013-06-01

Most of the coal gasification plants based of one of the three main types of reactors: fixed bed, fluidized bed or entrained flow. In recent years, the last ones, which works as "slagging" reactors (due to the form of generated waste), are very popular among commercial installations. The article discusses the characteristics of the waste from coal gasification in entrained flow reactors, obtained from three foreign installations. The studies was conducted in terms of the possibilities of use these wastes in mining technologies, characteristic for Polish underground coal mines. The results were compared with the requirements of Polish Standards for the materials used in hydraulic backfill as well as suspension technology: solidification backfill and mixtures for gob caulking. Większość przemysłowych instalacji zgazowania węgla pracuje w oparciu o jeden z trzech głównych typów reaktorów: ze złożem stałym, dyspersyjny lub fluidalny. W zależności od rodzaju reaktora oraz szczegółowych rozwiązań instalacji, powstające uboczne produkty zgazowania mogą mieć różną postać. Zależy ona w dużej mierze od stosunku temperatury pracy reaktora do temperatury topnienia części mineralnych zawartych w paliwie, czyli do temperatury mięknienia i topnienia popiołu. W ostatnich latach bardzo dużą popularność wśród instalacji komercyjnych zdobywają reaktory dyspersyjne "żużlujące". W takich instalacjach żużel jest wychwytywany i studzony po wypłynięciu z reaktora. W niektórych przypadkach oprócz żużla powstaje jeszcze popiół lotny, wychwytywany w systemach odprowadzania spalin. Może być on pozyskiwany oddzielnie lub też zawracany do komory reaktora, gdzie ulega stopieniu. Wszystkie z analizowanych odpadów - trzy żużle oraz popiół pochodzą właśnie z tego typu instalacji. Tylko z jednej z nich pozyskano zarówno żużel jak i popiół, z pozostałych dwóch jedynie żużel. Odpady te powstały, jako uboczny produkt zgazowania w
[Neighbourhood characteristic as risk-protective factor related to substance use by youth Review of the contemporary research.

PubMed

Pisarska, Agnieszka

2009-01-01

Przedmiotem artykułu jest przegląd prac badawczych dotyczących związku między cechami środowiska sąsiedzkiego a używaniem przez młodzież substancji psychoaktywnych. W pierwszej części pracy opisano sposoby definiowania obszaru środowiska sąsiedzkiego, w drugiej scharakteryzowano podstawy teoretyczne badań, w trzeciej - metody pomiaru cech środowiska sąsiedzkiego, a w czwartej przedstawiono wynik badań. Najczęściej przywoływanymi w badaniach teoriami, wyjaśniającymi związek między środowiskiem sąsiedzkim a zachowaniem młodzieży były teoria społecznej dezorganizacji oraz teoria kapitału społecznego. Odwoływano się ponadto do mechanizmów wpływu środowiska sąsiedzkiego na młodzież, takich jak: mechanizm norm i kolektywnej skuteczności, mechanizm zasobów instytucjonalnych, mechanizm relacji rodzinnych, mechanizm poczucia wspólnoty ze społeczności lokalną oraz model kolektywnego stylu życia. Najpowszechniej wykorzystywanym źródłem informacji o cechach środowiska były dane ze spisu powszechnego dotyczące społecznej i demograficznej charakterystyki mieszkańców. Stosowano również takie metody pomiaru, jak obserwacje w terenie, analiza dokumentacji oraz ankiety i wywiady z osobami badanymi, młodzieżą i rodzicami młodych ludzi. Wyniki badań potwierdziły, że cechy środowiska sąsiedzkiego mają bezpośredni i pośredni wpływ na sięganie przez młodzież po papierosy, alkohol i narkotyki. Stwierdzono, że znaczącym czynnikiem ryzyka jest charakterystyczna dla niekorzystnych środowisk łatwa dostępność substancji psychoaktywnych. Czynnikami chroniącymi są bezpieczeństwo w sąsiedztwie, kontrola społeczna oraz dostępność zasobów instytucjonalnych. Zaproponowane przez badaczy modele teoretyczne, odnoszące się do wpływu środowiska sąsiedzkiego na zachowanie młodzieży, wyznaczają obiecujące obszary badań. Zebrane dotychczas wyniki wskazują, że w działaniach profilaktycznych i

Urine reference intervals for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) isoforms by immunoextraction-tandem mass spectrometry to detect hCG use.

PubMed

Butch, Anthony W; Ahrens, Brian D; Avliyakulov, Nuraly K

2017-11-03

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulates testosterone production by the testicles and can normalize suppressed testosterone concentrations in males following prolonged anabolic steroid use. Because of the potential for abuse by males, hCG is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of prohibited substances. The majority of WADA-accredited laboratories measure urinary hCG using an automated immunoassay. Only immunoassays that recognize the intact alpha and beta heterodimer of hCG (intact hCG) should be used to measure urinary hCG for doping control purposes since intact hCG is the only biologically active molecule. WADA further requires that confirmation testing is performed using an intact hCG immunoassay that is different from the one used in the initial testing procedure or by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In this study we measured the concentration of intact hCG, free β-subunit (hCGβ) and β-subunit core fragment (hCGβcf) in 570, 275, and 256 male urine samples, respectively, by an immunoextraction LC-MS/MS method. Mean concentrations of intact hCG, hCGβ and hCGβcf were 0.04 IU/L, 0.47 pmol/L and 0.16 pmol/L, respectively. The upper reference limits (97.5 th percentile) for intact hCG, hCGβ and hCGβcf were 0.21 IU/L, 0.40 pmol/L, and 1.86 pmol/L, respectively. Based on these data, we recommend a threshold of 1.0 IU/L for intact hCG (false positive rate of <1 in 10 000) for detecting male athletes that dope with hCG. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The abuse of diuretics as performance-enhancing drugs and masking agents in sport doping: pharmacology, toxicology and analysis

PubMed Central

Cadwallader, Amy B; de la Torre, Xavier; Tieri, Alessandra; Botrè, Francesco

2010-01-01

Diuretics are drugs that increase the rate of urine flow and sodium excretion to adjust the volume and composition of body fluids. There are several major categories of this drug class and the compounds vary greatly in structure, physicochemical properties, effects on urinary composition and renal haemodynamics, and site and mechanism of action. Diuretics are often abused by athletes to excrete water for rapid weight loss and to mask the presence of other banned substances. Because of their abuse by athletes, diuretics have been included on The World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of prohibited substances; the use of diuretics is banned both in competition and out of competition and diuretics are routinely screened for by anti-doping laboratories. This review provides an overview of the pharmacology and toxicology of diuretics and discusses their application in sports. The most common analytical strategies currently followed by the anti-doping laboratories accredited by the WADA are discussed along with the challenges laboratories face for the analysis of this diverse class of drugs. PMID:20718736
Intermolecular interaction studies of glyphosate with water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manon, Priti; Juglan, K. C.; Kaur, Kirandeep; Sethi, Nidhi; Kaur, J. P.

2017-07-01

The density (ρ), viscosity (η) and ultrasonic velocity (U) of glyphosate with water have been measured on different ultrasonic frequency ranges from 1MHz, 2MHz, 3MHz & 5MHz by varying concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, & 0.40%) at 30°C. The specific gravity bottle, Ostwald's viscometer and quartz crystal interferometer were used to determine density (ρ), viscosity (η) and ultrasonic velocity (U). These three factors contribute in evaluating the other parameters as acoustic impedance (Z), adiabatic compressibility (β), relaxation time (τ), intermolecular free length (Lf), free volume (Vf), ultrasonic attenuation (α/f2), Rao's constant (R), Wada's constant (W) and relative strength (R). Solute-solvent interaction is confirmed by ultrasonic velocity and viscosity values, which increases with increase in concentration indicates stronger association between solute and solvent molecules. With rise in ultrasonic frequency the interaction between the solute and solvent particles decreases. The linear variations in Rao's constant and Wada's constant suggest the absence of complex formation.
The effect of a period of intensive exercise on the isoform test to detect growth hormone doping in sports.

PubMed

Voss, S C; Giraud, S; Alsayrafi, M; Bourdon, P C; Schumacher, Y O; Saugy, M; Robinson, N

2013-08-01

The major objective of this study was to investigate the effects of several days of intense exercise on growth hormone (hGH) testing using the World Anti-Doping Agencies hGH isoform differential immunoassays. Additionally the effects of circadian variation and exercise type on the isoform ratios were also investigated. 15 male athletes performed a simulated nine day cycling stage race. Blood samples were collected twice daily over a period of 15 days (stage race+three days before and after). hGH isoforms were analysed by the official WADA immunoassays (CMZ Assay GmbH). All measured isoform ratios were far below the WADA decision limits for an adverse analytical finding. Changes in the isoform ratios could not be clearly connected to circadian variation, exercise duration or intensity. The present study demonstrates that the hGH isoform ratios are not significantly affected by exercise or circadian variation. We demonstrated that heavy, long term exercise does not interfere with the decision limits for an adverse analytical finding. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Science and the rules governing anti-doping violations.

PubMed

Bowers, Larry D

2010-01-01

The fight against the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports has been in effect for nearly 90 years. The formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1999 was a major event because an independent agency was entrusted with harmonization of the antidoping program. In addition to sports governing bodies, governments have endorsed WADA and its programs by signing a United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization Convention on Doping. The first step in the harmonization process was the development of the World Anti-Doping Program. This program consisted of five documents - the Code, the International Standard for Testing, the International Standard for Laboratories, the Prohibited List, and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions - which unified the approach of the international federations and national antidoping agencies in applying antidoping rules. For laboratory testing, the International Standard for Laboratories establishes the performance expectations for and competence of laboratories recognized by WADA, including accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025. The antidoping rules are adjudicated by arbitration using the internationally recognized Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Telmisartan as metabolic modulator: a new perspective in sports doping?

PubMed

Sanchis-Gomar, Fabian; Lippi, Giuseppe

2012-03-01

The World Antidoping Agency (WADA) has introduced some changes in the 2012 prohibited list. Among the leading innovations to the rules are that both 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ [PPAR-δ]-5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase [AMPK] agonist) and GW1516 (PPAR-δ-agonist) are no longer categorized as gene doping substances in the new 2012 prohibited list but as metabolic modulators in the class "Hormone and metabolic modulators." This may also be valid for the angotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan. It has recently been shown that telmisartan might induce similar biochemical, biological, and metabolic changes (e.g., mitochondrial biogenesis and changes in skeletal muscle fiber type) as those reported for the former call of substances. We suspect that metabolic modulators abuse such as telmisartan might become a tangible threat in sports and should be thereby targeted as an important antidoping issue. The 2012 WADA prohibited list does not provide telmisartan for a potential doping drug, but arguments supporting the consideration to include them among "metabolic modulators" are at hand.
The Modernization of the Energy Sector in Poland vs. Poland's Energy Security / Modernizacja sektora energii w polsce a bezpieczeństwo energetyczne Polski

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frączek, Paweł; Kaliski, Maciej; Siemek, Paweł

2013-06-01

The paper discusses the essence of Poland's energy security, decisive factors for its attainment and the structure of primary energy sources of the country. It describes the main problem areas in functioning of the energy sector in Poland, as well as the conditions for its modernization. The issues of increasing the natural gas share in the country's structure of primary energy sources and a construction of the first nuclear power plant in Poland have been particularly emphasised. The paper stresses that without modernizing actions it will be impossible for Poland to fulfil international obligations concerning changes in the functioning of the energy sector. The study, analysing the conditions for increasing the role of natural gas in Poland, points at the necessity to expand the gas infrastructure, to increase a scale of gas production from domestic deposits and to complete liberalization of the energy industry. It also emphasises that a potential delay in the construction of the country's first nuclear power plant may limit competitiveness of the economy. W artykule omówiono istotę bezpieczeństwa energetycznego Polski, czynniki decydujące o jego osiągnięciu oraz strukturę źródeł energii pierwotnej w kraju. Przedstawiono główne problemy funkcjonowania sektora energii w Polsce oraz uwarunkowania jego modernizacji. Szczególny nacisk położono na kwestie zwiększenia udziału gazu ziemnego w krajowej strukturze źródeł energii pierwotnej oraz budowy pierwszej elektrownii atomowej w Polsce. Podkreślono, że bez podjęcia działań modernizacyjnych niemożliwe będzie wypełnienie zobowiązań międzynarodowych Polski dotyczących zmian w sposobie funkcjonowania sektora energii. Analizując uwarunkowania zwiększenia znaczenia gazu ziemnego w Polsce, wskazano na konieczność rozbudowy infrastruktury gazowniczej, zwiększenia skali wydobycia gazu ziemnego z krajowych złóż oraz na kwestię dokończenia liberalizacji branży. Podkreślono, że dla zwi
Determining Acceptable Explosive Charge Mass Under Different Geological Conditions / Problematyka Wyznaczania Dopuszczalnych Ładunków Mw W Zróżnicowanych Warunkach Geologicznych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyra, Józef; Sołtys, Anna; Winzer, Jan; Dworzak, Michał; Biessikirski, Andrzej

2015-09-01

This article presents a procedure for determining the safety of explosive charges for their surrounding environment, using a limestone mine as a case study. Varied geological structures, as well as other constructions in the surrounding area of a mine, sometimes necessitate the use of two or more ground vibration propagation equations, and thus a variety of explosive charges, depending on the area of rock blasting. This is a crucial issue for the contractor, as it is important to blast the rock as few times as possible, while using the maximum amount of explosive charge for each blast. Wykonywanie robót strzałowych w górnictwie polega na odpalaniu mas materiału wybuchowego (MW) celem uzyskania dużej ilości odpowiednio rozdrobnionego urobku. W momencie zwiększonego popytu na surowce skalne zakłady górnicze zmuszone są do zwielokrotnienia wykonywania prac strzałowych aby zapewnić regularne dostawy produktu. Konsekwencją takich działań jest ponoszenie dodatkowych kosztów operacyjnych. Celem ich minimalizacji oraz uzyskania jak największej efektywności prowadzonych robót strzałowych jest wydłużanie serii, a więc stosowanie coraz to większych mas ładunków materiałów wybuchowych. Efektem takiego postępowanie jest możliwość wystąpienia w otoczeniu oddziaływania o potencjalnie szkodliwym charakterze m. in. drgania parasejsmiczne. Aby wyeliminować powyższy problem oraz zapewnić niezbędny komfort mieszkańcom, Prawo geologiczne i górnicze, Prawo ochrony środowiska i rozporządzenia wykonawcze nakładają na podmiot wykonujący roboty strzałowe obowiązek ochrony otoczenia, poprzez prowadzenie działalności profilaktycznej w zakresie kontroli, monitorowania oraz wyznaczania dopuszczalnych mas ładunków MW. W momencie gdy nie ma możliwości ograniczenia niepożądanych wpływów dynamicznych po przez zmianę parametrów siatki strzałowej czy modyfikację struktury czasowo-częstotliwościowej drgań, jedyną możliwością staje si
Właściwości środowiska sąsiedzkiego jako czynnik chroniący/ryzyka używania przez młodzież substancji psychoaktywnych. Przegląd badań

PubMed Central

Pisarska, Agnieszka

2009-01-01

Streszczenie Przedmiotem artykułu jest przegląd prac badawczych dotyczących związku między cechami środowiska sąsiedzkiego a używaniem przez młodzież substancji psychoaktywnych. W pierwszej części pracy opisano sposoby definiowania obszaru środowiska sąsiedzkiego, w drugiej scharakteryzowano podstawy teoretyczne badań, w trzeciej – metody pomiaru cech środowiska sąsiedzkiego, a w czwartej przedstawiono wynik badań. Najczęściej przywoływanymi w badaniach teoriami, wyjaśniającymi związek między środowiskiem sąsiedzkim a zachowaniem młodzieży były teoria społecznej dezorganizacji oraz teoria kapitału społecznego. Odwoływano się ponadto do mechanizmów wpływu środowiska sąsiedzkiego na młodzież, takich jak: mechanizm norm i kolektywnej skuteczności, mechanizm zasobów instytucjonalnych, mechanizm relacji rodzinnych, mechanizm poczucia wspólnoty ze społeczności lokalną oraz model kolektywnego stylu życia. Najpowszechniej wykorzystywanym źródłem informacji o cechach środowiska były dane ze spisu powszechnego dotyczące społecznej i demograficznej charakterystyki mieszkańców. Stosowano również takie metody pomiaru, jak obserwacje w terenie, analiza dokumentacji oraz ankiety i wywiady z osobami badanymi, młodzieżą i rodzicami młodych ludzi. Wyniki badań potwierdziły, że cechy środowiska sąsiedzkiego mają bezpośredni i pośredni wpływ na sięganie przez młodzież po papierosy, alkohol i narkotyki. Stwierdzono, że znaczącym czynnikiem ryzyka jest charakterystyczna dla niekorzystnych środowisk łatwa dostępność substancji psychoaktywnych. Czynnikami chroniącymi są bezpieczeństwo w sąsiedztwie, kontrola społeczna oraz dostępność zasobów instytucjonalnych. Zaproponowane przez badaczy modele teoretyczne, odnoszące się do wpływu środowiska sąsiedzkiego na zachowanie młodzieży, wyznaczają obiecujące obszary badań. Zebrane dotychczas wyniki wskazują, że w działaniach profilaktycznych
Antidoping programme and biological monitoring before and during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

PubMed Central

Baume, Norbert; Jan, Nicolas; Emery, Caroline; Mandanis, Béatrice; Schweizer, Carine; Giraud, Sylvain; Leuenberger, Nicolas; Marclay, François; Nicoli, Raul; Perrenoud, Laurent; Robinson, Neil; Dvorak, Jiri; Saugy, Martial

2015-01-01

Background The FIFA has implemented an important antidoping programme for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Aim To perform the analyses before and during the World Cup with biological monitoring of blood and urine samples. Methods All qualified players from the 32 teams participating in the World Cup were tested out-of-competition. During the World Cup, 2–8 players per match were tested. Over 1000 samples were collected in total and analysed in the WADA accredited Laboratory of Lausanne. Results The quality of the analyses was at the required level as described in the WADA technical documents. The urinary steroid profiles of the players were stable and consistent with previously published papers on football players. During the competition, amphetamine was detected in a sample collected on a player who had a therapeutic use exemption for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The blood passport data showed no significant difference in haemoglobin values between out-of-competition and postmatch samples. Conclusions Logistical issues linked to biological samples collection, and the overseas shipment during the World Cup did not impair the quality of the analyses, especially when used as the biological passport of football players. PMID:25878079
Determination of urinary concentrations of pseudoephedrine and cathine after therapeutic administration of pseudoephedrine-containing medications to healthy subjects: implications for doping control analysis of these stimulants banned in sport.

PubMed

Barroso, Osquel; Goudreault, Danielle; Carbó Banús, Marcel-lí; Ayotte, Christiane; Mazzoni, Irene; Boghosian, Thierry; Rabin, Olivier

2012-05-01

Due to its stimulatory effects on the central nervous system, and its structural similarity to banned stimulants such as ephedrine and methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine (PSE) at high doses is considered as an ergogenic aid for boosting athletic performance. However, the status of PSE in the International Standard of the Prohibited List as established under the World Anti-Doping Code has changed over the years, being prohibited until 2003 at a urinary cut-off value of 25 µg/ml, and then subsequently removed from the Prohibited List during the period 2004-2009. The re-consideration of this position by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) List Expert Group has led to the reintroduction of PSE in the Prohibited List in 2010. In this manuscript, we present the results of two WADA-sponsored clinical studies on the urinary excretion of PSE and its metabolite cathine (CATH) following the oral administration of different PSE formulations to healthy individuals at therapeutic regimes. On this basis, the current analytical urinary threshold for the detection of PSE as a doping agent in sport has been conservatively established at 150 µg/ml Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of Brain Reorganization in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Using Functional MRI

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

Unclassified b. ABSTRACT Unclassified c. THIS PAGE Unclassified Unclassified 19b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (include area code ) Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98...Research titled: “Passive fMRI mapping of language function for pediatric epilepsy surgery : validation using Wada, ECS, and FMAER” 2. Invited talk to...The mapping of language is important in pediatric patients who will undergo resection surgery near cortical regions essential for language function
The Shock and Vibration Bulletin. Part 3. Shock Testing, Shock Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-08-01

APPROXIMATE TRANSFORMATION C.S. O’Hearne and J.W. Shipley, Martin Marietta Aerospace, Orlando, Florida LINEAR LUMPED-MASS MODELING TECHNIQUES FOR BLAST LOADED...Leppert, B.K. Wada, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, and R. Miyakawa, Martin - Marietta Aerospace, Denver, Colorado (assigned to the Jet...Wilmington, Delaware Vibration Testing and Analysis DEVELOPMENT OF SAM-D MISSILE RANDOM VIBRATION RESPONSE LOADS P.G. Hahn, Martin Marietta Aerospace
Pseudoephedrine and preexercise feeding: influence on performance.

PubMed

Pritchard-Peschek, Kellie R; Osborne, Mark A; Slater, Gary J; Taaffe, Dennis R; Jenkins, David G

2013-06-01

This study examined the influence of preexercise food intake on plasma pseudoephedrine (PSE) concentrations and subsequent high-intensity exercise. In addition, urinary PSE concentrations were measured under the same conditions and compared with the present threshold of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Ten highly trained male cyclists and triathletes (age = 30.6 ± 6.6 yr, body mass [BM] = 72.9 ± 5.1 kg, and V˙O2max = 64.8 ± 4.5 mL·kg·min; mean ± SD) undertook four cycling time trials (TT), each requiring the completion of a set amount of work (7 kJ·kg BM) in the shortest possible time. Participants were randomized into a fed or nonfed condition and orally ingested 2.8 mg·kg BM of PSE or a placebo (PLA) 90 min before exercise; in the fed trials, they consumed a meal providing 1.5 g·kg BM of CHO. Venous blood was sampled at 30, 50, and 70 min and pre-warm-up and postexercise for the analysis of plasma PSE and catecholamine concentrations, and urine was also collected for the analysis of PSE concentration. Independent of the preexercise meal, 2.8 mg·kg BM of PSE did not significantly improve cycling TT performance. The fed trials resulted in lower plasma PSE concentrations at all time points compared with the nonfed trials. Both plasma epinephrine and blood lactate concentrations were higher in the PSE compared with the PLA trials, and preexercise and postexercise urinary PSE concentrations were significantly higher than the threshold (150 μg·mL) used by WADA to determine illicit PSE use. Irrespective of the preexercise meal, cycling TT performance of approximately 30 min was not improved after PSE supplementation. Furthermore, 2.8 mg·kg BM of PSE taken 90 min before exercise, with or without food, resulted in urinary PSE concentrations exceeding the present WADA threshold.
Measurement of Small Values of Hydrostatic Pressure with the Compensation of Atmospheric Pressure Influence / Pomiar Małych Wartości Ciśnienia Hydrostatycznego Z Kompensacją Wpływu Ciśnienia Atmosferycznego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broda, Krzysztof; Filipek, Wiktor

2013-09-01

structure has been simplified and the measurement accuracy has increased. Znajomość rozkładu ciśnienia (lub różnicy ciśnień) determinuje opis przepływu płynu przez ośrodek porowaty. W przypadku dużych liczb Reynoldsa nie nastręcza to większych trudności, lecz dla przepływów laminarnych (tj. dla liczb Re (Bear, 1988; Duckworth, 1983; Troskolański, 1957) z zakresu 0.01 do 3) jest to praktycznie niemożliwe w oparciu o dostępne na rynku przyrządy. Przyczyny powodujące taką sytuację zostały omówione w poprzednim opracowaniu (Broda i Filipek, 2012), w którym zwrócono uwagę na trudności pomiarów związane z napięciem powierzchniowym czy włoskowatością (Adamson, 1997). Zaproponowano (Broda i Filipek, 2012) nową, autorską metodę pomiaru bardzo małych różnic ciśnień oraz skonstruowano odpowiednie stanowisko składające się z dwóch oddzielnych zbiorników pomiarowych oraz przeprowadzono pomiary. Z przeprowadzonych badań (Broda i Filipek, 2012) wynikała konieczność zastosowania stabilizacji temperatury urządzenia oraz kompensacji wpływu ciśnienia atmosferycznego na proces pomiarowy. Niniejsza publikacja przedstawia wyniki kontynuacji badań nad metodami i aparaturą do pomiaru bardzo małych różnic ciśnień z uwzględnieniem zdobytych doświadczeń, w oparciu o nowe stanowisko pomiarowe, którego zasadę działania i budowę przedstawiono na rys. 1-5, kolejno przedstawiając koncepcję wykonania pomiaru małych wartości ciśnienia hydrodynamicznego z kompensacją wpływu ciśnienia atmosferycznego rys. 1; ilustrację obrazującą stan odpowiadający przypadkowi braku przepływu płynu przez badany obiekt rys. 2; omawiając stan odpowiadający przypadkowi przepływu płynu przez badany obiekt rys. 3. Kolejno omówiono stan odpowiadający pomiarowi spadku ciśnienia na badanym obiekcie rys. 4 oraz przedstawiono metodykę pomiaru (zależności (1) - (20)). Zdjęcie stanowiska badawczego oraz jego elementów ilustruje rys. 5. W
Another Crossroads? Professional Military Education Two Decades After the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the Skelton Panel

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

staff including Erin Conaton, Paul Arcangeli, Robert Simmons, Paul Oostburg Sanz, Paul Lewis, Debra Wada, Suzanne McKenna, Vickie Plunkett, Craig ...National Defense University: Lieutenant General Frances C. Wilson, Dr. John Deegan , Jr., and Dr. John W. Yaeger, 16 March 2009. Marine Corps...diversity.” The Washington Post (on line), 10 November 2009. Deegan , John, Jr. “First Step to Academic Excellence: The Faculty.” 14 April 2009
Non-invasive assessment of hemispheric language dominance by optical topography during a brief passive listening test: a pilot study.

PubMed

Bembich, Stefano; Demarini, Sergio; Clarici, Andrea; Massaccesi, Stefano; Grasso, Domenico Loenardo

2011-12-01

The Wada test is usually used for pre-surgical assessment of language lateralization. Considering its invasiveness and risk of complications, alternative methods have been proposed but they are not always applicable to non-cooperative patients. In this study we explored the possibility of using optical topography (OT)--a multichannel near-infrared system--for non-invasive assessment of hemispheric language dominance during passive listening. Cortical activity was monitored in a sample of healthy, adult Italian native speakers, all right-handed. We assessed changes in oxy-haemoglobin concentration in temporal, parietal and posterior frontal lobes during a passive listening of bi-syllabic words and vowel-consonant-vowel syllables lasting less then 3 minutes. Activated channels were identified by t tests. Left hemisphere showed significant activity only during the passive listening of bi-syllabic words. Specifically, the superior temporal gyrus, the supramarginal gyrus and the posterior inferior parietal lobe were activated. During passive listening of bi-syllabic words, right handed healthy adults showed a significant activation in areas already known to be involved in speech comprehension. Although more research is needed, OT proved to be a promising alternative to the Wada test for non-invasive assessment of hemispheric language lateralization, even if using a particularly brief trial, which has been designed for future applications with non-cooperative subjects.
Estimation of the Temperature-Dependent Nitrogen Solubility in Stainless Fe-Cr-Mn-Ni-Si-C Steel Melts During Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wendler, Marco; Hauser, Michael; Sandig, Eckhard Frank; Volkova, Olena

2018-04-01

The influence of chemical composition, temperature, and pressure on the nitrogen solubility of various high alloy stainless steel grades, namely Fe-14Cr-(0.17-7.77)Mn-6Ni-0.5Si-0.03C [wt pct], Fe-15Cr-3Mn-4Ni-0.5Si-0.1C [wt pct], and Fe-19Cr-3Mn-4Ni-0.5Si-0.15C [wt pct], was studied in the melt. The temperature-dependent N-solubility was determined using an empirical approach proposed by Wada and Pehlke. The thus calculated N-concentrations overestimate the actual N-solubility of all the studied Fe-Cr-Mn-Ni-Si-C steel melts at a given temperature and pressure. Consequently, the calculation model has to be modified by Si and C because both elements are not recognized in the original equation. The addition of the 1st and 2nd order interaction parameters for Si and C to the model by Wada and Pehlke allows a precise estimation of the temperature-dependent nitrogen solubility in the liquid steel bath, and fits very well with the measured nitrogen concentrations during processing of the steels. Moreover, the N-solubility enhancing effect of Cr- and Mn-additions has been demonstrated.
Twenty-Fifth Annual Conference on the Physics and Chemistry of Semiconductor Interfaces. Volume 16, Number 4

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-08-01

Shigefusa Chichibu, Takayuki Sofa, Kazumi Wada, and Shuji Nakamura Dynamics of localized excitons in InGaN/GaN quantum wells ,. 0 _ _ . w 7onn...Electron. Electron Phys. 11, 413 (1959). 2E. G. Bylander, J. Appl. Phys. 49, 1188 (1978). 3M. Hiraki et al., J. Lumin. 12/13, 941 (1976). 4A. O...University of Tokyo, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan Takayuki Sotab) TT . . . Department of Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, Waseda
Prospection for Copper Mineralization with Contribution of Remote Sensing, Geochemical and Mineralographical Data in Abhar 1:100,000 Sheet, NW Iran / Poszukiwania ZASOBÓW Rud Miedzi Z Zastosowaniem Zdalnych Technik WYKORZYSTUJĄCYCH Dane Geochemiczne i Mineralogiczne W POKŁADZIE Geologicznym Abhar 1:100,000 W PÓŁNOCNO-ZACHODNIM Iranie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nouri, Reza; Jafari, Mohammadreza; Arian, Mehran; Feizi, Faranak; Afzal, Peyman

2013-12-01

Abhar 1:100,000 sheet is located within the Cenozoic Tarom volcano-plutonic belt, NW Iran. The present study is based on the integration of remote sensing techniques on Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), geochemical data analysis consisting of stream sediment and lithogeochemical samples, within geological field observations and mineralographical studies to identify Cu prospect. On ASTER data; using a number of selected methods including band ratio, Least Square Fit (LS-Fit) and Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF) distinguished alternation zones. These methods revealed that three types of alterations: argillic, phyllic, and iron oxide zones occurring at the NE and SE of Abhar sheet, while the propylitic and silica zones are developed in NW and SW of the studied area. Lineaments were identified by aid of false color composite, high pass filters and hill-shade DEM techniques that two NW-SE and NE-SW major trends were determined. Geochemical anomalies were separated by number-size (N-S) method. Interpretation of N-S log-log plots of Cu in the area may be a result of the three steps of enrichment, i.e., mineralization and later dispersions. Field checks and Mineralgraphical studies also confirm the existence of suitable copper mineralization. Pokład geologiczny Abhar 1:100,100 zlokalizowany jest w obrębie kenozoicznego pasa skał magmowych pochodzenia wulkanicznego Tarom w północno-zachodnim Iranie. W pracy przedstawiono połączenie zastosowań metod zdalnych wykorzystujących technologię ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Refelection Radiometer), analizę danych geochemicznych zebranych na podstawie osadów dennych ze strumieni oraz próbek skał w obrębie pola obserwacji a także danych mineralogicznych w celu rozpoznania skupisk rud miedzi. Na podstawie danych uzyskanych przy użyciu technologiiASTER i poddanych obróbce przy użyciu różnorodnych technik: badanie układu pasm, dopasowanie metodę najmniejszych

Results from Dealing with Rock and Gas Outburst Prevention in The Czech Republic / Efekty Działań Mających Na Celu Zapobieganie Wybuchom Skał I Gazu, Podejmowanych W Republice Czeskiej

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudeček, Vlastimil; Zapletal, Pavel; Stoniš, Milan; Sojka, Radislav

2013-09-01

In the Czech Republic, the prevention of rock and gas outbursts is carried out in the course of driving mine workings in seams and in sandstone and conglomerate beds classified into a category with the highest degree of rock and gas outburst hazard. It is a case of active methods that aim at prevention of rock and gas outbursts by creating a protection zone in front of and in sides of mine workings being driven and passive methods that mitigate the effects of outbursts (Hudeček et al., 2009, 2010). In this article, authors present recommendations and proposals for changes in rock and gas outburst prevention. These proposed changes should reflect in increased efficiency in coping with this anomalous geomechanical events. Działania w celu zapobiegania wybuchom skał i gazów w Republice czeskiej podejmowane są już na etapie drążenia wyrobisk w złożach oraz w piaskowcach oraz w pokładach zlepieńców sklasyfikowanych jako lokalizacje o najwyższym stopniu zagrożenia wybuchami skał i gazów. W tym przypadku mamy do dyspozycji metody aktywne, których celem jest zapobieżenie wybuchom skał i gazów poprzez stworzenie strefy ochronnej w części czołowej i bocznych częściach wyrobiska oraz metody bierne, mające na celu złagodzenie skutków wybuchu (Hudecek et al., 2009, 2010). W artykule autor rekomenduje i zaleca dokonanie pewnych zmian w systemie zapobiegania wybuchom skał i gazów. Proponowane zmiany skutkować powinny zwiększoną skutecznością działania w przypadku wystąpienia zjawisk geomechanicznych uznawanych za anomalie.
Telomere Length as a Predictor of Aggressive Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-11-01

prostate cancer, other prostate diseases, and other cancers. Albadine R, Latour M, Toubaji A, Haffner M, Isaacs WB, Platz EA, Meeker AK, Demarzo AM...PMID: 19267370 Lotan TL, Toubaji A, Albadine R, Latour M, Herawi M, Meeker AK, DeMarzo AM, Platz EA, Epstein JI, Netto GJ. TMPRSS2-ERG gene...Wada S, Yoshimura K, Hipkiss EL, Harris TJ, Yen HR, Goldberg MV, Grosso JF, Getnet D, Demarzo AM, Netto GJ, Anders R, Pardoll DM, Drake CG
Deciphering the Mechanism of Alternative Cleavage and Polyadenylation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

Kubo , T., Wada, T., Yamaguchi, Y., Shimizu, A. & Handa, H. Knock-down of 25 kDa subunit of cleavage factor Im inHela cells alters alternative...usage was calculated as 62normalized DDDCT. Oligonucleotides used for qRT–PCR. Cyclin D1 common forward, 59-CTGC CAGGAGCAGATCGAAG; reverse, 59...CTdeviation of either amplicon at all of the dilutions was calculated as a correction factor. d, The experiment shown in c was repeated for DICER1 and
N-Cadherin in Prostate Cancer: Downstream Pathways and their Translational Application for Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

2008). 22. Mason , M.J., Fan, G ., Plath, K., Zhou, Q. & Horvath , S. Signed weighted gene co-expression network analysis of transcriptional regulation... G , Gimond C. The dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases: critical roles in development and cancer. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol.299:C189-202. 9...Tanaka H. KE, Tran C. P., Miyazaki H., Yamashiro J., Shimomura T., Lada F., Wada R., Juang J., Vessella R. L., An J., Horvath S., Gleave M., Rettig M
Doping control analysis at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

PubMed

Pereira, Henrique Marcelo Gualberto; Sardela, Vinicius Figueiredo; Padilha, Monica Costa; Mirotti, Luciana; Casilli, Alessandro; de Oliveira, Fabio Azamor; de Albuquerque Cavalcanti, Gustavo; Rodrigues, Lucas Martins Lisandro; de Araujo, Amanda Lessa Dutra; Levy, Rachel Santos; Teixeira, Pedro Antonio Castelo; de Oliveira, Felipe Alves Gomes; Duarte, Ana Carolina Giordani; Carneiro, Ana Carolina Dudenhoeffer; Evaristo, Joseph Albert Medeiros; Dos Santos, Gustavo Ramalho Cardoso; da Costa, Giovanni Carlo Verissimo; de Lima Castro, Fernando; Nogueira, Fabio Cesar Sousa; Scalco, Fernanda Bertão; Pizzatti, Luciana; de Aquino Neto, Francisco Radler

2017-11-01

This paper summarises the results obtained from the doping control analyses performed during the Summer XXXI Olympic Games (August 3-21, 2016) and the XV Paralympic Games (September 7-18, 2016). The analyses of all doping control samples were performed at the Brazilian Doping Control Laboratory (LBCD), a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A new facility at Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ) was built and fully operated by over 700 professionals, including Brazilian and international scientists, administrative staff, and volunteers. For the Olympic Games, 4913 samples were analysed. In 29 specimens, the presence of a prohibited substance was confirmed, resulting in adverse analytical findings (AAFs). For the Paralympic Games, 1687 samples were analysed, 12 of which were reported as AAFs. For both events, 82.8% of the samples were urine, and 17.2% were blood samples. In total, more than 31 000 analytical procedures were conducted. New WADA technical documents were fully implemented; consequently, state-of-the-art analytical toxicology instrumentation and strategies were applied during the Games, including different types of mass spectrometry (MS) analysers, peptide, and protein detection strategies, endogenous steroid profile measurements, and blood analysis. This enormous investment yielded one of the largest Olympic legacies in Brazil and South America. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short term impact of Tribulus terrestris intake on doping control analysis of endogenous steroids.

PubMed

Saudan, Christophe; Baume, Norbert; Emery, Caroline; Strahm, Emmanuel; Saugy, Martial

2008-06-10

Tribulus terrestris is a nutritional supplement highly debated regarding its physiological and actual effects on the organism. The main claimed effect is an increase of testosterone anabolic and androgenic action through the activation of endogenous testosterone production. Even if this biological pathway is not entirely proven, T. terrestris is regularly used by athletes. Recently, the analysis of two female urine samples by GC/C/IRMS (gas chromatography/combustion/isotope-ratio-mass-spectrometry) conclusively revealed the administration of exogenous testosterone or its precursors, even if the testosterone glucuronide/epitestosterone glucuronide (T/E) ratio and steroid marker concentrations were below the cut-off values defined by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). To argue against this adverse analytical finding, the athletes recognized having used T. terrestris in their diet. In order to test this hypothesis, two female volunteers ingested 500 mg of T. terrestris, three times a day and for two consecutive days. All spot urines were collected during 48 h after the first intake. The (13)C/(12)C ratio of ketosteroids was determined by GC/C/IRMS, the T/E ratio and DHEA concentrations were measured by GC/MS and LH concentrations by radioimmunoassay. None of these parameters revealed a significant variation or increased above the WADA cut-off limits. Hence, the short-term treatment with T. terrestris showed no impact on the endogenous testosterone metabolism of the two subjects.
Proceedings of Symposium on Energy Engineering in the 21st Century (SEE 2000). Volume Two

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-13

International Journal of Hybrid Microelectronics, Vol.7, pp. 1-9 (1984). 2. T. Burd, "CPU information and system performance summary," Internet site, Http...and P. C. Wayner, "Evaporation from a Porous Flow Control Element on a Porous Heat Source", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.16...28. I. M. N. A. Fareleira, S. F. Y. Li and W. A. Wakeham, International Journal of Thermophvsics, v. 10, pp. 1041 (1981). 29. Y. Wada, Y. Nagasaka
Olodaterol and vilanterol detection in sport drug testing.

PubMed

Chundela, Zdenek; Große, Joachim

2015-01-01

The possibility of the detection of olodaterol and vilanterol, two novel β2 -agonists, in human urine for the purpose of sport drug testing was investigated. Compounds of interest were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) employing methods commonly used in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories. For both substances, the respective parent compound was found to be a suitable target analyte for monitoring therapeutic dose administration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bilateral Capacity for Speech Sound Processing in Auditory Comprehension: Evidence from Wada Procedures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hickok, G.; Okada, K.; Barr, W.; Pa, J.; Rogalsky, C.; Donnelly, K.; Barde, L.; Grant, A.

2008-01-01

Data from lesion studies suggest that the ability to perceive speech sounds, as measured by auditory comprehension tasks, is supported by temporal lobe systems in both the left and right hemisphere. For example, patients with left temporal lobe damage and auditory comprehension deficits (i.e., Wernicke's aphasics), nonetheless comprehend isolated…
Numerical Simulation of Stress-Relief Effects of Protective Layer Extraction / Symulacja numeryczna skutków odprężenia warstwy zabezpieczającej w trakcie jej wybierania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian-Rang, Jia; Zi-Min, Zhang; Chun-An, Tang; Yong-Jun, Zhang

2013-06-01

with the stress-relief effects in field. Badania terenowe oraz modelowanie w warunkach laboratoryjnych skutków odprężenia warstwy zabezpieczającej w trakcie wydobycia są niezwykle czasochłonne i skomplikowane. Uwzględniając niejednorodność skał i wykorzystując dane geologiczne i o obecności gazów w kopalni Pindingshan 5, opracowano model numeryczny pękania skał w układzie gaz-ciało stałe w oparciu o analizę układu RFPA-Gaz. Model wykorzystano do symulacji zmian naprężeń, odkształceń stropu i spągu, propagacji pęknięć, przemieszczeń w pokładach zabezpieczonych, zmian w przepuszczalności gazów oraz migracji gazów w trakcie wybierania warstwy zabezpieczającej. Wyniki symulacji odwzorowują zmiany naprężeń, odkształceń stropu i spągu, propagacji pęknięć w trakcie wybierania warstwy ochronnej. Ruchy warstw górotworu scharakteryzowano poprzez analizę trzech stref nadkładu i dwóch stref lezących poniżej: w warstwach nadkładu: strefy zawału, strefy spękań oraz strefy osiadania (przemieszczenia w kierunku pionowym), w warstwach leżących poniżej: strefy odkształcenia i pękania spągu, oraz strefy odkształceń elastyczno- plastycznych w kierunku pionowym. Wykazano, że odprężanie miało miejsce w pokładzie zabezpieczającym, co prowadziło do powstania przemieszczeń pionowych oraz poziomych, zanotowano także znaczny wzrost przepuszczalności gazów, desorpcji gazów oraz ich transportu. Z tych względów zagrożenie wybuchem w pokładzie ochronnym zostało wyeliminowane. Całościowa analiza zmian stanu naprężenia, charakterystyki odkształceń i rozkładu pęknięć w pokładzie węgla przeprowadzona została dla czterech stref przecieku gazów, wydzielonych w oparciu zmiany natężenia wypływu gazów, ciśnienia gazów oraz przepuszczalności w odniesieniu do natężenia przepływu gazu w spągu w warstwie ochronnej. Te cztery strefy odpowiadały czterem strefom w których zanotowano odmienne stany napr
Badania Ekologiczne Ryzyka Zachorowań Na Kleszczowe Zapalenie Mózgu W Polsce-Omówienie Metody

PubMed Central

Stefanoff, Paweł; Staszewska, Ewa; Ustrnul, Zbigniew; Rogalska, Justyna; Łankiewicz, Aleksandra; Rosińska, Magdalena

2009-01-01

W pracy omówiono metodologię aktualnie prowadzonych badań ekologicznych kleszczowego zapalenia mózgu (kzm) na terenie Polski. W celu oceny wpływu zróżnicowanych czynników środowiskowych, klimatycznych oraz społecznych na występowanie kzm w różnych regionach Polski zostanie przeprowadzona wieloczynnikoica analiza statystyczna na poziomie gmin dla lat 1999-2006. PMID:22320045
New approach based on immunochemical techniques for monitoring of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) in human urine.

PubMed

Salvador, J-Pablo; Vila-Roca, Ester; Monfort, Núria; Ventura, Rosa; Marco, M-Pilar

2018-04-22

Antiestrogenic compounds such as tamoxifen, toremifen and chlomifen are used illegally by athletes to minimize physical impacts such as gynecomastia resulting from the secondary effects of anabolic androgenic steroids, used to increase athletic efficiency unlawfully. The use of these compounds is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and controls are made through analytical methodologies such as HPLC-MS/MS, which do not fulfil the sample throughput requirements. Moreover, compounds such as tamoxifen are also used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (ER + ).Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of tamoxifen may also be clinically useful for guiding treatment decisions. An accurate determination of these drugs requires a solid phase extraction of patient serum followed by HPLC-MS/MS. In the context of an unmet need of high-throughput screening (HTS) and quantitative methods for antiestrogenic substances we have approached the development of antibodies and an immunochemical assay for the determination of these antiestrogenic compounds. The strategy applied has taken into consideration that these drugs are metabolized and excreted in urine as the corresponding 4-hydroxylated compounds. A microplate-based ELISA procedure has been developed for the analysis of these metabolites in urine with a LOD of 0.15, 0.16 and 0.63 μg/L for 4OH-tamoxifen, 4OH-toremifen and 4OH-clomifen, respectively, much lower than the MRPL established by WADA (20 μg/L). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An integrative 'omics' solution to the detection of recombinant human erythropoietin and blood doping.

PubMed

Pitsiladis, Yannis P; Durussel, Jérôme; Rabin, Olivier

2014-05-01

Administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHumanEPO) improves sporting performance and hence is frequently subject to abuse by athletes, although rHumanEPO is prohibited by the WADA. Approaches to detect rHumanEPO doping have improved significantly in recent years but remain imperfect. A new transcriptomic-based longitudinal screening approach is being developed that has the potential to improve the analytical performance of current detection methods. In particular, studies are being funded by WADA to identify a 'molecular signature' of rHumanEPO doping and preliminary results are promising. In the first systematic study to be conducted, the expression of hundreds of genes were found to be altered by rHumanEPO with numerous gene transcripts being differentially expressed after the first injection and further transcripts profoundly upregulated during and subsequently downregulated up to 4 weeks postadministration of the drug; with the same transcriptomic pattern observed in all participants. The identification of a blood 'molecular signature' of rHumanEPO administration is the strongest evidence to date that gene biomarkers have the potential to substantially improve the analytical performance of current antidoping methods such as the Athlete Biological Passport for rHumanEPO detection. Given the early promise of transcriptomics, research using an 'omics'-based approach involving genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics should be intensified in order to achieve improved detection of rHumanEPO and other doping substances and methods difficult to detect such a recombinant human growth hormone and blood transfusions.
Gene doping in sports.

PubMed

Unal, Mehmet; Ozer Unal, Durisehvar

2004-01-01

Gene or cell doping is defined by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as "the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance". New research in genetics and genomics will be used not only to diagnose and treat disease, but also to attempt to enhance human performance. In recent years, gene therapy has shown progress and positive results that have highlighted the potential misuse of this technology and the debate of 'gene doping'. Gene therapies developed for the treatment of diseases such as anaemia (the gene for erythropoietin), muscular dystrophy (the gene for insulin-like growth factor-1) and peripheral vascular diseases (the gene for vascular endothelial growth factor) are potential doping methods. With progress in gene technology, many other genes with this potential will be discovered. For this reason, it is important to develop timely legal regulations and to research the field of gene doping in order to develop methods of detection. To protect the health of athletes and to ensure equal competitive conditions, the International Olympic Committee, WADA and International Sports Federations have accepted performance-enhancing substances and methods as being doping, and have forbidden them. Nevertheless, the desire to win causes athletes to misuse these drugs and methods. This paper reviews the current status of gene doping and candidate performance enhancement genes, and also the use of gene therapy in sports medicine and ethics of genetic enhancement. Copyright 2004 Adis Data Information BV
The Potential Role of Oral Fluid in Antidoping Testing

PubMed Central

Anizan, Sebastien; Huestis, Marilyn A.

2015-01-01

BACKGROUND Currently, urine and blood are the only matrices authorized for antidoping testing by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Although the usefulness of urine and blood is proven, issues remain for monitoring some drug classes and for drugs prohibited only in competition. The alternative matrix oral fluid (OF) may offer solutions to some of these issues. OF collection is easy, noninvasive, and sex neutral and is directly observed, limiting potential adulteration, a major problem for urine testing. OF is used to monitor drug intake in workplace, clinical toxicology, criminal justice, and driving under the influence of drugs programs and potentially could complement urine and blood for antidoping testing in sports. CONTENT This review outlines the present state of knowledge and the advantages and limitations of OF testing for each of the WADA drug classes and the research needed to advance OF testing as a viable alternative for antidoping testing. SUMMARY Doping agents are either prohibited at all times or prohibited in competition only. Few OF data from controlled drug administration studies are available for substances banned at all times, whereas for some agents prohibited only in competition, sufficient data may be available to suggest appropriate analytes and cutoffs (analytical threshold concentrations) to identify recent drug use. Additional research is needed to characterize the disposition of many banned substances into OF; OF collection methods and doping agent stability in OF also require investigation to allow the accurate interpretation of OF tests for antidoping monitoring. PMID:24153253
BUDESONIDE TREATMENT OF PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES AND ANTI-DOPING TESTING--CASE STUDIES.

PubMed

Kaliszewski, Paweł; Kończak, Danuta; Chołbiński, Piotr; Wicka, Mariola; Michalak, Dorota; Kwiatkowska, Dorota; Lewandowska-Pachecka, Sylwia; Namieśnik, Jacek; Pokrywka, Andrzej

2016-01-01

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, glucocorticosteroids are prohibited in competition and only when administered by oral, intravenous, intramuscular or rectal routes. Up to now, in order to differentiate whether glucocorticosteroids were administered by one of the prohibited routes or not, a specific reporting limit for urinary concentrations of parent compounds and their metabolites was established at 30 ng/mL. Additionally, the new specific regulation starting from 1 September 2014 for budesonide have been introduced that the 6β-hydroxybudesonide shall be targeted. Budesonide is a glucocorticosteroid used mainly by inhalation for asthma management. Interestingly, anti-doping laboratory statistics show that budesonide adverse analytical findings (AAF) constitute almost 50% of all reported glucocorticosteroid AAFs, even though budesonide possesses a very low systemic activity which may cause performance enhance effects. This work presents the results of five studies of controlled budesonide administration carried out on professional athletes. The samples were analyzed by using a quantitative HPLC/MS/MS method for 16α-hydroxy-prednisolone, the most abundant budesonide metabolite in urine. Our data clearly show that inhalation of budesonide at least 12 h before a competition at therapeutic doses leads to appearance of the main budesonide metabolite in concentrations exceeding prior reporting limit for this compound. Therefore, our work strongly supports recent WADA decision not to target the main budesonide metabolite using the same reporting limit as for other glucocorticosteroids.
Uncertainty dimension and basin entropy in relativistic chaotic scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernal, Juan D.; Seoane, Jesús M.; Sanjuán, Miguel A. F.

2018-04-01

Chaotic scattering is an important topic in nonlinear dynamics and chaos with applications in several fields in physics and engineering. The study of this phenomenon in relativistic systems has received little attention as compared to the Newtonian case. Here we focus our work on the study of some relevant characteristics of the exit basin topology in the relativistic Hénon-Heiles system: the uncertainty dimension, the Wada property, and the basin entropy. Our main findings for the uncertainty dimension show two different behaviors insofar as we change the relativistic parameter β , in which a crossover behavior is uncovered. This crossover point is related with the disappearance of KAM islands in phase space, which happens for velocity values above the ultrarelativistic limit, v >0.1 c . This result is supported by numerical simulations and by qualitative analysis, which are in good agreement. On the other hand, the computation of the exit basins in the phase space suggests the existence of Wada basins for a range of β <0.625 . We also studied the evolution of the exit basins in a quantitative manner by computing the basin entropy, which shows a maximum value for β ≈0.2 . This last quantity is related to the uncertainty in the prediction of the final fate of the system. Finally, our work is relevant in galactic dynamics, and it also has important implications in other topics in physics such as as in the Störmer problem, among others.
Registration of untypical 3D objects in Polish cadastre - do we need 3D cadastre? / Rejestracja nietypowych obiektów 3D w polskim katastrze - czy istnieje potrzeba wdrożenia katastru 3D?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcin, Karabin

2012-11-01

Polish cadastral system consists of two registers: cadastre and land register. The cadastre register data on cadastral objects (land, buildings and premises) in particular location (in a two-dimensional coordinate system) and their attributes as well as data about the owners. The land register contains data concerned ownerships and other rights to the property. Registration of a land parcel without spatial objects located on the surface is not problematic. Registration of buildings and premises in typical cases is not a problem either. The situation becomes more complicated in cases of multiple use of space above the parcel and with more complex construction of the buildings. The paper presents rules concerning the registration of various untypical 3D objects located within the city of Warsaw. The analysis of the data concerning those objects registered in the cadastre and land register is presented in the paper. And this is the next part of the author's detailed research. The aim of this paper is to answer the question if we really need 3D cadastre in Poland. Polski system katastralny składa się z dwóch rejestrów: ewidencji gruntów i budynków (katastru nieruchomosci) oraz ksiąg wieczystych. W ewidencji gruntów i budynków (katastrze nieruchomości) rejestrowane są dane o położeniu (w dwuwymiarowym układzie współrzędnych), atrybuty oraz dane o właścicielach obiektów katastralnych (działek, budynków i lokali), w księgach wieczystych oprócz danych właścicielskich, inne prawa do nieruchomości. Rejestracja działki bez obiektów przestrzennych położonych na jej powierzchni nie stanowi problemu. Także rejestracja budynków i lokali w typowych przypadkach nie stanowi trudności. Sytuacja staje się bardziej skomplikowana w przypadku wielokrotnego użytkowania przestrzeni powyzej lub poniżej powierzchni działki oraz w przypadku budynków o złożonej konstrukcji. W artykule przedstawiono zasady związane z rejestracją nietypowych obiektów 3
Experimental Study on Steel Tank Model Using Shaking Table/ Badania Eksperymentalne Modelu Zbiornika Stalowego Na Stole Sejsmicznym

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burkacki, Daniel; Jankowski, Robert

2014-09-01

Cylindrical steel tanks are very popular structures used for storage of products of chemical and petroleum industries. Earthquakes are the most dangerous and also the most unpredictable dynamic loads acting on such structures. On the other hand, mining tremors are usually considered to be less severe due to lower acceleration levels observed. The aim of the present paper is to show the results of the experimental study which has been conducted on a scaled model of a real tank located in Poland. The investigation has been carried out under different dynamic excitations (earthquakes and mining tremors) using the shaking table. The results of the study indicate that stored product may significantly influence the values of dynamic parameters and confirm that the level of liquid filling is really essential in the structural analysis. The comparison of the response under moderate earthquakes and mining tremors indicate that the second excitation may be more severe in some cases. Stalowe zbiorniki walcowe są bardzo popularnymi konstrukcjami używanymi do magazynowania produktów przemysłu chemicznego i naftowego. Ich bezpieczeństwo i niezawodność są kluczowe, ponieważ każde uszkodzenie może nieść za sobą bardzo poważne konsekwencje. Trzęsienia ziemi są najbardziej niebezpiecznymi, a zarazem najbardziej nieprzewidywalnymi obciążeniami dynamicznymi, które mogą oddziaływać na tego typu konstrukcje. Z drugiej strony ruchy podłoża związane ze wstrząsami górniczymi są uważane za mniej groźne z powodu osiągania niższych poziomów wartości przyspieszeń. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie wyników badań eksperymentalnych, które przeprowadzono na wykonanym w skali modelu rzeczywistego zbiornika zlokalizowanego na terenie Polski. Badania wykonano przy użyciu stołu sejsmicznego. Zakres badań obejmował testy harmoniczne właściwości dynamicznych oraz zachowanie się stalowego zbiornika walcowego podczas trzęsień ziemi oraz wstrz
Generalized Design Procedure for Short, Efficient Adiabatic Mode Converters

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-20

Electron. Lett. 28, 1610–1611 (1992). 3. K. Kawano, M. Kohtoku, M. Wada, H. Okamoto, Y. Itaya, and M. Na- ganuma, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quant . Electron. 2, 348...Burkhard, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quant . Electron. 3, 1372–1383 (1997). Fig. 5. (a) Power in the fundamental mode as a function of propagation distance for 1...points). 5. I. Moerman, P. P. Van Daele, and P. M. Demeester, IEEE J. Sel. Top. Quant . Electron. 3, 1308–1320 (1997). 6. P. V. Studenkov, M. R. Gokhale

Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-06

the fraud had been investigated. On that basis, the United States, as well as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (visiting Kabul), and several...press for investigation of the fraud. This led to the September 29, 2009, dismissal by Secretary General Ban Ki Moon of Galbraith, who had openly...Telecommunications; (9) Abdur Rahim Oraz, Minister of Transport and Aviation; and (10) Sultan Hussein Hesari, Minister of Urban Development. 2010
Presentation of spatio-temporal data in the context of information capacity and visual suggestiveness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cybulski, Paweł

2014-12-01

The aim of this article is to present the concept of information capacity and visual suggestiveness as a map characteristic on the example of two maps of human migration. From this viewpoint the literature study has been performed. Proposed by the author the features of cartographic visualization are an attempt to establish cartographic pragmatics and find the way to increase effectiveness of dynamic maps with large information capacity. Among the works on cartographic pragmatics, muliaspectuality of spatio-temporal data the proposed solution has not been taken so far, and refers to the map design problematic. Celem rozważań było podsumowanie wiedzy dotyczącej projektowania dynamicznych opracowań przestrzennych oraz ich klasyfi kacja ze względu na ilość zmiennych grafi cznych oraz dynamicznych, które mogą zostać użyte w procesie geowizualizacji. Zróżnicowanie ilości zmiennych grafi cznych i dynamicznych w przestrzennych wizualizacjach autor proponuje nazywać pojemnością wizualną prezentacji. Autor stawia również hipotezę, że im większą pojemność wizualną stosujemy tym bardziej sugestywne musi być to przestawienie, aby efektywność przekazywania informacji była zachowana
"Man in Danger" Media Festival in Łódź - the structure and motivations of the festival visitors / Festiwal Medialny w Łodzi - "Człowiek w niebezpieczeństwie" - struktura i motywacje festiwalowych gości

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cudny, Waldemar; Stanik, Ewelina

2013-06-01

Artykuł przedstawia problemy dotyczące rozwoju festiwali sztuki miejskiej w miastach postsocjalistycznych na przykładzie Łodzi - jednego z największych miast Polski. Autorzy przeprowadzili ankietę podczas Festiwalu Medialnego "Człowiek w niebezpieczeństwie", zorganizowanego w Łodzi, a poświęconego głównie filmom dokumentalnym. Rozważania dotyczą zjawisk z dziedziny geografii kulturowej i miejskiej, analizowanych w badaniach nad wydarzeniami kulturalnymi, a także oceny tych wydarzeń i motywacji uczestnictwa w nich. Uczestnikami są głównie młodzi mieszkańcy Łodzi, z których wielu jest studentami szkoły filmowej. Głównymi czynnikami motywującymi uczestnictwo w "evencie" są potrzeba doznań kulturalnych i nowych doświadczeń, ciekawość oraz chęć rozwijania kontaktów towarzyskich. Na podstawie analizy autorzy przedstawiają wnioski dotyczące roli wydarzeń kulturalnych w rozwoju kultury w mieście i spełnieniu potrzeb mieszkańców. Badanie ukazuje, że festiwal odgrywa znaczącą rolę w zaspokajaniu potrzeb kulturalnych, pogłębianiu zainteresowań oraz tworzeniu kapitału społecznego.
Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-02

grounds that the fraud had been investigated. On that basis, the United States, as well as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (visiting Kabul), and...vigorously to press for investigation of the fraud. This led to the September 29, 2009, dismissal by Secretary General Ban Ki Moon of Galbraith, who...Abdul Qadus Hamidi, Minister of Communications; (9) Abdur Rahim Oraz, Minister of Transport and Aviation; and (10) Sultan Hussein Hesari, Minister
Modelling of Underground Coal Gasification Process Using CFD Methods / Modelowanie Procesu Podziemnego Zgazowania Węgla Kamiennego Z Zastosowaniem Metod CFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wachowicz, Jan; Łączny, Jacek Marian; Iwaszenko, Sebastian; Janoszek, Tomasz; Cempa-Balewicz, Magdalena

2015-09-01

, under the specific conditions of the georeactor operations within the time interval of 100 hours and 305 hours. The results of the numerical solution have been compared with the results of experimental results under in-situ conditions. Zaprezentowano wyniki badań modelowych polegających na numerycznej symulacji procesu podziemnego zgazowania węgla. Dla potrzeb realizowanej pracy dokonano wyboru oprogramowania wykorzystywanego do symulacji procesu podziemnego zgazowania węgla. Na podstawie przeglądu literatury zdecydowano, że oprogramowaniem, za pomocą, którego będą realizowane badania modelowe, będzie oprogramowanie informatyczne ANSYS-Fluent. Za jego pomocą przeprowadzano obliczenia numeryczne z zamiarem zidentyfikowania rozkładu zmian stężenia składników gazu procesowego w funkcji czasu trwania procesu zgazowania węgla. Przeprowadzone obliczenia miały charakter predykcji. W oparciu o dane konstrukcyjne georeaktora stosowanego podczas badań na KD Barbara oraz KWK Wieczorek, opracowano model geometryczny oraz wykonano jego dyskretyzację poprzez wygenerowanie odpowiedniej siatki numerycznej w oparciu, o którą wykonywane są obliczenia. Dane dotyczące sposobu zasilania georeaktora oraz parametrów utrzymywanych podczas procesu wykorzystano do definiowania modelu numerycznego. Część danych została uzupełniona w oparciu o źródła literaturowe. Głównym przyjętym założeniem było oparcie symulacji pracy georeaktora o modele opisujące reaktywny przepływ płynu. Składniki gazu procesowego oraz czynnik zgazowujący przemieszczają się wzdłuż kanału zgazowującego symulując zjawiska fizykochemiczne związane z transportem masy i energii oraz zachodzące reakcje chemiczne (wraz z efektem energetycznym). Chemizm procesu zgazowania oparto o równanie kinetyczne, które determinuje przebieg danego typu równania chemicznego zgazowania węgla. W ramach modelu opisano też interakcję gazu z otaczającą warstwą węgla. Opis ten dotyczy
KEY COMPARISON: Final report on CCQM-K69 key comparison: Testosterone glucuronide in human urine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fong-Ha; Mackay, Lindsey; Murby, John

2010-01-01

The CCQM-K69 key comparison of testosterone glucuronide in human urine was organized under the auspices of the CCQM Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG). The National Measurement Institute Australia (NMIA) acted as the coordinating laboratory for the comparison. The samples distributed for the key comparison were prepared at NMIA with funding from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA granted the approval for this material to be used for the intercomparison provided the distribution and handling of the material were strictly controlled. Three national metrology institutes (NMIs)/designated institutes (DIs) developed reference methods and submitted data for the key comparison along with two other laboratories who participated in the parallel pilot study. A good selection of analytical methods and sample workup procedures was displayed in the results submitted considering the complexities of the matrix involved. The comparability of measurement results was successfully demonstrated by the participating NMIs. Only the key comparison data were used to estimate the key comparison reference value (KCRV), using the arithmetic mean approach. The reported expanded uncertainties for results ranged from 3.7% to 6.7% at the 95% level of confidence and all results agreed within the expanded uncertainty of the KCRV. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
A strategy to reduce illicit drug use is effective in elite Australian football.

PubMed

Harcourt, Peter R; Unglik, Harry; Cook, Jill L

2012-10-01

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prescribes that drug testing is conducted in sports competitions to detect drug use in athletes. This testing includes performance-enhancing drugs as well as illicit substances such as marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine. Illicit drugs are tested for on match days but not on non-match days. Some athletes are known to use illicit substances for recreational purposes, away from competition times and this poses a serious health and welfare issue not addressed by the usual sport drug testing regimes. This paper reports the results of the first 7 years of an illicit drug-testing programme that included non-match day testing in the elite Australian Football competition, the Australian Football League (AFL). Players in the AFL were tested for illicit drugs both in-competition and out-of-competition. Players were selected for illicit substance tests either randomly or targeted based on previous test history or time since previous test. The number of tests conducted was increased each year from 2005 to 2011 and testing was focused on high-risk times during non-competition periods. There were no positive match day tests. There was a significant reduction in positive tests (19-6) for illicit drugs during non-competition periods over the 7 years (p<0.0001). The reduction in positive tests may be related to player education, the greater number of tests conducted and the harm minimisation approach of the illicit drug policy. An illicit drugs programme using a harm minimisation strategy can work effectively alongside a sport's WADA compliant Anti-Doping Code.
Geotechnical Risk Classification for Underground Mines / Klasyfikacja Poziomu Zagrożenia Geotechnicznego W Kopalniach Podziemnych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Ritesh Kumar; Rinne, Mikael

2015-03-01

Underground mining activities are prone to major hazards largely owing to geotechnical reasons. Mining combined with the confined working space and uncertain geotechnical data leads to hazards having the potential of catastrophic consequences. These incidents have the potential of causing multiple fatalities and large financial damages. Use of formal risk assessment in the past has demonstrated an important role in the prediction and prevention of accidents in risk prone industries such as petroleum, nuclear and aviation. This paper proposes a classification system for underground mining operations based on their geotechnical risk levels. The classification is done based on the type of mining method employed and the rock mass in which it is carried out. Mining methods have been classified in groups which offer similar geotechnical risk. The rock mass classification has been proposed based on bulk rock mass properties which are collected as part of the routine mine planning. This classification has been subdivided for various stages of mine planning to suit the extent of available data. Alpha-numeric coding has been proposed to identify a mining operation based on the competency of rock and risk of geotechnical failures. This alpha numeric coding has been further extended to identify mining activity under `Geotechnical Hazard Potential (GHP)'. GHP has been proposed to be used as a preliminary tool of risk assessment and risk ranking for a mining activity. The aim of such classification is to be used as a guideline for the justification of a formal geotechnical risk assessment. Górnictwo podziemne pociąga za sobą różnorakie zagrożenia spowodowane przez uwarunkowania geotechniczne. Urabianie złoża w połączeniu z pracą w zamkniętej przestrzeni oraz z niepewnymi danymi geotechnicznymi powodować może zagrożenia, które w konsekwencji prowadzić mogą do wypadków, a te potencjalnie powodować mogą skutki śmiertelne dla osób oraz
The list of prohibited substances and methods in sport: structure and review process by the world anti-doping agency.

PubMed

Mazzoni, Irene; Barroso, Osquel; Rabin, Olivier

2011-11-01

The List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (the List) is the International Standard that determines what is prohibited in sport in- and out-of-competition. The official text of the List is produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the international independent organization responsible for promoting, coordinating and monitoring the fight against doping in sport. The drafting of the annual List is a highly interactive and consultative process involving scientific and medical experts in anti-doping, sport federations and governments. In this article, the elements that compose the List as well as the process behind its annual revision and update are presented.
The Effectiveness of Organic Pollutants Removal in Constructed Wetland with Horizontal Sub-Surface Flow / Efektywność Usuwania Zanieczyszczeń Organicznych W Oczyszczalni Hydrofitowej

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakubaszek, Anita; Sadecka, Zofia

2015-03-01

This paper presents the results of the research work related to the removal efficiency from wastewater organic pollutants and suspended solids at HSSF (horizontal subsurface flow) constructed wetland. The average effectiveness defined as loss of value COD in wastewater has reached 77%, for BOD5 - 80% and TOC - 82%. The effect of seasonal temperature changes and the period of plant vegetation and rest on the effectiveness of wastewater treatment were also analyzed. The results of the presented research showed a decrease in the efficiency of removing organic pollutants from wastewater and suspended solids in the autumn and winter. During the vegetation the object in Małyszyn has been characterized by the effectiveness of wastewater treatment at the level of 78% for COD, 82% for BOD5, and in the non-vegetation period the effectiveness has decreased up to 75% for COD and 74% for BOD5. During the plants growth the total suspension was removed in 88%, whereas during the plants rest efficiency of removing lowered to 69%. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań dotyczące efektywności usuwania ze ścieków zanieczyszczeń organicznych w oczyszczalni hydrofitowej. Średnia skuteczność oczyszczania wyrażona jako obniżenie wartości ChZT w ściekach była na poziomie 77%, dla BZT5 80%, a dla OWO 82%. Analizowano również wpływ sezonowych zmian temperatury oraz okresu wegetacji i spoczynku roślin na skuteczność oczyszczania ścieków. Wyniki badań wykazały obniżenie efektywności usuwania zanieczyszczeń organicznych ze ścieków wyrażonych przez ChZT i BZT5 oraz zawiesiny ogólnej w okresie jesienno-zimowym. W okresie wegetacyjnym obiekt w Małyszynie charakteryzował się efektywnością oczyszczania ścieków na poziomie: 78% dla ChZT, 82% dla BZT5, a w sezonie pozawegetacyjnym skuteczność uległa obniżeniu do 75% w przypadku ChZT oraz 74% dla BZT5. Zawiesina ogólna w okresie wegetacji trzciny usuwana była w 88%, a w okresie powegetacyjnym w 69%.
The Use if GIS Tools in Tourism Research on the Example of Wodzislaw Poviat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pukowiec, Katarzyna

2012-01-01

The activities in name of tourist development in Wodzislaw poviat are the reason to evaluate the tourist land development. The evaluation was prepared on the basis of selected indexes characterizing the level of tourist infrastructure development. It considered: the number of lodgings per km2, the number of restaurants per km2, the amount of additional attractions per km2 and the density of tourist tracks. This database was analyzed by the use of GIS tools. Using GIS software allowed working with large databases and provided the possibility to create a graphic representation of the results. The level of tourist land development is diversified and depends on it function. The cities with the best developed tourist infrastructure are Wodzislaw Slaski, Radlin, Pszow, Rydultowy and town in Odra Valley: Olza, Bukow and Nieboczowy. Pszow, Gorzyce and Godow commons have the biggest density of tourist tracks. Działania na rzecz rozwoju turystyki w powiecie wodzisławskim są powodem do oceny zagospodarowania turystycznego obszaru. Ocenę wykonano w oparciu o wybrane wskaźniki, charakteryzujące stopień rozwoju infrastruktury turystycznej. Uwzględniono: liczbę miejsc noclegowych/km2, liczbę lokali gastronomicznych/km2, liczbę atrakcji dodatkowych/km2 oraz gęstość szlaków turystycznych. Bazę danych o zapleczu noclegowym, gastronomicznym, atrakcjach towarzyszących i szlakach turystycznych poddano analizom przy użyciu narzędzi GIS. Wykorzystanie oprogramowania GIS umożliwiło pracę z dużymi bazami danych i pozwoliło na graficzną prezentację wyników. Stopień zagospodarowania turystycznego obszaru jest zróżnicowany i zależy od pełnionej przez niego funkcji. Najlepiej rozwiniętą bazę turystyczną posiadają miasta Wodzisław Śląski, Radlin, Pszów i Rydułtowy oraz miejscowości w Dolinie Odry: Olza, Buków i Nieboczowy. Największa gęstość szlaków turystycznych występuje w Pszowie oraz w gminach Gorzyce i Godów.
Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-29

constitution,” on the grounds that the fraud had been investigated. On that basis, the United States, as well as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (visiting...of the fraud. This led to the September 29, 2009, dismissal by Secretary General Ban Ki Moon of Galbraith, who had openly accused UNAMA head Kai Eide...Abdul Qadus Hamidi, minister of communications; (9) Abdur Rahim Oraz, minister of transport and aviation; and (10) Sultan Hussein Hesari, minister of
Laboratory Method for Evaluating the Characteristics of Expansion Rock Bolts Subjected to Axial Tension / Laboratoryjna Metoda Badania Charakterystyk Kotew Rozprężnych Poddanych Rozciąganiu Osiowemu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korzeniowski, Waldemar; Skrzypkowski, Krzysztof; Herezy, Łukasz

2015-03-01

statycznym jak i dynamicznym. W podziemnych wyrobiskach górniczych wykonywanych na dużych głębokościach, szczególnie przy eksploatacji złóż rud miedzi w kopalniach LGOM, w których stosuje się samodzielną obudową kotwową istnieje niebezpieczeństwo nieprzewidzianego odpadania bloków skalnych do przestrzeni roboczej. Podstawowym zadaniem kotwienia wyrobisk górniczych jest zapewnienie ich stateczności, jako zasadniczy warunek bezpieczeństwa pracy. Powstają nowe konstrukcje przeznaczone do bardziej ekstremalnych warunków funkcjonowania, w szczególności w warunkach górniczych, ale również w tunelarstwie. Podstawowym rodzajem obudowy wyrobisk przygotowawczych i eksploatacyjnych w podziemnych kopalniach LGOM jest obudowa kotwowa rozprężna lub wklejana. Wybór sposobu utwierdzenia obudowy kotwowej zależy miedzy innymi od: czasu użytkowania, klasy stropu, wymiarów oraz przeznaczenia wyrobiska. W polach eksploatacyjnych, gdzie okres od wykonania wyrobiska do jego likwidacji jest stosunkowo krótki, częściej stosuje się kotwy rozprężne, które ze względu na mniejszą czasochłonność zabudowy, pozwalają na większą wydajność kotwienia. Doceniając rolę i znaczenie obudowy kotwowej oraz jej zużycie sięgające w warunkach polskich milionów sztuk rocznie, w niniejszym artykule opisano nowe stanowisko laboratoryjne umożliwiające badanie rzeczywistej obudowy kotwowej w warunkach obciążeń statycznych. Stanowisko laboratoryjne do badania wytrzymałości na rozciąganie obudowy kotwowej zbudowane w Katedrze Górnictwa Podziemnego AGH umożliwia badania obudów kotwowych przy różnych warunkach obciążeń. Składa się ono z kilku współpracujących ze sobą podzespołów: Hydraulicznego Układu Obciążającego Kotew (HUK), pulpitu sterującego I, pulpitu sterującego II, pulpitu rejestrującego oraz zespołu agregatu hydraulicznego (Rys. 1). W artykule scharakteryzowano zastosowaną aparaturę pomiarową oraz możliwości badawcze
Application of Relevance Maps in Multidimensional Classification of Coal Types / Zastosowanie Map Odniesienia W Wielowymiarowej Klasyfikacji Typów Węgla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedoba, Tomasz

2015-03-01

Multidimensional data visualization methods are a modern tool allowing to classify some analyzed objects. In the case of grained materials e.g. coal, many characteristics have an influence on the material quality. In case of coal, apart from most obvious features like particle size, particle density or ash contents there are many others which cause significant differences between considered types of material. The paper presents the possibility of applying visualization techniques for coal type identification and determination of significant differences between various types of coal. Author decided to apply relevance maps to achieve this purpose. Three types of coal - 31, 34.2 and 35 (according to Polish classification of coal types) were investigated, which were initially screened on sieves and then divided into density fractions. Then, each size-density fraction was chemically analyzed to obtain other characteristics. It was stated that the applied methodology allows to identify certain coal types efficiently and can be used as a qualitative criterion for grained materials. However, it was impossible to achieve such identification comparing all three types of coal together. The presented methodology is new way of analyzing data concerning widely understood mineral processing. Surowce mineralne, które podlegają wzbogacaniu w celu ich lepszego wykorzystania mogą być (charakteryzują się) charakteryzowane wieloma wskaźnikami opisującymi ich, interesujące przeróbkarza, cechy. Podstawowymi cechami są wielkość ziaren oraz ich gęstość, które decydują o przebiegu rozdziału zbiorów ziaren (nadaw) i efektach takiego rozdziału. Rozdział prowadzi się z reguły, w celu uzyskania produktów o zróżnicowanych wartościach średnich wybranej cechy, która zwykle charakteryzowana jest zawartością określonego składnika surowca wyznaczoną na drodze analiz chemicznych. Takie podejście do surowca mineralnego prowadzi do
The Application of Modern Techniques and Measurement Devices for Identification of Copper Ore Types and Their Properties / Wykorzystanie nowoczesnych technik i urządzeń pomiarowych do identyfikacji typów rud miedzi i ich właściwości

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczykowska, Aldona; Trybalski, Kazimierz; Krawczykowski, Damian

2013-06-01

minerałów miedzionośnych oraz rodzajem ich skupień i wpryśnięć. Niezwykle istotne jest właściwe rozpoznanie rudy pod względem petrograficzno-mineralogicznym. Znajomość właściwości przerabianej rudy pozwala na pełniejsze jej wykorzystanie poprzez właściwe prowadzenie i sterowanie procesami, dobór ich parametrów takich m.in. jak: czas mielenia, parametry klasyfikacji, rodzaj odczynników flotacyjnych, czas flotacji. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki przeprowadzonych analiz mikroskopowych, analizy obrazów zdjęć skaningowych oraz procedury wykorzystania otrzymanych informacji do identyfikacji typów rud (zastosowanie sieci neuronowych do rozpoznawania składów litologicznych). W badaniach wykorzystano rudę miedzi, pochodzącą z jednego z zakładów górniczych KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. Pobrane próbki rudy reprezentowały każdy z trzech typów litologicznych występujących w krajowych złożach: węglanową, łupkową oraz piaskowcową. Przeprowadzono ilościową analizę mineralogiczno-petrograficzną przy pomocy mikroskopu optycznego w świetle odbitym, a wyniki przedstawiono w tabelach 1 i 2. Wyniki te określają ilościowo stopień uwolnienia i zrosty dla jednego rodzaju minerału. Pokazano także przykładowe zdjęcia mikroskopowe zgładów poszczególnych typów litologicznych rud oraz próbek proszkowych tych typów (rys. 1 i 2). W kolejnym etapie badań wykorzystano skaningowy mikroskop elektronowy. Zdjęcia morfologii próbek uzyskane z mikroskopu elektronowego (obrazy SEM) były przedmiotem komputerowej analizy obrazu, umożliwiającej mikrostrukturalną klasyfikację ilościową typów rud. Analizowano wszystkie próbki poszczególnych typów litologicznych rudy miedzi: węglanowej, łupkowej i piaskowcowej oraz mieszanki tych typów w trzech klasach ziarnowych: 0÷45 μm, 45÷71 μm i 71÷100 μm. Celem przekształceń wykorzystanych w procedurze komputerowej analizy obrazu jest otrzymanie poprawnie posegmentowanego obrazu binarnego, kt
The State Policy for Natural Gas Sector / Sektor Gazu Ziemnego W Polityce Państwa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szurlej, Adam

2013-09-01

This article reviews the state policy for natural gas sector. A particular attention has been given to how the assumptions of gas demand, import volumes and gas production from domestic reserves have developed in strategic documents. The restructuring of natural gas sector has been brought closer on the example of PGNiG S.A. (Polish Oil and Gas Company), and changes in the domestic gas market resulting from the implementation of EU law have been discussed as well. Major changes in the domestic gas market in the period of 1990-2011 have been presented along with the cooperation between Poland and Russia regarding the natural gas supply for the Polish market. W artykule dokonano przeglądu polityki państwa wobec sektora gazu ziemnego. W sposób szczególny przeanalizowano jak kształtowały się w dokumentach strategicznych prognozy w zakresie zapotrzebowania na gaz, wielkości importu i wydobycia gazu ze złóż krajowych. Przybliżono także restrukturyzację sektora gazu ziemnego na przykładzie PGNiG oraz zmiany na krajowym rynku gazu wynikające z implementacji prawa UE. Wskazano najważniejsze zmiany na krajowym rynku gazu ziemnego w latach 1990-2011 oraz scharakteryzowano współpracę polsko - rosyjską w zakresie dostaw gazu do Polski.
Evaluation of longitudinal steroid profiles from male football players in UEFA competitions between 2008 and 2013.

PubMed

Baume, Norbert; Geyer, Hans; Vouillamoz, Marc; Grisdale, Richard; Earl, Mike; Aguilera, Rodrigo; Cowan, David A; Ericsson, Magnus; Gmeiner, Günter; Kwiatkowska, Dorota; Kioukia-Fougia, Nassia; Molina, Adeline; Ruivo, João; Segura, Jordi; Van Eenoo, Peter; Jan, Nicolas; Robinson, Neil; Saugy, Martial

2016-07-01

Testosterone and related compounds are the most recurrent doping substances. The steroid profile, consisting of the quantification of testosterone and its metabolites, has been described as the most significant biomarker to detect doping with pseudo-endogenous anabolic steroids. The steroidal module of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) was launched by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2014. To assess the value of introducing the module to its anti-doping programme, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to analyze retrospectively the steroid profile data of 4195 urine samples, collected from 879 male football players and analyzed in 12 WADA-accredited laboratories between 2008 and mid-2013. This study focused on the evaluation of T/E ratios. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the adaptive model were the two statistical models used to study the longitudinal follow-up. A CV of 46% was determined to be the maximal natural intra-individual variation of the T/E when the sequence consisted of single data points analyzed in different laboratories. The adaptive model showed some profiles with an atypical T/E sequence and also enabled an estimate of the prevalence of external factors impacting the T/E sequences. Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, it clearly showed that the longitudinal and individual follow-up of the T/E biomarker of the players is a good tool for target testing in football. UEFA has therefore decided to implement the steroidal module of the ABP from the start of the next European football season in September 2015. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolving science of detection of 'blood doping'.

PubMed

Lundby, Carsten; Robach, Paul; Saltin, Bengt

2012-03-01

Blood doping practices in sports have been around for at least half a century and will likely remain for several years to come. The main reason for the various forms of blood doping to be common is that they are easy to perform, and the effects on exercise performance are gigantic. Yet another reason for blood doping to be a popular illicit practice is that detection is difficult. For autologous blood transfusions, for example, no direct test exists, and the direct testing of misuse with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has proven very difficult despite a test exists. Future blood doping practice will likely include the stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor which leads to an increased endogenous erythropoietin synthesis. It seems unrealistic to develop specific test against such drugs (and the copies hereof originating from illegal laboratories). In an attempt to detect and limit blood doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched the Athlete Biological Passport where indirect markers for all types of blood doping are evaluated on an individual level. The approach seemed promising, but a recent publication demonstrates the system to be incapable of detecting even a single subject as 'suspicious' while treated with rhEpo for 10-12 weeks. Sad to say, the hope that the 2012 London Olympics should be cleaner in regard to blood doping seems faint. We propose that WADA strengthens the quality and capacities of the National Anti-Doping Agencies and that they work more efficiently with the international sports federations in an attempt to limit blood doping. © 2012 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2012 The British Pharmacological Society.
The evolving science of detection of ‘blood doping’

PubMed Central

Lundby, Carsten; Robach, Paul; Saltin, Bengt

2012-01-01

Blood doping practices in sports have been around for at least half a century and will likely remain for several years to come. The main reason for the various forms of blood doping to be common is that they are easy to perform, and the effects on exercise performance are gigantic. Yet another reason for blood doping to be a popular illicit practice is that detection is difficult. For autologous blood transfusions, for example, no direct test exists, and the direct testing of misuse with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has proven very difficult despite a test exists. Future blood doping practice will likely include the stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor which leads to an increased endogenous erythropoietin synthesis. It seems unrealistic to develop specific test against such drugs (and the copies hereof originating from illegal laboratories). In an attempt to detect and limit blood doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched the Athlete Biological Passport where indirect markers for all types of blood doping are evaluated on an individual level. The approach seemed promising, but a recent publication demonstrates the system to be incapable of detecting even a single subject as ‘suspicious’ while treated with rhEpo for 10–12 weeks. Sad to say, the hope that the 2012 London Olympics should be cleaner in regard to blood doping seems faint. We propose that WADA strengthens the quality and capacities of the National Anti-Doping Agencies and that they work more efficiently with the international sports federations in an attempt to limit blood doping. PMID:22225538
Next Generation "Omics" Approaches in the "Fight" against Blood Doping.

PubMed

Wang, Guan; Karanikolou, Antonia; Verdouka, Ioanna; Friedmann, Theodore; Pitsiladis, Yannis

2017-01-01

Despite being prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), blood manipulations such as the use of recombinant human erythropoietin and blood transfusions are a well-known method used by athletes to enhance performance. Direct detection of illicit blood manipulation has been partially successful due to the short detection window of the substances/methods, sample collection timing, and the use of sophisticated masking strategies. In response, WADA introduced the athlete biological passport (ABP) in 2009, which is an individualised longitudinal monitoring approach that tests primarily haematologic biomarkers of doping in order to identify atypical variability in response(s) in athletes, highlighting a potential doping violation. Although the implementation of the ABP has been an encouraging step forward in the quest for clean/drug-free sport, this detection method has some limitations. To reduce the risk of being detected by the ABP method, athletes are now resorting to microdoses of prohibited blood boosting substances to prevent abnormal fluctuations in haematologic biomarkers, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the ABP detection method. Recent studies from numerous laboratories, including our own, have confirmed the potential of transcriptomic microarrays, which can reveal distinct changes in gene expression after blood manipulations, to enhance the ABP. There is, therefore, an urgent need to intensify research efforts that involve transcriptomics and other state-of-the-art molecular methods, collectively known as "omics", e.g., proteomics (proteins) and metabolomics (metabolites), in order to identify new and even more robust molecular signatures of blood manipulation that can be used in combination with the ABP and, intriguingly, even as a stand-alone test. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A strategy to reduce illicit drug use is effective in elite Australian football

PubMed Central

Harcourt, Peter R; Unglik, Harry; Cook, Jill L

2012-01-01

Background The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prescribes that drug testing is conducted in sports competitions to detect drug use in athletes. This testing includes performance-enhancing drugs as well as illicit substances such as marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine. Illicit drugs are tested for on match days but not on non-match days. Some athletes are known to use illicit substances for recreational purposes, away from competition times and this poses a serious health and welfare issue not addressed by the usual sport drug testing regimes. This paper reports the results of the first 7 years of an illicit drug-testing programme that included non-match day testing in the elite Australian Football competition, the Australian Football League (AFL). Methods Players in the AFL were tested for illicit drugs both in-competition and out-of-competition. Players were selected for illicit substance tests either randomly or targeted based on previous test history or time since previous test. The number of tests conducted was increased each year from 2005 to 2011 and testing was focused on high-risk times during non-competition periods. Results There were no positive match day tests. There was a significant reduction in positive tests (19–6) for illicit drugs during non-competition periods over the 7 years (p<0.0001). The reduction in positive tests may be related to player education, the greater number of tests conducted and the harm minimisation approach of the illicit drug policy. Conclusions An illicit drugs programme using a harm minimisation strategy can work effectively alongside a sport's WADA compliant Anti-Doping Code. PMID:22893512
Cheating and sports: history, diagnosis and treatment.

PubMed

Kamis, Danielle; Newmark, Thomas; Begel, Daniel; Glick, Ira D

2016-12-01

This paper focuses on "cheating" in modern day athletics from youth through professional sports. We briefly summarize a history of cheating in the sports world. We examine the current role cheating plays in sports as well as its causes including, psychodynamic issues, the development of personality disorders and how personality traits become pathological resulting in deception, dishonesty, and underhandedness. We describe management and treatment including psychotherapeutic intervention as well as medication. Finally we discuss a systems approach involving outreach to coaches, families, and related sports organizations (like FIFA, WADA, etc) or the professional leagues which have institutional control and partial influence on the athlete.
Development and validation of PCR-GLOBWB 2.0: a 5 arc min resolution global hydrology and water resources model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutanudjaja, Edwin H.; van Beek, Ludovicus P. H.; Wada, Yoshihide; Wisser, Dominik; de Graaf, Inge E. M.; Straatsma, Menno W.; Bierkens, Marc F. P.

2014-05-01

PCR-GLOBWB (PCRaster Global Water Balance) is a grid-based global hydrological model developed at the Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University. For each grid cell, PCR-GLOBWB simulates moisture storage in vertically stacked soil layers, as well as the water exchange to the atmosphere and underlying groundwater reservoir. Exchange to the atmosphere comprises of precipitation, evaporation and transpiration, as well as snow accumulation and melt. All fluxes are all simulated by considering vegetation phenology and sub-grid variations in elevation, land cover and soil saturation. The model includes physically-based schemes for runoff-infiltration partitioning, interflow, groundwater recharge and baseflow, as well as river routing of discharge. Here we present and summarize the latest developments of PCR-GLOBWB. The new version of the model, PCR-GLOBWB 2.0, now runs at a spatial resolution of 5 arc min (about 10 km at the equator) and supersedes the previous generation of the model (30 arc min PCR-GLOBWB 1.0, van Beek et al., 2011). PCR-GLOBWB 2.0 consolidates all components that have been introduced since PCR-GLOWB 1.0 was first published (2011). Examples of these new components are: A comprehensive water demand and irrigation module (Wada et al., 2012). A dynamic attribution and return flow of water demand to surface water and groundwater resources (de Graaf et al., 2013). An advanced surface water routing scheme with wetland, lakes and floodplains of variable extent, thus simulating flooding and flood wave attenuation (Winsemius et al., 2013). An online scheme for dynamic withdrawal, allocation and consumptive use of groundwater and surface water resources, including a progressive introduction of reservoirs (Wada et al., 2013). Further development will include the inclusion of a dynamic reservoir operation/optimization scheme and a MODFLOW lateral groundwater flow module (Sutanudjaja et al., 2011; Sutanudjaja et al., 2014). Also, scripts used for deriving
Accuracy assessment of GOCE-based geopotential models and their use for modelling the gravimetric quasigeoid - A case study for Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Godah, Walyeldeen; Szelachowska, Malgorzata; Krynski, Jan

2014-06-01

The GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) has significantly upgraded the knowledge on the Earth gravity field. In this contribution the accuracy of height anomalies determined from Global Geopotential Models (GGMs) based on approximately 27 months GOCE satellite gravity gradiometry (SGG) data have been assessed over Poland using three sets of precise GNSS/levelling data. The fits of height anomalies obtained from 4th release GOCE-based GGMs to GNSS/levelling data were discussed and compared with the respective ones of 3rd release GOCE-based GGMs and the EGM08. Furthermore, two highly accurate gravimetric quasigeoid models were developed over the area of Poland using high resolution Faye gravity anomalies. In the first, the GOCE-based GGM was used as a reference geopotential model, and in the second - the EGM08. They were evaluated with GNSS/levelling data and their accuracy performance was assessed. The use of GOCE-based GGMs for recovering the long-wavelength gravity signal in gravimetric quasigeoid modelling was discussed. Misja GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) przyczyniła się do znacznego poprawienia znajomości pola siły ciężkości Ziemi. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki oszacowania dokładności anomalii wysokości, wyznaczonych z globalnych modeli geopotencjału opracowanych na podstawie blisko 27 miesięcy pomiarów z satelitarnej misji gradiometrycznej GOCE. Do oszacowania wykorzystano trzy zbiory dokładnych danych satelitarno-niwelacyjnych z obszaru Polski. Omówiono wyniki wpasowania wartości anomalii wysokości otrzymanych z czwartej wersji globalnych modeli geopotencjału wyznaczonych na podstawie danych misji GOCE do danych satelitarno-niwelacyjnych oraz porównano je z wynikami odpowiedniego wpasowania trzeciej wersji globalnych modeli geopotencjału otrzymanych z GOCE oraz z modelu EGM08. Ponadto, wykorzystując wysokorozdzielczy zbiór grawimetrycznych anomalii Faye'a, wyznaczono dla
Homotopic organization of essential language sites in right and bilateral cerebral hemispheric dominance.

PubMed

Chang, Edward F; Wang, Doris D; Perry, David W; Barbaro, Nicholas M; Berger, Mitchel S

2011-04-01

Language dominance in the right hemisphere is rare. Therefore, the organization of essential language sites in the dominant right hemisphere is unclear, especially compared with cases involving the more prevalent left dominant hemisphere. The authors reviewed the medical records of 15 patients who underwent awake craniotomy for tumor or epilepsy surgery and speech mapping of right hemisphere perisylvian language areas at the University of California, San Francisco. All patients were determined to have either complete right-sided or bilateral language dominance by preoperative Wada testing. All patients but one were left-handed. Of more than 331 total stimulation sites, 27 total sites were identified as essential for language function (14 sites for speech arrest/anarthria; 12 for anomia; and 1 for alexia). While significant interindividual variability was observed, the general pattern of language organization was similar to classic descriptions of frontal language production and posterior temporal language integration for the left hemisphere. Speech arrest sites were clustered in the ventral precentral gyrus and pars opercularis. Anomia sites were more widely distributed, but were focused in the posterior superior and middle temporal gyri as well as the inferior parietal gyrus. One alexia site was found over the superior temporal gyrus. Face sensory and motor cortical sites were also identified along the ventral sensorimotor strip. The prevalence and specificity of essential language sites were greater in unilateral right hemisphere-dominant patients, compared with those with bilateral dominance by Wada testing. The authors' results suggest that the organization of language in right hemisphere dominance mirrors that of left hemisphere dominance. Awake speech mapping is a safe and reliable surgical adjunct in these rare clinical cases and should be done in the setting of right hemisphere dominance to avoid preventable postoperative aphasia.
Drug testing data from the 2007 Pan American Games: delta13C values of urinary androsterone, etiocholanolone and androstanediols determined by GC/C/IRMS.

PubMed

Aguilera, Rodrigo; Chapman, Thomas E; Pereira, Henrique; Oliveira, Giselle C; Illanes, Renata P; Fernandes, Telma F; Azevedo, Débora A; Neto, Francisco Aquino

2009-07-01

The main purpose of this article is to show the application of the CG/C/IRMS in real time during competition in the steroid confirmation analysis. For this reason, this paper summarizes the results obtained from the doping control analysis during the period of the 2007 Pan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Approximately 5600 athletes from 42 different countries competed in the games. Testing was performed in accordance to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) technical note for prohibited substances. This paper reports data where abnormal urinary steroid profiles, have been found with the screening procedures. One 8 mL urine sample was used for the analysis of five steroid metabolites with two separate analyses by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Urine samples were submitted to GC/C/IRMS for confirmation analysis to determine the (13)C/(12)C ratio of selected steroids. Fifty-seven urine samples were analyzed by GC/C/IRMS and the delta(13)C values ( per thousand) of androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol (5beta-diol), 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol (5alpha-diol) and 5beta-pregnane-3alpha, 20alpha-diol (5beta-pdiol), the endogenous reference compound are presented. One urine sample with a testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 4.7 was confirmed to be positive of doping by GC/C/IRMS analysis. The delta values of 5beta-diol and 5alpha-diol were 3.8 and 10.8, respectively, compared to the endogenous reference compound 5beta-pdiol, which exceeded the WADA limit of 3 per thousand. The results obtained by CG/C/IRMS confirmation analyses, in suspicious samples, were conclusive in deciding whether or not a doping steroid violation had occurred.
ISO/IEC 17025 Sysmex R-500 hematology reticulocyte analyzer validation.

PubMed

Dimopoulou, H A; Theodoridis, T; Galea, V; Christopoulou-Cokkinou, V; Spyridaki, M-H E; Georgakopoulos, C G

2007-01-01

The Sysmex R-500 (R-500) Hematology Analyzer is a bench-top system appropriate for the analysis of limited batches of blood samples. The R-500 provides percentage proportional (RET%), absolute reticulocyte (RET#), and absolute red blood cell (RBC#) counts. The system was validated at the Doping Control Laboratory of Athens, according to the International Committee for Standardization in Hematology, International Standards Organization (ISO/IEC) 17025, and World Antidoping Agency (WADA) specifications. The instrument calibration was performed according to the manufacturer and validation parameters comprised linearity, precision, uncertainty (intermediate and long-term precision), comparability, effect of drift, carryover, stability, and accuracy. The linearity and the comparability studies for RET#, RET%, and RBC# were expressed in regression factors (R2) and coefficients of correlation [r(x, y)], respectively. For the precision studies, the coefficients of variation for RET#, RET%, and RBC# were 9.49%, 9.83%, and <1.5%, respectively. For the intermediate precision studies, the coefficients of variation for RET#, RET%, and RBC# were 3.1%, 3.6%, and 0.6%, respectively. Carryover was found to be negligible. Sample stability was demonstrated at both room temperature and at 4 degrees C over a 24-hour period. Comparability studies for the R-500 were performed using a Sysmex SE-9500. The total evaluation led to the conclusion that the R-500 is an accurate and precise analyzer and because of to its relatively limited size, it can be considered a portable instrument, capable to be used in sports competition and training sites, where doping control and health tests are conducted. The analytical methodology of RET% measurement by the R-500 has been incorporated into the Doping Control Laboratory of Athens' Scope of Accreditation according to the ISO/IEC 17025 and WADA specifications.
Application of multivariate statistics to the Steroidal Module of the Athlete Biological Passport: A proof of concept study.

PubMed

Alladio, Eugenio; Caruso, Roberto; Gerace, Enrico; Amante, Eleonora; Salomone, Alberto; Vincenti, Marco

2016-05-30

The Technical Document TD2014EAAS was drafted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in order to fight the spread of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAAS) misuse in several sport disciplines. In particular, adoption of the so-called Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) - Steroidal Module allowed control laboratories to identify anomalous EAAS concentrations within the athletes' physiological urinary steroidal profile. Gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS), indicated by WADA as an appropriate technique to detect urinary EAAS, was utilized in the present study to develop and fully-validate an analytical method for the determination of all EAAS markers specified in TD2014EAAS, plus two further markers hypothetically useful to reveal microbial degradation of the sample. In particular, testosterone, epitestosterone, androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol, 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol, dehydroepiandrosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, were included in the analytical method. Afterwards, the multi-parametric feature of ABP profile was exploited to develop a robust approach for the detection of EAAS misuse, based on multivariate statistical analysis. In particular, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was combined with Hotelling T(2) tests to explore the EAAS data obtained from 60 sequential urine samples collected from six volunteers, in comparison with a reference population of single urine samples collected from 96 volunteers. The new approach proved capable of identifying anomalous results, including (i) the recognition of samples extraneous to each of the individual urine series and (ii) the discrimination of the urine samples collected from individuals to whom "endogenous" steroids had been administrated with respect to the rest of the samples population. The proof-of-concept results presented in this study will need further extension and validation on a population of sport professionals. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B
Determination of the Friction Work of a Link Chain Interworking with a Sprocket Drum / Wyznaczenie Pracy Tarcia Łańcucha Ogniwowego We Współdziałaniu Z Bębnem Łańcuchowym

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobota, Piotr

2013-09-01

The significant abrasive wear of sprocket drum teeth and seats bottoms is observed during the exploitation of longwall scraper conveyors. For this reason, it is important to determine friction work in sliding conditions of the horizontal link on the tooth seat bottom and on the tooth flank and friction work in the joint of links in the context of such nodes' abrasive wear. The different construction variants of sprocket drums can be compared by determining friction work in the sliding positions of the horizontal link on the drum. The determination of the losses of the power transmitted is a requisite condition in such situation for determining the efficiency values of chain meshing. The friction work of the friction couple of a sprocket drum - link chain consists of friction work of the horizontal link in the places where it contacts with the seat bottom Ag and the tooth flank Af and friction work in the joints of a horizontal link in the contact place with vertical links: in the front joint Ap and the rear joint At. The article presents dependencies enabling to determine the value of such work for specific geometric relations between the chain and the drum and different friction conditions. The curves of relative friction work and the values of total friction work on the seat bottom, on the tooth flank and in a front and rear joint of links are presented for examples of friction conditions. W czasie eksploatacji ścianowych przenośników zgrzebłowych obserwuje się znaczne zużycia ścierne powierzchni zębów i den gniazd bębnów łańcuchowych. Z tych powodów ważne jest określenie pracy tarcia w warunkach poślizgu ogniwa poziomego na dnie gniazda i na flance zęba oraz pracy tarcia w przegubach ogniw w aspekcie zużycia ściernego tych węzłów. Wyznaczenie pracy tarcia w miejscach poślizgu ogniwa poziomego na bębnie daje możliwość porównania różnych wariantów konstrukcyjnych bębnów łańcuchowych. Określenie strat przenoszonej mocy jest przy
Thermodynamical and excess thermoacoustical study on some monosaccharide (glucose) with enzyme amylase in aqueous media at 298.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nithiyanantham, S.; Palaniappan, L.

2011-03-01

Ultrasonic velocity (U), density (ρ) and viscosity (η) measurements have been carried out in three ternary mixtures of glucose with amylase in aqueous medium at 298.15 K. The experimental data have been used to calculate some derived parameters such as acoustical impedance (Z), relative association (RA), Rao's constant (R), Wada's constant (W), relaxation time (τ), relaxation amplitude (α/f2), relaxation strength (r), and some excess thermodynamical properties like excess adiabatic compressibility (βE), excess free length (LfE) excess free volume (VfE), excess internal pressure (πiE) and excess acoustical impedance (ZE). The above parameters have been evaluated and discussed in light of molecular interactions in the mixture.
[Determination of doping in human urine by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Xing, Yan-Yi; Liu, Xin; Zhang, Yu-Mei; Wang, Xiao-Bing; Xu, You-Xuan

2012-12-01

A method was evaluated for determination of twenty-one doping (including nandrolone, boldenone and methandienone) in human urine by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction, concentrated, TMS derivatization and limit of detection at ng x mL(-1) by MID/GC/HRMS. According to the code of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), precision and recoveries of the procedure were evaluated by replicate analysis (n = 6), the recoveries in the range of 66%-103%, with the RSD below 10.0%. The precision within the day of the method with three different concentrations was also determined RSD were less than 9.5%, 10.0% and 9.7%.
[Gene doping: gene transfer and possible molecular detection].

PubMed

Argüelles, Carlos Francisco; Hernández-Zamora, Edgar

2007-01-01

The use of illegal substances in sports to enhance athletic performance during competition has caused international sports organizations such as the COI and WADA to take anti doping measures. A new doping method know as gene doping is defined as "the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance". However, gene doping in sports is not easily identified and can cause serious consequences. Molecular biology techniques are needed in order to distinguish the difference between a "normal" and an "altered" genome. Further, we need to develop new analytic methods and biological molecular techniques in anti-doping laboratories, and design programs that avoid the non therapeutic use of genes.
Thermo-acoustical molecular interaction study in binary mixtures of glycerol and ethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Kirandeep; Juglan, K. C.; Kumar, Harsh

2017-07-01

Ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity are measured over the entire composition range for binary liquid mixtures of glycerol (CH2OH-CHOH-CH2OH) and ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH) at different temperatures and constant frequency of 2MHz using ultrasonic interferometer, specific gravity bottle and viscometer respectively. Measured experimental values are used to obtained various acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility, acoustic impedance, intermolecular free length, relaxation time, ultrasonic attenuation, effective molar weight, free volume, available volume, molar volume, Wada's constant, Rao's constant, Vander Waal's constant, internal pressure, Gibb's free energy and enthalpy. The variation in acoustical parameters are interpreted in terms of molecular interactions between the components of molecules of binary liquid mixtures.
Potential impacts of human water management on the European heat wave 2003 using fully integrated bedrock-to-atmosphere simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keune, Jessica; Sulis, Mauro; Kollet, Stefan; Wada, Yoshihide

2017-04-01

Recent studies indicate that anthropogenic impacts on the terrestrial water cycle lead to a redistribution of water resources in space and time, can trigger land-atmosphere feedbacks, such as the soil moisture-precipitation feedback, and potentially enhance convection and precipitation. Yet, these studies do not consider the full hydrologic cycle from the bedrock to the atmosphere or apply simplified hydrologic models, neglecting the connection of irrigation to water withdrawal and groundwater depletion. Thus, there is a need to incorporate water resource management in 3D hydrologic models coupled to earth system models. This study addresses the impact of water resource management, i.e. irrigation and groundwater abstraction, on land-atmosphere feedbacks through the terrestrial hydrologic cycle in a physics-based soil-vegetation-atmosphere system simulating 3D groundwater dynamics at the continental scale. The integrated Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform, TerrSysMP, consisting of the three-dimensional subsurface and overland flow model ParFlow, the Community Land Model CLM3.5 and the numerical weather prediction model COSMO of the German Weather Service, is set up over the European CORDEX domain in 0.11° resolution. The model closes the terrestrial water and energy cycles from aquifers into the atmosphere. Anthropogenic impacts are considered by applying actual daily estimates of irrigation and groundwater abstraction from Wada et al. (2012, 2016), as a source at the land surface and explicit removal of groundwater from aquifer storage, respectively. Simulations of the fully coupled system are performed over the 2003 European heat wave and compared to a reference simulation, which does not consider human interactions in the terrestrial water cycle. We study the space and time characteristics and evolution of temperature extremes, and soil moisture and precipitation anomalies influenced by human water management during the heat wave. A first set of simulations
On the relative merits of invasive and non-invasive pre-surgical brain mapping: New tools in ablative epilepsy surgery.

PubMed

Papanicolaou, Andrew C; Rezaie, Roozbeh; Narayana, Shalini; Choudhri, Asim F; Abbas-Babajani-Feremi; Boop, Frederick A; Wheless, James W

2018-05-01

Cortical Stimulation Mapping (CSM) and the Wada procedure have long been considered the gold standard for localizing motor and language-related cortical areas and for determining the language and memory-dominant hemisphere, respectively. In recent years, however, non-invasive methods such as magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have emerged as promising alternatives to the aforementioned procedures, particularly in cases where the invasive localization of eloquent cortex has proven to be challenging. To illustrate this point, we will first introduce the evidence of the compatibility of invasive and non-invasive methods and subsequently outline the rationale and the conditions where the latter methods are applicable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2010-04-01

The annual update of the list of prohibited substances and doping methods as issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) allows the implementation of most recent considerations of performance manipulation and emerging therapeutics into human sports doping control programmes. The annual banned-substance review for human doping controls critically summarizes recent innovations in analytical approaches that support the efforts of convicting cheating athletes by improved or newly established methods that focus on known as well as newly outlawed substances and doping methods. In the current review, literature published between October 2008 and September 2009 reporting on new and/or enhanced procedures and techniques for doping analysis, as well as aspects relevant to the doping control arena, was considered to complement the 2009 annual banned-substance review.
Structure and Development of the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

PubMed

Kinahan, Audrey; Budgett, Richard; Mazzoni, Irene

2017-01-01

The list of prohibited substances and methods (the List) is the international standard that determines what is prohibited in sport both in- and out-of-competition. Since 2004, the official text of the List is produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the international independent organization responsible for promoting, coordinating, and monitoring the fight against doping in sport. Originally based on the prohibited lists established by the International Olympic Committee, the List has evolved to incorporate new doping trends, distinguish permitted from prohibited routes of administration, and adjust to new analytical and pharmacological breakthroughs. In this chapter, the elements that compose the List as well as the updates over the years are presented. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.
The Athlete Biological Passport: an integral element of innovative strategies in antidoping.

PubMed

Vernec, Alan R

2014-05-01

Concern for the health of athletes and integrity of sport resulted in the banning of specific substances although many years passed before analytical testing took place. Soon doping control programmes became synonymous with urine tests and adverse analytical findings. This system has its limits due to the detection window of prohibited substances, the timing of sample collections and the sophistication of some doping regimens. There have been a number of situations where these limits were demonstrated by athletes who proclaimed innocence based on passing their analytical tests only to later confess to doping. New strategies were called for to protect clean athletes. In the current World Anti-Doping Code, there are eight means to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV). Article 2.2 states that the use of a prohibited substance may be established by any reliable means including witness statements, documentary evidence or evaluations of longitudinal profiling. In 2006, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) with the support of some International Federations (IFs) gathered a group of experts to develop a harmonised programme on longitudinal profiling, or serial analysis of indirect biomarkers of doping, that was both scientifically and legally robust. This culminated in the WADA Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) Operating Guidelines and Technical Documents, published in 2009. The ABP is a paradigm that infers the use of prohibited substance (or method) by the monitoring of discriminant biomarkers over time. The haematological module detects blood manipulation by the use of erythropoietic stimulating agents or via blood transfusions. The steroidal module aims to identify endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids when administered exogenously and other indirect steroid doping substances or methods. Other ABP modules (endocrine, 'omics') are being developed. The term passport, first coined in 2000, is now defined in the ABP Guidelines as the longitudinal profile and all other
Reforms of a real estate cadastre in Poland / Reformy katastru nieruchomości w Polsce

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietrzak, Ludmiła; Hopfer, Andrzej; Cegielski, Stanisław

2012-11-01

On May 7, 2010 the act dated March 4, 2010 on the spatial information infrastructure was published which transposes the European Parliament and the European Council Directive No 2007/2/WE dated March 14, 2007 established the spatial information infrastructure (INSPIRE) in the European Community. This act introduced basic changes to the binding Act, i.e. the Law of Geodesy and Cartography and, as the consequence, the demand to develop various administrative decrees occurred. The authors of the paper present the analysis of the existing conditions of the cadastre, the task of governmental and public government administration, related to demands concerning the cadastral reforms, following the act on the spatial information infrastructure and they discuss possibilities to perform such reforms at the local and national scales. W dniu 7 maja 2010 r. weszła w życie ustawa a dnia 4 marca 2012 r. o infrastrukturze informacji przestrzennej dokonująca transpozycji dyrektywy Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady nr 2007/3/WE ustanawiającej infrastrukturę informacji przestrzennej w Europie. Ustawa to wprowadziła zasadnicze zmiany do obowiązującej ustawy prawo geodezyjne i kartograficzne, i w konsekwencji powstała konieczność opracowania nowych rozporządzeń wykonawczych. W chwili obecnej większość rozporządzeń jest już opracowana, część jest jeszcze konsultowana z organizacjami zawodowymi geodetów. W artykule autorzy dokonują analizy stanu istniejącego, zadań administracji rządowej i samorządowej związanych z koniecznością modernizacji katastru oraz podają zakres koniecznych do przeprowadzenie reform w skali kraju oraz w skali lokalnej.
Adaptation of the South-West Wing of Collegium Chemicum of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań for Storage Facilities/ Adaptacja Południowo-Zachodniego Skrzydła Budynku Collegium Chemicum Uam W Poznaniu Na Cele Magazynowe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ścigałło, Jacek

2015-06-01

The article refers to the problems of adaptation of Collegium Chemicum facilities belonging to Adam Mickiewicz Uniwersity in Poznań to its storage needs. The subject building is situated in Grunwaldzka Street in Poznań. In the introduction part, the building and its structural solutions are described. The results of the materials research and the measurements of the used reinforcement have been presented. The structure diagnostic analyses were performed basing on measurements and research. The analysis allowed the determination of the limit loads. The results of the performed analysis of the current state turned out to be unsatisfactory, not only in terms of the planned storage load but also in terms of the current load state, as was shown by the construction analysis. W pracy przedstawiono problemy związane z adaptacją budynku dydaktycznego Collegium Chemicum przy ul. Grunwaldzkiej w Poznaniu na cele magazynowe Biblioteki Głównej UAM. Na wstępie opisano badany budynek oraz scharakteryzowano zastosowane w nim rozwiązania konstrukcyjne. Przedstawiono wyniki wykonanych badań materiałowych oraz pomiarów inwentaryzacyjnych zastosowanego zbrojenia. Na podstawie wykonanych pomiarów i badań przeprowadzono analizę diagnostyczną konstrukcji, która pozwoliła na wyznaczenie dopuszczalnych wartości obciążeń powierzchni stropowych. Wyniki wykonanej analizy konstrukcji w stanie istniejącym okazały się dalece niezadowalające nie tylko z punktu widzenia planowanych, znacznych obciążeń magazynowych. Analiza wykazała bowiem, że konstrukcja jest już znacznie przeciążona w aktualnym stanie jej obciążenia

The Use of Digital Terrain Model in the Study of Distribution of Cultural Landscape Elements based on the Example of Silesia Beskid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobala, Michał; Czajka, Barbara

2012-01-01

Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and maps based on it, are very valuable tool in investigations of distribution of cultural landscape elements. Connection DTM with a digital land cover maps, clearly illustrate factors determinate location of various landscape elements. The paper presents the applicability of Digital Terrain Model to detect the influence of topographic attributes on landscape elements distribution and to determinate the landscape's structure in the different altitudinal zones. Presented results, are the effect of the first phase of cultural landscape elements distribution research and they are starting point to look for other factors which could effect on structure of the landscape. Numeryczny model terenu i jego mapy pochodne stanowią bardzo cenne narzędzie badania rozmieszczenia elementów krajobrazu kulturowego. W połączeniu z cyfrową mapą pokrycia terenu, pozwalają na czytelne zobrazowanie czynników warunkujących lokalizację poszczególnych elementów krajobrazu oraz określenie ich znaczenia. W pracy przedstawiono możliwości zastosowania numerycznego modelu terenu do określenia wpływu wybranych atrybutów topograficznych na rozmieszczenie elementów krajobrazu kulturowego oraz do określenia jego struktury w poszczególnych strefach wysokościowych. Zwrócono uwagę, iż uzyskane za pomocą numerycznego modelu terenu wyniki są efektem jednego z etapów badania uwarunkowań rozmieszczenia elementów krajobrazu kulturowego i stanowią bazę wyjściową do poszukiwania innych czynników, które mogły wpływać na jego strukturę.
Types of Moulding and Methods of Eliminating Dry Rot in Historic Buildings: Example of Sobiescy Palace in Lublin (Based on Study by Mirosław Zaród)/ Zagrzybienia I Metody Odgrzybiania Obiektów Zabytkowych Na Przykładzie Pałacu Sobieskich W Lublinie (Na Podstawie Opracowania Dokonanego Przez M. Zaróda)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wrana, Jan; Jarocka-Mikrut, Aleksandra

2015-06-01

By presenting Sobiescy Palace in Lublin as well as results of mycological research conducted in the said premises, the authors describe hazards and dangers arising from damp present in historic buildings for a long time. Results of mycological research quoted in this article indicate that differences in levels of damp depend on the cardinal direction a specific wall faces. The authors also pay attention to reasons for which the described premises suffer from damp and provide programmes of treatment and prevention. Furthermore, the article gives the reader a detailed insight into multiple opportunities for improving technical conditions of historic buildings and, at the same time, raising their functional standards. However, one must not forget to treat such premises with proper respect. W artykule przedstawiono zagrożenia tkwiące w długotrwałym narażeniu zabudowań historycznych na wilgoć na podstawie Pałacu Sobieskich w Lublinie oraz ekspertyzy mykologicznej. Zwrócono uwagę na różnice w wilgotności ścian oraz zależności wynikające z orientacji budowli względem stron świata. Opisano przyczyny występowania wilgoci w opisywanym założeniu jak również wskazano możliwości ich przeciwdziałaniu. Poprzez przedstawienie możliwych do zastosowania metod ochrony przed wspomnianymi czynnikami dowiedziono, iż możliwości poprawy stanu technicznego, a tym samym standardów funkcjonalnych obiektów zabytkowych jest wiele przy czym należy zachować szczególny szacunek do substancji zabytkowej
Limit Analysis of Geometrically Hardening Composite Steel-Concrete Systems / Stany Graniczne Geometrycznie Wzmacniających Się Konstrukcji Zespolonych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alawdin, Piotr; Urbańska, Krystyna

2015-03-01

The paper considers some results of creating load-carrying composite systems that have uprated strength, rigidity and safety, and therefore are called geometrically (self-) hardening systems. The optimization mathematic models of structures as discrete mechanical systems withstanding dead load, monotonic or low cyclic static and kinematic actions are proposed. To find limit parameters of these actions the extreme energetic principle is suggested what result in the bilevel mathematic programming problem statement. The limit parameters of load actions are found on the first level of optimization. On the second level the power of the constant load with equilibrium preloading is maximized and/or system cost is minimized. The examples of using the proposed methods are presented and geometrically hardening composite steel-concrete system are taken into account. W pracy przedstawiono sposoby projektowania konstrukcji, które ze względu na swoją geometrię oraz topologię posiadają podwyższoną nośność, sztywność i bezpieczeństwo. Systemy takie nazwano geometrycznie (samo-) wzmacniającymi się. Zaproponowano optymalizacyjne modele matematyczne konstrukcji jako dyskretne systemy mechaniczne będące pod obciążeniem stałym, zmiennym monotoniczne lub niskocyklowym, statycznym lub kinematycznym. Dla znalezienia granicznych parametrów obciążeń wprowadzona została ekstremalna zasada energetyczna, przedstawiona jako problem dwupoziomowego programowania matematycznego. Graniczne parametry obciążeń szukane są na pierwszym poziomie optymalizacji. Na drugim poziomie minimalizowany jest koszt systemu i/lub maksymalizowana jest moc stałego równoważącego obciążenia z dociążeniem. Ponadto w pracy przeanalizowano numerycznie i analitycznie zachowanie konstrukcji geometrycznie wzmacniających się na przykładzie konstrukcji zespolonych stalowobetonowych. Pierwszy przykład dotyczy konstrukcji belkowo-prętowej z podciągiem, belkę stanowi stalowy dwuteownik
A CNN based Hybrid approach towards automatic image registration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arun, Pattathal V.; Katiyar, Sunil K.

2013-06-01

Image registration is a key component of various image processing operations which involve the analysis of different image data sets. Automatic image registration domains have witnessed the application of many intelligent methodologies over the past decade; however inability to properly model object shape as well as contextual information had limited the attainable accuracy. In this paper, we propose a framework for accurate feature shape modeling and adaptive resampling using advanced techniques such as Vector Machines, Cellular Neural Network (CNN), SIFT, coreset, and Cellular Automata. CNN has found to be effective in improving feature matching as well as resampling stages of registration and complexity of the approach has been considerably reduced using corset optimization The salient features of this work are cellular neural network approach based SIFT feature point optimisation, adaptive resampling and intelligent object modelling. Developed methodology has been compared with contemporary methods using different statistical measures. Investigations over various satellite images revealed that considerable success was achieved with the approach. System has dynamically used spectral and spatial information for representing contextual knowledge using CNN-prolog approach. Methodology also illustrated to be effective in providing intelligent interpretation and adaptive resampling. Rejestracja obrazu jest kluczowym składnikiem różnych operacji jego przetwarzania. W ostatnich latach do automatycznej rejestracji obrazu wykorzystuje się metody sztucznej inteligencji, których największą wadą, obniżającą dokładność uzyskanych wyników jest brak możliwości dobrego wymodelowania kształtu i informacji kontekstowych. W niniejszej pracy zaproponowano zasady dokładnego modelowania kształtu oraz adaptacyjnego resamplingu z wykorzystaniem zaawansowanych technik, takich jak Vector Machines (VM), komórkowa sieć neuronowa (CNN), przesiewanie (SIFT), Coreset i
Stages of Geoinformation Evolution Related to the Territories Described in the Bible - from the 3Rd Millennium B.C. to Modern Times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsenbarth, Adam

2012-09-01

The paper presents consecutive stages of the evolution of geoinformation related to the territories of the events described in the Bible. Two geoinformation sources are presented: the Bible and non-Bible sources. In the Bible there is much, often some highly detailed information regarding terrain topography. The oldest non-Bible sources are incorporated in the ancient documents, which were discovered in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Some of them are related to the 3rd millen- nium B.C. The further stages are related to the onomasticons and itineraries written by travellers and pilgrims to the Holy Land. The most famous onomasticons include: onomasticons prepared by bishop Eusebius from Caesarea and those pre- pared by St. Jerome. One of the oldest maps of Palestine's territory is the so-called mosaic map of Madaba dated to 565. In the 15th century several Bible maps were edited. The most rapid evolution occurred in the 16th and 17* centuries, when the world famous cartographers such as Mercator and Ortelius edited several maps of Palestine's territory. Cartographers from several European countries edited more than 6,000 maps presenting the Biblical territories and Biblical events. Modem maps, based on detailed topographical surveys, were edited m the second half of the 19* and 20th centuries. W artykule przedstawiono kolejne etapy rozwoju geoinformacji dotyczącej terenówr biblijnych. Omówiono dwa źródła informacji, a mianowicie geoinformacje biblijne i pozabiblijne. W tekstach biblijnych można znaleźć wiele, często bardzo detalicznych informacji topograficznych. Najstarsze źródła pozabiblijne, to starożytne dokumenty odnalezione na terenach Egiptu i Mezopotamii. Niektóre z nich pochodzą z trzeciego milenium przed Chr. Kolejnym etapem geoinformacji były onomastikony oraz dzienniki podróży pisane przez podróżników i pielgrzymów do Ziemi Świętej. Do najbardziej znanych należy onomastikon sporządzony przez biskupa Euzebiusza z Cezarei oraz
Not In-Service Railway Arched Bridges and Their Future/ Nieużytkowane Kolejowe Mosty Sklepione I Ich Przyszłość

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juszczyk, Artur; Dankowski, Marek; Wysokowski, Adam

2015-06-01

At the turn of the 19th and 20th century, on the areas of today northern and western Poland, the railway infrastructure was developing rapidly. In the late 80's of the previous century many of the railway lines, together with the whole infrastructure including bridges, were being closed down. The example of such practices can be the brick bridge located near Nojewo, Voivodeship wielkopolskie. This article presents the technical parameters of these bridges and their damages as well as ideas for the future development of the railway facilities. Na przełomie XIX i XX wieku na terenie dzisiejszej Polski zachodniej i północnej bardzo intensywnie rozwijana była infrastruktura kolejowa. W efekcie tych działań powstała sieć dróg żelaznych o dużym zagęszczeniu. Pod koniec lat 80-tych ubiegłego stulecia wiele z tych linii było stopniowo zamykanych. Na skutek tych przemian wiele linii oraz obiektów z nimi związanych, w tym obiekty mostowe, zostały pozostawione niekorzystnemu działaniu czasu. Przykładem takich wyłączonych z eksploatacji obiektów są mosty i wiadukty położone w okolicy miejscowości Nojewo. Wspomniane obiekty inżynierskie to ceglane konstrukcje sklepione znajdujące się w ciągu linii kolejowej nr 368 łączącej Szamotuły i Międzychód. W artykule zaprezentowano problem rewitalizacji nieużytkowanych mostów kolejowych na przykładzie obiektów w miejscowości Nojewo w województwie wielkopolskim. Opisano podstawowe parametry techniczne mostów oraz ich uszkodzenia. Przedstawiono propozycje zagospodarowania obiektów.
Geopolymers in Construction / Zastosowanie Geopolimerów W Budownictwie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Błaszczyński, Tomasz Z.; Król, Maciej R.

2015-03-01

Within the framework of quests of supplementary and "healthier" binders to the production of concrete followed the development of geopolymers in construction. However the practical application of these materials is still very limited. The production of each ton of cement introduces one ton of CO2 into the atmosphere. According to various estimations, the synthesis of geopolymers absorbs 2-3 times less energy than the Portland cement and causes a generation of 4-8 times less of CO2. Geopolymeric concretes possess a high compressive strength, very small shrinkage and small creep, and they possess a high resistance to acid and sulphate corrosion. These concretes are also resistant to carbonate corrosion and possess a very high fire resistance and also a high resistance to UV radiation. W ramach poszukiwania zastępczych i "zdrowszych" spoiw do produkcji betonu nastąpił rozwój geopolimerów w budownictwie. Jednakże praktyczne zastosowanie tych materiałów jest jeszcze nadal bardzo ograniczone. Produkcja każdej tony cementu wprowadza do atmosfery tonę CO2. Według różnych szacunków, synteza geopolimerów pochłania 2-3 razy mniej energii, niż cementu portlandzkiego oraz powoduje wydzielenie 4-8 razy mniejszej ilości CO2. Do tego betony geopolimerowe posiadają wysoką wytrzymałość na ściskanie, bardzo mały skurcz i małe pełzanie oraz dają wysoką odporność na korozję kwasową i siarczanową. Betony te są także odporne na korozję węglanową i posiadają bardzo wysoką odporność ogniową, a także wysoką odporność na promieniowanie UV.
Sports doping: emerging designer and therapeutic β2-agonists.

PubMed

Fragkaki, A G; Georgakopoulos, C; Sterk, S; Nielen, M W F

2013-10-21

Beta2-adrenergic agonists, or β2-agonists, are considered essential bronchodilator drugs in the treatment of bronchial asthma, both as symptom-relievers and, in combination with inhaled corticosteroids, as disease-controllers. The use of β2-agonists is prohibited in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to claimed anabolic effects, and also, is prohibited as growth promoters in cattle fattening in the European Union. This paper reviews the last seven-year (2006-2012) literature concerning the development of novel β2-agonists molecules either by modifying the molecule of known β2-agonists or by introducing moieties producing indole-, adamantyl- or phenyl urea derivatives. New emerging β2-agonists molecules for future therapeutic use are also presented, intending to emphasize their potential use for doping purposes or as growth promoters in the near future. © 2013.
Geotechnical Aspects of Revitalisation of Post-Mining Areas - An Example of the Adaptation of Katowice Hard Coal Mine for the New Silesian Museum / Geotechniczne aspekty rewitalizacji terenów pogórniczych - przykład adaptacji KWK "KATOWICE" na nowe muzeum śląskie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cała, Marek; Ostręga, Anna

2013-06-01

The article presents the history of the Katowice Hard Coal Mine and the concept of revitalisation taking into consideration the historical development of the mine which today is closed. The concept accepted for realisation assumes adaptation of the post-mining area with its historical infrastructure for cultural functions, and namely for the construction of the New Silesian Museum. Basing the concept on the idea of minimum interference into the existing spatial layout of the former mine has had the result that the museum areas and garages have been designed under the surface of the area adjacent to the historic facilities of the mine. In relation therewith, it was necessary to carry out the works aimed at reinforcing foundations of the historic buildings and protecting the geotechnical pit slopes. The article presents the technological solutions applied to protect the historic buildings, the lift tower, and the excavations for new facilities of the Silesian Museum. Attention was drawn to the instability of the subsoil and of the rock mass due to previous mining operations conducted in the area, the need to adapt the protection technology to the existing conditions as well as the need of constant monitoring of geotechnical works underway.> It is emphasised that the presented investment is part of an ongoing process aimed at preserving the industrial part of the material cultural heritage of Upper Silesia, for centuries connected with hard coal mining and as such it stands a chance to become a showcase not only for Katowice but for the entire region of Silesia. W artykule przedstawiono historię Kopalni Węgla Kamiennego "Katowice" oraz koncepcję rewitalizacji uwzględniającą historyczną zabudowę nieczynnej już dziś kopalni. Przyjęta do realizacji koncepcja zakłada przystosowanie pogórniczego terenu wraz z zabytkową infrastrukturą dla funkcji kulturowych, a mianowicie budowy Nowego Muzeum Śląskiego. Siedziba Nowego Muzeum Śląskiego lokalizowana jest w
The Assessment of Susceptibility on Drainage in an Aquifer on the Basis of Pumping Tests in a Lignite Mine / Ocena Podatności Ośrodka Wodonośnego Na Odwodnienie Na Podstawie Próbnych Pompowań W Kopalni Węgla Brunatnego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polak, Krzysztof; Kaznowska-Opala, Karolina; Pawlecka, Katarzyna; Różkowski, Kazimierz; Klich, Jerzy

2015-03-01

Drainage of the rock mass is a key component affecting the safety of mining operations and is associated with the removal of the overburden, dumping and excavation of useful minerals. The primary method of drainage in lignite coal mines are bored wells. The efficiency of drainage of rock mass depends on their accurate positioning and quality of workmanship. The paper presents the current state of knowledge concerning the distribution of the components of drawdown (1) in pumping well (Walton, 1955; Bruin & Hudson, 1961; Kruseman & de Ridder, 1991; Avci, 1992; Atkinson, 1994; Helweg, 1994; Kawecki, 1995; Singh, 2002; Dufresne, 2011) and their dependence on the hydrogeological parameters of the drained aquifer (Fig. 2). The results of pumping tests conducted in drainage wells operating in lignite mines are also presented. The subject of analysis was the geohydraulic resistance coefficient B, describing the resistance of the aquifer under laminar flow. This coefficient also takes the hydrogeological parameters into account which determines the dynamics and range of influence of drainage (12, 13). The value of the parameter and its spatial variability can be used for planning, designing and evaluating the effectiveness of wells drainage In view of the results of the pumping tests, classification of aquifer susceptibility to drainage was proposed, which can be used to support decision-making in the scope of expansion of the drainage system, the necessary timing and dynamics of pumping water. The classification is preliminary and is the starting point for the development of methods to rationalize functioning costs of the drainage systems. Zadaniem studni odwadniających jest obniżenie zwierciadła wody podziemnej możliwie w jak najkrótszym czasie. W zależności od przeznaczenia studni oraz wymagań technicznych ich czas "życia" jest zróżnicowany. Studnie zlokalizowane w obrębie wyrobiska, tj. studnie nadkładowe i podłożowe (pomocnicze
Influence of mantle viscosity structure and mineral grain size on fluid migration pathways in the mantle wedge.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerpa, N. G.; Wada, I.; Wilson, C. R.; Spiegelman, M. W.

2016-12-01

We develop a 2D numerical porous flow model that incorporates both grain size distribution and matrix compaction to explore the fluid migration (FM) pathways in the mantle wedge. Melt generation for arc volcanism is thought to be triggered by slab-derived fluids that migrate into the hot overlying mantle and reduce its melting temperature. While the narrow location of the arcs relative to the top of the slab ( 100±30 km) is a robust observation, the release of fluids is predicted to occur over a wide range of depth. Reconciling such observations and predictions remains a challenge for the geodynamic community. Fluid transport by porous flow depends on the permeability of the medium which in turn depends on fluid fraction and mineral grain size. The grain size distribution in the mantle wedge predicted by laboratory derived laws was found to be a possible mechanism to focusing of fluids beneath the arcs [Wada and Behn, 2015]. The viscous resistance of the matrix to the volumetric strain generates compaction pressure that affects fluid flow and can also focus fluids towards the arc [Wilson et al, 2014]. We thus have developed a 2D one-way coupled Darcy's-Stokes flow model (solid flow independent of fluid flow) for the mantle wedge that combines both effects. For the solid flow calculation, we use a kinematic-dynamic approach where the system is driven by the prescribed slab velocity. The solid rheology accounts for both dislocation and diffusion creep and we calculate the grain size distribution following Wada and Behn [2015]. In our fluid flow model, the permeability of the medium is grain size dependent and the matrix bulk viscosity depends on solid shear viscosity and fluid fraction. The fluid influx from the slab is imposed as a boundary condition at the base of the mantle wedge. We solve the discretized governing equations using the software package TerraFERMA. Applying a range of model parameter values, including slab age, slab dip, subduction rate, and fluid
Urine analysis concerning xenon for doping control purposes.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Piper, Thomas; Geyer, Hans; Schaefer, Maximilian S; Schneemann, Julia; Kienbaum, Peter; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2015-01-15

On September 1(st) 2014, a modified Prohibited List as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) became effective featuring xenon as a banned substance categorized as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) activator. Consequently, the analysis of xenon from commonly provided doping control specimens such as blood and urine is desirable, and first data on the determination of xenon from urine in the context of human sports drug testing, are presented. In accordance to earlier studies utilizing plasma as doping control matrix, urine was enriched to saturation with xenon, sequentially diluted, and the target analyte was detected as supported by the internal standard d6 -cyclohexanone by means of gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) using headspace injection. Three major xenon isotopes at m/z 128.9, 130.9 and 131.9 were targeted in (pseudo) selected reaction monitoring mode enabling the unambiguous identification of the prohibited substance. Assay characteristics including limit of detection (LOD), intraday/interday precision, and specificity as well as analyte recovery under different storage conditions were determined. Proof-of-concept data were generated by applying the established method to urine samples collected from five patients before, during and after (up to 48 h) xenon-based general anesthesia. Xenon was traceable in enriched human urine samples down to the detection limit of approximately 0.5 nmol/mL. The intraday and interday imprecision values of the method were found below 25%, and specificity was demonstrated by analyzing 20 different blank urine samples that corroborated the fitness-for-purpose of the analytical approach to unequivocally detect xenon at non-physiological concentrations in human urine. The patients' urine specimens returned 'xenon-positive' test results up to 40 h post-anesthesia, indicating the limits of the expected doping control detection window. Since xenon has been considered a prohibited substance
Complementary stable carbon isotope ratio and amount of substance measurements in sports anti-doping.

PubMed

Cawley, Adam T; George, Adrian V

2012-12-01

The detection of steroids originating from synthetic precursors against a background of their chemically identical natural analogues has proven to be a significant challenge for doping control laboratories accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The complementary application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) has been demonstrated to provide specific detection of endogenous steroid misuse for improved anti-doping analysis. Markers of synthetically derived steroids are reviewed on the basis of abnormal urinary excretions and low (13)C content. A combinatorial approach is presented for the interpretation of GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS data in the anti-doping context. This methodology can allow all relevant information concerning an individual's metabolism to be assessed in order to make an informed decision with respect to a doping violation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doping droops.

PubMed

Chaturvedi, Aditi; Chaturvedi, Harish; Kalra, Juhi; Kalra, Sudhanshu

2007-01-01

Drug abuse is a major concern in the athletic world. The misconception among athletes and their coaches is that when an athlete breaks a record it is due to some "magic ingredient" and not because of training, hard work, mental attitude and championship performance. The personal motivation to win in competitive sports has been intensified by national, political, professional and economic incentives. Under this increased pressure athletes have turned to finding this "magic ingredient". Athlete turns to mechanical (exercise, massage), nutritional (vitamins, minerals), pharmacological (medicines) or gene therapies to have an edge over other players. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has already asked scientists to help find ways to prevent gene therapy from becoming the newest form of doping. The safety of the life of athletes is compromised with all forms of doping techniques, be it a side effect of a drug or a new technique of gene doping.
Application of Multidimensional Data Visualization by Means of Self-Organizing Kohonen Maps to Evaluate Classification Possibilities of Various Coal Types / Zastosowanie Wizualizacji Wielowymiarowych Danych Za Pomocą Sieci Kohonena Do Oceny Możliwości Klasyfikacji Różnych Typów Węgla

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamróz, Dariusz; Niedoba, Tomasz

2015-03-01

Multidimensional data visualization methods are a modern tool allowing to classify some analysed objects. In the case of grained materials e.g. coal, many characteristics have an influence on the material quality. The paper presents the possibility of applying visualization techniques for coal type identification and determination of significant differences between various types of coal. To achieve this purpose, the method of Kohonen maps was applied by means of which three types of coal - 31, 34.2 and 35 (according to Polish classification of coal types) were investigated. It was stated that the applied methodology allows to identify certain coal types efficiently and can be used as a qualitative criterion for grained materials. Metody wizualizacji wielowymiarowych danych są nowoczesnym narzędziem umożliwającym klasyfikację analizowanych obiektów, którymi mogą być różnego typu dane opisujące wybrane zjawisko lub materiał. W przypadku materiałów uziarnionych, jakim jest np. węgiel, wiele cech ma wpływ na jakość materiału, tj. np. gęstość, wielkość ziaren, ciepło spalania, zawartość popiołu, zawartość siarki itp. Na potrzeby artykułu przeprowadzono rozdział węgli z trzech wybranych kopalni węgla kamiennego, zlokalizowanych w Górnośląskim Okręgu Przemysłowym. Każda z tych kopalni pracuje na innego typu węglu. W tym przypadku były to węgle o typach 31, 34.2 oraz 35 (według polskiej klasyfikacji typów węgla). Najpierw, materiał został podzielony na klasy ziarnowe a następnie za pomocą rozdziale w cieczy ciężkiej (roztwór chlorku cynku) na frakcje gęstościowe. Dla tak przygotowanego materiału przeprowadzono następnie analizy chemiczne mające na celu określenie takich parametrów, jak zawartość siarki, zawartość popiołu, zawartość części lotnych, ciepło spalania oraz wilgotność analityczną. W ten sposób, dla każdej klaso-frakcji uzyskano bogate charakterystyki badanego
Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations of the Wiggle Instability in Spiral Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Minoru; Wada, Keiichi; Machida, Mami; Matsumoto, Ryoji; Miyaji, Shigeki

2005-09-01

We studied the stability of galactic spiral shocks through two dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Recently, Wada & Koda (2003) showed, using global hydrodynamic simulations, that galactic gas flows behind a spiral shock becomes unstable against a perturbation parallel to the shock front and form spur-like density structures. They attributed the origin of this wiggle instability to the Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability triggered by the acceleration of the gas behind the shock. We carried out global simulations including galactic magnetic fields. The initial magnetic field is assumed to be either uniform or purely toroidal. We found that although the magnetic field reduces the growth rate of the K-H instability, wiggle instability develops even in galaxies with μG magnetic fields. We also present the results of local simulations to demonstrate the dependence of the growth rate of the instability with the wavelength. The interval of spurs is determined by the most unstable wavelength of the wiggle instability.
Effects of periodic forcing in chaotic scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blesa, Fernando; Seoane, Jesús M.; Barrio, Roberto; Sanjuán, Miguel A. F.

2014-04-01

The effects of a periodic forcing on chaotic scattering are relevant in certain situations of physical interest. We investigate the effects of the forcing amplitude and the external frequency in both the survival probability of the particles in the scattering region and the exit basins associated to phase space. We have found an exponential decay law for the survival probability of the particles in the scattering region. A resonant-like behavior is uncovered where the critical values of the frequencies ω ≃1 and ω ≃2 permit the particles to escape faster than for other different values. On the other hand, the computation of the exit basins in phase space reveals the existence of Wada basins depending of the frequency values. We provide some heuristic arguments that are in good agreement with the numerical results. Our results are expected to be relevant for physical phenomena such as the effect of companion galaxies, among others.
A Moral Foundation for Anti-Doping: How Far Have We Progressed? Where Are the Limits?

PubMed

Murray, Thomas H

2017-01-01

Clarity about the ethical justification of anti-doping is essential. In its absence, critics multiply and confusion abounds. Three broad reasons are typically offered in anti-doping's defense: to protect athletes' health; to promote fairness; and to preserve meaning and values in sport - what the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code refers to as the spirit of sport. Protecting health is itself an important value, but many sports encourage athletes to take significant risks. The case against doping is buttressed by concern for athletes' health, but it cannot be the sole foundation. Promoting fairness is vital in all sports as the metaphor of the level playing field attests. But playing fields can be leveled by providing performance-enhancing drugs to all competitors. When doping is prohibited, fairness is aided by effective anti-doping. But the fundamental justification for anti-doping is found in the meanings and values we pursue in and through sport. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Analysis of RBC-microparticles in stored whole blood bags - a promising marker to detect blood doping in sports?

PubMed

Voss, Sven Christian; Jaganjac, Morana; Al-Thani, Amna Mohamed; Grivel, Jean-Charles; Raynaud, Christophe Michel; Al-Jaber, Hind; Al-Menhali, Afnan Saleh; Merenkov, Zeyed Ahmad; Alsayrafi, Mohammed; Latiff, Aishah; Georgakopoulos, Costas

2017-11-01

Blood doping in sports is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). To find a possible biomarker for the detection of blood doping, we investigated the changes in blood stored in CPDA-1 blood bags of eight healthy subjects who donated one unit of blood. Aliquots were taken on days 0, 14, and 35. Platelet-free plasma was prepared and stored at -80°C until analysis on a flow cytometer dedicated for the analysis of microparticles (MPs). Changes in the number of red blood cell (RBC) -MPs were highly significant (p < 0.0001) with a mean of 219 (10^3/μL) on day 0 changing to 23 120 (10^3/μL) on day 14 and 29 310 (10^3/μL) on day 35. We conclude that RBC-MPs seem to be a promising biomarker for doping control but confirmation by a transfusion study is necessary. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[Gene doping--current possibilities, risks and means of prevention].

PubMed

Pleger, N; Vitzthum, K; Schöffel, N; Quarcoo, D; Uibel, S; Groneberg, D A

2011-03-01

With the advances in gene therapy fears of an abuse in sports arise. The WADA's definition of the term strictly differentiates between gene doping and gene therapy. There are in vivo and ex vivo practices to manipulate the different phases of gene expression in the organism, with viral vectors being looked upon as the most efficient ones. IGF-1, PPARδ, MSTN and EPO play the most important roles in today's scientific research. Their potential was proven in various animal studies, showing a significant improvement of performances. Potential risks for human users include severe immune reactions, mutagenesis, and raised risk for cancer. Big efforts are being put into the development of ways of detection, however until now there are neither practicable methods of control nor any reported cases of manipulated humans. Still, a usage of gene doping that has already taken place cannot be ruled out and is highly likely. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Genetic doping and health damages.

PubMed

Fallahi, Aa; Ravasi, Aa; Farhud, Dd

2011-01-01

Use of genetic doping or gene transfer technology will be the newest and the lethal method of doping in future and have some unpleasant consequences for sports, athletes, and outcomes of competitions. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) defines genetic doping as "the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements, and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance ". The purpose of this review is to consider genetic doping, health damages and risks of new genes if delivered in athletes. This review, which is carried out by reviewing relevant publications, is primarily based on the journals available in GOOGLE, ELSEVIER, PUBMED in fields of genetic technology, and health using a combination of keywords (e.g., genetic doping, genes, exercise, performance, athletes) until July 2010. There are several genes related to sport performance and if they are used, they will have health risks and sever damages such as cancer, autoimmunization, and heart attack.
Genetic Doping and Health Damages

PubMed Central

Fallahi, AA; Ravasi, AA; Farhud, DD

2011-01-01

Background: Use of genetic doping or gene transfer technology will be the newest and the lethal method of doping in future and have some unpleasant consequences for sports, athletes, and outcomes of competitions. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) defines genetic doping as “the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements, and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance ”. The purpose of this review is to consider genetic doping, health damages and risks of new genes if delivered in athletes. Methods: This review, which is carried out by reviewing relevant publications, is primarily based on the journals available in GOOGLE, ELSEVIER, PUBMED in fields of genetic technology, and health using a combination of keywords (e.g., genetic doping, genes, exercise, performance, athletes) until July 2010. Conclusion: There are several genes related to sport performance and if they are used, they will have health risks and sever damages such as cancer, autoimmunization, and heart attack. PMID:23113049
Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2015-01-01

Within the mosaic display of international anti-doping efforts, analytical strategies based on up-to-date instrumentation as well as most recent information about physiology, pharmacology, metabolism, etc., of prohibited substances and methods of doping are indispensable. The continuous emergence of new chemical entities and the identification of arguably beneficial effects of established or even obsolete drugs on endurance, strength, and regeneration, necessitate frequent and adequate adaptations of sports drug testing procedures. These largely rely on exploiting new technologies, extending the substance coverage of existing test protocols, and generating new insights into metabolism, distribution, and elimination of compounds prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In reference of the content of the 2014 Prohibited List, literature concerning human sports drug testing that was published between October 2013 and September 2014 is summarized and reviewed in this annual banned-substance review, with particular emphasis on analytical approaches and their contribution to enhanced doping controls. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Homotopic language reorganization in the right hemisphere after early left hemisphere injury.

PubMed

Tivarus, Madalina E; Starling, Sarah J; Newport, Elissa L; Langfitt, John T

2012-10-01

To determine the areas involved in reorganization of language to the right hemisphere after early left hemisphere injury, we compared fMRI activation patterns during four production and comprehension tasks in post-surgical epilepsy patients with either left (LH) or right hemisphere (RH) speech dominance (determined by Wada testing) and healthy controls. Patient groups were carefully matched for IQ, lesion location and size. RH patients' activation across all tasks was greatest in right hemisphere areas homotopic to areas activated by LH and control participants. Differences in right vs. left dominant hemisphere activation were limited to homologous areas typically activated by language tasks, supporting the hypothesis that language localization following transfer to the RH is the mirror-image of localization in the absence of transfer. The similarity of these findings to those in patients with larger, peri-sylvian lesions suggests that these areas in both hemispheres may be uniquely predisposed to subserve various language functions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Numerical Strength Analysis of a Complex, Steel Shell Structure/ Numeryczna Analiza Wytrzymałosciowa Pewnej Złożonej, Stalowej Konstrukcji Powłokowej

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burczynski, Grzegorz; Marcinowski, Jakub

2014-09-01

The paper deals with the numerical modelling of a complex, steel shell structure. The part under analysis is the upper segment of a steel pylon, which consists of several cylindrical shells and one conical segment. Particular parts of the structure are welded together. Geometrical and loading data calculations were performed for the particular material for both an ideally elastic case and an elasto-plastic case. The conclusion that the structural member analysed required strengthening were drawn on the basis of these results. The structural modification was proposed and additional calculations for this modified structure were also performed. Introduced additional shell elements locked the mechanism of plastic flow. The proposed modification can be treated as a possible strengthening concept. The whole analysis was performed by means of the ABAQUS system but some stages of calculations were also verified by the COSMOS/M system. Przedmiotem pracy jest numeryczne modelowanie pewnej bardzo złożonej, stalowej konstrukcji powłokowej. Analizowana szczegółowo czesc jest górnym fragmentem stalowego pylonu, na który składa sie kilka odcinków powłok cylindrycznych oraz jeden segment stożkowy. Te poszczególne fragmenty konstrukcji były ze soba połaczone spawaniem. Dla znanych parametrów materiałowych, geometrycznych i obciażeniowych wykonano obliczenia w zakresie idealnie spreżystym oraz w zakresie spreżystoplastycznym. Na podstawie tych obliczen wyciagnieto wniosek o koniecznosci wzmocnienia tej czesci pylonu. Zaproponowano istotna modyfikacje istniejacej konstrukcji i wykonano dla niej ponownie obliczenia. Wprowadzone dodatkowe elementy powłokowe zablokowały mechanizm plastycznego płyniecia. Zaproponowana modyfikacje można potraktowac jako jedna z możliwych koncepcji wzmocnienia konstrukcji. Wszystkie analizy numeryczne zostały wykonane za pomoca systemu ABAQUS. Pewne wybrane fragmenty obliczen były weryfikowane także z pomoca systemu COSMOS/M.
New Criteria to Assess Seismic and Rock Burst Hazard in Coal Mines / Nowe Kryteria Dla Oceny Zagrożenia Sejsmicznego I Tąpaniami W Kopalniach Węgla Kamiennego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutke, Grzegorz; Dubiński, Józef; Lurka, Adam

2015-09-01

niektórych przypadkach również wypadki śmiertelne. Przedstawiono podstawowe parametry sejsmologiczne stosowane w kraju i w świecie do oceny zagrożenia sejsmicznego. Opisano podstawowe zasady metody kompleksowej oceny stanu zagrożenia tąpnięciem, w skład której wchodzi metoda sejsmologiczna bieżącej (pomiarowej) oceny stanu zagrożenia. Od wielu lat, wraz z ciągłym rozwojem bazy aparaturowej i możliwości w zakresie cyfrowej rejestracji sejsmogramów oraz przetwarzania i interpretacji danych pomiarowych wzrasta znaczenie metod sejsmicznych, które są dzisiaj powszechnie stosowane w polskich kopalniach zagrożonych tąpaniami. Ciągła obserwacja zjawisk sejsmicznych indukowanych w trakcie rozwoju procesu eksploatacji pokładów węgla umożliwiła, w oparciu o zgromadzoną bazę danych, opracowywanie nowych kryteriów zagrożenia sejsmicznego oraz zagrożenia tąpnięciem, które winny wyraźnie poprawić efektywność metody sejsmologii górniczej. W artykule przedstawiono nowe kryteria oceny stanu bieżącego zagrożenia tąpaniami zaproponowane do stosowania w polskich kopalniach węgla kamiennego, które prowadzą eksploatację systemem ścianowym. Kryteria te są oparte na wynikach ciągłej rejestracji sejsmologicznej, połączonej z bieżącą analizą zarejestrowanych wstrząsów i obliczaniem wybranych parametrów sejsmologicznych. Parametry te to położenie ognisk wstrząsów w stosunku do wyrobisk eksploatacyjnych, energia sejsmiczna wstrząsów, suma energii sejsmicznej wyzwolona na każde 5m postępu ściany eksploatacyjnej, wartość wagowanego parametru amplitudy prędkości drgań PPVW, moment sejsmiczny M0, indeks energii EI oraz parametr b rozkładu wstrząsów według relacji Gutenberga-Richtera. Wartości powyższych parametrów są określane dla każdej doby lub w przesuwających się co dobę oknach czasowych lub oknach zawierających określoną liczbę wstrząsów, a następnie porównywane, raz na dobę, z ich wartościami �
Influence of the Plow Filling and Thread Angle onto the Plow Head Efficiency / Wpływ Współczynnika Wypełnienia Organu Oraz Kąta Nawinięcia Płata Ślimaka Na Sprawność Ładowania Frezującymi Organami Ślimakowymi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wydro, Tomasz

2015-03-01

Laboratory examinations on the plow heads at various filling rate and material grain-size, as well as various values of worm thread angle of the plow head have been executed. Influence of the worm thread angle and plow head filling onto optimal loading efficiency, has also been tested. Eksploatacja węgla kamiennego w Polsce odbywa się przy zastosowaniu kompleksów ścianowych kombajnowych jak również kompleksów strugowych. Ten drugi z kompleksów jest znacznie mniej rozpowszechniony w Polsce i stosowany do pokładów o miąższości poniżej 1,5 m. Do głównych maszyn i urządzeń ścianowego kompleksu kombajnowego należy zaliczyć maszynę urabiająco - ładującą jaką jest kombajn ścianowy, obudowę zmechanizowaną oraz przenośnik ścianowy. Elementami roboczymi w kombajnie ścianowym są frezujące organy ślimakowe, które mocowane są na ramionach kombajnu. Zadaniem frezujących organów ślimakowych jest realizacja jednocześnie dwóch procesów. Pierwszym z procesów jest frezowanie czyli oddzielanie kawałków węgla od calizny. Drugi proces to proces ładowania urobku, polegający na ciągłym odprowadzaniu urobku na przenośnik ścianowy. Równoległość realizacji pracy tych dwóch procesów, uniemożliwia w warunkach rzeczywistych przeprowadzenie obserwacji procesu ładowania i dokonania jakichkolwiek pomiarów i analiz. Dlatego też, przeprowadzane badania i pomiary opisywane w literaturze zwykle miały charakter modelowy lub stanowiskowy, gdyż tylko takie warunki umożliwiały rozdział tych funkcji organu (Chodura, 1992; Hyong Jong Gol, 1990; Jaszczuk & Tomaszewski, 2004; Krauze, 1997). W związku z powyższym, chcąc bliżej poznać prawa rządzące procesem ładowania, zdecydowano się na rozdzielenie tych dwóch procesów i przeprowadzenie badań laboratoryjnych. Przedmiotowe badania zostały przeprowadzone w laboratorium Katedry Maszyn Górniczych, Przeróbczych i Transportowych AGH. W badaniach uwzgl
The Effect of Temperature of Rocks on Microclimatic Conditions in Long Gate Roads and Galleries in Coal Mines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cygankiewicz, Janusz; Knechtel, Józef

2014-03-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the temperature of surrounding rocks on enthalpy and temperature of air flowing along several model mine workings. Long workings surrounded by non- -coal rocks as well longwall gates surrounded by coal were taken into consideration. Computer-aided simulation methods were used during the study. At greater depths the amount of moisture transferred into a mine working from the rock mass is two orders of magnitude smaller than the moisture that comes from external (technological) sources, mainly from coal extraction-related processes, therefore in the equation describing temperature changes only the terms representing the flux of heat from rocks were included. The model workings, for calculation purposes, were divided into sections, 50 m in length each. For each of the sections temperature of its ribs and temperature and stream of enthalpy of air flowing along it were calculated with the use of the finite differences method. For workings surrounded by non-coal rocks two variant calculations were carried out, namely with or without technological sources of heat. For coal surrounded workings (longwall gates) a new method for determination of heat from coal oxidation was developed, based on the findings by Cygankiewicz J. (2012a, 2012b). Using the results of a study by J.J. Drzewiecki and Smolka (1994), the effects of rock mass fracturing on transfer of heat into the air stream flowing along a working were taken into account. Badano wpływ temperatury pierwotnej skał na strumień entalpii oraz temperaturę powietrza w wyrobisku korytarzowym o długości 2000 m. Rozpatrywano wyrobiska kamienne oraz chodniki podścianowe. W badaniach zastosowano metodę symulacji komputerowych. Na dużych głębokościach wilgoć przenoszona z górotworu do wyrobiska jest dwa rzędy wielkości mniejsza od wilgoci pochodzącej od procesów technologicznych. W związku z powyższym w równaniu opisującym zmiany temperatury w masywie skalnym
Application of Rqd-Number and Rqd-Volume Multifractal Modelling to Delineate Rock Mass Characterisation in Kahang Cu-Mo Porphyry Deposit, Central Iran / Zastosowanie Metod Modelowania Numerycznego Oraz Modelowania Fraktalnego do Analizy JAKOŚCI SKAŁ W Celu OKREŚLENIA Charakterystyki GÓROTWORU W Obszarze ZŁOŻA Cu-Mo W Kahang, ŚRODKOWY Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasrebi, Amir Bijan; Wetherelt, Andrew; Foster, Patrick J.; Afzal, Peyman; Coggan, John; Ahangaran, Dariush Kaveh

2013-12-01

ł-liczba]). Wykresy logarytmiczne wykonane dla modeli RQD-V i RQD-N wykazują istnienie czterech populacji warstw górotworu, określonych na podstawie parametrów progowych: 3.55; 25.12; 89.12% oraz 10.47; 41.68 i 83.17%, odpowiadającym kolejno stopniom jakości: bardzo słaby, słaby, dobry i bardzo dobry, zgodnie z klasyfikacją skał Deere i Millera. Wyniki uzyskane przy zastosowaniu modeli RQD-V i RQD-N wskazują, że najlepsze skały zalegają w północno- zachodniej i centralnej części złoża, z kolei dobrej jakości skały znaleźć można w obrębie całego złoża. Walidacja modeli fraktalnych w oparciu o model blokowy (RQD block model) wskazuje, że model RQD-N dla bardzo dobrej jakości skał jest skuteczniejszy niż model RQD-V dla tej samej jakości skał. Wysoki stopień korelacji pomiędzy wynikami uzyskanymi w oparciu o modele fraktalne i geologiczne pokazuje, że najwyższej jakości skały związane są z obecnością porfirowego diorytu kwarcowego. Badanie wykazuje fraktalną naturę charakterystyki jakości skał w złożu Kahang. Zaproponowany model fraktalny wykorzystać można do lepszego poznania zagadnienia jakości skał w celu obliczenia nachylenia wyrobiska.
Doping control, providing whereabouts and the importance of privacy for elite athletes.

PubMed

Valkenburg, Diane; de Hon, Olivier; van Hilvoorde, Ivo

2014-03-01

To improve anti-doping efforts in sports, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) introduced the World Anti-Doping Program, in which (among others) regulations for providing athletes' whereabouts are described. Because the effectiveness and efficiency of this system depends on the co-operation and compliance of athletes, the perspective of elite athletes is important. This paper answers the following research questions: What is the perspective of Dutch elite athletes on the current whereabouts system in general and how important is their privacy in providing whereabouts in particular? In addition, this study explores how far the whereabouts system can be developed in the future. Are athletes willing to accept greater invasions of their privacy in order to reduce administrative effort and whereabouts failures? A structured questionnaire was completed by 129 Dutch elite athletes registered in the national and/or international testing pool. The results of this study indicate widespread dissatisfaction with the whereabouts system. Most respondents support anti-doping testing in general, but many athletes feel that WADA's whereabouts system is unacceptable in several respects. In terms of physical privacy, there was a great dissatisfaction. Nearly half of the athletes felt that the '1-hour time slot' limits their freedom, but on the other hand, most athletes disagreed with the statement that the distinction between their sport and private life is disturbed. For almost one in three respondents, the whereabouts system has a negative influence on the pleasure they experience in being an elite athlete. In terms of informational privacy, almost all athletes had confidence in the confidential treatment of their whereabouts information. Almost all athletes would accept giving their phone number to Doping Control Officials, but only half of the athletes would accept sharing their location on their mobile phone. Furthermore, almost two in ten of the athletes would accept wearing a
Alternative medicine and doping in sports.

PubMed

Koh, Benjamin; Freeman, Lynne; Zaslawski, Christopher

2012-01-01

Athletes are high achievers who may seek creative or unconventional methods to improve performance. The literature indicates that athletes are among the heaviest users of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and thus may pioneer population trends in CAM use. Unlike non-athletes, athletes may use CAM not just for prevention, treatment or rehabilitation from illness or injuries, but also for performance enhancement. Assuming that athletes' creative use of anything unconventional is aimed at "legally" improving performance, CAM may be used because it is perceived as more "natural" and erroneously assumed as not potentially doping. This failure to recognise CAMs as pharmacological agents puts athletes at risk of inadvertent doping.The general position of the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) is one of strict liability, an application of the legal proposition that ignorance is no excuse and the ultimate responsibility is on the athlete to ensure at all times whatever is swallowed, injected or applied to the athlete is both safe and legal for use. This means that a violation occurs whether or not the athlete intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or unknowingly, used a prohibited substance/method or was negligent or otherwise at fault. Athletes are therefore expected to understand not only what is prohibited, but also what might potentially cause an inadvertent doping violation. Yet, as will be discussed, athlete knowledge on doping is deficient and WADA itself sometimes changes its position on prohibited methods or substances. The situation is further confounded by the conflicting stance of anti-doping experts in the media. These highly publicised disagreements may further portray inconsistencies in anti-doping guidelines and suggest to athletes that what is considered doping is dependent on the dominant political zeitgeist. Taken together, athletes may believe that unless a specific and explicit ruling is made, guidelines are open to interpretation
A Reliable Method of Completing and Compensating the Results of Measurements of Flow Parameters in a Network of Headings / O Pewnej Metodzie Uzupełniania I Wyrównywania Wyników Pomiarów Parametrów Przepływu W Sieci Wyrobisk Górniczych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dziurzyński, Wacław; Krach, Andrzej; Pałka, Teresa

2015-03-01

pressure values on the basis of the available results of measurements carried out in adjacent nodes, as well as the pressure value calculated on the basis of the heading geometry and the given volumetric flow rate. The present paper discusses the methodology of compensating and balancing the volumetric air flow rates within a network of headings (Chapter 2) and the methodology of determining pressure values (Chapter 3) in the nodes of the network. The developed calculation algorithms - verified by means of sample calculations performed for a selected area of a mine ventilation network - were introduced into the VentGraph software system. The calculation results were presented in tabular form. The Summary section discusses the minuses and pluses of the adopted methodology. Podstawą prognozy procesu przewietrzania jest posługiwanie się zwalidowanym programem komputerowym (Dziurzyński i in., 2011; Pritchard, 2010) oraz poprawnie przygotowaną bazą danych zawierającą parametry opisujące przepływ powietrza i gazów, zgodną z przyjętym modelem matematycznym w programie komputerowym VentGraph (Dziurzyński, 2002). Dysponując bazą danych pomiarowych oraz przyjętym do obliczeń komputerowych i symulacji procesu przewietrzania modelem matematycznym przystępujemy do opracowania modelu numerycznego dla wybranej sieci wyrobisk kopalni. Przygotowanie modelu numerycznego sieci wentylacyjnej danej kopalni wymaga dostarczenia zestawu danych dotyczących struktury sieci i własności fizycznych jej elementów, tj. wyrobisk, wentylatorów, tam, a przy symulacji pożaru dodatkowo wymagane jest podanie parametrów opisujących ognisko pożaru oraz własności skał górotworu. Obecna praktyka postępowania polega na tym, że wykonuje się ręczne pomiary wentylacyjne w wyrobiskach górniczych, a uzyskane wyniki stanowią podstawę do wyznaczenia parametrów fizycznych takich jak: opór aerodynamiczny wyrobiska, gęstość przepływającego powietrza i
Variations in Mechanical Parameters of Rock Mass Affecting Shaft Lining / Zmiany Parametrów Mechanicznych Górotworu I Ich Wpływ Na Obudowę Szybową

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majcherczyk, Tadeusz; Niedbalski, Zbigniew; Wałach, Daniel

2013-09-01

początkowej długości. W otoczeniu głębionego szybu występują grunty spoiste, głównie w postaci glin z przerostami piasków oraz pyły. Taka litologia powoduje, że na różnych poziomach część warstw gruntu jest zawodniona. Wpływa to na dużą zmienność własności gruntów wokół szybu oraz zmiany tych własności w czasie. Przy dużym zawodnieniu grunt był wymywany zza obudowy, co prowadziło do lokalnej utraty kontaktu pomiędzy obudową a otaczającym gruntem oraz braku właści- wego podparcia dla stóp szybowych. Efektem tego było na niewielkim odcinku szybu pękanie obudowy. Podjęte działania, które sprowadziły się do wykonania iniekcji na pewnym odcinku szybu doprowadziły do przywrócenia właściwej współpracy obudowa - górotwór. Przeprowadzone badania gruntu zza obudowy posłużyły do podjęcia działań w celu zwiększenia nośności stóp szybowych. Badania gruntu wykazały, że kąt tarcia wewnętrznego oraz spójność zmieniają się nie tylko na poszczególnych głębokościach, ale także obserwuje się duże różnice dla próbek pobranych z tej samej głębokości ale z różnych punktów na obwodzie szybu. Badania wykazały także wzrost parametrów mechanicznych badanych gruntów wraz z oddalaniem się od obudowy, co świadczy o zmianie własności gruntów bezpośrednio w sąsiedztwie szybu. Duża liczba wykonanych badań pozwoliła na opracowanie zależności pomiędzy wilgotnością a kątem tarcia wewnętrznego i spójnością. Na podstawie uzyskanych zależności można szacować z dużą dokładnością zmianę własności gruntów pod wpływem działania wody. Zrealizowane wzmocnienia stóp szybowych z wykorzystaniem kotew gruntowych pozwoliły na podjęcie dalszego głębienia szybu. Przeprowadzone na analizowanym odcinku badania betonu z obudowy szybu wykazały wartości zgodne z projektem.
Safe Vibrations of Spilling Basin Explosions at "Gotvand Olya Dam" Using Artificial Neural Network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhshandeh Amnieh, Hassan; Bahadori, Moein

2014-12-01

Ground vibration is an undesirable outcome of an explosion which can have destructive effects on the surrounding environment and structures. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is a determining factor in evaluation of the damage caused by an explosion. To predict the ground vibration caused by blasting at the Gotvand Olya Dam (GOD) spilling basin, thirty 3-component records (totally 90) from 19 blasts were obtained using 3 VIBROLOC seismographs. Minimum and the maximum distance from the center of the exploding block to the recording station were set to be 11 and 244 meters, respectively. To evaluate allowable safe vibration and determining the permissible explosive charge weight, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was employed with Back Propagation (BP) and 3 hidden layers. The mean square error and the correlation coefficient of the network in this study were found to be 1.95 and 0.995, respectively, which compared to those obtained from the known empirical correlations, indicating substantially more accurate prediction. Considering the network high accuracy and precision in predicting vibrations caused by such blasting operations, the nearest distance from the center of the exploding block at this study was 11 m, and considering the standard allowable vibration of 120 mm/sec for heavy concrete structures, the maximum permissible explosive weight per delay was estimated to be 47.00 Kg. These results could be employed in subsequent safer blasting operation designs. Wibracje gruntu to niepożądany skutek prowadzenia prac strzałowych, które mogą negatywnie wpływać na otaczające środowisko oraz znajdujące się w sąsiedztwie budowle. Głównym wskaźnikiem używanym przy określaniu szkód spowodowanych przez wybuchy jest wskaźnik maksymalnej prędkości cząstek (PPV). Przy prognozowaniu wibracji terenu wskutek prac strzałowych prowadzonych na tamie Gotvand Olya i w zbiorniku zbadano zapisy 3-składnikowych prędkości ( w sumie 90 zapisów) z 13 wybuch
Alkalis in Coal and Coal Cleaning Products / Alkalia W Węglu I Productach Jego Wzbogacania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bytnar, Krzysztof; Burmistrz, Piotr

2013-09-01

In the coking process, the prevailing part of the alkalis contained in the coal charge goes to coke. The content of alkalis in coal (and also in coke) is determined mainly by the content of two elements: sodium and potasium. The presence of these elements in coal is connected with their occurrence in the mineral matter and moisture of coal. In the mineral matter and moisture of the coals used for the coke production determinable the content of sodium is 26.6 up to 62. per cent, whereas that of potassium is 37.1 up to 73.4 per cent of the total content of alkalis. Major carriers of alkalis are clay minerals. Occasionally alkalis are found in micas and feldspars. The fraction of alkalis contained in the moisture of the coal used for the production of coke in the total amount of alkalis contained there is 17.8 up to 62.0 per cent. The presence of sodium and potassium in the coal moisture is strictly connected with the presence of the chloride ions. The analysis of the water drained during process of the water-extracting from the flotoconcentrate showed that the Na to K mass ratio in the coal moisture is 20:1. Increased amount of the alkalis in the coal blends results in increased content of the alkalis in coke. This leads to the increase of the reactivity (CRI index), and to the decrease of strength (CSR index) determined with the Nippon Steel Co. method. W procesie koksowania przeważająca część zawartych we wsadzie węglowym alkaliów przechodzi do koksu. Zawartość alkaliów w węglu, a co za tym idzie i w koksie determinowana jest głównie zawartością dwóch pierwiastków: sodu i potasu. Obecność tych pierwiastków w węglu wiąże się z występowaniem ich w substancji mineralnej i wilgoci węgla. W substancji mineralnej oraz wilgoci węgli stosowanych do produkcji koksu, oznaczona zawartość sodu wynosi od 26.6 do 62.9%, a zawartość potasu od 37.1 do 73.4% alkaliów ogółem. Głównymi nośnikami alkaliów w substancji mineralnej są minera
Sedimentary Rocks Associated with the Coal Seams of the Saddle Beds from the Chwałowice Trough - West Part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin / Skały Osadowe Towarzyszące Pokładom Węgla Warstw Siodłowych Niecki Chwałowickiej - Zachodnia Część Górnośląskiego Zagłębia Węglowego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanienda, Katarzyna

2015-03-01

The results of investigation of the associated rocks with the Saddle Beds Coals Seams from Chwałowice Trough were presented in this article. The results of researches show that sandstones and mudstones dominate in the investigating profile. Claystones are situated mainly in ceilings and floors of coal seams. Grains of sandstones include mainly quartz, feldspars, micas and also quartzite's and gneiss's fragments. It is also possible to observe small grains of heavy minerals. Some of sandstones present bad compactness and are destroyed during transportation. This feature is connected with presence of little quantity of cement, especially in medium grained sandstones, which include more matrix than typical cement. The cement is built mainly of clay minerals, kaolinite and illite, carbonates and chalcedony but X-ray diffraction confirmed also the presence of halite in the cement of investigated sandstones. Mudstones and claystones are composed mainly of clay minerals. It's also possible to find quartz and micas there. Higher amounts of quartz and micas are possible to find rather in mudstones. The associated rocks with the Saddle Beds Coal Seams from Chwałowice Trough include also organic matter. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań skał towarzyszących pokładom węgla warstw siodłowych Niecki Chwałowickiej. Wyniki badań wskazują, że w badanym profilu dominują piaskowce oraz mułowce. Iłowce natomiast występują głównie w stropach i spągach pokładów węgla. Okruchy piaskowców to głównie ziarna kwarcu, skaleni, mik oraz fragmenty kwarcytów i gnejsów. Można tu również zaobserwować drobne okruchy minerałów ciężkich. Niektóre piaskowce charakteryzują się obniżoną zwięzłością i podczas transportu ulegają rozpadowi. Cecha ta związana jest z niewielką ilością spoiwa, szczególnie w piaskowcach średnioziarnistych, w których matrix przeważa nad typowym cementem. Spoiwo zbudowane jest głównie z minera
Noble metal nanostructures in optical biosensors: Basics, and their introduction to anti-doping detection.

PubMed

Malekzad, Hedieh; Zangabad, Parham Sahandi; Mohammadi, Hadi; Sadroddini, Mohsen; Jafari, Zahra; Mahlooji, Niloofar; Abbaspour, Somaye; Gholami, Somaye; Ghanbarpoor, Mana; Pashazadeh, Rahim; Beyzavi, Ali; Karimi, Mahdi; Hamblin, Michael R

2018-03-01

Nanotechnology has illustrated significant potentials in biomolecular-sensing applications; particularly its introduction to anti-doping detection is of great importance. Illicit recreational drugs, substances that can be potentially abused, and drugs with dosage limitations according to the prohibited lists announced by the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) are becoming of increasing interest to forensic chemists. In this review, the theoretical principles of optical biosensors based on noble metal nanoparticles, and the transduction mechanism of commonly-applied plasmonic biosensors are covered. We review different classes of recently-developed plasmonic biosensors for analytic determination and quantification of illicit drugs in anti-doping applications. The important classes of illicit drugs include anabolic steroids, opioids, stimulants, and peptide hormones. The main emphasis is on the advantages that noble metal nano-particles bring to optical biosensors for signal enhancement and the development of highly sensitive (label-free) biosensors. In the near future, such optical biosensors may be an invaluable substitute for conventional anti-doping detection methods such as chromatography-based approaches, and may even be commercialized for routine anti-doping tests.
Doping control analyses in horseracing: a clinician's guide.

PubMed

Wong, Jenny K Y; Wan, Terence S M

2014-04-01

Doping(1) in sports is highly detrimental, not only to the athletes involved but to the sport itself as well as to the confidence of the spectators and other participants. To protect the integrity of any sport, there must be in place an effective doping control program. In human sports, a 'top-down' and generally unified approach is taken where the rules and regulations against doping for the majority of elite sport events held in any country are governed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). However, in horseracing, there is no single organisation regulating this form of equestrian sport; instead, the rules and regulations are provided by individual racing authorities and so huge variations exist in the doping control programs currently in force around the world. This review summarises the current status of doping control analyses in horseracing, from sample collection, to the analyses of the samples, and to the need for harmonisation as well as exploring some of the difficulties currently faced by racing authorities, racing chemists and regulatory veterinarians worldwide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Spatial MEG laterality maps for language: clinical applications in epilepsy.

PubMed

D'Arcy, Ryan C N; Bardouille, Timothy; Newman, Aaron J; McWhinney, Sean R; Debay, Drew; Sadler, R Mark; Clarke, David B; Esser, Michael J

2013-08-01

Functional imaging is increasingly being used to provide a noninvasive alternative to intracarotid sodium amobarbitol testing (i.e., the Wada test). Although magnetoencephalography (MEG) has shown significant potential in this regard, the resultant output is often reduced to a simplified estimate of laterality. Such estimates belie the richness of functional imaging data and consequently limit the potential value. We present a novel approach that utilizes MEG data to compute "complex laterality vectors" and consequently "laterality maps" for a given function. Language function was examined in healthy controls and in people with epilepsy. When compared with traditional laterality index (LI) approaches, the resultant maps provided critical information about the magnitude and spatial characteristics of lateralized function. Specifically, it was possible to more clearly define low LI scores resulting from strong bilateral activation, high LI scores resulting from weak unilateral activation, and most importantly, the spatial distribution of lateralized activation. We argue that the laterality concept is better presented with the inherent spatial sensitivity of activation maps, rather than being collapsed into a one-dimensional index. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The UK Sport perspective on detecting growth hormone abuse.

PubMed

Stow, M R; Wojek, N; Marshall, J

2009-08-01

Human growth hormone (hGH) is seen as a doping risk in sport because of its possible anabolic and lipolytic effects. As a result of this hGH is prohibited for athletes to use both in and out-of-competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) requiring Anti-Doping Organisations to work with research teams in identifying ways to detect hGH abuse. This paper reviews and discusses the UK Sport perspective on the challenges faced in detecting hGH and in particular draws upon the experiences gained during the collaborative efforts with the GH-2004 research team in achieving the implementation of the Marker Method for hGH detection. In 2008 significant progress has been made; there is one test for detecting HGH approved for use in anti-doping and a second detection method pending. This is a strong reflection of the ongoing research efforts in anti-doping and the progress being made by the Anti-Doping Organisations in reducing the risk that doping poses to sport.

Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2014-01-01

Monitoring the misuse of drugs and the abuse of substances and methods potentially or evidently improving athletic performance by analytical chemistry strategies is one of the main pillars of modern anti-doping efforts. Owing to the continuously growing knowledge in medicine, pharmacology, and (bio)chemistry, new chemical entities are frequently established and developed, various of which present a temptation for sportsmen and women due to assumed/attributed beneficial effects of such substances and preparations on, for example, endurance, strength, and regeneration. By means of new technologies, expanded existing test protocols, new insights into metabolism, distribution, and elimination of compounds prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), analytical assays have been further improved in agreement with the content of the 2013 Prohibited List. In this annual banned-substance review, literature concerning human sports drug testing that was published between October 2012 and September 2013 is summarized and reviewed with particular emphasis on analytical approaches and their contribution to enhanced doping controls. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual banned-substance review: analytical approaches in human sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Kuuranne, Tiia; Walpurgis, Katja; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2016-01-01

The aim of improving anti-doping efforts is predicated on several different pillars, including, amongst others, optimized analytical methods. These commonly result from exploiting most recent developments in analytical instrumentation as well as research data on elite athletes' physiology in general, and pharmacology, metabolism, elimination, and downstream effects of prohibited substances and methods of doping, in particular. The need for frequent and adequate adaptations of sports drug testing procedures has been incessant, largely due to the uninterrupted emergence of new chemical entities but also due to the apparent use of established or even obsolete drugs for reasons other than therapeutic means, such as assumed beneficial effects on endurance, strength, and regeneration capacities. Continuing the series of annual banned-substance reviews, literature concerning human sports drug testing published between October 2014 and September 2015 is summarized and reviewed in reference to the content of the 2015 Prohibited List as issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), with particular emphasis on analytical approaches and their contribution to enhanced doping controls. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass spectrometry of selective androgen receptor modulators.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2008-07-01

Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are an emerging class of drugs for treatment of various diseases including osteoporosis and muscle wasting as well as the correction of age-related functional decline such as muscle strength and power. Several SARMs, which have advanced to preclinical and clinical trials, are composed of diverse chemical structures including arylpropionamide-, bicyclic hydantoin-, quinoline-, and tetrahydroquinoline-derived nuclei. Since January 2008, SARMs have been categorized as anabolic agents and prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Suitable detection methods for these low-molecular weight drugs were based on mass spectrometric approaches, which necessitated the elucidation of dissociation pathways in order to characterize and identify the target analytes in doping control samples as well as potential metabolic products and synthetic analogs. Fragmentation patterns of representatives of each category of SARMs after electrospray ionization (ESI) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) as well as electron ionization (EI) are summarized. The complexity and structural heterogeneity of these drugs is a daunting challenge for detection methods. Copyright 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection of tetracosactide in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

PubMed

Martin, Laurent; Chaabo, Ayman; Lasne, Françoise

2015-06-01

As a synthetic analogue of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), tetracosactide is prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method is proposed for detection of this drug in plasma. Since its structure corresponds to the 24 N-terminal of the 39 amino acids of the natural endogenous peptide ACTH, tetracosactide can be detected with a commercial ELISA kit for ACTH that uses antibodies, the epitopes of which are located in the 1-24 part of ACTH. However, an essential condition for detection specificity is the preliminary total clearance of endogenous ACTH in the plasma samples. This is achieved by a preparative step based on cation-exchange chromatography before ELISA. The method is specific and sensitive (LOD: 30 pg/mL) and may be used as a screening analysis in anti-doping control. The pre-analytical conditions are shown to be of the upmost importance and recommendations for blood collection (EDTA tubes), sample transport (4 °C) and plasma sample storage (-20 °C) are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of Cad Systems in Testing the Collision of Underground Transportation Means / Zastosowanie systemów Cad w badaniach kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudek, Marek

2013-06-01

A concept of use of CAD systems in testing collision of underground transportation means is presented. Reasons for undertaking this problem are given with end users identified. The concept of the system for collision analyses of transported loads is described. Examples of collision analysis during transportation of powered roof support are given. Presented system is designed to aid planning, organizational and training activities undertaken in management of transportation safety in mines. It will be also possible to use software resources, developed within the system as the didactic material as regards safe transportation process, which include hazards to the employees working in the area of transportation operations. Developed prototype of a system for testing the collision of underground transportation means was positively assessed by employees of the Coal Company, JSC - industrial partner of KOMAG. This prototype is continuously improved and adapted for commercial implementation in the selected coal mines. W pracy przedstawiono koncepcję zastosowania systemów CAD w badaniach kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego. Określono przyczyny podjęcia tematu oraz zidentyfikowano końcowych użytkowników. Zaprezentowano koncepcję systemu do analiz kolizyjności transportowanych ładunków. Pokazano przykłady analizy kolizyjności podczas transportu sekcji obudowy zmechanizowanej. Przedstawiony system przeznaczony jest do wspomagania działań planistycznych, organizacyjnych i szkoleniowych podejmowanych w zarządzaniu bezpieczeństwem transportu w zakładach górniczych. Opracowane w ramach systemu zasoby programowe będzie można również wykorzystać jako materiał dydaktyczny z zakresu bezpieczeństwa pracy w transporcie, uwzględniający zagrożenia dla pracowników pracujących w bezpośredniej strefie prac transportowych. Opracowany prototyp systemu do badania kolizyjności środków transportu podziemnego został pozytywnie oceniony przez pracownik
Koncepcja resilience. Kluczowe pojęcia i wybrane zagadnienia

PubMed Central

Borucka, Anna; Ostaszewski, Krzysztof

2009-01-01

Streszczenie Celem niniejszej pracy jest przybliżenie kluczowych pojęć związanych koncepcją resilience. Ta koncepcja wyjaśnia fenomen pozytywnej adaptacji dzieci i młodzieży narażonych na duże ryzyko, przeciwności losu i/lub zdarzenia traumatyczne. Koncepcja resilience akcentuje znaczenie czynników i mechanizmów chroniących w wieku rozwojowym. Z tych przyczyn może być bardzo użyteczna dla rozwijania programów profilaktyki i promocji zdrowia psychicznego wśród dzieci i młodzieży. W niniejszym przeglądzie wykorzystano prace znaczących Autorów zajmujących się tą dziedziną m.in. M. Ruttera. N. Garmezy, E. Werner, S. Luthar, A. Sameroffa, K. Kumpfer, A. Masten, M. Zimmermana, D. Cicchetti. W przeglądzie uwzględniono ponad 20 artykułów i rozdziałów książkowych, które ukazały się w ostatnich 25 latach. Zostały one wybrane z elektronicznej bazy publikacji dostępnej na Uniwersytecie Michigan: elektronicznej bazy SAMSHA oraz z elektronicznych baz publikacji naukowych dostępnych w naszym kraju. W artykule przytoczono kilka definicji resilience, które wskazują na jej interaktywny i dynamiczny charakter. Uwzględniają one wzajemny wpływ czynników ryzyka i czynników chroniących (i ich interakcję) na zachowanie człowieka, jego kompetencje i zdrowie psychiczne. W pracy opisano podstawowe pojęcia związane z resilience: ryzyko, czynniki ryzyka, czynniki chroniące, pozytywną adaptację oraz teoretyczne modele i mechanizmy resilience. Przedstawiono różnice między mechanizmami ryzyka a mechanizmami chroniącymi. Zasygnalizowano też trudności związane z wykorzystaniem podstawowych pojęć resilience w badaniach empirycznych m.in. w określeniu wskaźników ryzyka, wyodrębnieniu grup ryzyka, określeniu wskaźników pozytywnej adaptacji. PMID:19301507
Water Management in the Klodnica Catchment in 2000-2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drąg, Magdalena

2012-01-01

The article takes up an attempt to present the changes that has occurred in the water management at the beginning of the 21st century in the area of Silesian Voivoideship. Communes situated within the boundaries of Klodnica catchment, closed by the section of Gliwice, were analysed as an example of water management in the area which undergoes a strong anthropopression. Klodnica catchment is an area where all the elements of the geographical environment were transformed, but it was the water environment that was changed most visibly. At the beginning of the 21st century, there were a lot of changes conducted in Poland, not only political, but also in the economic and legal sectors. Owing to these factors, the following changes appeared: water consumption, the structure of distribution of water among different branches of economy and the water and sewage system infrastructure. The effect of these changes is the decrease in water consumption and sewage discharge as well as upgrading the technologies of its treatment (Absalon 2007). W artykule podjęto próbę przedstawienia zmian jakie zaszły w gospodarowaniu wodą na początku XXI wieku na obszarze województwa śląskiego. Szczegółowej analizie poddano gminy znajdujące się w granicach zlewni Kłodnicy zamkniętej przekrojem Gliwice, jako przykład gospodarowania wodą na obszarze podlegającym silnej antropopresji. Zlewnia Kłodnicy jest to teren, gdzie wszystkie elementy środowiska geograficznego zostały przekształcone, lecz najbardziej widocznym zmianom uległo środowisko wodne. Wraz z początkiem XXI wieku w Polsce wprowadzono wiele zmian i to nie tylko politycznych, ale także w sektorze ekonomicznym i prawnym. Dzięki tym czynnikom pojawiły się zmiany: zużycia wody, struktury jej rozdziału na poszczególne gałęzie gospodarki oraz infrastruktury wodociągowej i kanalizacyjnej. Efektem tych zmian jest zmniejszenie zużycia wody oraz zrzutu ścieków, a także unowocześnianie technologii ich
Evaluation of Biological Activity of Cellulose Pulp by Means of the Static Respiration Index (At4)/ Ocena Aktywności Biologicznej Pulpy Celulozowej Testem Respiracyjnym At4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myszograj, Sylwia; Kozłowska, Katarzyna; Krochmal, Agata

2014-09-01

In the countries of the European Union, work is presently being conducted on the standardisation of the limit values and test methods for the determination of the biological activity of waste. The aim of conducting the tests is to monitor the effectiveness of waste biodegradation during composting, the evaluate any decrease in the biological activity of the waste before its landfilling and control processes taking place at landfills. The evaluation of the waste's biological activity can be performed, among others, by testing respiration. One such method is AT4 (Static Respiration Index) determination. The results of respirometric tests depict the availability of substrates for microorganisms, that is, the biodegradability. The article describes the tests of the biological activity of the cellulose pulp, the impact of the degree of compost inoculation on the value of this parameter and the dependence on the content of organic mass and total organic carbon in the tested substrate. The measurements of the oxygen demand were made using the OxiTop® Control measuring system. W krajach UE prowadzone są obecnie prace nad ujednoliceniem wartości granicznych oraz metod testowych oznaczania aktywności biologicznej odpadów. Celem prowadzenia testów jest monitoring efektywności biologicznego rozkładu odpadów podczas kompostowania, ocena zmniejszenia aktywności biologicznej odpadów przed ich składowaniem, kontrola procesów zachodzących na składowiskach. Ocenę aktywności biologicznej odpadów można przeprowadzić m.in. poprzez badanie respiracji. Jedną z takich metod jest oznaczenie AT4 (Static Respiration Index). Wyniki badań respirometrycznych obrazują dostępność substratów dla mikroorganizmów, czyli podatność na biodegradację. W artykule opisano badania aktywności biologicznej pulpy celulozowej testem AT4, wpływ stopnia zaczepienia kompostem na wartość tego parametru oraz zależność od zawartości masy organicznej i OWO w badanym substracie
Results of the Promethee Method Application in Selecting the Technological System at the Majdan III Open Pit Mine / Wyniki Zastosowania Metody Promethee do Wyboru Systemu Technologicznego W Kopalni Odkrywkowej Majdan III

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vujić, Slobodan; Hudej, Marjan; Miljanović, Igor

2013-12-01

This paper discusses the application of the PROMETHEE model and the results achieved in practice, following the example of the multi-criteria selection of the technological system at the Majdan III clay mineral raw material open pit mine of the Potisje Company, Republic of Serbia. After the introduction comments, reasons are explained for selecting the new technological system, conditions and limitations for the seven alternative solutions considered are described, mathematical foundation for the PROMETHEE method and a multi-criteria model of the problem in question are presented. The solution with the following structure was ranked first and accepted by the Company management as the best: Bucket chain excavator - Conveyor belts - Spreader (ECS), alongside a decision is made on the acquisition of machinery and system construction. The system was put into operation in 2000. The experience and the data accumulated in the previous twelve years confirm that the decision made on the application of the ECS technology was just, and the conclusion lists the benefits achieved. W artykule omówiono zastosowanie modelu Promethee i przedyskutowano uzyskane w ten sposób wyniki na przykładzie wielokryterialnego wyboru systemu technologicznego do zastosowania w kopalni odkrywkowej minerałów ilastych Majdan III, należącej do przedsiębiorstwa górniczego Potisje (Republika Serbii). Po uwagach wprowadzających przedstawiono powody wyboru nowego ciągu technologicznego, omówiono warunki oraz ograniczenia dla siedmiu alternatywnych rozwiązań, podstawy matematyczne metody Promethee oraz wielokryterialny model zagadnienia. Rozwiązanie uznane za najlepsze i zaaprobowane przez zarząd przedsiębiorstwa zakłada zastosowanie następującego ciągu technologicznego: koparka łancuchowa jednonaczyniowa - przenośniki taśmowe - rozkładarka(system ECS). Podjęto także decyzje odnośnie zakupu sprzętu i instalacji systemu, który uruchomiony został w 2000 roku. Doświadczenia i
Zastosowanie oznaczeń nikotyny we włosach jako narzędzia do oceny narażenia na dym tytoniowy

PubMed Central

Koszowski, Bartosz; Czogała, Jan; Goniewicz, Maciej Łukasz; Sobczak, Andrzej; Kolasińska, Ewelina; Kośmider, Leon; Kuma, Tomasz

2009-01-01

Pierwsza praca dotycząca oznaczania nikotyny we włosach została opublikowana w 1983 roku przez Ishiyama i wsp. Od czasu tych pionierskich badań minęło już ponad 25 lat, a badanie zawartości nikotyny we włosach stało się cennym narzędziem służącym ocenie narażenia na liczne ksenobiotyki, w tym na dym tytoniowy. Niniejszy artykuł jest próbą zwięzłego przeglądu najważniejszych badań ostatnich lat, które wykorzystywały nikotynę we włosach jako biomarker. W artykule opisano także stosowane do oznaczeń nikotyny we włosach techniki laboratoryjne oraz przedstawiono wady i zalety włosów jako biomarkera narażenia na dym tytoniowy. PMID:19189581
Unique Project of Single-Cutting Head Longwall Shearer Used for Thin Coal Seams Exploitation / Projekt Jednoorganowego Kombajnu ŚCIANOWEGO O Specjalnej Konstrukcji Przeznaczonego do Eksploatacji POKŁADÓW Cienkich

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bołoz, Łukasz

2013-12-01

): • praca w systemie ścianowym, • zastosowanie frezowania jako metody skrawania, • rozdzielenie procesu frezowania od procesu ładowania, • zastosowanie pełnej automatyzacja pracy, • zastosowanie cięgnowego systemu posuwu, • możliwość rozpoczynania nowego skrawu bez konieczności zawrębiania, • gabaryty dostosowane do pracy w ścianach o wysokości od 1.0 m do 1.6 m, praca systemem dwukierunkowym. Fig. 2 przedstawia koncepcję kombajnu jednoorganowego. Kombajn ten składa się z kadłuba 2, jednego zamocowanego centralnie organu urabiającego 1 oraz dwóch rozkładanych ładowarek odkładniowych 3 i 4. Ładowarka 3 znajduje się w pozycji czynnej, natomiast ładowarka 4 w biernej. Kombajn jest ciągnięty po rynnach przenośnika 5 za pomocą łańcucha 6. Łańcuch 7 jest gałęzią bierną dla przedstawionego zwrotu prędkości. Podane, orientacyjne wymiary wynikają z analizy dotychczasowych rozwiązań kombajnów, głowic strugowych oraz założonego zakresu wysokości wyrobiska ścianowego (Krauze, 2006; Bołoz, 2012). Dla zaproponowanego rozwiązania przyjęto szereg koniecznych wielkości i przeprowadzono analizę możliwego do uzyskania wydobycia dobowego. Zestawione tabelarycznie wyniki umożliwiają określenie wydobycia dobowego możliwego do uzyskania przy określonych wartościach parametrów geometrycznych ściany, kinematycznych kombajnu oraz organizacyjnych pracy ściany. Dla założonych parametrów można stwierdzić, że minimalne wydobycie dobowe na poziomie Vd = 4032 Mg/d uzyskano dla L = 180 m, tp = 11 min, H = 1.0 m oraz T = 12 h/d. Maksymalne wydobycie dobowe na poziomie Vd = 11 612 Mg/d uzyskać można dla L = 300 m, tp = 0 min, H = 1.6 m oraz T = 18 h/d. Na wydobycie dobowe największy wpływ ma dobowy czas pracy ściany a następnie czas przekładki (Bołoz, 2012). Średnica organu dla takiego kombajnu dobierana jest do grubości pokładu. W przedmiotowym rozwiązaniu przyjęto organ o konstrukcji przestrzennej (belki no
Ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination and profiling of prohibited steroids in human biological matrices. A review.

PubMed

Gosetti, Fabio; Mazzucco, Eleonora; Gennaro, Maria Carla; Marengo, Emilio

2013-05-15

list of the prohibited substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In WADA list steroids figure in three main classes, namely anabolic steroids, corticosteroids and substances with anti-estrogenic properties. It must be strongly reminded that assumption of doping agents not only leads to athletes the possible failing of doping tests but causes important health risk and WADA prohibited list establishes criteria to highlight the alteration of the natural steroid profile caused by exogenous administration. Doping control analyses are generally performed in urine, a matrix that provides a prolonged detection time window, and less often in blood, serum, plasma, hair, saliva, and nails. To identify the chemical structures of anabolic steroids the use of mass spectrometry detection is very advantageous. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques allowed for the development of comprehensive screening methods. GC-MS methods are sensitive and robust but present the disadvantages of time-consuming sample pretreatment, that is often based on hydrolysis and derivatisation reactions. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods have been successfully used to identify and determinate steroids in different matrices, as well as to study their metabolisms. Nowadays, automatic rapid ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) tandem mass spectrometry has become the technique of choice for steroid analysis. Due to its generally higher speed, sensitivity, reproducibility and specificity with respect to HPLC, it can be used to simultaneously separate and determinate multi component steroid mixtures. The technique is of huge interest to separate conjugates anabolic androgenic steroids, as it allows efficiency enhancement due to the small particle (sub-2μm) column packing, which provides high peak capacity within analysis times even 5-10 fold shorter than conventional HPLC methods. Modern multiplex instruments can analyze thousands of samples per month
High resolution full scan liquid chromatography mass spectrometry comprehensive screening in sports antidoping urine analysis.

PubMed

Abushareeda, Wadha; Vonaparti, Ariadni; Saad, Khadija Al; Almansoori, Moneera; Meloug, Mbarka; Saleh, Amal; Aguilera, Rodrigo; Angelis, Yiannis; Horvatovich, Peter L; Lommen, Arjen; Alsayrafi, Mohammed; Georgakopoulos, Costas

2018-03-20

The aim of this paper is to present the development and validation of a high-resolution full scan (HR-FS) electrospray ionization (ESI) liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometer (LC/Q/Orbitrap MS) platform for the screening of prohibited substances in human urine according to World Antidoping Agency (WADA) requirements. The method was also validated for quantitative analysis of six endogenous steroids (epitestosterone, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, androsterone and etiocholanolone) in their intact sulfates form. The sample preparation comprised a combination of a hydrolyzed urine liquid-liquid extraction and the dilute & shoot addition of original urine in the extracted aliquot. The HR-FS MS acquisition mode with Polarity Switching was applied in combination of the Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass filter. The HR-FS acquisition of analytical signal, for known and unknown small molecules, allows the inclusion of all analytes detectable with LC-MS for antidoping investigations to identify the use of known or novel prohibited substances and metabolites after electronic data files' reprocessing. The method has been validated to be fit-for-purpose for the antidoping analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Determining Surgical Candidacy in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

PubMed Central

Mansouri, Alireza; Fallah, Aria; Valiante, Taufik A.

2012-01-01

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of adult epilepsy that is amenable to surgical treatment. In the carefully selected patient, excellent seizure outcome can be achieved with minimal or no side effects from surgery. This may result in improved psychosocial functioning, achieving higher education, and maintaining or gaining employment. The objective of this paper is to discuss the surgical selection process of a patient with TLE. We define what constitutes a patient that has medically refractory TLE, describe the typical history and physical examination, and distinguish between mesial TLE and neocortical TLE. We then review the role of routine (ambulatory/sleep-deprived electroencephalography (EEG), video EEG, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychological testing, and Wada testing) and ancillary preoperative testing (positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), subtraction ictal SPECT correlated to MRI (SISCOM), magnetoencephalography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and functional MRI) in selecting surgical candidates. We describe the surgical options for resective epilepsy surgery in TLE and its commonly associated risks while highlighting some of the controversies. Lastly, we present teaching cases to illustrate the presurgical workup of patients with medically refractory TLE. PMID:22957238
Challenges and threats to implementing the fight against doping in sport.

PubMed

Dvorak, Jiri; Saugy, Martial; Pitsiladis, Yannis P

2014-05-01

Prominent doping cases in certain sports have recently raised public awareness of doping and reinforced the perception that doping is widespread. Efforts to deal with doping in sport have intensified in recent years, yet the general public believes that the 'cheaters' are ahead of the testers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to change the antidoping strategy. For example, the increase in the number of individual drug tests conducted between 2005 and 2012 was approximately 90 000 and equivalent to an increase of about 50%, yet the number of adverse analytical findings remained broadly the same. There is also a strikingly different prevalence of doping substances and methods in sports such as a 0.03% prevalence of anabolic steroids in football compared to 0.4% in the overall WADA statistics. Future efforts in the fight against doping should therefore be more heavily based on preventative strategies such as education and on the analysis of data and forensic intelligence and also on the experiences of relevant stakeholders such as the national antidoping organisations, the laboratories, athletes or team physicians and related biomedical support staff. This strategy is essential to instigate the change needed to more effectively fight doping in sport.
Confounding factors and genetic polymorphism in the evaluation of individual steroid profiling

PubMed Central

Kuuranne, Tiia; Saugy, Martial; Baume, Norbert

2014-01-01

In the fight against doping, steroid profiling is a powerful tool to detect drug misuse with endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids. To establish sensitive and reliable models, the factors influencing profiling should be recognised. We performed an extensive literature review of the multiple factors that could influence the quantitative levels and ratios of endogenous steroids in urine matrix. For a comprehensive and scientific evaluation of the urinary steroid profile, it is necessary to define the target analytes as well as testosterone metabolism. The two main confounding factors, that is, endogenous and exogenous factors, are detailed to show the complex process of quantifying the steroid profile within WADA-accredited laboratories. Technical aspects are also discussed as they could have a significant impact on the steroid profile, and thus the steroid module of the athlete biological passport (ABP). The different factors impacting the major components of the steroid profile must be understood to ensure scientifically sound interpretation through the Bayesian model of the ABP. Not only should the statistical data be considered but also the experts in the field must be consulted for successful implementation of the steroidal module. PMID:24764553
Gene doping.

PubMed

Haisma, H J; de Hon, O

2006-04-01

Together with the rapidly increasing knowledge on genetic therapies as a promising new branch of regular medicine, the issue has arisen whether these techniques might be abused in the field of sports. Previous experiences have shown that drugs that are still in the experimental phases of research may find their way into the athletic world. Both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have expressed concerns about this possibility. As a result, the method of gene doping has been included in the list of prohibited classes of substances and prohibited methods. This review addresses the possible ways in which knowledge gained in the field of genetic therapies may be misused in elite sports. Many genes are readily available which may potentially have an effect on athletic performance. The sporting world will eventually be faced with the phenomena of gene doping to improve athletic performance. A combination of developing detection methods based on gene arrays or proteomics and a clear education program on the associated risks seems to be the most promising preventive method to counteract the possible application of gene doping.
Analysis of anabolic androgenic steroids as sulfate conjugates using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Rzeppa, S; Heinrich, G; Hemmersbach, P

2015-01-01

Improvements in doping analysis can be effected by speeding up analysis time and extending the detection time. Therefore, direct detection of phase II conjugates of doping agents, especially anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), is proposed. Besides direct detection of conjugates with glucuronic acid, the analysis of sulfate conjugates, which are usually not part of the routine doping control analysis, can be of high interest. Sulfate conjugates of methandienone and methyltestosterone metabolites have already been identified as long-term metabolites. This study presents the synthesis of sulfate conjugates of six commonly used AAS and their metabolites: trenbolone, nandrolone, boldenone, methenolone, mesterolone, and drostanolone. In the following these sulfate conjugates were used for development of a fast and easy analysis method based on sample preparation using solid phase extraction with a mixed-mode sorbent and detection by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Validation demonstrated the suitability of the method with regard to the criteria given by the technical documents of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). In addition, suitability has been proven by successful detection of the synthesized sulfate conjugates in excretion urines and routine doping control samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medicine and science in the fight against doping in sport.

PubMed

Catlin, D H; Fitch, K D; Ljungqvist, A

2008-08-01

The fight against doping in sports commenced as a result of the death of a Danish cyclist during the Rome Olympic Games in 1960. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) established a Medical Commission (IOC-MC) which had the task of designing a strategy to combat the misuse of drugs in Olympic Sport. Some International Sport Federations (IF) and National Sports Federations followed suit, but progress was modest until the world's best male sprinter was found doped with anabolic steroids at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988. Further progress was made following the cessation of the cold war in 1989 and in 1999 public authorities around the world joined the Olympic Movement in a unique partnership by creating WADA--the 'World Anti-Doping Agency'. The troubled history of the anti-doping fight from the 1960s until today is reviewed. In particular, the development of detection methods for an ever increasing number of drugs that can be used to dope is described, as are the measures that have been taken to protect the health of the athletes, including those who may need banned substances for medical reasons.
A Comparison of Two FMRI Methods for Predicting Verbal Memory Decline After Left Temporal Lobectomy: Language Lateralization vs. Hippocampal Activation Asymmetry

PubMed Central

Binder, Jeffrey R.; Swanson, Sara J.; Sabsevitz, David S.; Hammeke, Thomas A.; Raghavan, Manoj; Mueller, Wade M.

2010-01-01

Purpose Language lateralization measured by preoperative fMRI was shown recently to be predictive of verbal memory outcome in patients undergoing left anterior temporal lobe (L-ATL) resection. The aim of this study was to determine whether language lateralization or hippocampal activation asymmetry is a better predictor of memory outcome in this setting. Methods Thirty L-ATL patients underwent preoperative language fMRI, preoperative hippocampal fMRI using a scene encoding task, and pre- and postoperative neuropsychological testing. A group of 37 right ATL surgery patients who underwent the same testing procedures was included for comparison. Results Verbal memory decline occurred in roughly half of the L-ATL patients. Preoperative language lateralization was correlated with postoperative verbal memory change. Hippocampal activation asymmetry was strongly related to side of seizure focus and to Wada memory asymmetry but was unrelated to verbal memory outcome. Discussion Preoperative hippocampal activation asymmetry elicited by a scene encoding task is not predictive of verbal memory outcome. Risk of verbal memory decline is likely to be related to lateralization of material-specific verbal memory networks, which are more closely correlated with language lateralization than with overall asymmetry of episodic memory processes. PMID:19817807

Accuracy Assessment of Geometrical Elements for Setting-Out in Horizontal Plane of Conveying Chambers at the Bauxite Mine "KOSTURI" Srebrenica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milutinović, Aleksandar; Ganić, Aleksandar; Tokalić, Rade

2014-03-01

Setting-out of objects on the exploitation field of the mine, both in surface mining and in the underground mines, is determined by the specified setting-out accuracy of reference points, which are best to define spatial position of the object projected. For the purpose of achieving of the specified accuracy, it is necessary to perform a priori accuracy assessment of parameters, which are to be used when performing setting-out. Based on the a priori accuracy assessment, verification of the quality of geometrical setting- -out elements specified in the layout; definition of the accuracy for setting-out of geometrical elements; selection of setting-out method; selection at the type and class of instruments and tools that need to be applied in order to achieve predefined accuracy. The paper displays the accuracy assessment of geometrical elements for setting-out of the main haul gallery, haul downcast and helical conveying downcasts in shape of an inclined helix in horizontal plane, using the example of the underground bauxite mine »Kosturi«, Srebrenica. Wytyczanie obiektów na polu wydobywczym w kopalniach, zarówno podziemnych jak i odkrywkowych, zależy w dużej mierze od określonej dokładności wytyczania punktów referencyjnych, przy pomocy których określane jest następnie położenie przestrzenne pozostałych obiektów. W celu uzyskania założonej dokładności, należy przeprowadzić wstępną analizę dokładności oszacowania parametrów które następnie wykorzystane będą w procesie wytyczania. W oparciu o wyniki wstępnej analizy dokładności dokonuje się weryfikacji jakości geometrycznego wytyczenia elementów zaznaczonych na szkicu, uwzględniając te wyniki dobrać należy odpowiednią metodę wytyczania i rodzaj oraz klasę wykorzystywanych narzędzi i instrumentów, tak by osiągnąć założony poziom dokładności. W pracy przedstawiono oszacowanie dokładności wytyczania elementów geometrycznych dla głównego chodnika transportowego
Study of Ground Response Curve (GRC) Based on a Damage Model / Badanie Krzywej Odpowiedzi Gruntu (Grc) W Oparciu O Model Pękania Skał

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molladavoodi, H.

2013-09-01

Analysis of stresses and displacements around underground openings is necessary in a wide variety of civil, petroleum and mining engineering problems. In addition, an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) is generally formed around underground openings as a result of high stress magnitudes even in the absence of blasting effects. The rock materials surrounding the underground excavations typically demonstrate nonlinear and irreversible mechanical response in particular under high in situ stress states. The dominant cause of irreversible deformations in brittle rocks is damage process. One of the most widely used methods in tunnel design is the convergence-confinement method (CCM) for its practical application. The elastic-plastic models are usually used in the convergence-confinement method as a constitutive model for rock behavior. The plastic models used to simulate the rock behavior, do not consider the important issues such as stiffness degradation and softening. Therefore, the use of damage constitutive models in the convergence-confinement method is essential in the design process of rock structures. In this paper, the basic concepts of continuum damage mechanics are outlined. Then a numerical stepwise procedure for a circular tunnel under hydrostatic stress field, with consideration of a damage model for rock mass has been implemented. The ground response curve and radius of excavation damage zone were calculated based on an isotropic damage model. The convergence-confinement method based on damage model can consider the effects of post-peak rock behavior on the ground response curve and excavation damage zone. The analysis of results show the important effect of brittleness parameter on the tunnel wall convergence, ground response curve and excavation damage radius. Analiza naprężeń i przemieszczeń powstałych wokół otworu podziemnego wymagana jest przy szerokiej gamie projektów z zakresu budownictwa lądowego, inżynierii górniczej oraz naftowej. Ponadto
Participation of Quaternary Aquifers in Groundwater Inflow to Mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) / Udział Wodonośnych Utworów Czwartorzędowych W Procesie Zawodnienia Kopalń Górnośląskich

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Różkowski, Kazimierz; Różkowski, Andrzej; Sołtysiak, Marek

2015-03-01

The Upper Silesian Coal Basin (USCB) is situated within Variscean depression in the southern Poland. Mining of the hard coal, ore and sand deposits in the USCB has a long-lasting tradition. Exploitation has been carried out with both - open pit and mainly underground operations. The intensity of water inflows to mines depends on geogenic and technological factors. Among geogenic factors the main one is occurrence of thick water - bearing Quaternary sediments in the roof of Carboniferous ore deposits. Among technological factors the essential influence on the inflows to the mine workings have: time, depth and surface of exploitation, as well as drainage intensity. Górnośląskie Zagłębie Węglowe (GZW) jest niezależnym regionem hydrogeologicznym. W jego zasięgu wydziela się dwa subregiony hydrogeologiczne: północno-wschodni ( I) i południowo-zachodni (II), o odmiennych układach i warunkach hydrogeologicznych. Granicę między subregionami wyznacza zasięg występowania zwartej pokrywy ilastych, izolujących podłoże, utworów miocenu. W zasięgu subregionu I czwartorzędowe poziomy wodonośne znajdują się w więzi hydraulicznej z poziomami wodonośnymi karbonu lub triasu. W subregionie II więź hydrauliczna między karbońskimi i czwartorzędowymi poziomami wodonośnymi występuje tylko w zasięgu erozyjnych okien hydrogeologicznych w utworach miocenu. Na obszarze GZW obserwuje się wyraźne zróżnicowanie miąższości i wykształcenia litologicznego pokrywy utworów czwartorzędowych. Wspomniane utwory są reprezentowane przez piaszczysto-gliniaste osady, których miąższości wahają się w granicach od dziesiętnych metra do ponad 120 m. W zasięgu rejonów górniczych czwartorzędowe poziomy wodonośne są intensywnie drenowane przez wyrobiska górnicze kopalń głębinowych węgla i rud cynkowo-ołowiowych oraz odkrywkowych surowców okruchowych. Eksploatacja górnicza prowadzona jest na skalę przemysłową przez okres
Interview: partnering with the industry: the Olympic laboratory model.

PubMed

Cowan, David A; Barker, Campbell P

2012-07-01

David A Cowan and Campbell P Barker speak to Ryan De Vooght-Johnson at Bioanalysis in May 2012 about the partnership between industry and academia for the setup and running of the doping-control laboratory for the London 2012 Olympic Games. David A Cowan is Director of the London 2012 anti-doping laboratory as well as Director of the King's College London Drug Control Centre, the UK's only WADA-accredited anti-doping laboratory, and Head of the Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring. Cowan co-founded the Drug Control Centre in 1978 and became its Director in 1990. He has published extensively in the field of pharmaceutical analysis, especially as it relates to detecting drug administration in sport, and was awarded a personal chair in pharmaceutical toxicology in 1996. Cowan became Head of the Department of Forensic Science and Drug Monitoring at King's College London in 2002. He has served on a number of national and international committees, including the Council of Europe Working Party Investigating Drug Abuse in Sport that led to the first World Anti-Doping Convention, the Laboratory Representative on the International Olympic Committee's Medical Commission, and WADA's Laboratory Accreditation Subcommittee. He is a member of the Crippen Club for Distinguished Toxicologists. In 1998 he was awarded the IOC Trophy for Sport Ethics by the BOA. He was a founding member of the World Association of Anti-Doping Scientists and became its first President serving on its Executive Board between 2001 and 2004. He was a Visiting Laboratory Director at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games 2002, where the first novel erythropoiesis-stimulating protein (NESP) positive was discovered. He was also a senior advisory scientist at both the Turin Winter Olympic Games in 2006 and the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. He was also a member of the IOC Medical Commission for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010. The Drug Control
Urine stability and steroid profile: towards a screening index of urine sample degradation for anti-doping purpose.

PubMed

Mazzarino, Monica; Abate, Maria Gabriella; Alocci, Roberto; Rossi, Francesca; Stinchelli, Raffaella; Molaioni, Francesco; de la Torre, Xavier; Botrè, Francesco

2011-01-10

The presence of microorganisms in urine samples, under favourable conditions of storage and transportation, may alter the concentration of steroid hormones, thus altering the correct evaluation of the urinary steroid profile in doping control analysis. According to the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA technical document TD2004 EAAS), a testosterone deconjugation higher than 5% and the presence of 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and 5β-androstane-3,17-dione in the deconjugated fraction, are reliable indicators of urine degradation. The determination of these markers would require an additional quantitative analysis since the steroids screening analysis, in anti-doping laboratories, is performed in the total (free+conjugated) fraction. The aim of this work is therefore to establish reliable threshold values for some representative compounds (namely 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and 5β-androstane-3,17-dione) in the total fraction in order to predict directly at the screening stage the potential microbial degradation of the urine samples. Preliminary evidence on the most suitable degradation indexes has been obtained by measuring the urinary concentration of testosterone, epitestosterone, 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and 5β-androstane-3,17-dione by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric every day for 15 days in the deconjugated, glucuronide and total fraction of 10 pools of urines from 60 healthy subjects, stored under different pH and temperature conditions, and isolating the samples with one or more markers of degradation according to the WADA technical document TD2004EAAS. The threshold values for 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and 5β-androstane-3,17-dione were therefore obtained correlating the testosterone deconjugation rate with the urinary concentrations of 5α-androstane-3,17-dione and 5β-androstane-3,17-dione in the total fraction. The threshold values suggested as indexes of urine degradation in the total fraction were: 10 ng mL(-1) for 5α-androstane-3,17-dione
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: language function.

PubMed

Epstein, C M

1998-07-01

Studies of language using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have focused both on identification of language areas and on elucidation of function. TMS may result in either inhibition or facilitation of language processes and may operate directly at a presumptive site of language cortex or indirectly through intracortical networks. TMS has been used to create reversible "temporary lesions," similar to those produced by Wada tests and direct cortical electrical stimulation, in cerebral cortical areas subserving language function. Rapid-rate TMS over the left inferior frontal region blocks speech output in most subjects. However, the results are not those predicted from classic models of language organization. Speech arrest is obtained most easily over facial motor cortex, and true aphasia is rare, whereas right hemisphere or bilateral lateralization is unexpectedly prominent. A clinical role for these techniques is not yet fully established. Interfering with language comprehension and verbal memory is currently more difficult than blocking speech output, but numerous TMS studies have demonstrated facilitation of language-related tasks, including oral word association, story recall, digit span, and picture naming. Conversely, speech output also facilitates motor responses to TMS in the dominant hemisphere. Such new and often-unexpected findings may provide important insights into the organization of language.
Memory assessment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy to predict memory impairment after surgery: A systematic review.

PubMed

Parra-Díaz, P; García-Casares, N

2017-04-19

Given that surgical treatment of refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy may cause memory impairment, determining which patients are eligible for surgery is essential. However, there is little agreement on which presurgical memory assessment methods are best able to predict memory outcome after surgery and identify those patients with a greater risk of surgery-induced memory decline. We conducted a systematic literature review to determine which presurgical memory assessment methods best predict memory outcome. The literature search of PubMed gathered articles published between January 2005 and December 2015 addressing pre- and postsurgical memory assessment in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients by means of neuropsychological testing, functional MRI, and other neuroimaging techniques. We obtained 178 articles, 31 of which were included in our review. Most of the studies used neuropsychological tests and fMRI; these methods are considered to have the greatest predictive ability for memory impairment. Other less frequently used techniques included the Wada test and FDG-PET. Current evidence supports performing a presurgical assessment of memory function using both neuropsychological tests and functional MRI to predict memory outcome after surgery. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.
Anti-doping analyses at the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games 2014.

PubMed

Sobolevsky, Tim; Krotov, Grigory; Dikunets, Marina; Nikitina, Maria; Mochalova, Elena; Rodchenkov, Grigory

2014-01-01

The laboratory anti-doping services during XXII Winter Olympic and XI Paralympic games in Sochi in 2014 were provided by a satellite laboratory facility located within the strictly secured Olympic Park. This laboratory, established and operated by the personnel of Antidoping Center, Moscow, has been authorized by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to conduct doping control analyses. The 4-floor building accommodated the most advanced analytical instrumentation and became a place of attraction for more than 50 Russian specialists and 25 foreign experts, including independent observers. In total, 2134 urine and 479 blood samples were delivered to the laboratory and analyzed during the Olympic Games (OG), and 403 urine and 108 blood samples - during the Paralympic Games (PG). The number of erythropoietin tests requested in urine was 946 and 166 at the OG and PG, respectively. Though included in the test distribution plan, a growth hormone analysis was cancelled by the Organizing Committee just before the Games. Several adverse analytical findings have been reported including pseudoephedrine (1 case), methylhexaneamine (4 cases), trimetazidine (1 case), dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (1 case), clostebol (1 case), and a designer stimulant N-ethyl-1-phenylbutan-2-amine (1 case). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical analysis of fragmentation patterns of electron ionization mass spectra of enolized-trimethylsilylated anabolic androgenic steroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fragkaki, A. G.; Angelis, Y. S.; Tsantili-Kakoulidou, A.; Koupparis, M.; Georgakopoulos, C.

2009-08-01

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are included in the List of prohibited substances of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as substances abused to enhance athletic performance. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) plays an important role in doping control analyses identifying AAS as their enolized-trimethylsilyl (TMS)-derivatives using the electron ionization (EI) mode. This paper explores the suitability of complementary GC-MS mass spectra and statistical analysis (principal component analysis, PCA and partial least squares-discriminant analysis, PLS-DA) to differentiate AAS as a function of their structural and conformational features expressed by their fragment ions. The results obtained showed that the application of PCA yielded a classification among the AAS molecules which became more apparent after applying PLS-DA to the dataset. The application of PLS-DA yielded a clear separation among the AAS molecules which were, thus, classified as: 1-ene-3-keto, 3-hydroxyl with saturated A-ring, 1-ene-3-hydroxyl, 4-ene-3-keto, 1,4-diene-3-keto and 3-keto with saturated A-ring anabolic steroids. The study of this paper also presents structurally diagnostic fragment ions and dissociation routes providing evidence for the presence of unknown AAS or chemically modified molecules known as designer steroids.
The atypical excretion profile of meldonium: Comparison of urinary detection windows after single- and multiple-dose application in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Görgens, Christian; Guddat, Sven; Bosse, Christina; Geyer, Hans; Pop, Valentin; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2017-05-10

Following a one-year monitoring program providing unequivocal analytical evidence for a high prevalence in international elite sports, meldonium has been included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of prohibited substances that came into effect on 1 January 2016. Despite of the polar and hydrophilic nature of the molecule, an unusual long detection window was observed in pilot elimination studies. Consequently, in the present study, urinary excretion profiles after single-dose (5 volunteers, 1×500mg) and multiple-dose oral application (5 volunteers; 2×500mg/day for 6days) were determined in order to facilitate the result management concerning meldonium findings in doping controls. Particularly the option to differentiate between recent use and tapering concentrations was studied. Urinary meldonium concentrations were determined using an analytical approach based on hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and high resolution tandem mass spectrometry. The study corroborates the hypothesis of a non-linear, dose-depended and biphasic excretion profile after oral application of meldonium and demonstrates that urinary detection windows are of considerable extent with up to 65 and 117days (concentrations>LOQ of 10ng/mL) following single- and multiple-dose applications, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The problem of anti-doping control of luteinizing hormone in boxing.

PubMed

Llouquet, Jean Louis; Crepin, Nathalie; Lasne, Françoise

2013-04-01

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is physiologically produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Male athletes may use pharmaceutical LH for doping since it increases the production of testosterone by testes. This hormone is thus on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list of substances prohibited for males. Anti-doping laboratories perform the assay of this hormone in urine and report abnormally elevated results. We observed a highly significant prevalence of abnormal results in samples taken after a boxing match. Comparison of the descriptive statistics for 426 LH values observed in boxing and other sports showed significant differences. An experimental study comparing urinary LH levels in 17 boxers before and after a match demonstrated a clear increase after the match. The same observation was made for urinary follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in all of the eight boxers tested for this other pituitary gonadotropin. These observations have consequences for anti-doping controls, as the reference range for urinary LH levels must take into account the specificities of boxers. They also suggest consequences for the health of boxers. Although to our knowledge such observations have never been described, other pituitary disorders have been reported. Our results deserve further investigation from a medical point of view. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoxia-inducible factor stabilizers and other small-molecule erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in current and preventive doping analysis.

PubMed

Beuck, Simon; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2012-11-01

Increasing the blood's capacity for oxygen transport by erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) constitutes a prohibited procedure of performance enhancement according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The advent of orally bio-available small-molecule ESAs such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizers in the development of novel anti-anaemia therapies expands the list of potential ESA doping techniques. Here, the erythropoiesis-stimulating properties and doping relevance of experimental HIF-stabilizers, such as cobaltous chloride, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid or GSK360A, amongst others, are discussed. The stage of clinical trials is reviewed for the anti-anaemia drug candidates FG-2216, FG-4592, GSK1278863, AKB-6548, and BAY85-3934. Currently available methods and strategies for the determination of selected HIF stabilizers in sports drug testing are based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). For the support of further analytical assay development, patents claiming distinct compounds for the use in HIF-mediated therapies are evaluated and exemplary molecular structures of HIF stabilizers presented. Moreover, data concerning the erythropoiesis-enhancing effects of the GATA inhibitors K7174 and K11706 as well as the lipidic small-molecule ESA PBI-1402 are elucidated the context of doping analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DMSO Assisted Electrospray Ionization for the Detection of Small Peptide Hormones in Urine by Dilute-and-Shoot-Liquid-Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Judák, Péter; Grainger, Janelle; Goebel, Catrin; Van Eenoo, Peter; Deventer, Koen

2017-08-01

The mobile phase additive (DMSO) has been described as a useful tool to enhance electrospray ionization (ESI) of peptides and proteins. So far, this technique has mainly been used in proteomic/peptide research, and its applicability in a routine clinical laboratory setting (i.e., doping control analysis) has not been described yet. This work provides a simple, easy to implement screening method for the detection of doping relevant small peptides (GHRPs, GnRHs, GHS, and vasopressin-analogues) with molecular weight less than 2 kDa applying DMSO in the mobile phase. The gain in sensitivity was sufficient to inject the urine samples after a 2-fold dilution step omitting a time consuming sample preparation. The employed analytical procedure was validated for the qualitative determination of 36 compounds, including 13 metabolites. The detection limits (LODs) ranged between 50 and 1000 pg/mL and were compliant with the 2 ng/mL minimum detection level required by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for all the target peptides. To demonstrate the feasibility of the work, urine samples obtained from patients who have been treated with desmopressin or leuprolide and urine samples that have been declared as adverse analytical findings were analyzed.
Current Trends in Intraoperative Optical Imaging for Functional Brain Mapping and Delineation of Lesions of Language Cortex

PubMed Central

Prakash, Neal; Uhleman, Falk; Sheth, Sameer A.; Bookheimer, Susan; Martin, Neil; Toga, Arthur W.

2009-01-01

Resection of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), epileptic focus, or glioma, ideally has a prerequisite of microscopic delineation of the lesion borders in relation to the normal gray and white matter that mediate critical functions. Currently, Wada testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are used for preoperative mapping of critical function, whereas electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) is used for intraoperative mapping. For lesion delineation, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) are used preoperatively, whereas microscopy and histological sectioning are used intraoperatively. However, for lesions near eloquent cortex, these imaging techniques may lack sufficient resolution to define the relationship between the lesion and language function, and thus not accurately determine which patients will benefit from neurosurgical resection of the lesion without iatrogenic aphasia. Optical techniques such as intraoperative optical imaging of intrinsic signals (iOIS) show great promise for the precise functional mapping of cortices, as well as delineation of the borders of AVMs, epileptic foci, and gliomas. Here we first review the physiology of neuroimaging, and then progress towards the validation and justification of using intraoperative optical techniques, especially in relation to neurosurgical planning of resection AVMs, epileptic foci, and gliomas near or in eloquent cortex. We conclude with a short description of potential novel intraoperative optical techniques. PMID:18786643
Combustion of Coal-Mule Briquettes / Spalanie Brykietów Z Mułu Węglowego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kijo-Kleczkowska, Agnieszka

2013-09-01

, mających na celu identyfikację przebiegu procesu spalania paliw, utworzonych nie tylko z mułów poflotacyjnych, ale również z mieszaniny mułów węglowych oraz pyłów węgla i biomasy. Niniejsza praca podejmuje mechanizm i kinetykę spalania oraz współspalania wspomnianych paliw w postaci brykietów, prowadzonego w strumieniu powietrza
Simulation Based Investigation of Different Fleet Management Paradigms in Open Pit Mines-A Case Study of Sungun Copper Mine / Symulacje I Badania Różnych Paradygmatów Wykorzystania Floty Pojazdów I Urządzeń W Kopalniach Odkrywkowych. Studium Przypadku: Kopalnia Miedzi W Sungun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashemi, Ali Saadatmand; Sattarvand, Javad

2015-03-01

Using simulation modeling, different management systems of the open pit mining equipment including non-dispatching, dispatching and blending solutions have been studied for the Sungun copper mine. Developed model has the capability of considering detailed features of both loading and hauling equipment. Productivity assessment scenarios have been established on the constructed model and the outputs revealed the noteworthy impact of the match factor of the trucks to the loaders on the production rate by over 40%. A dispatching simulation model with the objective function of minimizing truck waiting times have been developed and 7.8% improvement obtained by applying a flexible assignment of the trucks for the loaders compared to the fixed assignment system. Finally ore grade blending control unit has been introduced into the model. Getting the advantages of the newly added module it became possible to monitor the portion of material excavated from different operating benches and control truck dispatching rules for keeping the overall ore grade exactly at desired value. Przy użyciu modeli symulacyjnych zbadano różnorodne systemy zarządzania flotą pojazdów i urządzeń w kopalni odkrywkowej (wydawanie dyspozycji przewozu, wstrzymywanie przewozu oraz rozwiązania kwestii mieszania o rud o różnej zawartości pierwiastka użytecznego) na przykładzie kopalni miedzi Sungun. Opracowany model uwzględnia szczegółowe cechy sprzętu przeładunkowego oraz transportowego. Na podstawie modelu opracowano następnie scenariusze oceny wydajności, a wyniki jednoznacznie wykazały wielką wagę odpowiedniego skojarzenia ilości pojazdów i ładowarek. Opracowano model symulacyjny kierowania urządzeń do pracy, jako funkcję celu przyjmujący minimalizacje czasu przestoju ciężarówek. Uzyskano wynik lepszy o 7.8% poprzez elastyczne przydzielania pojazdów do ładowarek w porównaniu do systemu trwałego ich do siebie przypisania. W ostatnim etapie
Permeability Changes of Coal Cores and Briquettes under Tri-Axial Stress Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wierzbicki, Mirosław; Konečný, Pavel; Kožušníková, Alena

2014-12-01

wynoszącym 5 MPa. Maksymalne ciśnienie hydrostatyczne odpowiada ciśnieniu hydrostatycznemu jakie występuje w górotworze nienaruszonym na głębokości około 1200 m. Pomiary przeprowadzono z zastosowaniem azotu na czterech rodzajach rdzeni węglowych. Trzy z nich pochodziły z kopalń czeskich (ČSM, Paskov, František) a czwarty z polskiej kopalni "Zofiówka". Własności węgli i miejsca ich pobrania zestawiono w tablicy 1. Dodatkowo, dla celów porównawczych wykonano pomiary przepuszczalności na materiale "wzorcowym" jakim są brykiety węglowe. Brykiety te wykonano metodą prasowania w urządzeniu pokazanym schematycznie na rys. 2. Własności brykietów zestawiono w tablicy 2, gdzie podano ich gęstości helowe, objętościowe oraz porowatości. Zmienność przepuszczalności wywołana zmianą naprężenia hydrostatycznego może być opisana równaniem empirycznym (3). Wartości przepuszczalności początkowej (dla σ = 0) oraz współczynników B z równania 3, dla różnych porowatości brykietów zestawiono w tablicy 3. Zaletą eksperymentów na brykietach węglowych jest ich powtarzalność. Zmienności przepuszczalności wywołane obciążeniem hydrostatycznym próbek, dla brykietów węglowych oraz rdzeni pokazano na wykresach z rysunku 4. W przypadku rdzeni węglowych zmienność przepuszczalności jest znacznie większa, co wynika prawdopodobnie z występowania szczelin i spękań widocznych na rys 1. Szczeliny te, jako główne drogi transportowe dla gazu przy niskich obciążeniach ulegają zaciśnięciu i część transportu gazu przenosi się do przestrzeni porowej.
New gravity control in Poland - needs, the concept and the design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krynski, Jan; Olszak, Tomasz; Barlik, Marcin; Dykowski, Przemyslaw

2013-06-01

transformation to a new system (as 2nd order network) as well as a definition of gravity system as "zero-tide" system. Seasonal variability of gravity has been discussed indicating that the effects of environmental changes when establishing modern gravity control with absolute gravity survey cannot be totally neglected. Założona w Polsce w ostatniej dekadzie XX wieku zgodnie z obowiązującymi standardami międzynarodowymi Podstawowa Osnowa Grawimetryczna Kraju (POGK), składająca się z około 350 punktów, została oparta na 12 absolutnych punktach grawimetrycznych, na których przyspieszenie siły ciężkości wyznaczono przy użyciu czterech różnych typów grawimetrów absolutnych. Względne pomiary grawimetryczne na punktach tej osnowy, z jednoczesnym dowiązaniem jej do przyspieszenia siły ciężkości na 12 absolutnych punktach grawimetrycznych, wykonały różne grupy pomiarowe przy wykorzystaniu grawimetrów LaCoste&Romberg (LCR). Konstrukcja powstałej sieci grawimetrycznej, w szczególności ograniczona liczba nierównomiernie rozłożonych punktów absolutnych na terenie kraju, na których w dodatku przyspieszenie siły ciężkości wyznaczono różnymi instrumentami w różnych epokach, spowodowały wystąpienie błędów systematycznych w wartościach g na punktach POGK. W niniejszej pracy, przy wykorzystaniu pomiarów grawimetrycznych wykonanych w latach 2007-2008 dokonano oceny tych błędów oraz przeprowadzono dyskusję ich możliwych źródeł. Rozwój technologii absolutnych pomiarów grawimetrycznych, w szczególności instrumentów przeznaczonych do precyzyjnych absolutnych pomiarów grawimetrycznych w warunkach polowych, stwarza możliwość założenia nowego typu osnowy grawimetrycznej, składającej się ze stacji, na których przyspieszenie siły ciężkości jest pomierzone grawimetrami absolutnymi. Nowa osnowa grawimetryczna Polski, która będzie zakładana w latach 2012-2014, będzie się składała z 28 punktów fundamentalnych (mierzonych
Stable δ15N and δ13C isotope ratios in aquatic ecosystems

PubMed Central

Wada, Eitaro

2009-01-01

In the past 20 years, rapid progress in stable isotope (SI) studies has allowed scientists to observe natural ecosystems from entirely new perspectives. This report addresses the fundamental concepts underlying the use of the SI ratio. The unique characteristics of the SI ratio make it an interdisciplinary parameter that acts as a chemical fingerprint of biogenic substances and provides a key to the world of isotopomers. Variations in SI ratios of biogenic substances depend on the isotopic compositions of reactants, the pathways and kinetic modes of reaction dynamics, and the physicochemical conditions. In fact, every biogenic material has its own isotopic composition, its “dynamic SI fingerprint”, which is governed by its function and position in the material flow. For example, the relative SI ratio in biota is determined by dietary lifestyle, e.g., the modes of drinking, eating, and excreting, and appears highly regular due to the physicochemical differences of isotopomers. Our primary goal here is to elucidate the general principals of isotope partitioning in major biophilic elements in molecules, biogenic materials, and ecosystems (Wada, E. et al., 1995). To this end, the nitrogen and carbon SI distribution ratios (δ15N and δ13C, respectively) are used to examine materials cycling, food web structures, and their variability in various kinds of watershed-including aquatic ecosystems to elucidate an “isotopically ordered world”. PMID:19282646
Fast analysis of doping agents in urine by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. II: Confirmatory analysis.

PubMed

Badoud, F; Grata, E; Perrenoud, L; Saugy, M; Rudaz, S; Veuthey, J-L

2010-06-18

For doping control, analyses of samples are generally achieved in two steps: a rapid screening and, in the case of a positive result, a confirmatory analysis. A two-step methodology based on ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) was developed to screen and confirm 103 doping agents from various classes (e.g., beta-blockers, stimulants, diuretics, and narcotics). The screening method was presented in a previous article as part I (i.e., Fast analysis of doping agents in urine by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Part I: screening analysis). For the confirmatory method, basic, neutral and acidic compounds were extracted by a dedicated solid-phase extraction (SPE) in a 96-well plate format and detected by MS in the tandem mode to obtain precursor and characteristic product ions. The mass accuracy and the elemental composition of precursor and product ions were used for compound identification. After validation including matrix effect determination, the method was considered reliable to confirm suspect results without ambiguity according to the positivity criteria established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Moreover, an isocratic method was developed to separate ephedrine from its isomer pseudoephedrine and cathine from phenylpropanolamine in a single run, what allowed their direct quantification in urine. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Specific characterization of non-steroidal selective androgen peceptor modulators using supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to ion-mobility mass spectrometry: application to the detection of enobosarm in bovine urine.

PubMed

Beucher, Laure; Dervilly-Pinel, Gaud; Cesbron, Nora; Penot, Mylène; Gicquiau, Audrey; Monteau, Fabrice; Le Bizec, Bruno

2017-02-01

Currently under development for therapeutic purposes in human medicine, non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (non-steroidal SARMs) are also known to impact growth associated pathways. As such, they present a potential for abuse in sports and food-producing animals as interesting alternative anabolic substances. Forbidden since 2008 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) these compounds are however easily available and could be (mis)used in livestock production as growth promoters. To prevent such practices, dedicated analytical strategies have to be developed for specific and sensitive detection of these compounds in biological matrices. Using an innovative analytical platform constituted of supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to ion mobility-mass spectrometry, the present study enabled efficient separation and identification in urine of 4 of these drugs (andarine, bicalutamide, hydroxyflutamide, and enobosarm) in accordance with European Union criteria (Commission Decision 2002/657/EC). Besides providing information about compounds structure and behaviour in gas phase, such a coupling enabled reaching low limits of detection (LOD < 0.05 ng.mL -1 for andarine and limits of detection < 0.005 ng.mL -1 for the three others) in urine with good repeatability (CV < 21 %). The workflow has been applied to quantitative determination of enobosarm elimination in urine of treated bovine (200 mg, oral). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Counterfeiting in performance- and image-enhancing drugs.

PubMed

Graham, Michael R; Ryan, Paul; Baker, Julien S; Davies, Bruce; Thomas, Non-Eleri; Cooper, Stephen-Mark; Evans, Peter; Easmon, Sue; Walker, Christopher J; Cowan, David; Kicman, Andrew T

2009-03-01

The current drastic escalation in obesity may be contributing to the exponential rise in drugs used for image enhancement. Drugs such as anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are perceived as a viable method of achieving a perfect physique. They are also the most widely abused drugs in sport. The Internet has encouraged the abuse of expensive drugs, particularly human growth hormone (hGH), resulting in increased importation for personal use. The substantial increase in this market has opened up avenues for counterfeiting, estimated as a multi-million pound business. The acute adverse effects from contaminated vials may result in a variety of pathologies including communicable diseases. In 2007, in the UK, a series of intramuscular abscesses, requiring surgical treatment, led us to study samples obtained from the underground market. The analysis of 38 parenteral samples and 19 oral samples of tablets was performed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory, in an attempt to establish the extent of available counterfeit products. Fifty-three per cent (20) of the injectable AAS esters and 21% (4) of the oral tablets were counterfeit. Culture and sensitivity revealed the presence of skin commensal organisms, which may have contributed to the development of the abscesses. Users of AAS and hGH for sport, including bodybuilding, are currently risking their health because of counterfeit and poorly controlled products. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modified LC-MS/MS method to simultaneously quantify glycerol and mannitol concentrations in human urine for doping control purposes.

PubMed

Dong, Ying; Yan, Kuan; Ma, Yanhua; Yang, Zhiyong; Zhao, Jun; Ding, Jinglin

2016-06-01

Glycerol and mannitol have the potential to act as plasma volume expanders and have been prohibited as masking agents by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accordingly. In this study, an improved strategy was developed and validated for the determination of urinary glycerol and mannitol levels simultaneously using a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry technique within 7min in an initial testing procedure. For confirmation, mannitol and all possible hexitols (allitol, altritol, galactitol, iditol and sorbitol) that can occur in human urine were baseline separated. This method made use of the derivatization of glycerol and mannitol by benzoyl chloride followed by analysis via LC-ESI-MS/MS with limited sample preparation. The limit of detection (LOD) for glycerol and mannitol was lower than 50ng/mL. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for both substances was below 150ng/mL. The assay was linear from 0.15 to 1000μg/mL for glycerol and mannitol in human urine. The coefficients of variation of all inter- and intra-assay determinations at three concentration levels (0.5, 500, 900μg/mL) were better than 13% for glycerol and under 15% for mannitol. The method also afforded satisfactory results in terms of accuracy, derivatization yield, extraction recovery, matrix effect and specificity for both substances. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry to differentiate between endogenous steroids and synthetic homologues in cattle: a review.

PubMed

Janssens, Geert; Courtheyn, Dirk; Mangelinckx, Sven; Prévost, Stéphanie; Bichon, Emmanuelle; Monteau, Fabrice; De Poorter, Geert; De Kimpe, Norbert; Le Bizec, Bruno

2013-04-15

Although substantial technical advances have been achieved during the past decades to extend and facilitate the analysis of growth promoters in cattle, the detection of abuse of synthetic analogs of naturally occurring hormones has remained a challenging issue. When it became clear that the exogenous origin of steroid hormones could be traced based on the (13)C/(12)C isotope ratio of the substances, GC/C/IRMS has been successfully implemented to this aim since the end of the past century. However, due to the costly character of the instrumental setup, the susceptibility of the equipment to errors and the complex and time consuming sample preparation, this method is up until now only applied by a limited number of laboratories. In this review, the general principles as well as the practical application of GC/C/IRMS to differentiate between endogenous steroids and exogenously synthesized homologous compounds in cattle will be discussed in detail, and will be placed next to other existing and to be developed methods based on isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Finally, the link will be made with the field of sports doping, where GC/C/IRMS has been established within the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved methods as the official technique to differentiate between exogenous and endogenous steroids over the past few years. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Sport, Society, and Anti-Doping Policy: An Ethical Overview.

PubMed

Bloodworth, Andrew J; McNamee, Mike

2017-01-01

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of anti-doping policy. The nature of sport and its gratuitous logic is explored. The doping rules in sport, such as the Prohibited List, are ways of drawing a line to facilitate a certain sort of competition. Sports can be understood as a means of testing the natural physical abilities of the athlete, combined with the hard work they put into improving their performance. A test promoted by the anti-doping laws. Permitting certain forms of performance enhancement would threaten the special nature of such a test. Doping can be seen as a threat to the integrity of sport, not just because of the rule breaking doping currently entails. The chapter explores the ethical issues that arise with such forms of enhancement, such as fairness, harms to health, and indeed a refusal to accept human limitations. Finally, the criteria upon which a substance or method may be prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is addressed. The 3-part criteria, concerning (1) enhancement, (2) health, and (3) the spirit of sport are described, and literature that takes a critical line is addressed. Particular reference is made to the public health agenda explicit within anti-doping policy. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Hydration and urinary pseudoephedrine levels after a simulated team game.

PubMed

Jolley, Daniel; Dawson, Brian; Maloney, Shane K; White, James; Goodman, Carmel; Peeling, Peter

2014-06-01

This study investigated the influence of dehydration on urinary levels of pseudoephedrine (PSE) after prolonged repeated effort activity. Fourteen athletes performed a simulated team game circuit (STGC) outdoors over 120 min under three different hydration protocols: hydrated (HYD), dehydrated (DHY) and dehydrated + postexercise fluid bolus (BOL). In all trials, a 60 mg dose of PSE was administered 30 min before trial and at half time of the STGC. Urinary PSE levels were measured before drug administration and at 90 min postexercise. In addition, body mass (BM) changes and urinary specific gravity (USG), osmolality (OSM), creatinine (Cr), and pH values were recorded. No differences in PSE levels were found 90 min postexercise between conditions (HYD: 208.5 ± 116.5; DHY: 238.9 ± 93.5; BOL: 195.6 ± 107.3 μg · ml(-1)), although large variations were seen within and between participants across conditions (range: 33-475 μg · ml(-1): ICC r = .03-0.16, p > .05). There were no differences between conditions in USG, OSM, pH or PSE/Cr ratio. In conclusion, hydration status did not influence urinary PSE levels after prolonged repeated effort activity, with ~70% of samples greater than the WADA limit (>150 μg · ml(-1)), and ~30% under. Due to the unpredictability of urinary PSE values, athletes should avoid taking any medications containing PSE during competition.
Nandrolone: a multi-faceted doping agent.

PubMed

Hemmersbach, Peter; Grosse, Joachim

2010-01-01

Nandrolone or nortestosterone, an anabolic-androgenic steroid, has been prohibited by doping control regulations for more than 30 years. Although its main metabolism in the human body was already known at that time, and detection of its misuse by gas or liquid chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection is straightforward, many interesting aspects regarding this doping agent have appeared since.Over the years, nandrolone preparations have kept their position among the prohibited substances that are most frequently detected in WADA-accredited laboratories. Their forms of application range from injectable fatty acid esters to orally administered nandrolone prohormones. The long detection window for nandrolone ester preparations and the appearance of orally available nandrolone precursors have changed the pattern of misuse.At the same time, more refined analytical methods with lowered detection limits led to new insights into the pharmacology of nandrolone and revelation of its natural production in the body.Possible contamination of nutritional supplements with nandrolone precursors, interference of nandrolone metabolism by other drugs and rarely occurring critical changes during storage of urine samples have to be taken into consideration when interpreting an analytical finding.A set of strict identification criteria, including a threshold limit, is applied to judge correctly an analytical finding of nandrolone metabolites. The possible influence of interfering drugs, urine storage or natural production is taken into account by applying appropriate rules and regulations.
Antidoping program: an important factor in the promotion and protection of the integrity of sport and athlete's health.

PubMed

Mazzeo, Filomena; Monda, Vincenzo; Santamaria, Stefania; Nigro, Ersilia; Valenzano, Anna; Villano, Ines; Cibelli, Giuseppe; Messina, Antonietta; Messina, Giovanni

2017-07-24

Use of performance-enhancing drugs concern not only elite Olympic and Paralympic Games' athletes but also amateur athletes, who are making increasing use of substances and/or methods. Furthermore, a new frontier reached by the doping is the use of genes. World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA), expressly prohibited the participation in competitive sports by the athlete in case of taking banned substances to treat disease in the event that the above assumption implies an excessive improvement of performance. This study aims to analyze and show the doping control as an essential part of the anti-doping program to promote and protect the integrity of sport and athlete's health. Testing is carried out in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and several international standards (ISs). The ISs were developed for laboratories, testing, the prohibited list, and for therapeutic use exemptions (TUE). It seems that the 2009 version of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) obliges all the healthcare professionals not to assist athletes engaged in doping behaviours; they can be removed from working with athletes. Many people do not know doping's dangerous effects on health. It is necessary, therefore, implement the knowledge on this issue through public and sports institutions information and awareness campaigns. For this reason, local institutions and the National Olympic Committee shall give tools, in particular economic, to carry out the work of education, training, and control.
Stability-Indicating TLC-Densitometric Assay for Methyltestosterone and Quantum Chemical Calculations.

PubMed

Musharraf, Syed Ghulam; Ul Arfeen, Qamar; Ul Haq, Faraz; Khatoon, Aliya; Azher Ali, Rahat

2017-10-01

Methyltestosterone is a synthetic testosterone derivative commonly used for the treatment of testosterone deficiency in males and one the anabolic steroids whose use is banned by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This study presents a simple, cost-effective and rapid stability-indicating assay for densitometric quantification of methyltestosterone in pharmaceutical formulation. The developed method employed pre-coated TLC plates with mobile phase hexane:acetone (6.5:3.5 v/v). Limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 2.06 and 6.24 ng/spot, respectively. Stress degradation study of methyltestosterone was conducted by applying various stress conditions such as hydrolysis under acidic, basic and neutral conditions, heating in anhydrous conditions and exposure to light. Methyltestosterone was found to be susceptible to photodegradation, acidic and basic hydrolysis. Degraded products were well resolved with significantly different Rf values. Acid degraded product was identified as 17,17-dimethyl-18-norandrosta-4,13(14)-dien-3-one through spectroscopic methods. The reactivity of methyltestosterone under applied stress conditions was also explained by quantum chemical calculations. The developed method is found to be repeatable, selective and accurate for quantification of methyltestosterone and can be employed for routine analysis. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
The war on drugs in sport: a perspective from the front-line.

PubMed

Mendoza, John

2002-07-01

Recent international developments have served to solidify the international approach to doping in sport. The development of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has resulted in new, coordinated efforts to address this important sport issue. An array of new efforts and initiatives has been initiated by the new agency. The Sydney and Salt Lake City Olympics were characterized by intensive efforts to minimize doping. The antidoping environment is evolving rapidly, and several profoundly important developments will take place in the immediate future. To outline the challenges, opportunities, and changing circumstances of the current antidoping environment so that sport medicine practitioners might understand the context in which a variety of new initiatives and approaches will develop. At the same time, to ensure that practitioners understand the importance of appropriately developed and delivered antidoping policies, programs, and procedures, and the need for their harmonization. To ensure that sport medicine practitioners appreciate the need for a comprehensive approach to doping control, i.e., programs that include much more than drug testing. A review of relevant policy documents derived from a variety of sport and antidoping organizations; selected references drawn from MEDLINE; and materials prepared by colleagues drawn from the international antidoping community. The increased global effort to address doping is welcome. It will require that several critical issues be addressed that will test the resolve of all involved.
Effects of high intensity exercise on isoelectric profiles and SDS-PAGE mobility of erythropoietin.

PubMed

Voss, S; Lüdke, A; Romberg, S; Schänzer, E; Flenker, U; deMarees, M; Achtzehn, S; Mester, J; Schänzer, W

2010-06-01

Exercise induced proteinuria is a common phenomenon in high performance sports. Based on the appearance of so called "effort urines" in routine doping analysis the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of exercise induced proteinuria on IEF profiles and SDS-PAGE relative mobility values (rMVs) of endogenous human erythropoietin (EPO). Twenty healthy subjects performed cycle-ergometer exercise until exhaustion. VO (2)max, blood lactate, urinary proteins and urinary creatinine were analysed to evaluate the exercise performance and proteinuria. IEF and SDS-PAGE analyses were performed to test for differences in electrophoretic behaviour of the endogenous EPO before and after exercise. All subjects showed increased levels of protein/creatinine ratio after performance (8.8+/-5.2-26.1+/-14.4). IEF analysis demonstrated an elevation of the relative amount of basic band areas (13.9+/-11.3-36.4+/-12.6). Using SDS-PAGE analysis we observed a decrease in rMVs after exercise and no shift in direction of the recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) region (0.543+/-0.013-0.535+/-0.012). Following identification criteria of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) all samples were negative. The implementation of the SDS-PAGE method represents a good solution to distinguish between results influenced by so called effort urines and results of rhEPO abuse. Thus this method can be used to confirm adverse analytical findings.
Free Surface of the Liquid-Gas Phase Separation as a Measuring Membrane of a Device for Measuring Small Hydrostatic Pressure Difference Values / Powierzchnia Swobodna Rozdziału Faz Ciecz-Gaz Jako Membrana Pomiarowa Urządzenia Do Pomiaru Małych Wartości Różnicy Ciśnienia Hydrostatycznego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filipek, Wiktor; Broda, Krzysztof; Branny, Marian

2015-03-01

środek (Bear, 1988) lub rozkładu ciśnienia przy wysokich spadkach hydraulicznych (Trzaska i Broda, 1991, 2000; Trzaska i in., 2005). Zwłaszcza pomiary w zakresie tzw. dolnej granicy stosowalności prawa Darcy'ego dla cieczy oraz dotyczące określenia progowego spadku hydraulicznego J0 (Bear, 1988) sprawiają wielkie trudności. Pomiary takie miałyby duże znaczenie aplikacyjne zwłaszcza przy określaniu infiltracji wody do wyrobisk górniczych, filtracji przez fundamenty budowli itp. Autorzy od kilku lat (Broda i Filipek, 2012, 2013) zajmują się opracowaniem metody oraz przyrządu pomiarowego (wnioski patentowe: P.407 380 i P.407 381) pozwalających na pomiary wartości ciśnienia (różnicy ciśnienia) hydrostatycznego poniżej 1 Pa. W tym okresie opracowali nową metodę pomiaru, skonstruowali stanowisko badawcze i przeprowadzili pomiary różnicy ciśnień hydrostatycznych z dokładnością do 0.5 Pa znacznie ograniczając zjawisko histerezy (Broda i Filipek, 2012) (wniosek patentowy: P.407 380). W oparciu o zdobyte doświadczenie prace kontynuowano opracowując metodę pomiaru i budując nowe stanowisko do pomiaru bardzo małych różnic ciśnień z kompensacją wpływu ciśnienia atmosferycznego o dużo prostszej budowie, co znacząco zwiększyło dokładność i wiarygodność pomiarów (Broda i Filipek, 2013) (wniosek patentowy: P. 407 381). W trakcie prac badawczych narodziła się nowa koncepcja metodologii pomiaru niskich wartości różnicy ciśnienia hydrostatycznego, która jest przedmiotem niniejszego artykułu. Na rysunku 1 przedstawiono zdjęcie stanowiska pomiarowego służącego do określenia wpływu zmiany wartości różnicy ciśnienia hydrostatycznego na kształt a co za tym idzie przemieszczenie powierzchni swobodnej rozdziału faz ciecz-gaz, oraz omówiono jego budowę zwracając uwagę na istotne szczegóły konstrukcyjne. Przedstawiono także sposób kalibrowania przyrządu, wykonywania i obróbki zdjęć fotograficznych w celach pomiarowych z
The Influence of Shale Rock Fracturing Equipment Operation on Atmospheric Air Quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogacki, Marek; Macuda, Jan

2014-12-01

calculations of air pollutions from analyzed motors were performed with a mathematical modelling method using Gaussian plum. The results of calculations could be used for evaluating spatial distribution of maximum 1 hour concentrations (S1), incidence of exceeding admissible 1 hour concentration values (P(D1)), percentile 99.8 or 99.726 from 1 hour concentrations and average concentrations (Sa) for selected most important for the air quality contaminants, i.e. NOx (as NO2), SO2, CO, PM10, benzo(a)pyrene, benzene, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. The results of calculated air concentrations of selected substances on the rig border are listed in table 9, whereas spatial distributions of NOx and PM10 concentrations in figures 3 to 8. The analysis of the obtained results did not reveal cases of exceeding Polish emission standards. However, nitrogen oxide (NOx) or dust PM10 can be expected to exceed these values, e.g. in a situation when the total power installed in motors driving technological systems in the course of hydraulic fracking will be higher than assumed in the analyses. The results of calculations show to a significant impact of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and dust PM10 emissions on air quality. The risk that emission standards are exceeded beyond the rig area is conditioned both by technological factors (total power of operating motors, parameters of combusted fuel, reduced emission technologies applied to engines, duration of frac jobs, etc.) and a number of external factors, e.g. meteorological and orographic factors or high level of emitted substances in air within the rig area. Proces hydraulicznego szczelinowania skał łupkowych wiąże się z emisją do powietrza zanieczyszczeń pyłowo-gazowych z silników wysokoprężnych dużej mocy napędzających agregaty pompowe do szczelinowania skał oraz inne urządzenia technologiczne. Łączna moc silników napędzających urządzenia technologiczne uzależniona jest od specyfiki złoża oraz
The Impact of the Estimation of the Parameters Values on the Accuracy of Predicting the Impacts of Mining Exploitation / Wpływ Oszacowania Wartości Parametrów Modelu Na Dokładność Prognozowania Wpływów Eksploatacji Górniczej

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedojadło, Zygmunt; Gruszczyński, Wojciech

2015-03-01

The possibility of the assessment of the probability that the acceptable values of deformation indexes will be exceeded and the introduction of the coefficient of safety are more and more seriously considered in case of predicting the impacts of exploitation both on the surface and the shaft tube. This article presents the mentioned above issue focusing on the authors' project of the exploitation in the protective pillars of the shafts of the Legnica and Głogów Copper Area (LGOM). To assess the accuracy of the predicted deformation indexes Monte Carlo method (often used in statistics) was proposed as well as the strict and approximate analysis using the law of error propagation. The values of vertical strains were analysed, as the most important at the assessment of the state of deformation of the shaft tube. The comparison of the results obtained with different methods confirmed the correctness of the carried out calculations. The applied methods allowed the analysis of the impact of individual parameters of the model on the prediction of the accuracy of forecast. This article makes the continuation of the solutions of the article (Niedojadło & Gruszczyński, 2010) thus some contents essential for the continuity of understanding were repeated here. Możliwość oceny prawdopodobieństwa przekroczenia dopuszczalnych wartości wskaźników deformacji oraz wprowadzenie współczynnika bezpieczeństwa coraz częściej są brane pod uwagę w przypadku prognozowania wpływów eksploatacji tak na powierzchnię jak i rurę szybową. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono powyższe zagadnienie na przykładzie autorskiego projektu eksploatacji w filarach ochronnych szybów LGOM. Do oceny dokładności prognozowanych wskaźników deformacji zaproponowano wykorzystywaną w statystyce metodę Monte Carlo oraz analizę ścisłą i przybliżoną wykorzystującą prawo przenoszenia się błędów średnich. Analizowano wartości odkształceń pionowych
Modern-Day Public Space in the Historical Context of a City - New Development of the Cathedral Square (Domplatz) in Hamburg/ Współczesna Przestrzeń Publiczna W Hsitorycznym Kontekście Miasta - Nowe Zagospodarowanie Placu Katedralnego (Domplatz) W Hamburgu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jóźwik, Renata

2015-06-01

The article presents the history of transforming one of the oldest places in Hamburg - the Cathedral Square (Domplatz), as well as the influence of historical factors on the conception behind its development. A tumultuous history, especially the consequences of World War II, has led to the diminishment of its historical significance. The undeveloped quarter once occupied by a prehistoric settlement and St. Mary's Cathedral functioned as an urban wasteland and a parking lot for a few decades. Attempts to change this state of things proved unsuccessful. Currently, revitalization works aimed at renewing city centers are being realized more and more often, in order to make them become competitive against the overly developed suburbs and so as to return to the tradition of forming a European city. The green area established in the Cathedral Square in 2009 was to be built-up initially, but owing to the objection of urban communities - conservators, archeologists, politicians, as well as public opinion, such plans were abandoned. The proposed and realized current form of the square reflects the historical background of the city and honors the importance of the location. The article refers the described example to the Recommendation signed in 2011 by the UNESCO General Conference regarding Historic Urban Landscape. W referacie przedstawiono historię przekształcania się jednego z najstarszych najstarszych miejsc Hamburga - Placu Katedralnego (Domplatz) oraz wpływ czynników historycznych na koncepcję jego zagospodarowania. Burzliwa historia, przede wszystkim konsekwencje II wojny światowej, doprowadziła do zatarcia jego historycznego znaczenia. Niezabudowany kwartał po dawnym grodzie i Katedrze Mariackiej przez kilkadziesiąt lat funkcjonował jako nieużytek miejski i parking. Podejmowane próby zmiany tego stanu były nieefektywne. Obecnie coraz częściej realizowane są działania rewitalizacyjne, których celem jest odnowa centrów miast, tak aby stały si
Time for change: a roadmap to guide the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code 2015

PubMed Central

Dvorak, Jiri; Baume, Norbert; Botré, Francesco; Broséus, Julian; Budgett, Richard; Frey, Walter O; Geyer, Hans; Harcourt, Peter Rex; Ho, Dave; Howman, David; Isola, Victor; Lundby, Carsten; Marclay, François; Peytavin, Annie; Pipe, Andrew; Pitsiladis, Yannis P; Reichel, Christian; Robinson, Neil; Rodchenkov, Grigory; Saugy, Martial; Sayegh, Souheil; Segura, Jordi; Thevis, Mario; Vernec, Alan; Viret, Marjolaine; Vouillamoz, Marc; Zorzoli, Mario

2014-01-01

A medical and scientific multidisciplinary consensus meeting was held from 29 to 30 November 2013 on Anti-Doping in Sport at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, to create a roadmap for the implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. The consensus statement and accompanying papers set out the priorities for the antidoping community in research, science and medicine. The participants achieved consensus on a strategy for the implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. Key components of this strategy include: (1) sport-specific risk assessment, (2) prevalence measurement, (3) sport-specific test distribution plans, (4) storage and reanalysis, (5) analytical challenges, (6) forensic intelligence, (7) psychological approach to optimise the most deterrent effect, (8) the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and confounding factors, (9) data management system (Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS), (10) education, (11) research needs and necessary advances, (12) inadvertent doping and (13) management and ethics: biological data. True implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code will depend largely on the ability to align thinking around these core concepts and strategies. FIFA, jointly with all other engaged International Federations of sports (Ifs), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), are ideally placed to lead transformational change with the unwavering support of the wider antidoping community. The outcome of the consensus meeting was the creation of the ad hoc Working Group charged with the responsibility of moving this agenda forward. PMID:24764550
Neuropsychology Within a Tertiary Care Epilepsy Center.

PubMed

Morrison, Chris E; MacAllister, William S; Barr, William B

2018-05-01

Epilepsy is a prevalent condition characterized by variations in its clinical presentation, etiology, and amenability to treatment. Through history, neuropsychologists have played a significant role in performing research studies on changes in language, memory, and executive functioning in patients with epilepsy, including those undergoing surgical treatment for medically refractory seizures. These studies provided a foundation for establishing neuropsychologists as critical members of interdisciplinary clinical teams specializing in evaluation and treatment of epilepsy. This article describes a number of elements of specialized neuropsychological practice that have evolved over the years within a tertiary care epilepsy center. Through diagnostic interview and objective testing, the neuropsychologist is able to provide a more complete and objective understanding of a patient's cognitive and behavioral functioning than what is obtained by other clinicians through brief office visits. While assessment of cognition, mood, and behavior is the most commonly provided service to patients with epilepsy from all age groups, there are many instances when neuropsychologists in surgical settings are called to perform more specialized procedures, including the intracarotid amytal (Wada) procedure, electrocortical stimulation mapping of language eloquent brain regions, and functional brain imaging procedures. While working as a neuropsychologist on an interdisciplinary epilepsy care team requires specialized knowledge and clinical training, it is extremely satisfying due to the diversity of the patient population and the particular challenges resulting from the often unique manner that cognition and behavior can be affected in patients with epilepsy across the lifespan.
Optimizing estimation of hemispheric dominance for language using magnetic source imaging

PubMed Central

Passaro, Antony D.; Rezaie, Roozbeh; Moser, Dana C.; Li, Zhimin; Dias, Nadeeka; Papanicolaou, Andrew C.

2011-01-01

The efficacy of magnetoencephalography (MEG) as an alternative to invasive methods for investigating the cortical representation of language has been explored in several studies. Recently, studies comparing MEG to the gold standard Wada procedure have found inconsistent and often less-than accurate estimates of laterality across various MEG studies. Here we attempted to address this issue among normal right-handed adults (N=12) by supplementing a well-established MEG protocol involving word recognition and the single dipole method with a sentence comprehension task and a beamformer approach localizing neural oscillations. Beamformer analysis of word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks revealed a desynchronization in the 10–18 Hz range, localized to the temporo-parietal cortices. Inspection of individual profiles of localized desynchronization (10–18 Hz) revealed left hemispheric dominance in 91.7% and 83.3% of individuals during the word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks, respectively. In contrast, single dipole analysis yielded lower estimates, such that activity in temporal language regions was left-lateralized in 66.7% and 58.3% of individuals during word recognition and sentence comprehension, respectively. The results obtained from the word recognition task and localization of oscillatory activity using a beamformer appear to be in line with general estimates of left hemispheric dominance for language in normal right-handed individuals. Furthermore, the current findings support the growing notion that changes in neural oscillations underlie critical components of linguistic processing. PMID:21890118
Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of technical staff towards doping in Spanish football.

PubMed

Morente-Sánchez, Jaime; Zabala, Mikel

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to understand the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge among technical staff members of Spanish football teams regarding doping. The sample was drawn from 88 football teams that ranged from elite to under-18 categories. The 237 stakeholders (34.45 ± 8.59 years) were categorised as follows: coaches (COA) (n = 101), physical trainers (PT) (n = 68) and rest of technical staff (RTS) (n = 68). The descriptive exploratory design used an instrument that combined a validated questionnaire (Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale; PEAS) with specific, qualitative open-ended questions. The overall mean score from the PEAS (range, 17-102, with higher scores representing more permissive attitudes towards doping) was 31.64 ± 10.77; for COA, 31.91 ± 11.42; for PT, 31.28 ± 9.44; and for RTS, 31.58 ± 11.18. Regarding participants' knowledge and beliefs, most respondents (57.6%) did not know the meaning of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency); 84.9% did not know the prohibited list; and 39.2% had used/recommended supplements. In addition, 87.2% recognised "differential treatment of doping among sports," with cycling considered most affected (62.6%) and team sports least (27.2%, with football at 15%). The dangerous lack of knowledge highlights the necessity for anti-doping education and prevention programs for all football stakeholders, not just athletes.
Dietary supplements containing prohibited substances.

PubMed

van der Bijl, P; Tutelyan, V A

2013-01-01

Dietary supplement use among athletes to enhance performance is proliferating as more individuals strive for obtaining that chemical competitive edge. As a result the concomitant use of dietary supplements containing performance-enhancing substances of those falling in the categories outlined in the current review, can also be expected to rise. This despite ever-increasing sophisticated analytical methodology techniques being used to assay dietary supplement and urine samples in doping laboratories. The reasons for this include that a variety of these chemical entities, many of them on the prohibited drug list of the WADA, are being produced on commercial scales in factories around the world (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, sibutramine, methylhexaneamine, prohormones, 'classic' anabolic steroids, clenbuterol, peptide hormones etc.), aggressive marketing strategies are being employed by companies and these supplements can be easily ordered via e.g. the internet. It can also be anticipated that there will be an increase in the number of supplements containing 'designer' steroids and other 'newer' molecules. Chromatographic techniques combined with mass spectrometry leading to identification of molecular fragments and productions will assist in determining these substances. To prevent accidental doping, information regarding dietary supplements must be provided to athletes, coaches and sports doctors at all levels of competition. The risks of accidental doping via dietary supplement ingestion can be minimized by using 'safe' products listed on databases, e.g. such as those available in The Netherlands and Germany.

Time for change: a roadmap to guide the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code 2015.

PubMed

Dvorak, Jiri; Baume, Norbert; Botré, Francesco; Broséus, Julian; Budgett, Richard; Frey, Walter O; Geyer, Hans; Harcourt, Peter Rex; Ho, Dave; Howman, David; Isola, Victor; Lundby, Carsten; Marclay, François; Peytavin, Annie; Pipe, Andrew; Pitsiladis, Yannis P; Reichel, Christian; Robinson, Neil; Rodchenkov, Grigory; Saugy, Martial; Sayegh, Souheil; Segura, Jordi; Thevis, Mario; Vernec, Alan; Viret, Marjolaine; Vouillamoz, Marc; Zorzoli, Mario

2014-05-01

A medical and scientific multidisciplinary consensus meeting was held from 29 to 30 November 2013 on Anti-Doping in Sport at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, to create a roadmap for the implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. The consensus statement and accompanying papers set out the priorities for the antidoping community in research, science and medicine. The participants achieved consensus on a strategy for the implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code. Key components of this strategy include: (1) sport-specific risk assessment, (2) prevalence measurement, (3) sport-specific test distribution plans, (4) storage and reanalysis, (5) analytical challenges, (6) forensic intelligence, (7) psychological approach to optimise the most deterrent effect, (8) the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and confounding factors, (9) data management system (Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS), (10) education, (11) research needs and necessary advances, (12) inadvertent doping and (13) management and ethics: biological data. True implementation of the 2015 World Anti-Doping Code will depend largely on the ability to align thinking around these core concepts and strategies. FIFA, jointly with all other engaged International Federations of sports (Ifs), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), are ideally placed to lead transformational change with the unwavering support of the wider antidoping community. The outcome of the consensus meeting was the creation of the ad hoc Working Group charged with the responsibility of moving this agenda forward.
Optimizing estimation of hemispheric dominance for language using magnetic source imaging.

PubMed

Passaro, Antony D; Rezaie, Roozbeh; Moser, Dana C; Li, Zhimin; Dias, Nadeeka; Papanicolaou, Andrew C

2011-10-06

The efficacy of magnetoencephalography (MEG) as an alternative to invasive methods for investigating the cortical representation of language has been explored in several studies. Recently, studies comparing MEG to the gold standard Wada procedure have found inconsistent and often less-than accurate estimates of laterality across various MEG studies. Here we attempted to address this issue among normal right-handed adults (N=12) by supplementing a well-established MEG protocol involving word recognition and the single dipole method with a sentence comprehension task and a beamformer approach localizing neural oscillations. Beamformer analysis of word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks revealed a desynchronization in the 10-18Hz range, localized to the temporo-parietal cortices. Inspection of individual profiles of localized desynchronization (10-18Hz) revealed left hemispheric dominance in 91.7% and 83.3% of individuals during the word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks, respectively. In contrast, single dipole analysis yielded lower estimates, such that activity in temporal language regions was left-lateralized in 66.7% and 58.3% of individuals during word recognition and sentence comprehension, respectively. The results obtained from the word recognition task and localization of oscillatory activity using a beamformer appear to be in line with general estimates of left hemispheric dominance for language in normal right-handed individuals. Furthermore, the current findings support the growing notion that changes in neural oscillations underlie critical components of linguistic processing. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Implementation of the biological passport: the experience of the International Cycling Union.

PubMed

Zorzoli, Mario; Rossi, Francesca

2010-01-01

The concept of the biological passport is to evaluate, on an individual and longitudinal basis, the effects of doping substances and prohibited methods--blood doping and gene doping--on the body. Indirect biological markers can be measured and used to establish an individual's biological profile, when variations in an athlete's profile are found to be incompatible with physiological or medical conditions; a disciplinary procedure may be launched on the presumption that a prohibited substance or method has been used. As such, an athlete with a biological passport is his or her own reference. The International Cycling Union (UCI) launched the biological passport programme in January 2008 in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The UCI programme includes more than 850 athletes. These athletes are subject to urinary and blood anti-doping tests both in- and out-of-competition several times a year. Almost 20 000 samples were collected in 2008 and 2009. In this article, the real-time process from sample collection to the opening of a disciplinary procedure is described. The establishment of this large-scale programme is discussed; the modalities which have to be applied and the difficulties encountered are presented. As for the results, some examples of normal and abnormal profiles are illustrated and indirect deterrent advantages of the programme are shown. Suggestions to improve the efficacy of the fight against doping through the implementation of the biological passport are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as an alternative to PCR: A rapid on-site detection of gene doping.

PubMed

Salamin, Olivier; Kuuranne, Tiia; Saugy, Martial; Leuenberger, Nicolas

2017-11-01

Innovation in medical research has been diverted at multiple occasions to enhance human performance. The predicted great progress in gene therapy has raised some concerns regarding its misuse in the world of sports (gene doping) for several years now. Even though there is no evidence that gene doping has ever been used in sports, the continuous improvement of gene therapy techniques increases the likelihood of abuse. Therefore, since 2004, efforts have been invested by the anti-doping community and WADA for the development of detection methods. Several nested PCR and qPCR-based strategies exploiting the absence of introns in the transgenic DNA have been proposed for the long-term detection of transgene in blood. Despite their great sensitivity, those protocols are hampered by limitations of the techniques that can be cumbersome and costly. The purpose of this perspective is to describe a new approach based on loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of gene doping. This protocol enables a rapid and simple method to amplify nucleic acids with a high sensitivity and specificity and with a simple visual detection of the results. LAMP is already being used in clinical application for the detection of viruses or mutations. Therefore, this technique has the potential to be further developed for the detection of foreign genetic material in elite athletes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentrations of nandrolone metabolites in urine after the therapeutic administration of an ophthalmic solution.

PubMed

Avois, Lidia; Mangin, Patrice; Saugy, Martial

2007-05-09

Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, is used for the treatment of several diseases and is available in various pharmaceutical formulations. The most widely used pharmaceutical formulation is Deca-Durabolin, but other products, such as Keratyl eye drops solution, are also currently administered. Nandrolone is one of the most abused anabolic steroid in sports. Analyses for this anabolic steroid according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) protocol are based on the identification of the nandrolone two main urinary metabolites which, in humans, are glucuronides of 19-norandrosterone and 19-noretiocholanolone. A positive cut off limit of 2 ng/mL has been set by the anti-doping code for the first metabolite, 19-norandrosterone. In this preliminary study, an eye drops solution (Keratyl) containing a therapeutic dose of a nandrolone sodium sulphate was administered to several male volunteers during 3 days and urines were collected during 3 weeks. Surprisingly, contrary to all expectations, the urinary concentrations measured in urines reached 450 ng/mL and 70 ng/mL for norandrosterone and noretiocholanolone, respectively. Moreover, concentration levels near to 2 ng/mL were found, more than 2 weeks after the last administration, depending on individual metabolism. Inter-variability as well as intra-variability of nandrolone excretion kinetic, regarding this particular administration mode, were also evaluated. Quantification of nandrolone metabolites was performed by GC-MS. The method was previously validated in terms of specificity, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, robustness, accuracy and the expanded uncertainty was also evaluated.
[Use of stimulants and drugs of abuse in sport: the Italian experience].

PubMed

Strano Rossi, Sabina; Abate, Maria Gabriella; Braganò, Maria Cristina; Botrè, Francesco

2009-01-01

The incidence of the abuse of illicit drugs in sport may be a useful indicator of the extent of the phenomenon among the youth population. Many drugs of abuse are included in the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Prohibited List, and are therefore routinely tested for in antidoping controls. This study presents the data obtained in tests carried out in the period 2003- 2007 at the Antidoping Laboratory of Rome, on 44781 samples analysed. The methods used are those developed by the Laboratory for routine antidoping analyses. The percentage of positive test results ranges from 1.1 to 2%, with a high incidence of stimulants and drugs of abuse. The substance most frequently found is THC metabolite, which accounts for 0.2-0.4% of the total, followed by cocaine metabolites, accounting for 0.1%. Other stimulants found are ephedrines, carphedon, modafinil, and anorexic compounds such as phendimetrazine and norfenfluramine. No amphetamines or amphetaminelike designer drugs have been detected. These data may be indicative of the widespread incidence of cocaine and cannabis abuse among the young Italian population, bearing in mind that the phenomenon is underestimated in this study, due to the fact that drugs of abuse are investigated only in samples involved in competitive sport, and especially to the fact that people doing such activities take more care of their health and are subject to greater control in their behaviour and habits with respect to the 'normal' population.
Is Passive Smoking Associated With Sleep Disturbance Among Pregnant Women?

PubMed Central

Ohida, Takashi; Kaneita, Yoshitaka; Osaki, Yoneatsu; Harano, Satoru; Tanihata, Takeo; Takemura, Shinji; Wada, Kiyoshi; Kanda, Hideyuki; Hayashi, Kenji; Uchiyama, Makoto

2007-01-01

Study Objective: Pregnant women suffer from sleep disturbance, which may be aggravated by passive smoking. In this study we investigated the effects of passive smoking on sleep disturbance during pregnancy. Design: Two cross-sectional questionnaire surveys conducted in 2002 and 2006. Setting: Clinical institutions specializing in obstetrics and gynecology that participated in the nationwide surveys: 260 in the 2002 survey and 344 in the 2006 survey. Participants: 16,396 and 19,386 pregnant women in Japan surveyed in 2002 and 2006, respectively. Intervention: N/A. Measurements and Results: Pregnant women exposed to passive smoking were likely to have sleep disturbances, such as subjective insufficient sleep, difficulty in initiating sleep, short sleep duration, and snoring loudly/breathing uncomfortably. Smoking pregnant women had the same sleep disturbances and also experienced excessive daytime sleepiness and early morning awakening. The prevalence of 5 types of sleep disturbance (insufficient sleep, difficulty in initiating sleep, short sleep duration, excessive daytime sleepiness, and snoring loudly/breathing uncomfortably) among nonsmokers with environmental tobacco smoke showed a mean value intermediate between that of active smokers and that of nonsmokers without environmental tobacco smoke. Conclusion: Passive smoking is independently associated with increased sleep disturbance during pregnancy. Citation: Ohida T; Kaneita Y; Osaki Y; Harano S; Tanihata T; Takemura S; Wada K; Kanda H; Hayashi K; Uchiyama M. Is passive smoking associated with sleep disturbance among pregnant women? SLEEP 2007;30(9):1155-1161. PMID:17910387
Thermal Power Of The TS-300B Refrigerator in the Aspects of Statistical Research / Moc Cieplna Chłodziarki TS-300B W Aspekcie Badań Statystycznych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Bernard; Łuczak, Rafał

2015-09-01

refrigerator, both on the test stand in the manufacturer's laboratory and in the workings of underground mines. The evaluation of the measurement data distributions, as well as an analysis of the basic descriptive statistics of the mentioned variables were carried out, determining their measures of central tendency, location, dispersion and asymmetry. Artykuł dotyczy poprawy cieplnych warunków pracy w wyrobiskach górniczych kopalń podziemnych stosujących lokalne systemy chłodnicze. Rozważa się w nim skuteczność schładzania powietrza chłodziarką sprężarkową bezpośredniego działania typu TS-300B. Bardzo często, w wyniku niedotrzymania wymaganych warunków pracy wymienionego systemu chłodzenia powietrza, występują rozbieżności między prognozowanymi, a więc oczekiwanymi efektami jego pracy a rzeczywistością. Dlatego, dla poprawy skuteczności pracy tego systemu, opracowano, pod kątem efektywnego wykorzystania mocy chłodniczej parownika takiej chłodziarki, łatwe w zastosowaniu praktycznym kryteria jakości. Otrzymano je w postaci modeli statystycznych określających wpływ zmiennych niezależnych, tj. parametrów powietrza wlotowego do parownika (temperatury, wilgotności i wydatku objętościowego) oraz parametrów wody chłodzącej skraplacz (temperatury i wydatku objętościowego) na moc cieplną chłodnicy powietrza traktowaną jako zmienna zależna. Równania statystyczne opisujące pracę rozważanego systemu chłodzenia powietrza wyznaczono na podstawie wielorakiej regresji liniowej i nieliniowej. Utworzone funkcje zmodyfikowano poprzez zmianę wartości współczynników w przypadku regresji liniowej oraz współczynników i wykładników w przypadku regresji nieliniowej, przy zmiennych niezależnych. Otrzymano w ten sposób funkcje dogodniejsze w praktycznych wykorzystaniach. Korzystając z metod statystyki klasycznej oceniono jakość dopasowania funkcji regresji do danych eksperymentalnych. Porównano także wartości mocy cieplnych
Simulation-Assisted Evaluation of Grinding Circuit Flowsheet Design Alternatives: Aghdarreh Gold Ore Processing Plant / Ocena Alternatywnych Schematów Technologicznych Procesu Rozdrabniania W Zakładach Przeróbki Rud Złota W Aghdarreh, Z Wykorzystaniem Metod Symulacji

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farzanegan, A.; Ghalaei, A. Ebtedaei

2015-03-01

modification. Surowy urobek z kopalni rud złota Aghdarreh musi najpierw zostać poddany rozdrobnieniu, aby zapewnić efektywniejsze uwalnianie cząsteczek złota. W chwili obecnej obiegi rozdrabniania obejmują kruszenie jednostopniowe z wykorzystaniem kruszarek szczękowych oraz kruszenie jednostopniowe z użyciem kruszarek półautomatycznych w obiegu zamkniętym z hydrocyklonem. Odzysk złota odbywa się przy zastosowaniu procesu ługowania, z zastosowaniem metody cyjankowej w szeregu mieszalników. W pracy tej przeprowadzono optymalizację procesu rozdrabniania rud w zakładach przeróbczych Aghdarreh prowadzonego w celu zmniejszenia rozmiarów uzyskiwanych cząsteczek złota (Ps0) z 70 μm do ok. 40 μm poprzez zapewnienie ciągłości procesu, z wykorzystaniem metod modelowania i symulacji. Na podstawie dwóch zestawów próbek z ciągu technologicznego rozdrabniania, rozkłady wielkości cząstek zostały statystycznie zrównoważone z wykorzystaniem oprogramowania NorBal. Pierwszy i drugi zbiór danych otrzymanych na podstawie dwóch zestawów próbek wykorzystany został do kalibracji i walidacji modeli, przed przystąpieniem do właściwych badań symulacyjnych z użyciem oprogramowania MODSIM. Symulacje komputerowe przeprowadzono w celu oceny wydajności dwóch proponowanych ciągów technologicznych. Pierwszy ciąg obejmuje istniejące kruszarki półautomatyczne i nowo proponowaną kruszarkę kulową pracującą w obiegu zamkniętym z hydrocyklonem. Drugi rozważany ciąg stanowi istniejąca kruszarka półautomatyczna, następnie proponowana kruszarka kulowa pracująca w obiegu zamkniętym z istniejącym hydrocyklonem. We wszystkich symulacjach bazowano na modelach SAGT, CYCL i MILL do symulacji pracy kruszarek półautomatycznych, pakietu hydrocyklonu oraz pojedynczych kruszarek. Modele SAGT i MILL oparte są na modelu zrównoważonej populacji w procesie rozdrabniania. Model CYCL opiera się na empirycznym modelu klasyfikacji Plitta
YI Kwang Su's Love and history records of modern hospital under the japanese colonial period.

PubMed

Lee, Byoung Hoon

2016-12-01

activities and hospital. In this respect, Bukgando Catholic hospital in Love has a great value as historical material. The medical activity of catholic churches was weak than protestant's one under the japanese colonial period. But there were catholic church's medical activities and hospitals. The catholic church's professional medical activities are mainly deployed since the 1930s in earnest, especially Bukgando Catholic hospital played an important role. The catholic hospital in this novel is valuable material to understand medical activities of catholic church. Third form of the modern hospital described in the Love is tuberculosis sanitarium. WADA Tomomi maintained that the model of Bukhan sanitarium was Kyeongseong sanitarium, that was established by the seventh-day adventist in 1936. She thinks, that the adventist church's treatment is similar to Bukhan sanitarium's. The therapy of the adventist church, however, was common from tuberculosis treatment at the time and AN Bin was not adventist. And WADA Tomomi said that 'ozone' therapy of Bukhan sanitarium came from Kyeongseong sanitarium. But we can find this therapy in Haeju sanitarium. In this respect, AN Bin's sanitarium is similar to Haeju sanitarium. YI Kwang Su had not modeled his Bukhan sanitarium on certain sanitarium. He had integrated the materials on sanitarium and envisioned Bukhan sanitarium. Here Haeju sanitarium played important role than Kyeongseong sanitarium. In conclusion, Love has a special meaning as an important historical material, that restore and understand the history of the modern hospital. Literature is worth as a record of the society. In particular, novel infuses human breath into the history record, as if we can see the motion picture.
Renovation of Large-Panel Buildings in Context of Urban Renewal/ Remonty Budynków Wielkopłytowych, Jako Element Rewitalizacji Miast

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ligęza, Wiesław

2015-06-01

The article presents issues connected with renovating multi-storey precast concrete buildings, resulting from the consequences of construction defects occurring over the course of the building process and use of the buildings, as well as design flaws and construction defects when insulating external partitions. Analyses and conclusions which stem from them cover issues of renovation in the light of: damage in the vertical and horizontal joints, damage to the connection of layers in three-layer load-bearing and curtain walls, the effect of the damage on the possibilities of carrying out functional modernization of residential units, the effect of the damage on the effectiveness of thermo-modernization - new problems related to faulty insulation W artykule przedstawiono zagadnienia remontowe w budynkach wielkopłytowych wynikające ze skutków wad budowlanych powstałych w czasie budowy i eksploatacji oraz wad projektowych i wykonawczych przy realizacji docieplenia przegród zewnętrznych. Analizy i wynikające z nich wnioski obejmują zagadnienia remontowe w świetle: uszkodzeń w złączach pionowych i poziomych, uszkodzeń połączenia warstw w ścianach trójwarstwowych nośnych i osłonowych, wpływu uszkodzeń na możliwości modernizacji funkcjonalnej lokali mieszkalnych, wpływu uszkodzeń na skuteczność termomodernizacji - nowe problemy w aspekcie źle wykonanego ocieplenia.
Wpływ wybranych czynników środowiskowych na maksymalny przepływ nosowy wdechowy - część projektu ECAP (Epidemiologia Chorób Alergicznych w Polsce).

PubMed

Krzych-Fałta, Edyta; Furmańczyk, Konrad; Piekarska, Barbara; Sybilski, Adam; Samoliński, Bolesław

2017-02-28

Celem niniejszej pracy była próba określenia wpływu wybranych czynników/parametrów na wynik maksymalnego przepływu nosowego wdechowego (PNIF, ang. peak nasal inspiratory flow) w badanej populacji polskiej projektu Epidemiologia Chorób Alergicznych w Polsce (ECAP). Materiał/metody: Badaną populację stanowiła grupa dzieci w wieku 6-7 lat (n=1123), młodzieży w wieku 13-14 lat (n=1136) oraz dorosłych (n=1876) zamieszkałych w siedmiu dużych polskich miastach. W badaniu posłużono się pomiarem maksymalnego przepływu nosowego wdechowego (PNIF). Do oceny wpływu wybranych czynników na wartości PNIF wykorzystano przetłumaczone i walidowane kwestionariusze opracowane na potrzeby światowych badań ECRHS II (European Community Respiratory Health Survey II) i ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood). Wyniki: Określone warunki wewnątrz gospodarstwa domowego, m.in. ogrzewanie węglem, drewnem lub piecem gazowym, istotnie zwiększają przekrwienie błony śluzowej nosa. W grupie biernych palaczy PNIF był niższy niż w grupie czynnych palaczy. Wskaźnik PNIF malał wraz ze wzrostem liczby domowników palących papierosy. Wnioski: Wybrane czynniki środowiska.
Examples of Solutions for Steel-Concrete Composite Structures in Bridge Engineering / Przykłady Konstrukcji Zespolonych W Budownictwie Mostowym

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flaga, Kazimierz; Furtak, Kazimierz

2015-03-01

The aim of the article [1] was to discuss the application of steel-concrete composite structures in bridge engineering in the aspect of structural design, analysis and execution. It was pointed out that the concept of steel-concrete structural composition is far from exhausted and new solutions interesting from the engineering, scientific and aesthetic points of view of are constantly emerging. These latest trends are presented against the background of the solutions executed in Poland and abroad. Particular attention is focused on structures of double composition and steel-concrete structures. Concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) structures are highlighted. W artykule [1] omówiono problemy konstrukcyjne, obliczeniowe i realizacyjne, związane z zastosowaniem konstrukcji zespolonych stal-beton w mostownictwie. Wskazano tam, że idea konstrukcyjnego zespolenia stali z betonem jest jeszcze daleka do wyczerpania i że wciąż pojawiają się nowe rozwiązania interesujące z inżynierskiego, naukowego i estetycznego punktu widzenia. W artykule niniejszym pokazano te nowoczesne trendy na tle rozwiązań zrealizowanych w Polsce i na świecie. Szczególną uwagę poświęcono konstrukcjom podwójnie zespolonym oraz konstrukcjom stalowobetonowym. Wyeksponowano tu szczególnie konstrukcje z rur stalowych wypełnionych betonem, typu CFST. Dają one nadzieję na ich szersze zastosowanie w warunkach polskich.
Pseudoephedrine and circadian rhythm interaction on neuromuscular performance.

PubMed

Pallarés, J G; López-Samanes, Á; Fernández-Elías, V E; Aguado-Jiménez, R; Ortega, J F; Gómez, C; Ventura, R; Segura, J; Mora-Rodríguez, R

2015-12-01

This study analyzed the effects of pseudoephedrine (PSE) provided at different time of day on neuromuscular performance, side effects, and violation of the current doping cut-off threshold [World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)]. Nine resistance-trained males carried out bench press and full squat exercises against four incremental loads (25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% one repetition maximum [1RM]), in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Participants ingested either 180 mg of PSE (supra-therapeutic dose) or placebo in the morning (7:00 h; AM(PLAC) and AM(PSE)) and in the afternoon (17:00 h; PM(PLAC) and PM(PSE)). PSE enhanced muscle contraction velocity against 25% and 50% 1RM loads, only when it was ingested in the mornings, and only in the full squat exercise (4.4-8.7%; P < 0.05). PSE ingestion raised urine and plasma PSE concentrations (P < 0.05) regardless of time of day; however, cathine only increased in the urine samples. PSE ingestion resulted in positive tests occurring in 11% of samples, and it rose some adverse side effects such us tachycardia and heart palpitations. Ingestion of a single dose of 180 mg of PSE results in enhanced lower body muscle contraction velocity against low and moderate loads only in the mornings. These mild performance improvements are accompanied by undesirable side effects and an 11% risk of surpassing the doping threshold. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Oxygen Permeability and Grain-Boundary Diffusion Applied to Alumina Scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, James L.; Jacobson, Nathan S.; Gleeson, Brian; Hovis, David B.; Heuer, Arthur H.

2013-01-01

High-temperature oxygen permeability measurements had determined grain-boundary diffusivities (deltaD(sub gb)) in bulk polycrystalline alumina (Wada, Matsudaira, and Kitaoka). They predict that oxygen deltaD(sub gb,O) varies with oxygen pressure as P(O2)(sup -1/6) at low pressure whereas aluminum deltaD(sub gb),Al varies with P(O2)(sup +3/16) at high pressure. These relations were used to evaluate alumina scale growth in terms of diffusivity and grain size. A modified Wagner treatment for dominant inward oxygen growth produces the concise solution: ?(sub i) = k(sub p,i)×G(sub i) = 12 deltaD(sub gb,O,int), where ?(sub i) is a constant and k(sub p,i) and G(sub i) refer to instantaneous values of the scale parabolic growth constant and grain size, respectively. A commercial FeCrAl(Zr) alloy was oxidized at 1100 to 1400 degC to determine k(sub p,i), interfacial grain size, ?, and thus deltaD(sub gb,O,int). The deltaD(sub gb,O,int) values predicted from oxidation at (375 kJ/mole) were about 20 times less than those obtained above (at 298 kJ/mole), but closer than extrapolations from high-temperature bulk measurements. The experimental oxidation results agree with similar FeCrAl(X) studies, especially where both k(sub p,i) and G(sub i) were characterized. This complete approach accounts for temperature-sensitive oxidation effects of grain enlargement, equilibrium interface pressure variation, and grain-boundary diffusivity.
Enhancement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) degradation of misfolded Null Hong Kong alpha1-antitrypsin by human ER mannosidase I.

PubMed

Hosokawa, Nobuko; Tremblay, Linda O; You, Zhipeng; Herscovics, Annette; Wada, Ikuo; Nagata, Kazuhiro

2003-07-11

Misfolded glycoproteins synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are degraded by cytoplasmic proteasomes, a mechanism known as ERAD (ER-associated degradation). In the present study, we demonstrate that ERAD of the misfolded genetic variant-null Hong Kong alpha1-antitrypsin is enhanced by overexpression of the ER processing alpha1,2-mannosidase (ER ManI) in HEK 293 cells, indicating the importance of ER ManI in glycoprotein quality control. We showed previously that EDEM, an enzymatically inactive mannosidase homolog, interacts with misfolded alpha1-antitrypsin and accelerates its degradation (Hosokawa, N., Wada, I., Hasegawa, K., Yorihuzi, T., Tremblay, L. O., Herscovics, A., and Nagata, K. (2001) EMBO Rep. 2, 415-422). Herein we demonstrate a combined effect of ER ManI and EDEM on ERAD of misfolded alpha1-antitrypsin. We also show that misfolded alpha1-antitrypsin NHK contains labeled Glc1Man9GlcNAc and Man5-9GlcNAc released by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H in pulse-chase experiments with [2-3H]mannose. Overexpression of ER ManI greatly increases the formation of Man8GlcNAc, induces the formation of Glc1Man8GlcNAc and increases trimming to Man5-7GlcNAc. We propose a model whereby the misfolded glycoprotein interacts with ER ManI and with EDEM, before being recognized by downstream ERAD components. This detailed characterization of oligosaccharides associated with a misfolded glycoprotein raises the possibility that the carbohydrate recognition determinant triggering ERAD may not be restricted to Man8GlcNAc2 isomer B as previous studies have suggested.
Neuropsychology Outcomes Following Trephine Epilepsy Surgery: The Inferior Temporal Gyrus Approach for Amygdalohippocampectomy in Medically Refractory Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

PubMed

Schoenberg, Mike R; Clifton, William E; Sever, Ryan W; Vale, Fernando L

2018-06-01

Surgery is indicated in cases of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy(MTLE) that are refractory to medical management. The inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) approach provides access to the mesial temporal lobe (MTL) structures with minimal tissue disruption. Reported neuropsychology outcomes following this approach are limited. To report neuropsychological outcomes using an ITG approach to amygdalohippocampectomy (AH) in patients with medically refractory MTLE based on a prospective design. Fifty-four participants had Engel class I/II outcome following resection of MTL using the ITG approach. All participants had localization-related epilepsy confirmed by long-term surface video-electroencephalography and completed pre/postsurgical evaluations that included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Wada test or functional MRI, and neuropsychology assessment. Clinical semiology/video-electroencephalography indicated that of the 54 patients, 28 (52%) had left MTLE and 26 (48%) had right MTLE. Dominant hemisphere resections were performed on 23 patients (43%), nondominant on 31(57%). Twenty-nine (29) had pathology-confirmed mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Group level analyses found declines in verbal memory for patients with language-dominant resections (P < .05). No significant decline in neuropsychological measures occurred for patients with MTS. Participants without MTS who underwent a language-dominant lobe resection exhibited a significant decline in verbal and visual memory (P < .05). Nondominant resection participants did not exhibit significant change in neuropsychology scores (P > .05). Neuropsychology outcomes of an ITG approach for selective mesial temporal resection are comparable to other selective AH techniques showing minimal adverse cognitive effects. These data lend support to the ITG approach for selective AH as an option for MTLE.
Identification of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) in a black market product.

PubMed

Walpurgis, Katja; Thomas, Andreas; Laussmann, Tim; Horta, Luis; Metzger, Sabine; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2011-01-01

The use of growth factors for accelerated healing of sports injuries is restricted under the terms of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) anti-doping code. Cheating athletes have used the black market as a source of performance-enhancing substances. Drugs that currently undergo clinical trials are frequently offered--despite the unknown health risks associated with the administration of unapproved pharmaceuticals. Recently, a new growth factor (referred to as fibroblast growth factor 1/FGF-1) with known effects on the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue was detected in an unlabelled black market product confiscated by the German customs. The identification of the protein was achieved by one- and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE and 2D-PAGE), different proteolytic digestions, immunological methods and nano-liquid chromatography high-resolution/high-accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The SDS-PAGE analysis revealed slight differences concerning the molecular weight of recombinant human and black market FGF-1. Using in-gel proteolysis, a truncation or modification located at the N-terminus of the protein was suggested. These findings demonstrate that drug candidates without clinical approval can be readily obtained from the black market, regardless of potential dangerous consequences for the consumer, which corroborates the necessity of proactive and preventive doping control approaches. In that regard, physiological concentrations of blood and urine specimens collected from healthy individuals were analyzed and were found to range below 28 pg/ml in urine, while there was no detectable FGF-1 in plasma. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doping control analysis of trimetazidine and characterization of major metabolites using mass spectrometric approaches.

PubMed

Sigmund, Gerd; Koch, Anja; Orlovius, Anne-Katrin; Guddat, Sven; Thomas, Andreas; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2014-01-01

Since January 2014, the anti-anginal drug trimetazidine [1-(2,3,4-trimethoxybenzyl)-piperazine] has been classified as prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), necessitating specific and robust detection methods in sports drug testing laboratories. In the present study, the implementation of the intact therapeutic agent into two different initial testing procedures based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is reported, along with the characterization of urinary metabolites by electrospray ionization-high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry. For GC-MS analyses, urine samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction sample preparation, while LC-MS/MS analyses were conducted by established 'dilute-and-inject' approaches. Both screening methods were validated for trimetazidine concerning specificity, limits of detection (0.5-50 ng/mL), intra-day and inter-day imprecision (<20%), and recovery (41%) in case of the GC-MS-based method. In addition, major metabolites such as the desmethylated trimetazidine and the corresponding sulfoconjugate, oxo-trimetazidine, and trimetazidine-N-oxide as identified in doping control samples were used to complement the LC-MS/MS-based assay, although intact trimetazidine was found at highest abundance of the relevant trimetazidine-related analytes in all tested sports drug testing samples. Retrospective data mining regarding doping control analyses conducted between 1999 and 2013 at the Cologne Doping Control Laboratory concerning trimetazidine revealed a considerable prevalence of the drug particularly in endurance and strength sports accounting for up to 39 findings per year. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GENE DOPING IN SPORT – PERSPECTIVES AND RISKS

PubMed Central

Brzeziańska, E; Domańska, D

2014-01-01

In the past few years considerable progress regarding the knowledge of the human genome map has been achieved. As a result, attempts to use gene therapy in patients’ management are more and more often undertaken. The aim of gene therapy is to replace defective genes in vivo and/or to promote the long-term endogenous synthesis of deficient protein. In vitro studies improve the production of human recombinant proteins, such as insulin (INS), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and erythropoietin (EPO), which could have therapeutic application. Unfortunately, genetic methods developed for therapeutic purposes are increasingly being used in competitive sports. Some new substances (e.g., antibodies against myostatin or myostatin blockers) might be used in gene doping in athletes. The use of these substances may cause an increase of body weight and muscle mass and a significant improvement of muscle strength. Although it is proven that uncontrolled manipulation of genetic material and/or the introduction of recombinant proteins may be associated with health risks, athletes are increasingly turning to banned gene doping. At the same time, anti-doping research is undertaken in many laboratories around the world to try to develop and refine ever newer techniques for gene doping detection in sport. Thanks to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other sports organizations there is a hope for real protection of athletes from adverse health effects of gene doping, which at the same time gives a chance to sustain the idea of fair play in sport. PMID:25435666

Anabolic agents: recent strategies for their detection and protection from inadvertent doping

PubMed Central

Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2014-01-01

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, anabolic agents consist of exogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), endogenous AAS and other anabolic agents such as clenbuterol and selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). Currently employed strategies for their improved detection include the prolongation of the detection windows for exogenous AAS, non-targeted and indirect analytical approaches for the detection of modified steroids (designer steroids), the athlete’s biological passport and isotope ratio mass spectrometry for the detection of the misuse of endogenous AAS, as well as preventive doping research for the detection of SARMs. The recent use of these strategies led to 4–80-fold increases of adverse analytical findings for exogenous AAS, to the detection of the misuse of new designer steroids, to adverse analytical findings of different endogenous AAS and to the first adverse analytical findings of SARMs. The strategies of the antidoping research are not only focused on the development of methods to catch the cheating athlete but also to protect the clean athlete from inadvertent doping. Within the past few years several sources of inadvertent doping with anabolic agents have been identified. Among these are nutritional supplements adulterated with AAS, meat products contaminated with clenbuterol, mycotoxin (zearalenone) contamination leading to zeranol findings, and natural products containing endogenous AAS. The protection strategy consists of further investigations in case of reasonable suspicion of inadvertent doping, publication of the results, education of athletes and development of methods to differentiate between intentional and unintentional doping. PMID:24632537
Sports drug testing using complementary matrices: Advantages and limitations.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Geyer, Hans; Tretzel, Laura; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2016-10-25

Today, routine doping controls largely rely on testing whole blood, serum, and urine samples. These matrices allow comprehensively covering inorganic as well as low and high molecular mass organic analytes relevant to doping controls and are collecting and transferring from sampling sites to accredited anti-doping laboratories under standardized conditions. Various aspects including time and cost-effectiveness as well as intrusiveness and invasiveness of the sampling procedure but also analyte stability and breadth of the contained information have been motivation to consider and assess values potentially provided and added to modern sports drug testing programs by alternative matrices. Such alternatives could be dried blood spots (DBS), dried plasma spots (DPS), oral fluid (OF), exhaled breath (EB), and hair. In this review, recent developments and test methods concerning these alternative matrices and expected or proven contributions as well as limitations of these specimens in the context of the international anti-doping fight are presented and discussed, guided by current regulations for prohibited substances and methods of doping as established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Focusing on literature published between 2011 and 2015, examples for doping control analytical assays concerning non-approved substances, anabolic agents, peptide hormones/growth factors/related substances and mimetics, β 2 -agonists, hormone and metabolic modulators, diuretics and masking agents, stimulants, narcotics, cannabinoids, glucocorticoids, and beta-blockers were selected to outline the advantages and limitations of the aforementioned alternative matrices as compared to conventional doping control samples (i.e. urine and blood/serum). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Lateralization of temporal lobe epilepsy and learning disabilities, as defined by disability-related civil rights law.

PubMed

Butterbaugh, Grant; Olejniczak, Piotr; Roques, Betsy; Costa, Richard; Rose, Marcy; Fisch, Bruce; Carey, Michael; Thomson, Jessica; Skinner, John

2004-08-01

Epilepsy research has identified higher rates of learning disorders in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, most studies have not adequately assessed complex functional adult learning skills, such as reading comprehension and written language. We designed this study to evaluate our predictions that higher rates of reading comprehension, written language, and calculation disabilities would be associated with left TLE versus right TLE. Reading comprehension, written language, and calculation skills were assessed by using selected subtests from the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Tests of Achievement-Revised in a consecutive series of 31 presurgical patients with TLE. Learning disabilities were defined by one essential criterion consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Patients had left hemisphere language dominance based on Wada results, left or right TLE based on inpatient EEG monitoring, and negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), other than MRI correlates of mesial temporal sclerosis. Higher rates of reading comprehension, written language, and calculation disabilities were associated with left TLE, as compared with right TLE. Nearly 75% of patients with left TLE, whereas fewer than 10% of those with right TLE, had at least one learning disability. Seizure onset in the language-dominant hemisphere, as compared with the nondominant hemisphere, was associated with higher rates of specific learning disabilities and a history of poor literacy or career development or both. These results support the potential clinical benefits of using lateralization of seizure onset as a predictor of the risk of learning disabilities that, once evaluated, could be accommodated to increase the participation of patients with epilepsy in work and educational settings.
The importance of reference materials in doping-control analysis.

PubMed

Mackay, Lindsey G; Kazlauskas, Rymantas

2011-08-01

Currently a large range of pure substance reference materials are available for calibration of doping-control methods. These materials enable traceability to the International System of Units (SI) for the results generated by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratories. Only a small number of prohibited substances have threshold limits for which quantification is highly important. For these analytes only the highest quality reference materials that are available should be used. Many prohibited substances have no threshold limits and reference materials provide essential identity confirmation. For these reference materials the correct identity is critical and the methods used to assess identity in these cases should be critically evaluated. There is still a lack of certified matrix reference materials to support many aspects of doping analysis. However, in key areas a range of urine matrix materials have been produced for substances with threshold limits, for example 19-norandrosterone and testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio. These matrix-certified reference materials (CRMs) are an excellent independent means of checking method recovery and bias and will typically be used in method validation and then regularly as quality-control checks. They can be particularly important in the analysis of samples close to threshold limits, in which measurement accuracy becomes critical. Some reference materials for isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) analysis are available and a matrix material certified for steroid delta values is currently under production. In other new areas, for example the Athlete Biological Passport, peptide hormone testing, designer steroids, and gene doping, reference material needs still need to be thoroughly assessed and prioritised.
Gene doping in sport - perspectives and risks.

PubMed

Brzeziańska, E; Domańska, D; Jegier, A

2014-12-01

In the past few years considerable progress regarding the knowledge of the human genome map has been achieved. As a result, attempts to use gene therapy in patients' management are more and more often undertaken. The aim of gene therapy is to replace defective genes in vivo and/or to promote the long-term endogenous synthesis of deficient protein. In vitro studies improve the production of human recombinant proteins, such as insulin (INS), growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and erythropoietin (EPO), which could have therapeutic application. Unfortunately, genetic methods developed for therapeutic purposes are increasingly being used in competitive sports. Some new substances (e.g., antibodies against myostatin or myostatin blockers) might be used in gene doping in athletes. The use of these substances may cause an increase of body weight and muscle mass and a significant improvement of muscle strength. Although it is proven that uncontrolled manipulation of genetic material and/or the introduction of recombinant proteins may be associated with health risks, athletes are increasingly turning to banned gene doping. At the same time, anti-doping research is undertaken in many laboratories around the world to try to develop and refine ever newer techniques for gene doping detection in sport. Thanks to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other sports organizations there is a hope for real protection of athletes from adverse health effects of gene doping, which at the same time gives a chance to sustain the idea of fair play in sport.
Calculation of Retention Time Tolerance Windows with Absolute Confidence from Shared Liquid Chromatographic Retention Data

PubMed Central

Boswell, Paul G.; Abate-Pella, Daniel; Hewitt, Joshua T.

2015-01-01

Compound identification by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a tedious process, mainly because authentic standards must be run on a user’s system to be able to confidently reject a potential identity from its retention time and mass spectral properties. Instead, it would be preferable to use shared retention time/index data to narrow down the identity, but shared data cannot be used to reject candidates with an absolute level of confidence because the data are strongly affected by differences between HPLC systems and experimental conditions. However, a technique called “retention projection” was recently shown to account for many of the differences. In this manuscript, we discuss an approach to calculate appropriate retention time tolerance windows for projected retention times, potentially making it possible to exclude candidates with an absolute level of confidence, without needing to have authentic standards of each candidate on hand. In a range of multi-segment gradients and flow rates run among seven different labs, the new approach calculated tolerance windows that were significantly more appropriate for each retention projection than global tolerance windows calculated for retention projections or linear retention indices. Though there were still some small differences between the labs that evidently were not taken into account, the calculated tolerance windows only needed to be relaxed by 50% to make them appropriate for all labs. Even then, 42% of the tolerance windows calculated in this study without standards were narrower than those required by WADA for positive identification, where standards must be run contemporaneously. PMID:26292624
Calculation of retention time tolerance windows with absolute confidence from shared liquid chromatographic retention data.

PubMed

Boswell, Paul G; Abate-Pella, Daniel; Hewitt, Joshua T

2015-09-18

Compound identification by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a tedious process, mainly because authentic standards must be run on a user's system to be able to confidently reject a potential identity from its retention time and mass spectral properties. Instead, it would be preferable to use shared retention time/index data to narrow down the identity, but shared data cannot be used to reject candidates with an absolute level of confidence because the data are strongly affected by differences between HPLC systems and experimental conditions. However, a technique called "retention projection" was recently shown to account for many of the differences. In this manuscript, we discuss an approach to calculate appropriate retention time tolerance windows for projected retention times, potentially making it possible to exclude candidates with an absolute level of confidence, without needing to have authentic standards of each candidate on hand. In a range of multi-segment gradients and flow rates run among seven different labs, the new approach calculated tolerance windows that were significantly more appropriate for each retention projection than global tolerance windows calculated for retention projections or linear retention indices. Though there were still some small differences between the labs that evidently were not taken into account, the calculated tolerance windows only needed to be relaxed by 50% to make them appropriate for all labs. Even then, 42% of the tolerance windows calculated in this study without standards were narrower than those required by WADA for positive identification, where standards must be run contemporaneously. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Factors predicting language lateralization in patients with perisylvian vascular malformations

PubMed Central

Lee, Darrin J.; Pouratian, Nader; Bookheimer, Susan Y.; Martin, Neil A.

2017-01-01

Object The authors conducted a study to determine the factors associated with right-sided language dominance in patients with cerebrovascular malformations. Methods Twenty-two patients with either arteriovenous malformations (AVMs [15 cases]) or cavernous malformations (7 cases) underwent functional MR (fMR) imaging studies of language function; a 3.0-T head-only unit was used. Lateralization indices were calculated separately for Broca and Wernicke areas. Lesion size, Spetzler-Martin grade, and the distance between the lesion and anatomically defined language cortex were calculated for each patient. Results Right-sided language dominance occurred in 5 patients, all of whom had AVMs within 10 mm of canonical language areas. Three patients had right-sided language dominance in the Wernicke area alone whereas 2 had right-sided language dominance in both Broca and Wernicke areas. Wada testing and intraoperative electrocortical stimulation were performed as clinically indicated to corroborate fMR imaging findings. Conclusions The primary factor associated with right-sided language dominance was the AVM being within 10 mm of anatomically defined language areas. The lesion size and the Spetzler-Martin grade were not significant factors. Anomalous fMR imaging laterality was typically confined to the language area proximate to the lesion, with the distal language area remaining in the left hemisphere dominant. This study emphasizes the need to map each case individually in patients with left perisylvian AVMs. Assumptions about eloquent cortex based on anatomical landmarks (a key component of Spetzler-Martin grading) may have to be reconsidered. PMID:20302390
Athletes and Supplements: Prevalence and Perspectives.

PubMed

Garthe, Ina; Maughan, Ronald J

2018-03-01

In elite sport, where opponents are evenly matched, small factors can determine the outcome of sporting contests. Not all athletes know the value of making wise nutrition choices, but anything that might give a competitive edge, including dietary supplements, can seem attractive. Between 40% and 100% of athletes typically use supplements, depending on the type of sport, level of competition, and the definition of supplements. However, unless the athlete has a nutrient deficiency, supplementation may not improve performance and may have a detrimental effect on both performance and health. Dietary supplements are classified as a subcategory of food, so manufacturers are not required to provide evidence of product safety and efficacy, nor obtain approval from regulatory bodies before marketing supplements. This creates the potential for health risks, and serious adverse effects have been reported from the use of some dietary supplements. Athletes who compete in sports under an anti-doping code must also realize that supplement use exposes them to a risk of ingesting banned substances or precursors of prohibited substances. Government systems of regulations do not include specific laboratory testing for banned substances according to the WADA list, so a separate regulatory framework to evaluate supplements for their risk of provoking a failed doping test is needed. In the high-performance culture typical of elite sport, athletes may use supplements regardless of possible risks. A discussion around medical, physiological, cultural, and ethical questions may be warranted to ensure that the athlete has the information needed to make an informed choice.
Specific Types of Coal Macerals from Orzesze and Ruda Beds from "Pniówek" Coal Mine (Upper Silesian Coal Basin - Poland) as a Manifestation of Thermal Metamorphism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczyk, Zdzisław; Komorek, Joanna; Lewandowska, Małgorzata

2014-03-01

Subject of the research were coal samples from the seams of Orzesze and Ruda beds from "Pniówek" coal mine. All samples represent methabituminous coal B, which present high vitrinite content (V mmf > 60%). Optical character of vitrinite from all analyzed coal samples is biaxial negative and it is characterized by low differentiation of bireflectance. The experiments have shown that the coal rank of investigated samples is generally decreasing with increasing both depth of coal seams and the distance between sampling point and the Carboniferous roof. It may suggests inversion of coalification. Specific types of macerals, typical for thermally metamorphosed coals have been found for all analysed coal samples. It was found, presence of such components like: fluorescing bituminous substance (FBS) filling of cellular spaces in semifusinite, fusinite, and funginite; pseudomorphs after megaspores exhibiting strong bireflectance, and anisotropic semifusinite. Petrographic components with a structure similar to structure of coke and pyrolytic carbon were observed rarely. Presence of colotelinite grains which are visible darker, impregnated with bituminous substance and exhibiting weak fluorescence may be related with influence of temperature on coal. Carbonates occur as filling of cellular spaces in semifusinite, in examined coal samples and there are the effect of thermal alteration of coal. Przedmiotem badań były próbki węgla z pokładów warstw orzeskich i rudzkich KWK Pniówek. Badane próbki reprezentują węgiel średniouwęglony typu B (metabitumiczny), wysokowitrynitowy. Stwierdzono, że witrynit z badanych próbek ma dwuosiowy ujemny charakter optyczny i wykazuje małe zróżnicowanie w wartościach dwójodbicia. Przeprowadzone badania wykazały, że stopień uwęglenia badanych próbek generalnie maleje wraz ze wzrostem głębokości występowania pokładów węgla oraz ze wzrostem odległości miejsca opróbowania od stropu karbonu co może wskazywać na
Simulation Method of Designing and Selecting Tensioning Systems for Mining Belt Conveyors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulinowski, Piotr

2014-03-01

This article deals with a methodology developed to design and select tensioning systems with using simulation studies on a belt conveyor model. It describes the structure of a dynamic model of a belt conveyor with distributed parameters and details of physical models of the applied belt tensioning systems. For proper display and comparison of work described tensioning systems are shown examples of the results of simulations carried out on a discrete model of the mining belt conveyor. Presented methodology has been verified through industrial research and realization of a number of complex projects requiring simulation tests of take-up systems of belt conveyors. W artykule przedstawiono symulacyjną metodę projektowania i doboru układów napinania taśmy, wykorzystującą wyniki badań modelowych, będącą często wymaganym rozszerzeniem stosowanych analitycznych metod obliczeniowych (Kulinowski, 2013b). Z uwagi na zjawiska falowe występujące w taśmie podczas nieustalonych stanów pracy przenośników taśmowych, rozruchu, hamowania i pracy przy zmiennej ilości nadawy, wyniki obliczeń uzyskane z wykorzystaniem standardowych metod obliczeniowych można uznać jedynie za szacunkowe lub wstępne do przeprowadzenia badań symulacyjnych. Charakter rozruchu przenośnika taśmowego zależy od typu zastosowanego urządzenia rozruchowego i napinającego, mas wprowadzanych w ruch oraz od własności sprężystych taśmy. Problemy związane z analizą pracy układów napędowych i urządzeń napinających podczas rozruchu przenośników cięgnowych rozwiązano z wykorzystaniem modelu dyskretnego o parametrach rozłożonych (Dolipski et al., 2012; Kulinowski, 2012) opisanego w pierwszej części publikacji. Badania symulacyjne przeprowadzone na takim modelu umożliwiają ocenę pracy przenośnika taśmowego wykorzystującego taśmę z rdzeniem tkaninowym lub stalowym, dlatego też kolejny rozdział artykułu poświęcono modelom reologicznym taśm przeno
Determination of higenamine in dietary supplements by UHPLC/MS/MS method.

PubMed

Stajić, A; Anđelković, M; Dikić, N; Rašić, J; Vukašinović-Vesić, M; Ivanović, D; Jančić-Stojanović, B

2017-11-30

From 1st January 2017 higenamine was added on the WADA (World Anti-doping Agency) Prohibited list under S3 group beta-2 agonists as at all times banned substance for the athletes. The main origine of higenamine (or norcoclaurine) are different plants including Nandina domestica, Aconitum carmichaelii, Asarum heterotropioides, Galium divaricatum, Annona squamosa, Nelumbo nucifera etc. Higenamine main use is related to weight loss and it could be found (un)labeled in different dietary supplements. The objective of this study was development of sensitive and reliable UHPLC/MS/MS method for determination of higenamine in various dietary supplement samples. In order to obtain high method sensitivity, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mode was applied. Separation was carried out on UHPLC Acquity BEH HILIC analytical column (2.1mm×100mm, 1.7μm particle size). Mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, respectively, was mixed in ratio of 30:70, v/v. Flow rate was set at 0.2mLmin -1 . Quercetin was used as an internal standard. ESI (+) source ionization mode using multi reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was utilized and three ion transitions of higenamine were followed 272.08→107.01, 272.08→161.07 and 272.08→77.08. Developed method was fully validated and applied for identification and quantification of higenamine in different dietary supplements. According to the results, the most of investigated supplements were free of higenamine, and on the other hand, presence of higenamine was confirmed in some samples while it was not declared on the label. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Protective effects of a squalene synthase inhibitor, lapaquistat acetate (TAK-475), on statin-induced myotoxicity in guinea pigs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nishimoto, Tomoyuki; Ishikawa, Eiichiro; Anayama, Hisashi

2007-08-15

High-dose statin treatment has been recommended as a primary strategy for aggressive reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and protection against coronary artery disease. The effectiveness of high-dose statins may be limited by their potential for myotoxic side effects. There is currently little known about the molecular mechanisms of statin-induced myotoxicity. Previously we showed that T-91485, an active metabolite of the squalene synthase inhibitor lapaquistat acetate (lapaquistat: a previous name is TAK-475), attenuated statin-induced cytotoxicity in human skeletal muscle cells [Nishimoto, T., Tozawa, R., Amano, Y., Wada, T., Imura, Y., Sugiyama, Y., 2003a. Comparing myotoxic effects of squalene synthase inhibitor, T-91485,more » and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A. Biochem. Pharmacol. 66, 2133-2139]. In the current study, we investigated the effects of lapaquistat administration on statin-induced myotoxicity in vivo. Guinea pigs were treated with either high-dose cerivastatin (1 mg/kg) or cerivastatin together with lapaquistat (30 mg/kg) for 14 days. Treatment with cerivastatin alone decreased plasma cholesterol levels by 45% and increased creatine kinase (CK) levels by more than 10-fold (a marker of myotoxicity). The plasma CK levels positively correlated with the severity of skeletal muscle lesions as assessed by histopathology. Co-administration of lapaquistat almost completely prevented the cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity. Administration of mevalonolactone (100 mg/kg b.i.d.) prevented the cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity, confirming that this effect is directly related to HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. These results strongly suggest that cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity is due to depletion of mevalonate derived isoprenoids. In addition, squalene synthase inhibition could potentially be used clinically to prevent statin-induced myopathy.« less
Determination of growth hormone releasing peptides metabolites in human urine after nasal administration of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin.

PubMed

Semenistaya, Ekaterina; Zvereva, Irina; Thomas, Andreas; Thevis, Mario; Krotov, Grigory; Rodchenkov, Grigory

2015-10-01

Growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs) stimulate secretion of endogenous growth hormone and are listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. To develop an effective method for GHRPs anti-doping control we have investigated metabolites of GHRP-1, GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin, and Ipamorelin in urine after nasal administration. Each compound was administrated to one volunteer. Samples were collected for 2 days after administration, processed by solid-phase extraction on weak cation exchange cartridges and analyzed by means of nano-liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry. Six metabolites of GHRP-1 were identified. GHRP-1 in the parent form was not detected. GHRP-1 (2-4) free acid was detected in urine up to 27 h. GHRP-2, GHRP-2 free acid and GHRP-2 (1-3) free acid were detected in urine up to 47 h after administration. GHRP-6 was mostly excreted unchanged and detected in urine 23 h after administration, its metabolites were detectable for 12 h only. Hexarelin and Ipamorelin metabolized intensively and were excreted as a set of parent compounds with metabolites. Hexarelin (1-3) free acid and Ipamorelin (1-4) free acid were detected in urine samples after complete withdrawal of parent substances. GHRPs and their most prominent metabolites were included into routine ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry procedure. The method was fully validated, calibration curves of targeted analytes were obtained and excretion curves of GHRPs and their metabolites were plotted. Our results confirm that the detection window after GHRPs administration depends on individual metabolism, drug preparation form and the way of administration. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simplified procedure for GC/C/IRMS analysis of underivatized 19-norandrosterone in urine following HPLC purification.

PubMed

de la Torre, Xavier; Colamonici, Cristiana; Curcio, Davide; Molaioni, Francesco; Pizzardi, Marta; Botrè, Francesco

2011-04-01

Nandrolone and/or its precursors are included in the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) list of forbidden substances and methods and as such their use is banned in sport. 19-Norandrosterone (19-NA) the main metabolite of these compounds can also be produced endogenously. The need to establish the origin of 19-NA in human urine samples obliges the antidoping laboratories to use isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) coupled to gas chromatography (GC/C/IRMS). In this work a simple liquid chromatographic method without any additional derivatization step is proposed, allowing to drastically simplify the urine pretreatment procedure, leading to extracts free of interferences permitting precise and accurate IRMS analysis. The purity of the extracts was verified by parallel analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with GC conditions identical to those of the GC/C/IRMS assay. The method has been validated according to ISO17025 requirements (within assay precision of ±0.3‰ and between assay precision of ±0.4‰). The method has been tested with samples obtained after the administration of synthetic 19-norandrostenediol and samples collected during pregnancy where 19-NA is known to be produced endogenously. Twelve drugs and synthetic standards able to produce through metabolism 19-NA have shown to present δ(13)C values around -29‰ being quite homogeneous (-28.8±1.5; mean±standard deviation) while endogenously produced 19-NA has shown values comparable to other endogenous produced steroids in the range -21 to -24‰ as already reported. The efficacy of the method was tested on real samples from routine antidoping analyses. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Fast IRMS screening of pseudoendogenous steroids in doping analyses.

PubMed

de la Torre, Xavier; Colamonici, Cristiana; Curcio, Davide; Botrè, Francesco

2017-11-01

The detection of the abuse of pseudoendogenous steroids (testosterone and/or its precursors) is currently based, when possible, on the application of the steroid module of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), athlete biological passport (ABP), implemented through the global database, ADAMS. When a suspicious sample is detected, the confirmation by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is required. It is well known that this confirmation procedure is time consuming and expensive and can be only applied on a reduced number of samples. In previous studies we have demonstrated that the longitudinal evaluation of the IRMS data is able to detect positive samples that otherwise will be evaluated as negative, improving the efficacy of the fight against doping in sport. This would require the analysis of a much larger volume of samples by IRMS. The aim of the present work is to describe an IRMS screening method allowing to increase the throughput of samples that can be analyzed by IRMS. The detection efficacy of the method is compared with the confirmation method in use, and to assess its robustness and applicability, all the samples of a major cycling stage competition were analyzed, with the agreement of the testing authority, under routine conditions and response times. The results obtained permit to conclude that the IRMS screening method here proposed has adequate selectivity and produces results that overlap with the already validated method currently in use permitting to analyze a much higher volume of samples even during a major event without compromising the detection capacity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism of boldione in humans by mass spectrometric techniques: detection of pseudoendogenous metabolites.

PubMed

de la Torre, Xavier; Curcio, Davide; Colamonici, Cristiana; Molaioni, Francesco; Botrè, Francesco

2013-01-01

Boldione is an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) related to boldenone, androstenedione, and testosterone bearing two double bonds in C1 and C4 positions. Boldione is rapidly transformed to the well-known AAS boldenone, being both compounds included in the list of prohibited substances and methods published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). After the administration of boldione to a male volunteer, the already described urinary metabolites of boldenone produced after reduction in C4, oxydoreduction in C3 and C17, and hydroxylation have been detected. In addition, minor new metabolites have been detected and their structure postulated after mass spectrometric analyses. Finally, the reduction of the double bound in C1 produces metabolites identical to the endogenously produced ones. A method based on gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) after a urine sample purification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) permitted to confirm the main synthetic like boldione/boldenone metabolite (17β-hydroxy-5β-androst-1-en-3-one) and boldenone at trace levels (< 5 ng/mL) and then to establish its synthetic or endogenous origin, and to determine the exogenous origin of metabolites with the same chemical structure of the endogenous ones. The detection of pseudoendogenous androgens of synthetic origin partially overlapped boldenone and its main metabolite detection, being an additional proof of synthetic steroids misuse. By the use of IRMS, the correct evaluation of the modifications of the steroid profile after the administration of synthetic AAS that could be converted into endogenous like ones is possible. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain lateralization and neural plasticity for musical and cognitive abilities in an epileptic musician

PubMed Central

Trujillo-Pozo, Isabel; Martín-Monzón, Isabel; Rodríguez-Romero, Rafael

2013-01-01

The use of intracarotid propofol procedure (IPP) when assessing musical lateralization has not been reported in literature up to now. This procedure (similar to Wada Test) has provided the opportunity to investigate not only lateralization of language and memory functions on epileptic patients but also offers a functional mapping approach with superior spatial and temporal resolution to analyze the lateralization of musical abilities. Findings in literature suggest that musical training modifies functional and structural brain organization. We studied hemispheric lateralization in a professional musician, a 33 years old woman with refractory left medial temporal lobe (MTL) epilepsy (TLE). A longitudinal neuropsychological study was performed over a period of 21 months. Before epilepsy surgery, musical abilities, language and memory were tested during IPP by means of a novel and exhaustive neuropsychological battery focusing on the processing of music. We used a selection of stimuli to analyze listening, score reading, and tempo discrimination. Our results suggested that IPP is an excellent method to determine not only language, semantic, and episodic memory, but also musical dominance in a professional musician who may be candidate for epilepsy surgery. Neuropsychological testing revealed that right hemisphere's patient is involved in semantic and episodic musical memory processes, whereas her score reading and tempo processing require contribution from both hemispheres. At one-year follow-up, outcome was excellent with respect to seizures and professional skills, meanwhile cognitive abilities improved. These findings indicate that IPP helps to predict who might be at risk for postoperative musical, language, and memory deficits after epilepsy surgery. Our research suggests that musical expertise and epilepsy critically modifies long-term memory processes and induces brain structural and functional plasticity. PMID:24367312
Effects of health-care services and commodities cost on the patients at the primary health facilities in Zaria Metropolis, North Western Nigeria.

PubMed

Adegboyega, O; Abioye, K

2017-08-01

The payment for health-care services is a major problem for many poor patients in developing nations. The aim of the study was to examine the cost of services and commodities and how these affect the patients who utilizes the primary health-care centers in Zaria, North western Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of six primary health-care facilities in Zaria metropolis, namely Baban dodo, Tudun Wada, Magajiya PHCs from Zaria local government areas (LGA) and Samaru, Kwata, and Dogarawa PHCs from Sabon Gari LGA, was carried out. The mean age of the respondents was 28.87± 8.63 years, most of them were married (53.3%), Hausa (63.3%), and Muslims (85.7%); also, they were unemployed housewives with daily stipends from their husbands less than 1 dollar/day. The major method for payment for health-care services was out of pocket (98.3%). More than one-third of the clients were not aware of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) (39%). There was a significant inverse relationship between the monthly income of the clients and the experience of financial stress and a positive association between patients' monthly income and awareness of the NHIS (P < 0.05). The respondents were paying user fees for essential health-care services at the primary health-care centers and this was not convenient for them. There is a need for the LGA health department to intensify the supervision of the activities at the PHCs. Standardization of prices of services and commodities and the implementation of the National Health Act may alleviate the burdens of the poor community members who access PHCs in Nigeria.
Doping in Two Elite Athletics Competitions Assessed by Randomized-Response Surveys.

PubMed

Ulrich, Rolf; Pope, Harrison G; Cléret, Léa; Petróczi, Andrea; Nepusz, Tamás; Schaffer, Jay; Kanayama, Gen; Comstock, R Dawn; Simon, Perikles

2018-01-01

Doping in sports compromises fair play and endangers health. To deter doping among elite athletes, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) oversees testing of several hundred thousand athletic blood and urine samples annually, of which 1-2% test positive. Measures using the Athlete Biological Passport suggest a higher mean prevalence of about 14% positive tests. Biological testing, however, likely fails to detect many cutting-edge doping techniques, and thus the true prevalence of doping remains unknown. We surveyed 2167 athletes at two sporting events: the 13th International Association of Athletics Federations Word Championships in Athletics (WCA) in Daegu, South Korea in August 2011 and the 12th Quadrennial Pan-Arab Games (PAG) in Doha, Qatar in December 2011. To estimate the prevalence of doping, we utilized a "randomized response technique," which guarantees anonymity for individuals when answering a sensitive question. We also administered a control question at PAG assessing past-year use of supplements. The estimated prevalence of past-year doping was 43.6% (95% confidence interval 39.4-47.9) at WCA and 57.1% (52.4-61.8) at PAG. The estimated prevalence of past-year supplement use at PAG was 70.1% (65.6-74.7%). Sensitivity analyses, assessing the robustness of these estimates under numerous hypothetical scenarios of intentional or unintentional noncompliance by respondents, suggested that we were unlikely to have overestimated the true prevalence of doping. Doping appears remarkably widespread among elite athletes, and remains largely unchecked despite current biological testing. The survey technique presented here will allow future investigators to generate continued reference estimates of the prevalence of doping.

Interrater reliability among epilepsy centers: multicenter study of epilepsy surgery.

PubMed

Haut, Sheryl R; Berg, Anne T; Shinnar, Shlomo; Cohen, Hillel W; Bazil, Carl W; Sperling, Michael R; Langfitt, John T; Pacia, Steven V; Walczak, Thaddeus S; Spencer, Susan S

2002-11-01

To measure the interrater reliability of presurgical testing and surgical decisions among epilepsy centers. Seven centers participating in an ongoing, prospective multicenter study of resective epilepsy surgery agreed to conform to a detailed protocol regarding presurgical evaluation and surgery. To assess quality assurance, each center independently reviewed 21 randomly selected surgical cases for preoperative study lateralization and localization, and surgical decisions. Interrater reliability was assessed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), validated for use with multiple raters, and calculated in a two-way random model based on absolute agreement. Agreement for ICC values: > or = 0.75, excellent; 0.60-0.74, good; 0.40-0.59, fair; < or = 0.39, poor. One center was excluded for missing data. Agreement was excellent for extracranial EEG lateralization (0.8039), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lateralization (0.9521) and localization (0.9130), Wada lateralization (0.9453), and intracranial EEG localization (0.7905). Agreement was good for extracranial EEG localization (0.7384) and neuropsychological testing lateralization (0.7178) and localization (0.6891). Consensus about the decision to perform intracranial monitoring was fair (0.5397), in part reflecting one center's tendency toward intracranial monitoring. Overall agreements on whether to perform surgery (0.8311) and specific surgery recommended (0.8164) were excellent. High interrater reliability among six epilepsy centers was present for interpretation of most components of presurgical testing. Although consensus for the decision to perform intracranial monitoring was only fair, agreements for the ultimate decision about resective surgery and specific choice of resection were excellent. We believe that this study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing multicenter protocols for neurologic management, especially those involving localization, as well as protocols combining study results
Surgical treatment for medically refractory focal epilepsy in a patient with fragile X syndrome.

PubMed

Kenmuir, Cynthia; Richardson, Mark; Ghearing, Gena

2015-10-01

Medication resistant temporal lobe epilepsy occurs in a small population of patients with fragile X syndrome. We present the case of a 24-year-old man with medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and fragile X syndrome who underwent left anterior temporal lobectomy resulting in cessation of seizures. Our patient was diagnosed with fragile X syndrome with a fully mutated, fully methylated FMR1 gene resulting in 572 CGG repeats. He developed seizures initially controlled with Depakote monotherapy, but progressed to become medically refractive to combination treatment with Depakote, lamotrigine and zonisamide. Prolonged video EEG monitoring revealed interictal left temporal sharp waves and slowing as well as subclinical and clinical seizures, each with left temporal onset. 3T MRI was consistent with left mesial temporal sclerosis. After discussing the case in our multidisciplinary surgical epilepsy conference, he was referred for presurgical evaluation including neuropsychological testing and Wada testing. He underwent an asleep left anterior temporal lobectomy, sparing the superior temporal gyrus. Pathology showed neuronal loss and gliosis in the hippocampus and amygdala. Twelve months after surgery, the patient has not experienced a seizure. He is described by his parents as less perseverative and less restless. We have presented the case of a 24 year-old-man with fragile X syndrome who underwent successful left anterior temporal lobectomy for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy who is now seizure free without further functional impairment. This case report demonstrates the feasibility of surgical treatment for a patient with comorbid fragile X syndrome and mesial temporal sclerosis. Copyright © 2015 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evaluation of markers out of the steroid profile for the screening of testosterone misuse. Part I: Transdermal administration.

PubMed

Kotronoulas, Aristotelis; Gomez-Gómez, Àlex; Fabregat, Andreu; Segura, Jordi; Yang, Sheng; Xing, Yanyi; Moutian, Wu; Marcos, Josep; Joglar, Jesús; Ventura, Rosa; Pozo, Oscar J

2018-05-01

Although the introduction by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of the steroid module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) marked an important step forward in the screening of testosterone (T) misuse, it still remains one of the most difficult challenges in doping control analysis. The urinary determination of alternative markers has been recently reported as a promising tool for improving the screening of T oral administration. However, their evaluation for other, commonly used, administration routes is still required. The main goal of this study is the evaluation of the potential of 2 groups of metabolites (cysteinyl conjugated and glucuronoconjugated) after transdermal and intramuscular administration of T. Their suitability was evaluated in individuals with both low basal (L-T/E) and medium basal (M-T/E) values of T/E. In this Part I, we evaluated the urinary excretion profile of these 2 groups of T metabolites after the administration of 3 doses of T gel to 12 volunteers (6 L-T/E and 6 M-T/E) for 3 consecutive days. For this purpose, 9 different concentration ratios (5 cysteinyl conjugated and 4 glucuronoconjugated markers) were studied. Both, the intra-individual variability and the detection windows (DW) obtained by each ratio were evaluated. Cysteinyl conjugates showed a general low intra-individual variability and DWs that were shorter than any other tested marker. Despite the relatively large intra-individual variability, the DWs reached by glucuronoconjugates (2-3 days) were similar to those obtained by markers currently included in the ABP. Overall; this evaluation advises for the introduction of additional glucuronoconjugated markers in the screening of transdermal T administration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of Vasopressin and Desmopressin in urine by means of liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for doping control purposes.

PubMed

Thomas, A; Solymos, E; Schänzer, W; Baume, N; Saugy, M; Dellanna, F; Thevis, M

2011-11-30

The anti-diuretic neurohypophysial hormone Vasopressin (Vp) and its synthetic analogue Desmopressin (Dp, 1-desamino-vasopressin) have received considerable attention from doping control authorities due to their impact on physiological blood parameters. Accordingly, the illicit use of Desmopressin in elite sport is sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the drug is classified as masking agent. Vp and Dp are small (8-9 amino acids) peptides administered orally as well as intranasally. Within the present study a method to determine Dp and Vp in urinary doping control samples by means of liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed. After addition of Lys-Vasopressin as internal standard and efficient sample clean up with a mixed mode solid phase extraction (weak cation exchange), the samples were directly injected into the LC-MS system. The method was validated considering the parameters specificity, linearity, recovery (80-100%), accuracy, robustness, limit of detection/quantification (20/50 pg mL(-1)), precision (inter/intra-day<10%), ion suppression and stability. The analysis of administration study urine samples collected after a single intranasal or oral application of Dp yielded in detection windows for the unchanged target analyte for up to 20 h at concentrations between 50 and 600 pg mL(-1). Endogenous Vp was detected in concentrations of approximately 20-200 pg mL(-1) in spontaneous urine samples obtained from healthy volunteers. The general requirements of the developed method provide the characteristics for an easy transfer to other anti-doping laboratories and support closing another potential gap for cheating athletes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Characterization and identification of a C-terminal amidated mechano growth factor (MGF) analogue in black market products.

PubMed

Esposito, Simone; Deventer, Koen; Van Eenoo, Peter

2012-03-30

Mechano growth factor (MGF) is a splice variant of insulin-like growth factor that possesses anabolic properties and has not yet been approved for therapeutic use. Nevertheless, it is readily available on the black market. Although the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned the use of MGF in sports, no routinely performed methods have been reported for its detection. In this work, two preparations from the black market containing an unknown MGF analogue were characterized. Mass spectrometry characterizations of unknown preparations and a reference human MGF were performed on an Orbitrap and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometers after separation by liquid chromatography. High accuracy measurements allowed protein identification from full scan MS data, and low-resolution full scan MS/MS provided further information on fragmentation. HCD scans of the analytes showed the presence of common b series product ions in the black market preparations and the human MGF reference standard, but all the y series ions starting from (y(1))(+) exhibited a difference of 1 m/z unit in nominal mass. This difference was demonstrated to be due to a C-terminal amidation of MGF. High-resolution data demonstrated that the black market products were both C-terminal amidated analogues of human MGF. In addition, low-resolution MS/MS characterization revealed a potentially diagnostic transition (m/z 717.8 → 431.1) for the discrimination of C-amidated MGF from the endogenous form. Qualitative identification of a MGF C-terminal amidated analogue in two black market products was successfully achieved. This report demonstrates that illegal MGF preparations are commercially available for use as doping agent in sports. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretation of urinary concentrations of pseudoephedrine and its metabolite cathine in relation to doping control.

PubMed

Deventer, K; Van Eenoo, P; Baele, G; Pozo, O J; Van Thuyne, W; Delbeke, F T

2009-05-01

Until the end of 2003 a urinary concentration of pseudoephedrine exceeding 25 microg/mL was regarded as a doping violation by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Since its removal from the prohibited list in 2004 the number of urine samples in which pseudoephedrine was detected in our laboratory increased substantially. Analysis of 116 in-competition samples containing pseudoephedrine in 2007 and 2008, revealed that 66% of these samples had a concentration of pseudoephedrine above 25 microg/mL. This corresponded to 1.4% of all tested in competition samples in that period. In the period 2001-2003 only 0.18% of all analysed in competition samples contained more than 25 microg/mL. Statistical comparison of the two periods showed that after the removal of pseudoephedrine from the list its use increased significantly. Of the individual sports compared between the two periods, only cycling is shown to yield a significant increase.Analysis of excretion urine samples after administration of a therapeutic daily dose (240 mg pseudoephedrine) in one administration showed that the threshold of 25 microg/mL can be exceeded. The same samples were also analysed for cathine, which has currently a threshold of 5 microg/mL on the prohibited list. The maximum urinary concentration of cathine also exceeded the threshold for some volunteers. Comparison of the measured cathine and pseudoephedrine concentrations only indicated a poor correlation between them. Hence, cathine is not a good indicator to control pseudopehedrine intake. To control the (ab)use of ephedrines in sports it is recommended that WADA reintroduce a threshold for pseudoephedrine. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of a squalene synthase inhibitor, lapaquistat acetate (TAK-475), on statin-induced myotoxicity in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Nishimoto, Tomoyuki; Ishikawa, Eiichiro; Anayama, Hisashi; Hamajyo, Hitomi; Nagai, Hirofumi; Hirakata, Masao; Tozawa, Ryuichi

2007-08-15

High-dose statin treatment has been recommended as a primary strategy for aggressive reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and protection against coronary artery disease. The effectiveness of high-dose statins may be limited by their potential for myotoxic side effects. There is currently little known about the molecular mechanisms of statin-induced myotoxicity. Previously we showed that T-91485, an active metabolite of the squalene synthase inhibitor lapaquistat acetate (lapaquistat: a previous name is TAK-475), attenuated statin-induced cytotoxicity in human skeletal muscle cells [Nishimoto, T., Tozawa, R., Amano, Y., Wada, T., Imura, Y., Sugiyama, Y., 2003a. Comparing myotoxic effects of squalene synthase inhibitor, T-91485, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A. Biochem. Pharmacol. 66, 2133-2139]. In the current study, we investigated the effects of lapaquistat administration on statin-induced myotoxicity in vivo. Guinea pigs were treated with either high-dose cerivastatin (1 mg/kg) or cerivastatin together with lapaquistat (30 mg/kg) for 14 days. Treatment with cerivastatin alone decreased plasma cholesterol levels by 45% and increased creatine kinase (CK) levels by more than 10-fold (a marker of myotoxicity). The plasma CK levels positively correlated with the severity of skeletal muscle lesions as assessed by histopathology. Co-administration of lapaquistat almost completely prevented the cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity. Administration of mevalonolactone (100 mg/kg b.i.d.) prevented the cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity, confirming that this effect is directly related to HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. These results strongly suggest that cerivastatin-induced myotoxicity is due to depletion of mevalonate derived isoprenoids. In addition, squalene synthase inhibition could potentially be used clinically to prevent statin-induced myopathy.
Development and validation of a GC-C-IRMS method for the confirmation analysis of pseudo-endogenous glucocorticoids in doping control.

PubMed

de la Torre, Xavier; Curcio, Davide; Colamonici, Cristiana; Molaioni, Francesco; Cilia, Marta; Botrè, Francesco

2015-01-01

Glucocorticoids are included in the S9 section of the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list international standard. Some among them are pseudo-endogenous steroids, like cortisol and cortisone, which present the same chemical structure as endogenously produced steroids. We are proposing an analytical method based on gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) which allows discrimination between endogenous and synthetic origin of the urinary metabolites of the pseudo-endogenous glucocorticoids. A preliminary purification treatment by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of the target compounds (TC) (i.e., cortisol, tetrahydrocortisone (THE) 5α-tetrahydrocortisone (aTHE), tetrahydrocortisol (THF), and 5α-tetrahydrocortisol (aTHF)) allows collection of extracts with adequate purity for the subsequent analysis by IRMS. A population of 40 urine samples was analyzed for the TC and for the endogenous reference compounds (ERC: i.e., 11-desoxy-tetrahydrocortisol (THS) or pregnanediol). For each sample, the difference between the delta values of the ERCs and TCs (Δδ values) were calculated and based on that, some decision limits for atypical findings are proposed. The limits are below 3% units except for cortisol. The fit to purpose of the method has been confirmed by the analysis of urine samples collected in two patients under treatment with 25 mg of cortisone acetate (p.o). The samples showed Δδ values higher than 3 for at least 24 h following administration depending on the TC considered. The method can easily be integrated into existing procedures already used for the HPLC purification and IRMS analysis of pseudo-endogenous steroids with androgenic/anabolic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open Port Probe Sampling Interface for the Direct Coupling of Biocompatible Solid-Phase Microextraction to Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Gómez-Ríos, Germán Augusto; Liu, Chang; Tascon, Marcos; Reyes-Garcés, Nathaly; Arnold, Don W; Covey, Thomas R; Pawliszyn, Janusz

2017-04-04

In recent years, the direct coupling of solid phase microextraction (SPME) and mass spectrometry (MS) has shown its great potential to improve limits of quantitation, accelerate analysis throughput, and diminish potential matrix effects when compared to direct injection to MS. In this study, we introduce the open port probe (OPP) as a robust interface to couple biocompatible SPME (Bio-SPME) fibers to MS systems for direct electrospray ionization. The presented design consisted of minimal alterations to the front-end of the instrument and provided better sensitivity, simplicity, speed, wider compound coverage, and high-throughput in comparison to the LC-MS based approach. Quantitative determination of clenbuterol, fentanyl, and buprenorphine was successfully achieved in human urine. Despite the use of short extraction/desorption times (5 min/5 s), limits of quantitation below the minimum required performance levels (MRPL) set by the world antidoping agency (WADA) were obtained with good accuracy (≥90%) and linearity (R 2 > 0.99) over the range evaluated for all analytes using sample volumes of 300 μL. In-line technologies such as multiple reaction monitoring with multistage fragmentation (MRM 3 ) and differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) were used to enhance the selectivity of the method without compromising analysis speed. On the basis of calculations, once coupled to high throughput, this method can potentially yield preparation times as low as 15 s per sample based on the 96-well plate format. Our results demonstrated that Bio-SPME-OPP-MS efficiently integrates sampling/sample cleanup and atmospheric pressure ionization, making it an advantageous configuration for several bioanalytical applications, including doping in sports, in vivo tissue sampling, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Suicide among agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers.

PubMed

Shiri, Rahman

2018-01-01

appropriate model to combine the subgroups of a single study. Moreover, for the assessment of publication bias, it is not appropriate to include several subsamples of a single study in a funnel plot. Using estimates of subgroups can change a large study into several smaller studies. Fifth, some of the included studies compared agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers with a specific occupational group. The reviewers could calculate a risk estimate using all other occupational groups as a comparison group and exclude those studies that did not provide sufficient data for estimating such a risk estimate. In some studies, the excess risk for agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers disappears after comparing with other occupational groups [eg, adjusted risk ratios (RR) for Kposowa (3) = 1.02, 95% CI 0.41-2.54]. This is a main reason for observed higher excess risk in Japanese workers. Wada et al (5) compared Japanese agricultural workers with sales workers and Suzuki et al (6) compared Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers with production process and related workers. Using all other occupational groups as a reference group, age-adjusted RR dropped from 3.53 (95% CI 2.84-4.38) to 2.61 (95% CI 2.10-3.25) for Wada et al (5) and from 3.24 (CI 2.95-3.57, both sexes combined) to 1.31 (CI 1.27-1.35 age-adjusted OR after excluding unemployed people) for Suzuki et al (6). The pooled estimate of these two register-based studies was 1.33 (95% CI 1.29-1.37) using a fixed model and 1.83 (95% CI 0.93-3.60) using a random model. Sixth, most of the included studies used register data, which had little information on the background characteristics of the participants. A majority of these studies controlled the estimates for age and sex only. Moreover, in this review, prospective cohort studies did not support the observed association. A meta-analysis of 11 case-control and prospective cohort studies shows no significant excess risk of suicide for agricultural, forestry, and
Analytical approaches to image orientation and stereo digitization applied in the Budnlab software. (Polish Title: Rozwiazania analityczne zwiazane z obsluga procesu orientacji zdjec oraz wykonywaniem opracowan wektorowych w programie Bundlab)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolecki, J.

2015-12-01

The Bundlab software has been developed mainly for academic and research application. This work can be treated as a kind of a report describing the current state of the development of this computer program, focusing especially on the analytical solutions. Firstly, the overall characteristics of the software are provided. Then the description of the image orientation procedure starting from the relative orientation is addressed. The applied solution is based on the coplanarity equation parametrized with the essential matrix. The problem is reformulated in order to solve it using methods of algebraic geometry. The solution is followed by the optimization involving the least square criterion. The formation of the image block from the oriented models as well as the absolute orientation procedure were implemented using the Horn approach as a base algorithm. The second part of the paper is devoted to the tools and methods applied in the stereo digitization module. The solutions that support the user and improve the accuracy are given. Within the paper a few exemplary applications and products are mentioned. The work finishes with the concepts of development and improvements of existing functions.
Influence of The Metamorphism Grade and Porosity of Hard Coal on Sorption and Desorption of Propane / Wpływ Stopnia Metamorfizmu I Porowatości Węgli Kamiennych Na Sorpcję I Desorpcję Propanu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudzińska, Agnieszka; Żyła, Mieczysław; Cygankiewicz, Janusz

2013-09-01

ęgla, jego stopnia metamorfizmu, zawartości pierwiastka tlenu, wilgoci i porowatości tych węgli. Największe ilości propanu sorbują węgle niskouwęglone, wysokoporowate o dużej zawartości tlenu i wilgoci. Sorpcja stosunkowo dużych ilości propanu tych węgli (ok. 10 cm3/g) jest wynikiem oddziaływania polarnej powierzchni węgli z cząsteczkami propanu oraz dobrej dostępności wewnętrznej mikroporowatej struktury tych węgli dla cząsteczek badanego sorbatu. Węgle średnio i wysokouwęglone sorbują niewielkie ilości propanu. Węgle te mają zwartą budowę oraz niepolarny charakter powierzchni, ich wewnętrzna struktura porowata jest w niewielkim stopniu dostępna dla cząsteczek propanu w warunkach przeprowadzanych badań. Sorpcja propanu w tym przypadku zachodzi głównie w powierzchniowych porach i na powierzchni węgli. Przeprowadzono również pomiary izoterm desorpcji propanu wykazując nieodwracalny charakter sorpcji. Izotermy desorpcji nie zbiegają się z izotermami sorpcji tworząc otwartą pętlę histerezy. Pozostające w węglu ilości nie desorbującego się propanu są zależne od rodzaju badanego węgla.
Research on the Influence of Excavation and Loading on Z-Direction Displacement in Surrounding Soil Mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X.; Zhou, W.; Han, L.; Xi, W. J.; Crusoe, Garmondyu E.

2014-12-01

To probe into the pattern in which the excavation and loading process have on such factors as stress and displacement in neighboring regions of deep open pits, a mechanical unloading model in coal mining process and another model for the loading process are set up respectively. Besides, FLAC3D software is used to simulate dynamic excavating and loading process in open pits and record such data as the unbalanced stress, unloading strength and displacement fluctuations, which further serve as basis for studying the functional relationship about different mining heights and scope of influence using fitting method. The research results indicate that the unloading strength enhances with increasing mining depth in a linear fashion. In addition, a noticeable displacement circle takes shape around the stope, which would also extends with growing mining depth. As to waste loading, it brings about large-scale surface subsidence in neighboring regions, which follows a logarithm function convergence pattern with the distance away from the dump border. Under combined effects of excavation and loading, the value of the soil mass displacement would increase with growing mining depth and loading height. Specifically, the soil displacement at a distance of 100 m away from the stope border (around 200 m away from the outer dump border) is abnormally significant and it further develops at a rate of 0.0228 mm/h. W celu zbadania zależności pomiędzy procesami wydobycia i składowania urobku a takimi czynnikami jak naprężenia i przemieszczenia w sąsiadujących partiach głębokich wyrobisk odkrywkowych, wykorzystano model mechaniczny procesu urabiania węgla oraz model procesu jego składowania. Wykorzystano oprogramowanie FLAC 3D do symulacji procesów wydobycia i składowania w wyrobiskach odkrywkowych, zapisano odpowiednie dane: niezrównoważone naprężenia, wytrzymałość w trakcie odciążania oraz wahania przemieszczeń gruntu, które wykorzystane zostały następnie jako
Assessment of Impact of the Rheological Parameters Change on Sensitivity of the Asphalt Strain Based on the Test Results / Ocena Wpływu Zmiany Parametrów Reologicznych Na Wrażliwość Deformacji Mieszanek Mineralno - Asfaltowych Na Podstawie Wyników Badań

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurpiel, Artur; Wysokowski, Adam

2015-03-01

żna określić parametry oparte o różne teorie pełzania a szczególnie cenne parametry reologiczne w oparciu o wybrane modele lepkosprężyste [1]. Parametry z modeli lepkosprężystych są miarodajnymi wskaźnikami obrazującymi odporność mieszanek na deformacje. Można za ich pomocą prognozować głębokości koleiny w przyjętym modelu reologicznym [1]. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono jaki wpływ na głębokość koleiny mają różne wartości parametrów reologicznych z analizowanego modelu lepkosprężystego oraz wpływ parametrów na kształt i przebieg krzywej pełzania. Przedstawione w artykule mieszanki mineralno - asfaltowe charakteryzują się zmiennymi parametrami reologicznymi, zatem trudno jest określić, który parametr decyduje o wielkości odkształcenia danej mieszanki. Mając na uwadze powyższe, w artykule podjęto próbę analizy zmiany wartości odkształcenia mieszanki mineralno - asfaltowej przy zmianie jednego oraz dwóch parametrów w danym modelu reologicznym - w tym przypadku - Bürgersa.
Evaluation and Management of the Gas and Rock Outburst Hazard in the Light of International Legal Regulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skoczylas, Norbert; Wierzbicki, Mirosław

2014-12-01

As part of the present article, the Authors analyzed relevant legal rules that are in force in countries where the gas and coal outburst hazard occurs (Australia, the Czech Republic, China, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine). Similarities and differences between particular solutions were highlighted. As the subject of the analysis were the original legal standards, the article incorporates the parameter symbols and units adopted in the discussed regulations. W ramach niniejszej pracy poddano analizie obowiązujące rozwiązania prawne z krajów, gdzie występuje zagrożenie wyrzutami gazu i węgla (Australia, Czechy, Chiny, Niemcy, Polska, Rosja, Ukraina). Zwrócono uwagę na podobieństwa i różnice w poszczególnych rozwiązaniach. Ze względu na analizę oryginalnych rozwiązań legislacyjnych w opracowaniu pozostawione zostały stosowane w odpowiednich przepisach oznaczenia parametrów oraz ich jednostki. Istnieje duże podobieństwo w obrębie przepisów w krajach europejskich. Podobieństwo to dotyczy zarówno ogólnej koncepcji przepisów, w których dąży się do maksymalnego sformalizowania nakładanych wymogów, łącznie ze wskazaniem konkretnych parametrów górniczych oraz ich wartości kryterialnych, na bazie których klasyfikowane są pokłady węglowe, bądź ich części, do poszczególnych klas zagrożenia wyrzutowego. Podobne podejście w ustawodawstwie w zakresie bezpieczeństwa w górnictwie reprezentują Chiny. W całkowitej opozycji do przepisów europejskich i chińskich znajdują się przepisy amerykańskie i australijskie. W przepisach tych wyraźnie zaakcentowany jest fakt, iż charakter ryzyka wyrzutowego jest bardzo lokalny, więc trudno go uogólniać nie tylko między kopalniami, ale również w poszczególnych wyrobiskach. Jedno, niezmienne podejście do zarządzania ryzykiem, zgodnie z przepisami australijskimi, jest więc niewłaściwe. Przepisy te nie podają szczegółowego opisu, w jaki sposób prowadzić zarz
A high brightness source for nano-probe secondary ion mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, N. S.; Tesch, P. P.; Martin, N. P.; Kinion, D. E.

2008-12-01

The two most prevalent ion source technologies in the field of surface analysis and surface machining are the Duoplasmatron and the liquid metal ion source (LMIS). There have been many efforts in this area of research to develop an alternative source [ S.K. Guharay, J. Orloff, M. Wada, IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 33 (6) (2005) 1911; N.S. Smith, W.P. Skoczylas, S.M. Kellogg, D.E. Kinion, P.P. Tesch, O. Sutherland, A. Aanesland, R.W. Boswell, J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 24 (6) (2006) 2902-2906] with the brightness of a LMIS and yet the ability to produce secondary ion yield enhancing species such as oxygen. However, to date a viable alternative has not been realized. The high brightness and small virtual source size of the LMIS are advantageous for forming high resolution probes but a significant disadvantage when beam currents in excess of 100 nA are required, due to the effects of spherical aberration from the optical column. At these higher currents a source with a high angular intensity is optimal and in fact the relatively moderate brightness of today's plasma ion sources prevail in this operating regime. Both the LMIS and Duoplasmatron suffer from a large axial energy spread resulting in further limitations when forming focused beams at the chromatic limit where the figure-of-merit is inversely proportional to the square of the energy spread. Also, both of these ion sources operate with a very limited range of ion species. This article reviews some of the latest developments and some future potential in this area of instrument development. Here we present an approach to source development that could lead to oxygen ion beam SIMS imaging with 10 nm resolution, using a 'broad area' RF gas phase ion source.
The development of decision limits for the GH-2000 detection methodology using additional insulin-like growth factor-I and amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen assays.

PubMed

Holt, Richard I G; Böhning, Walailuck; Guha, Nishan; Bartlett, Christiaan; Cowan, David A; Giraud, Sylvain; Bassett, E Eryl; Sönksen, Peter H; Böhning, Dankmar

2015-09-01

The GH-2000 and GH-2004 projects have developed a method for detecting GH misuse based on measuring insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the amino-terminal pro-peptide of type III collagen (P-III-NP). The objectives were to analyze more samples from elite athletes to improve the reliability of the decision limit estimates, to evaluate whether the existing decision limits needed revision, and to validate further non-radioisotopic assays for these markers. The study included 998 male and 931 female elite athletes. Blood samples were collected according to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines at various sporting events including the 2011 International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea. IGF-I was measured by the Immunotech A15729 IGF-I IRMA, the Immunodiagnostic Systems iSYS IGF-I assay and a recently developed mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. P-III-NP was measured by the Cisbio RIA-gnost P-III-P, Orion UniQ™ PIIINP RIA and Siemens ADVIA Centaur P-III-NP assays. The GH-2000 score decision limits were developed using existing statistical techniques. Decision limits were determined using a specificity of 99.99% and an allowance for uncertainty because of the finite sample size. The revised Immunotech IGF-I - Orion P-III-NP assay combination decision limit did not change significantly following the addition of the new samples. The new decision limits are applied to currently available non-radioisotopic assays to measure IGF-I and P-III-NP in elite athletes, which should allow wider flexibility to implement the GH-2000 marker test for GH misuse while providing some resilience against manufacturer withdrawal or change of assays. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of Spiral-Arm Spurs and Bound Clouds in Vertically Stratified Galactic Gas Disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Woong-Tae; Ostriker, Eve C.

2006-07-01

We investigate the growth of spiral-arm substructure in vertically stratified, self-gravitating, galactic gas disks, using local numerical MHD simulations. Our new models extend our previous two-dimensional studies, which showed that a magnetized spiral shock in a thin disk can undergo magneto-Jeans instability (MJI), resulting in regularly spaced interarm spur structures and massive gravitationally bound fragments. Similar spur (or ``feather'') features have recently been seen in high-resolution observations of several galaxies. Here we consider two sets of numerical models: two-dimensional simulations that use a ``thick-disk'' gravitational kernel, and three-dimensional simulations with explicit vertical stratification. Both models adopt an isothermal equation of state with cs=7 km s-1. When disks are sufficiently magnetized and self-gravitating, the result in both sorts of models is the growth of spiral-arm substructure similar to that in our previous razor-thin models. Reduced self-gravity due to nonzero disk thickness increases the spur spacing to ~10 times the Jeans length at the arm peak. Bound clouds that form from spur fragmentation have masses ~(1-3)×107 Msolar each, similar to the largest observed GMCs. The mass-to-flux ratios and specific angular momenta of the bound condensations are lower than large-scale galactic values, as is true for observed GMCs. We find that unmagnetized or weakly magnetized two-dimensional models are unstable to the ``wiggle instability'' previously identified by Wada & Koda. However, our fully three-dimensional models do not show this effect. Nonsteady motions and strong vertical shear prevent coherent vortical structures from forming, evidently suppressing the wiggle instability. We also find no clear traces of Parker instability in the nonlinear spiral arm substructures that emerge, although conceivably Parker modes may help seed the MJI at early stages since azimuthal wavelengths are similar.
Multi-factorial modulation of hemispheric specialization and plasticity for language in healthy and pathological conditions: A review.

PubMed

Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie; Perrone-Bertolotti, Marcela; Jobard, Gael; Mazoyer, Bernard; Baciu, Monica

2017-01-01

This review synthesizes anatomo-functional variability of language hemispheric representation and specialization (hemispheric specialization for language, HSL) as well as its modulation by several variables (demographic, anatomical, developmental, genetic, clinical, and psycholinguistic) in physiological and pathological conditions. The left hemisphere (LH) dominance for language, observed in approximately 90% of healthy individuals and in 70% of patients, is grounded by intra-hemispheric connections mediated by associative bundles such as the arcuate fasciculus and inter-hemispheric transcallosal connections mediated by the corpus callosum that connects homotopic regions of the left and right hemispheres (RH). In typical brains, inter-hemispheric inhibition, exerted from the LH to the RH, permits the LH to maintain language dominance. In pathological conditions, inter- and intra-hemispheric inhibition is decreased, inducing modifications on the degree of HSL and of language networks. HSL evaluation is classically performed in clinical practice with the Wada test and electro-cortical stimulation, gold standard methods. The advent of functional neuroimaging has allowed a more detailed assessment of the language networks and their lateralization, consistent with the results provided by the gold standard methods. In the first part, we describe anatomo-functional support for HSL in healthy conditions, its developmental course, its relationship with cognitive skills, and the various modulatory factors acting on HSL. The second section is devoted to the assessment of HSL in patients with focal and drug-resistant epilepsy (FDRE). FDRE is considered a neurological model associated with patterns of language plasticity, both before and after surgery: FDRE patients show significant modification of language networks induced by changes mediated by transcallosal connections (explaining inter-hemispheric patterns of language reorganization) or collateral connections (explaining
Implementation of AICAR analysis by GC-C-IRMS for anti-doping purposes.

PubMed

Buisson, C; Frelat, C; Mongongu, C; Martinat, N; Audran, M

2017-11-01

AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside), is a naturally occurring substance which is part to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. It is claimed to improve physical performance when administered as a supplement. As for other endogenous compounds such as steroids, the gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) analysis remains an efficient tool to differentiate endogenous substances from exogenous ones. A protocol was described in the literature for the analysis of AICAR by GC-C-IRMS. The aim of the present study was to implement this protocol in our laboratory and to propose solutions to avoid the difficulties encountered. The first point discussed in this study is the derivatization step. Due to the structure of the AICAR molecule, conventional derivatization for GC-C-IRMS such as acetylation could not be applied and silylation was preferred. The improvement of the derivatives stability was achieved thanks to several derivatization conditions tested. This adjustment led to a reproducible derivatization pattern with the 3-TMS form as major derivative product. The second point discussed in this study is the diminution of extracts' background noise. Indeed, the implementation of the published protocol was not easy due to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) problems encountered when concentrated urine was injected into our system. Also, too many interferences in the endogenous reference compound fractions were observed. The addition of both a wash step before the HPLC purification and a HPLC purification step for the endogenous reference compound (ERC) fraction allowed us to increase the robustness of the method. This study presents the modified protocol compared to the original protocol as well as the evaluation of the whole method performances. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Doping control study of AICAR in post-race urine and plasma samples from horses.

PubMed

Wong, Jenny K Y; Kwok, Wai Him; Chan, George H M; Choi, Timmy L S; Ho, Emmie N M; Jaubert, Murielle; Bailly-Chouriberry, Ludovic; Bonnaire, Yves; Cawley, Adam; Ming Williams, H; Keledjian, John; Brooks, Lydia; Chambers, Adam; Lin, Yuanyuan; Wan, Terence S M

2017-09-01

Acadesine, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, commonly known as AICAR, is a naturally occurring adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator in many mammals, including humans and horses. AICAR has attracted considerable attention recently in the field of doping control because of a study showing the enhancement of endurance performance in unexercised or untrained mice, resulting in the term 'exercise pill'. Its use has been classified as gene doping by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and since it is endogenous, it may only be possible to control deliberate administration of AICAR to racehorses after establishment of an appropriate threshold. Herein we report our studies of AICAR in post-race equine urine and plasma samples including statistical studies of AICAR concentrations determined from 1,470 urine samples collected from thoroughbreds and standardbreds and analyzed in Australia, France, and Hong Kong. Quantification methods in equine urine and plasma using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were developed by the laboratories in each country. An exchange of spiked urine and plasma samples between the three countries was conducted, confirming no significant differences in the methods. However, the concentration of AICAR in plasma was found to increase upon haemolysis of whole blood samples, impeding the establishment of a suitable threshold in equine plasma. A possible urine screening cut-off at 600 ng/mL for the control of AICAR in racehorses could be considered for adoption. Application of the proposed screening cut-off to urine samples collected after intravenous administration of a small dose (2 g) of AICAR to a mare yielded a short detection time of approximately 4.5 h. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Domain and phase change contributions to response in high strain piezoelectric actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cross, L. Eric

2000-09-01

Current solid state actuators are briefly compared to traditional actuator technologies to highlight the major need for enhanced strain capability. For the ferroelectric piezoelectric polycrystal ceramics, the balance of evidence suggests a large entrinsic contribution to the field induced strain from ferroelectric-ferroelastic domain wall motion. Here-to-fore the intrinsic single domain contribution has been derived indirectly from phenomenological analysis. Now, new evidence of a stable monoclinic phase at compositions very close to the MPB suggest that the previous assessment will need to be revised. Actuator behavior in the new lead zinc niobate-lead titanate (PZN:PT) single crystal shows most unusual anisotropic behavior. For 111 oriented field poled crystals in the rhombohedral phase normal low induced strain is observed. For 001 field poled crystals however massive (0.6%) quasi-linear anhysteritic strain can be induced. Since the 001 oriented field in the rhombohedral phase can not drive ferroelastic domain walls it is suggested that the strain must be intrinsic. The suggestion is that it is due to an induced monoclinic phase in which the Ps vector tilts under increasing field up to more than 20° from 111, before the vector switches to the tetragonal 001 direction. Such a polarization rotation mechanism has also been suggested by Fu and Cohen. Calculations of induced single domain strain using measured electrostriction constants agree well with observed behavior. Recent measurements by Park et al. and Wada et al. on single crystal BaTiO3 show strongly enhanced piezoelectricity at temperatures near the ferroelectric phase transitions. Of particular relevance is the inverse experiment forcing the tetragonal over to the rhombohedral phase with high 111 oriented field. From this result it is suggested that both cubic and dodecahedral mirrors participate in the reorientation through orthorhombic to the rhombohedral state giving rise to different value of the
Metabolism of androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione and detection by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in doping control.

PubMed

Parr, Maria K; Fusshöller, Gregor; Schlörer, Nils; Opfermann, Georg; Piper, Thomas; Rodchenkov, Grigory; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2009-01-01

The urinary metabolism of the irreversible aromatase inhibitor androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione was investigated. It is mainly excreted unchanged and as its 17beta-hydroxy analogue. For confirmation, 17beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4,6-trien-3-one was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in addition to the parent compound. In addition, several reduced metabolites were detected in the post-administration urines, namely 17beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-dien-3-one (boldenone), 17beta-hydroxy-5beta-androst-1-en-3-one (boldenone metabolite), 17beta-hydroxyandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one, and androsta-4,6-diene-3,17-dione. The identification was performed by comparison of the metabolites with reference material utilizing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of the underivatized compounds and GC/MS and GC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives. Alterations in the steroid profile were also observed, most obviously in the androsterone/testosterone ratio. Even if not explicitly listed, androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione is classified as a prohibited substance in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its aromatase-inhibiting properties. In 2006 three samples from human routine sports doping control tested positive for metabolites of androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione. The samples were initially found suspicious for the boldenone metabolite 17beta-hydroxy-5beta-androst-1-en-3-one. Since metabolites of androst-4-ene-3,6,17-trione were also present in the urine samples, it is presumed that these findings were due to the administration of a product like 'Novedex Xtreme', which could be easily obtained from the sport supplement market. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and characterization of urinary metabolites of boldione by LC-MS/MS. Part I: Phase I metabolites excreted free, as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, and released after alkaline treatment of the urine.

PubMed

Gómez, C; Pozo, O J; Fabregat, A; Marcos, J; Deventer, K; Van Eenoo, P; Segura, J; Ventura, R

2012-10-01

Boldione (1,4-androstadien-3,17-dione) is included in the list of prohibited substances, issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Endogenous production of low concentrations of boldione has also been reported. The objective of this study was to assess boldione metabolism in humans. Detection of boldione metabolites was accomplished by analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry of urine samples obtained after administration of the drug and subjected to different sample preparation procedures to analyze the different metabolic fractions (free, glucuronides, sulpfates and released in basic media). In addition to boldione, eight metabolites were detected in the free fraction. Four of them were identified by comparison with standards: 6β-hydroxy-boldenone (M3), androsta-1,4,6-triene-3,17-dione (M5), (5α)-1-androstenedione (M6) and (5α)-1-testosterone (M8). Metabolite M7 was identified as the 5β-isomer of 1-androstenedione, and metabolites M1, M2 and M4 were hydroxylated metabolites and tentative structures were proposed based on mass spectrometric data. After β-glucuronidase hydrolysis, five additional metabolites excreted only as conjugates with glucuronic acid were detected: boldenone, (5β)-1-testosterone (M9), and three metabolites resulting from reduction of the 3-keto group. Boldenone, epiboldenone, and hydroxylated metabolites of boldione, boldenone and 1-testosterone were detected as conjugates with sulfate. In addition, boldione and seven metabolites (boldenone, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7 and M9) increased their concentration in urine after treatment of the urine in alkaline conditions. In summary, 15 boldione metabolites were detected in all fractions. The longer detection time was observed for metabolite M4 after alkaline treatment of the urine, which was detected up to 5 days after boldione administration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Numerical Investigation into Low-Speed Impact Cratering Events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, Stephen; Richardson, D. C.; Michel, P.

2012-10-01

Impact craters are the geological features most commonly observed on the surface of solid Solar System bodies. Crater shapes and features are crucial sources of information regarding past and present surface environments, and can provide indirect information about the internal structures of these bodies. In this study, we consider the effects of low-speed impacts into granular material. Studies of low-speed impact events are suitable for understanding the cratering process leading, for instance, to secondary craters. In addition, upcoming asteroid sample return missions will employ surface sampling strategies that use impacts into the surface by a projectile. An understanding of the process can lead to better sampling strategies. We use our implementation of the Soft-Sphere Discrete Element Method (SSDEM) (Schwartz et al. 2012, Granular Matter 14, 363-380) into the parallel N-body code PKDGRAV (cf. Richardson et al. 2011, Icarus 212, 427-437) to model the impact cratering process into granular material. We consider the effects of boundary conditions on the ejecta velocity profile and discuss how results relate to the Maxwell Z-Model during the crater growth phase. Cratering simulations are compared to those of Wada et al. 2006 (Icarus 180, 528-545) and to impact experiments performed in conjunction with Hayabusa 2. This work is supported in part by grants from the National Science Foundation under grant number AST1009579 and from the Office of Space Science of NASA under grant number NNX08AM39G. Part of this study resulted from discussions with the International Team (#202) sponsored by ISSI in Bern (Switzerland). Some simulations were performed on the YORP cluster administered by the Center for Theory and Computation of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Maryland in College Park and on the SIGGAM computer cluster hosted by the Côte d'Azur Observatory in Nice (France).
Study of tamoxifen urinary metabolites in rat by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Domínguez-Romero, Juan C; García-Reyes, Juan F; Beneito-Cambra, Miriam; Martínez-Romero, Rubén; Martinez-Lara, Esther; Del Moral-Leal, María L; Molina-Díaz, Antonio

2015-08-01

Tamoxifen (TMX) is a nonsteroidal estrogen antagonist drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. It is also included in the list of banned substances of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited in and out of competition. In this work, the excretion of urinary metabolites of TMX after a single therapeutic dose administration in rats has been studied using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOFMS). A systematic strategy based on the search of typical biotransformations that a xenobiotic can undergo in living organisms, based on their corresponding molecular formula modification and accurate mass shifts, was applied for the identification of TMX metabolites. Prior to UHPLC-TOFMS analyses, a solid-phase extraction step with polymeric cartridges was applied to urine samples. Up to 38 TMX metabolites were detected. Additional collision induced dissociation (CID) MS/MS fragmentation was performed using UHPLC-QTOFMS. Compared with recent previous studies in human urine and plasma, new metabolites have been reported for the first time in urine. Metabolites identified in rat urine include the oxygen addition, owing to different possibilities for the hydroxylation of the rings in different positions (m/z 388.2271), the incorporation of two oxygen atoms (m/z 404.2220) (including dihydroxylated derivatives or alternatives such as epoxidation plus hydroxylation or N-oxidation and hydroxylation), epoxide formation or hydroxylation and dehydrogenation [m/z 386.2114 (+O -H2 )], hydroxylation of the ring accompanied by N-desmethylation (m/z 374.2115), combined hydroxylation and methoxylation (m/z 418.2377), desaturated TMX derivate (m/z 370.2165) and its N-desmethylated derivate (m/z 356.2009), the two latter modifications not previously being reported in urine. These findings confirm the usefulness of the proposed approach based on UHPLC-TOFMS. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mildronate (Meldonium) in professional sports – monitoring doping control urine samples using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography – high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Görgens, Christian; Dib, Josef; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2015-01-01

To date, substances such as Mildronate (Meldonium) are not on the radar of anti‐doping laboratories as the compound is not explicitly classified as prohibited. However, the anti‐ischemic drug Mildronate demonstrates an increase in endurance performance of athletes, improved rehabilitation after exercise, protection against stress, and enhanced activations of central nervous system (CNS) functions. In the present study, the existing evidence of Mildronate's usage in sport, which is arguably not (exclusively) based on medicinal reasons, is corroborated by unequivocal analytical data allowing the estimation of the prevalence and extent of misuse in professional sports. Such data are vital to support decision‐making processes, particularly regarding the ban on drugs in sport. Due to the growing body of evidence (black market products and athlete statements) concerning its misuse in sport, adequate test methods for the reliable identification of Mildronate are required, especially since the substance has been added to the 2015 World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring program. In the present study, two approaches were established using an in‐house synthesized labelled internal standard (Mildronate‐D3). One aimed at the implementation of the analyte into routine doping control screening methods to enable its monitoring at the lowest possible additional workload for the laboratory, and another that is appropriate for the peculiar specifics of the analyte, allowing the unequivocal confirmation of findings using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry (HILIC‐HRMS). Here, according to applicable regulations in sports drug testing, a full qualitative validation was conducted. The assay demonstrated good specificity, robustness (rRT=0.3%), precision (intra‐day: 7.0–8.4%; inter‐day: 9.9–12.9%), excellent linearity (R>0.99) and an adequate lower limit of detection (<10 ng/mL). © 2015 The Authors
Opinion paper: scientific, philosophical and legal consideration of doping in sports.

PubMed

Negro, Massimo; Marzullo, Natale; Caso, Francesca; Calanni, Luca; D'Antona, Giuseppe

2018-04-01

The term doping is generally used to indicate practices based on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) or the abuse of medical therapies. Mostly analysed by doctors and officials, doping nevertheless also requires a philosophical consideration to avoid being simplistically portrayed as an isolated practice. To do this, we need to pay attention to the contradictions and paradoxes in the modern approach to doping in sport. In this context, doping is not only relevant to the health of an individual involved in the violation of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) criteria, but it actually represents a double-edged phenomenon containing ethical and legal points of view. Several philosophical items affect the ethics of doping. While, indeed, through a deontological vision it is easy to morally condemn an athlete who takes the decision to turn to doping, the same condemnation becomes difficult when the practice of doping is compared with the strong social demand of winners in every field of life. This point must be considered to prevent doping from becoming accepted as a daily practice to excel at all costs and regarded not only as normal but as a necessity for those participating in sport at both an amateur and professional level. Furthermore, a complete discussion on doping has to consider not only the philosophy of performance-enhancing drug abuse, but also the widespread practice of an inappropriate and excessive intake of certain dietary supplements with the unique and obsessive purpose (similar to doping) of increasing physical or mental performance. Based on the above, the aim of this paper is to provide a critical opinion of the doping problem and its related practices and analyze possible solutions considering issues that go beyond the impact of doping on health and reflect on whether it is right or not that an athlete does all he can to improve his performance.
Simplifying and expanding analytical capabilities for various classes of doping agents by means of direct urine injection high performance liquid chromatography high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Görgens, Christian; Guddat, Sven; Thomas, Andreas; Wachsmuth, Philipp; Orlovius, Anne-Katrin; Sigmund, Gerd; Thevis, Mario; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2016-11-30

So far, in sports drug testing compounds of different classes are processed and measured using different screening procedures. The constantly increasing number of samples in doping analysis, as well as the large number of substances with doping related, pharmacological effects require the development of even more powerful assays than those already employed in sports drug testing, indispensably with reduced sample preparation procedures. The analysis of native urine samples after direct injection provides a promising analytical approach, which thereby possesses a broad applicability to many different compounds and their metabolites, without a time-consuming sample preparation. In this study, a novel multi-target approach based on liquid chromatography and high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry is presented to screen for more than 200 analytes of various classes of doping agents far below the required detection limits in sports drug testing. Here, classic groups of drugs as diuretics, stimulants, β 2 -agonists, narcotics and anabolic androgenic steroids as well as various newer target compounds like hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) stabilizers, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), plasma volume expanders and other doping related compounds, listed in the 2016 WADA prohibited list were implemented. As a main achievement, growth hormone releasing peptides could be implemented, which chemically belong to the group of small peptides (<2kDa) and are commonly determined by laborious and time-consuming stand-alone assays. The assay was fully validated for qualitative purposes considering the parameters specificity, robustness (rRT: <2%), intra- (CV: 1.7-18.4 %) and inter-day precision (CV: 2.3-18.3%) at three concentration levels, linearity (R 2 >0.99), limit of detection (0.1-25ng/mL; 3'OH-stanozolol glucuronide: 50pg/mL; dextran/HES: 10μg/mL) and matrix effects. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights
Longitudinal evaluation of the isotope ratio mass spectrometric data: towards the 'isotopic module' of the athlete biological passport?

PubMed

Jardines, Daniel; Botrè, Francesco; Colamonici, Cristiana; Curcio, Davide; Procida, Gemma; de la Torre, Xavier

2016-11-01

The detection of the abuse of pseudo-endogenous steroids (testosterone and/or its precursors) is currently based on the application of the steroid module of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Athletes' Biological Passport (ABP), implemented through ADAMS. Diagnostic metabolites are monitored for every athlete and statistically evaluated with a predictive Bayesian approach. In the case of suspicious samples, the data of the ABP are confirmed and the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) test is activated. We have previously demonstrated that IRMS enables confirmation of the non-endogenous origin of pseudo-endogenous steroids in otherwise non-suspicious samples, after a longitudinal evaluation of the ABP, even after the inclusion of additional long-term diagnostic hydroxylated metabolites, and that the delta values of the parameters obtained during the IRMS confirmation process presented much less variability compared to the parameters of the ABP. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the application of the same methodology used for the evaluation of the ABP, on the delta values of the pseudo-endogenous steroids monitored. The effectiveness of the proposed model has been assessed on samples obtained after controlled administrations of oral androstenedione and transdermal testosterone. The results support the conclusion that, if applied, the longitudinal evaluation of the IRMS data allows the detection of positive samples that otherwise will be reported as atypical findings (ATF), improving the efficacy of the fight against doping in sport. This approach, by narrowing the individual acceptable range, could possibly improve the detection of the intake of preparations of synthetic origin with delta values close to or overlapping those of endogenously produced steroids. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro metabolism study of a black market product containing SARM LGD-4033.

PubMed

Geldof, Lore; Pozo, Oscar J; Lootens, Leen; Morthier, Wouter; Van Eenoo, Peter; Deventer, Koen

2017-02-01

Anabolic agents are often used by athletes to enhance their performance. However, use of steroids leads to considerable side effects. Non-steroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a novel class of substances that have not been approved so far but seem to have a more favourable anabolic/androgenic ratio than steroids and produce fewer side effects. Therefore the use of SARMs has been prohibited since 2008 by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Several of these SARMs have been detected on the black market. Metabolism studies are essential to identify the best urinary markers to ensure effective control of emerging substances by doping control laboratories. As black market products often contain non-pharmaceutical-grade substances, alternatives for human excretion studies are needed to elucidate the metabolism. A black market product labelled to contain the SARM LGD-4033 was purchased over the Internet. Purity verification of the black market product led to the detection of LGD-4033, without other contaminants. Human liver microsomes and S9 liver fractions were used to perform phase I and phase II (glucuronidation) metabolism studies. The samples of the in vitro metabolism studies were analyzed by gas chromatography-(tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-MS(/MS)), liquid chromatography-high resolution-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-(HR)MS/MS). LC-HRMS product ion scans allowed to identify typical fragment ions for the parent compound and to further determine metabolite structures. In total five metabolites were detected, all modified in the pyrrolidine ring of LGD-4033. The metabolic modifications ranged from hydroxylation combined with keto-formation (M1) or cleavage of the pyrrolidine ring (M2), hydroxylation and methylation (M3/M4) and dihydroxylation (M5). The parent compound and M2 were also detected as glucuronide-conjugates. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
OMICS-strategies and methods in the fight against doping.

PubMed

Reichel, Christian

2011-12-10

During the past decade OMICS-methods not only continued to have their impact on research strategies in life sciences and in particular molecular biology, but also started to be used for anti-doping control purposes. Research activities were mainly reasoned by the fact that several substances and methods, which were prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), were or still are difficult to detect by direct methods. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in theory offer ideal platforms for the discovery of biomarkers for the indirect detection of the abuse of these substances and methods. Traditionally, the main focus of transcriptomics and proteomics projects has been on the prolonged detection of the misuse of human growth hormone (hGH), recombinant erythropoietin (rhEpo), and autologous blood transfusion. An additional benefit of the indirect or marker approach would also be that similarly acting substances might then be detected by a single method, without being forced to develop new direct detection methods for new but comparable prohibited substances (as has been the case, e.g. for the various forms of Epo analogs and biosimilars). While several non-OMICS-derived parameters for the indirect detection of doping are currently in use, for example the blood parameters of the hematological module of the athlete's biological passport, the outcome of most non-targeted OMICS-projects led to no direct application in routine doping control so far. The main reason is the inherent complexity of human transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes and their inter-individual variability. The article reviews previous and recent research projects and their results and discusses future strategies for a more efficient application of OMICS-methods in doping control. Copyright Â© 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hormone abuse in sports: the antidoping perspective.

PubMed

Barroso, Osquel; Mazzoni, Irene; Rabin, Olivier

2008-05-01

Since ancient times, unethical athletes have attempted to gain an unfair competitive advantage through the use of doping substances. A list of doping substances and methods banned in sports is published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A substance or method might be included in the List if it fulfills at least two of the following criteria: enhances sports performance; represents a risk to the athlete's health; or violates the spirit of sports. This list, constantly updated to reflect new developments in the pharmaceutical industry as well as doping trends, enumerates the drug types and methods prohibited in and out of competition. Among the substances included are steroidal and peptide hormones and their modulators, stimulants, glucocorticosteroids, beta2-agonists, diuretics and masking agents, narcotics, and cannabinoids. Blood doping, tampering, infusions, and gene doping are examples of prohibited methods indicated on the List. From all these, hormones constitute by far the highest number of adverse analytical findings reported by antidoping laboratories. Although to date most are due to anabolic steroids, the advent of molecular biology techniques has made recombinant peptide hormones readily available. These substances are gradually changing the landscape of doping trends. Peptide hormones like erythropoietin (EPO), human growth hormone (hGH), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are presumed to be widely abused for performance enhancement. Furthermore, as there is a paucity of techniques suitable for their detection, peptide hormones are all the more attractive to dishonest athletes. This article will overview the use of hormones as doping substances in sports, focusing mainly on peptide hormones as they represent a pressing challenge to the current fight against doping. Hormones and hormones modulators being developed by the pharmaceutical industry, which could emerge as new doping substances, are also discussed. 2008, Asian
Urinary nandrolone metabolite detection after ingestion of a nandrolone precursor.

PubMed

Watson, Phillip; Judkins, Catherine; Houghton, Ed; Russell, Caroline; Maughan, Ronald J

2009-04-01

Quantities of various anabolic/androgenic steroids have been found in dietary supplements without their presence being disclosed on the label. The aim of this study was to quantify the excretion patterns of the diagnostic metabolites, 19-norandrosterone (19-NA), and 19-noretiocholanolone (19-NE) after ingestion of small doses of 19-nor-4-androstene-3,17-dione (19-norandrostenedione). Eleven males and nine females entered the laboratory in the morning after an overnight fast. An initial urine sample was collected, and volunteers then ingested 500 mL of water containing 5 g of creatine monohydrate and 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 microg of 19-norandrostenedione. The volume of each urine void was measured, and an aliquot was taken. Samples were analyzed for the metabolites 19-NA and 19-NE by GCMS. Baseline urinary 19-NA concentrations were 0.19 +/- 0.14 ng x mL. Ingestion of the supplement resulted in peak mean urinary 19-NA concentrations of 0.68 +/- 0.36, 1.56 +/- 0.86, and 3.89 +/- 3.11 ng.mL in the 1.0-, 2.5-, or 5.0-microg trials, respectively. Under current WADA regulations, ingestion of the 1.0-microg dose produced 0 positive doping tests, 5 subjects (20%) tested positive in the 2.5-microg trial, and 15 subjects (75%) had urinary 19-NA concentrations exceeding 2 ng x mL after ingesting creatine containing 5.0 microg of the steroid. The recovery of the ingested dose was highly variable between individuals, with values ranging from 11% to 84% (mean +/- SD = 47% +/- 18%). Ingestion of trace amounts of 19-norandrostenedione can result in transient elevations of urinary 19-NA and 19-NE concentrations. The addition of as little as 2.5 microg of 19-norandrostenedione to a supplement (0.00005% contamination) appears sufficient to result in a doping violation in some individuals.
Mildronate (Meldonium) in professional sports - monitoring doping control urine samples using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography - high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Görgens, Christian; Guddat, Sven; Dib, Josef; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2015-01-01

To date, substances such as Mildronate (Meldonium) are not on the radar of anti-doping laboratories as the compound is not explicitly classified as prohibited. However, the anti-ischemic drug Mildronate demonstrates an increase in endurance performance of athletes, improved rehabilitation after exercise, protection against stress, and enhanced activations of central nervous system (CNS) functions. In the present study, the existing evidence of Mildronate's usage in sport, which is arguably not (exclusively) based on medicinal reasons, is corroborated by unequivocal analytical data allowing the estimation of the prevalence and extent of misuse in professional sports. Such data are vital to support decision-making processes, particularly regarding the ban on drugs in sport. Due to the growing body of evidence (black market products and athlete statements) concerning its misuse in sport, adequate test methods for the reliable identification of Mildronate are required, especially since the substance has been added to the 2015 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) monitoring program. In the present study, two approaches were established using an in-house synthesized labelled internal standard (Mildronate-D3 ). One aimed at the implementation of the analyte into routine doping control screening methods to enable its monitoring at the lowest possible additional workload for the laboratory, and another that is appropriate for the peculiar specifics of the analyte, allowing the unequivocal confirmation of findings using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry (HILIC-HRMS). Here, according to applicable regulations in sports drug testing, a full qualitative validation was conducted. The assay demonstrated good specificity, robustness (rRT=0.3%), precision (intra-day: 7.0-8.4%; inter-day: 9.9-12.9%), excellent linearity (R>0.99) and an adequate lower limit of detection (<10 ng/mL). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal lobe epilepsy: when are invasive recordings needed?

PubMed

Diehl, B; Lüders, H O

2000-01-01

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of medically intractable partial epilepsy amenable to surgery. In the majority of cases, the underlying pathology in temporal lobe epilepsy is mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Whereas historically invasive recordings were required for most epilepsy surgeries, indications have dramatically changed since the introduction of high-resolution MRI, which uncovers structural lesions in a high percentage of cases. No invasive recordings are required to perform a temporal lobectomy in patients with intractable epilepsy who have structural imaging suggesting unilateral MTS and concordant interictal and ictal surface EEG recordings, functional imaging, and clinical findings. Invasive testing is needed if there is evidence of bitemporal MTS on structural imaging and/or electrophysiologically, and additional information from functional imaging, neuropsychology, and the intracarotid amobarbital (Wada) test also does not help to lateralize the epileptogenic zone. Depth electrodes can be particularly helpful in this setting. However, no surgery is indicated, even without invasive recordings, if bitemporal-independent seizures are recorded by surface EEG and all additional testing is inconclusive. Other etiologies of TLE such as a tumor, vascular malformation, encephalomalacia, or congenital developmental abnormality account for about 30% of all patients who undergo epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy surgery is indicated after limited electrophysiologic investigations if neuroimaging and electrophysiology converge. However, approaches for resection in lesional temporal lobe epilepsy vary among centers. Completeness of resection is crucial and invasive recordings may be needed to guide the resection by mapping eloquent cortex and/or to determine the extent of the non-MRI-visible epileptogenic area. Specific approaches for the different pathologies are discussed because there is evidence that the relationship between the lesions visible on
A population study of urine glycerol concentrations in elite athletes competing in North America.

PubMed

Kelly, Brian N; Madsen, Myke; Sharpe, Ken; Nair, Vinod; Eichner, Daniel

2013-01-01

Glycerol is an endogenous substance that is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of prohibited threshold substances due to its potential use as a plasma volume expansion agent. The WADA has set the threshold for urine glycerol, including measurement uncertainty, at 1.3 mg/mL. Glycerol in circulation largely comes from metabolism of triglycerides in order to meet energy requirements and when the renal threshold is eclipsed, glycerol is excreted into urine. In part due to ethnic differences in postprandial triglyceride concentrations, we investigated urine glycerol concentrations in a population of elite athletes competing in North America and compared the results to those of athletes competing in Europe. 959 urine samples from elite athletes competing in North America collected for anti-doping purposes were analyzed for urine glycerol concentrations by a gas chromatography mass-spectrometry method. Samples were divided into groups according to: Timing (in- or out-of-competition), Class (strength, game, or endurance sports) and Gender. 333 (34.7%) samples had undetectable amounts of glycerol (<1 μg/mL). 861 (89.8%) of the samples had glycerol concentrations ≤20 μg/mL. The highest glycerol concentration observed was 652 μg/mL. Analysis of the data finds the effects of each category to be statistically significant. The largest estimate of the 99.9(th) percentile, from the in-competition, female, strength athlete samples, was 1813 μg/mL with a 95% confidence range from 774 to 4251 μg/mL. This suggests a conservative threshold of 4.3 mg/mL, which would result in a reasonable detection window for urine samples collected in-competition for all genders and sport classes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of four different clinical fMRI paradigms for preoperative regional determination of language lateralization in patients with brain tumors.

PubMed

Zacà, Domenico; Nickerson, Joshua P; Deib, Gerard; Pillai, Jay J

2012-09-01

Blood oxygen level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has demonstrated its capability to provide comparable results to gold standard intracarotid sodium amobarbital (Wada) testing for preoperative determination of language hemispheric dominance. However, thus far, no consensus has been established regarding which fMRI paradigms are the most effective for the determination of hemispheric language lateralization in specific categories of patients and specific regions of interest (ROIs). Forty-one brain tumor patients who performed four different language tasks-rhyming (R), silent word generation (SWG) sentence completion, and sentence listening comprehension (LC)-for presurgical language mapping by fMRI were included in this study. A statistical threshold-independent lateralization index (LI) was calculated and compared among the paradigms in four different ROIs for language activation: functional Broca's (BA) and Wernicke's areas (WA) as well as larger anatomically defined expressive (EA) and receptive (RA) areas. The two expressive paradigms evaluated in this study are very good lateralizing tasks in expressive language areas; specifically, a significantly higher mean LI value was noted for SWG (0.36 ± 0.25) compared to LC (0.16 ± 0.24, p = 0.009) and for R (0.40 ± 0.22) compared to LC (0.16 ± 0.24, p = 0.001) in BA. SWG LI (0.28 ± 0.19) was higher than LC LI (0.12 ± 0.16, p = 0.01) also in EA. No significant differences in LI were found among these paradigms in WA or RA. SWG and R are sufficient for the determination of lateralization in expressive language areas, whereas new semantic or receptive paradigms need to be designed for an improved assessment of lateralization in receptive language areas.
The ubiquitin-homology protein, DAP-1, associates with tumor necrosis factor receptor (p60) death domain and induces apoptosis.

PubMed

Liou, M L; Liou, H C

1999-04-09

The tumor necrosis factor receptor, p60 (TNF-R1), transduces death signals via the association of its cytoplasmic domain with several intracellular proteins. By screening a mammalian cDNA library using the yeast two-hybrid cloning technique, we isolated a ubiquitin-homology protein, DAP-1, which specifically interacts with the cytoplasmic death domain of TNF-R1. Sequence analysis reveals that DAP-1 shares striking sequence homology with the yeast SMT3 protein that is essential for the maintenance of chromosome integrity during mitosis (Meluh, P. B., and Koshland, D. (1995) Mol. Biol. Cell 6, 793-807). DAP-1 is nearly identical to PIC1, a protein that interacts with the PML tumor suppressor implicated in acute promyelocytic leukemia (Boddy, M. N., Howe, K., Etkin, L. D., Solomon, E., and Freemont, P. S. (1996) Oncogene 13, 971-982), and the sentrin protein, which associates with the Fas death receptor (Okura, T., Gong, L., Kamitani, T., Wada, T., Okura, I., Wei, C. F., Chang, H. M., and Yeh, E. T. (1996) J. Immunol. 157, 4277-4281). The in vivo interaction between DAP-1 and TNF-R1 was further confirmed in mammalian cells. In transient transfection assays, overexpression of DAP-1 suppresses NF-kappaB/Rel activity in 293T cells, a human kidney embryonic carcinoma cell line. Overexpression of either DAP-1 or sentrin causes apoptosis of TNF-sensitive L929 fibroblast cell line, as well as TNF-resistant osteosarcoma cell line, U2OS. Furthermore, the dominant negative Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) protein blocks the cell death induced by either DAP-1 or FADD. Collectively, these observations highly suggest a role for DAP-1 in mediating TNF-induced cell death signaling pathways, presumably through the recruitment of FADD death effector.
Xenon elimination kinetics following brief exposure.

PubMed

Schaefer, Maximilian S; Piper, Thomas; Geyer, Hans; Schneemann, Julia; Neukirchen, Martin; Thevis, Mario; Kienbaum, Peter

2017-05-01

Xenon is a modern inhalative anaesthetic with a very low solubility in tissues providing rapid elimination and weaning from anaesthesia. Besides its anaesthetic properties, Xenon promotes the endogenous erythropoietin biosynthesis and thus has been enlisted as prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). For effective doping controls, knowledge about the elimination kinetics of Xenon and the duration of traceability are of particular importance. Seventy-seven full blood samples were obtained from 7 normal weight patients undergoing routine Xenon-based general anaesthesia with a targeted inspiratory concentration of 60% Xenon in oxygen. Samples were taken before and during Xenon inhalation as well as one, two, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 h after exposure. Xenon concentrations were assessed in full blood by gas chromatography and triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry with a detection limit of 0.25 µmol/L. The elimination of Xenon was characterized by linear regression of log-transformed Xenon blood concentrations, as well as non-linear regression. Xenon exposure yielded maximum concentrations in arterial blood of 1.3 [1.1; 1.6] mmol/L. Xenon was traceable for 24 to 48 h. The elimination profile was characterized by a biphasic pattern with a rapid alpha phase, followed by a slower beta phase showing a first order kinetics (c[Xe] = 69.1e -0.26x , R 2 = 0.83, t 1/2 = 2.7 h). Time in hours after exposure could be estimated by 50*ln(1.39/c[Xe] 0.077 ). Xenon's elimination kinetics is biphasic with a delayed beta phase following a first order kinetics. Xenon can reliably be detected for at least 24 h after brief exposure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A conceptual framework for achieving performance enhancing drug compliance in sport.

PubMed

Donovan, Robert J; Egger, Garry; Kapernick, Vicki; Mendoza, John

2002-01-01

There has been, and continues to be, widespread international concern about athletes' use of banned performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). This concern culminated in the formation of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in November 1999. To date, the main focus on controlling the use of PEDs has been on testing athletes and the development of tests to detect usage. Although athletes' beliefs and values are known to influence whether or not an athlete will use drugs, little is known about athletes' beliefs and attitudes, and the limited empirical literature shows little use of behavioural science frameworks to guide research methodology, results interpretation, and intervention implications. Mindful of this in preparing its anti-doping strategy for the 2000 Olympics, the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) in 1997 commissioned a study to assess the extent to which models of attitude-behaviour change in the public health/injury prevention literature had useful implications for compliance campaigns in the sport drug area. A preliminary compliance model was developed from three behavioural science frameworks: social cognition models; threat (or fear) appeals; and instrumental and normative approaches. A subsequent review of the performance enhancing drug literature confirmed that the overall framework was consistent with known empirical data, and therefore had at least face validity if not construct validity. The overall model showed six major inputs to an athlete's attitudes and intentions with respect to performance enhancing drug usage: personality factors, threat appraisal, benefit appraisal, reference group influences, personal morality and legitimacy. The model demonstrated that a comprehensive, fully integrated programme is necessary for maximal effect, and provides anti-doping agencies with a structured framework for strategic planning and implementing interventions. Programmes can be developed in each of the six major areas, with allocation of resources to each
Determination of LongR3-IGF-I, R3-IGF-I, Des1-3 IGF-I and their metabolites in human plasma samples by means of LC-MS.

PubMed

Thomas, Andreas; Walpurgis, Katja; Delahaut, Philippe; Fichant, Eric; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2017-08-01

According to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), growth promoting peptides such as the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its synthetic analogues belong to the class of prohibited compounds. While several assays to quantify endogenous IGF-I have been established, the potential misuse of synthetic analogues such as LongR 3 -IGF-I, R 3 -IGF-I and Des1-3-IGF-I remains a challenge and superior pharmacokinetic properties have been described for these analogues. Within the present study, it was demonstrated that the target peptides can be successfully detected in plasma samples by means of magnetic beads-based immunoaffinity purification and subsequent nanoscale liquid chromatographic separation with high resolution mass spectrometric detection. Noteworthy, the usage of a specific antibody for LongR 3 -IGF-I enables the determination in low ng/mL levels despite the presence of an enormous excess of endogenous human IGF-I. In addition, different metabolism studies (in-vitro and in-vivo) were performed using sophisticated strategies such as incubation with skin tissue microsomes, degradation in biological fluids (for all analogues), and administration to rats (for LongR 3 -IGF-I). Herewith, several C-and N-terminally truncated metabolites were identified and their relevancy was additionally confirmed by in-vivo experiments with rodents. Especially for LongR 3 -IGF-I, a metabolite ((Des1-11)-LongR 3 -IGF-I) was identified that prolonged the detectability in-vivo by a factor of approximately 2. The method was validated for qualitative interpretation considering the parameters specificity, identification capability, recovery (26-60%), limit of detection (0.5ng/mL), imprecision (<25%), linearity, stability, and matrix effects. A stable isotope labelled ( 15 N)-IGF-I was used as internal standard to control all sample preparation steps. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Op-Ug TD Optimizer Tool Based on Matlab Code to Find Transition Depth From Open Pit to Block Caving / Narzędzie Optymalizacyjne Oparte O Kod Matlab Wykorzystane Do Określania Głębokości Przejściowej Od Wydobycia Odkrywkowego Do Wybierania Komorami

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakhtavar, E.

2015-09-01

In this study, transition from open pit to block caving has been considered as a challenging problem. For this purpose, the linear integer programing code of Matlab was initially developed on the basis of the binary integer model proposed by Bakhtavar et al (2012). Then a program based on graphical user interface (GUI) was set up and named "Op-Ug TD Optimizer". It is a beneficial tool for simple application of the model in all situations where open pit is considered together with block caving method for mining an ore deposit. Finally, Op-Ug TD Optimizer has been explained step by step through solving the transition from open pit to block caving problem of a case ore deposit. W pracy tej rozważano skomplikowane zagadnienie przejścia od wybierania odkrywkowego do komorowego. W tym celu opracowano kod programowania liniowego w środowisku MATLAB w oparciu o model liczb binarnych zaproponowany przez Bakhtavara (2012). Następnie opracowano program z wykorzystujący graficzny interfejs użytkownika o nazwie Optymalizator Op-Ug TD. Jest to niezwykle cenne narzędzie umożliwiające stosowanie modelu dla wszystkich warunków w sytuacjach gdy rozważamy prowadzenie wydobycia metodą odkrywkową oraz wydobycie komorowe przy eksploatacji złóż rud żelaza. W końcowej części pracy podano szczegółową instrukcję stosowanie programu Optymalizator na przedstawionym przykładzie przejścia od wydobycia rud żelaza metodami odkrywkowymi poprzez wydobycie komorami.
Organizational, Design and Technology Issues in the Process of Protection of Underground Historic Monuments/ Probelmy Organizacyjne, Projektowe I Technologiczne W Procesie Zabezpieczania Zabytkowych Podziemi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartos, Maciej; Chmura, Janusz; Wieja, Tomasz

2015-06-01

Underground historic monuments constitute the immanent part of the cultural and natural heritage. Protecting and opening underground historic objects, as the investment aim, is a process of renewed actions taken in objects that are degraded or out of order, contributing to improvement of quality of life of residents, restoring new functions, reconstruction of social bonds. Underground historic buildings should be subjected to processes of protecting and revitalization. Determining the state of a given building and the adjustability of its spatial structure to introducing a new function or making it available to tourist purposes are the basis for these actions. Zabytkowe podziemia stanowią immanentną część dziedzictwa kulturowego i przyrodniczego. Zabezpieczenie i udostępnienie podziemnych obiektów zabytkowych, jako zamierzenia inwestycyjnego, jest procesem ponownych działań podejmowanych w zdegradowanych lub nieczynnych obiektach, przyczyniając się do poprawy jakości życia mieszkańców, przywrócenia nowych funkcji, odbudowy więzi społecznych. Podziemne obiekty zabytkowe powinny być poddane procesom zabezpieczenia i rewitalizacji. Podstawą tych działań jest określenie stanu zachowania danego obiektu oraz możliwości dostosowania jego struktury przestrzennej do wprowadzenia nowej funkcji lub udostępnienia w celach turystycznych. Zasadniczym problemem jest, na etapie organizacyjnym, brak jednolitego ustawodawstwa prawnego dotyczącego procesu zabezpieczania podziemnych obiektów. W artykule przedstawiamy zasadnicze problemy organizacyjne, projektowe i technologiczne występujące w procesie inwestycyjnym zabezpieczania podziemnych obiektów zabytkowych. Efektem tych prac jest transformacja podziemnego obiektu w strukturę przestrzenną o nowej funkcji użytkowej.
Visualization of Multidimensional Data in Purpose of Qualitative Classification of Various Types of Coal / Wizualizacja Wielowymiarowych Danych W Celu Klasyfikacji JAKOŚCIOWEJ RÓŻNYCH TYPÓW WĘGLA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedoba, Tomasz; Jamróz, Dariusz

2013-12-01

. Surowce mineralne, które podlegają wzbogacaniu w celu ich lepszego wykorzystania mogą być (charakteryzują się) charakteryzowane wieloma wskaźnikami opisującymi ich, interesujące przeróbkarza, cechy. Podstawowymi cechami są wielkość ziaren oraz ich gęstość, które decydują o przebiegu rozdziału zbiorów ziaren (nadaw) i efektach takiego rozdziału. Rozdział prowadzi się z reguły, w celu uzyskania produktów o zróżnicowanych wartościach średnich wybranej cechy, która zwykle charakteryzowana jest zawartością określonego składnika surowca wyznaczoną na drodze analiz chemicznych. Takie podejście do surowca mineralnego prowadzi do potraktowania go jako wielowymiarowego wektora X = [X1, …, Xn]. Zasadniczym problemem jest także wybór jednostki populacji generalnej (ziarno, jednostka objętości lub masy), co może decydować o kierunkach charakteryzowania wielowymiarowych powiązań cech wektora X. Takimi kierunkami charakteryzowania mogą być: - wielowymiarowe rozkłady wektora losowego X wraz ze wszystkimi konsekwencjami metody (Lyman, 1993; Niedoba, 2009; 2011; Olejnik et al., 2010; Niedoba & Surowiak, 2012); - wielowymiarowe równania regresji wraz z analizą macierzy współczynników korelacji liniowej oraz korelacji cząstkowej (Niedoba, 2013); - analiza czynnikowa (Tumidajski & Saramak, 2009); - inne metody, w tym wizualizacja metodą tuneli obserwacyjnych (Jamróz, 2001), osi równoległych oraz wizualizacja zależności pomiędzy wielowymiarowymi bryłami (Jamróz, 2009). Wielowymiarowe rozkłady wektora X traktowanego jako wektor losowy, mają już swoją bogatą literaturę i praktyczne ich zastosowanie i nie będą przedmiotem tej publikacji. Pozostałe metody są ze sobą w pewien sposób powiązane, co skrótowo zostało przedstawione w artykule. Macierze współczynników korelacji liniowej i współczynników korelacji cząstkowej są związane, z reguły, z istniejącymi modelami liniowymi zależności występujących mi
Stable Isotopic signatures of Adélie penguin remains provide long-term paleodietary records in Northern Victoria Land (Ross Sea, Antarctica)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzini, Sandra; Baroni, Carlo; Fallick, Anthony Edward; Baneschi, Ilaria; Salvatore, Maria Cristina; Zanchetta, Giovanni; Dallai, Luigi

2010-05-01

The stable isotopes geochemistry of carbon and nitrogen provides a powerful tools for investigating in animal dietary patterns and shifts during the past. The signature of C and N isotopes provide direct information about the diet of an individual and its dietary patterns, especially when the dietary sources consist of prey from different trophic levels (i.e. different C and N isotopic composition) (DeNiro and Epstein 1978, Minawaga and Wada 1984, Koch et al. 1994, Hobson 1995). By analyzing the isotopic composition of penguin remains, we present a new detailed Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) paleodietary record for the area of Terra Nova Bay (Victoria Land, Ross Sea). Adélie penguins primarily feed on fish (mainly the silverfish Pleuragramma antarcticum) and krill (Euphausia superba, Euphausia cristallorophias) (Ainley 2002, Lorenzini et al. 2009) that belonging to two different trophic levels. Consequently, they are characterized by different isotopic signatures. Specifically, we analyzed 13C/12C and 15N/14N ratios of more than one thousand of modern and fossil Adélie penguin eggshell and guano samples collected from ornithogenic soils (penguin guano-formed) dated back to ≈7,200 years BP (Baroni and Orombelli 1994, Lambert et al. 2002, Baroni and Hall 2004, Hall et al. 2006). The expanded database of stable isotope values obtained from Adélie penguin remains define a detailed paleodietary record with an excellent temporal continuity over all the investigated time period. Our data indicate a significant dietary shift between fish and krill, with a gradual decrease from past to present time in the proportion of fish compared to krill in Adélie penguin diet. From 7200 yrs BP to 2000 yrs BP, δ13C and δ15N values indicate fish as the most eaten prey. The dietary contribution of lower-trophic prey in penguin diet started becoming evident not earlier than 2000 yrs BP, when the δ13C values reveal a mixed diet based on fish and krill consumption. Modern
Influence of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers on Rheological Properties of Cement Slurries Used in Drilling Technologies / Wpływ Superplastyfikatorów Z Grupy Polikarboksylanów Na Właściwości Reologiczne Zaczynów Cementowych Stosowanych W Technologiach Wiertniczych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stryczek, Stanisław; Wiśniowski, Rafał; Gonet, Andrzej; Złotkowski, Albert; Ziaja, Jan

2013-09-01

domieszki modyfikujące właściwości technologiczne świeżych i stwardniałych zaczynów, • złożony chemicznie mechanizm reakcje hydratacji zachodzące w zaczynie w funkcji czasu. Na szczególną uwagę ze względu na zapewnienie skuteczność uszczelniania kolumn rur okładzinowych w otworach wiertniczych zasługują domieszki uplastyczniające (plastyfikatory PL) i upłynniające (superplastyfikatory SP typu tradycyjnego oraz nowej generacji) wpływające na modyfikację oraz optymalizację cech reologicznych świeżych zaczynów uszczelniających. Przeprowadzone badania laboratoryjne miały na celu udowodnianie następującej tezy: odpowiednio dobrany rodzaj superplastyfikatorów [firmy BASF Polska Sp.z o.o. ( The Chemical Company) - Dział Domieszek do Betonu], wpływa korzystnie na parametry reologiczne zaczynu uszczelniającego sporządzanego na osnowie cementu hutniczego CEM III /A 32,5. W przeprowadzanych badaniach zmiennymi były: • rodzaj superplastyfikatora, • rodzaj cieczy zarobowej. W badaniach laboratoryjnych zastosowano następujące superplastyfikatory firmy BASF: • SKY 501, • SKY 503, • SKY 591, • ACE 430, • Glenium 115. Koncentracja superplastyfikatora w zaczynie wynosiła: 0,5% wagowo (w stosunku do masy suchego cementu). Współczynnik wodno-cementowy dla badanych zaczynów uszczelniających wynosił: 0,5. Do sporządzania zaczynów uszczelniających stosowano cement hutniczy klasy CEM III/A 32,5 N-LH/ HSR/NA - Cementownia Małogoszcz, Grupa Lafarge Cement S.A. w Małogoszczy.
Bulk Geochemical Data of Fossil Wood from the Middle Jurassic Clays of Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smolarek, Justyna

2012-01-01

Macroscopic observations, microscopic studies and literature data revealed that Middle Jurassic wood from Częstochowa area has a different state of preservation, and various types and degrees of mineralization and oxidation. Obtained results of organic matter fractionation illustrate a clear domination of polar fraction in the obtained extracts revealing low thermal maturity stage. Total organic carbon (TOC) values for analysed samples are in a wide range from 1.06% to 68.50%. The highest amount of TOC were measured in not or poorly mineralized wood samples but most of them are mineralized wood fragments, showing the TOC values in the range of 2% - 10%. Percentage content of carbonate in fossil wood constitute in a wide range from less than 1% CaCO3 to above 85% CaCO3. The resulting percentage of the total sulfur content is very varied and do not show convergence with other data such as TOC, carbonate content, etc and is most probable connected with pyritisation range. Unlike the Middle Jurassic clay samples, where long-chain and short-chain n-alkanes occur in similar concentrations, in wood samples always short-chain n-alkanes dominated, in the range from 15 to 23 carbon atoms in molecule. The values of the CPI are generally higher than 1 which indicates the contribution of organic matter derived from higher plant waxes, which are characteristic of e.g. needles from gymnosperm plants. Under the influence of post - diagenetic oxidation in mineralized wood samples distribution of n-alkanes is changing. Diaster-13(17)-enes with 28 and 29 carbon atoms in molecule are present in the wood samples, while those with 29 atoms strongly prevail. Makroskopowe obserwacje, mikroskopowe badania i dane literaturowe wykazały, że środkowojurajskie drewno z okolic Częstochowy ma różny stan zachowania oraz różne rodzaje i stopień mineralizacji oraz utlenienia. Uzyskane wyniki rozdziału frakcyjnego pokazują wyraźną przewagę frakcji polarnej w badanych ekstraktach. Warto
Atmospheric Circulation Influence on the Winter Thermal Conditions in Poland in 2021-2050 Based on the RACMO2 Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jędruszkiewicz, Joanna; Piotrowski, Piotr

2012-01-01

ą oparte są m.in. o prognozy występowania krótszych zim oraz cieńszej i krócej zalegającej pokrywie śnieżnej wpływającej w znacznym stopniu na albedo i ilość ciepła zatrzymywanego przez grunt. Jedną z ważniejszych przyczyn zmienności temperatury powietrza jest cyrkulacja powietrza. Pomimo licznych badań dotyczących powiązań cyrkulacyjno-termicznych w XX wieku prowadzonych przez polskich badaczy, brakuje opracowań dotyczących wpływu cyrkulacji atmosferycznej na prognozowane zmiany temperatury w XXI wieku. Celem opracowania jest zbadanie tych relacji dla zimy z okresu 2021-2050 w porównaniu z obserwacjami z lat 1971-2000. W pracy posłużono się danymi średniej dobowej temperatury powietrza oraz ciśnienia atmosferycznego na poziomie morza z regionalnego modelu RACMO2 opracowanego w ramach projektu ENSEMBLES. Symulowane wartości temperatury z modelu zostały poddane korekcji za pomocą metody kwantylowej. Wyniki modelu jednoznacznie wskazują na wzrost cyrkulacji cyklonalnej o ponad 18% miedzy latami 2021-2050 a 1971-2000. Szczególnie wysoki wzrost częstości cyrkulacji cyklonalnej oczekiwany jest z kierunków południowozachodniego i zachodniego o 7 i 8%. Z drugiej strony prognozowany jest wyraźny spadek częstości występowania cyrkulacji antycyklonalnej z kierunków zachodniego i północnozachodniego o ok. 9 i 5%. Największy wzrost temperatury powinien towarzyszyć występowaniu cyrkulacji SEc od 2 na wschodzie do 4°C na zachodzie kraju. Istotne ochłodzenie prognozowane jest z kierunku NW podczas cyrkulacji cyklonalnej miejscami nawet poniżej 1°C w zachodniej i południowej Polsce. W omawianym 30-leciu prawdopodobnie coraz rzadziej będzie występować sytuacja blokadowa, natomiast coraz częsciej pozytywna faza NAO.
CERES–Maize Model for Determining the Optimum Planting Dates of Early Maturing Maize Varieties in Northern Nigeria

PubMed Central

Adnan, Adnan A.; Jibrin, Jibrin M.; Kamara, Alpha Y.; Abdulrahman, Bassam L.; Shaibu, Abdulwahab S.; Garba, Ismail I.

2017-01-01

Field trials were carried out in the Sudan Savannah of Nigeria to assess the usefulness of CERES–maize crop model as a decision support tool for optimizing maize production through manipulation of plant dates. The calibration experiments comprised of 20 maize varieties planted during the dry and rainy seasons of 2014 and 2015 at Bayero University Kano and Audu Bako College of Agriculture Dambatta. The trials for model evaluation were conducted in 16 different farmer fields across the Sudan (Bunkure and Garun—Mallam) and Northern Guinea (Tudun-Wada and Lere) Savannas using two of the calibrated varieties under four different sowing dates. The model accurately predicted grain yield, harvest index, and biomass of both varieties with low RMSE-values (below 5% of mean), high d-index (above 0.8), and high r-square (above 0.9) for the calibration trials. The time series data (tops weight, stem and leaf dry weights) were also predicted with high accuracy (% RMSEn above 70%, d-index above 0.88). Similar results were also observed for the evaluation trials, where all variables were simulated with high accuracies. Estimation efficiencies (EF)-values above 0.8 were observed for all the evaluation parameters. Seasonal and sensitivity analyses on Typic Plinthiustalfs and Plinthic Kanhaplustults in the Sudan and Northern Guinea Savannas were conducted. Results showed that planting extra early maize varieties in late July and early maize in mid-June leads to production of highest grain yields in the Sudan Savanna. In the Northern Guinea Savanna planting extra-early maize in mid-July and early maize in late July produced the highest grain yields. Delaying planting in both Agro-ecologies until mid-August leads to lower yields. Delaying planting to mid-August led to grain yield reduction of 39.2% for extra early maize and 74.4% for early maize in the Sudan Savanna. In the Northern Guinea Savanna however, delaying planting to mid-August resulted in yield reduction of 66.9 and 94
Surgery in temporal lobe epilepsy patients without cranial MRI lateralization.

PubMed

Gomceli, Y B; Erdem, A; Bilir, E; Kutlu, G; Kurt, S; Erden, E; Karatas, A; Erbas, C; Serdaroglu, A

2006-03-01

High resolution MRI is very important in the evaluations of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy in preoperative investigations. Morphologic abnormalities on cranial MRI usually indicate the epileptogenic focus. Intractable TLE patients who have normal cranial MRI or bilateral hippocampal atrophy may have a chance for surgery if a certain epileptogenic focus is determined. We evaluated the patients who were monitorized in Gazi University Medical Faculty Epilepsy Center from October 1997 to April 2004. Seventy three patients, who had a temporal epileptogenic focus, underwent anterior temporal lobectomy at Ankara University Medical Faculty Department of Neurosurgery. Twelve of them (16, 4%), did not have any localizing structural lesion on cranial MRI. Of the 12 patients examined 6 had normal findings and 6 had bilateral hippocampal atrophy. Of these 12 patients, 6 (50%) were women and 6 (50%) were men. The ages of patients ranged from 7 to 37 (mean: 24.5). Preoperatively long-term scalp video-EEG monitoring, cranial MRI, neuropsychological tests, and Wada test were applied in all patients. Five patients, whose investigations resulted in conflicting data, underwent invasive monitoring by the use of subdural strips. The seizure outcome of patients were classified according to Engel with postsurgical follow-up ranging from 11 to 52 (median: 35.7) months. Nine patients (75%) were classified into Engel's Class I and the other 3 patients (25%) were placed into Engel's Class II. One patient who was classified into Engel's Class II had additional psychiatric problems. The other patient had two different epileptogenic foci independent from each other in her ictal EEG. One of them localized in the right anterior temporal area, the other was in the right frontal lobe. She was classified in Engel's Class II and had no seizure originating from temporal epileptic focus, but few seizures originating from the frontal region continued after the surgery. In conclusion
Detection of the arylpropionamide-derived selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) S-4 (Andarine) in a black-market product.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Geyer, Hans; Kamber, Matthias; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2009-08-01

Non-steroidal and tissue-selective anabolic agents such as selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) represent a promising class of therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases such as sarcopenia or cancer cachexia. Advanced compounds of SARMs are based on an arylpropionamide-derived structure and leading drug candidates have successfully completed phase-II-clinical trials. Although none of these therapeutics have been approved, their performance-enhancing qualities and the black-market availability of these products makes them a viable target for misuse in the athletic community. In 2008, SARMs were added to the Prohibited List established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). That SARMs are the subject of misuse even without clinical approval was proved for the first time by the detection of the drug candidate Andarine (also referred to as S-4, S-3-(4-acetylamino-phenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propionamide), advertised, sold and supplied via the Internet. The oily liquids, declared as green tea extracts and face moisturizer, were assayed using state-of-the-art analytical procedures and S-4 was found at concentrations of approximately 150 mg/mL. The authenticity of the product was demonstrated in comparison to reference material by liquid chromatography, high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry using positive and negative electrospray ionization, and comparison to reference material. Moreover, an impurity resulting from poor product purification was detected, accounting for approximately 10% of S-4. This consisted of 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-3-(4-nitro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenylamino)-propionamide. The ease of purchasing non-approved drug candidates that could potentially increase athletic performance demonstrates the need to operate proactively in the continued fight against doping. The early inclusion of emerging drugs into routine sports drug testing procedures is a key
FIFA's approach to doping in football

PubMed Central

Dvorak, J; Graf‐Baumann, T; D'Hooghe, M; Kirkendall, D; Taennler, H; Saugy, M

2006-01-01

Background and objectives FIFA's anti‐doping strategy relies on education and prevention. A worldwide network of physicians guarantees doping control procedures that are straightforward and leave no place for cheating. FIFA actively acknowledges its responsibility to protect players from harm and ensure equal chances for all competitors by stringent doping control regulations, data collection of positive samples, support of research, and collaboration with other organisations. This article aims to outline FIFA's approach to doping in football. Method Description of FIFA's doping control regulations and procedures, statistical analysis of FIFA database on doping control, and comparison with data obtained by WADA accredited laboratories as for 2004. Results Data on positive doping samples per substance and confederation/nation documented at the FIFA medical office from 1994 to 2005 are provided. According to the FIFA database, the incidence of positive cases over the past 11 years was 0.12%, with about 0.42% in 2004 (based on the assumption of 20 750 samples per year) and 0.37% in 2005. Especially important in this regard is the extremely low incidence of the true performance enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids and stimulants. However, there is a need for more consistent data collection and cross checks among international anti‐doping agencies as well as for further studies on specific substances, methods, and procedures. With regard to general health impairments in players, FIFA suggests that principles of occupational medicine should be considered and treatment with banned substances for purely medical reasons should be permitted to enable players to carry out their profession. At the same time, a firm stand has to be taken against suppression of symptoms by medication with the aim of meeting the ever increasing demands on football players. Conclusion Incidence of doping in football seems to be low, but much closer collaboration and further
The HOME Team: Evaluating the Effect of an EMS-based Outreach Team to Decrease the Frequency of 911 Use Among High Utilizers of EMS.

PubMed

Tangherlini, Niels; Villar, Julian; Brown, John; Rodriguez, Robert M; Yeh, Clement; Friedman, Benjamin T; Wada, Paul

2016-12-01

The San Francisco Fire Department's (SFFD; San Francisco, California USA) Homeless Outreach and Medical Emergency (HOME) Team is the United States' first Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-based outreach effort using a specially trained paramedic to redirect frequent users of EMS to other types of services. The effectiveness of this program at reducing repeat use of emergency services during the first seven months of the team's existence was examined. A retrospective analysis of EMS use frequency and demographic characteristics of frequent users was conducted. Clients that used emergency services at least four times per month from March 2004 through May 2005 were contacted for intervention. Patterns for each frequent user before and after intervention were analyzed. Changes in EMS use during the 15-month study interval was the primary outcome measurement. A total of 59 clients were included. The target population had a median age of 55.1 years and was 68% male. Additionally, 38.0% of the target population was homeless, 43.4% had no primary care, 88.9% had a substance abuse disorder at time of contact, and 83.0% had a history of psychiatric disorder. The HOME Team undertook 320 distinct contacts with 65 frequent users during the study period. The average EMS use prior to HOME Team contact was 18.72 responses per month (SD=19.40), and after the first contact with the HOME Team, use dropped to 8.61 (SD=10.84), P<.001. Frequent users of EMS suffer from disproportionate comorbidities, particularly substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. This population responds well to the intervention of a specially trained paramedic as measured by EMS usage. Tangherlini N , Villar J , Brown J , Rodriguez RM , Yeh C , Friedman BT , Wada P . The HOME Team: evaluating the effect of an EMS-based outreach team to decrease the frequency of 911 use among high utilizers of EMS. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):603-607.
Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

PubMed

Gerrard, David; Pipe, Andrew

2017-01-01

The introduction, in 2004, of the World Anti-Doping Code and a standardized "prohibited list" of substances and methods proscribed in sport represented a consistent, international response to the escalating challenge of drug misuse in contemporary sport. Simultaneously, it was recognized that athletes experiencing illness or injury might legitimately require the use of "prohibited" medications or procedures, and the concept of the "therapeutic use exemption" (TUE) was introduced. The mechanisms of the TUE process are carefully defined and described in a specific WADA "international standard" (IS). As a consequence, anti-doping organizations (ADOs) were empowered to establish "Therapeutic Use Exemption Committees" (TUECs) whose membership and responsibilities were clearly delineated in the IS, and to whom an athlete and treating physician(s) could make appropriate application for a TUE. A careful review of such an application by a TUEC panel of physicians might allow permission for an otherwise prohibited course of treatment, provided that appropriate criteria had been met. Sport physicians have a clear responsibility to ensure accurate and complete documentation of the clinical circumstances requiring a TUE when completing such applications. Typically, applications for consideration by TUECs are forwarded to a national ADO, but depending on an applicant's level of competition, it may become necessary to involve an international federation or major event organization (e.g., International Olympic Committee, or Commonwealth Games Federation). Such organizations may receive, review, and grant TUEs specific to the competitions over which they preside. Increasingly, there is recognition of TUEs granted by other ADOs. However, this is not always the case; in certain circumstances, the decisions of other TUECs to grant or deny an application may be appealed. The advent of the TUE process ensures that an athlete with a genuine medical condition that necessitates the use of
Formation of the diuretic chlorazanil from the antimalarial drug proguanil--implications for sports drug testing.

PubMed

Thevis, Mario; Geyer, Hans; Thomas, Andreas; Tretzel, Laura; Bailloux, Isabelle; Buisson, Corinne; Lasne, Francoise; Schaefer, Maximilian S; Kienbaum, Peter; Mueller-Stoever, Irmela; Schänzer, Wilhelm

2015-11-10

Chlorazanil (Ordipan, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) is a diuretic agent and as such prohibited in sport according to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Despite its introduction into clinical practice in the late 1950s, the worldwide very first two adverse analytical findings were registered only in 2014, being motive for an in-depth investigation of these cases. Both individuals denied the intake of the drug; however, the athletes did declare the use of the antimalarial prophylactic agent proguanil due to temporary residences in African countries. A structural similarity between chlorazanil and proguanil is given but no direct metabolic relation has been reported in the scientific literature. Moreover, chlorazanil has not been confirmed as a drug impurity of proguanil. Proguanil however is metabolized in humans to N-(4-chlorophenyl)-biguanide, which represents a chemical precursor in the synthesis of chlorazanil. In the presence of formic acid, formaldehyde, or formic acid esters, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-biguanide converts to chlorazanil. In order to probe for potential sources of the chlorazanil detected in the doping control samples, drug formulations containing proguanil and urine samples of individuals using proguanil as antimalarial drug were subjected to liquid chromatography-high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry. In addition, in vitro simulations with 4-chlorophenyl-biguanide and respective reactants were conducted in urine and resulting specimens analyzed for the presence of chlorazanil. While no chlorazanil was found in drug formulations, the urine samples of 2 out of 4 proguanil users returned findings for chlorazanil at low ng/mL levels, similar to the adverse analytical findings in the doping control samples. Further, in the presence of formaldehyde, formic acid and related esters, 4-chlorophenyl-biguanide was found to produce chlorazanil in human urine, suggesting that the detection of the obsolete diuretic
Fully automated determination of nicotine and its major metabolites in whole blood by means of a DBS online-SPE LC-HR-MS/MS approach for sports drug testing.

PubMed

Tretzel, Laura; Thomas, Andreas; Piper, Thomas; Hedeland, Mikael; Geyer, Hans; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2016-05-10

Dried blood spots (DBS) represent a sample matrix collected under minimal-invasive, straightforward and robust conditions. DBS specimens have been shown to provide appropriate test material for different analytical disciplines, e.g., preclinical drug development, therapeutic drug monitoring, forensic toxicology and diagnostic analysis of metabolic disorders in newborns. However, the sample preparation has occasionally been reported as laborious and time consuming. In order to minimize the manual workload and to substantiate the suitability of DBS for high sample-throughput, the automation of sample preparation processes is of paramount interest. In the current study, the development and validation of a fully automated DBS extraction method coupled to online solid-phase extraction using the example of nicotine, its major metabolites nornicotine, cotinine and trans-3'-hydroxycotinine and the tobacco alkaloids anabasine and anatabine is presented, based on the rationale that the use of nicotine-containing products for performance-enhancing purposes has been monitored by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for several years. Automation-derived DBS sample extracts were directed online to liquid chromatography high resolution/high mass accuracy tandem mass spectrometry, and target analytes were determined with support of four deuterated internal standards. Validation of the method yielded precise (CV <7.5% for intraday and <12.3% for interday measurements) and linear (r(2)>0.998) results. The limit of detection was established at 5 ng mL(-1) for all studied compounds, the extraction recovery ranged from 25 to 44%, and no matrix effects were observed. To exemplify the applicability of the DBS online-SPE LC-MS/MS approach for sports drug testing purposes, the method was applied to authentic DBS samples obtained from smokers, snus users, and e-cigarette users. Statistical evaluation of the obtained results indicated differences in metabolic behavior depending on the route
Cartographic sign as a core of multimedia map prepared by non-cartographers in free map services

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medyńska-Gulij, Beata

2014-06-01

The fundamental importance of cartographic signs in traditional maps is unquestionable, although in the case of multimedia maps their key function is not so obvious. Our aim was to search the problem of cartographic signs as a core of multimedia maps prepared by non-cartographer in on-line Map Services. First, preestablished rules for multimedia map designers were prepared emphasizing the key role of the cartographic signs and habits of Web-users. The comparison of projects completed by a group of designers led us to the general conclusion that a cartographic sign should determine the design of a multimedia map in on-line Map Services. Despite the selection of five different map topics, one may list the general characteristics of the maps with a cartographic sign in the core. Fundamentalne znaczenie znaków kartograficznych na tradycyjnej mapie nie budzi wątpliwości, jednak w przypadku multimedialnej mapy ich kluczowa funkcja nie jest już tak oczywista. W tych badaniach podjęto problem znaczenia znaku kartograficznego jako spoiwa mapy multimedialnej opracowanej przez nie-kartografa w darmowych serwisach mapowych. Zadaniem dla projektujących mapy stało się opracowanie mapy multimedialnej według ustalonych wstępnie zasad, w której kluczową rolę odgrywały znaki kartograficzne oraz przyzwyczajenia użytkowników Internetu. Porównanie wypełnionych arkuszy zadań przez uczestników badań skłania do wyciągnięcia generalnego wniosku, że znak kartograficzny powinien determinować projektowanie multimedialnej mapy w serwisach mapowych on-line. Pomimo opracowania pięciu różnych tematów map, można wymienić ogólne charakterystyki map, w których znak kartograficzny jest spoiwem.
Accuracy Estimation of the Approximated Methods Used for Assessing Risk of Buildings Damage Under the Influence of Underground Exploitation in the Light of World's and Polish Experience - Part 2 / Analiza Dokładności Przybliżonych Metod Oceny Zagrożenia Budynków Wpływami Podziemnej Eksploatacji Stosowanych W Świecie I Polskiej Metody Punktowej - Część 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malinowska, Agnieszka

2013-09-01

This paper is a continuation of theoretical analyses of World's methods used for assessing damage risk to buildings with continuous strains, which were presented in Part 1. The authors focus only on those methods in which the scale of damage to buildings can be approximated. Selected methods were tested on 100 random objects sited in hard coal excavation-induced areas. The efficiency and effectiveness of those methods was evaluated. The damage risk was also verified with the use of a method currently used in Poland. The efficiency results obtained for World's methods and the one used in Poland turned out to be comparable. Practical studies were made to evaluate the adaptability of those methods in the underground exploitation-induced conditions in Poland. Artykuł stanowi kontynuację badań teoretycznych zaprezentowanych w części pierwszej, dotyczących oceny możliwości wykorzystania metod stosowanych na świecie do oceny zagrożenia budynków deformacjami ciągłymi. Skoncentrowano się jedynie na metodach pozwalających na przybliżoną ocenę stopnia uszkodzenia obiektów. Wybrane metody przetestowano na 100 losowo wybranych obiektach z terenu poddanego wpływom eksploatacji węgla kamiennego. Przyjęty tok postępowania pozwolił na ocenę efektywności oraz skuteczności tych metod. Ocenę zagrożenia budynków przeprowadzono również przy wykorzystaniu metody stosowanej obecnie w Polsce. Wyniki ewaluacji zagrożenia metodami światowymi można było porównać z efektywnością Polskiej metody. Badania praktyczne pozwoliły na ocenę możliwości adaptacji tych metod w warunkach eksploatacji podziemnej w Polsce.
Waterproof Anti-Explosive Powders for Coal Mines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buczek, Bronisław; Vogt, Elżbieta

2014-03-01

properties not only as a water resistant material but also from the cohesion point of view. On the base of TG, DTG or DTA and EGA curves for all investigated materials was stated that the character of the thermal decomposition of modified samples is the same as this one for raw powder, what is profitable for application of hydrophobized powders as an anti-explosive agent. W górnictwie węgla kamiennego używany jest hydrofobowy pył wapienny jako substancja stosowana w systemie zabezpieczeń przeciwwybuchowych (Cybulski, 2004). Niestety, dotychczasowy sposób wy- twarzania takiego produktu polegający na współmieleniu kamienia wapiennego z kwasem stearynowym staje się praktycznie niemożliwy do stosowania w nowoczesnych zakładach np. kamieniołomy. Sytuacja taka jest wynikiem wprowadzania zmian technologicznych, głównie związanych z wymianą starych konstrukcji młynów na nowe urządzenia. Tym samym istnieje potrzeba poszukiwania nowych metod hydrofobizacji powierzchni pyłów wapiennych. W pracy omówiono dwie nowe metody hydrofobizacji pyłu wapiennego: za pomocą par kwasu stearynowego oraz roztworu silikonowego - Sarsil® H-15. Podczas badań używano surowego pyłu wapiennego pochodzącego z Kopalni Kamienia Wapiennego w Czatkowicach. Materiał ten jest dobrym materiałem do badań gdyż istnieje możliwość porównywania właściwości materiałów hydrofobowych otrzymanych w pracy z właściwościami handlowego pyłu przeciwwybuchowego (Polska Norma, 1994), używanego w polskich kopalniach. Pierwszy sposób hydrofobizacji pyłu wapiennego, polegający na swobodnym opadaniu pyłu wapiennego w oparach kwasu stearynowego przepływających w przeciwprądzie, przeprowadzono w aparacie własnej konstrukcji (Vogt, 2008, 2011). Aparat gwarantuje dobry kontakt modyfikatora z ziarnami pyłu. Pył opadając, nie napotyka żadnych przeszkód ulegał rozproszeniu, a wprowadzony w stanie parowym kwas stearynowy może swobodnie osiadać na jego powierzchni zewn

Introduction to the topical issue: Nonadditive entropy and nonextensive statistical mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sugiyama, Masaru

number of particles, respectively. The present topical issue is devoted to summarizing the current status of nonextensive statistical mechanics from various perspectives. It is my hope that this issue can inform the reader of one of the foremost research areas in thermostatistics. This issue consists of eight articles. The first one by Tsallis and Brigatti presents a general introduction and an overview of nonextensive statistical mechanics. At first glance, generalization of the ordinary Boltzmann-Gibbs-Shannon entropy might be completely arbitrary. But Abe's article explains how Tsallis' generalization of the statistical entropy can uniquely be characterized by both physical and mathematical principles. Then, the article by Pluchino, Latora, and Rapisarda presents a strong evidence that nonextensive statistical mechanics is in fact relevant to nonextensive systems with long-range interactions. The articles by Rajagopal, by Wada, and by Plastino, Miller, and Plastino are concerned with the macroscopic thermodynamic properties of nonextensive statistical mechanics. Rajagopal discusses the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Wada develops a discussion about the condition under which the nonextensive statistical-mechanical formalism is thermodynamically stable. The work of Plastino, Miller, and Plastino addresses the thermodynamic Legendre-transform structure and its robustness for generalizations of entropy. After these fundamental investigations, Sakagami and Taruya examine the theory for self-gravitating systems. Finally, Beck presents a novel idea of the so-called superstatistics, which provides nonextensive statistical mechanics with a physical interpretation based on nonequilibrium concepts including temperature fluctuations. Its applications to hydrodynamic turbulence and pattern formation in thermal convection states are also discussed. Nonextensive statistical mechanics is already a well-studied field, and a number of works are available in the literature. It
Estimation of the Cost of Equity for Mining Companies Using the P-Lefac Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranosz, Robert

2014-03-01

- Capital (kapitał). Jest to metoda punktowa (scoringowa) zbliżona do sposobu określania wartości cen akcji wykorzystywana przez ING Finansial Markets. Jak wynika z przeprowadzonego przeglądu literatury, metoda ta nie jest powszechnie znana i używania przez przed- siębiorstwa, niemniej jednak posiada ona pewne zalety, uzasadniające jej wykorzystanie. Do jej głównych atutów należy zaliczyć łatwość zastosowania oraz "stabilność" uzyskiwanych wyników - wyliczony koszt kapitału własnego nigdy nie będzie przyjmował wartości mniejszych niż przyjęta stopa wolna od ryzyka. Omawiana metoda ma swoje szczególne zastosowanie do spółek (przedsiębiorstw), które nie są notowane na giełdach papierów wartościowych. Niniejszy artykuł składa się z pięciu części: wstępu, metody LEFAC, parametryzacji metody LEFAC (P-LEFAC), przykładu obliczeniowego oraz podsumowania. Druga cześć opracowania dotyczy charakterystyki metody LEFAC. W trzeciej części artykułu dokonano parametryzacji metody uzyskując funkcję określoną przez wzór 22. Kolejny rozdział zawiera przykład obliczeniowy dla spółki KGHM S.A., w rozdziale tym zaprezentowano również wyniki, jakie uzyskałyby spółki górnicze stosując omawianą metodę obliczania kosztu kapitału własnego - obliczeń dokonano zarówno dla spółek górniczych notowanych, jak i nie notowanych, na Warszawskiej Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych. W tej części artykułu zaprezentowano również krótkie porównanie wyników uzyskiwanych przy zastosowaniu metody CAPM z omawianym modelem. Ostatnim rozdziałem jest podsumowanie, w którym przedstawiono wnioski końcowe. Całość artykułu została zamknięta spisem wykorzystanej literatury
Analytical Design of Water-Free Production in Horizontal Wells Using Hodograph Method / Zastosowanie metody hodografu do określenia krytycznego wydatku poziomych otworów produkcyjnych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Wenting; Wojtanowicz, Andrew K.; White, Christopher D.

2013-06-01

żków wodnych prowadzących do zawodnienia otworu. Jednakże duża powierzchnia kontaktu ze złożem staje się wadą otworów poziomych gdy stożek wodny dostanie się do otworu. Następuje wtedy gwałtowne zawodnienie otworu i szybka utrata produktywności. Z tego powodu wydatek otworu musi być utrzymany poniżej wartości wydatku krytycznego, tzn. maksymalnego wydatku bez udziału stożka wodnego. Istniejące modele analityczne wydatku krytycznego są albo zbyt uproszczone lub też niedokładne w opisie lokalnej powierzchni kontaktu między ropą naftową i wodą podścielającą co prowadzi do błędnej oceny wydatku krytycznego. W tym artykule prezentujemy nowy model matematyczny wydatku krytycznego który jest bardziej dokładny przez co lepiej nadaje się do obliczeń projektowych. W przeciwieństwie do istniejących modeli, nasz model uwzględnia ograniczenie dopływu ropy do otworu spowodowane wzrostem stożka wodnego ponad statyczną powierzchnię kontaktu ropy z wodą podścielającą oraz pozwala dokładnie obliczyć wydatek krytyczny oraz opisać kształt powierzchni stożka i zmianę ciśnienia w złożu z odległością od otworu poziomego. Równania modelu zostały wyprowadzone z teorii hodografu połączonej z metodą odwzorowań konforemnych. Wyniki obliczeń przy użyciu równań modelu wykazują zgodność z wynikami symulatora złoża. Stwierdzono również, że typowe dla innych modeli założenie płaskiej powierzchni kontaktu ropa/woda i zaniedbanie efektu kształtu stożka wodnego może prowdzić do 50-procentowej przeceny wartości wydatku krytycznego
Stability Assessment of the High Safety Pillars in Slovenian Natural Stone Mines / Ocena Stabilności Wysokich Filarów Bezpieczeństwa W Kopalniach Kamieni Naturalnych W Słowenii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kortnik, Jože

2015-03-01

(wapień), w 2008 kamieniołom Lipica I (wapień), w roku 2009 wapień pozyskiwać także zaczęto z kamieniołomu w Dolinie. Działo się to głównie z uwagi na strukturę geologiczną w tych miejscach, warunki geologiczne kamieniołomów, potencjalnie grube warstwy nadkładu w przypadku rozszerzania działalności w części odkrywkowej kamieniołomu, a także rosnący popyt na te surowce (kamień naturalny). Podziemne wydobycie kamieni naturalnych we wszystkich tych lokalizacjach odbywa się za pomocą zmodyfikowanej metody filarowo- komorowej, dostosowanej do uwarunkowań poszczególnych lokalizacji, z wykorzystaniem układu mniej lub bardziej regularnie rozmieszczonych filarów zabezpieczających. Ponieważ podziemne wydobycie naturalnych bloków skalnych odbywa się stosunkowo płytko pod powierzchnią, (na głębokościach rzędu 10-40 m), to wartości pierwotnego naprężenia pionowego są stosunkowo niewielkie (poniżej 1.0 MPa). Wskutek tego powstaje poważne ryzyko odrywania się od stropu bloków skalnych w kształcie klinów, zwłaszcza w dużych, otwartych komorach podziemnych. W latach ubiegłych instalowano układy monitorujące stan naprężeń i odkształceń, wykorzystywane przy planowaniu wymiarów (szerokości i wysokości) dużych, otwartych, przestrzennych komór podziemnych oraz wymiarów filarów zabezpieczających, a także układy zapewniające stałą kontrolę i wykrywanie niestabilności w obrębie stropu oraz w ścianach bocznych komór. Niniejsza praca zawiera przegląd metod i urządzeń wykorzystywanych do optymalizacji i bezpieczeństwa monitorowania stanu filarów zabezpieczających w podziemnych kopalniach kamieni naturalnych w Słowenii.
Determination of Critical Conditions of Spontaneous Combustion of Coal in Longwall Gob Areas / Wyznaczanie Warunków Krytycznych Samozapalania Węgla W Zrobach Ścian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cygankiewicz, Janusz

2015-09-01

pożaru niektórych warunków panujących w danym miejscu kopalni, takich jak: - skłonność węgla do samozapalania - zawartość tlenu w powietrzu dopływającym do zagrzewającego się węgla. W pracy przedstawiono numeryczną metodę wyznaczania warunków krytycznych samozapalania węgla w zrobach ścian, czyli takich po spełnieniu których może dojść do samozapalenia. Przyjęto, że znajdujący się w zrobach rozkruszony węgiel ma kształt płaskiej warstwy, sąsiadującej od stropu i spągu ze skałami. Rozważania ograniczono do węgli charakteryzujących się niską zawartością wilgoci. Przyjęto prosty model kinetyki utleniania na powierzchni węgla wyrażony równaniem Arrheniusa. Model ten zakłada niezależność szybkości utleniania od ilości tlenu pochłoniętego przez węgiel. Szybkość reakcji zależy jedynie od temperatury , przy czym występujące w równaniu parametry zmieniają się po osiągnięciu przez węgiel temperatury krytycznej. W artykule przedstawiono matematyczny model samozagrzewania warstwy węgla w zrobach opisujący bilans ciepła w węglu oraz bilans tlenu i bilans ciepła w przepływających gazach. Tworzące model układy równań różniczkowych cząstkowych rozwiązywane są metodami numerycznymi. Opracowany program komputerowy umożliwia wykonywanie stosownych obliczeń. W pracy, na przykładzie węgla z pokładu 405 , przedstawiono sposób wyznaczania warunków krytycznych warstwy rozkruszonego węgla: grubości warstwy, zawartości tlenu w przepływających przez warstwę gazach oraz przewodności cieplnej otaczających skał.
Hemispheric dominance and cell phone use.

PubMed

Seidman, Michael D; Siegel, Bianca; Shah, Priyanka; Bowyer, Susan M

2013-05-01

A thorough understanding of why we hold a cell phone to a particular ear may be of importance when studying the impact of cell phone safety. To determine if there is an obvious association between sidedness of cell phone use and auditory hemispheric dominance (AHD) or language hemispheric dominance (LHD). It is known that 70% to 95% of the population are right-handed, and of these, 96% have left-brain LHD. We have observed that most people use their cell phones in their right ear. An Internet survey was e-mailed to individuals through surveymonkey.com. The survey used a modified Edinburgh Handedness Inventory protocol. Sample questions surveyed which hand was used to write with, whether the right or left ear was used for phone conversations, as well as whether a brain tumor was present. General community. An Internet survey was randomly e-mailed to 5000 individuals selected from an otology online group, patients undergoing Wada testing and functional magnetic resonance imaging, as well as persons on the university listserv, of which 717 surveys were completed. Determination of hemispheric dominance based on preferred ear for cell phone use. A total of 717 surveys were returned. Ninety percent of the respondents were right handed, and 9% were left handed. Sixty-eight percent of the right-handed people used the cell phone in their right ear, 25% in the left ear, and 7% had no preference. Seventy-two of the left-handed respondents used their left ear, 23% used their right ear, and 5% had no preference. Cell phone use averaged 540 minutes per month over the past 9 years. An association exists between hand dominance laterality of cell phone use (73%) and our ability to predict hemispheric dominance. Most right-handed people have left-brain LHD and use their cell phone in their right ear. Similarly, most left-handed people use their cell phone in their left ear. Our study suggests that AHD may differ from LHD owing to the difference in handedness and cell phone ear use
Pharmacokinetics of Oral and Inhaled Terbutaline after Exercise in Trained Men

PubMed Central

Dyreborg, Anders; Krogh, Nanna; Backer, Vibeke; Rzeppa, Sebastian; Hemmersbach, Peter; Hostrup, Morten

2016-01-01

enhancing effect of high dose terbutaline, it is essential to establish a limit on the WADA doping list. PMID:27375484
Exploring the impact of agriculture on nitrogen and phosphorus biogeochemistry in global rivers during the twentieth century (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouwman, L.; Beusen, A.; Van Beek, L. P.

2013-12-01

, Hefting MM, Oenema O, et al. Global trends and uncertainties in terrestrial denitrification and N2O emissions. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 2013;368(20130112). 2. Van Beek LPH, Wada Y, Bierkens MFP. Global monthly water stress: 1. Water balance and water availability. Water Resour Res. 2011;47(7):W07517.
Data Provenance as a Tool for Debugging Hydrological Models based on Python

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wombacher, A.; Huq, M.; Wada, Y.; Van Beek, R.

2012-12-01

There is an increase in data volume used in hydrological modeling. The increasing data volume requires additional efforts in debugging models since a single output value is influenced by a multitude of input values. Thus, it is difficult to keep an overview among the data dependencies. Further, knowing these dependencies, it is a tedious job to infer all the relevant data values. The aforementioned data dependencies are also known as data provenance, i.e. the determination of how a particular value has been created and processed. The proposed tool infers the data provenance automatically from a python script and visualizes the dependencies as a graph without executing the script. To debug the model the user specifies the value of interest in space and time. The tool infers all related data values and displays them in the graph. The tool has been evaluated by hydrologists developing a model for estimating the global water demand [1]. The model uses multiple different data sources. The script we analysed has 120 lines of codes and used more than 3000 individual files, each of them representing a raster map of 360*720 cells. After importing the data of the files into a SQLite database, the data consumes around 40 GB of memory. Using the proposed tool a modeler is able to select individual values and infer which values have been used to calculate the value. Especially in cases of outliers or missing values it is a beneficial tool to provide the modeler with efficient information to investigate the unexpected behavior of the model. The proposed tool can be applied to many python scripts and has been tested with other scripts in different contexts. In case a python code contains an unknown function or class the tool requests additional information about the used function or class to enable the inference. This information has to be entered only once and can be shared with colleagues or in the community. Reference [1] Y. Wada, L. P. H. van Beek, D. Viviroli, H. H. Drr, R
Association of Sleep Duration with Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease and Other Causes for Japanese Men and Women: the JACC Study

PubMed Central

Ikehara, Satoyo; Iso, Hiroyasu; Date, Chigusa; Kikuchi, Shogo; Watanabe, Yoshiyuki; Wada, Yasuhiko; Inaba, Yutaka; Tamakoshi, Akiko

2009-01-01

Study Objectives: To examine sex-specific associations between sleep duration and mortality from cardiovascular disease and other causes. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Community-based study. Participants: A total of 98,634 subjects (41,489 men and 57,145 women) aged 40 to 79 years from 1988 to 1990 and were followed until 2003. Interventions: N/A. Measurements and Results: During a median follow-up of 14.3 years, there were 1964 deaths (men and women: 1038 and 926) from stroke, 881 (508 and 373) from coronary heart disease, 4287 (2297 and 1990) from cardiovascular disease, 5465 (3432 and 2033) from cancer, and 14,540 (8548 and 5992) from all causes. Compared with a sleep duration of 7 hours, sleep duration of 4 hours or less was associated with increased mortality from coronary heart disease for women and noncardiovascular disease/noncancer and all causes in both sexes. The respective multivariable hazard ratios were 2.32 (1.19–4.50) for coronary heart disease in women, 1.49 (1.02–2.18) and 1.47 (1.01–2.15) for noncardiovascular disease/noncancer, and 1.29 (1.02–1.64) and 1.28 (1.03–1.60) for all causes in men and women, respectively. Long sleep duration of 10 hours or longer was associated with 1.5- to 2-fold increased mortality from total and ischemic stroke, total cardiovascular disease, noncardiovascular disease/noncancer, and all causes for men and women, compared with 7 hours of sleep in both sexes. There was no association between sleep duration and cancer mortality in either sex. Conclusions: Both short and long sleep duration were associated with increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, noncardiovascular disease/noncancer, and all causes for both sexes, yielding a U-shaped relationship with total mortality with a nadir at 7 hours of sleep. Citation: Ikehara S; Iso H; Date C; Kikuchi S; Watanabe Y; Wada Y; Inaba Y; Tamakoshi A. Association of sleep duration with mortality from cardiovascular disease and other causes for Japanese men and
Identification of black market products and potential doping agents in Germany 2010-2013.

PubMed

Krug, Oliver; Thomas, Andreas; Walpurgis, Katja; Piper, Thomas; Sigmund, Gerd; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Laussmann, Tim; Thevis, Mario

2014-11-01

The desire to increase the athletic performance, to 'optimize' an individual's appearance, and to complement but also to arguably substitute exercise by means of drugs and drug candidates has generated a considerable (illicit) market for compounds such as anabolic-androgenic steroids, stimulants, growth promoting peptide hormones, and so on. Genuinely developed for therapeutic use, their abuse/misuse generates enormous health risks, which has necessitated comprehensive controls of compound trafficking by customs and anti-doping authorities. From 2012 to 2013, the Bureau of Customs Investigation confiscated products containing anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS; 259 kg), stimulants (13 kg), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs; 24 kg), and human growth hormone (hGH; 3500 ampules). In cooperation with the Bureau and under the umbrella of the European Monitoring Center for Emerging Doping Agents (EuMoCEDA), the Cologne Anti-Doping Laboratory analyzed an additional 337 (black market) products between 2010 and 2013, allowing to monitor developments in drug use and, hence, the anticipation of new challenges in sports drug testing. Main tools utilized in characterizing confiscated materials were liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS), and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) with subsequent bottom-up identification of peptidic compounds using nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). Among the 337 substances analyzed in the doping control laboratory in Cologne, 67 active ingredients were found, 49 of which being categorized as doping agents by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A total of 83.7 % accounted for steroidal substances (predominantly testosterone, trenbolone, and nandrolone and corresponding esters), 12.8 % accounted for peptide hormones and growth factors (predominantly hGH and growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRPs)), 3.2 % of
Current anti-doping policy: a critical appraisal

PubMed Central

Kayser, Bengt; Mauron, Alexandre; Miah, Andy

2007-01-01

Background Current anti-doping in competitive sports is advocated for reasons of fair-play and concern for the athlete's health. With the inception of the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA), anti-doping effort has been considerably intensified. Resources invested in anti-doping are rising steeply and increasingly involve public funding. Most of the effort concerns elite athletes with much less impact on amateur sports and the general public. Discussion We review this recent development of increasingly severe anti-doping control measures and find them based on questionable ethical grounds. The ethical foundation of the war on doping consists of largely unsubstantiated assumptions about fairness in sports and the concept of a "level playing field". Moreover, it relies on dubious claims about the protection of an athlete's health and the value of the essentialist view that sports achievements reflect natural capacities. In addition, costly antidoping efforts in elite competitive sports concern only a small fraction of the population. From a public health perspective this is problematic since the high prevalence of uncontrolled, medically unsupervised doping practiced in amateur sports and doping-like behaviour in the general population (substance use for performance enhancement outside sport) exposes greater numbers of people to potential harm. In addition, anti-doping has pushed doping and doping-like behaviour underground, thus fostering dangerous practices such as sharing needles for injection. Finally, we argue that the involvement of the medical profession in doping and anti-doping challenges the principles of non-maleficience and of privacy protection. As such, current anti-doping measures potentially introduce problems of greater impact than are solved, and place physicians working with athletes or in anti-doping settings in an ethically difficult position. In response, we argue on behalf of enhancement practices in sports within a framework of medical supervision
Monitoring of biological markers indicative of doping: the athlete biological passport.

PubMed

Saugy, Martial; Lundby, Carsten; Robinson, Neil

2014-05-01

The athlete biological passport (ABP) was recently implemented in anti-doping work and is based on the individual and longitudinal monitoring of haematological or urine markers. These may be influenced by illicit procedures performed by some athletes with the intent to improve exercise performance. Hence the ABP is a valuable tool in the fight against doping. Actually, the passport has been defined as an individual and longitudinal observation of markers. These markers need to belong to the biological cascade influenced by the application of forbidden hormones or more generally, affected by biological manipulations which can improve the performance of the athlete. So far, the haematological and steroid profile modules of the ABP have been implemented in major sport organisations, and a further module is under development. The individual and longitudinal monitoring of some blood and urine markers are of interest, because the intraindividual variability is lower than the corresponding interindividual variability. Among the key prerequisites for the implementation of the ABP is its prospect to resist to the legal and scientific challenges. The ABP should be implemented in the most transparent way and with the necessary independence between planning, interpretation and result management of the passport. To ensure this, the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) was developed and the WADA implemented different technical documents associated to the passport. This was carried out to ensure the correct implementation of a profile which can also stand the challenge of any scientific or legal criticism. This goal can be reached only by following strictly important steps in the chain of production of the results and in the management of the interpretation of the passport. Various technical documents have been then associated to the guidelines which correspond to the requirements for passport operation. The ABP has been completed very recently by the steroid profile module
Autologous Doping with Cryopreserved Red Blood Cells – Effects on Physical Performance and Detection by Multivariate Statistics

PubMed Central

Malm, Christer B.; Khoo, Nelson S.; Granlund, Irene; Lindstedt, Emilia; Hult, Andreas

2016-01-01

achieved in two separate trials. In conclusions, autologous re-infusion of RBCs increased VO2max and performance as hypothesized, but hematological profiling by multivariate statistics could not reach the WADA stipulated false positive ratio of <0.001% at any time point investigated. A majority of samples remained within limits of normal individual variation at all times. PMID:27284981
PREFACE: Mathematical Aspects of Generalized Entropies and their Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suyari, Hiroki; Ohara, Atsumi; Wada, Tatsuaki

2010-01-01

thanks to all the invited speakers, the contributors and the participants at the workshop. We are also grateful to RIMS (Research Institute for Mathematical Science) in Kyoto University and the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B), 18300003, 2009 for their support. Organizing Committee Editors of the Proceedings Hiroki Suyari (Chiba University, Japan) Atsumi Ohara (Osaka University, Japan) Tatsuaki Wada (Ibaraki University, Japan) Conference photograph
Screening and confirmation capabilities of liquid chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the determination of 200 multiclass sport drugs in urine.

PubMed

Domínguez-Romero, Juan C; García-Reyes, Juan F; Lara-Ortega, Felipe J; Molina-Díaz, Antonio

2015-03-01

In this article, a screening method for the determination of 200 sport drugs in human urine has been developed using liquid-chromatography electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOFMS). The chromatographic separation of the targeted doping agents was carried out by fast liquid chromatography using a C18 column (4.6×50 mm) with 1.8 μm particle size. Accurate mass measurements of the selected ion (typically [M+H](+) and [M-H](-)) along with retention time matching was used for the screening and detection of the targeted species. The proposed methodology comprised also a simple sample treatment stage based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) with polymeric cartridges. The SPE method displayed satisfactory recoveries rates (between 70 and 120%) for the majority of the compounds at both concentration levels tested (2.5 and 25 μg L(-1)). The overall performance of the method was satisfactory with all 200 compounds fulfilling WADA minimum required performance levels (MRPLs), with limits of quantitation lower than 1 μg L(-1) for 80% of the compounds, and showing an appropriate linearity (r(2)>0.99) in most cases. Additionally, the ability of "in-source" collision induced dissociation (CID) for confirmatory purposes was examined using as criterion the presence of two high-resolution ions with relevant abundances for unambiguous confirmation. This stringent criterion was fulfilled for 75% of the species using in-source CID fragmentation. The use of an improved approach based on CID performed on a dedicated collision cell without precursor ion selection (using a Q-TOF) provided at least two ions in all cases with the exception of 2-aminoheptane. Finally, based on the use of diagnostic fragment ions, a workflow for the comprehensive screening and identification of non-targeted compounds (viz. compounds with no primary standards or retention time information available, such as metabolites) has been also examined using rat urine samples. The proposed screening method
Value of Geological Information in Exploitation Management: the Case of Exploitation Units of the Polkowice-Sieroszowice Mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krzak, Mariusz; Panajew, Paweł

2014-03-01

The application of mathematical techniques of management is particularly significant in managing mineral deposits as well as generally in the mining industry, in which the execution of geological-mining projects is usually time-consuming and expensive. Such projects are usually undertaken in conditions of uncertainty, and the incurred expenses do not always generate satisfactory revenues. Mineral deposit management requires close cooperation between the geologist providing necessary information about the deposit and the miner conducting exploitation work. A real decision-making problem was undertaken, in which three exploitation divisions of a certain area in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine, differing in ore quality, could be developed in an order which would guarantee maximisation of income. First, the ore price was calculated with the NSR formula; next, the decision-making problem was presented as a kind of game between the geologist (the mine) and states of Nature. Projekty geologiczno-górnicze (surowcowe) różnią się znacznie od innych form aktywności gospodarczej człowieka, ponieważ wiedza o przedmiocie zainteresowań opiera się głównie na ocenach, zaś samo złoże kopalin jest obiektem przyrodniczym i trudno jest jednoznacznie przewidzieć rzeczywiste efekty jego odkrycia. Geologiczna niepewność związana z modelem złoża i jego zasobami znajduje odzwierciedlenie w technicznych planach kopalni i przygotowaniu rozcinki złoża odpowiednim systemem i sposobem eksploatacji. Kwantyfikacja, ocena i zarządzanie niepewnością geologiczną jest kluczowe w strategicznym planowaniu działania kopalni. Podstawowym celem, dla którego wykonuje się wyrobiska udostępniające jest przygotowanie złoża do eksploatacji górniczej. Wyrobiska udostępniające stanowią główne drogi transportu ludzi i urobku oraz spływu wód kopalnianych. Część z nich stanowi drogi jezdne i wentylacyjne, na innych zostaje ulokowany przenośnik taśmowy, a jeszcze innymi
Planning Documents As an Element of Modernizing the Urban Structure of the Poznań Metropolitan Area/ Dokumenty Planistyczne Jako Element Modernizacji Struktury Urbanistycznej Poznańskiego Obszaru Metropolitalnego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonenberg, Wojciech

2015-06-01

The article presents a report on studies concerning the role of planning documents in the modernization process of the Poznań metropolitan area (PMA). Over the last 25 years, dynamic social, economic and spatial changes have taken place in this area, which is becoming an increasingly integrated place combining living, work and leisure for a million residents. Emerging challenges regarding the functional, spatial and infrastructural modernization of the PMA call for new planning methods. In this respect, the existing planning documents and methods by which they are prepared are not able to keep up with the ongoing changes and constitute an obstacle in the modernization of the metropolitan area. The purpose of the article is to identify the risks posed by the discrepancies of existing planning records. Recommendations aimed at adapting the planning documents to the challenges of modernizing the PMA have also been presented. W artykule przedstawiono sprawozdanie z badań dotyczących roli dokumentów planistycznych w procesie modernizacji poznańskiego obszaru metropolitalnego (POM). W ostatnich 25 latach nastąpiły dynamiczne zmiany społeczne, gospodarcze i przestrzenne na tym obszarze, który stanowi coraz bardziej zintegrowane miejsce wspólnego zamieszkania, pracy i rekreacji dla miliona mieszkańców. Rodzące się wyzwania dotyczące modernizacji funkcjonalnej, przestrzennej i infrastrukturalnej POM wymagają nowych metod planistycznych. W tym zakresie istniejące dokumenty planistyczne oraz metody ich sporządzania, nie nadążają za postępującymi zmianami i stanowią przeszkodę w modernizacji obszaru metropolitalnego. Celem referatu jest identyfikacja zagrożeń wynikających z niespójności istniejących zapisów planistycznych. Przedstawiono również rekomendacje mające służyć dostosowaniu dokumentów planistycznych do wyzwań modernizacyjnych POM.
Cracking in Concrete near Joints in Steelconcrete Composite Slab / Zarysowanie Płyty Żelbetowej W Strefie Przywęzłowej Stropu Zespolonego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedośpiał, Marcin; Knauff, Michał; Barcewicz, Wioleta

2015-03-01

In this paper results of the experimental tests of four full-scale composite steel-concrete elements are reported. In the steel-concrete composite elements, a steel beam was connected with a slab cast on profiled sheeting, by shear studs. The end-plates were (the thickness of 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm) thinner than in ordinary design. Joints between the column and the beams have been designed as semi-rigid, i.e. the deformations of endplates affect the distribution of forces in the adjacent parts of the slab. The paper presents the theory of cracking in reinforced concrete and steel-concrete composite members (according to the codes), view of crack pattern on the surface of the slabs and a comparison of the tests results and the code calculations. It was observed, that some factors influencing on crack widths are not taken in Eurocode 4 (which is based on Eurocode 2 with taking into account the phenomenon called "tension stiffening"). W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań czterech elementów zespolonych. Kształtownik stalowy połączony był z betonowym stropem wykonanym na blasze fałdowej. W modelu zastosowano cienkie blachy czołowe (o grubości 8 mm, 10 mm i 12 mm), cieńsze niż zwykle przyjmowane w praktyce projektowej. Połączenie to zaprojektowano jako podatne tzn. takie, w którym odkształcenia blach czołowych mają istotny wpływ na rozkład sił w połączeniu. Przedstawiono normową teorię dotyczącą zarysowania elementów żelbetowych i zespolonych, obraz zarysowania stropu oraz porównano otrzymane wyniki z obliczeniami wykonanymi wg aktualnych norm. Zauważono, iż nie wszystkie czynniki obliczania szerokości rys w konstrukcjach zespolonych są zdefiniowane w normie projektowania konstrukcji zespolonych (która w tej kwestii odwołuje się do normy projektowania konstrukcji żelbetowych z uwzględnieniem zjawiska "tension stiffening").
The analysis of visual variables for use in the cartographic design of point symbols for mobile Augmented Reality applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Halik, Łukasz

2012-11-01

The objective of the present deliberations was to systematise our knowledge of static visual variables used to create cartographic symbols, and also to analyse the possibility of their utilisation in the Augmented Reality (AR) applications on smartphone-type mobile devices. This was accomplished by combining the visual variables listed over the years by different researchers. Research approach was to determine the level of usefulness of particular characteristics of visual variables such as selective, associative, quantitative and order. An attempt was made to provide an overview of static visual variables and to describe the AR system which is a new paradigm of the user interface. Changing the approach to the presentation of point objects is caused by applying different perspective in the observation of objects (egocentric view) than it is done on traditional analogue maps (geocentric view). Presented topics will refer to the fast-developing field of cartography, namely mobile cartography. Particular emphasis will be put on smartphone-type mobile devices and their applicability in the process of designing cartographic symbols. Celem artykułu było usystematyzowanie wiedzy na temat statycznych zmiennych wizualnych, które sa kluczowymi składnikami budujacymi sygnatury kartograficzne. Podjeto próbe zestawienia zmiennych wizualnych wyodrebnionych przez kartografów na przestrzeni ostatnich piecdziesieciu lat, zaczynajac od klasyfikacji przedstawionej przez J. Bertin’a. Dokonano analizy stopnia uzytecznosci poszczególnych zmiennych graficznych w aspekcie ich wykorzystania w projektowaniu znaków punktowych dla mobilnych aplikacji tworzonych w technologii Rzeczywistosci Rozszerzonej (Augmented Reality). Zmienne poddano analizie pod wzgledem czterech charakterystyk: selektywnosci, skojarzeniowosci, odzwierciedlenia ilosci oraz porzadku. W artykule zwrócono uwage na odmienne zastosowanie perspektywy pomiedzy tradycyjnymi analogowymi mapami (geocentrycznosc) a

Optical fixing the positions of the off-shore objects applying the method of two reference points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naus, Krzysztof; Szulc, Dariusz

2014-06-01

The Paper presents the optical method of fixing the off-shore objects positions from the land. The method is based on application of two reference points, having the geographical coordinates defined. The first point was situated high on the sea shore, where also the camera was installed. The second point was intended for use to determine the topocentric horizon plane and it was situated at the water-level. The first section of the Paper contains the definition of space and disposed therein reference systems: connected with the Earth, water-level and the camera system. The second section of the Paper provides a description of the survey system model and the principles of the Charge Coupled Device - CCD array pixel's coordinates (plate coordinates) transformation into the geographic coordinates located on the water-level. In the final section there are presented the general rules of using the worked out method in the optical system. W artykule przedstawiono optyczną metodę wyznaczania pozycji obiektów nawodnych z lądu. Oparto ją na dwóch punktach odniesienia o znanych współrzędnych geograficznych. Pierwszy umiejscowiono wysoko na brzegu morza i przeznaczono do zamontowania kamery. Drugi przeznaczono do określania płaszczyzny horyzontu topocentrycznego i umiejscowiono na poziomie lustra wody. W pierwszej części artykułu zdefi niowano przestrzeń i rozmieszczone w niej układy odniesienia: związany z Ziemią, poziomem lustra wody i kamerą. Drugą część artykułu stanowi opis modelu układu pomiarowego oraz zasad transformacji współrzędnych piksela (tłowych) z matrycy CCD na współrzędne geograficzne punktu umiejscowionego na poziomie lustra wody. W części końcowej zaprezentowano ogólne zasady wykorzystywania opracowanej metody w systemie optycznym.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Mass Exchange Between Longwall Headings and Goafs, in the Presence of Methane Drainage in A U-Type Ventilated Longwall / Symulacja Numeryczna 3D Procesów Wymiany Masy W Układzie Wyrobiska Ścianowe Zroby, W Aspekcie Prowadzenia Odmetanowania Ściany Przewietrzanej Systemem Na „U"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skotniczny, Przemysław

2013-09-01

The phenomena related to the occurrence of methane in underground mines pose a considerable danger in the process of coal seam exploitation. Quite often, experimental analysis falls short of investigating their areas of origin (goafs area, affected rock mass, the tail gate area with abandoned excavation). Therefore, an invaluable tool for evaluating the risk involved in the exploitation process might be the numerical simulation of the phenomenon in question, carried out with the use of the latest CFD methods. Due to its application, we are able to recreate and predict the mechanism of the studied phenomenon, with certain assumptions and simplifications made. The present paper discusses the results of the numerical simulation of the process of mass exchange occurring between affected rock mass and longwall headings. The calculations were performed for two test cases - 100 meter long walls. Zjawiska związane z występowaniem metanu w kopalniach głębinowych stanowią poważne zagrożenie w procesie eksploatacji złóż węgla. Źródło występowania tych zjawisk dość często znajduje się poza możliwościami eksperymentalnej analizy (obszar zrobów, górotwór naruszony, strefa górnego naroża od strony zlikwidowanych wyrobisk ścianowych). Nieocenionym narzędziem oceny ryzyka eksploatacji w takim przypadku może stać się numeryczna symulacja zjawiska przy użyciu nowoczesnych metod CFD, która z uwzględnieniem pewnych założeń i uproszczeń jest wstanie odtworzyć oraz przewidzieć mechanizm zjawiska. W prezentowanym artykule przedstawiono wyniki symulacji numerycznej procesu wymiany masy pomiędzy górotworem naruszonym eksploatacją a wyrobiskami ścianowymi. Obliczenia zostały przeprowadzone dla dwóch przypadków testowych (test case) 100 metrowej długości ścian.
Analysis of Suitability for Development of New Mining Field in Northern Part of Kosovo Lignite Basin - Sibovc / Analiza Możliwości Udostępnienia Nowego Obszaru Wybierania W Północnej Części Zagłębia Węgla Brunatnego Sibovc W Kosowie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cehlár, Michal; Rybár, Radim; Pinka, Ján; Haxhiu, Lorik; Beer, Martin

2013-06-01

This review describes the possibility of development a new lignite deposit in northern Kosovo lignite basin - Sibovc. Analysis of the initial state briefly evaluates Kosovo energy sector, geomorphological conditions and quality of lignite from Sibovc deposit. With using Dataminesoft it was created geological model and approximate calculation of lignite reserves in the deposit. The data obtained from Dataminesoft were used as starting points of the financial analysis of project. The result of the analysis is exactly describe the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of deposit Sibovc compared to other deposits in the area and creating of geological model with productive horizons deposit of lignite. Based on these data lignite deposit Sibovc was classified, according to the classification of deposits the UN, as economical. W pracy tej omówiono możliwości udostępnienia nowego obszaru wybierania złoża węgla brunatnego (lignitu) w północnej części zagłębia węgla brunatnego Sibovc w Kosowie. W analizie stanu początkowego krótko scharakteryzowano sektor energetyczny Kosowa, warunki geo-morfologiczne oraz parametry jakościowe węgla brunatnego z zagłębia Sibovc. Przy pomocy pakietu Dataminesoft stworzono model geologiczny i przeprowadzono przybliżone obliczenia zasobów węgla brunatnego w złożu. Dane uzyskane przy zastosowaniu pakietu Dataminesoft zostały następnie wykorzystane jako dane wejściowe do analizy finansowej przedsięwzięcia. Na podstawie wyników analizy uzyskuje się jakościową i ilościową charakterystykę złoża w odniesieniu do pozostałych złóż w regionie. Opracowano model geologiczny ze szczegółowym wskazaniem poziomów wybierania lignitu. W oparciu o te dane dokonano klasyfikacji złoża węgla brunatnego (lignitu) w Sibovc zgodnie z międzynarodowymi zasadami klasyfikacji wykazując, że złoże będzie ekonomiczne.
Comments on "Determination and Analysis of the Theoretical Production of a Bucket Wheel Excavator" / Uwagi I Komentarze Do Pracy: "Określanie I Analiza Teoretycznej Wydajności Pracy Koparki Wielonaczyniowej Kołowej"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bošnjak, Srđan M.

2015-03-01

This paper comments on the recently published work dealing with the problem in the determination of the theoretical output of the bucket wheel excavator. It also includes remarks on the inadequacy in the problem approach and highlights the mistakes in the mathematical model. This work emphasizes the demand for a much wider and deeper approach to the problem of determining the output of the bucket wheel excavator. Opublikowany niedawno artykuł autorstwa Che i Chena (2014) poświecony jest ważnej kwestii jaką jest określenie teoretycznej wydajności koparki kołowej wielonaczyniowej. W załączonym przeglądzie literatury Che i Chen (2014) nie umieścili pozycji odnoszących się do metod urabiania, parametrów pracy koparki oraz teoretycznej wydajności wydobycia i być może to właśnie jest przyczyną pewnych niedokładności powstałych w trakcie rozwiązywania problemu. Intencją autora obecnej publikacji było: • Odniesienie się do krytycyzmu wyrażonego przez Che i Chena (2014) dotyczącego procedury obliczania prędkości w ruchu łukowym podanej w cytowanej literaturze przedmiotu (Pajer i in., 1971; Vetrov, 1971; Rasper, 1975; Durst i Vogt, 1988); • Zbadanie różnic pomiędzy procedurą określania teoretycznej wydajności zaproponowaną w pracy Che i Chena (2014) a odpowiednimi rozwiązaniami podanymi w literaturze; • Określenie prawidłowości i stosowalności teorii zaprezentowanej w pracy Che i Chena (2014) poprzez porównanie wyników uzyskanych z wykorzystaniem ich teorii oraz teorii podanych w wymienionych pozycjach literatury. W rozdziale 2 pracy (Che i Chen 2014) zatytułowanym " Uprzednio stosowane metody określania teoretycznej wydajności pracy koparki kołowej wielonaczyniowej" autorzy nie podali głównych odniesień literaturowych z których zaczerpnięte zostały równania (1)-(6)**. Ponadto, nie podali charakterystyki modelu działania koparki, na podstawie którego wyprowadzone zostały rzeczone r
The Outburst Risk as a Function of the Methane Capacity and Firmness of a Coal Seam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wierzbicki, Mirosław; Skoczylas, Norbert

2014-12-01

In most coal basins that are currently being exploited, gas and rock outbursts pose a considerable safety threat. The risk of their occurrence is frequently assessed by means of a parameter known as the methane capacity of coal. In a lot of countries, the evaluation of the mechanical properties of coal is conducted by means of another parameter: the firmness of coal. Due to the laboratory investigations and in situ observations carried out by the authors of this paper, it was possible to determine a function space in which the outburst risk can be described as a function of the methane capacity and firmness of a coal seam. This, in turn, made it possible to link the "gas factor" to the "mechanical factor", and thus provide a more comprehensive risk analysis. Wyrzuty gazów i skał stanowią duże zagrożenie w większości obecnie eksploatowanych zagłębi węglowych. Bardzo często wykorzystywanym parametrem oceny stanu zagrożenia wyrzutowego jest zawartość metanu w węglu. W wielu krajach do oceny mechanicznych parametrów węgla wykorzystuje się zwięzłość. Autorzy przeprowadzili badania laboratoryjne polegające na prowokacjach wyrzutów w skali laboratoryjnej. Jako materiał badawczy wykorzystane zostały brykiety węglowe. W trakcie badań wstępnych ustalona została zależność pomiędzy porowatością brykietów, a ich zwięzłością f oraz pomiędzy ciśnieniem nasycania metanem, a wskaźnikiem intensywności desorpcji dP. Pozwoliło to na przygotowywanie eksperymentów o kontrolowanych parametrach gazowych (wskaźnik intensywności desorpcji) oraz wytrzymałościowych (zwięzłość). Opracowana została metoda kontrolowania intensywności prowokacji wyrzutu poprzez określenie tempa spadku ciśnienia gazu przed czołem brykietu. Dzięki temu dla siatki parametrów f-dP możliwe było poszukiwanie minimalnej, skutecznej intensywności prowokacji wyrzutu. Znormalizowana wartość stałej czasowej spadku ciśnienia przed czołem brykietu powoduj
Global Modeling of Spur Formation in Spiral Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shetty, Rahul; Ostriker, Eve C.

2006-08-01

filaments. We measure spur spacings of ~3-5 times the Jeans length in the arm and arm clump masses of ~107 Msolar. Finally, we have also studied models without self-gravity, finding that magnetic fields suppress a purely hydrodynamic instability recently proposed by Wada & Koda as a means of growing interarm spurs and feathers. Our models also suggest that magnetic fields are important in preserving grand-design spiral structure when gas in the arms fragments via self-gravity into GMCs.
Focusing Fluids towards the Arc: the Role of Rehydration Reactions and Rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, C. R.; Spiegelman, M. W.; Van Keken, P. E.; Hacker, B. R.

2015-12-01

Aqueous fluids released from the down-going slab in subduction zones are generally thought to be the cause of arc volcanism. However there is a significant discrepancy between the consistent location of the volcanic front with respect to intermediate depth earthquakes (e.g. 100+/-40 km; England et al., GJI, 2004, Syracuse & Abers, G-cubed, 2006) and the large depth range over which dehydration reactions are predicted to occur in the slab (e.g. 80-250 km; van Keken et al., JGR, 2011).By coupling the fluid flow to the solid rheology through compaction pressure, recent numerical models (Wilson et al., EPSL, 2014) demonstrated a number of focusing mechanisms that can be invoked to explain this apparent discrepancy. Most notable among these were permeability channels within the slab. These were shown to be highly effective in transporting fluid from deeper fluid sources along the slab towards the shallowest source. In the presence of these channels the majority of the fluid is released into the mantle wedge far shallower and closer to the arc than it was originally generated.While observations consistent with free fluids in the slab have been reported (e.g. Shiina et al., GRL, 2013), it is possible that changing the reactivity and rheology of the slab can change the efficiency of in-slab transport (e.g. Wada et al., EPSL, 2012, Faccenda et al., G3, 2012). We present a series of simplified model problems of fluid flow within the slab and mantle wedge demonstrating the potential effect of these processes on fluid flux. In particular, pseudo-1D models show that if fluids can efficiently rehydrate slab minerals, then these reactions can shut down fluid pathways within the slab, resulting in deeper release of fluid into the mantle wedge. We will expand these results to consider the effects of rehydration in 2-D calculations. In addition, our previous models have considered only the simplest rheologies and geometries for the slab. We will also discuss new results that
[Anti-doping policy development process in the sports world (1968~1999): focusing on IOC activities and passive response from Korea].

PubMed

Hwang, Eui-Ryong; Kim, Tae-Young

2014-08-01

This study investigated the anti-doping policy promoted by the IOC historical sociologically focusing on the period from 1968 to 1999. Public opinion surrounding doping control has emerged as a large amount of drug possession by athletes who had participated in the 1952 Olympics was caught, as well as following the accident where an athlete had died during the competition as a result of doping. From 1960, as many doping cases in sports games were exposed, several international organizations proclaimed fight against doping in order to seek a preventive measure. In 1961, the IOC newly established a medical commission within the organization. It was decided to implement doping control and female sex testing at the same time for all athletes who participated in the 1967 Olympics, and they were implemented from 1968 winter and summer Olympic Games. In 1971, the provisions for the tests were prescribed as mandatory on the IOC charter. From 1989, the OCT system was introduced as a measure to overcome limitations of the detection during competition period. As political problems and limitations emerged, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) was established in 1999 to professionally manage and push for doping control. Female sex testing policy contributed to preventing males from participating in female competition by deceiving their gender to some extent. However, it was abolished due to strong public condemnation such as women's rights issues, social stigma and pain, and gender discrimination debate. In 1984, a doping control center was established in Korea, which enabled drug use or doping in the sports world to emerge to the surface in our society. Korea Sports Council and KOC articles of association that supervise doping related matters of Korean athletes were revised in 1990. The action of inserting doping related issue in the articles of association was taken 20 years after the start of IOC doping policy. Beginning with two international competitions in the 1980s, Korean
Thermal, Petrologic, and Structural Conditions for the September 2017 M=8.2 and M=7.1 intra-slab earthquakes in Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, K.; Gao, X.; Rogers, G. C.

2017-12-01

., 2004): The upper crust of the slab is too fragmented due to metamorphic densification, but hydrated deep-cutting faults can produce large earthquakes in the more coherent mantle and lower crust. Wang, K., J. F. Cassidy, I. Wada, and A. J. Smith (2004), Effects of metamorphic crustal densification on earthquake size in warm slabs, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L01605, doi:10.1029/2003GL018644.
Detection of the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide in a doping control urine sample as the result of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) tablet contamination.

PubMed

Helmlin, Hans-Jörg; Mürner, André; Steiner, Samuel; Kamber, Matthias; Weber, Christina; Geyer, Hans; Guddat, Sven; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2016-10-01

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide-1,1-dioxide) belongs to the class of diuretic agents that represent one of today's cornerstones of the treatment of hypertensive patients. In addition to its clinical relevance, HCTZ is prohibited in sports according to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at all times and has frequently been detected in sports drug testing urine samples worldwide since its ban was introduced in 1988. Despite these facts, the adverse analytical finding concerning HCTZ in an in-competition routine doping control sample collected in December 2014 was further investigated, particularly motivated by the comparably low urinary concentration of the drug accounting for approximately 5ng/mL. The athlete in question did not declare the use of any nutritional supplement or medication other than the ingestion of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) prior to competition. Hence, the drug (formulated as coated tablet) provided by the athlete as well as the corresponding retention sample of the manufacturer were analyzed. Noteworthy, both samples confirmed the presence of about 2μg of HCTZ per tablet. In order to further probe for the plausibility of the observed urinary HCTZ concentrations with the scenario of drug ingestion and subsequent doping control sample collection, administration studies with produced HCTZ-spiked placebo-tablets (2.5μg of HCTZ/tablet) were conducted. Urine specimens were collected prior to and after ingestion of the drug and subjected to routine doping control analytical procedures employing liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. While blank urine samples returned negative test results, post-administration specimens were found to contain HCTZ at concentrations of approximately 1-16ng/mL, which supported the athlete's inadvertent intake of HCTZ via contaminated NSAID tablets. Due to the substantial sensitivity of test methods employed today by
[Doctors belonging to the Senegalese Association of Sport Medicine and doping in sports: survey on knowledge and attitudes].

PubMed

Dièye, Amadou Moctar; Diallo, Boubacar; Fall, Assane; Ndiaye, Mamadou; Cissè, Fallou; Faye, Babacar

2005-01-01

Doping in sports is as old as sports, but it grew considerably during the 20th century with the arrival in stadiums during the 1990s of amphetamines and anabolic steroids as well as such peptide hormones as erythropoietin. The international fight against doping took a giant step forward in 1999 with the creation of the world antidoping agency (WADA). This study is part of that fight. It follows an earlier survey of retail pharmacists in Senegal and aims to evaluate the knowledge about doping of doctors belonging to the Senegalese Association of Sports Medicine and to assess their attitude towards this phenomenon. Its goal is to determine how best to involve them in preventive actions. We conducted a survey in 2001 and randomly selected and interviewed 60 of the 92 doctors in the association. The questionnaire focused on three areas: their knowledge of doping, their attitudes to it, and the means of prevention that they proposed. The results showed that only 11 of the 60 doctors knew the definition of doping and 15% of doctors could not cite any family of doping products. They were aware mainly of testosterone and other anabolic steroids (84.3%), then amphetamines and other stimulants (64.7%), and finally peptide hormones (58.8%). The subjects mentioned blood doping and pharmacological manipulations as forbidden methods. They considered that the four groups of drugs most often used by athletes for doping were, in descending order, anabolic steroids, stimulants, peptide hormones and corticoids. Eighty per cent of doctors think that Senegalese athletes use doping products and that the sports most involved are football, wrestling, track and field and basketball. They also think that doping is a form of drug addiction and a public health problem. Eleven doctors (18%) said they had been contacted for information on use of doping products. The interviewees consider that the three best methods of prevention include information about side effects, unannounced urine and
Insights about data assimilation frameworks for integrating GRACE with hydrological models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, Maike; Kusche, Jürgen; Van Dijk, Albert I. J. M.; Döll, Petra; Schuh, Wolf-Dieter

2016-04-01

.1 and 6 mm, with respect to the EnKF. We successfully transferred our framework to the Murray-Darling Basin (Australia), one of the largest and driest river basins over the world. Finally, we provide recommendations on an optimal C/DA strategy for real GRACE data integrations. Schumacher M, Kusche J, Döll P (2016): A Systematic Impact Assessment of GRACE Error Correlation on Data Assimilation in Hydrological Models. J Geod Van Dijk AIJM, Renzullo LJ, Wada Y, Tregoning P (2014): A global water cycle reanalysis (2003-2012) merging satellite gravimetry and altimetry observations with a hydrological multi-model ensemble. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci
Monitoring 2-phenylethanamine and 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide sulfate in doping controls.

PubMed

Sigmund, Gerd; Dib, Josef; Tretzel, Laura; Piper, Thomas; Bosse, Christina; Schänzer, Wilhelm; Thevis, Mario

2015-01-01

2-Phenylethanamine (phenethylamine, PEA) represents the core structure of numerous drugs with stimulant-like properties and is explicitly featured as so-called specified substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List. Due to its natural occurrence in humans as well as its presence in dietary products, studies concerning the ability of test methods to differentiate between an illicit intake and the renal elimination of endogenously produced PEA were indicated. Following the addition of PEA to the Prohibited List in January 2015, retrospective evaluation of routine doping control data of 10 190 urine samples generated by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nitrogen phosphorus-specific detection (GC-MS/NPD) was performed. Signals for PEA at approximate concentrations > 500 ng/mL were observed in 31 cases (0.3%), which were subjected to a validated isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) test method for accurate quantification of the target analyte. Further, using elimination study urine samples collected after a single oral administration of 250 mg of PEA hydrochloride to two healthy male volunteers, two tentatively identified metabolites of PEA were observed and evaluated concerning their utility as discriminative markers for PEA intake. The ID-LC-MS/MS approach was extended to allow for the simultaneous detection of PEA and 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide sulfate (M1), and concentration ratios of M1 and PEA were calculated for elimination study urine samples and a total of 205 doping control urine samples that returned findings for PEA at estimated concentrations of 50-2500 ng/mL. Urine samples of the elimination study with PEA yielded concentration ratios of M1/PEA up to values of 9.4. Notably, the urinary concentration of PEA did increase with the intake of PEA only to a modest extent, suggesting a comprehensive metabolism of the orally administered substance. Conversely, doping control
The impact of sex and language dominance on material-specific memory before and after left temporal lobe surgery.

PubMed

Helmstaedter, C; Brosch, T; Kurthen, M; Elger, C E

2004-07-01

Recent findings raised evidence that in early-onset left temporal lobe epilepsy, women show greater functional plasticity for verbal memory than men. In particular, women with lesion- or epilepsy-driven atypical language dominance show an advantage over men. The question asked in this study was whether there is evidence of sex- and language dominance-dependent late, i.e. adult age, plasticity for verbal memory when epilepsy surgery is performed in these patients. Pre- and 1-year postoperative memory performance was evaluated in 169 patients (94 males and 75 females) who underwent left temporal lobe surgery and who had WADA testing of hemispheric language dominance prior to surgery. Verbal memory and figural memory were assessed by list-learning paradigms. According to the Bonn intracarotid amobarbital test (IAT) protocol, patients were categorized into left dominant or atypically dominant (right, incomplete left or right, and bilateral dominant) groups. Results were controlled for the hypothesized sex differences. Thirty-four percent of men and 47% of women displayed patterns of atypical language dominance. Atypical dominance was related to an early onset of epilepsy. Men showed a larger time window for development of atypical dominance but, differently from women, the pattern of atypical dominance was more strictly determined by the age at onset of epilepsy. Atypically dominant women showed better verbal memory than typically dominant women or men. After surgery, right dominant patients had better verbal memory outcome than patients with bilateral or left language dominance who showed significant memory loss. No effect of sex on verbal memory change was found. Figural memory deteriorated in men and improved in women, when they were not left dominant. Seizure outcome had no effect on performance changes. It was concluded that better preserved verbal memory in atypically dominant women before surgery indicates greater benefit from atypical dominance in women than
MOLECULAR GAS DISK STRUCTURES AROUND ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wada, Keiichi; Papadopoulos, Padeli P.; Spaans, Marco

We present new high-resolution numerical simulations of the interstellar medium (ISM) in a central R {<=} 32 parsecs region around a supermassive black hole (1.3 x 10{sup 7} M{sub sun}) at a galactic center. Three-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling of the ISM (Wada and Norman 2002) with the nuclear starburst now includes tracking of the formation of molecular hydrogen (H{sub 2}) out of the neutral hydrogen phase as a function of the evolving ambient ISM conditions with a finer spatial resolution (0.125 pc). In a quasi-equilibrium state, mass fraction of H{sub 2} is about 0.4 (total H{sub 2} mass is {approx_equal}1.5 xmore » 10{sup 6} M{sub sun}) of the total gas mass for the uniform far ultra-violet (FUV) with G {sub 0} = 10 in Habing unit. As shown in the previous model, the gas forms an inhomogeneous disk, whose scale height becomes larger in the outer region. H{sub 2} forms a thin nuclear disk in the inner {approx_equal}5 pc, which is surrounded by molecular clouds swelled up toward h {approx}< 10 pc. The velocity field of the disk is highly turbulent in the torus region, whose velocity dispersion is {approx_equal}20 km s{sup -1} on average. Average supernova (SN) rate of {approx_equal}5 x 10{sup -5} yr{sup -1} is large enough to energize these structures. Gas column densities toward the nucleus larger than 10{sup 22} cm{sup -2} are observed if the viewing angle is smaller than {theta} {sub v} {approx_equal} 50 deg. from the edge-on. However, the column densities are distributed over almost two orders of magnitude around the average for any given viewing angle due to the clumpy nature of the torus. For a stronger FUV (G {sub 0} = 100), the total H{sub 2} mass in an equilibrium is only slightly smaller ({approx_equal}0.35), a testimony to the strong self-shielding nature of H{sub 2}, and the molecular gas is somewhat more concentrated in a midplane. Other properties of the ISM are not very sensitive either to the FUV intensity or the SN rate. Finally, the
Profiling of steroid metabolites after transdermal and oral administration of testosterone by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Badoud, F; Boccard, J; Schweizer, C; Pralong, F; Saugy, M; Baume, N

2013-11-01

The screening of testosterone (T) misuse for doping control is based on the urinary steroid profile, including T, its precursors and metabolites. Modifications of individual levels and ratio between those metabolites are indicators of T misuse. In the context of screening analysis, the most discriminant criterion known to date is based on the T glucuronide (TG) to epitestosterone glucuronide (EG) ratio (TG/EG). Following the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recommendations, there is suspicion of T misuse when the ratio reaches 4 or beyond. While this marker remains very sensitive and specific, it suffers from large inter-individual variability, with important influence of enzyme polymorphisms. Moreover, use of low dose or topical administration forms makes the screening of endogenous steroids difficult while the detection window no longer suits the doping habit. As reference limits are estimated on the basis of population studies, which encompass inter-individual and inter-ethnic variability, new strategies including individual threshold monitoring and alternative biomarkers were proposed to detect T misuse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a new generation high resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS) to investigate the steroid metabolism after transdermal and oral T administration. An approach was developed to quantify 12 targeted urinary steroids as direct glucuro- and sulfo-conjugated metabolites, allowing the conservation of the phase II metabolism information, reflecting genetic and environmental influences. The UHPLC-QTOF-MS(E) platform was applied to clinical study samples from 19 healthy male volunteers, having different genotypes for the UGT2B17 enzyme responsible for the glucuroconjugation of T. Based on reference population ranges, none of the traditional markers of T misuse could detect doping after topical administration of T, while the
Validation of whole-blood transcriptome signature during microdose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) administration.

PubMed

Wang, Guan; Durussel, Jérôme; Shurlock, Jonathan; Mooses, Martin; Fuku, Noriyuki; Bruinvels, Georgie; Pedlar, Charles; Burden, Richard; Murray, Andrew; Yee, Brendan; Keenan, Anne; McClure, John D; Sottas, Pierre-Edouard; Pitsiladis, Yannis P

2017-11-14

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) can improve human performance and is therefore frequently abused by athletes. As a result, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) introduced the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) as an indirect method to detect blood doping. Despite this progress, challenges remain to detect blood manipulations such as the use of microdoses of rHuEpo. Forty-five whole-blood transcriptional markers of rHuEpo previously derived from a high-dose rHuEpo administration trial were used to assess whether microdoses of rHuEpo could be detected in 14 trained subjects and whether these markers may be confounded by exercise (n = 14 trained subjects) and altitude training (n = 21 elite runners and n = 4 elite rowers, respectively). Differential gene expression analysis was carried out following normalisation and significance declared following application of a 5% false discovery rate (FDR) and a 1.5 fold-change. Adaptive model analysis was also applied to incorporate these markers for the detection of rHuEpo. ALAS2, BCL2L1, DCAF12, EPB42, GMPR, SELENBP1, SLC4A1, TMOD1 and TRIM58 were differentially expressed during and throughout the post phase of microdose rHuEpo administration. The CD247 and TRIM58 genes were significantly up- and down-regulated, respectively, immediately following exercise when compared with the baseline both before and after rHuEpo/placebo. No significant gene expression changes were found 30 min after exercise in either rHuEpo or placebo groups. ALAS2, BCL2L1, DCAF12, SLC4A1, TMOD1 and TRIM58 tended to be significantly expressed in the elite runners ten days after arriving at altitude and one week after returning from altitude (FDR > 0.059, fold-change varying from 1.39 to 1.63). Following application of the adaptive model, 15 genes showed a high sensitivity (≥ 93%) and specificity (≥ 71%), with BCL2L1 and CSDA having the highest sensitivity (93%) and specificity (93%). Current results provide further evidence that
The geovisualisation window of the temporal and spatial variability for Volunteered Geographic Information activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medynska-Gulij, Beata; Myszczuk, Miłosz

2012-11-01

panele jest wyeksponowana graficznie pojedyncza aktywnosc. Przetwarzanie danych odbyło sie w srodowisku open source, a technologia funkcjonowania aplikacji okna geowizualizacji bazowała na zastosowaniu asynchronicznych zapytan do serwera WWW oraz serwera baz danych co zapewnia sprawne "odswiezanie” poszczególnych paneli.
Surgical site infection among patients after colorectal cancer surgery.

PubMed

Banaszkiewicz, Zbigniew; Cierzniakowska, Katarzyna; Tojek, Krzysztof; Kozłowska, Elżbieta; Jawień, Arkadiusz

2017-02-28

Wstęp: Zakażenie miejsca operowanego występuje u 2,5-22,3% operowanych chorych. Jest ono wykładnikiem jakości leczenia na oddziałach zabiegowych i ma duży wpływ na jego koszt. Materiał i metodyka: Analizie poddano chorych, u których w obserwacji 30-dniowej wystąpiło zakażenie miejsca operowanego. Grupę wyjściową stanowiło 1581 chorych z rozpoznaniem raka jelita grubego poddanych zabiegowi operacyjnemu w jednym ośrodku. Kryteriami wyłączającymi z badania były: brak wiarygodnej dokumentacji leczenia (szpitalnego lub ambulatoryjnego) i zgon chorego przed 30. dniem po operacji bez rozpoznanego zakażenia miejsca operowanego. Analizę statystyczną wykonano przy użyciu programu Statistica 10. Wyniki: Powikłania pooperacyjne wystąpiły u 262 chorych (16,6%). Najczęściej występującym było zakażenie miejsca operowanego (198 pacjentów; 12,52%). Stwierdzono, że wystąpienie tego powikłania zależne było od zaawansowania klinicznego raka, wieku chorych, chorób współtowarzyszących (cukrzyca i choroby kardiologiczne). Ponadto zauważono, że powikłanie to występowało znamiennie częściej u chorych operowanych w trybie pilnym z powodu powikłań oraz u tych, u których wyłoniono stomię jelitową. Nie stwierdzono natomiast zależności wystąpienia tego powikłania od płci chorych i lokalizacji guza nowotworowego. Wniosek: U chorych po operacji raka jelita grubego największe zagrożenie wystąpienia zakażenia miejsca operowanego wystąpiło u chorych po 75. roku życia, obciążonych cukrzycą i chorobami kardiologicznymi, z dużym zaawansowaniem klinicznym raka, operowanych w trybie ostrego dyżuru, u których konieczne było wyłonienie stomii jelitowej (a szczególnie kolostomii).
A one-year monitoring of nicotine use in sport: frontier between potential performance enhancement and addiction issues.

PubMed

Marclay, François; Grata, Elia; Perrenoud, Laurent; Saugy, Martial

2011-12-10

Tobacco consumption is a global epidemic responsible for a vast burden of disease. With pharmacological properties sought-after by consumers and responsible for addiction issues, nicotine is the main reason of this phenomenon. Accordingly, smokeless tobacco products are of growing popularity in sport owing to potential performance enhancing properties and absence of adverse effects on the respiratory system. Nevertheless, nicotine does not appear on the 2011 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List or Monitoring Program by lack of a comprehensive large-scale prevalence survey. Thus, this work describes a one-year monitoring study on urine specimens from professional athletes of different disciplines covering 2010 and 2011. A method for the detection and quantification of nicotine, its major metabolites (cotinine, trans-3-hydroxycotinine, nicotine-N'-oxide and cotinine-N-oxide) and minor tobacco alkaloids (anabasine, anatabine and nornicotine) was developed, relying on ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TQ-MS/MS). A simple and fast dilute-and-shoot sample treatment was performed, followed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) operated in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) data acquisition. After method validation, assessing the prevalence of nicotine consumption in sport involved analysis of 2185 urine samples, accounting for 43 different sports. Concentrations distribution of major nicotine metabolites, minor nicotine metabolites and tobacco alkaloids ranged from 10 (LLOQ) to 32,223, 6670 and 538 ng/mL, respectively. Compounds of interest were detected in trace levels in 23.0% of urine specimens, with concentration levels corresponding to an exposure within the last three days for 18.3% of samples. Likewise, hypothesizing conservative concentration limits for active nicotine consumption prior and/or during

Slow Slip Predictions Based on Gabbro Dehydration and Friction Data Compared to GPS Measurements in Northern Cascadia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rice, J. R.; Liu, Y.

2008-12-01

For episodic slow slip transients in subduction zones, a large uncertainty in comparing surface deformations predicted by rate and state friction modeling [Liu and Rice, JGR, 2007] to GPS measurements lies in our limited knowledge of the frictional properties and fluid pore pressure along the fault. In this study, we apply petrological data [Peacock et al., USGS, 2002; Hacker et al., JGR 2003; Wada et al., JGR, 2008] and recently reported friction data [He et al., Tectonophys, 2006, 2007] for gabbro, as a reasonable representation of the seafloor, to a Cascadia-like 2D model in order to produce simulations which show spontaneous aseismic transients. We compare the resulting inter-transient and transient surface deformations to GPS observations along the northern Cascadia margin. An inferred region along dip of elevated fluid pressure is constrained by seismological observations where available, and by thermal and petrological models for the Cascadia and SW Japan subduction zones. For the assumed a and a-b profiles, we search the model parameter space, by varying the level of effective normal stress σ, characteristic slip distance L in the source areas of transients, and the fault width under that low σ, to identify simulation cases which produce transient aseismic slip and recurrence interval similar to the observed 20-30 mm and 14 months, respectively, in northern Cascadia. Using a simple planar fault geometry and extrapolating the 2D fault slip to a 3D distribution, we find that the gabbro gouge friction data allows a much better fit to GPS observations than is possible with the granite data [Blanpied et al., JGR, 1995, 1998] which, for lack of a suitable alternative, has been used as the basis for most previous subduction earthquake modeling, including ours. Nevertheless, the values of L required to reasonably fit the geodetic data during a transient event are somewhat larger than 100 microns, rather than in the range of 10 to a few 10s of microns as might be
Selection of Most Proper Blasting Pattern in Mines Using Linear Assignment Method: Sungun Copper Mine / Wybór Najodpowiedniejszego Schematu Prowadzenia Prac Strzałowych W Kopalni Miedzi Sungun Z Użyciem Metody Przyporządkowania Liniowego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yari, Mojtaba; Bagherpour, Raheb; Jamali, Saeed; Asadi, Fatemeh

2015-03-01

One of the most important operations in mining is blasting. Improper design of blasting pattern will cause technical and safety problems. Considering impact of results of blasting on next steps of mining, correct pattern selection needs a great cautiousness. In selecting of blasting pattern, technical, economical and safety aspects should be considered. Thus, most appropriate pattern selection can be defined as a Multi Attribute Decision Making (MADM) problem. Linear assignment method is one of the very applicable methods in decision making problems. In this paper, this method was used for the first time to evaluate blasting patterns in mine. In this ranking, safety and technical parameters have been considered to evaluate blasting patterns. Finally, blasting pattern with burden of 3.5 m, spacing of 4.5 m, stemming of 3.8 m and hole length of 12.1 m has been presented as the most suitable pattern obtained from linear assignment model for Sungun Copper Mine. Jedną z najpoważniejszych operacji wykonywanych w ramach prac wydobywczych są prace strzałowe. Niewłaściwe rozplanowanie prac powoduje problemy techniczne i stanowi zagrożenie dla bezpieczeństwa. Z uwagi na potencjalne skutki prac strzałowych i ich wpływ na kolejne etapy procesu wydobycia, właściwe rozplanowanie tych prac wymaga wielkiej uwagi i uwzględnienia kwestii technicznych, ekonomicznych a także bezpieczeństwa pracy. Dlatego też wybór najodpowiedniejszego schematu prowadzenia prac strzałowych zdefiniować można jako wieloatrybutowy problem decyzyjny (MADM - Multi Attribute Decision Making). Metoda przyporządkowania liniowego jest jedną z metod mających zastosowanie w rozwiązywaniu problemów decyzyjnych. W obecnej pracy metoda ta wykorzystana została po raz pierwszy do oceny schematów prowadzenia prac strzałowych w kopalni, w procedurze uwzględniono parametry techniczne oraz parametry związane z bezpieczeństwem. Zaprezentowano wybrany przy pomocy metody
Coal-Mine Liquidation as a Strategic Managerial Decision: a Decision-Making Model Based on the Options Approach / Likwidacja Kopalni Jako Strategiczna Decyzja Menedżerska: Model Decyzyjny Z Wykorzystaniem Podejścia Opcyjnego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jewartowski, Tomasz; Mizerka, Jacek; Mróz, Cezary

2015-09-01

The aim of this paper is to determine the optimal time of coal mine liquidation given the necessity of bearing the costs of post-mining reclamation. In order to consider the volatility of parameters important for making a liquidation decision and the entrepreneur's flexibility in the decision-making process, the real options approach was applied. Mine liquidation, which is inextricably linked to post-mining reclamation, is examined as an American put option on the market value of continuing the mine's operation which plays the role of the underlying asset. In turn, the role of the exercise price is played by expenditures for mine liquidation and post-mining reclamation, which can be avoided if the decision to close the mine is taken before all the deposits are exhausted. The liquidation option is exercised when the value of liquidation and reclamation cost savings significantly exceeds the continuation value. Mine liquidation was additionally made conditional on the value of funds accumulated to finance post-mining reclamation. Artykuł dotyczy ustalenia optymalnego momentu likwidacji kopalni w związku z koniecznością ponoszenia kosztów rekultywacji gruntów pokopalnianych. W celu uwzględnienia zmienności wartości parametrów istotnych dla podjęcia decyzji o likwidacji oraz elastyczności w podejmowaniu decyzji przez przedsiębiorcę, wykorzystano podejście opcyjne. Likwidację kopalni, która jest nierozłącznie związana z rekultywacją terenów pokopalnianych, rozpatruje się jako amerykańską opcję sprzedaży (put) wystawioną na rynkową wartość kontynuacji działalności kopalni pełniącą rolę instrumentu bazowego. Z kolei rolę ceny wykonania odgrywają nakłady na likwidację kopalni i rekultywację terenów pokopalnianych, poniesienia których można uniknąć, gdy decyzja o wstrzymaniu eksploatacji zapadnie przed wyczerpaniem się złoża. Opcja likwidacji jest wykonywana, gdy kwota nakładów na likwidację i rekultywację znacz
Non-Steroid Anti-Infflamatory Drugs in Municipal Wastewater and Surface Waters/ Niesteroidowe Leki Przeciwzaplane W Ściekach Mieskich I Wodach Powierzchniowych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Płuciennik-Koropczuk, Ewelina

2014-09-01

Increased production and consumption of drugs influences the pollution pharmaceuticals. Recent years have seen a significant increase in the consumption of non-prescription medicines, among which, are a large group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Research conducted in Poland and abroad showed the presence of NSAIDs, both in treated wastewater in surface waters and drinking waters. One of the most frequently detected drugs in the environment is diclofenac, belongs to NSAID. Its concentration in surface waters range from 9 to 3363 ng/L. Traditional wastewater treatment plants are not specialized enough in removing the pharmaceuticals and their metabolites, and with purified wastewater are introduced into surface waters. Diclofenac concentrations in treated wastewater range from 0.29 to 2.5 μg/L, the average removal efficiency is about 40%. Wzrost produkcji i spożycia leków wpływa na zanieczyszczenie środowiska farmaceutykami. W ostatnich latach zaobserwowano zdecydowany wzrost spożycia leków dostępnych bez recepty, wśród których znaczną grupę stanowią niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne (NLPZ). Badania prowadzone na świecie i w Polsce wykazały obecność niesteroidowych leków przeciwzapalnych zarówno w ściekach oczyszczonych, w wodach powierzchniowych oraz w wodach pitnych. Jednym z najczęściej wykrywanych leków w środowisku jest diklofenak należący NLPZ. Jego stężenia w wodach powierzchniowych wynoszą od 9 do 3633 ng/dm3. Tradycyjne układy technologiczne oczyszczania nie eliminują zupełnie farmaceutyków i ich metabolitów i wraz ze ściekami oczyszczonymi są one wprowadzane do wód powierzchniowych. Stężenia diklofenaku w ściekach oczyszczonych wynoszą od 0,29 do 2,5 μg/dm3, a średnia skuteczność usuwania jest na poziomie ok 40%. Należy zaznaczyć, że dane te nie odzwierciedlają stanu rzeczywistego, gdyż badania są prowadzone wyrywkowo. W 2013 r. Komisja Europejska w dyrektywie Parlamentu Europejskiego i
Modeling Water Balance of Dammed Lakes Using Computer Code Matlab-Simulink/ Modelowanie Bilansu Wodnego Piętrzonych Jezior Za Pomocą Programu Komputerowego Matlab-Simulink

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Błażejewski, Ryszard; Murat-Błażejewska, Sadżide; Jędrkowiak, Martyna

2014-09-01

The paper presents a water balance of a flow-through, dammed lake, consisted of the following terms: surface inflow, underground inflow/outflow based on the Dupuit's equation, precipitation on the lake surface, evaporation from water surface and outflow from the lake at which a damming weir is located. The balance equation was implemented Matlab-Simulink®. Applicability of the model was assessed on the example of the Sławianowskie Lake of surface area 276 ha and mean depth - 6.6 m, Water balances, performed for month time intervals in the hydrological year 2009, showed good agreement for the first three months only. It is concluded that the balancing time interval should be shorter (1 day) to minimize the errors. For calibration purposes, measurements of ground water levels in the vicinity of the lake are also recommended. Praca przedstawia bilans wodny przepływowego piętrzonego jeziora, uwzględniający dopływ powierzchniowy, dopływ i odpływ podziemny opisany równaniem Dupuita, opad na powierzchnię jeziora, parowanie z powierzchni wody oraz odpływ w przekroju zamkniętym jazem piętrzącym. Z uwagi na nieliniowe związki wymienionych składników bilansu z poziomem wody w jeziorze, do obliczeń wykorzystano program komuterowy Matlab-Simulink®. Przydatność modelu sprawdzono na przykładzie Jeziora Sławianowskiego o powierzchni 276 ha i średniej głębokości - 6,6 m. Jezioro to zostało podzielone na dwa akweny o zróżnicowanej głębokości. Wyniki obliczeń miesięcznych bilansów wodnych dla roku hydrologicznego 2009, wykazały dobrą zgodność z pomiarami jedynie dla trzech pierwszych miesięcy. Stwierdzono, że dla zmniejszenia błędów obliczeniowych należałoby skrócić interwał bilansowania do jednej doby. Kalibracja modelu byłaby łatwiejsza i bardziej adekwatna, gdyby do oszacowania przewodności hydraulicznej przyległych do jeziora gruntów i osadów dennych wykorzystać badania poziomów wody w piezometrach, zlokalizowanych w
Turbulent Sensible Heat Flux in Łódź Obtained from Scintillometer Measuerments - Comparison of Free and Mix Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieliński, Mariusz; Fortuniak, Krzysztof; Pawlak, Włodzimierz

2012-01-01

The primary aim of this paper was to present the results of turbulent sensible heat flux (QH) measurements with Scintillometer Scintec BLS900 (LAS). The theoretical background of scintillation method has been presented as well as two different ways of sensible heat flux computation from LAS. The measurements presented here were conducted from April to December 2011. Diurnal and partially annual variability of QH has been analyzed, moreover the mean diurnal course of QH in considered months has been prepared. In order to choose the optimal method of QH computation from LAS the results obtained with three different Monin-Obuchov similarity theory functions as well as free convection assumption has been compared. In first case it has been proved that sensible heat flux differs significantly depending on chosen universal function. In turn in case of free convection assumptions it has been revealed that it is valid only for very unstable conditions. Therefore it does not apply to long-time heat flux measurement in case of Łódź. Nevertheless, this study has shown that scintillation method is valuable and reasonable source of path-averaged QH estimates in considered city. Głównym celem pracy była prezentacja wyników pomiarów turbulencyjnego strumienia ciepła jawnego (QH) w Łodzi za pomocą scyntylometru Scintec BLS900. Przedstawione zostały założenia teoretyczne metody scyntylacyjnej, jak również metody wyznaczania strumienia ciepła jawnego za pomocą scyntylometru. Pomiary obejmowały okres od kwietnia do grudnia 2011 roku. Przeanalizowano dobową oraz częściowo roczną zmienność QH, wyznaczając przy tym średnie dobowe jego przebiegi dla poszczególnych miesięcy. W celu wyznaczenia optymalnej metody estymacji QH z pomiarów scyntylometrycznych porównano wyniki uzyskane przy wykorzystaniu trzech różnych funkcji uniwersalnych teorii podobieństwa Monina- Obuchova, jak również przybliżenia dla swobodnej konwekcji. W pierwszym przypadku wykazano
Inhibited flammability and surface inactivation of wood irradiated by low energy hydrogen ion showers (LEHIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blantocas, Gene Q.; Mateum, Philip Edward R.; Orille, Ross William M.; Ramos, Rafael Julius U.; Monasterial, Jonathan Lee C.; Ramos, Henry J.; Bo-ot, Luis Ma. T.

2007-06-01

Changes on the properties of wood irradiated by low energy hydrogen ion showers (LEHIS) were examined. The experimental facility employed was an in-house constructed, compact gas discharge ion source with beam energies maintained approximately in the 1 keV range fixed at 1 mA discharge current, 3 mTorr gas filling pressure. Wood specimens used were of species endemic in the Philippines namely Shorea sp., Shorea polysperma and Cocos nucifera. Results showed the processed samples manifested characteristics of inhibited flammability, and became relatively hydrophobic after the treatment. In the fire resistance test, it was also observed during initial flaming that the processed surfaces accumulated less soot attesting to a much lower smoldering rate, i.e. lesser combustibility. To assess the increase in fire endurance time for the processed wood against the control substrates, a non-directional, two-tailed t-test was utilized. Significant at the 0.05 level, the t-statistic measured 9.164 as opposed to only 4.303 in its corresponding critical value at two degrees of freedom. Hence, the treatment appeared to show strong statistical evidence of being effective in enhancing fire resistance. The processed specimens also exhibited moisture absorptive inhibition time of more than 10 min versus an average absorption period of just 8 s for the unprocessed samples. Spectroscopy using a cast steel mass analyzer indicated a predominance of H+ with faint signals of H2+in the ion showers. It is hypothesized that the monatomic ion plays an essential participatory role in the surface modification process. Data from an earlier work using Narra wood (Pterocarpus indicus) [G.Q. Blantocas, H.J. Ramos, M. Wada, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 45 (2006) 8498] was extended in the current study to substantiate this hypothesis. The data is now presented as current density ratio H+ /H2+versus the change rate constant K of the wetting model equation. It is shown that wood affinity to water decreased as the
Research about Automatic Adjustment Solution of the Advance Force at the Perffusion Drills Using Fluid Elements / Badanie Systemu Automatycznej Regulacji SIŁY Posuwu W Wiertnicach Udarowych Z Wykorzystaniem ELEMENTÓW PŁYNOWYCH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotetiu, Adriana; Cotetiu, Radu; Ungureanu, Nicolae

2013-12-01

This paper presents the actual solution used by Secoma Company and part of research regarding a personal solution concerning the implementation of the digital devices in the pressing strength's control of a pneumatic rotating drill, which is included in the structure of the drilling installation. The monostable fluidic element, which was proposed to be used, is a special device, with an incompressible fluid as supply jet and compressible fluid as command jet. The fluidic command proposed solution presents superior advantages given the existing variants and the automation solutions with electronic components. This is due to the higher security in hostile work environments (moist environment, with high methane gas contents, with fire danger, with high temperature) of their high feasibility and maintenance. For the practical achievement of the automated regulation with fluidic elements, of the type tested in the experimental plan, it is necessary to choose a monostabile fluidic amplifier for the prototype device, which respects several clear conditions regarding wall attachment angle and geometrical parameters. W pracy przedstawiono rozwiązanie stosowane przez firmę Secoma oraz omówiono część badań dotyczących rozwiązań w dziedzinie implementacji urządzeń cyfrowych do regulacji siły naporu w obrotowych wiertnicach pneumatycznych będących częścią urządzenia wiertniczego. Zaproponowano użycie mono-stabilnego elementu płynowego, będącego specjalnym urządzeniem zawierającym płyn nieściśliwy jako strugę zasilająca i płyn ściśliwy jako strugę sterującą. Rozwiązanie z wykorzystaniem elementu płynowego daje dodatkowe korzyści w odniesieniu do obecnie stosowanych rozwiązań zawierających komponenty elektryczne, przyczyniając się do poprawy bezpieczeństwa pracy w środowisku niebezpiecznym (w warunkach wysokiej wilgotności, wysokich stężeń metanu, zagrożenia pożarowego, wysokich temperatur), ponadto są one łatwe w użyciu i
Analysis of The Rayleigh Number in the Area of Steel Rectangular Sections in the Conditions of Stedy and Unstedy Heat Flow/ Analiza Liczby Rayleigha W Obszarze Stalowych Profili Prostokątnych W Warunkach Ustalonego I Nieustalonego Przepływu Ciepła

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyczółkowski, Rafał

2014-09-01

The paper presents the experimental measurements dedicated to the research for the Rayleigh number (Ra) in the area of rectangular steel sections. This problem is associated with the analysis of the free convection which takes place in the heating of sections bundles during the heat treatment. The study was conducted for both steady and transient heat transfer. The values of the Ra number obtained for the tested sections allow to describe the phenomenon of convection on the basis of a very simple criterial dependence. It greatly simplifies the mathematical description of the heat transfer phenomenon in the concerned charges. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań eksperymentalnych, których celem było określonie liczby Rayleigha (Ra) dla profili prostokątnch, nagrzewanych w warunkach ustalonej i nieustalonej wymiany ciepła. Analizie poddano trzy rodzaje profili: 40×20 mm, 60×60 mm oraz 80×80 mm. Badania dla warunków ustalonych przeprowadzono w komorze grzewczej stanowiska do pomiarów efektywnej przewodności cieplnej wsadów porowatych. Natomiast badania w warunkach nieustalonych przeprowadzono w elektrycznym piecu komorowym. Charakter zmian liczby Ra w funkcji temperatury, dla obu sposobów nagrzewania jest podobny. W każdym z przypadków, maksymalną wartość parametr Ra uzyskuje w przedziale temperatury około 100÷200°C. Dla profili 80×80 mm parametr ten jest około sześciokrotnie większy w porównaniu z profilami 60×60 mm. W przypadku nieustalonego przepływu ciepła, bezwzględne wartości parametru Ra są o rząd wielkości większe od wartości uzyskanych dla warunków ustalonych. Odnotowane liczby Ra nie przekroczyły wartości 107. Maksymalna wartość tego parametru wyniosła około 1,2×106. Zatem przy nagrzewaniu analizowanych profili, występujacą w ich wnętrzu konwekcję, można traktować jako intensyfikację przewodzenia w wypełniającym je powietrzu. Wyniki przedstawionych badań posłużą do analizy wpływu występującej wewn
Allophane on Mars: Evidence from IR Spectroscopy and TES Spectral Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ming, Douglas W.; Rampe, E. B.; Kraft, M. D.; Sharp. T. G.; Golden, D. C.; Christensen, P. C.

2010-01-01

Allophane is an alteration product of volcanic glass and a clay mineral precursor that is commonly found in basaltic soils on Earth. It is a poorly-crystalline or amorphous, hydrous aluminosilicate with Si/Al ratios ranging from approx.0.5-1 [Wada, 1989]. Analyses of thermal infrared (TIR) spectra of the Martian surface from TES show high-silica phases at mid-to-high latitudes that have been proposed to be primary volcanic glass [Bandfield et al., 2000; Bandfield, 2002; Rogers and Christensen, 2007] or poorly-crystalline secondary silicates such as allophane or aluminous amorphous silica [Kraft et al., 2003; Michalski et al., 2006; Rogers and Christensen, 2007; Kraft, 2009]. Phase modeling of chemical data from the APXS on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit suggest the presence of allophane in chemically weathered rocks [Ming et al., 2006]. The presence of allophane on Mars has not been previously tested with IR spectroscopy because allophane spectra have not been available. We synthesized allophanes and allophanic gels with a range of Si/Al ratios to measure TIR emission and VNIR reflectance spectra and to test for the presence of allophane in Martian soils. VNIR reflectance spectra of the synthetic allophane samples have broad absorptions near 1.4 m from OH stretching overtones and 1.9 m from a combination of stretching and bending vibrations in H2O. Samples have a broad absorption centered near 2.25 microns, from AlAlOH combination bending and stretching vibrations, that shifts position with Si/Al ratio. Amorphous silica (opaline silica or primary volcanic glass) has been identified in CRISM spectra of southern highland terrains based on the presence of 1.4, 1.9, and broad 2.25 m absorptions [Mustard et al., 2008]; however, these absorptions are also consistent with the presence of allophane. TIR emission spectra of the synthetic allophanes show two spectrally distinct types: Si-rich and Al-rich. Si-rich allophanes have two broad absorptions centered near 1080
Deformation mechanisms of antigorite and strain localization during dehydration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Proctor, B.; Hirth, G.

2012-12-01

Antigorite, the high temperature and pressure serpentine polytype, is thought to exist along subduction zones between the mantle wedge and the subducting oceanic crust (e.g., Wada et al., 2008). Understanding how the rheology of antigorite changes with depth along the slab may be key to understanding seismicity along the upper plate boundary (e.g., Hacker et al., 2003). To explore this phenomenon we are conducting constant strain rate general shear experiments on antigorite-rich serpentinite at shear strain rates of 5*10^-7/s to 10^-5/s, confining pressures from 1-2 GPa and temperatures from 400-700°C. We are using microstructural observations to constrain deformation mechanisms and investigate conditions where strain localization occurs. In some experiments we employ either strain rate stepping or temperature ramping to examine the stress dependence of viscosity (i.e., determine stress exponent) and syntectonic reaction during heating. The results of our general shear experiments suggest the rheologic behavior of antigorite varies significantly with changes in temperature and pressure, similar to previous work in axial compression (e.g., Chernak and Hirth, 2010). At 400°C and 1GPa confining pressure antigorite deforms initially via steady-state ductile flow with strengths as high as 1.4 GPa at a strain rate of 10^-5/s. With increasing strain we observe weakening events that correlate with the development of shear fractures within the sample. At 2GPa pressure, the flow strength of antigorite increases to ~1.8 GPa at 10^-6/s and deformation is distributed at low strain. Strain rate stepping at these conditions suggests a very weak strain rate dependence on strength with a 5-10% change in stress for an order of magnitude strain rate step. At 700C and 1 GPa, above the thermal stability of antigorite, the steady-state strength is ~120 MPa at 10^-5/s. In these samples olivine becomes the dominant phase as antigorite progressively reacts to olivine and pyroxene. At the
PREFACE: 3rd International Workshop on Materials Analysis and Processing in Magnetic Fields (MAP3)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakka, Yoshio; Hirota, Noriyuki; Horii, Shigeru; Ando, Tsutomu

2009-07-01

the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. All articles have been refereed by experts in the field. Both of these journals are fully accessible electronically and can be cited and referenced in the usual way. It is our hope that the reader will enjoy and profit from the MAP3 Proceedings. Hitoshi Wada (Kashiwa, Japan) Chair Eric Beaugon (Grenoble, France) Hans J Schneider-Muntau (Tallahassee, USA) Co-chair Advisory Board Shigeo Asai (Nagoya, Japan) Koichi Kitazawa (Tokyo, Japan) Mitsuhiro Motokawa (Sendai, Japan) Shoogo Ueno (Fukuoka, Japan) Robert Tournier (Grenoble, France) Justin Schwartz (Tallahassee, USA) J C Maan (Nijmegen, Netherland) Scientific Committee Yoshifumi Tanimoto (Hiroshima, Japan) Masuhiro Yamaguchi (Yokohama, Japan) Tsunehisa Kimura (Kyoto, Japan) Yoshio Sakka (Tsukuba Japan) Ryoichi Aogaki (Tokyo, Japan) Jyunji Miyakoshi (Hirosaki, Japan) Kazuo Watanabe (Sendai, Japan) James M Valles Jr. (Providence, USA) Joon Pyo Park (Pohang, Korea) Qiang Wang (Shenyang, China) Nicole Pamme (Hull, UK) Sophie Rivoirard (Grenoble, France) P C M Christianen (Nijmegen, Netherland) Local Organizing Committee Isao Yamamoto Masafumi Yamato Shigeru Horii Norihito Sogoshi Masateru Ikehata Noriyuki Hirota Tsutomu Ando Proceedings Editorial Board Yoshio Sakka Noriyuki Hirota Shigeru Horii Tsutomu Ando Conference photograph
Development of Load Exerted on the Lining of the Shaft After its Liquidation / Kształtowanie Się Obciążeń Obudowy Szybu Po Jego Likwidacji

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konior, Janusz

2015-03-01

This article applies to forecasting of the shaft stability after its liquidation on the basis of the probable, current load of its lining. The stability of the shaft after its liquidation is affected by many factors: that have occurred in the past, during its operation, e.g.: the degree of technical wear and liquidation method, that presently exist such as: changes in the parameters of backfill and the level of shaft backfilling, or may occur in the future: changes of hydrogeological conditions, the influences of present mining extraction, the effect of vibrations, etc. The variability of these conditions over time may consequently lead to arising of discontinuous deformations in the area surrounding the shaft and, as an consequence, to construction disaster. Likwidacja szybu górniczego w sposób trwały poprzez wypełnienie go za pomocą materiałów sypkich winna zapewniać jego stateczność w okresie czasu mierzonym setkami lat, szczególnie w obszarach nie w pełni wykorzystanego złoża. Bowiem te szyby mogą być w przyszłości wykorzystane przy przywracaniu do dalszej eksploatacji przedmiotowego złoża. W sytuacji koniunktury na węgiel czy inne surowce mineralne stateczność szybów zlokalizowanych w terenie zurbanizowanym ma także zapobiec katastrofom budowlanym. Autorowi niniejszego artykułu znane są przypadki świadczące o braku kontroli zachowania się podsadzki w zlikwidowanym szybie oraz projektowaniu i realizacji nowych obiektów w strefie ochronnej wyznaczonej wokół zlikwidowanego szybu. W pracy w oparciu o założenia metody Janssena dla schematu obliczeniowego (Rys. 1) przedstawiono wyprowadzenie wzorów na wielkość pionowego i poziomego obciążenia działającego wewnątrz zlikwidowanego szybu. Z analizy wzorów (10) i (11) jednoznacznie wynika, że wielkości te wraz ze zmianą głębokości dążą do maksimum określonego asymptotami Feasibility Analysis of Groundwater Abstraction for Gas Shale Fracturing in the Lublin Basin (Eastern Poland) / Ocena Możliwości Poboru Wód Podziemnych Do Szczelinowania Łupków Gazonośnych W Basenie Lubelskim (Wschodnia Polska)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, Robert; Macuda, Jan

2015-03-01

szczelinowania skał. Zabiegi te realizowane są przy wykorzystaniu dużych ilości cieczy szczelinujących, które w 90.5% składają się z wody, 9.0% piasku podsadzkowego (proppant) oraz 0.5% różnych substancji chemicznych, niezbędnych do utrzymania właściwych parametrów technologicznych cieczy. Zapotrzebowanie na wodę do szczelinowania wzrasta wraz ze zwiększeniem zwięzłości i głębokości zalegania łupków gazonośnych. W związku z tym właściciele koncesji na eksploatację gazu ze skał łupkowych oczekują informacji o możliwościach poboru wód podziemnych w celu szczelinowania. W pracy przedstawiono ocenę realnych możliwości poboru wód podziemnych do przygotowania cieczy szczelinujących dla otworów eksploatacyjnych gazu niekonwencjonalnego w obszarze basenu lubelskiego, będącego rejonem perspektywicznej eksploatacji gazu z łupków ordowiku i syluru (dolny paleozoik). Możliwości poboru wody zbadano na podstawie oczekiwanych wydajności jednostkowych studni ujmujących wody głównego użytkowego poziomu wodonośnego (GUPW) w rejonie badań. GUPW na przeważającej części tego obszaru związany jest ze skałami górnej kredy - spękanymi marglami, kredą, opokami, wapieniami i gezami, a także utworami czwartorzędu i trzeciorzędu. Znajomość wartości wydatku jednostkowego umożliwia zaprojektowanie ujęcia stosownie do określonych potrzeb. Witczak et al. (1999) proponują przyjęcie wydatku jednostkowego studni (q), jako obiektywnej danej empirycznej cechującej się wysokim wskaźnikiem pewności, w celu charakterystyki wodonośności poziomów wodonośnych w skali regionalnej. Przestrzenną ocenę wartości q oparto na danych zestawionych w 7 arkuszach Mapy hydrogeologicznej Polski w skali 1:200,000 (MHP). Dane dotyczyły q uzyskiwanych przy określonych maksymalnych depresjach poziomu wody. Obliczono q studni ujmujących wodę z GUPW w formacjach kredy górnej, trzeciorzędu i czwartorzędu, w granicach obszarów arkuszy MHP lub ich cz
Stability and Load Bearing Capacity of a Bars with Built up Cross Section and Elastic Supports / Badania Stateczności I Nosności Prętów Złożonych Z Podporami Sprężystymi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krajewski, Marcin

2015-03-01

The present paper is devoted to the numerical analysis and experimental tests of compressed bars with built-up cross section which are commonly used as a top chord of the roof trusses. The significant impact on carrying capacity for that kind of elements in case of out-of-plane buckling is appropriate choice of battens which are used to provide interaction between separate members. Linear buckling analysis results and nonlinear static analysis results, with material and geometrical nonlinearity, are presented for the bar with built-up cross section which was used as the top chord of the truss made in reality. Diagonals and verticals which are supports for the top chord between marginal joints were replaced by the elastic supports. The threshold stiffness (minimum stiffness) for the intermediate elastic supports which ensures maximum buckling load was appointed for the beam and shell model of the structure. The magnitude of limit load depended on length of the battens was calculated for models with initial geometric imperfections. The experimental tests results for the axially compressed bars with builtup cross section and elastic support are presented. Niniejsza praca poświecona jest analizom numerycznym i badaniom doświadczalnym ściskanych prętów złożonych, które są często stosowane, jako pasy górne kratownic dachowych. Istotny wpływ na nośność tego typu elementów, przy założeniu wyboczenia z płaszczyzny układu, ma odpowiedni dobór przewiązek zapewniający współpracę poszczególnych gałęzi. W pracy przedstawiono rezultaty liniowych analiz stateczności oraz fizycznie i geometrycznie nieliniowych analiz statycznych dla pręta złożonego, z którego zbudowany jest pas górny kratownicy wykonanej w rzeczywistości. Słupki i krzyżulce podpierające pas między węzłami skrajnymi zastąpiono podporami sprężystymi. Wyznaczono graniczną (minimalna) sztywność sprężystych podpór pośrednich zapewniającą maksymalną wartość obci
Study Into Combustion of Sewage Sludge as Energetic Fuel / Badania Spalania OSADÓW ŚCIEKOWYCH Jako Paliwa Energetycznego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kijo-Kleczkowska, Agnieszka; Środa, Katarzyna; Otwinowski, Henryk

2013-12-01

ściami płynącymi z termicznej obróbki tych odpadów. W pracy przedstawiono przegląd sposobów unieszkodliwiania osadów ściekowych ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem metod termicznych, głównie spalania i współspalania jako drogi do ich sukcesywnej utylizacji. W części badawczej pracy zaprezentowano wyniki badań mechanizmu i kinetyki spalania osadów ściekowych w różnych warunkach procesu prowadzonego w strumieniu powietrza. Spalanie osadów ściekowych porównano ze spalaniem węgla oraz biomasy.
Reliability Analysis of Drilling Operation in Open Pit Mines / Analiza niezawodności urządzeń wiertniczych wykorzystywanych w kopalniach odkrywkowych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimdel, M. J.; Ataei, M.; Kakaei, R.; Hoseinie, S. H.

2013-06-01

Considering the high investment and operation costs, reliability analysis of mining machineries is essential to achieve a lean operation and to prevent the unwanted stoppages. In open pit mining, drilling, as the initial stage of the exploitation operations, has a significant role in the other stages. Failure of drilling machines causes total delay in blasting operation. In this paper, the reliability of drilling operation has been analyzed using the Markov method. The failure and operation data of four heavy rotary drilling machines in Sarcheshme copper mine in Iran have been used as a case study. Failure rate and repair rate of all machines have been calculated using available data. Then, 16 possible operation states have been defined and the probability of being of drilling fleet in each of the states was calculated using Markov theory. The results showed that there was 77.2% probability that all machines in fleet were in operational condition. It means that, considering 360 working days per year, drilling operation will be in a reliable condition in 277.92 days. Biorąc pod uwagę wysokość kosztów inwestycyjnych a także eksploatacyjnych, przeprowadzenie analizy niezawodności maszyn i urządzeń górniczych jest sprawą kluczową dla zapewnienia sprawnego działania i dla wyeliminowania niepożądanych przestojów. W kopalniach odkrywkowych prace wiertnicze prowadzone w początkowych etapach eksploatacji mają ogromne znaczenie również w późniejszych fazach działalności przedsięwzięcia. Awaria urządzeń wiertniczych powoduje opóźnienia przy pracach strzałowych. W pracy tej przeanalizowano niezawodność urządzeń wiertniczych w oparciu o metodę Markowa. Jako studium przypadku wykorzystano dane zebrane w trakcie eksploatacji i awarii czterech obrotowych urządzeń wiertniczych wykorzystywanych w kopalni rud miedzi Sarcheshme w Iranie. Awaryjność maszyn i zakres oraz częstość napraw obliczono na podstawie dostępnych danych. Zdefiniowano 16
Preface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2003-09-01

stresses, electromagnetic force, and mechanical and thermal cycling. Mechanical properties: tensile and compressive properties, fatigue characteristics and fracture behaviour. Thermal properties: thermal conductivity, thermal dilatation and thermal strain. Modelling: prediction of critical current and mechanical properties of composite superconductors through statistical analysis, finite element analysis, etc. Test methods: international cooperative research work to establish test methods for assessing mechano-electromagnetic properties based on the activity of VAMAS/TWA-16. This discussion took place with respect to three types of composites: MFC (multifilamentary composite): BSCCO, MgB2, Nb-Ti, Nb3Sn and Nb3Al. CCC (coated conductor composite): YBCO and ReBCO. BCC (bulk crystal composite): YBCO and ReBCO. More than 55 researchers attended the MEM03 workshop, coming from eight different countries. A total of 42 papers were presented. In this special issue of Superconductor Science and Technology selected papers have been included that are concerned with the comprehensive scientific research subjects mentioned above. The aim of this issue is to provide a snapshot of some of the current state-of-the-art research and to promote further research into the mechano-electromagnetic properties of composite superconductors. The workshop was organized under the activities of NEDO technology quest and VAMAS/TWA-16. We wish to thank the following for their contribution to the success of the workshop: NEDO Super-ACE project, AFOSR, AOARD and IEC/TC90-JNC. Guest Editors: Kozo Osamura Hitoshi Wada Arman Nyilas Damian Hampshire
Dynamics of Non-Uniformity Loads of Afc Drives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolipski, Marian; Remiorz, Eryk; Sobota, Piotr

2014-03-01

óry tworzą dwa środkowe łańcuchy ogniwowe ze zgrzebłami przymocowanymi do ogniw poziomych łańcuchów. Ze względu na znaczne wydłużenia sprężyste łańcucha zgrzebłowego obciążonego urobkiem węglowym, konieczne jest jego wstępne napinanie. W zależności od wartości napięcia wstępnego łańcucha zgrzebłowego, oporów ruchu w gałęzi górnej i dolnej przenośnika oraz występujących drgań wzdłużnych, łańcuch może się znajdować w jednym z trzech stanów dynamicznych: w stanie stałego luzowania, w stanie okresowego luzowania lub w stanie nieluzowania. W przenośnikach ścianowych obserwuje się nierównomierny rozdział obciążeń na poszczególne napędy. Jego liczbową miarą jest współczynnik rozdziału obciążenia napędu. Jest on definiowany, jako stosunek obciążenia silnika elektrycznego zainstalowanego w danym napędzie do całkowitego obciążenia przenośnika (wzory 1 i 2). W praktyce niemożliwa staje się eliminacja wszystkich przyczyn nierównomiernego obciążenia napędu głównego i pomocniczego w przenośniku ścianowym. Wobec tego podejmuje się działania mające na celu wyrównywanie obciążeń napędów poprzez sterowanie wybranymi parametrami techniczno-ruchowymi przenośnika ścianowego. Badania komputerowe za pomocą własnego modelu dynamicznego wykazały, że jest to możliwe. Tymi parametrami są częstotliwości napięcia zasilania silników asynchronicznych, które powodują zmiany prędkości kątowych bębnów łańcuchowych. W artykule przedstawiono model fizyczny ścianowego przenośnika zgrzebłowego przeznaczony do badania zjawisk dynamicznych wpływających na nierównomierność obciążenia napędów (rys. 1). Opis ruchu w tym modelu fizycznym tworzy układ (4 · j + 5) nieliniowych równań różniczkowych zwyczajnych drugiego rzędu. Dokładając do tego funkcje opisujące współdziałanie bębnów łańcuchowych z łańcuchami oraz funkcje aproksymujące charakterystyki mechaniczne silnik
On the dynamics of fission of hot nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fröbrich, P.

2007-05-01

) probabilities prescission neutron multiplicities and spectra prescission charged particle multiplicities and spectra prescission γ-multiplicities and spectra evaporation residue cross sections fission time distributions temperatures at scission fission fragment angular distributions The results above are obtained with the Ito-discretization of the Langevin equation and might lead to some modifications when using the Klimontovich [Yu.L. Klimontovich, Usp. Fiz. Nauk. 37, 737 (1994)] discretization, which is claimed to be more physical [A.E. Gettinger, I.I. Gontchar, J. Phys. G: Nucl. Part. Phys. 26, 347 (2000)]. A satisfactory description of the measured correlation between the kinetic energy distribution and prescission neutron multiplicities could only be obtained when the mass asymmetry degree of freedom is included in the Langevin theory [P.N. Nadtochy, G.D. Adeev, A.V. Karpov, Phys. Rev. C 65, 064615 (2002)], thus generalizing the two-dimensional not overdamped Langevin models of Refs. [G.R. Tillack, R. Reif, A. Schülcke, P. Fröbrich, H.J. Krappe, H.G. Reusch, Phys. Lett. B 296, 296 (1992)] and [T. Wada, Y. Abe, N. Carjan, Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 3528 (1993)]. A recent article analysing the mass distribution of fission fragments is [E.G. Ryabov, A.V. Karpov, G.D. Adeev, Nucl. Phys. A 765, 39 (2006)]. The first important point I want to stress is that the driving force of a hot system is not simply the negative gradient of the conservative potential but should contain a thermodynamical correction which is not taken into account in a number of publications.

Developing a high resolution groundwater model for Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutanudjaja, E.; de Graaf, I. E.; Alberti, K.; Van Beek, L. P.; Bierkens, M. F.

2013-12-01

�rr, H. H., Meybeck, M., & Dürr, S. H.: Lithologic composition of the Earth's continental surfaces derived from a new digital map emphasizing riverine material transfer, Global Biogeochem. Cycles, 19, GB4S10, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2005GB002515, 2005. Gleeson, T., Smith, L., Moosdorf, N., Hartmann, J., Dürr, H. H., Manning, A. H., van Beek, L. P. H., & Jellinek, A. M.: Mapping permeability over the surface of the earth. Geophys. Res. Lett. 38 (2), L02401, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2010GL045565, 2011. Hartmann, J., & Moosdorf, N.: The new global lithological map database GLiM: A representation of rock properties at the Earth surface, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 13, Q12004, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2012GC004370, 2012. McDonald, M. & Harbaugh, A.: A modular three-dimensional finite-difference ground-water flow model, US Geological Survey, http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri6a1, 1988. Sutanudjaja, E. H., van Beek, L. P. H., de Jong, S. M., van Geer, F. C., & Bierkens, M. F. P.: Large-scale groundwater modeling using global datasets: a test case for the Rhine-Meuse basin, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 2913-2935, http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/hess-15-2913-2011, 2011. van Beek, L. P. H., Wada, Y., & Bierkens, M. F. P.: Global monthly water stress: 1. Water balance and water availability. Water Resources Research 47 (7), W07517, http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009791, 2011
Toxicology and pharmacology of the chemical warfare agent sulfur mustard.

PubMed

Dacre, J C; Goldman, M

1996-06-01

readily combines with various components of the cell such as amino acids, amines, and proteins. Although evidence of an association between lung cancer and mustard gas encountered on the battlefields of World War I is at best suggestive if not problematical (Case and Lea, 1955; Beebe, 1960; Norman, 1975), the epidemiological data accumulated from the poison gas factories in Japan (Yamada et al., 1953; Wada et al., 1968; Inada et al., 1978; Shigenobu, 1980; Nishimoto et al., 1983; Hirono et al., 1984; Takuoka et al., 1986), in Germany (Weiss, 1958; Hellmann, 1970a; Weiss and Weiss, 1975; Klehr, 1984) and in England (Manning et al., 1981; Easton et al., 1988) are substantial (International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1975). Unfortunately, attempts to seek confirmatory and substantial evidence in laboratory animals such as mice (Boyland and Horning, 1949; Heston, 1950; Heston, 1953a; McNamara et al., 1975) and rats (Griffin et al., 1951; McNamara et al., 1975; Sasser et al., 1996) have not been consistent. Sulfur mustard has been shown to be mutagenic in a variety of different species using many different laboratory techniques from fruit flies, microorganisms and mammalian cell cultures (Fox and Scott, 1980). Evidence is slowly accumulating from human data (Hellmann, 1970a; Lohs, 1975; Wulf et al., 1985). Evidence for the teratogenicity of mustard has been negative in assessment of fetotoxicity and adverse effects of mustard on the reproductive potential of both human and animal studies. Indeed, investigations of women adversely affected by mustard are minimal because most of the studies have been performed on former men employees of poison gas factories and have been negative or questionable. We have recently emphasized the need to assess the affect of a suspected teratogen on maternal toxicity in laboratory animals before any conclusions can be made.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
Automatic determination of trunk diameter, crown base and height of scots pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) Based on analysis of 3D point clouds gathered from multi-station terrestrial laser scanning. (Polish Title: Automatyczne okreslanie srednicy pnia, podstawy korony oraz wysokosci sosny zwyczajnej (Pinus Silvestris L.) Na podstawie analiz chmur punktow 3D pochodzacych z wielostanowiskowego naziemnego skanowania laserowego)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratajczak, M.; Wężyk, P.

2015-12-01

Rapid development of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in recent years resulted in its recognition and implementation in many industries, including forestry and nature conservation. The use of the 3D TLS point clouds in the process of inventory of trees and stands, as well as in the determination of their biometric features (trunk diameter, tree height, crown base, number of trunk shapes), trees and lumber size (volume of trees) is slowly becoming a practice. In addition to the measurement precision, the primary added value of TLS is the ability to automate the processing of the clouds of points 3D in the direction of the extraction of selected features of trees and stands. The paper presents the original software (GNOM) for the automatic measurement of selected features of trees, based on the cloud of points obtained by the ground laser scanner FARO. With the developed algorithms (GNOM), the location of tree trunks on the circular research surface was specified and the measurement was performed; the measurement covered the DBH (l: 1.3m), further diameters of tree trunks at different heights of the tree trunk, base of the tree crown and volume of the tree trunk (the selection measurement method), as well as the tree crown. Research works were performed in the territory of the Niepolomice Forest in an unmixed pine stand (Pinussylvestris L.) on the circular surface with a radius of 18 m, within which there were 16 pine trees (14 of them were cut down). It was characterized by a two-storey and even-aged construction (147 years old) and was devoid of undergrowth. Ground scanning was performed just before harvesting. The DBH of 16 pine trees was specified in a fully automatic way, using the algorithm GNOM with an accuracy of +2.1%, as compared to the reference measurement by the DBH measurement device. The medium, absolute measurement error in the cloud of points - using semi-automatic methods "PIXEL" (between points) and PIPE (fitting the cylinder) in the FARO Scene 5.x., showed the error, 3.5% and 5.0%,.respectively The reference height was assumed as the measurement performed by the tape on the cut tree. The average error of automatic determination of the tree height by the algorithm GNOM based on the TLS point clouds amounted to 6.3% and was slightly higher than when using the manual method of measurements on profiles in the TerraScan (Terrasolid; the error of 5.6%). The relatively high value of the error may be mainly related to the small number of points TLS in the upper parts of crowns. The crown height measurement showed the error of +9.5%. The reference in this case was the tape measurement performed already on the trunks of cut pine trees. Processing the clouds of points by the algorithms GNOM for 16 analyzed trees took no longer than 10 min. (37 sec. /tree). The paper mainly showed the TLS measurement innovation and its high precision in acquiring biometric data in forestry, and at the same time also the further need to increase the degree of automation of processing the clouds of points 3D from terrestrial laser scanning.
Geodesic survey and modernization of a route as the task of optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Edward

2014-06-01

ółrzędnych a w przypadku regresji ortogonalnej odstęp ma kierunek normalnej do krzywej. Uznanie odległości Mahalanobisa pikiety od wyznaczanej krzywej za quasi-obserwację pozwala na wykonanie wyrównania dopracowaną numerycznie procedurą parametryczną. Badanie możliwości zastosowania funkcji sklejanych w przemysłowym standardzie NURBS do aprosymacji przebiegu trasy wykazało dwa problemy: brak wartości parametru lokalizującego dla pikiety oraz operowanie parametrami wektorowymi defi lującymi kształt krzywej. Wartość parametru lokalizującego wyznaczono przez rzut pikiety na krzywą - łącznie z opisaną wyżej odległością Mahalanobisa stanowi on rozkład wektora wodzącego pikiety na dwie składowe podłużną i poprzeczną w lokalnym układzie krzywej. Analogiczny układ w punktach tworzących łamaną kontrolną funkcji Beziera pozwala na wyznaczenie ich położenia za pośrednictwem niewiadomej skalarnej modelującej kształt krzywej poprzez przesunięcia węzła w kierunku normalnej.
Research of Formed Lunar Regholit Analog AGK-2010 / Badania wytworzonego analogu gruntu księżycowego AGK-2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bednarz, Stanisław; Rzyczniak, Mirosław; Gonet, Andrzej; Seweryn, Karol

2013-06-01

(wytrzymałość na ścinanie, kąt tarcia wewnętrznego, kohezja), (PN-EN ISO 14688-1, 2006). Istotną dla procesu badawczego wskazówkę stanowiła informacja, o ostrokrawędzistości ziarn minerałów regolitu księżycowego (Rybus T., 2009), (Sibille i in., 2006). W artykule, w formie graficznej oraz zestawień tabelarycznych, zestawiono wartości najistotniejszych, dla porównań dwóch gruntów, wielkości takich jak: skład granulometryczny (rys. 1), charakterystyki krzywych uziarnienia (tab. 1), wybrane właściwości fizyczne, np. gęstość nasypowa, barwa (pkt. 2), parametry mechaniczne, takie jak wytrzymałość na ścinanie, kąt tarcia wewnętrznego i kohezja (rys. 2 i 3, tab. 2). Istotnym osiągnięciem prowadzonych badań było uzyskanie polskiego zamiennika gruntu księżycowego, którego jednostkowy koszt wytworzenia jest wielokrotnie mniejszy od jednostkowego kosztu zakupu gruntu wzorcowego. Opracowany, polski analog gruntu księżycowego AGK-2010 (zgłoszony do Urzędu Patentowego w 2011 r.) został z powodzeniem wdrożony w testach penetratora KRET w Centrum Badań Kosmicznych Polskiej Akademii Nauk w Warszawie.
„Jak naprawdę pali palacz?” – wyniki wstępne badań topografii palenia populacji palaczy w Polsce

PubMed Central

Czogała, Jan; Goniewicz, Maciej Łukasz; Czubek, Agnieszka; Koszowski, Bartosz; Sobczak, Andrzej

2009-01-01

Na stężenie substancji toksycznych w dymie papierosowym w sposób oczywisty wpływać muszą warunki tlenowo-temperaturowe generowania dymu. Warunki te zależne są od sposobu palenia papierosa (topografii palenia). Topografię palenia charakteryzują następujące parametry: głębokość i szybkość zaciągania, czas przerw między zaciągnięciami i liczba zaciągnięć. W zdecydowanej większości dotychczasowych badań dotyczących składu dymu papierosowego, dym generowano w standardowych warunkach zalecanych przez Międzynarodową Organizację Normalizacyjną ISO i Federalną Komisję Handlu FTC. Obecnie coraz częściej kwestionuje się wykorzystanie standardowych metod laboratoryjnych, jako narzędzi do oceny dawek substancji toksycznych pobieranych przez palaczy w wyniku palenia Określenie rzeczywistych dawek substancji odtytoniowych na jakie narażeni są palacze określonej populacji wymaga zatem w pierwszej kolejności określenia topografii palenia palaczy należących do tej populacji. Celem pracy była kompleksowa charakterystyka parametrów topografii palenia papierosów populacji palaczy w Polsce i jej rozkładu statystycznego. Do badań zakwalifikowano reprezentatywną grupę 129 palaczy. Aby spełnić założenia reprezentatywności badanej grupy palących dokonano analizy struktury demograficznej palaczy papierosów w Polsce posługując się danymi GUS dotyczącymi ogólnej struktury ludności (płeć, profil wiekowy) oraz szczegółowej struktury populacji palaczy papierosów przeprowadzonych według kryteriów profilu wiekowego i liczby wypalanych papierosów. Pomiar indywidualnych parametrów topografii palenia przeprowadzono przy pomocy profesjonalnego przenośnego urządzenia CreSSmicro. Średnia objętość zaciągania się dymem zmierzona w badanej grupie wynosiła 60 ml, była, więc 78% wyższa od wartości normatywnej zalecanej do badań przez ISO (35 ml). Średnia szybkość zaciągania mierzona w badanej populacji wynosząca 48
Analytical Model of Water Flow in Coal with Active Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siemek, Jakub; Stopa, Jerzy

2014-12-01

This paper presents new analytical model of gas-water flow in coal seams in one dimension with emphasis on interactions between water flowing in cleats and coal matrix. Coal as a flowing system, can be viewed as a solid organic material consisting of two flow subsystems: a microporous matrix and a system of interconnected macropores and fractures. Most of gas is accumulated in the microporous matrix, where the primary flow mechanism is diffusion. Fractures and cleats existing in coal play an important role as a transportation system for macro scale flow of water and gas governed by Darcy's law. The coal matrix can imbibe water under capillary forces leading to exchange of mass between fractures and coal matrix. In this paper new partial differential equation for water saturation in fractures has been formulated, respecting mass exchange between coal matrix and fractures. Exact analytical solution has been obtained using the method of characteristics. The final solution has very simple form that may be useful for practical engineering calculations. It was observed that the rate of exchange of mass between the fractures and the coal matrix is governed by an expression which is analogous to the Newton cooling law known from theory of heat exchange, but in present case the mass transfer coefficient depends not only on coal and fluid properties but also on time and position. The constant term of mass transfer coefficient depends on relation between micro porosity and macro porosity of coal, capillary forces, and microporous structure of coal matrix. This term can be expressed theoretically or obtained experimentally. W artykule zaprezentowano nowy model matematyczny przepływu wody i gazu w jednowymiarowej warstwie węglowej z uwzględnieniem wymiany masy między systemem szczelin i matrycą węglową. Węgiel jako system przepływowy traktowany jest jako układ o podwójnej porowatości i przepuszczalności, składający się z mikroporowatej matrycy węglowej oraz z
a New Generation Mining Head with Disc Tool of Complex Trajectory / GŁOWICA URABIAJĄCA Nowej Generacji Z NARZĘDZIAMI Dyskowymi O ZŁOŻONEJ Trajektorii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gospodarczyk, Piotr; Kotwica, Krzysztof; Stopka, Grzegorz

2013-12-01

łowych warunkach pracy, ulegają przyspieszonemu zużyciu. Wpływa to na prędkość i koszty drążenia tych wyrobisk. W artykule przedstawiono opracowane w Katedrze MGPiT AGH Kraków nowe i innowacyjne rozwiązanie głowicy urabiającej, z narzędziami dyskowymi niesymetrycznymi o złożonej trajektorii, jako alternatywę dla standardowych organów frezujących. Opisano zalety zastosowanej metody urabiania z wykorzystaniem tzw. tylnego podcinaniaoraz zasadę budowy i pracy zaproponowanego rozwiązania przedmiotowej głowicy. Dla opracowania konstrukcji prototypowego egzemplarza tej głowicy koniecznym było określenie, na podstawie badań laboratoryjnych, założeń i wytycznych. Przedstawiono konstrukcję opracowanego specjalnego stanowiska laboratoryjnego do badania narzędzi dyskowych o złożonej trajektorii, założoną metodykę badawczą, przebieg badań oraz uzyskane wyniki. Analiza tych wyników umożliwiła określenie wyżej wymienionych założeń i wytycznych dla konstrukcji głowicy prototypowej. Na ich podstawie opracowano, we współpracy z Zakładami REMAG S.A. w Katowicach, projekt techniczny nowego rozwiązania głowicy, dostosowanej do zabudowy na ramieniu średniego kombajnu chodnikowego KR 150. Wykonany egzemplarz głowicy został poddany próbom na stanowisku badawczym na poligonie Zakładów REMAG i uzyskał pozytywne wyniki badań wstępnych.
Land Surface Temperature in Łódź Obtained from Landsat 5TM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jędruszkiewicz, Joanna; Zieliński, Mariusz

2012-01-01

ści wyznaczonej z danych spektrometru MODIS, umieszczonego na satelicie Terra, jak również dla emisyjności oszacowanej przy wykorzystaniu wskaźnika NDVI obliczonego z danych L5TM. Opracowane obrazy satelitarne pozwoliły na wyznaczenie obszarów w Łodzi, cechujących się najwyższymi i najniższymi wartościami temperatury powierzchniowej. Najwyższe wartości LST na obszarze Łodzi występują w obszarach przemysłowych, jak również w najbardziej centralnej części miasta. Niekiedy jednakże obszary o podwyższonych wartościach LST spotykane są na przedmieściach, czego przykładem może łódzki port lotniczy. Z drugiej strony najniższe wartości LST występują w obszarach, na których występuje roślinność, przy czym dotyczy to głównie obszarów leśnych oraz parków śródmiejskich.
Variable Charge Soils: Mineralogy and Chemistry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qafoku, Nik; Van Ranst, Eric; Noble, Andrew

2003-11-01

developed on ferromagnesian-rich parent materials) the surfaces of phyllosilicates are coated to a lesser or greater extent by amorphous or crystalline, oppositely charged nanoparticles of Fe and Al oxides. These coatings exhibit a high reactive surface area and help cementing larger particles with one another. As a result of these electrostatic interactions, stable microaggregates that are difficult to disperse are formed in variable charge soils. Most of highly weathered soils have reached the “advanced stage” of Jackson-Sherman weathering sequence that is characterized by the removal of Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe(II), the presence of Fe and Al polymers, and very dilute soil solutions with an ionic strength (IS) of less than 1 mmol L-1. The inter-penetration or overlapping of the diffuse double layers on oppositely charged surfaces may occur in these dilute systems. These diffuse layer interactions may affect the magnitude of the effective charge, i.e., the counter-ion charge (4). In addition, salt adsorption, which is defined as the simultaneous adsorption in equivalent amounts of the cation and anion of an electrolyte with no net release of other ions into the soil solution, appears to be a common phenomenon in these soils. They act as cation- and anion-exchangers and as salt-sorbers. The magnitude of salt adsorption depends strongly on initial IS in the soil solution and the presence in appreciable amounts of oppositely charged surfaces. Among the authors that have made illustrious contributions towards a better understanding of these fascinating soil systems are S. Matson, R.K. Schofield, van Olphen, M.E. Sumner, G.W. Thomas, G.P. Gillman, G. Uehara, B.K.G. Theng, K. Wada, N.J. Barrow, J.W. Bowden, R.J. Hunter and G. Sposito. This entry is mainly based on publications by these authors.« less
Generic algorithms for high performance scalable geocomputing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Jong, Kor; Schmitz, Oliver; Karssenberg, Derek

2016-04-01

. This contrasts with practices in which code for distributing of compute tasks is mixed with model-specific code, and results in a better maintainable model. For flexibility and efficiency, the algorithms are configurable at compile-time with the respect to the following aspects: data type, value type, no-data handling, input value domain handling, and output value range handling. This makes the algorithms usable in very different contexts, without the need for making intrusive changes to existing models when using them. Applications that benefit from using the Fern library include the construction of forward simulation models in (global) hydrology (e.g. PCR-GLOBWB (Van Beek et al. 2011)), ecology, geomorphology, or land use change (e.g. PLUC (Verstegen et al. 2014)) and manipulation of hyper-resolution land surface data such as digital elevation models and remote sensing data. Using the Fern library, we have also created an add-on to the PCRaster Python Framework (Karssenberg et al. 2010) allowing its users to speed up their spatio-temporal models, sometimes by changing just a single line of Python code in their model. In our presentation we will give an overview of the design of the algorithms, providing examples of different contexts where they can be used to replace existing sequential algorithms, including the PCRaster environmental modeling software (www.pcraster.eu). We will show how the algorithms can be configured to behave differently when necessary. References Karssenberg, D., Schmitz, O., Salamon, P., De Jong, K. and Bierkens, M.F.P., 2010, A software framework for construction of process-based stochastic spatio-temporal models and data assimilation. Environmental Modelling & Software, 25, pp. 489-502, Link. Best Paper Award 2010: Software and Decision Support. Van Beek, L. P. H., Y. Wada, and M. F. P. Bierkens. 2011. Global monthly water stress: 1. Water balance and water availability. Water Resources Research. 47. Verstegen, J. A., D. Karssenberg, F. van
The Effect of Temperature Glide of R407C Refrigerant on the Power of Evaporator in Air Refrigerators / WPŁYW POŚLIZGU Temperatury Czynnika CHŁODNICZEGO R407C NA Moc Parownika CHŁODZIARKI Powietrza

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nowak, Bernard; Życzkowski, Piotr

2013-12-01

sprężarkowej chłodziarki powietrza. Mieszaniny zeotropowe podlegają przemianom fazowym, których przebieg znacznie różni się od czynników jednorodnych. W odróżnieniu od jednorodnych czynników chłodniczych, których procesy wrzenia i skraplania odbywają się przy stałej temperaturze, dla mieszanin zeotropowych do jednoznacznego określenia temperatury początku procesu parowania niezbędna jest znajomość stopnia suchości pary. Na przykładzie czynnika chłodniczego R407Copisano metodę wyznaczania temperatury początkowej procesu parowania uwzględniającą zjawisko poślizgu temperatury. Opracowana zależność (7) powstała w oparciu o udowodniony liniowy przebieg izobar w obszarze pary mokrej (rys. 5) i określeniu na tej podstawie wielomianu opisującego ich kąt nachylenia (8). Dodatkowo przedstawiono wzory obliczeniowe temperatury (9) oraz entalpii właściwej (10) pary nasyconej suchej czynnika chłodniczego R407C. Takie podejście do problemu pozwala na wyznaczenie temperatury czynnika chłodniczego R407C na wlocie do parownika bez wymaganej znajomości stopnia suchości pary czynnika. Dotychczas stosowane uproszczone metody wyznaczania temperatury czynnika chłodniczego na wlocie do parownika powodują znaczne odstępstwa obliczonej na ich podstawie mocy parownika od jego wartości rzeczywistej. Przedstawiony przykład obliczeniowy dotyczący górniczej sprężarkowej chłodziarki powietrza pośredniego działania typu TS-450P pokazuje, że odchyłki względne mocy cieplnej parownika mogą przekraczać nawet ponad 20%. W przykładzie obliczeniowym porównano dwie uproszczone metody określenia temperatury parowania zeotropowego czynnika chłodniczego stosowane w obliczeniach porównawczych czynników chłodniczych z metodą zaprezentowaną w niniejszym artykule.
Modified Stability Charts for Rock Slopes Based on the Hoek-Brown Failure Criterion / Zmodyfikowane Diagramy Stabilności Skalistych Zboczy Otrzymane W Oparciu O Warunek Wytrzymałości Hoeka-Browna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nekouei, Mahdi; Ahangari, Kaveh

2013-09-01

ące na metodzie równowagi granicznej i wykorzystujące oprogramowanie Slide. Dla każdego kąta nachylenia zbocza, wybierana jest metoda najskuteczniejsza, czyli taka która zapewnia wysoki współczynnik korelacji. Następnie sporządzane są wykresy końcowe, zgodnie w wybraną metodą i z wykorzystaniem odpowiednich równań. Spośród 40 równań, 25 z nich (czyli 62.5%) odnosi się do metod numerycznych (oprogramowanie Phase2), sześć równań (15%) należy do metody równowagi granicznej Felleniusa, kolejne sześć równań (15%) ma odniesienie do metody równowagi granicznej Bishopa, zaś trzy równania (7.5%) należą do metody równowagi granicznej Janbu. W celu walidacji nowych diagramów, przeprowadzono analizę stabilności zboczy na kilku wybranych odcinkach kopalni odkrywkowej rud żelaza w Chadormalu, Iran. Następnie porównano otrzymane procentowe wskaźniki niedokładności nowych diagramów uzyskanych za pomocą metody równowagi granicznej i przy wykorzystaniu oprogramowania Slide oraz w metodzie Bishopa obliczone dla zboczy kopalni rud żelaza Chadormalu. Diagramy uzyskane na podstawie warunku stabilności Hoeka-Browna dla zboczy w kopalni dają wskaźnik błędu na poziomie ±4%. Oznacza to, że diagramy takie są odpowiednimi narzędziami a współczynniki bezpieczeństwa dla zboczy skalnych wyliczone na ich podstawie uznać można za optymalne.
Optimisation of Receivables Management in a Mine, Using Linear Programming / Optymalizacja zarządzania należnościami w kopalni z wykorzystaniem programowania liniowego

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czopek, Kazimierz; Trzaskuś-Żak, Beata

2013-06-01

ograniczeniach brzegowych przyjęto górne dopuszczalne wartości należności dla każdego z przyjętych cykli ściągania należności. Kolejność cykli ściągania należności oraz przypisane im wartości należności przyjęto według rosnącego prawdopodobieństwa powstawania należności przeterminowanych i utraconych. Przeanalizowano dwa przypadki optymalizacji zarządzania należnościami, w których funkcją celu jest maksymalizacja wartości sprzedaży (przychodów) kopalni. Pierwszy przypadek wzięty pod uwagę do modelu to wykorzystanie skonta do obniżenia ceny produktu, w przypadku kopalni posiadającej niewykorzystaną zdolność wydobywczą. Aby poprawić trudności z płynnością, kopalnia proponuje swoim odbiorcom skrócenie cyklu ściągania należności, w zamian za obniżenie ceny i wzrost zakupów do wartości zdolności wydobywczej. W celu ustalenia tego obniżenia ceny wykorzystuje się rachunek kosztów stałych i zmiennych, W drugim analizowanym przypadku kopalnia, sprzedaje tyle samo co wynosi jej aktualna zdolność wydobywcza, a mimo to jest zmuszona obniżyć cenę swoich produktów. Wykorzystanie w takim przypadku skonta (obniżenia ceny produktu) musi równocześnie być związane ze skróceniem cyklu ściągania należności i obniżeniem kosztów finansowania kredytu kupieckiego.
Safety in GPR prospecting: a rarely-considered issue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Persico, Raffaele; Pajewski, Lara; Trela, Christiane; Carrick Utsi, Erica

2016-04-01

Optical Society of America Part A, vol. 19, n. 12, pp. 2424-2428, December 2002. [3] IAGC Land Geophysical Safety Manual, Int. Association of Geophysical Contractors, 2012. [4] Recommendations for the Safety of People and Instruments in Ground-Penetrating Radar and Near-Surface Geophysical Prospecting, R.Persico, A. Provenzano, C. Trela, M. Sato, K. Takahashi, S. Arcone, S. Koppenjan, L. Stolarczyk, E. C. Utsi, S. Ebihara, K. Wada, E. Pettinelli, L. Pajewski, EAGE, 2015.
Lipids from the nacreous and prismatic layers of two Pteriomorpha Mollusc shells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farre, B.; Dauphin, Y.

2009-04-01

Mollusc shells are the best-known Ca-carbonate biominerals. They are commonly described as a mineralized two layered structure: an outer layer composed of calcite prismatic units, and an internal layer composed of tablets of aragonite: the nacreous layer. An external organic layer (periostracum) is present in most taxa. However, the most common structure in the Mollusc shell is the aragonite crossed lamellar layer, but aragonite prisms, calcite foliated layers and homogeneous layers have been also described by Boggild (1930) in all the Mollusc orders. Since, more detailed descriptions of Bivalve shells have been done (Taylor et al., 1969, 1973). Despite the nacroprismatic arrangement is rare, calcite prismatic and aragonite nacreous layers are the best studied because of their simple 3D structure and large units. Among these Molluscs, some Bivalve species composed of these two layers are of commercial interest, such as the pearl oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, cultivated in French Polynesia to produce black pearls. It is well established that Mollusc shells are composite structures of organic and inorganic components (Hatchett, 1799; Grégoire et al., 1955; Beedham, 1958; Simkiss, 1965; Mutvei, 1969; Cuif et al., 1980; Berman et al., 1993; Kobayashi and Samata, 2006). Numerous studies are concerned with the organic matrix of the shell. Organic components are commonly obtained after a strong or mild decalcification process. They are said to consist of both a soluble and insoluble fraction. The main part of studies is dedicated to the soluble components, and among them, proteins (Grégoire et al., 1955; Grégoire, 1961; Krampitz et al., 1976; Samata et al., 1980, 2004; Weiner, 1983; Miyamoto et al., 2006). Despite the pioneering work of Wada (1980) sugars are usually neglected despite their role in biomineralization. The third component of the organic matrix of calcareous biominerals is lipids. To date, there is a paucity of information concerning the presence
The Application of Coreless Inductors for Displacement Measurements in Laboratory Investigations of Rock Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurkowski, Janusz

2014-12-01

ąt procent. Przykładowe pomiary przedstawiają rysunki 8 i 9. Na rys. 10 pokazano wyniki testu pomiaru ściśliwości stali, przy użyciu czujnika referencyjnego. W trzech cyklach obciążania, podczas których zmiany temperatury wywołane sprężaniem i rozprężaniem cieczy (do 350 MPa) sięgały kilkunastu °C. Histereza i rozrzut pomiaru w kolejnych cyklach wynosiły najwyżej kilka mikrometrów przy rozdzielczości około 0.2 μm. Czujnik stosowany jest również w pomiarach poza komorą ciśnieniową. Np. fotografia (rys. 11) przedstawia czujnik przy pomiarze ugięcia próbki drewna pobranego w kopalni soli Wieliczka. Fotografia na rys. 13 przedstawia stanowisko do pomiaru deformacji osiowych i obwodowych brykietu węglowego podczas testu jednoosiowego ściskania. Drugi typ czujnika, do pomiaru dużych odkształceń obwodowych (kilkadziesiąt procent) w teście konwencjonalnego trójosiowego ściskania, w którym próbka jest jednocześnie ściskana ciśnieniem hydrostatycznym (okólnym) a następnie obciążana osiowo tłokiem prasy poruszającym się wewnątrz komory ciśnieniowej. W ciśnieniu hydrostatycznym setek MPa na ogół skały zachowują się plastycznie i w teście tym siła działająca osiowo na cylindryczną próbkę powoduje odkształcenie jej nawet o kilkadziesiąt procent, do postaci beczki. Pomiar odkształceń obwodowych jest realizowany czujnikiem indukcyjnym uformowanym na kształt torusa, przez spięcie jego końców izolacyjną płytką (rys. 1). Czujnik na próbce utrzymywany jest dzięki sile sprężystości jego zwojów. Na rys. 14. pokazano efekty trójosiowego testu: odkształcenie osiowe ɛ1 (pomiar ruchu tłoka prasy, na zewnątrz komory) i poprzeczne ɛ3 (czujnikiem toroidalnym) oraz zmianę objętości ΔV, walcowej próbki dolomitu. Jeśli nie są mierzone deformacje poprzeczne, to aktualny przekrój próbki wyliczany jest na podstawie odkształcenia osiowego, przy założeniu stałości objętości próbki (ν = const. = 0
Plant Type Selection for Reclamation of Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine Using Fuzzy-Topsis Approach / Wybór Gatunków Roślin Do Wykorzystania W Projekcie Rekultywacji Terenów Kopalni Miedzi Sarcheshmeh Z Wykorzystaniem Metod Logiki Rozmytej Topsis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahimabadi, Arash; Alavi, Iraj

2013-09-01

ę niewystarczające w przypadku nieprecyzyjnej oceny i nie w pełni zdefiniowanych określeń językowych. W celu przezwyciężenia tych trudności, zaproponowano wielo-kryterialną metodę decyzyjną wykorzystującą logikę rozmytą. Celem tego opracowania jest ukazanie zastosowania podejścia rozmytego do uzyskania kolejnych przybliżeń do rozwiązania idealnego (F.TOPSIS) przy wyborze odpowiednich gatunków roślin do użycia w projekcie rekultywacji terenów kopalni. Wybór gatunków roślin i ich kultywacja dla zapewnienia ochrony środowiska i projektu rekultywacji terenu pogórniczego to bardzo ważne zagadnienia. Głównym celem obecnego studium jest wybór odpowiednich gatunków roślin do wykorzystania projekcie rekultywacji terenów kopalni miedzi Sarcheshmeh z wykorzystaniem metod logiki rozmytej TOPSIS. W pierwszym rzędzie przeprowadzono badania gruntów wokół kopalni miedzi Sarchesmeh, w pobliżu miejscowości Kerman w Iranie (jednej z dziesięciu największych na świecie kopalni miedzi) w celu wyboru najlepszych typów roślin do wykorzystania do rekultywacji naruszonych działalnością górniczą terenów. Określono podstawowe kryteria wyboru, biorąc pod uwagę plan rekultywacji: sposoby wykorzystania terenu, klimat oraz rodzaje gleb. Otrzymano macierze porównawcze uzyskane na podstawie opinii ekspertów, następnie dokonano określenia priorytetów dla poszczególnych roślin przy pomocy metody TOPSIS, wykorzystującej logikę rozmytą. W analizie uwzględniono następujące czynniki drugorzędne: perspektywy dla regionu, odporność na choroby i owady szkodniki, wytrzymałość i sposób uprawy, dostępność danego gatunku roślin, wydajność ekonomiczna, ochrona gleb, zdolność zatrzymywania wody, zapobieganie zanieczyszczeniom. W końcowym etapie dokonano wyboru najkorzystniejszych dla danego terenu górniczego gatunków roślin, podając kolejno: Amygdalus scoparia, Tamarix, Pistachio Wild, Ephedra, Astragalus, Salsola.
A Complex Use of the Materials Extracted from an Open-Cast Lignite Mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buryan, Petr; Bučko, Zdeněk; Mika, Petr

2014-12-01

produkcji elektryczności w elektrowni o cyklu mieszanym o całkowitej mocy wyjściowej 400 MW. W celu umożliwienia gazyfikacji ciekłych produktów ubocznych gazyfikacji węgla, zainstalowano na drodze przepływu generator gazu, umożliwiający przetwarzanie alternatywnych paliw ciekłych. Skoncentrowany gaz odlotowy zawierający związki siarki odprowadzany jest do instalacji odsiarczającej, gdzie produkowany jest cenny produkt H2SO4, o wysokim stopniu czystości (96%). Węgiel brunatny nadający się do produkcji brykietów jest kruszony, mielony i suszony, następnie przechodzi przez proces brykietowania w odpowiednich prasach, gdzie formowane są brykiety, poprzez ich sprasowanie pod ciśnieniem 175 MPa. Brykiety takie wykorzystywane są powszechnie jako paliwo w gospodarstwach domowych. Drobnoziarniste pyły węgla brunatnego (paliwa pyłowe) wykorzystywane są na skalę komercyjną do produkcji ciepła w paleniskach pyłowych. Pyły węglowe powstają nie tylko w trakcie suszenia węgla po procesie oddzielania w separatorach elektrostatycznych, lecz także w procesie mielenia suszonego węgla w młynach wibracyjnych. Żużel z kotłów w konwencjonalnej elektrowni, popioły z generatorów oraz te osadzające się w instalacji podlegają wysuszeniu, następnie wykorzystywane są jako wysokiej jakości materiał na podłoże w różnorodnych instalacjach. Popioły lotne wykorzystywane są przemyśle budowlanym jako częściowe zamienniki cementu. Po oddzieleni popiołu lotnego, gazy wylotowe kierowane są do instalacji odsiarczania z wykorzystaniem technologii wilgotnego wapienia, w wyniku tego procesu powstaje gips, wykorzystywany, miedzy innymi, w przemyśle budowlanym. Glinki z warstw nadkładu nad pokładami węgla wykorzystywane są powszechnie jako surowiec do produkcji sztucznego kruszywa "Liapor', wykazującego wyjątkowe właściwości termiczne i dźwiękoizolacyjne.
EDITORIAL: Nanodevices come to life Nanodevices come to life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demming, Anna

2011-03-01

-nanowire field-effect-transistor biosensor [8] and have applied the device to real-time electrical detection of electronic signals during and after binding with a target protein. High resolution imaging and sensing techniques have seen enormous developments that have moved the field from point measurements and still image collection to the direct measurement of biomolecular dynamics and nanoscale motion pictures. The field continues to buzz with new ideas, promising many further exciting advances. As Thomas Edison, inventor and a pioneer in motion pictures, once said: 'to have a great idea, have a lot of them' [9]. References [1] Lang H P, Hegner M, Meyer E and Gerber Ch 2002 Nanotechnology 13 R29-36 [2] Binnig G, Quate C F and Gerber Ch 1986 Appl. Phys. Lett. 56 930 [3] Yokokawa M, Wada C, Ando T, Sakai N, Yagi A, Yoshimura S H, Takeyasu K 2006 EMBO 25 4567-76 [4] Picco L M, Bozec L, Ulcinas A, Engledew D J, Antognozzi M, Horton M A and Miles M J 2007 Nanotechnology 18 044030 [5] Montemagno C and Bachand G 1999 Nanotechnology 10 225-31 [6] Scholz T, J Vicary A, Jeppesen G M, Ulcinas A, Hörber J K H and Antognozzi M 2011 Nanotechnology 22 095707 [7] Minary-Jolandan M and Yu M-F 2009 Nanotechnology 20 085706 [8] Kim K S, Lee H-S, Yang J-A, Jo M-H, Hahn S K 2009 Nanotechnology 20 235501 [9] Olsen T A B 2011 www.knowledgehouse.info/bio_edison.html

Light responses in Photoperiodism in Arabidopsis thaliana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anthony R. Cashmore

2006-08-01

phyB. Nature 410, 487-490. Jarillo, J. A., Gabrys, H., Capel, J., Alonso, J. M., Ecker, J. R., and Cashmore, A. R. (2001b). Phototropin-related NPL1 controls chloroplast relocation induced by blue light. Nature 410, 952-954. Kinoshita, T., Doi, M., Suetsugu, N., Kagawa, T., Wada, M., and Shimazaki Ki, K. (2001). phot1 and phot2 mediate blue light regulation of stomatal opening. Nature 414, 656-660. Mas, P., Kim, W. Y., Somers, D. E., and Kay, S. A. (2003). Targeted degradation of TOC1 by ZTL modulates circadian function in Arabidopsis thaliana. Nature 426, 567-570.« less
Mathematical Model of Forecasting the Formation of Sinkhole Using Salustowicz's Theory / Model Matematyczny Prognozowania Zapadlisk Przy Wykorzystaniu Teorii Sklepienia Ciśnień Sałustowicza

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strzałkowski, Piotr

2015-03-01

órej wykorzystano teorię sklepienia ciśnień (Sałustowicz, 1956). Teoria ta znakomicie nadaje się do tego celu, gdyż jako jedyna z wielu w tym zakresie pozwala określić, czy pustka związana z wyrobiskiem znajduje się w stanie stateczności. Znane są bowiem przypadki, gdy płytkie wyrobiska górnicze, bez obudowy przez wiele lat pozostają w stanie nienaruszonym. W ramach pracy dokonano szczegółowych obliczeń pola strefy odprężonej nad wyrobiskiem, bez stosowania uproszczeń przyjętych przez autora metody. Stosując podobne założenia jak w innych, znanych z literatury rozwiązaniach, podano warunki, mówiące o tym kiedy gruzowisko skalne zapełni szczelnie pustkę, bez powstania pustki wtórnej, a kiedy pustka wtórna powstanie. Zależy to od wymiarów i głębokości lokalizacji pustki oraz własności górotworu nad pustką. Warunkiem wystąpienia zapadliska jest aby strefa odprężona, związana z pustką pierwotną lub wtórną osiągnęła wysokość, przy której obejmować będzie nadkład, zbudowany ze skał luźnych. W dalszej kolejności zaproponowano wzory umożliwiające określenie wymiarów zapadlisk. Wyróżniono przy tym dwa przypadki: • gdy strop pustki osiąga spąg nadkładu - wzór (15), • gdy strefa odprężona obejmuje swym zasięgiem luźne skały nadkładu - wzór (19). Dalszym etapem badań prowadzonych przez autora jest sformułowanie warunków, pozwalających stwierdzić, kiedy eksploatacja górnicza prowadzona pod pustką może wywołać jej samopodsadzenie, a w konsekwencji spowodować powstanie zapadliska na powierzchni. Prowadzone są również prace związane z utworzeniem oprogramowania komputerowego, wykorzystującego podane wzory i z weryfikacją rozwiązania w oparciu o przypadki znane z praktyki górniczej.
Analytical Method of Designing and Selecting Take-Up Systems for Mining Belt Conveyors / Analityczna Metoda Projektowania i Doboru UKŁADÓW Napinania Dla GÓRNICZYCH PRZENOŚNIKÓW TAŚMOWYCH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kulinowski, Piotr

2013-12-01

ężystości taśmy uwzględnianego w obliczeniach drogi napinania jest korygowana na podstawie zależności przedstawionej w niniejszym artykule. Zastępczy moduł sprężystości taśmy powinien być uwzględniony w algorytmie obliczania długości skokuwózka napinającego, szczególnie dla przenośników, których złożony profil trasy może przyczynić się do lokalnego zmniejszenia sił w taśmie. W kolejnej części artykułu przedstawiono metodę konstruowania charakterystyk statycznych urządzeń napinających taśmę (Jabłoński, 1988), które wykorzystano do opisu stosowanych układów napinania taśmy. Spośród stosowanych urządzeń napinających przedstawiono rozwiązania ze stałym położeniem bębna napinającego podczas pracy przenośnika - tzw. sztywne urządzenia napinające oraz ze zmiennym położeniem bębna napinającego w czasie pracy przenośnika - grawitacyjne, hydrauliczne, automatyczne i nadążne. Na diagramach opisujących charakterystykę napinania, poza wymaganą wartością siły w taśmie zbiegającej z bębna napędowego, przedstawiono spodziewany przebieg jej zmiany w funkcji momentu napędowego, charakterystyczny dla danego typu urządzenia napinającego taśmę (Kulinowski, 2012). Podsumowanie artykułu stanowi przedstawienie propozycji wykorzystania charakterystyk statycznych urządzeń napinających do oceny pracy ciernego, bębnowego układu napędowego przenośnika taśmowego. Przedstawiona w artykule metoda obliczeniowa została weryfikowana poprzez badania przemysłowe i realizacje wielu złożonych projektów przenośników taśmowych uzupełnionych analizą wyników badań symulacyjnych dynamiki pracy modeli urządzeń napinających taśmę (Kulinowski, 2012).
Underground Tourist Routes in the Context of Sustainable Development / Podziemne Trasy Turystyczne W Procesie Zrównoważonego Rozwoju

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wieja, Tomasz; Chmura, Janusz; Bartos, Maciej

2015-09-01

że sposobem definiowania świata. Poszukuje się społecznego, a nawet duchowego wymiaru rewitalizacji; uzdrowienia relacji z przyrodą i z całym otoczeniem. Podziemne trasy harmonizują z miejscowymi uwarunkowaniami przyrodniczymi oraz ukształtowanym przez wieki krajobrazem osadniczym. Zabezpieczone wyrobiska sięgają dorobku kulturowego dawnych pokoleń i są przyczyną rozwoju i edukacji historycznej społeczeństwa.
Cuttings Transport with Foam in Highly Inclined Wells at Simulated Downhole Conditions / Transport urobku wiertniczego przy użyciu piany w silnie nachylonych otworach w symulowanych warunkach w otworze

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiafu; Ozbayoglu, Evren; Miska, Stefan Z.; Yu, Mengjiao; Takach, Nicholas

2013-06-01

piany prowadzi do zmniejszenia stężenia zwiercin w pierścieniu. Prędkość obrotowa przewodu wpływa na stężenie zwiercin i straty ciśnienia wskutek tarcia w przypadku stosowania pian niskiej jakości, efektu tego nie notuje się gdy wykorzystywane są wysokiej jakości piany. Dane z obszaru wiercenia skorelowane zostały z wynikami symulacji komputerowych do wspomagania projektowania i do wykorzystania w terenie. Prognozowane wyniki porównano z wynikami eksperymentów uzyskanymi w tym oraz w poprzednim programie badawczym. Porównanie to wykazuje dużą zgodność wyników. Mamy nadzieję, że wyniki obecnej pracy pomogą inżynierom projektantom w wyborze optymalnej płuczki wiertniczej do wierceń poziomych odcinków otworów przy eksploatacji niekonwencjonalnych złóż ropy i gazu (np. gazu łupkowego).
Binary Linear Programming in the Management of Mine Receivables / Binarne Programowanie Liniowe W Zarządzaniu Należnościami Kopalni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trzaskuś-Żak, Beata; Żak, Andrzej

2013-09-01

model of linear programming, in which the objective function should minimise the anticipated value of the cost of rebates: where: pj - denotes the probability of use of the rebate by customer j. The paper presents two mathematical models. One is a determinist model which can be used under certainty conditions, whereas the other considers the risk of the rebates not being used by the customers. The paper also describes some random experiments with the Monte Carlo method. W artykule zastosowano metodę binarnego programowania liniowego w celu wyboru odbiorców, którym zostanie zaproponowany rabat. W zamian za proponowany rabat, dany odbiorca zobowiązuje się spłacać w założonym terminie należność kopalni. W ten sposób przedsiębiorstwo ma osiągnąć odpowiedni poziom ściągalności należności terminowych. Stanie się to oczywiście kosztem zmniejszenia przychodów, które można zrekompensować poprzez zwiększenie sprzedaży. Wybór odbiorców dokonany został w taki sposób aby sumaryczny koszt zaproponowanego rabatu był dla kopalni jak najmniejszy, czyli: gdzie: KcR - całkowity koszt udzielonych rabatów przez kopalnię kj - koszt udzielenia rabatu j-temu odbiorcy, xj - zmienne decyzyjne, j = 1, …, n - poszczególni odbiorcy. Do obliczeń wykorzystano narzędzie Solver (program Exel). Koszty rabatów wyliczono ze wzoru: kj = ΔPj - Kk(j) gdzie ΔPj - różnica w przychodach od odbiorcy j, Kk(j) - koszt tak zwanego kredytu kupieckiego ponoszonego względem odbiorcy j. Koszt kredytu kupieckiego wyznaczono ze wzoru: gdzie r - stopa procentowa zaciągniętego kredytu bankowego, %, ts - okres ściągania należności, dni (np. t1 = 30, t2 = 45,…, t12 = 360), Ns - wartość należności o terminie ściągalności ts. W artykule zaprezentowano ogólny model binarnego programowania liniowego do zarządzania należnościami, z wykorzystaniem rabatu. Model ten w ogólnej postaci ma: - zminimalizować funkcję celu: przy ograniczeniach: oraz: xjɛ (0,1) gdzie
Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Foundations of Quantum Mechanics in the Light of New Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishioka, Sachio; Fujikawa, Kazuo

2009-06-01

through a laterally coupled triple quantum dot forming Aharonov-Bohm interferometer / T. Kubo ... [et al.]. Aharonov-Bohm oscillations in parallel coupled vertical double quantum dot / T. Hatano ... [et al.]. Laterally coupled triple self-assembled quantum dots / S. Amaha ... [et al.]. Spectroscopy of charge states of a superconducting single-electron transistor in an engineered electromagnetic environment / E. Abe ... [et al.]. Numerical study of the coulomb blockade in an open quantum dot / Y. Hamamoto, T. Kato. Symmetry in the full counting statistics, the fluctuation theorem and an extension of the Onsager theorem in nonlinear transport regime / Y. Utsumi, K. Saito. Single-artificial-atom lasing and its suppression by strong pumping / J. R. Johansson ... [et al.] -- Entanglement and quantum information processing, qubit manipulations. Photonic entanglement in quantum communication and quantum computation / A. Zeilinger. Quantum non-demolition measurement of a superconducting flux qubit / J. E. Mooij. Atomic physics and quantum information processing with superconducting circuits / F. Nori. Theory of macroscopic quantum dynamics in high-T[symbol] Josephson junctions / S. Kawabata. Silicon isolated double quantum-dot qubit architectures / D. A. Williams ... [et al.]. Controlled polarisation of silicon isolated double quantum dots with remote charge sensing for qubit use / M. G. Tanner ... [et al.].Modelling of charge qubits based on Si/SiO[symbol] double quantum dots / P. Howard, A. D. Andreev, D. A. Williams. InAs based quantum dots for quantum information processing: from fundamental physics to 'plug and play' devices / X. Xu ... [et al.]. Quantum aspects in superconducting qubit readout with Josephson bifurcation amplifier / H. Nakano ... [et al.]. Double-loop Josephson-junction flux qubit with controllable energy gap / Y. Shimazu, Y. Saito, Z. Wada. Noise characteristics of the Fano effect and Fano-Kondo effect in triple quantum dots, aiming at charge qubit
Fission and Properties of Neutron-Rich Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, Joseph H.; Ramayya, A. V.; Carter, H. K.

2008-08-01

. Fission-fragment spectroscopy with STEFF / A. G. Smith ... [et al.]. Gamma ray multiplicity of [symbol]Cf spontaneous fission using LiBerACE / D. L. Bleuel ... [et al.]. Excitation energy dependence of fragment mass and total kinetic energy distributions in proton-induced fission of light actinides / I. Nishinaka ... [et al.]. A dynamical calculation of multi-modal nuclear fission / T. Wada and T. Asano. Structure of fission potential energy surfaces in ten-dimensional spaces / V. V. Pashkevich, Y. K Pyatkov and A. V. Unzhakova. A possible enhancement of nuclear fission in scattering with low energy charged particles / V. Gudkov. Dynamical multi-break processes in the [symbol]Sn + [symbol]Ni system at 35 MeV/Nucleon / M. Papa and ISOSPIN-RE VERSE collaboration -- New experimental techniques. MTOF - a high resolution isobar separator for studies of exotic decays / A. Piechaczek ... [et al.]. Development of ORRUBA: a silicon array for the measurement of transfer reactions in inverse kinematics / S. D. Pain ... [et al.]. Indian national gamma array: present & future / R. K. Bhowmik. Absolute intensities of [symbol] rays emitted in the decay of [symbol]U / H. C. Griffin -- Superheavy elements theory and experiments / M. G. Itkis ... [et al.]. Study of superheavy elements at SHIP / S. Hofinann. Heaviest nuclei from [symbol]Ca-induced reactions / Yu. Ts. Oaanessian. Superheavy nuclei and giant nuclear systems / W. Greiner and V. Zagrebaev. Fission approach to alpha-decay of superheavy nuclei / D.N. Poenaru and W. Greiner. Superheavy elements in the Magic Islands / C. Samanta. Relativistic mean field studies of superheavy nuclei / A. V. Afanas jev. Understanding the synthesis of the heaviest nuclei / W. Loveland -- Mass measurements and g-factors. G factor measurements in neutron-rich [symbol]Cf fission fragments, measured using the gammasphere array / R. Orlandi ... [et al.]. Technique for measuring angular correlations and g-factors in neutron rich nuclei produced by the

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